Hi from the Oregon Coast

Daily Stuff 3-31-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 3:54 PM GMT en Marzo 31, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Herbal Powders at 11am. Rock tumblers at 1pm. Sewing Workshop at 3pm

It’s chilly this morning, wind around 12mph, gusts in the 20’s. Birds have been at the feeder constantly, although what one was doing on the very narrow windowsill when I came out to the study, I have no idea. There was a squawk and he took off, but my eyes were still so blurry that I don’t know what kind of bird it was!

Tempus and I saw a goldfinch the other day, not on the feeder, but in the alder.

It looks like the landslides onto the highways are cleaned up and the flood warnings, except for the Siletz are done, and that’s only minor flooding. Thunderstorms are the fun weather today.

When we got to the shop I got the rest of the rock checked in. We have two new windchimes and I put up an album of the pictures of the eggs, arrowheads and keychains here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.19742525 71686.55708.1704231146&type=3&l=2d17036deb This time I actually took pictures of the insides of the geodes! They don’t look nearly as deep as they are though, something in the photographic process makes them look flat.

…and after that point the day went sideways. We were busy all day, and I did have people there for the classes, and I did a reading…. But where did the day go?

I know I spent a huge amount of time trying to hunt down one specific email about an order. The e-mail program that I use calls anything with the same subject line a “conversation” and won’t unstick them from each other, no matter who posted it or what the date is. It means that most of the posts that come in from the website are all shoved into one place and the date on it is from the very first post that was made on that e-mail. Talk about frustrating to track something down! I did eventually find it but that ate all of the morning, as I remember.

I did a long reading in the afternoon and after that Tempus and I spent quite a bit of the tail end of the day getting another step farther on getting things organized. Yesterday we were back in the storage area that’s behind the candle display. The idea was that it would be accessible from the back and from the front, a place for tools and things that need to be pulled out once a week or so (the Summer Saturday stock). As all good ideas it works, but only until we stop paying attention and then it clogs up worse than a low-flow toilet…. I had to be the plumber’s helper yesterday. There’s a way through, now, and we’re going to keep going today. I got stuff set up so that Tempus can move boxes back there while I’m up front or in the classroom.

Today there are 3 classes/workshops. 11am is the usual Herbs Workshop. Today we’ll be working on an herbal powder, again. 1pm is the Rock Tumblers class, which means it’s the day we empty and re-start them, mostly, but if anyone’s there for it, we go through the what and why, from whatever level the person is, iow, if you’ve done the class it might go into a discussion of the hardness scale and the mechanics of loading a drum or even into the varieties of tumbler, but if you’re new at it, it’s the basics of what you do and why and how.

In the sewing workshop the special project is Chick-chick beanbags and I’ll be teaching through the techniques used (simple sewing) as well as talking about making this fun toy and not just in seasonal shapes…all the way to hacky-sacks…

The shop opens at 10am today. Spring Break hours from 3/24-4/1, 10am-6pm, (only closed on Tuesday) from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is at the Quarter. Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.

The Moon shines high in the southwest this evening. It forms a gently curving line (as seen from North America) with Pollux and Castor to its upper right and Procyon below it.
Summer begins in the northern hemisphere of Mars. As temperatures there have risen for the last few months, amateur scopes have been showing Martian North Polar Cap dwindling to become tiny.
Mercury is deep in the glow of sunrise.Uranus and Neptune are hidden.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Ehwaz, 3/30-4/13 - Ehwaz, the horse; time of partnership between humans and Nature, as between rider and horse.
Nigel Pennick, The Pagan Book of Days, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, USA, 1992, p. 55

Sun in Aries
Moon in Cancer
Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde, Saturn retrograde, Juno retrograde
Color: Grey
Planting 3/30-31

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/31- Saturday – Shop open 10-6
11am - Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3pm – Sewing workshop – Chick-chick beanbags
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Shop open 10-6
10am – Wicca 101
Noon - Brea’s Elements (class)
1pm – Free showing of The Goddess Returns
2pm – Kat’s workshop
3pm – Practical Craft
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
4/2 – Monday – 6pm – Wicca 101
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
3pm – Herbs Outdoors – (weather permitting)
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/5 – Thursday – Wicca 103 – Lesson 5
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 5/4, Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 31, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 6:57 AM PDT 7:43 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:28 AM PDT 8:12 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 5:53 AM PDT 8:47 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:17 AM PDT 9:23 PM PDT
Moon 1:02 PM PDT 3:13 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 43m
Length of Day 12h 45m
Tomorrow will be 3m 4s longer.
First Quarter, 58% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Sa 31 Low 1:05 AM 3.6 6:58 AM Set 3:13 AM 50
31 High 6:58 AM 6.4 7:43 PM Rise 1:03 PM
31 Low 2:17 PM 1.1
31 High 9:00 PM 5.6

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Affirmation: All encompassing love fills me and my environment.

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Journal Prompt – What does this quote say to you? - Genius is an African who dreams up snow. -- Vladimir Nabokov

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Quotes
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship. - Louisa May Alcott
It is books that teach us to refine our pleasures when young, and to recall them with satisfaction when we are old. - Leigh Hunt (1784-1859) English writer
It's a mistake to think we listen only with our ears. It's much more important to listen with the mind, the eyes, the body, and the heart. Unless you truly want to understand the other person, you'll never be able to listen. - Mark Herndon, Writer
Lastly, this: we teach what we believe to be true, and we teach around what we refuse to see. What do we hide from ourselves, and how are we teaching it to our students?" - Asher Bey (from Guru's Handbook blog)

Promise of Blue Horses
A blue horse turns into a streak of lightning,
then the sun --
relating the difference between sadness
and the need to praise
that which makes us joyful, I can't calculate
how the earth tips hungrily
toward the sun - then soaks up rain -- or the density
of this unbearable need
to be next to you. It's a palpable thing -- this earth
philosophy
and familiar in the dark
like your skin under my hand. We are a small earth. It's no
simple thing. Eventually
we will be dust together; can be used to make a house, to stop
a flood or grow food
for those who will never remember who we were, or know
that we loved fiercely.
Laughter and sadness eventually become the same song turning us
toward the nearest star --
a star constructed of eternity and elements of dust barely visible
in the twilight as you travel
east. I run with the blue horses of electricity who surround
the heart
and imagine a promise made when no promise was possible. - Joy Harjo (How We Became Human) for H.T.

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Magick –
Beltane Correspondences - http://crystalforest3.homestead.com/beltane.html
Date(s): celebrated: starts on the evening of April 30th, concluding at sunset of May 1st, actual: the date on which the sun is at 15 degrees Taurus.
Activities and Rituals: fertilize, nurture and boost existing goals, games, activities of pleasure, leaping bonfires, making garlands, May Pole dance, planting seeds, walking one's property, feasting
Colors: Red, White, Brown, Pink, Green
Tools: Broom, May Pole, cauldron
Stones/Gems: Emerald, malachite, amber, orange carnelian, sapphire, rose quartz
Symbols & Decorations: May Pole, fires, fertility, flowers, growing things, ploughs, cauldrons of flowers
Foods: Dairy, bread, cereals
Flowers, Herbs: Lily of the valley, foxglove, rose, broom, Hawthorne, Dittany of Crete, elder, mint, mugwort, thyme, yarrow, almond tree/shrub, clover, ivy, marigold, meadowsweet, rowan, sorrel, woodruff
Deities: Aphrodite, Artemis, Bast, Diana, Faunus, Flora, Maia, Pan,
the Horned God, Venus, and all Gods and Goddesses who preside over fertility.
Animals: Swallow, dove, swan, Cats, lynx, leopard
Other Names: Cetsamhain (opposite Samhain),May Day, Fairy Day, Sacred Thorn Day, Rood Day, Roodmas (the Christian term for Rood Day, Old Beltane, Beltaine, Beltain, Baltane, Walpurgis Night, Floriala (Roman feast of flowers from April 29 to May 1), Walpurgisnacht (Germanic-feast of St. Walpurga), Thrimilce (Anglo-saxon), Bloumaand (Old Dutch)

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Energy list
3/28/12 – For a man who is terrified he’s going to lose his small daughter to her mother’s new boyfriend. The guy seems to be intent on leaving with her, even if he has no legal right.
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – GCF: Magic Car

A mother gave her teenage daughter a car for her sixteenth birthday. As she handed over the keys, she explained that it was a magic car.

The girl, of course, was very excited, and asked what it did.

"Well," said Mom, "Just get one ticket and you'll see how quickly it will disappear."

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Daily Stuff 3-30-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:09 PM GMT en Marzo 30, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Crystals and Correspondences at 11am. Blackwork embroidery at 3pm.

Rain thundering down onto the roof woke me this morning. We got over one and a quarter inches yesterday and are already up to .62 today! If I read the records right Tidewater got most of 4 inches in the past 24 hours. Wow… and people wonder why trees are going over? Water is running in streams off of the porch roof, but the winds have died down, at least. I’m sure there will be trees and limbs that got weakened by the storms that are sagging from loosened, soggy ground and weighed down by rain that come down today. Be careful!

Flood warnings are up all over. There’s a landslide south of Port Orford and several on Route 34, one very close to Waldport, just a mile east of Tidewater (20 minutes delays). There’s even standing water on 101 between Waldport and Yachats! (ODOT’s Trip Check is awesome….) We may get another inch plus of rain today. Sheesh!

I spent the day yesterday writing. I took Tempus down to the shop and came right back up, went into the study and only emerged for tea and some lunch. I managed a few small changes for the website and then re-set Lesson 4 of the 103 class. After that I dug into a timeline that I’m working on for the use of the 101 class, when we work on history, and then I did another small section on the Charge of the Goddess. That was some intense skull-sweat! It felt good to get that much writing time in, though.

I headed down to the shop at around 4:30, harvested some calendula and daffodils (in the wind!) The bad part was that the wind was so strong and gusty that I slipped on the porch steps, skidding on the wet boards into the railing. After that as I got into the car, the wind slammed the door shut on my leg, “frogging” me right in the calf muscle. Boy, so I have a sore spot! I thought I’d have more of a bruise, but it mostly just hurts. It’s all soft-tissue damage and I did ice it last night and soak it this morning with a little arnica in an oatmeal poultice. When I got to the shop I got the flowers into the dryer and spent a few minutes sorting some fabrics and picking up in back.

The Wicca 103 class went well. We got all the way through Lesson 4! That’s the heavy-duty class that includes the Hermetic Laws of Magick.

Tempus almost has his desk clear, finally. He’s been working so hard on getting the paperwork sorted out…

After class I grabbed a few minutes to unpack the box of stones that came in most recently. We got an ½ dozen new eggs in both sizes, a couple of agate windchimes and some arrowheads and keychains. I haven’t finished checking them in, but we have a couple of orders to fill this morning and once those are done I have to get back to working on the pendants. Those stones came in just in time for the Crystals and Correspondences class this morning.

I’m watching the rain coming down so hard again that the view is greying out! I popped the study window open so that I could hear for a little while. It’s not all that chilly this morning, over 50F, already.

Oh, what a cute idea! The Martha Stewart Craft of the day is to use an eggshell, set in an eggcup, as a tiny flower vase for some of the small spring flowers. Many of the flowers at this time of year have thin, delicate stems, flowers like violets, violas and pansies. It’s hard to display them because the stems crumple and drop the flowers into the water. I often use shot glasses, but this idea really appeals to me, especially since we have those organic, naturally colored, eggs in the beautifully soft colors.

We’re going to experiment a little this morning. It depends on the class size, but I may go ahead and film Crystals and Correspondences. We’re still working on youtubes as ads for the shop.

The Blackwork embroidery class today is based on the Mab’s Creations pamphlet, “Making a Scroll Sampler”. We’re going to start from scratch, setting one up step-by-step. These are an interesting way of displaying sample bits of interesting designs, an embroidered notebook, in a way.

The rain has calmed down for a while and the colors are very rich: the silver of the alder, the deep green of cedars, silvered blue of spruce, spring green of grass and the rich color of pine. The rose leaves have gone from their pale green to a deeper shade, even the grey& white lichens on the branches of the alder and the grey-green of witch moss is picking up the light.

The shop opens at 10am today. Spring Break hours from 3/24-4/1, 10am-6pm, (only closed on Tuesday) from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Space Weather News for March 29, 2012 - http://spaceweather.com
SUNSPOT SET TO RETURN: Sunspot AR1429, the source of many strong flares and geomagnetic storms earlier this month, is about to re-appear following a two-week trip around the backside of the sun. Although the sunspot has probably decayed since its heyday, there are signs that it might still be a potent source of solar activity. Check http://spaceweather.com for images and updates as AR1429 rotates into view during the next ~24 hours.

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NASA Science News for March 29, 2012 - With NASA's Kepler spacecraft discovering alien worlds at a record pace, it seems to be just a matter of time before an Earth-sized planet is found in the "Goldilocks zone"--that is, in an orbit sized just right for liquid water and life. In today's story from Science@NASA, researchers discuss how they'll explore a cousin of Earth so many light years away.
FULL STORY: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-na sa/2012/29mar_goldilocks/

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is at the Quarter. Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.

First-quarter Moon (exact at 3:41 p.m. EDT). The Moon shines in the legs of Gemini, below Pollux and Castor and high above sinking Betelgeuse.
Mars (magnitude –0.9) shines bright fire-orange under the belly of Leo. Fainter Regulus is 6° or 7° to its upper right in early evening, and Gamma Leonis is farther above it.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Ehwaz, 3/30-4/13 - Ehwaz, the horse; time of partnership between humans and Nature, as between rider and horse.
Nigel Pennick, The Pagan Book of Days, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, USA, 1992, p. 55

Sun in Aries
Moon in Cancer
Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde, Saturn retrograde, Juno retrograde
Color: White
Planting 3/30-31

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/30 - Friday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Crystals and Correspondences
3pm – Blackwork embroidery, Making a Scroll Sampler
3/31- Saturday – Shop open 10-6
11am - Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3pm – Sewing workshop – Chick-chick beanbags
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Shop open 10-6
10am – Wicca 101
Noon - Brea’s Elements (class)
1pm – Free showing of The Goddess Returns
2pm – Kat’s workshop
3pm – Practical Craft
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
4/2 – Monday – 6pm – Wicca 101
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
3pm – Herbs Outdoors – (weather permitting)
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/5 – Thursday – Wicca 103 – Lesson 5
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 5/4, Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 30, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 6:59 AM PDT 7:41 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:30 AM PDT 8:11 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 5:55 AM PDT 8:46 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:19 AM PDT 9:22 PM PDT
Moon 12:00 PM PDT 2:33 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 40m
Length of Day 12h 42m
Tomorrow will be 3m 3s longer.
Waxing Crescent, 48% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
F 30 High 5:48 AM 6.6 7:00 AM Set 2:33 AM 40
30 Low 1:11 PM 1.2 7:42 PM Rise 12:01 PM
30 High 7:56 PM 5.4

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Optimists are aware that the cherries of life have pits, but they are prepared to remove them. Their minds do not dwell on the pits, but on the sweetness of the cherries.

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Journal Prompt – Personal taste - I was most angry when...

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Quotes
I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. - Sigmund Freud
I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. - Claude Monet (1840-1926) French landscape painter
I shall adopt new views as fast as they shall appear to be true views. - Abraham Lincoln, U.S. President
If you can't annoy somebody, there's little point in writing. - Kingsley Amis

Live to give everything away
So nothing keeps us apart
Love brings you here; Light-atom pulsing
Always, at the Sun's heart. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick –
Goddess of The Day: BUTTERFLY MAIDEN - Vernal Equinox (Various Locations) 3/22/5
Themes: Rebirth; Beauty; Fertility; Balance; Freedom; Nature
Symbols: Butterflies; Seedlings; Rainwater; Spring Flowers

About Butterfly Maiden: In Hopi tradition, the Butterfly Maiden is a kachina (spirit) who rules the springtime and the earth's fertility. Butterfly Maiden flutters into your life today to reconnect us with nature and to help us rediscover that graceful butterfly within each of us - the one that effortless rises above problems, making the world its flower.

To Do Today: In magickal traditions, the equinox celebrates the sun's journey back to predominance in the sky and the return of fertility to the earth. It is a joyous fire festival when the elements are in balance, giving us the opportunity to likewise balance our lives. If anything has held you back from real spiritual growth, now is the time to banish it and move on. Visualize yourself as the caterpillar who becomes the butterfly, then let the Butterfly Maiden give you wings with which to overcome anything!

To inspire Butterfly Maiden's beauty within and without, wash your face and chakras (near pulse points as well as at the top of the head, in the middle of the forehead, over the heart, near the groin, behind the knees, and at the bottom of the feet) with rainwater first thing in the morning (dawn is best). Go outside afterward and toss some flower petals into a spring breeze, saying:

Butterfly Maiden, liberate me;
let my mind and spirit ever be free!
The winds will carry your wish to heaven.

By Patricia Telesco ~ From "365 Goddess" and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast


Butterfly Goddess
In a red-gold chair sat a woman. To stare directly into the
sun would be less difficult than to stare at her brilliance.
A white silk gown clothed her, fastened with red gold.
On her shoulders sat a mantle of such brocade as cannot
be described, all woven with gold and jewels fastened
with a brooch of gold. Her hair was dressed with rubies
and pearls and gold. And all of this was just a reflection
of her inner brilliance.
~The Dream of Maxen, in the Welsh Mabinogian

Today the light has outstripped the darkness inn its annual race. Energy pours into our bodies as we begin to feel again the power and grace of light-filled movement. During the coming season. we will honor the sun and the light, feeling its power and rejoicing in its beauty.

We do not need to deny the night to celebrate the day. Both have their special glories. Relish the delight of warm air on skin. Let your eyes rest with joy on the yellow-green of new leaves. Touch the tender catkins and the fragile crocus petals, feeling the wonder of pleasure. We are born into bodies that sense and respond to our world. Let yourself become a vessel of the power of the Goddess, acknowledging the beauty she has created.

By Patricia Monaghan ~ From "The Goddess Companion" and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast 1-800-THE-MOON


O Spring, beautiful Season!
O Goddess, beautiful Goddess!
Come with joy to us now,
with goodness and plenty.
Come with tall flax that
roots deeply in the field.
Come with corn, lots
of corn, lots and lots of corn!
Look, we have sent girls to you
bearing gifts to make you happy:
look, we have sent them to you
bearing cakes made with fried eggs.
~Russian Folksong

The Earth will bear for a long time with no return. She will keep giving and giving, providing us with food and water and air. But even the Goddess cannot go on without getting. If we only take from the Earth, and never give back, we will eventually deplete even her vast energy.

Agricultural people across the world have recognized the need to offer food to the earth - to put back into the earth nutrients we have taken from it. Today we send our garbage out to sea; we turn our back on the mountains of discards that stand as sentinels to all our cities. To truly honor the Goddess is to seek to rectify that imbalance, to give back to the Earth so that she can continue to give to us, her children.
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By Patricia Monaghan ~ From "The Goddess Companion" and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast 1-800-THE-MOON

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Energy list
3/28/12 – For a man who is terrified he’s going to lose his small daughter to her mother’s new boyfriend. The guy seems to be intent on leaving with her, even if he has no legal right.
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – GCF: Officer Shortcut

A Navy officer, serving on an aircraft carrier, was cutting through the crew's quarters of his ship one day and happened upon a sailor reading a magazine with his feet up on the small table in front of him.

"Sailor! Do you put your feet up on the furniture at home?" the officer demanded.

"No, sir, but we don't land airplanes on the roof either."

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Daily Stuff 3-29-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 2:00 PM GMT en Marzo 29, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 103 at 5pm.

I’m up way early. The shaking and booming and thrumming from the wind combined with a nasty headache woke me, so I figured I’d do something constructive for a while. I’m marveling at the wind sounds. First there’s a rumble, then a boom and then it dies away. Sometimes there’s a thump first and the house makes a musical thrumming sound. If I could get that sound out of a drum…. The wind is running steadily in the low 20’s and gusting up to about 40mph.

I’ve been working steadily for the last hour and some change on inventory files and then I started working on some more pictures that I’m about to post. …but I wanted to sneak in here that the winds have *way* calmed down… no more banging and booming. The rain is still tippety-tappeting on the skylight, steadily.

…An ½ hour later there have been a couple of booms, but it’s definitely quieter. They’re talking heavy rain again, especially along the Coquille. I got more pictures up into the Herb Drying Rack album on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.19159740 34759.54263.1704231146&type=1&l=ae4227bcc8 …and there’s a cute one of Tempus.

Why am I still awake? Wow….

So, yesterday was a very busy, tiring, but *really* rewarding day! When I got to the shop my first task was to get the stock order set out. We have some new blank books, and I know there were some people who were asking, so you might want to come in and get them. We have a new stock of the “blue box” nag champa. There’s a new herb book by Ellen Dugan and a *ton* of bumper stickers! I never got them all sorted until the end of the day…and I don’t know for certain that I got them totally done… I don’t remember. Well, that’ll have to get checked.

I had two people for the Introduction to Divination class and that went pretty well.

After that I got those two pairs of earrings put together, and then got the pendulums up onto the rack. …and promptly sold two of the pendulums and one of the pairs of earrings!

The Herb class went well, too, but the topic had been prep and instead I did a condensed version of the Techniques class.

I finally got started putting pendants onto cords and getting those up onto the racks. There are a couple of nice Thor’s Hammers and a couple of really different pentacles, plus some Celtic knot pendants and one nice one with a couple of Norse dogs.

Late in the day I did a long reading and we finally got home around 8:30, ate, and I fell into bed within the hour. Maybe that’s why I’m still awake, now. I expected to get sleepy and go back to bed!

Tempus is going to be the one at the shop today. I think he’s still trying to get stuff filed. I’m going to be doing website updates all day, I think, and I have some research to do, and to double-check the 103 class handout for tonight.

The shop opens at 10am today. Spring Break hours from 3/24-4/1, 10am-6pm, (only closed on Tuesday) from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is a waxing crescent. Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams. Waxing Crescent phase - Keywords for the Crescent phase are: expansion, growth, struggle, opportunity. It is the time in a cycle that you gather the wisdom learned in the new phase and communicate your intention to move forward. Light a candle. Write or read an affirmation. LISTEN & ABSORB. Commit to your goal.

This is the time of year when the dim Little Dipper juts to the right from Polaris (its handle-end) during evening hours. The much brighter Big Dipper curls over high above it, "dumping water" into it.
This is also the time of year when Orion, declining in the southwest after dark, displays his three-star Belt more or less horizontally.
Mars was at opposition on March 3rd. Now it's fading and shrinking a bit as Earth pulls ahead of it along our faster, inside-track orbit around the Sun. But at least Mars is shining higher in the evening sky now, reaching a good altitude for telescopic observing at a convenient hour. It's highest in the south by around 11 p.m. daylight-saving time.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.
Runic half-month of Ehwaz, 3/30-4/13 - Ehwaz, the horse; time of partnership between humans and Nature, as between rider and horse.
Nigel Pennick, The Pagan Book of Days, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, USA, 1992, p. 55

Sun in Aries
Moon in Gemini enters Cancer at 4:07pm
Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde, Saturn retrograde, Juno retrograde
Color: Green
Planting 3/25-6

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/29 – Thursday – Shop open 10-6
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 4
Planting 3/30-31
3/30 - Friday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Crystals and Correspondences
3/31- Saturday – Shop open 10-6
11am - Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3pm – Sewing workshop – Chick-chick beanbags
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Shop open 10-6
10am – Wicca 101
Noon - Brea’s Elements (class)
1pm – Free showing of The Goddess Returns
2pm – Kat’s workshop
3pm – Practical Craft
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
4/2 – Monday – 6pm – Wicca 101
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
3pm – Herbs Outdoors – (weather permitting)
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 5/4, Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 29, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:01 AM PDT 7:40 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:32 AM PDT 8:09 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 5:57 AM PDT 8:44 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:21 AM PDT 9:20 PM PDT
Moon 11:03 AM PDT 1:48 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 37m
Length of Day 12h 38m
Tomorrow will be 3m 4s longer.
Waxing Crescent, 37% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Th 29 High 4:53 AM 6.9 7:02 AM Set 1:48 AM 31
29 Low 12:08 PM 1.1 7:41 PM Rise 11:04 AM
29 High 6:46 PM 5.4
29 Low 11:49 PM 3.6

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Our core is the compass, the cosmos, our horizon. Multitudes of expressions are experienced in between, but we remain in clear orientation. Evohe!

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Journal Prompt – What do you think? - How would you feel if you were going to be on TV?

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Quotes
Each of us bears his own Hell. - Virgil
Every act of creation is first an act of destruction. - Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Spanish artist
Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best. - David O. McKay
First thing we'll do, kill all the lawyers. - Shakespeare Henry VI
I advise you to say your dream is possible and then overcome all inconveniences. - Les Brown

POISONS

Poison enters the bloodstream,
Suddenly very determined
To destroy a life.

Bitterness and envy are poisons
and they corrode everthing
In their path.

It would take more than chemotherapy
To destroy those poisons.
Sweet homilies do nothing.

Be careful, too.
Bitterness is catching.
You need to be quarantined for it.

Humility is overrated, and
Groveling can be so boring to watch.
It doesn't counteract the poison, either.

If you can't count your blessings,
Then at least try counting your fingers
and toes. At least it will keep you occupied! - © August 2005, Beth Johnson (Mystic Amazon)

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Magick –
The Goddess Companion
I am beautiful, I am indeed beautiful:
I am the spirit of the earth itself.

I am beautiful, I am indeed beautiful:
The earth's strength is my strength.

I am beautiful, I am indeed beautiful:
The earth's thoughts are my thoughts.

I am beautiful, I am indeed beautiful:
All that the earth is, all that is everywhere I am.

I am beautiful, I am indeed beautiful. ~Navaho Chant of the Changing Woman

What woman among us can truly celebrate her beauty? Once we livd in small communities, surrounded by people like ourselves. We felt the wind on our faces and the warmth of the sun; we fed ourselves with food harvested by our own labor. A woman in such a community was never just a visual object, to be observed and evaluated from a distance. She was known for her hard work or her easy laughter, for her kind words or her exhuberant dancing. When those in her community looked at her, they did not see a still life but a moving picture.

Today we are surrounded by still pictures of women, models who pose on every corner, every passing bus, every magazine cover. We know nothing of these women. We do not know which of them lost thier brothers to early deaths, or which were hurt by cruel parents. We do not know which one loves the flashing rainbow or the thunder. We see them only as visual compositions; we cannot see thier hearts.

This is the vision of beauty we are offered now. Yet the wise ones of the desert knew that woman's beauty is as various as the seasons, as changeful as the skies, as complex as a snake's brilliant markings. Let us rejoice, as they did, in the variety and depth of every woman.
.
By Patricia Monaghan ~ From "The Goddess Companion" and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast 1-800-THE-MOON


Goddess Oracle By Hrana Janto

The Germanic name for spring's goddess means "movement towards the rising sun."
Ostara was celebrated in the fourth month of the year, April, according to the British scribe Bede the Venerable,
writing in the seventh century CE.
Over a thousand years later, the Grimm brothers found that she was still honored in Germanic lands, where her name was used for the month she ruled. In Anglo-Saxon, her name became Estre or Eastre, which survives today in the festival of rebirth, Easter, and in the mood encouraged by springtime, estrus. She was honored among the Germanic people with painted eggs, a tradition that survives today.
Exerpt from Goddess & Heroines by Patricia Monaghan
And so the goddess sprinkled a sweet liqueur
over her lover's blood, something magical known
only to her, something sacred and mysterious.
And then the miracle occurred; the blood of Attis
stirred like a fountain in a storm of rain,

and from the pool came forth a flower, crimson
and the young man's blood, as beautiful as he had been,
and as briefly blossoming. The goddess named it
anemone, after the wind, for spring's winds come
and shake its petals off - too soon, too early,
too brief, like joy, like youth, like love.
~Ovid Metamorphoses

The last part of the ancient Roman festival was called the Hilaria, for it was a hilarious day of laughter and joy. It affirmed that life rises out of death, that good times follow bad. The myth behind the festival is that, faced with the loss of her lover, the goddess turned his blood into a springtime flower so that he would always spring forth and remind her of her love for him. He was reborn, reunited with her, each spring in this way.

In the same way, the cycles of life bring us good things after periods of difficulty. There is no life which is perfect, no life which has not endured some loss. We may have love, but not enough money; we may have family, but no partner; we may have work, but no love. Like a garden, we find different parts of our life blooming at different times. The wisdom of our foremothers permitted sharing grief for what is missing, with the knowledge that even the sharpest grief is ultimately healed.

Maiden goddess, holy one,
protector of hills and forest,
protector of mothers in labor,
protector of the buds of infancy,
triple goddess, I invoke you.
bless the trees around my home,
the ones that shade me,
the ones that screen the wind,
the ones that perfume the air.
May they protect me as you do.
How will I thank you?
When I eat flesh, I will thank you.
When I eat fruit, I will thank you.
When I drink clear water, I will thank you.
Your trees will never lack for offerings
as long as I live and breathe,
maiden goddess
triple one
my protector
as long as I live and breathe. ~Horace

The earth does not owe us her protection. Ancient people knew this. They knew that, however motherly she may be, the goddess does not provide for children who are ungrateful or disdainful of her gifts.

Thus most ancient cultures had rituals of thanksgiving, in which the goddess is thanked for the protection she generously affords us. What such ritual will we each perform today?
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By Patricia Monaghan ~ From "The Goddess Companion" and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast 1-800-THE-MOON

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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – GCF: DC Cabs

Anyone who's ever ridden in a cab in Washington DC knows they're some of the world's most brazen drivers. Oddly enough though, their current accident rate isn't all that bad. One day I asked one of the drivers the reason for that.

"Easy," he said. "all the really bad drivers are dead now."

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Daily Stuff 3-28-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:18 PM GMT en Marzo 28, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Intro to Divination at 11am. Herb Prep at 3pm.

It’s been messy outside this morning. The wind is gusting up to 30mph and we’re under a high wind warning for tonight. Tree branches are waving wildly and there’ve been rumbles of thunder and bucketing rain, even if nothing’s coming down right at the moment. It’s still chilly, in the mid-40’s.

I got the pendants into the inventory first, during yesterday afternoon, after I got the newsletter out finally, and then went and took a nap. Ridiculous after that much sleep the night before, but I couldn’t hold my eyes open. The newest stock order showed up and I got *that* stuff checked in, although I need to get the box open this morning, get things priced and out for sale.

…and I apologize for the newsletter to the Yahoo Group coming with just the joke. I had a finger stutter that I thought that I fixed until Robyne called me in the evening with, “What happened to the Stuff?” …so I re-sent at that time.

When I got back up I tackled the altar, first. I had bits and pieces of magicks all over the bookshelves and desks and even the easy chair for a while, but things are sorted and clean.

I didn’t get more pictures posted, but I’m going to work on that one today.

Tempus got outside. I didn’t. It was raining pretty steadily. He trimmed ½ of the rugosa, as an experiment. I didn’t want to wait until this late in the season, but better late than not at all. Since we don’t know what that will do to the plants, ½ was all…. After that he got the artemisias, so they don’t look ragged, anymore. He spent a while yanking horsetail, too.

I went to start my seeds and realized that I’m out of potting soil. I’m going to have to bake some more….

During the evening we watched a bit more of the appendices to the Lord of the Rings. Some of the models that they filmed from were incredibly detailed. I’m getting as much of a kick out of the extra stuff as the movie!

..and I went on reading in the book “Magickal Beginnings”, which traces routes for a lot of the practices in Wicca. The folks who wrote the book seem to have conflated, “source”, “inspiration” and “related pieces”, which is very frustrating, but there’s a lot of good information.

Today, I have to get the stock onto the shelves. I have a couple of pairs of earrings to make from some of the pendants. There are several Thor’s Hammers in the pile and a couple of really nice pentacles and a beautiful silver triquetra. The new stuff in the box is mostly pendulums and bumper stickers and I have pictures to get up online. Tempus is supposed to be home today and then we’ll trade places tomorrow.

Yesterday’s journal prompt was, “What is? - What is an incident you have had at a movie theater?”

I have a funny story to tell on myself. When the last Star Wars movie came out, Sash was in high school and we made plans to get to the first showing, the special midnight showing of the movie, taking a couple of his buddies with us. Kinda weird for a high-school kid to go to the movies with his old mum, eh? A bunch of people from the high school were going and when we got there the boys chose to sit in that same row and I ended up squarely in the middle.

Now, you have to understand that I get wrapped up in the story lines in movies. I cry at the sad parts and fight right along with the heroes. Once at a scary part in a kids’ movie I sank down in my seat and Ricky…who was 6 at the time… patted me on the head and said, “Don’t worry Mama. We’re safe.” I’ve been known to try to “fly the plane” even! Tempus has laughed at me about that for a couple of decades, now. …and when it’s a story I believe in, that habit is worse than ever.

So we’re watching Star Wars, high-school-age boys all around. Sash is sitting right next to me and we get to the part where Yoda is fighting Dooku. Yoda’s been my favorite right from the first of these movies too. I’m in there fighting right along with him and Sash is giving my side-long looks, when I get *so* into it, I jump to my feet and yell, “Get him!” at the top of my lungs… oops… Sash sank so low in his seat that I’ve teased him since that he was trying to crawl away under the seats. Ultimate embarrass-your-kid moment…..

The shop opens at 11am today. Spring Break hours from 3/24-4/1, 10am-6pm, (only closed on Tuesday) from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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NASA Science News for March 28, 2012 - Is it snowing microbes on Enceladus? The idea might not be so far-fetched, say researchers, as evidence mounts for a "uniquely accessible" habitable zone on Saturn's icy moon. FULL STORY: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-na sa/2012/27mar_enceladus/

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is a waxing crescent. Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams. Waxing Crescent phase - Keywords for the Crescent phase are: expansion, growth, struggle, opportunity. It is the time in a cycle that you gather the wisdom learned in the new phase and communicate your intention to move forward. Light a candle. Write or read an affirmation. LISTEN & ABSORB. Commit to your goal.

As night comes on, look for the little Pleiades cluster to the lower right of the Moon and above Venus. Left of the Moon shines orange Aldebaran, with the stars of the Hyades around it.
Early Wednesday morning, along a path from New Mexico to central California, the 6.8-magnitude star 14 Virginis will be occulted low in the west-southwestern sky by the small asteroid 823 Sisigambis. The star should vanish for no more than 1.6 seconds within several minutes of 11:23 Universal Time.
If you observe with binoculars you're probably well acquainted with the big Beehive Cluster, M44 in Cancer, very high in the evening this month. But how about the smaller, fainter cluster M67 in the same vicinity? And have you tried to resolve Iota Cancri, a rather difficult binocular double star? See Gary Seronik's Binocular Highlight column and chart in the March Sky & Telescope, page 45.
The eclipsing variable star Algol should be at minimum light, magnitude 3.4 instead of its usual 2.1, for a couple hours centered on 9:00 p.m. EDT.
Saturn (magnitude +0.3, in Virgo) rises in the east around the end of twilight and glows highest in the south around 2 a.m. Shining 6° to its right is Spica, about half as bright at magnitude +1.0 and bluer. In a telescope Saturn's rings are tilted 14° from our line of sight.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.
Runic half-month of Ehwaz, 3/30-4/13 - Ehwaz, the horse; time of partnership between humans and Nature, as between rider and horse.
Nigel Pennick, The Pagan Book of Days, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, USA, 1992, p. 55

Sun in Aries
Moon in Taurus enters Gemini 3:43am
Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde, Saturn retrograde, Juno retrograde
Color: Red
Planting 3/25-6

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/28 – Wednesday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Divination – Rune, Tarot, and so on….
3pm – Herbs Outdoors – no class this week
3pm – Herb Workshop – Preparing from dried herbs
3/29 – Thursday – Shop open 10-6
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 4
Planting 3/30-31
3/30 - Friday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Crystals and Correspondences
3/31- Saturday – Shop open 10-6
11am - Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3pm – Sewing workshop – Chick-chick beanbags
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Shop open 10-6
10am – Wicca 101
Noon - Brea’s Elements (class)
1pm – Free showing of The Goddess Returns
2pm – Kat’s workshop
3pm – Practical Craft
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
4/2 – Monday – 6pm – Wicca 101
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 5/4, Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 28, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:03 AM PDT 7:39 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:34 AM PDT 8:08 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 5:59 AM PDT 8:43 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:23 AM PDT 9:19 PM PDT
Moon 10:13 AM PDT 12:58 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 34m
Length of Day 12h 35m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Waxing Crescent, 29% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
W 28 High 4:09 AM 7.2 7:03 AM Set 12:58 AM 23
28 Low 11:14 AM 0.9 7:39 PM Rise 10:13 AM
28 High 5:42 PM 5.6
28 Low 10:53 PM 3.3

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – I receive goodness and freedom from the Universe.

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Journal Prompt – What is? - What is a good neighbour?

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Quotes
And in the air are no streets, no channels, no point where one can say of an antagonist, "If he wants to reach my capital he must come by here." In the air all directions lead everywhere. - H. G. Wells (1866-1946) English writer
Bah! The thing is not a nose at all, but a bit of primordial chaos clapped on to my face. - H. G. Wells (1866-1946) English writer
Biologically the species is the accumulation of the experiments of all its successful individuals since the beginning. - H. G. Wells (1866-1946) English writer
Charity shall cover a multitude of sins. - The Apostle Peter

To meet my thousand thousand faces
I roam my world; the dirtiest grass
Wears the sunlight of my skin:
I stand in this stream, myself, and laugh. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi(Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – How To Make a Witch's Ladder
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide - http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/bookofshadows/ht/W itchsLadder.htm
A witch's ladder is one of those nifty things we sometimes hear about but rarely see. Its purpose is similar to that of a rosary - it's basically a tool for meditation and ritual, in which different colors are used as symbols for one's intent. It's also used as a counting tool, because in some spell workings there is a need to repeat the working a particular number of times. You can use the ladder to keep track of your count, running the feathers or beads along as you do so. Traditionally, the witch's ladder is made with red, white and black yarn, and then nine different colored feathers woven in.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varied
Here's How:
1. Realistically speaking, it makes more sense to use yarn colors that have a significance to you and your working. Also, finding nine differently colored feathers can be tricky if you're looking for them out in the wild -- you can't just go plucking feathers from local endangered species -- and that means a trip to the craft store and some oddly tinted feathers. I'd recommend using either found feathers of any color, or something else entirely -- beads, buttons (see our discussion on the magical uses of buttons), bits of wood, shells, or other items you have around your home.
2. To make your basic witch's ladder, you'll need:
o Yarn or cord in three different colors
o Nine items that are similar in property but in different colors (nine beads, nine shells, nine buttons, etc)
Cut the yarn so that you have three different pieces in a workable length - usually a yard or so is good. Although you can use the traditional red, white and black, there's no hard and fast rule that says you must. Tie the ends of the three pieces of yarn together in a knot.
3. Begin braiding the yarn together, tying the feathers or beads into the yarn, and securing each in place with a sturdy knot. Some people like to chant or count as they braid and add the feathers. If you wish, you can say something like this variation on the traditional chant:
By knot of one, the spell's begun.
By knot of two, the magic comes true.
By knot of three, so it shall be.
By knot of four, this power is stored.
By knot of five, my will shall drive.
By knot of six, the spell I fix.
By knot of seven, the future I leaven.
By knot of eight, my will be fate.
By knot of nine, what is done is mine.
4. As the feathers are tied into knots, focus your intent and goal. As you tie the final and ninth knot, all your energy should be directed into the cords, the knots and the feathers. The energy is literally stored within the knots of the witch's ladder. When you've completed the string and added all nine feathers or beads, you can either knot the end and hang the ladder up, or you can tie the two ends together forming a circle.
If you'd like your ladder to be more like a rosary string, I'd highly recommend picking up a copy of Pagan Prayer Beads by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn.
Tips:
1. Author Ann Moura has a small but good photo of a witch's ladder on her website, if you'd like to see what one looks like!
What You Need:
• Yarn or cord in three different colors
• 9 Feathers or other items to braid into your ladder

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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – GCF: Self-Employed

Many years ago, my friend worked for a large business. It was his lifetime employment, but he wasn't happy there. He wanted to go into business for himself. He saved his money and finally had enough so that he could quit and start his own business.

A few years later, I was on vacation passing through the town where my friend's business was located. I stopped by for a visit. I said to him, "I heard that the first year is the hardest for a new business."

"Yeah, the first year was pretty rough, but we're doing pretty well now. In fact, I'm getting to where I only have to work half a day."

"Wow! That's pretty nice! Maybe I should think about going into business for myself."

"Yeah, and the nicest part of it is that it doesn't matter which twelve hours you work."

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Daily Stuff 3-27-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 8:24 PM GMT en Marzo 27, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

No sunshine this morning. It’s quite thoroughly overcast, but unlike in the depths of winter when it just stays grey and dim, it’s quite bright. There hasn’t been a lot of rain this morning, just enough to keep things wet.

I’m looking at the alder catkins…oh no I’m not! There’s a hummingbird on the feeder drinking busily, his red throat patch winking. ….

Ok, what did I start to say? … Oh! The alder catkins are getting loose. For months as they developed they hardly moved, but now they wiggle in even a breath of breeze. There’s more than a breath this morning. It’s gusting up to 15mph. …and I can see some of them shattering and beginning to spread the pollen as I’m watching.

I’m running *so* late this morning. I got up at 7 and crawled back in. Long work week and Tempus is nice and warm and snuggly…. And then he got up and I stayed asleep until past 10 and I’m *still* foggy-brained!

I got my harvesting done as I was heading out the door: more lungwort, horehound, sorrel and dandelions, plus one calendula, some chickweed and a handful of comfrey. That meant that I had herbs to talk about in the morning workshop and they all went into the dryer.

Tempus got some of the headering finished and got most of the stuff put up on the board or tucked away. I worked on some more pictures. I think he was doing some more filing. (He’s trying to sort out from last year and get this year’s stuff into folders at the same time.)

…oi! I just had an hour’s distraction of Tempus’ awesome waffles! …and Tempus, of course... It’s almost 1pm. I hope you will all forgive me…. While we were eating, the wind started gusting higher and the house has thrummed several times. Recorded gusts are going over 25mph…. I wonder if we’re getting some of the thunderstorm cells that are due this evening coming through early? Well, I know if we start getting hail….

…None of the students who had asked for it showed up for the Blackwork Embroidery workshop. That’s a little surprising, but I’ll have to get in touch with everyone again and re-set.

Late in the day I had a person show up who you’ll hear more about. Her name is Kat. She’s a channel who works with an entity that has given her some flower essences and animal cards and associated products to work with. She’s also written a book about a method for better understanding Self and relation to the world that looks really good. It’s a step better than the Secret, since it has *specifics* on how to take the next step and the next and…. She’s going to be in next Sunday with a craft project having to deal with the Animal cards. More details on that as I get ‘em.

I took a break and a nap and then we got into the Wicca 101 class. Brittany is through Lesson 5, but we’re going to re-start with some new people and she’s going to just re-take and… I don’t think she realizes this … be the “student teacher”. Nothing like dropping someone in at the deep end, right? …and this is a sure-fire way to find out who reads the note through! lol

Today is our home day, now that I’ve wasted half of it, but I guess I needed the rest. I have pictures to post and newsletter stuff to check and a basket of pendants that I found that need to be checked in, as well. I’m going to have to get pix as I go. This is a basket of stuff that were in with the fabrics that I *still* haven’t managed to check all the way in from Metamorphosis. … I’m almost there… that one last box…but these were a surprise. Despite the drizzle I’m hoping that Tempus and I are going to get out to the garden. He has some trimming to do and I have weeding. I’m hoping he’s going to get in with the winged weeder and then I can finish up, because I need to get more salad greens in about 3 weeks ago. We’ve eaten all that we had growing over the winter except for sorrel and dandelions. I also need to get some plants started. I have some datura seed, so if those start well I may have a few plants for sale later in the year.

...and I have a couple of aloe veras that might need to get set out for sale, too, since I’m running out of room at the house. That plant that I divided last fall is almost 13 years old, and it’s been a “baby momma” since it was 5 years old, reproducing faster than any I’ve had before. It often throws 4 to 10 (!?!?!!!!) babies a year. Litters?  …and the couple of ones that I potted up last summer ate getting to be big plants. It was just a Fred Meyer purchase at the grocery counter…

So I do have house chores to do and to finish one of the ornament chests so Tempus can put ‘em away…. And I *really* want to clean my altar cloth, which is a major project with all the spells that are going….

…and I’ve written something off the journal prompt that I’ll share tomorrow.

We’ll see what all I get done!

The shop is closed today. Spring Break hours from 3/24-4/1, 10am-6pm, (only closed on Tuesday) from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Space Weather News for March 27, 2012 - http://spaceweather.com - This morning before sunrise, sky watchers along the eastern seaboard of the United States witnessed an amazing sky show created by the rapid-fire launch of five rockets from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. It was an experiment named "ATREX" to study turbulent winds in the transition zone between Earth's atmosphere and space. Eye-witness accounts and photos of the display are featured on today's edition of http://SpaceWeather.com.

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is a waxing crescent. Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams. Waxing Crescent phase - Keywords for the Crescent phase are: expansion, growth, struggle, opportunity. It is the time in a cycle that you gather the wisdom learned in the new phase and communicate your intention to move forward. Light a candle. Write or read an affirmation. LISTEN & ABSORB. Commit to your goal.

Venus and Jupiter are moving apart now but still form a spectacular pair in the western evening sky. They're 9° apart on March 23th and 14 degrees apart by the 30th. Venus is the brighter one, on top. It will stay about the same height at dusk well into April, but Jupiter is sinking ever lower. These are the two brightest celestial objects after the Sun and Moon, being magnitudes –4.5 and –2.1 right now, respectively.
In a telescope Venus is now a bit less than half lit and 23 arcseconds tall. Jupiter shows a much lower surface brightness, being farther from the Sun, but its apparent diameter is somewhat larger: 32″ (though this is small for Jupiter).

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.
Runic half-month of Ehwaz, 3/30-4/13 - Ehwaz, the horse; time of partnership between humans and Nature, as between rider and horse.
Nigel Pennick, The Pagan Book of Days, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, USA, 1992, p. 55

Sun in Aries
Moon in Taurus enters Gemini 3:43am
Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde, Saturn retrograde, Juno retrograde
Color: Red
Planting 3/25-6

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/27 – Tuesday – Shop is closed today
3/28 – Wednesday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Divination – Rune, Tarot, and so on….
3pm – Herbs Outdoors – no class this week
3pm – Herb Workshop – Preparing from dried herbs
3/29 – Thursday – Shop open 10-6
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 4
Planting 3/30-31
3/30 - Friday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Crystals and Correspondences
3/31- Saturday – Shop open 10-6
11am - Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3pm – Sewing workshop – Chick-chick beanbags
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Shop open 10-6
10am – Wicca 101
Noon - Brea’s Elements (class)
1pm – Free showing of The Goddess Returns
2pm – Kat’s workshop
3pm – Practical Craft
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
4/2 – Monday – 6pm – Wicca 101
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 5/4, Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 27, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:05 AM PDT 7:38 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:36 AM PDT 8:07 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:01 AM PDT 8:41 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:26 AM PDT 9:17 PM PDT
Moon 9:28 AM PDT 12:03 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 31m
Length of Day 12h 32m
Tomorrow will be 3m 4s longer.
Waxing Crescent, 22% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Tu 27 High 3:34 AM 7.4 7:05 AM Set 12:04 AM 15
27 Low 10:28 AM 0.6 7:38 PM Rise 9:29 AM
27 High 4:48 PM 5.9
27 Low 10:12 PM 3.0

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Embrace Change. True success can be defined by your ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

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Journal Prompt – What is? - What is an incident you have had at a movie theater?

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Quotes
All women's dresses are merely variations on the eternal struggle between admitted desire to dress and the unadmitted desire to undress. - Lin Yutang (1895-1976) Chinese writer
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing. – Abraham Lincoln
Always do what you are afraid to do first - Keith Dan
Always keep an open mind & a compassionate heart. - Phil Jackson

Prayer for a Tenspeed Heart
Let the fire of my body
propel and warm me
and let each darkness
reveal its plenitude.

Let the hills
flatten under my wheels
and let the eloquent curves
yield up their good surprise.

Let my heart be obstinate
when I need to climb
and let my lowliest gears
restrain my spinning down.

Let there be flatland, too,
and into that glittering place
let me stretch with the heart of a lover,
at full speed, blind and intent. - Barbara Hendryson, (Cries of the Spirit, edited by Marilyn Sewell)

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Magick –
Carrot Pecan Wild Rice - http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
1 1/2 cups wild rice
2 carrots sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup pecans
The zest and juice from 1 orange
1/4 cup chopped parsley
4 tablespoons melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Add wild rice to a sauce pot with about 4 1/2 cups of water, and cover. Bring the rice to a boil and then simmer for about 40 minutes according to the package directions.
While the rice is cooking, slice carrots into 1/2-inch rounds and then simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender. In a large bowl combine raisins, pecans, the zest and juice from an orange, chopped parsley, melted butter and salt and pepper, to taste. To the large bowl combine the wild rice and carrots. Mix.
Makes 8 servings.


Maple Glazed Salmon - http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
1/4 cup maple syrup (even better if you use the REAL maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound salmon
In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, garlic salt, and pepper.
Place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish, and coat with the maple syrup mixture. Cover the dish, and marinate salmon in the refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.
Preheat oven to 400* Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake salmon uncovered 20 minutes, or until easily flaked with a fork.


Dilly Egg Salad – adapted from http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
(recipes can be doubled and make all 4 sauces)
8 eggs
2 TB mayo
2 TB Dijon mustard
1 tsp dill weed
½ tsp paprika (optional)
1/3 cup red onion, minced
Salt and pepper to taste.
Place eggs in a large saucepan, cover in cold water and bring to a boil. Boil for 10-12 mins, remove from heat. Run eggs under cold water until cool. Peel and Chop.
Place eggs and remaining ingredients in a large bowl; mix well. Serve on on a bed of lettuce with sides of dipping sauce as below and pumpernickel bread ….
Makes 4 servings.

Dipping sauces – Make 2 of the ones below
1. Mix 2 TB mayo and 2 TB Dijon mustard together. Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives.
2. Take ¼ cup of frozen raspberries or strawberries and whirl in a blender with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar and top with chopped fresh mint leaves or lemon balm
3. In a food processor mix ¼ cup of unsweetened plain yogurt with 1 inch of peeled cucumber and ¼ tsp wasabi powder.
4. Not exactly a sauce, but make honey butter by whipping 1 Tbsp honey with ¼ cup butter and top with dill, tarragon or cilantro.

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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – GCF: Dollar

Rachel asked her mother for a dollar to give to a little old lady in the park.

Kathy, impressed by her daughter's kindness, gave her the dollar. "There you are Rachel," said Kathy. "But, tell me, isn't the little old lady able to work any more?"

"Oh she works!" was Rachel's reply, "She sells candy!"

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Daily Stuff 3-27-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 8:23 PM GMT en Marzo 27, 2012 +0
GCF: Dollar

Rachel asked her mother for a dollar to give to a little old lady in the park.

Kathy, impressed by her daughters's kindness, gave her the dollar.
"There you are Rachel," said Kathy. "But, tell me, isn't the little
old lady able to work any more?"

"Oh she works!" was Rachel's reply, "She sells candy!"
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Daily Stuff 3-26-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:25 PM GMT en Marzo 26, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Herb Talk on the Spring Harvest at 11am. Introduction to Blackwork embroidery at 3pm. Wicca 101 at 6pm.

Bright sunshine is pouring into my study. The roof of the house next door is quite thoroughly frosted over. Little frosty bits are weighing down the catkins on the alder and the small tree by the path. They suddenly melt, some of their substance vanishing with a tiny puff of vapor when the sun hits. The rest becomes a sparkling gem of purest white. No trembling rainbows this morning! ...The porch roof is beginning to drip and now the droplets start to shiver and sparkle from the light breeze that’s coming up.

Since Sunday is the early day, I took the car down to the shop and got things open. I can’t do the flags by myself, but I can get everything else up and running. I pulled my little rolly seat out of the car and did the harvesting from the planters, finding the cutest little snail, but the pictures that I took of him didn’t come out, drattit. As soon as I had that done, I went in and picked up the classroom and got that ready, then went back up to the front and made some headers for the herbs and crystals that I found the evening before. I processed the pictures that I had taken and got ready to upload them. I was just calling Tempus to let him know that I hadn’t seen anyone from Job Corps, when 3 of them came in! They got to wander around the shop a little while I got the pictures uploaded and then we started in to class.

…The sun is brighter, if that’s possible, and sparkles from the glass hummingbird and drips falling from the porch roof are shooting little sparkles around my study. The porch roof is almost running streams as the frost melts. Every so often a drop hits the porch rail and splatters which throws a spray of sparkling droplets. The grass is going from greenish-gray back to green where the sun is touching it and a beautiful hummingbird is having a meal. Each time he pulls his head back his red throat shines like a jewel. …

Brea came in and got set up just as Wicca 101 finished, so the young folks went straight into her class. Tempus came down on his bike after they were well underway, bringing at hot lunch that we all got as he was setting up the VCR for the movie. The Burning Times is a classic documentary that has Margot Adler, Starhawk and lot of pagan historians. Some of it is more pagan myth than history, but it’s still worth watching. Tempus hadn’t seen it, either, since we’ve never had a personal copy. The tapes we have now (and we have the whole trilogy) were donated to the shop library not long ago. The young folks got a bit of a break, at that point, while Tempus and I talked to a friend who was delivering some organic chicken eggs (oh, yum!) and then we finished up the day with Preserving Flowers. We’ve got one beautiful double daffodil sitting in Flower-Dry™. At that point Tempus took them back to the Center and I got some sewing time in, then put my feet up while he was working on filing.

Tempus just came in with a roll of embroidery fabric that I had thrown out because I thought it was too stained to use. He managed to bleach the stains out and while I can’t use it for the original purpose in a kit since the stiffening dissolves in water, I’ll use it for another scroll sampler of my own.

…A puff of steam just floated up from a patch of frosted grass that had been hiding behind one of the species roses in the retaining wall. A bird landed on a upper branch of the alder which sent a spray of drops onto the branches below, which dislodged more. A shower of diamonds! …

I’m hoping to get the laminator out today. We have quite a lot of bookmarks & posters to do and I’d like to try with the dried flower bookmarks. I have some harvesting to do before I head to the shop, since that’s the first class…and I just realized that with the Blackwork class at 3pm, I should take that roll of fabric with me. I don’t have a sampler of my own to work on, just the fancy bit on the scroll frame.

The shop opens at 10 today and we’ll be there through class time. Spring Break hours from 3/24-4/1, 10am-6pm, only closed on Tuesday from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is a waxing crescent. Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams. Diana’s Bow – On the 3rd day after the new moon you can (weather permitting) see the tiny crescent in the sky, the New Moon holding the Old Moon in her arms. Begin on your goals for the next month. A good time for job interviews or starting a project. Take a concrete step! Diana’s Bow lasts until Monday at 7:37pm. Waxing Crescent phase - Keywords for the Crescent phase are: expansion, growth, struggle, opportunity. It is the time in a cycle that you gather the wisdom learned in the new phase and communicate your intention to move forward. Light a candle. Write or read an affirmation. LISTEN & ABSORB. Commit to your goal.

The Moon and Venus, the two brightest celestial objects after the Sun, appear paired up in the west this evening. In reality Venus is 260 times farther away. It's at a distance of 6 light-minutes from Earth, compared to the Moon's distance of 1.3 light-seconds. Jupiter, looking on from below, is currently 48 light-minutes from Earth.
Coincidentally, Venus is at its greatest elongation: 46° east of the Sun. That makes this the very best possible time to spot Venus during daylight hours.
Brighter Venus will be much easier to spot to the Moon's right in late afternoon Monday the 26th.
Venus is at greatest elongation this week (exact on March 26th). For skywatchers at mid-northern latitudes, this is Venus's highest showing in its 8-year cycle of apparitions.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.
Runic half-month of Ehwaz, 3/30-4/13 - Ehwaz, the horse; time of partnership between humans and Nature, as between rider and horse.
Nigel Pennick, The Pagan Book of Days, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, USA, 1992, p. 55

Sun in Aries
Moon in Taurus
Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde, Saturn retrograde, Juno retrograde
Color: Grey
Planting 3/25-6

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/26 – Monday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Herb Talk – The spring harvest
3pm – Introduction to Blackwork embroidery
6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/27 – Tuesday – Shop is closed today
3/28 – Wednesday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Divination – Rune, Tarot, and so on….
3pm – Herbs Outdoors – no class this week
3pm – Herb Workshop – Preparing from dried herbs
3/29 – Thursday – Shop open 10-6
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 4
Planting 3/30-31
3/30 - Friday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Crystals and Correspondences
3/31- Saturday – Shop open 10-6
11am - Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3pm – Sewing workshop - learn to handstitch a small bag.
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Shop open 10-6
10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements (class)
1pm – Free showing of The Goddess Returns
3pm – Practical Craft
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 5/4, Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 26, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:07 AM PDT 7:36 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:38 AM PDT 8:06 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:03 AM PDT 8:40 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:28 AM PDT 9:16 PM PDT
Moon 8:49 AM PDT No Moon Set
Length Of Visible Light 13h 28m
Length of Day 12h 29m
Tomorrow will be 3m 5s longer.
Waxing Crescent, 14% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
M 26 High 3:02 AM 7.6 7:07 AM Rise 8:50 AM 9
26 Low 9:48 AM 0.4 7:37 PM
26 High 4:02 PM 6.3
26 Low 9:37 PM 2.6

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – In the Name of the All-Mother: I sow harmony where ever I go. (The Book Of Hours: Prayers to the Goddess By Galen Gillotte)

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Journal Prompt – When? - When you were a child, how did you imagine your adult life? How is it similar or different to what you imagined?

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Quotes
Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper in sinks into the mind. - Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) English writer
Ah, well, then I suppose I shall have to die beyond my means. - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) Irish writer and wit
All great things are done for their own sake. – Robert Frost
All the reasonings of men are not worth one sentiment of women. - Voltaire (1694-1778) French Philosopher and Author

The great fault of Iblis was to imagine
"I am greater than Adam!"
And this illness lives in each human soul
However humble you imagine you are. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick –
Fruit and Spinach Salad - http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
1 pound fresh spinach, torn
4 cups strawberries, sliced
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained (I would use Clementine fresh oranges here!)
1 star fruit, sliced
GINGER SALAD DRESSING:
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
Arrange spinach and fruit on salad plates. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the dressing ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salads; serve immediately.


Ostara Lemon Cake - http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
1 box lemon cake mix
1 (3.4oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
4 eggs
¾ cup oil
¾ cup water
Glaze:
1 TB water
2 TBs melted butter
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 cups powdered sugar
Preheat the oven to 350*. Grease a 9 x13 baking pan. Prepare the cake mix using the pudding mix, eggs, oil and water. Bake in the prepared pan for 35-45 mins, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze, mixing together all the ingredients until smooth. Pour the glaze over the warm cake and serve. Makes 10-12 servings

Coconut Carrot Cake - http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
*I adore carrot cake….and this is a spicy moist one..delish!!
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
4 eggs
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 cups grated carrots
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a 10x15x2 inch baking dish or 10 inch Bundt pan with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a separate larger bowl, mix together the eggs, sugar and vanilla by hand. Stir in the oil; the mixture should resemble pudding. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in the carrots, pineapple coconut, walnuts and raisins. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and spread evenly.
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a small knife inserted into the cake comes out clean.

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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – Found by Robyne!

FOUR ALL WHO REED AND RIGHT
We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes;
but the plural of ox became oxen not oxes.

One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese,
yet the plural of moose should never be meese.

You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice;
yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.

If the plural of man is always called men,
why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?

If I spoke of my foot and show you my feet,
and I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?

If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?

Then one may be that,
And three would be those,
yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
and the plural of cat is cats, not cose.

We speak of a brother and also of brethren,
but though we say mother, we never say methren.

Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him,
but imagine the feminine, she, shis and shim.

today'sTHOT============================

Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.

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PASS IT ON!
Yeah, you can send this Funny to anybody you want. And, if you're REAL nice, you'll tell them where you got it! www.mikeysFunnies.com

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MIKEY'S FUNNIES is a clean humor email list, sent every weekday and is generously hosted by Agathon Group, website development and hosting with a ministry heart:
http://www.agathongroup.com/

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Daily Stuff 3-25-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 3:36 PM GMT en Marzo 25, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 101 at 10am. Free showing of the Burning Times at 1pm. Practical Craft (preserving flowers) at 3pm.

It’s grey and very dim at the moment. It was foggy leaving the shop last night, but that doesn’t seem to have stuck. …just grey cloud… and a foggy mind... I need some coffee….

I harvested some violets yesterday morning! …and a handful of dandelions. They’re in the dryer, now. The calendula was waiting for a little more warmth, I think. There are 4 almost-there flowers (big enough to see from the study window!), so I’ll be checking day by day. I checked the flowers out front at the shop, but had to hurry in to answer the phone, so I didn’t get those done.

We started the day with fixing the things we were too tired to notice the night before. For the Herbs Workshop I made some more of the banishing powder. After that I printed several sets of headers for the small quartz points ($1!) some asters, licorice root and some assorted crystals. When that was done I took a nap while Tempus did the cutting up, then he worked on the rock tumblers while I stapled & punched.

The next step for me was examining and sorting the tumbled stones and setting up the two new loads, since that was the 1pm workshop. There’s another load going in the large tumbler on coarse grit, since some of the stones take several tumblings to get to looking decent (carnelians! ) and there are a *lot* of untumbled! The small tumbler is going now with a load on the 3rd grit. That’s the last before the polishing, so in a couple of weeks we’re going to have some new ones there. That load has a few fluorite (mostly tiny), a large carnelian, a special-ordered lavender quartz, some agates, ruby zoosite and aventurine, with a few odd ones tossed in.

The new stuff in herbs & crystals started going up on the board after the usual time for Sewing Workshop. It was just me today, so I made two altar cloths from the red fabrics for which I found the bias tape and sorted a lot of stuff away from the sewing area. I also consulted with Tempus about making the ribbon racks that I’ve been wanting, so’s to get those out of boxes/drawers and out where I can see what I have.

I think I found the last of the shells, so those are all in one place and boxed unless they’re going to be set out immediately. I’m still working out correspondences and I finally found my notes that I had from before, but I’m getting pretty close to being able to start getting those out and also working on the projects that I had going in there: some shell-covered boxes and headbands, and some other jewelry.

Right at the very end of the day I found another stash of crystals and some stock that had been boxed and stuck in a strange place. I didn’t *think* I had sold all of the dragon-wrapped quartz points. I was right, there are at least two more and maybe 4! There’s a really interesting geode piece and some bags of rattail, cut for necklaces, and some packaged mugwort. Those will get headers in the next few days.

It’s going to be an interesting day, today. I’m looking forward to watching the Burning Times again. Brea will be in for counseling at the same time. If Practical Craft goes quickly I may get a chance to play with making some preserved flower bookmarks.

The shop opens at 10 today (although I’ll be there not long after 9…) and we’ll be there until at least 6pm. Spring Break hours from 3/24-4/1, 10am-6pm, only closed on Tuesday from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is a waxing crescent. Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams. Diana’s Bow – On the 3rd day after the new moon you can (weather permitting) see the tiny crescent in the sky, the New Moon holding the Old Moon in her arms. Begin on your goals for the next month. A good time for job interviews or starting a project. Take a concrete step! Diana’s Bow lasts until Monday at 7:37pm.

The Moon hangs with Jupiter this evening. Consider this a warmup for its pairing with brighter Venus tomorrow. It's also a good opportunity to see Jupiter even before the Sun sets — something that's possible but rarely done with the unaided eye. See if you can spot Jupiter left of the Moon in broad daylight during late afternoon on Sunday, March 25th. You'll probably need binoculars! The Moon (sized correctly) is shown where it will appear with respect to Jupiter an hour before sunset in different American time zones.
Mercury, Uranus and Neptune are hidden in the sunrise.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.
Runic half-month of Man, April 14-28 A time when the archetypal reality of the human condition should be meditated upon. Nigel Pennick, The Pagan Book of Days, Destiny Books, Rochester, Vermont, USA, 1992, 1992

Sun in Aries
Moon in Taurus
Mercury retrograde, Mars retrograde, Saturn retrograde, Juno retrograde
Color: Orange
Planting 3/25-6

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/25 - Sunday – Shop open 10-6
10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements (counseling)
1pm – Free showing of The Burning Times
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft - preserving flowers
3/26 – Monday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Herb Talk – The spring harvest
3pm – Introduction to Blackwork embroidery
6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/27 – Tuesday – Shop is closed today
3/28 – Wednesday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Divination – Rune, Tarot, and so on….
3pm – Herbs Outdoors – no class this week
3pm – Herb Workshop – Preparing from dried herbs
3/29 – Thursday – Shop open 10-6
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 4
Planting 3/30-31
3/30 - Friday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Crystals and Correspondences
3/31- Saturday – Shop open 10-6
11am - Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3pm – Sewing workshop - learn to handstitch a small bag.
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Shop open 10-6
1pm – Free showing of The Goddess Returns
3pm – Practical Craft
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 5/4, Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 25, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:09 AM PDT 7:35 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:39 AM PDT 8:04 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:05 AM PDT 8:39 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:30 AM PDT 9:14 PM PDT
Moon 8:16 AM PDT 11:06 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 24m
Length of Day 12h 26m
Tomorrow will be 3m 5s longer.
Waxing Crescent, 8% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Su 25 High 2:32 AM 7.8 7:09 AM Rise 8:16 AM 4
25 Low 9:11 AM 0.3 7:36 PM Set 11:07 PM
25 High 3:21 PM 6.6
25 Low 9:05 PM 2.2

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – I accept hope, peace, joy, and love in all aspects of life.

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Journal Prompt – What does this quote say to you? - One reason I don't drink is that I want to know when I am having a good time. - Nancy Astor

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Quotes
A church is a place in which gentlemen who have never been to heaven brag about it to persons who will never get there. - H. L. Mencken (1880-1956) US writer
A different world cannot be built by indifferent people. - Peter Marshall
A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit. - Richard Bach
A publisher who writes is like a cow in a milk bar. - Arthur Koestler (1905-1983) Hungarian writer

ROSES AND DRYADS

I painted roses on my walls
For love and beauty.
I poured pearls on the bottom
Of my smallest closet
For prosperity.

I curled up under my bed
Holding my fuzzy teddy bear
For companionship.
I tie-dyed my sheets orange
So they would be exciting.

There is no one on my sofa.
There is no one on my chair.
There is no one in my living room
There is no one there.

There is no one to drink my coffee
Or to help me mop the floor.
I'm putting an ad in the paper
So I won't be alone anymore.

I'm painting a ceramic green man
To put by my front door
Male and female dryads too
For protection,
So my house won't be lonely
Anymore. - © Copyright 10/15/2008, by Beth Clare Johnson, (Mystic Amazon)

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Magick – (If you want the pictures from below, e-mail me for a PDF version)
How to Make Pagan Prayer Beads
http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/godsandgoddesses/ ss/How-To-Make-Pagan-Prayer-Beads.htm?nl=1
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide
Pagan Prayer Beads

Make a strand of prayer beads to use in your rituals and workings.
Image © Patti Wigington 2012; Licensed to About.com
In many magical traditions and religious paths, the use of beads can be a meditative and magical exercise. The best known example of this practice is found, obviously, in the Catholic use of the rosary. Within the rosary, each bead is representative of a prayer, which is counted in a ritual format. Some forms of Judaism have used prayer beads for many years, with a bead or knot symbolizing each of the Psalms.
If you’re Pagan, obviously you wouldn’t need a set of prayer beads symbolizing things such as Psalms or other clearly Judeo-Christian ideals. However, Christianity doesn’t have a monopoly on faith, and for many Pagans the idea of ritualized prayer is an appealing one. You can construct a set of prayer beads with a variety of themes and use them in rituals to express your Pagan beliefs and ideologies.
Let’s look at ideas for two different types of Pagan prayer beads. The first set is a devotional one that honors the elements, the changing seasons, and the phases of the moon. The second pays tribute to a deity.
Devotional Prayer Breads

A set of devotional beads can celebrate the principles of your tradition.
Image © Patti Wigington 2012; Licensed to About.com
You will need:
• Eight beads to represent the eight Pagan Sabbats
• Thirteen beads to represent the lunar months
• Beads symbolizing the elements - earth, air, fire and water
• Spacer beads in color of your choice
• Beading wire or string
Sort your beads and arrange them so they for a pattern that you like. You may want to try different patterns and designs and see which feels right for you.
On the bead strand in the photo, the silver beads represent the lunar months, the purple ones are for the eight sabbats, and rather than using four beads for the cardinal elements, it features three different beads symbolizing the realms of earth, sea and sky which are honored in many Celtic paths.
Once you have your beads aligned the way you like them, string them on the beading wire and knot it securely.
To use your beads in ritual, assign a prayer or short devotional to each bead. As you count them, recite the prayers.
God or Goddess Prayer Beads

Use colors and symbols representing a deity to make a set of god or goddess beads.
Image © Patti Wigington 2012; Licensed to About.com
You will need:
• Beads in colors representing the deity/deities of your tradition
• Beads that symbolize some of the attributes of the deity
• Spacer beads in color of your choice
• Beading wire or string
Sort your beads and arrange them so they for a pattern that you like. You may want to try different patterns and designs and see which feels right for you.
On the bead strand in the photo, the red and black beads symbolize the Morrighan, and the hematite represents her protective, warrior qualities.
Once you have your beads aligned the way you like them, string them on the beading wire and knot it securely. To use your beads in ritual, assign a prayer or short devotional to each bead. As you count them, recite the prayers.
Other Ideas for Prayer Beads

Make different prayer bead strands for a variety of magical purposes.
Image © Patti Wigington 2012; Licensed to About.com
Want to try some other ideas for prayer beads? Consider one of these as an option:
• Chakra beads: incorporate the seven colors of the chakras into a prayer bead strand, and use in healing meditations
• Ancestor beads: use a variety of beads to symbolize your family’s heritage and origins. Use them in rituals celebrating your ancestors and kinfolk.
• Triple goddess beads: combine three different colors to represent the maiden, mother and crone aspect of the goddess often found in Wiccan traditions.
• Spellwork beads: consider the principles used in the Witch’s Ladder for spellwork, and work them into a bead strand.

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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph 's Hospital. She timidly asked, "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?"

The operator said, "I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number of the patient?"

The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, "Norma Findlay, Room 302."

The operator replied, "Let me put you on hold while I check with the nurse's station for that room."

After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, "I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back normal, and her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged tomorrow."

The grandmother said, "Thank you. That's wonderful. I was so worried. God bless you for the good news."

The operator replied, "You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?"

The grandmother said, "No, I'm Norma Findlay in Room 302. No one tells me shit."

TRUE STORY

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Daily Stuff 3-24-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:31 PM GMT en Marzo 24, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Even shining through cloud, the sunlight is bright this morning. I’m so looking forward to being outside for a little. The rain’s supposed to be back tonight. The garden plants will be happy! Unlike the last 10 days or so, it’s almost 50F and is supposed to go up into the high 50’s today.

As I was leaving the house yesterday morning, I harvested a pocketful of dandelions, that went into a basket when I got to the shop, but that wasn’t until Rowan and I dragged several bags of books in from the Yachats library book sale. There’s bookbag up at the shop on the bulletin board, very much in the way when you come in, just to remind folks that that happens today from 9-6 and tomorrow from noon to 4…for whatever books are left. We picked up a lot for the shop library! My shoulder hurts because the bag was heavy. Worse still, after I finished the one bag, with all I had *intended* to spend, I went and filled another.

Back at the shop we sorted them out. Tempus has a pile of books that I got specifically for him (a book on the history of puns?  ), and I have a pile for me. We each have piles to go through to decide whether they should go into the library and there’s a pile ready to be checked in when someone has the time.

As Rowan was getting ready to leave, I got the big Azure green order checked in. We have orange, yellow, green, pink and while spell candles, again! I sorted out the special orders and notified people. Tempus got the binder with paper posters re-filled. We’ve had to put the Nag Champa in a plastic bag because we had far too many people sniffling and sneezing. There are a few more decks in the divination case, including a couple of cat decks and the Gaian Tarot is finally in!

There were a *lot* of special orders in this box, so the next set was getting those marked and the people notified.

A bunch of new and used books have come in orders throughout this last week that were my task to get priced, into the inventory and up on the shelves for sale. There’s a new copy of “Love is in the Earth” on the reference shelf and a bunch of used books, “The Once & Future Goddess” for one, and a copy of Spotter’s guide to Rocks & Minerals for another.

Once that was taken care of I got back into inventorying the embroidery stuff. I did the other 8 cards sets, the Well-Dressed Workbasket pamphlets, the Tips & Tricks trifolds and started the kits and games. They’re all entered and I know what back-stock we have, but some of the games need to go back on display, the sample boards are waiting to be laminated and the kits need to be counted.

As it was getting later into the evening I started working on more jewelry that needed to be counted, getting it tagged and up onto the displays. There are some nice wire-wrapped hearts in that stack!

Tempus and I finally finished getting the Children’s Magick section re-set so it’s more into the northwest corner of the shop and the “non-kid” stuff (framed posters, games, tapestries and baskets) are closer to the rest of the displays. *That* took a while! …but at least we got it done.

While Tempus was getting the heavy parts of that finished, I got the workshop schedule set up for the week. That’s printed and on the door and the bulletin board, and here in this note. All of these are free classes.

We finally finished up the last few bits, although I have some clean-up to do when we get to the shop, mostly picking up books on the worktable in the classroom, and we headed home.

The daffodils that were just buds for the last several days had popped open during yesterday’s warmth and sun. There’s a lovely, light scent lingering in front of the shop. I’m going to get pix of those and harvest before this morning’s class and I have to remember to check the calendula at the house….

The clouds had thinned again so that Venus was globe of cloudy crystal down near the horizon. Yes, it was nearly 11pm. When we got up to the house it had cleared enough to see Orion standing tiptoe aiming at something over the western horizon.

We walked in and dropped into bed.

Today we have the usual workshops and there’s at least one “special”. In between we’re going to be doing some laminating (gameboards & posters) and getting a few more crystals done and up on the board.

This week’s workshop schedule (I’ll get this added into the calendar):

Class & Demo schedule for Spring Break week
3/24 - Saturday 11am – Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
3/24 - Saturday 1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3/24 - Saturday 3pm – Sewing workshop - learn to handstitch a small bag/pouch.

3/25 - Sunday 1pm – Free showing of The Burning Times
3/25 - Sunday 3pm – Practical Craft

3/26 - Monday 11am – Herb Talk – The spring harvest

3/28 - Wednesday 11am – Divination – Rune, Tarot, and so on….

3/30 - Friday – Crystals and Correspondences

3/31 - Saturday 11am – Herb Workshop - Herbal powders
3/31 - Saturday 1pm – Care and Feeding of a rock tumbler
3/31 - Saturday 3pm – Sewing workshop - learn to handstitch a small bag.

4/1 - Sunday 1pm – Free showing of The Goddess Returns
4/1 - Sunday 3pm – Practical Craft

The shop opens at 10 today and we’ll be there until at least 6pm. Spring Break hours from 3/24-4/1, 10am-6pm, only closed on Tuesday from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is a waxing crescent. Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams. Diana’s Bow – On the 3rd day after the new moon you can (weather permitting) see the tiny crescent in the sky, the New Moon holding the Old Moon in her arms. Begin on your goals for the next month. A good time for job interviews or starting a project. Take a concrete step! Diana’s Bow lasts until Monday at 7:37pm.

Venus and Jupiter continue shining in the west during and after dusk this week, though ever farther apart. Venus is so bright that it's easy to spot before sunset if you have normally sharp vision. Venus, Jupiter, and the crescent Moon now form a flattened triangle in the west as twilight fades. As darkness deepens, look above Venus for the Pleiades.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Aries
Moon in Aries
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Purple

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/24- Saturday – Shop open 10-6
11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
3/25 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements (counseling)
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/26 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/28 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – no class this week
3/29 – Thursday, 5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 4
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 4/27? 5/4? Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 24, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:10 AM PDT 7:34 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:41 AM PDT 8:03 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:07 AM PDT 8:37 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:32 AM PDT 9:13 PM PDT
Moon 7:46 AM PDT 10:07 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 21m
Length of Day 12h 23m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Waxing Crescent, 3% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Sa 24 High 2:04 AM 7.8 7:11 AM Rise 7:46 AM 1
24 Low 8:35 AM 0.3 7:34 PM Set 10:07 PM
24 High 2:42 PM 6.9
24 Low 8:34 PM 1.7

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – My hopes keep my fears at bay.

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Journal Prompt – Personal Interests and Experiences – Based on what you now know about yourself, make five predictions about your future.

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Quotes
The Warrior must learn to wait patiently. - Kerr Cuhulain
Within our dreams and aspirations we find our opportunities. - Sugar Ray Leonard
Without hope we live in desire. - Dante Alighieri
You cannot make changes by turning your back on the future or turning away from progress. - Kerr Cuhulain

Love, the new moon, grows slowly, stage by stage;
We should progress like that, deliberately, with patience.
I hear the new moon whispering, "Impatient fool!"
It is only step by step you climb to the roof.
Be a seasoned cook, let the pot boil little by little;
A stew cooked in mad haste tastes terrible. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
Czech Eggs [Anja’s Note: There are a lot of beautiful pictures with this article, ask me for a PDF version at mbartlett@harborside.com
Text with pictures listed in order
Eggs decorated with straw.
Egg decorated with fabric and embroidery.
Eggs decorated with grass pulp.
Eggs decorated with wax
Egg decorated Richelieu embroidery-style
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Wooden eggs.
Eggs dyed in onion peels/skins with scraped-off decoration.
Eggs dyed in onion peels/skins with scraped-off decoration.
Eggs decorated with crochet work
Eggs decorated with bobbin lace.
Engraved eggs
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Eggs decorated with straw.
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Eggs decorated with batik printing.
Eggs decorated with batik printing
Eggs decorated with batik printing.

The Great Egg Hunt
Whether painted, etched, wrapped in wire or dyed,the incredible, edible egg is still a popular art form. - by Jacqueline Ruyak
Shades of blue are applied in an intricate, delicate design on this example of kraslice. (photo: Jacqueline Ruyak
The great egg hunt of 2001 got its start in 1999 when I visited Slovakia for the annual tinkers symposium at the Povazske Museum in Zilina. Before then I knew that Slovakia, like Ukraine, had a long history of decorated Easter eggs and had often seen samples of this colorful art. The symposium, however, was where I first saw wirework eggs made by tinkers. Like other decorated eggs, they are made with blown eggs; unlike other eggs, they are decorated with woven wire. Two years later, again in Slovakia, I finally learned more about these unusual eggs and even ended up crisscrossing the country on an impromptu egg hunt.
Called kraslice in Slovakia, pysanky in Ukraine, decorated eggs are one of the oldest and richest forms of folk art found in Eastern Europe. They first gained attention in the 17th century but their origins lie in prehistoric times, when eggs were ascribed magical powers. Used in seasonal, agrarian and other rituals, eggs were symbols of the sun, light, fertility and spring, as well as the rebirth and continuity of life.
For centuries eggs and decorated eggs were used in countless rituals all over the world. For example, an egg held to a child’s lips was believed to encourage early speech. Placed in a plowed field, it ensured a good crop, while one under a barn entryway protected cows’ health and fertility. Eggs were important in wedding dishes and customs, as well as at Easter. They were also placed on graves to commemorate the dead.
As it did with many other customs and traditions, Christianity adopted the egg and “baptized” it, adding new symbolism associated with Christ’s passion, death and resurrection to the original meaning as well as to the designs.

Lace eggs are made by drilling tiny holes into the egg’s surface and decorating with wax. (photo: Christopher Kossowski)
The English word “Easter” comes from “Eostre,” an ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess. In pagan times an annual spring festival was held in her honor, and some Easter customs developed from this and other pre-Christian spring festivals. In other languages, however, the word for Easter derives from the pasch, or Passover, and Christianity’s paschal feast.
Christianity was quick to see the symbol of Christ’s resurrection in the previously pagan custom. For example, Christians saw the egg’s shell as a symbol of the protective darkness of the life-giving tomb; a hatching chick represented the risen Christ emerging from the tomb on Easter morning. The egg’s shape, with neither beginning nor end, was both a symbol of eternity as well as of the “womb” of the tomb, where the Crucified was given new life.
In addition to the motifs drawn from nature, some egg designers added the symbols of Christ’s passion: the rooster, recalling Peter’s denial; the recurring thorn pattern for the crown of thorns Jesus was made to wear; or the nails and spear of the crucifixion. Primarily, however, the joyful nature symbols prevailed in egg designs, reflecting the joy of the Christian world in the Lord’s victory over death.
At first, Slovak decorated eggs were simple, dyed one color; later, ferns and flowers were applied to the eggs to imprint a design. Some of the common motifs still used today, such as the sun, stars and birds, are from the pre-Christian era. Geometric patterns of all kinds and stylized and realistic flowers and human figures were also common. All patterns were done freehand. By the late 19th century, aniline dyes came into widespread use and blown eggs replaced full eggs. Hen eggs are most common; duck, goose and ostrich eggs also are used.
Straw is dyed, cut and applied freehand in painstaking detail to an egg’s surface. (photo: Christopher Kossowski)
Many kinds of kraslice are still made today. The simplest are dyed a solid color. Red, the color of blood and life, is common. Waxing, batik, etching, scratching and pasting are popular techniques used with kraslice. For the first, warmed wax is applied to the colored egg in relief designs. With batik, which is the most common technique, a design is drawn on the egg in wax, the egg is dyed, then more wax is applied. Going from light colors to dark, the procedure is repeated again and again, depending on the complexity of the design. Etching involves using an agent of some kind to make a design on the delicate surface of colored eggs. With scratching, the design is scratched on the colored egg with a knife, razor, needle or awl. In pasting, barley or oat straw, yarn, thread or the natural or dyed pith of cattails are pasted onto the egg to cover it in part or in whole.
Other decorative eggs include the wired ones made by tinkers, those of wood or glass and, rarest of all, the eggs decorated with miniature horseshoes, anvils, hammers, spurs and other items once made by blacksmiths to show off their skills. These elaborate eggs probably were not made for Easter. Unfortunately, I was unable to see the few that now exist only in museum collections.
Late in the 19th century, wirework eggs were made and sold by Slovak tinkers to celebrate the Easter holiday, but the custom disappeared when the tinkers did. Petr Musil, a Czech freelance artist, teacher, contemporary tinker and master egg decorator, is responsible for reviving the craft of wiring eggs.
I caught up with Petr at the 2001 symposium. In 1988, Petr explained, he took a class in egg decorating for a summer camp where he was teaching. A lecturer from Bratislava showed him a monograph with a photograph of an unidentified man and some wire-decorated eggs. Intrigued by the photo and technique, Petr wanted to know more. His search took him to the Center for Folk Art Production (known by its Slovak acronym, ULUV) in Bratislava and in 1993 to the tinkers symposium in Zilina, where he found more historical documentation and some antique eggs.
Petr Musil adds wire to a new egg design. (photo: Jacqueline Ruyak)

By then Petr had mastered the technique of making wired eggs. He asked some Slovak tinkers to make some and organized a group exhibit. Since then, Petr has taught many and inspired countless more to make the eggs.
The most common wire pattern in egg decoration is the basic fishnet, but in all, Petr uses about 30 different patterns for his handsome eggs. He also makes eggs of wirework only, including a mammoth one of 102 inches for the Guinness Book of Records. He recently led 340 people, including many first-timers, through an egg-decorating lesson in the main square of Pelhrimov, Czech Republic, to set another record for the most people working in wire at one time. Petr says that he became an artisan through “theory and practice.” He is dedicated to sharing both.
Lubos Skulec, who lives about 10 minutes from the museum, offered to show us his unique wirework eggs, which have been exhibited at the White House and the Sydney Olympics. A 33-year-old computer graphics designer, he started painting eggs with detailed miniature landscapes.
That was not enough for Lubos: He taught himself to make wirework eggs, which he also paints with tempera landscapes. Motivated to “do something no one else in the world is doing,” he next taught himself basket-weaving techniques and soon was crafting the densely woven, Fabergé-type wire eggs for which he is now known. He usually uses copper wire for these impressive eggs, which incorporate filigree and triple-wire techniques. One woven and painted egg takes about seven weeks to create. Needless to say, these eggs are for the collector, not the Easter basket.
Bratislava is something of a detour, but the ULUV headquarters there is worth it. Known for its shops and showrooms, ULUV has been instrumental for almost 60 years in preserving Slovakia’s rich tradition of folk arts through research, documentation, production, and marketing. The headquarters’ library also is an excellent source of information.
A traditional wirework fishnet design. (photo: Christopher Kossowski)
An Easter egg exhibit held in the city of Banska Bystrica is a celebration of the best in old and new techniques. The show features dozens of different kinds of eggs from all over Slovakia. Among my favorites are indigo-dyed eggs scratched with white designs that mimic traditional blueprint fabric and eggs covered in cattail pith dyed in Kenzo-like colors. Charming displays show eggs nesting in baskets and bowls and dangling from branches of pussy willow, a perennial symbol of spring.
One of the contributors to the exhibition is Margita Simkova, who started decorating eggs 27 years ago. To watch her at work I visited her sunny home in the village of Prievidza.
Margita picked up the craft from her mother, who supplied eggs to ULUV. Now Margita, too, makes wax- and straw-decorated eggs for ULUV.
Though white eggs painted with blue are popular, Margita usually dyes her eggs a solid color, then decorates them in white, using a candle wax and whitewash mixture. These days she gets pre-blown eggs from a supplier. The problem, she says, is finding white eggs, which yield brighter, clearer colors when dyed. Brown eggs are more common in Slovakia.
Margita usually works in her cellar workshop with a gas lamp, but for demonstrations she uses her “lucky Aladdin lamp” to heat the wax compound. Using a metal stylus, she deftly paints a red egg with a floral pattern learned from her mother.
In the past Margita made about 10,000 eggs a year; she now averages about 3,000 because the patterns, she says, have become more dense and complicated. ULUV uses only certain patterns in their egg catalog, which Margita finds somewhat limiting. She prefers to use a variety of patterns.
About 18 years ago Margita taught herself to make straw-decorated eggs, another popular staple of her repertoire. Patterns are made of tiny pieces of cut straw, which is often dyed. Margita uses dies to stamp out pieces and cuts all others with scissors. Then, without benefit of a sketch, she pastes the pieces onto the egg to make designs.
When lace eggs, decorated with intricate hole patterns resembling lace, became popular a couple of years ago, Margita started making them too. She drills the holes, then decorates the egg with white wax to complete the lacy effect. Because ULUV has yet to decide patterns for these eggs, Margita enjoys letting her imagination take over. Lace eggs are new to the Easter tradition and are stunning in their detail, especially when made by a professional such as Margita Simkova.
Prievidza turns out to be the last stop on the egg Odyssey. And just in time, too – I have more cartons of eggs than I know what to do with. Best of all, though, the trip has been an entertaining journey into one of the most fragile yet flourishing of Slovak folk arts.
Jacqueline Ruyak is a frequent contributor to CNEWA WORLD.
Margita Simkova applies details to an egg. (photo: Jacqueline Ruyak)
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Czech bee's wax drop pull style eggs.
Multiple wax design (mostly Moravia & Slovak)
Moravian Scratch Style hand decorated eggs.
The Green egg is a very rare Slovak colored thread design, brown one is wrapped in wire and the other two are Slovak
These Czech straw design eggs are truly glorious to behold.
Traditional wax dyeing design (these are from a folk artist in South Bohemia)


Prague Easter markets 2005
Easter in Prague offers a glimpse of the wonderful old customs that make up a traditional Czech Easter. Festive markets at the Old Town Square & Wenceslas Square in Prague centre sell hand crafted goods and animals parade for the children to enjoy.
Prague Easter Markets 2005
Markets in Prague's Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run to over 100 Easter stalls. A wide selection of hand crafted goods are on offer; carved wooden toys, crystal glass, intricate pieces of embroidery, dolls in costume dresses and much more.

The most common feature though is the brightly coloured, hand-painted Easter eggs. "Old Grandmas" dressed in regional costume will also personalise them for you, painting on your name or special message.
Of course there's plenty of good Pilsner beer too, and the appetizing smell of terribly unhealthy, but wonderfully tasty barbecued sausages.
Origins of the Prague Easter Markets
The Prague Easter markets go back long before the communist era and were originally deeply tied to religious festivities. Under communism though, the meaning of Easter was limited to the welcoming of spring and the religious connotations were suppressed.

Since 1989, when Czechoslovakia became a free country once more, the Easter Markets have enjoyed a new breath of life. People are once again aware of the religious origins of Easter, but Easter is not a serious religious holiday. Easter in Prague is now a fun time.


To help better understand the traditions on show in Prague, we offer a brief insight into a traditional Czech Easter. Easter is an exciting time, particularly for Czech children.
Easter Preparations
Children finish school on "Ugly Wednesday" and start the Easter preparations. The following day, "Green Thursday", boys from the village equip themselves with their specially made wooden rattles, the "rehtacka". They then form a group and walk through the village, shaking their rattles vigorously so that the noise can be heard from afar. This rattling chases away Judas.
The same procedure repeats on Good Friday and then on "White Saturday", when boys also stop at every house and rattle until they are given money!
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is a day of preparation for Easter Monday. Girls paint, colour, and decorate eggs and boys prepare their Easter whips. The whip ("pomlázka") is used by boys, who go caroling on Easter Monday and whip girls on the legs. This may sound scary, but don’t imagine a whip that is used on horses. The Easter whip is made from osier twigs which are braided together. The more twigs, the more difficult it is to braid a whip.
Easter whips are now available in the Prague Markets for anyone wishing to participate!
Easter Eggs
The greatest symbol of Easter is the egg, as it is a symbol of spring and new life. Easter eggs ("kraslice") are painted by girls and women. There are many techniques to decorate Easter eggs and they usually require a certain level of skill. You can use bee's wax, straw, watercolours and picture stickers. There are no limitations as long as you create a nice looking, colourful egg that you don’t have to be ashamed of.
For particularly well decorated eggs there is a nationwide Easter egg contest held in Prague.
Brightly coloured eggs of all styles can be purchased in Prague's markets and shops. There are other symbols too: hare, lamb and chicken. It is traditional to bake a live lamb at Easter, however as this can be rather a cruel custom, real lamb is often replaced by baked gingerbread lamb.
Easter Monday
On Easter Monday everyone gets up early; boys and men to set of on a whipping trip through the village, girls and women to prepare, hide, or run away. Boys stop at people’s homes and whip the legs of every girl and woman who lives in the house. They sometimes catch the girl still in bed. Little boys say an Easter carol while whipping, usually asking for an egg or two. A popular custom is also to grab the girl and throw her in cold water, the "Easter dousing". The whipping and dousing is supposed to chase away bad spirits and illness, so this is actually good for the girl!
After all the whipping and dousing is done, the girl, strangely enough, rewards the boy by giving him one of her painted eggs and tying a ribbon around his whip.

As the boys progress through the village, their bags fill up with eggs and the whips become nicer and nicer with all the colourful ribbons fastened around them. This romantic egg-and-ribbon tradition is however being replaced by offering the man (18 years or older) a shot of alcohol, so the men are feeling pretty happy by the time they arrive home!
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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – GCF: Trix Are For Kids

Woman: "No, I'm telling you, I'm right! He couldn't eat the Trix because he was an adult rabbit, and Trix were only supposed to be for kids."

Man: "Well, I always thought it was just because he was a rabbit and not a person."

[A period of silence -- the woman looks down at her food.]

Man: "What's wrong?"

Woman: "I'm just really getting tired of you always being wrong."

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Daily Stuff 3-23-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:43 PM GMT en Marzo 23, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Why are there water droplets falling from the underside of the porch roof? Condensation? We must have had frost last night. It’s only 38F and suddenly the edge of the roof is dripping steadily, as well. It’s supposed to get up to nearly 60 degrees here this afternoon! There’s a steady breeze at around 15 mph and it just looks lovely out there.

I keep forgetting about the frogs. The peepers have been going since early January. There’s a seasonal wet spot between Range Drive and the golf course just where Masters hits Range, just a little over a block from the house. Every evening at dusk they start up, a constant chiming of little bells, or a musical version of crickets, but so many that it’s a constant sound. It’s not loud, and it always makes me smile. It feels as though it’s a promise of spring even if we’re dealing with storms and chill, still.

We’ve had others, one that must have been living somewhere right under the bedroom window for a while, one with a big voice… I wrote about that one a while back, how he kept startling us in the bedroom. We’ve a woodpile out there and there’s a dry creek of drainage that would have a lot to offer a large frog. What kind of frog it was, I don’t know, but I haven’t heard it since that first cold snap early in the year.

The sunlight is incredible this morning. It’s so bright that I turned off the light over my desk. There’s so much reflecting that the screen doesn’t hurt my eyes by contrast. I can tell the nightlight is on, but I had to look carefully. It’s an LED and make a pattern of 3 blurry dots on the ceiling…usually…. Nothing there until I look really hard!

I got the Azure Green order!!! That’s going to be my first task for the day, getting stuff priced, into the inventory and onto the shelves.

Looking at the garden yesterday morning I saw that there are about a dozen flowers on the calendula.. I thought I had more than one plant out there, but apparently only the dark one survived the winter. I have at least two in the planters at the shop, one orange and one yellow, but this one is almost brown. The warm weather might make them all bloom today. The ones in the shop planters have 3 and 5 blooms, and there are at least two of the tall daffodils in bud, just about to pop.

We had people in and out all day yesterday. Tempus and I took turns waiting on people, working on boxes and sitting for a moment keeping track of Facebook posts and orders coming in/going out.

I worked straight through from the time I got to the shop yesterday until class time. I forgot about the plants (again!!!), starting with putting things away like clean dishes and the rest of the Ostara stuff, now that it’s all washed. I had to get Tempus to pull boxes for me and he hit the tray of rocks and they went flying, so he had a job picking them up.

I got into the back and started pulling boxes and working on those as I went, getting the trims into one place. Two places… trims and a box and ribbons in drawers… 3 places.. because the bias tape is all in *its* box. I still need to get the trims into a regular box, but I think they’re mostly together, anyway. Oh, and by “trims” I’m talking about rick-racks, braids, straps, ruffles, laces, piping, etc. etc….

During a long gap between customers I got into the rollies and pulled the Mab’s Creations ones. I didn’t realize that there were 3…or didn’t fully realize. There are some things still missing, though, stock that had been in an organizer… I don’t think I got them all up on the display.

Tempus managed to get the tall rolly back together. It had been in two pieces, a short bit sitting on one of the lower ones, but now that it doesn’t need to go through a doorway to get used, it could be back together. Not that I can get into the upper drawers… but that stuff is mostly there because it would vanish in a box. Tempus can always get the short step ladder….

I started by sorting out things that had gotten crammed into drawers and scrambled. That took most of two hours, figuring out which bag of ribbon went with which kit, which partially assembled set of kits went with which Well-Dressed Workbasket pamphlet and so on. I got the labeler and got the drawers marked. The small tags that had been there have gotten mangled over the years.

I hadn’t thought about it, but the first products in that line are copyright 20 years ago!!! …and it’s been a decade since I put out new products, card sets or pamphlets. That’s a scary thought. Some of them have been updated and re-printed, though, and I’ve been gradually working out how to get them onto the computer and changed my mind several times.

Late in the afternoon I did a quick psychic reading, which brought something to mind about nutrition. Those of us who live up here in the Pacific Northwest don’t usually get enough sunlight in the winter to keep our Vitamin D levels up. It’s a good idea to take supplements, or if you have a regular doctor, to get your levels tested. They’re finding out that this is even more important to health than they thought, and probably contributes to Seasonal Affective Disorder.

In any case I got the one rolly with the Pattern Card Sets 1-10 sorted, counted and ready to put back, and Tempus counted the card sets on the display wall, but that didn’t happen until after class and when I went to start the next one…well, Tempus and I decided to go home and have supper! 

Class went well, but way too fast. I’m not sure why, since the last time it took 4 hours, but last night barely two. I don’t *think* I’m missing anything… even with re-vamping the handout (which got mangled in a computer crash) I wasn’t prepared to go on with lesson 4, though, so that’s next week.

I didn’t manage any pictures or photos, all that just took too long.

Today, I need to get the new stock checked in, finish the rocks order that I’ve been trying to get done for two weeks, get the plants done and then get back onto the Mab’s Creations stuff, but Rowan just called me and we’re going to the book sale in Yachats, while Tempus opens the shop. I’ll be down there a bit later, but not too much after noon I hope.

The shop opens at 11 today and we’ll be there until at least 7pm. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm for today and tomorrow. Spring Break hours 10am-6pm, only closed on Tuesday from Saturday the 23rd through Sunday, the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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NASA Science News for March 22, 2012 - A flurry of solar activity in early March dumped enough heat in Earth's upper atmosphere to power every residence in New York City for two years. The heat has since dissipated, but there's more to come as the solar cycle intensifies. FULL STORY: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-na sa/2012/22mar_saber/

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is New at 7:37am. New Moon - The beginning of a new cycle. - Keywords for the New phase are: beginning, birth, emergence, projection, clarity. It is the time in a cycle that you are stimulated to take a new action. During this phase the new cycle is being seeded by your vision, inner and outer. Engage in physical activity. Spend time alone. VISUALIZE your goals for the 29.6-day cycle ahead. The new moon is for starting new ventures, new beginnings. Also love and romance, health or job hunting.
Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams. New Moon Phase ends on Friday at 7:37pm. Diana’s Bow – On the 3rd day after the new moon you can (weather permitting) see the tiny crescent in the sky, the New Moon holding the Old Moon in her arms. Begin on your goals for the next month. A good time for job interviews or starting a project. Take a concrete step!

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Aries
Moon in Aries
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Purple

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/23 – Friday, Spring Break for Oregon public schools begins
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
3/24- Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Planting 3/25-6
3/25 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements (counseling)
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/26 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/28 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – no class this week
3/29 – Thursday, 5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 4
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 4/27? 5/4? Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 23, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:12 AM PDT 7:33 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:43 AM PDT 8:02 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:09 AM PDT 8:36 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:34 AM PDT 9:11 PM PDT
Moon 7:19 AM PDT 9:06 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 18m
Length of Day 12h 20m
Tomorrow will be 3m 5s longer.
New Moon, 1% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
F 23 High 1:35 AM 7.8 7:13 AM Rise 7:20 AM 0
23 Low 8:00 AM 0.4 7:33 PM Set 9:07 PM
23 High 2:04 PM 7.2
23 Low 8:03 PM 1.3

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Treat each day as a new journey.

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Journal Prompt – What would you? - What would you do if you would stay 25 forever?

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Quotes
Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune. - Jim Rohn
It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not. - author unknown
The question is not when we will die. The question is how we will live. - unknown
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. - Unknown
Acquiring a degree or initiation is meaningless unless it really indicates a certain mastery has been attained. - Kerr Cuhulain

PIECES OF MYSELF

I tore off little pieces of my flesh,
And handed them to you. "Here", I said,
"Now love me. Or if you can't love me,
Then let me be myself."

But the pieces of flesh were not enough
For you. "Give me more, give me all of
Yourself, hand over all your hopes and
Dreams."

I wound pieces of cloth around the bloody
Gashes. I stuck pieces of paper to the smaller
Wounds. There was peace for awhile.

Then came the first time that our wishes
And goals clashed. More pieces of myself
Were needed, to keep the peace.

This time the pieces of cloth had to be wider;
The tears that dripped upon the wounds
To heal them with their salt, were heavier
And more bitter.

Then came a time when I had outgrown
The need to be constrained. This time, you
Tried to tear of pieces of me yourself;
But I had learned to love myself, by that time.

"No," I said. And then I said a little prayer,
And felt a peace come over me. "I am
A child of the Blessed Mother, and am whole
In that love.

Never again will anyone take pieces from
Me, either of my flesh, or of my heart; and
Love freely given and freely taken, does
Not take away, but adds to the soul." - © Copyright 11/1/05, Beth Johnson (Mystic Amazon)

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Magick – Ostara
Ostara or Spring Equinox - Our Lady of the Woods - http://www.ladywoods.org/ostara.htm
by Merlyn

An earlier version of this article appeared in Lady Letter, volume 1. no. 5.

This page was downloaded from www.ladywoods.org, the website of the coven of Our Lady of the Woods. It may be used for personal and educational purposes with credit to the author.

You don't have to be a Wiccan or even a Pagan to celebrate spring's arrival. The Ostara sabbat, also called Eostar or Eostre, is a minor sabbat that affects us emotionally because it occurs at a time clearly separating winter and spring. Two weeks before the Spring Equinox, deep snowfalls can linger for days. After Ostara the fading winter yields to a six week rush of time through spring into May when long days and summer temperatures appear. Returning sunlight, increasing in both intensity and duration, irreversibly fuels spring's warming. However, in many climates the cautious buds of fruit trees and flowering ornamentals won't blossom and spread their sensuous perfumes until mid-April, because hard freezes still threaten them on clear nights.

Traditional Spring Rites

Ostara is a Saxon goddess, also named Eostar and Eostre, and is a Northern version of the ancient Middle Eastern goddess Astarte, who ruled over creation and destruction. Her Sabbat celebrates fertility in a general sense--the greening of vegetation and the swelling of buds and bellies of animals impregnated during fall or winter. Bunnies, coyotes, cats, dogs, and sheep have breeding seasons timed so that their gestations are completed and the young are born just before or during spring's arrival.

Ostara and Mabon are the balancing points occurring at the equinoxes when light and dark periods are equal, and so are female and male energies. At Ostara, Kore (Persephone) returns from the underworld and reunites with her mother Demeter after a four-month absence.

To see how pre-Christian Ostara was celebrated, look at the modern Easter celebration. Easter bunnies, eggs, and dressing up in bright festive colors were originally Ostara traditions. The name Easter comes from the goddess name Eostre. The hare was an animal sacred to the Moon Goddess, another form of the Triple Goddess Eostre whose sacred fertile month began at the equinox. Eggs colored red symbolized fertility. Even the Easter theme of resurrection was borrowed from the pagan tradition of deities sacrificing themselves for the benefit of their people and later returning via resurrection. Odin's hanging on the World Ash Tree
for nine days and Kore's annual underworld sojourn represented sacrifices followed by resurrections.

Ostara colors are green and silver. It is a time to bless your seeds before planting them, dye eggs bright colors in honor of spring's fertility and give thanks for the fertility carried in your genitals. Initiate new projects that will not be completed until the fall harvest. Decorate your home with spring flowers, or the leguminous herbs of clover and trefoil, which are traditional Ostara symbols. Don't forget to include the bunnies in your celebrations, as the goddess likes them and the chocolate ones taste good, too.

Coven Traditions

Our Lady of the Woods, and before it the Los Alamos CUUPS chapter, began a tradition of celebrating Ostara with an outdoors ritual held at dawn. A reasonable question to ask is whether there is any value in holding a dawn Ostara ritual year after year? For a few of us, 6 a.m. is a normal hour to be up, getting breakfast, or starting the day's activities. For many others this time is a period for deep sleep.

Our ancestors who lived before the late 19th century inhabited a world largely dependent on the sun for providing most of its light. Thomas Edison's electric light bulb changed that. Before its invention in 1876, candles, torches and oil lamps provided only dim and unsteady light that was adequate for avoiding obstacles, such as stools and children's toys, and for reading at night.

Today our powerful electric lights rival the sun with their ability to flood large areas with near daylight intensities. Modern activities such as nighttime baseball games would be unthinkable without powerful electric lights. So, too, would be stores open 24 hours a day and the miles of well lit corridors at indoor shopping malls.

Should we forget how dependent our ancestors were on the daily and seasonal solar cycles? I feel that you should increase your awareness of the subtle influences on your moods brought about by the ever changing solar and lunar cycles. Ostara is one day a year when performing an outdoor dawn ritual can connect you with the hundreds of preceding generations of Pagans who anxiously awaited spring's liberation from winter's dark and cold.

For ancient Celts and other northern peoples, Ostara was a time for the joyous resumption of warm season activities. In our modern world, spring is still a time of physical and psychological reawakening. How we celebrate it is a matter of personal taste, but few of us are left unaffected by nature's increasing day length, dramatic warming, and the reawakening of dormant buds, animals, and human desires.
FURTHER READING
Besides the series of short articles included here, we recommend:
1. Campenelli, Pauline and Dan. Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life. Llewellyn, 1993.
2. Hutton, Ronald. The Stations of the Sun. Oxford University Press, 1996.
3. Nahmad, Claire. Earth Magic: A Wisewoman's Guide to Herbal, Astrological, & Other Folk Wisdom. Destiny Books, 1994.
4. Pennick, Nigel. The Pagan Book of Days. Destiny Books, 1992.

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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – GCF: Jury Duty

As a court clerk, I am well-versed in the jury selection process. First a computer randomly selects a few hundred citizens from the entire county to report for jury duty on a particular day. Then another computer assigns 40 of those present to a courtroom. Then the 40 names are placed into a drum, and a dozen names are pulled.

During jury selection for one trial, the judge asked potential Juror No. 12 if there was any reason he could not be a fair and impartial juror.

"There may be," he replied. "Juror No. 1 is my ex-wife, and if we were on the same jury, I guarantee we would not be able to agree on anything."

Both were excused.

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Daily Stuff 3-22-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 3:58 PM GMT en Marzo 22, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

The sky is a lovely, soft, clear, pale blue with some orange/gold behind the clump of trees directly east. There are a few lumpy, slate blue clouds over the mountains in the distance which are striped with white. The alder is covered with water droplets. Looks like a gorgeous day! …where was this weather when we wanted to do a Brigdhe’s Flame ritual?

Sounds like a lot of folks in the Valley are waking to a morning of gorgeous snow. We’re just waking to a gorgeous, *cold* morning! It was only 33F when I got up and it’s barely 36F, now.

The sun is hitting the file cabinet and the west bookcase. …Now, the alder is starting to sparkle. There’s just enough of a breeze that the water droplets are little prisms when the catkins move.

Yesterday, I started the day with sorting out some things for the newsletter that have been waiting and then ended the day with that, too. I have a file that I’ve been putting quotes into that went from about 2800 quotes to over 5000 yesterday and I got the Magick section added into, at least enough to get through Spring Break.

We’re trying to get ahead and put some things by that are fast to cook up and eat, so I started by making a pan of the brown/wild rice blend that we like. Tempus found a box of shortbread that didn’t get eaten, so I decided to make a cake instead, but then got sidetracked into making up some candy from chocolate and almond bark that has been sitting. We ended up digging in the freezer which meant I cooked up a couple of tiny steaks with onions and mushrooms (which are going to make an awesome gravy, at some point) for supper and we had that with rice and peas. I also cooked up some stuffing with chicken… yeah, I put chicken in the stuffing instead of stuffing in the chicken… yes, I know I’m weird, but it makes a quick lunch or side dish. Everything got boxed up and fridged, but we’re going to have to get some stuff into the freezer, or it’ll go bad.

Other than some house chores, and spending a little while going through paper, and putting away laundry, that’s pretty much all I did!

Tempus got the kitchen cleaned up. That sounds so fast to say, but it took two days. The idea is that it shouldn’t get out of hand too quickly. …I hope! He’s getting coffee while I’m typing.

I still didn’t manage to get all the plants at the shop cleaned up. I’ve got to finish that and get Tempus to wipe up the windowsill that got really awful-looking over the winter. We’re still trying to work our way through the boxes of “stuff”. I have another set of tarot earrings to work on, some sewing to get into (or at least get put away) and I need to start on the pictures for the Children’s Magick section that I’m expanding. I don’t know if Willow’s coming in to sew today and we have Wicca 103 at 5pm.

My glass hummingbird is sparkling in the light and it flashes in my eyes as it turns.

One of the other things that’s been “hanging fire”, is the Mab’s Creations embroidery stuff. I have a lot of the stock out, finally, but we still need to sort what’s in back so I can tell what we actually have, not so much inventory of stock, but of the pieces needed to set things up. I know I’m out of the scroll sampler kits, in the small size, and I only have one left in the large size. I have to get some stuff re-printed, but I won’t know what until we get the rest sorted. …and I just took 10 minutes to find the masters for printing. These were done when I still took everything to a copy shop, not having my own printer, and a done with paste-up tape and drawn by hand… yeah, that’s how long ago I started this…

I’m definitely thinking that at least the porch roof froze because suddenly it’s dripping, almost running streams. I wonder if I can squeeze out a few minutes to work in the garden this morning?

The shop opens at 11 today and we’ll be there through class time. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm for today and tomorrow. Spring Break hours 10am-6pm, only closed on Tuesday from the 26th through the 1st. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is New at 7:37am. New Moon - The beginning of a new cycle. - Keywords for the New phase are: beginning, birth, emergence, projection, clarity. It is the time in a cycle that you are stimulated to take a new action. During this phase the new cycle is being seeded by your vision, inner and outer. Engage in physical activity. Spend time alone. VISUALIZE your goals for the 29.6-day cycle ahead. The new moon is for starting new ventures, new beginnings. Also love and romance, health or job hunting.
Waxing Moon Magick - The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or healthy, protection, divination. Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions, can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.
New Moon Phase ends on Friday at 7:37pm.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Aries
New Moon in Pisces enters Aries at 2:57am
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: White

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
3/23 – Friday, Spring Break for Oregon public schools begins
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
3/24- Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Planting 3/25-6
3/25 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements (counseling)
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/26 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/28 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – no class this week
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 4/27? 5/4? Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 22, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:14 AM PDT 7:31 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:45 AM PDT 8:00 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:11 AM PDT 8:35 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:36 AM PDT 9:10 PM PDT
Moon 6:54 AM PDT 8:05 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 15m
Length of Day 12h 17m
Tomorrow will be 3m 5s longer.
Waning Crescent, 0% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Th 22 High 1:06 AM 7.7 7:14 AM Rise 6:55 AM 0
22 Low 7:24 AM 0.7 7:32 PM Set 8:06 PM
22 High 1:25 PM 7.3
22 Low 7:32 PM 1.1

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – I accept clarity, peace, and order in all aspects of life.

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Journal Prompt – What is? - What is your most indispensable possession and why?

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Quotes
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." - Dave Barry
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly. - Theodore Roosevelt
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. – Unknown
We go through the day without really listening to what others are saying to us. We may be hearing the words, but we aren't absorbing the message. - Jim Rohn

Defects are mirrors of the attribute of Perfection;
Our sad condition a mirror of Power and Glory.
Every contrary is made evident by its contrary:
Vinegar's sourness reveals the sweetness of honey.
Whoever has seen and recognized his own defects
Has taken a great stride already toward Perfection.
Vain fool! There is no soul-sickness more harmful
Than pretension to perfection.
Your eyes and heart will have to weep blood
For this vanity to be rooted out. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
Herbal Roast Goose

Ingredients:
1 whole goose, about 8-9 lbs.
2 small sweet onions
1 bay leaf

For the marinade:
1 cube frozen grated ginger (thawed)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon mace
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

For the herbal rub:
8 juniper berries
1/2 teaspoon green peppercorns
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon Australian pink salt

Directions:

For the marinade, combine in a small dish: 1 cube frozen grated ginger (thawed), 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon mace, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Set aside briefly.

Unwrap the goose. Remove giblets, reserving for gravy or stock. Pull off any big hunks of fat and save those for cooking. The big flap of skin from the neck can also be cut off and put with the stock fixings. Use kitchen shears to cut off the first two wing joints and save those for stock.

Rinse the goose inside and out; pat dry. Prick the skin all over using a knife or fork, so that the fat can escape.

Use a pastry brush to spread the marinade all over the goose. Wrap the goose in plastic or put it in a big dish, and leave it in the refrigerator for at least half an hour.

Preheat oven to 425ºF.

Peel and quarter two small sweet onions; set aside briefly.

Take out the goose and rinse it briefly to get the vinegar off; don't obsess over getting every bit of spice off.

In a mortar and pestle, put 8 juniper berries and 1/2 teaspoon green peppercorns. Grind those. Then add 1 teaspoon rubbed sage, 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon Australian pink salt. Grind again, then stir to blend thoroughly. Rub this mixture all over the outside of the goose, and save a little to put inside the body cavity as well.

Stuff the onion quarters and a bay leaf into the body cavity of the goose. Close the skin flaps over the opening and secure with a toothpick or skewer. If the skin has a loop for the leg bones, poke the ends through that loop to secure the legs. Otherwise, tie the leg ends together with cotton cooking string.

Carefully lower the prepared goose onto the roasting rack, in the pan or the roasting oven. Cook for 30 minutes at 425ºF.

Reduce heat to 350ºF. Very carefully lift lid of roaster oven, tilting it away from you; or open oven and pull the pan out. Spoon or suction away the liquid fat in the bottom of the pan, reserving it for another use. Cover the roaster oven or return the goose to the regular oven. Cook the goose for a total of 15 minutes per pound (so 2 1/2 hours for 8 lbs). Remove fat every 30-60 minutes.

When done, skin should be crisp golden brown and juices should run clear. (It's okay if the meat is still pink in places.) Temperature in the thickest part of the meat should be 160ºF. Carefully transfer goose to a serving platter. Cover with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving.

To carve the goose, first slice off the wings. (Lay the wings on the platter and save them for stock; they're really tough. The onions aren't meant to be eaten, but if they're cooked through and people want them, then you can dig those out.) Next, slice off the legs and serve those. Finally, slice the breast meat and serve it. There will be a few other slivers you can pick off the carcass, if desired. If you save the carcass and other bones with any loose skin, you can get a second batch of stock from one goose!

Notes:

Goose is a wonderful luxury food. It's all dark meat, and in America geese are not factory farmed but are kept as free-range livestock. The meat is chewier and richer than chicken, though similar to duck or turkey. There is a great deal of fat on a goose, which is highly valued for cooking potatoes or other foods, so save the fat. Skin, bones, and other scraps can be used for making stock. Giblets are good alone, or as gravy, or for stock.

All of the herbs for this recipe are "digestive" herbs. They aid digestion by helping the body break down fat and protein. If you have sprigs of fresh herbs, especially the rosemary or thyme, you can stuff a few into the body cavity too.

Frozen grated ginger is an oddity I often have on hand. Whenever we get fresh ginger root for a recipe, I grate all of it in a spice grinder and measure off the necessary amount. All the leftover ginger pulp gets packed into an ice cube tray and frozen, then the cubes go in a baggie until I need them. They're less hot than fresh ginger root, so if you use fresh, you only need maybe a quarter or a half teaspoon.

Fancy salts can add a lot to a recipe. If you don't have the Australian pink salt, which has a delicate mineral edge, you can use all sea salt. If you don't have sea salt, plain table salt is okay.

Green peppercorns have a more leafy flavor than black peppercorns, so they blend nicely with herbs. If you don't have green peppercorns, use black ones.

If you're worried about over-browning the goose, you can cover it with a tent of aluminum foil at the beginning or end of cooking.

This recipe was originally created for an Ostara Feast, early in spring, because ducks, geese, and chickens are associated with that holiday. Goose is also served at New Year, Midwinter/Christmas, and Michaelmas (Sept. 29). The side dishes help dress it up for each occasion -- salads and eggs in spring, squash and root vegetables in winter, or apples and stuffing in autumn.


This recipe was originally published in The Wordsmith's Forge on 3/20/10, then revised for reprint 6/24/11.
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Ice Milk

Ingredients:

1 cup 2% milk
2 cups half-n-half
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

Pour 1 cup 2% milk into a large bowl. Add 3/4 cup sugar and whisk until dissolved. Whisk in 2 cups half-n-half. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and whisk thoroughly.

Turn ice cream machine ON. Pour milk mixture into ice cream machine and freeze for 25 minutes.

Notes:

I discovered this excellent ice milk recipe by accident: I needed to make vanilla ice cream, and thought I had some cream and whole milk left. I didn’t, so I used what I had. The result tastes like the best ice milk bar or ice milk sandwich filling. If you like a lighter frozen dessert than heavy ice cream, try this.

This is also excellent with coconut flakes sprinkled over it.


This recipe was originally published in The Wordsmith's Forge on 10/23/08, then revised for reprint 6/24/11.
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Personal Omelette

This is more of an algorithm than a specific recipe. It's ideal for Ostara celebrations in a solitary or small-group context, especially if people have different dietary needs or tastes.

Tools: Use a small nonstick skillet with sloped sides, and a plastic spatula with a fine edge. These make it easier to fold the omelette.

Heat: Turn the heat on so the skillet will be hot before you add the eggs. It should be hot enough that the egg mixture sizzles and starts to cook immediately, but not so hot that the egg layer promptly forms a huge bubble in the middle. On my stove, pointing the dial marker at “Low” is ideal.

Lubricant: Use about a tablespoon of ghee, also known as clarified butter, available in ethnic or international stores. It is better for you, and MUCH more heat-tolerant than ordinary butter or margarine, so it won’t burn. Ghee is a crucial ingredient in a perfect omelette – nothing else performs as well.

Eggs: In a small bowl, scramble together 1-3 eggs. Most people like a 2-egg omelette; vary according to appetite. Farm-fresh or organic eggs tend to have better color, texture, flavor, and nutrients than ordinary commercial eggs.

Milk: Add 1-3 teaspoons of milk. It makes the eggs blend better and improves flavor. Skim or other lite milk will save calories; whole milk, half-and-half, or cream make for a heavier and richer omelette. I typically use half-and-half, sparingly. Once the eggs are scrambled, mix in the milk. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet. If it doesn’t spread evenly, tilt the skillet gently to fill out the circle.

Spices: Salt and pepper to taste. White pepper doesn’t make dark flecks in the eggs, if you care about that. Sage, oregano, sweet marjoram, thyme, cilantro, or parsley are also good. Add just a pinch or a spinkle of spices to the top of the egg circle.

Cheese: Any kind of cheese that melts easily will work in an omelette. Swiss, cheddar, and mozzarella are excellent. Flavored herbal cheeses are also nice. Use 1-2 singles or about 1/8 cup of shredded cheese. If you’re carving cheese off a block, make thin slices or shavings so they’ll melt. If you want chunks of cheese, cut thicker slices from a block and dice them before starting the eggs. Add the cheese when the egg layer is mostly cooked but still wet on top.

Filling: Many types of vegetables (cooked or raw) and meat work in an omelette. Peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes are good vegetables. Chicken, turkey, sausage bits, bacon bits, beef chips, diced ham, etc. are good meats. (This is a great way to use leftovers.) Slice, dice, or chop them – and heat them if they were cold -- before starting the eggs. Store filling ingredients in small bowls within reach of the skillet. Add about 1/8 to 1/4 cup of filling when the egg layer is cooked and the cheese is melting. Spread filling from the middle of the egg circle towards one edge.

Folding: With the spatula, carefully lift the empty edge of the egg circle. The underside should be light brown. Fold over the filling, press gently, and hold for a few seconds to allow the filling and cheese to meld. Turn the heat OFF. Let the omelette sit for about a minute. Check the underside; it should be a slightly deeper brown. Hold a plate close to the skillet, slide the spatula all the way under the omelette, and quickly transfer the omelette to the plate.

This was originally published in The Wordsmith's Forge on 1/22/09, then revised for reprint 6/24/11.

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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”

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Silliness – GCF: Rose

One morning I found a beautiful long-stemmed rose lying by the kitchen sink. Even though the flower was plastic, I was thinking how, after all the years we had been married, my husband could still make such a wonderful romantic gesture.

Then I noticed a love note lying next to it.

"Dear Sue," it read. "Don't touch the rose, I'm using the stem to unclog the drain."


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Daily Stuff 3-21-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 6:20 PM GMT en Marzo 21, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wet, drippy, dim and chilly. 36F? I know some of you are dealing with snow. I’m hearing from Valley people and coast range and it sounds like even in Florence? Or is that just someone having to travel to the Valley?

It felt like I spent the whole day yesterday on the computer. I had plenty to do. I started with making sure the newsletter files were ok for this week and next, since I can’t be sure I’ll have time to check them next week.

…oh, ye, gods…. It’s snowing out here…. It is a full *month* after the early planting date and it’s snowing… It’s 36F, but it must be cold right above us for this. …it’s making the water droplets on the trees grow.

Next, I spent time going through mail and trying to catch up with customers and people who had e-mailed me about shop or Circle stuff.

…and then I started working on website updates… That one never stops and I haven’t been able to take the time to just go through it from one end to the other. I have a ton of pictures to take… but I got seriously needed updates taken care of and started on the Children’s Magick expansion.

Tempus worked in the kitchen and I pecked around the edges when I couldn’t stand sitting still any longer. I did make an apple pie late in the day…not quite enough apples for the pie, so I added raisins and dates and cut back on the sugar. Tasty! Tempus made a chicken and gravy dish and put it over potatoes that turned out to be really good. It seems to have started from the mushroom gravy that I made for a chicken dish a few days ago, and *that* started with a can of cream of mushroom soup, but he must have been playing with it for it to taste that good!

I’m hoping to get some cooking/baking time in today. I want to use up some things that we’ve got that are kinda getting toward the end of their shelf life.

No, the snow isn’t sticking, but it’s still going and the branches of the alder are drooping a little, almost as though it’s icy. There are birds all over the feeder and most of the time there are one or two huddling close.

…I’ve gotten sidetracked for hours, now, by looking up youtube videos. Oops. It’s past 11 and I thought this would be out by 9am! I still have writing that hasn’t happened and more updates. It’s back to rain, but the drops aren’t hanging on the alder the way they were… and the temperature never changed…go figure!

Here’s the deal about Spring Break… We’ll continue to hold all classes during the entire time, unless a specific set of students wants to opt out for the week. That’s certainly possible in the evening classes where folks have kids… …and there won’t be an Herbs Outdoors class. We’re planning on being open from Wednesday through Monday, 10am-6pm… the longer summer hours. Tempus and I are probably going to be taking turns in the shop during the weekdays, but we’re putting everything else on hold.



The shop is closed today. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is a waning crescent but in New Moon Phase End of the cycle - In the time leading up to the “New Moon” you may do banishings and other baneful magicks and healings that require blasting a disease away. Phase change from waning to waxing occurs at 7:37am on Thursday.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Aries
Moon in Pisces
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Brown
Planting 3/20-21

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/21 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – not this week, too wet!
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
3/23 – Friday, Spring Break for Oregon public schools begins
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
3/24- Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Planting 3/25-6
3/25 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements (counseling)
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/26 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Last day for Oregon Spring Break
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 4/27? 5/4? Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 21, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:16 AM PDT 7:30 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:47 AM PDT 7:59 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:13 AM PDT 8:33 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:38 AM PDT 9:08 PM PDT
Moon 6:30 AM PDT 7:03 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 12m
Length of Day 12h 14m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Waning Crescent, 1% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
W 21 High 12:36 AM 7.5 7:16 AM Rise 6:31 AM 3
21 Low 6:46 AM 1.0 7:31 PM Set 7:04 PM
21 High 12:44 PM 7.4
21 Low 6:59 PM 0.8

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you.

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Journal Prompt – What do you think? - Why do you think some people smoke/drink?

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Quotes
Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife. - Julius "Groucho" Marx (1890-1977) US comic, actor
Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones. - Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) US President (26)
By swallowing evil words unsaid, no one has ever harmed his stomach. - Winston Churchill
The part requiring the most consistent repair or replacement will be housed in the most inaccessible location. - Kenny's Law of Auto Repair

Questions Before Dark
Day ends, and before sleep
when the sky dies down, consider
your altered state: has this day
changed you? Are the corners
sharper or rounded off? Did you
live with death? Make decisions
that quieted? Find one clear word
that fit? At the sun's midpoint
did you notice a pitch of absence,
bewilderment that invites
the possible? What did you learn
from things you dropped and picked up
and dropped again? Did you set a straw
parallel to the river, let the flow
carry you downstream? - Jeanne Lohmann (The Light of Invisible Bodies)

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Magick – Ostara
Ostara Vernal Equinox - http://www.theurbanpagan.com/ostara.html
Ostara is celebrated on the Vernal (or Spring) Equinox. On the Equinox, day and night are the same length, marking the end of Winter and the first day of Spring. The earth is becoming green and birds are beginning to appear in greater abundance. Trees are in bud, foals and calves are being born, and early summer crops are sprouting or ready to be planted. This day is sometimes called Oestre, Oestar, the Hilaria, Feast of Cybele or Feast of Astatre. Sexual relations are common (but not mandatory) on the Vernal Equinox (as well as on Beltane).
Rebirth legends related to Spring abound in pre-christian mythology. One of the best known is the legend of Persephone (a Greek and Roman Grain Goddess), who must spend the winter in the underworld, but returns to the Earth every Spring.
The Celebration
Ostara is a day when the light and dark are in perfect balance. It is a day of potential, and will at least partly decide how the coming year will occur. It is a time of rebirth. You should take some sort of action on this day that is symbolic of what you intend to do for the rest of the year.
Traditions Practices, Decorations and Foods
Eggs
The egg is a symbol of creation. It is also symbolic of the cycle of nature. Eggs have both God and Goddess aspects. The yellow yolk of the egg represents the Sun God, while the creative or birthing aspect of the egg represents the Mother Goddess. Thus, the egg is a symbol of both creating and balance, and is well suited to the celebration of the Equinox.
Ostara Traditions involving eggs include collecting wild eggs, dying and painting eggs, creating crafts from egg shells, gifting eggs, and burying eggs in the earth to increase the fertility of the land.
Lambs and Rabbits
Rabbits are sacred to the goddess Eostre (Saxon Goddess of spring) and are a symbol of fertility. The lamb represents purity and potential, and is used in almost all Spring Festival traditions. Unlike many other Sabbats, these two animals are generally not eaten, but are celebrated for their future potential.
Wildflowers
It is a very old tradition to gather wildflowers on the first day of spring. These can be for magic use, edible flowers for feasting, divinatory, or purely decorative. Gifts of flowers are also traditional. Some traditions will use flowers gathered today to create the May Queen's crown (a Beltane tradition).
Herbs
Just as with flowers, gathering herbs is traditional on the Equinox. Some pagan traditions require that all magical herbs used throughout the year be gathered today.
Seeds, Sprouts, Leafy Greens, and Edible Flowers
Traditional foods on Ostara include seeds of all sorts, greens and sprouts, and edible flowers; in short, the types of foods that were not often available in the deep winter. Salads, herb cakes, seed cakes and other fresh foods should be eaten today.
Ostara and Easter
It is common for those who do not believe in Paganism to comment that Pagan Vernal Equinox traditions bear a strong resemblance to the Christian and secular celebrations of Easter. This is true: like many Christian holidays, the traditions of Easter are draw from pre-christian Pagan beliefs. The early Christian church, in order to make the conversion of "heathens" easier, would often study the Pagan traditions of the land they were expanding into and adapt those traditions to reflect the life of Jesus.
The strongest surviving traditions are the resurrection of the eternal God at Easter (Ostara) and the birth of the child God at Christmas (Yule) Ostara traditions adopted by the early Christian church include, but are not limited to the coloring and sharing of eggs, the collecting wildflowers, and the use of the lamb and rabbit as symbols of their celebrations.

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Energy list
3/19/12 – For a high-schooler, crazy for basketball and volleyball who went down with a concussion early in the season. They’re telling her none of her favorite sports for a year, minimum, we’re asking for healing and the strength to deal with not being able to do what she loves for the moment.
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.

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Silliness – GCF: Baby Cry?

At 3 AM in the morning, a young wife shook her husband awake.
Groggily he asked "What is it?"
"The baby," she reminded him.
The husband sat up and listened intently.
"But I don't hear her crying," he protested.
"I know, and it's your turn to see why not!"

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Daily Stuff 3-20-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 7:04 PM GMT en Marzo 20, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

It’s cloudy with a slight breeze, not so very dark, even with thick cloud above. Spring is here, even if we can’t see it all that well. The porch roof drips occasionally, and when I was back in the bathroom I could hear water coming through the downspout from the gutters. The clematis that’s blooming beneath the porch roof is beautiful, even though the rain and frost and wind have spoiled the flowers that weren’t protected.

I was outside for a couple of minutes looking at new growth. When you clear away dead grass you can see the new stuff beneath. Little yarrow and self-heal shoots are all around the bases of the plants. New sweet woodruff plants are coming up into the path. I need to clear some of the grass roots and I need to pot up some small plants. Anyone need woodruff?

Yesterday morning I had a few moments just as we opened the shop to harvest some more from the planters out in front. I had daffodils, primrose flowers, calendula from the planters and dandelions from the path at the house.

We had a busy day, one necessary thing after another getting finished. The couple that were looking for an intentional community have moved on. Luck to them in finding something!

I started getting pictures of new stock. Those will go up today. The drying rack pictures got sorted out. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.19159740 34759.54263.1704231146&type=3&l=ae4227bcc8

At some point when I was getting the harvested materials put away, I also sat down and got dried things sorted including calendula and dandelion. I also spent a long while with the pine, stripping needles and sorting the sappy branch tips into one place to dry a little. They’re full of resin this time of the year. The whole classroom smelled like pine…actually almost like lemonade…..

Class went well, but there’s only one student. The other two haven’t been back or spoken to us, although we’ve seen them.

I’m still really tired, even after 10 hours of sleep. It’s almost noon and this is almost ready to go out. …still only almost….

We’ve our usual Tuesday things, but today I’m going to start with the calendar and see what we’ve got. I also have to track down whatever happened to the sky and telescope newsletter, work on fabric designs, bills, and other such things. There may be a sewing workshop tomorrow at the shop in the afternoon, but I haven’t heard back from folks. Tempus and I are also going to try to rack a wine today.

The shop opens at 11am. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is a waning crescent but in New Moon Phase End of the cycle - In the time leading up to the “New Moon” you may do banishings and other baneful magicks and healings that require blasting a disease away. Phase change from waning to waxing occurs at 2:57am on Thursday.

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Aries
Moon in Pisces
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: White
Planting 3/20-21

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/21 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – not this week, too wet!
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
3/24- Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Planting 3/25-6
3/25 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements (counseling)
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/26 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks. This is a fund-raiser, donations only, although I will be talking about Cherry Hill and the Hypatia society.
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Beltane/Walpurgisnacht Sabbat 4/27? 5/4? Friday, 7pm at Ancient Light
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 20, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:18 AM PDT 7:29 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:49 AM PDT 7:58 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:15 AM PDT 8:32 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:40 AM PDT 9:07 PM PDT
Moon 6:06 AM PDT 6:01 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 09m
Length of Day 12h 11m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Waning Crescent, 3% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Tu 20 High 12:02 AM 7.2 7:18 AM Rise 6:06 AM 7
20 Low 6:05 AM 1.4 7:29 PM Set 6:02 PM
20 High 12:00 PM 7.4
20 Low 6:24 PM 0.5

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – A beach not only permits inertia but enforces it, thus neatly eliminating all problems of guilt.

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Journal Prompt – What does this quote say to you? - Quotations- In Poor Richard's Almanack, Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Don't throw stones at your neighbours', if your own Windows are glass." What do you think he meant?

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Quotes
Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success. - Henry Ford
A wise man is cured of ambition by ambition itself; his aim is so exalted that riches, office, fortune and favour cannot satisfy him. - Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) English writer, lexcographer
Ah, mon cher, for anyone who is alone, without God and without a master, the weight of days is dreadful. - Albert Camus (1913-1960) French writer, born in Algiers
Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds. - Einstein

How could you begin to understand His miracles?
If you said yes glibly you would be lying,
and if you say no, that "no" will behead you
And force severity to slam shut your soul's window.
So stay in bewilderment, in wonder, so Gods' succor
Can run to you from every side and direction.
When you are really bewildered, maddened and annihilated,
Then your whole being prays, without words, "Guide me!"
The wrath of God is terrible, more terrible than anything,
But once you have begun to tremble, it starts to soften.
Anger is aimed at the denier; when you have become humble
You will come to know it as gentleness, as mercy. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
* Pisanki: Icons of the Universe * [Anja’s Note: There are a lot of beautiful pictures with this article, ask me for a PDF version at mbartlett@harborside.com ]
from Okana's Web;

One of the prime icons and symbols of Spring, of birth and rebirth And fertility, is the egg, and Poles have made decorating and sanctifying them an art form. The perfect icon of the universe, decorated eggs were taken out into the fields as the grains were sown, along with a candle blessed at Gromniczne (Imbolc), in order to bring life back into the warming soil. Eggs were also buried at the base of fruit trees to make them bear in abundance. Even the water in which boiled-style eggs were prepared is sacred; used to wash in, bless with, poured along the property lines to protect against lightening and thunder and the ravages of weather, and anointing bee hives to bring plenty of sweet tasting honey. A bowl of decorated eggs was kept in the homes at all times, to ensure good health and prosperity. Once decorated in ritual fashion, eggs were never thrown out if they were broken. Instead they are buried in the garden, bringing good fortune, or given to the Rusalje (water nymphs/spirits) in the nearest river or stream. A Great symbol of fertility, eggs traditionally bedeck the breads baked for weddings.

The eggs are decorated in several different styles. Boiled eggs are decorated in single colors, usually red, and are called krashanka. These are meant to be eaten, or fed to the livestock, and are dyed appropriately with materials safe for consumption. Krapanka are also boiled eggs, and are decorated with multi-colored dots. Drapanka are single color boiled eggs into which a design is scratched with a pin or small knife tip.
Lystowka are wrapped in leafs and subjected to a bath of onion skin water, giving a beautiful relief pattern. Depending on the type of leaves used, these eggs may also be eaten as they are boiled in the onion skins. (do NOT use any leaf you are not sure of if you plan to serve these eggs!). The most common and most tedious form of decoration, however, is called pisanki, a batik-method coloring using beeswax, commercial or natural material dyes, and RAW eggs (boiling the eggs first will not only alter the significance of the icon, but will allow water to seep through and ruin the dye, or will alter the design by adhering to cracks formed in the boiling process).

Traditionally, eggs were decorated by women and girls only; now I find that many more men are taking up this ritual as a meaningful expression of the season's celebration. Ages old rituals passed from baci (grandmother) to her family are used for the preparation of the designs. I follow a ritual much as the one outlined below - some taught, some self-inspired.

The working is traditionally done after dark, in a quiet spot that Allows concentration, meditation, and ritual consciousness. By custom, the artist should have made an effort during the day to remain calm and anger- free. The work space is set up much as an altar would be. A white tablecloth covers the work space; your candle is set in the middle of the table. Salt and bread are set behind the candle, a cup of water to the left, and flowers or incense to the right.

There are a series of traditional designs with names that date from pre-Christianity. Examples are the set of four called "The Princess, The Queen, The Crone, and the Great Goddess", 40 triangles, Call of Spring, the Universe, Gates, Birds, and Gypsy Roads. If you would like instructions for these specific designs, email the author, and I will get them to you. But you are free of course to follow inspiration and create your own personal magickal designs, and below are some of the symbolisms of design and color in pisanki:
* Sun - almost all pisanki incorporate some type of sun design. These include circles, tripods, stars, roses and swastikas.
* Circle - stands for completeness, continuity, and the cyclical nature of life.
* Circle with a dot inside - stands for the moment when the spring sun's light first hits the earth, renewing life.
* Circle divided in half - polarity, as in male/female, black/white, good/evil, night/day, life/death
* Circle inscribed with a solar cross - the four directions, the four ages, the elements
* Circle in a circle - androgyneity
* Circle surrounded and bounded by smaller circles - the poppy - consolation, oblivion, sleep, frailty
* Swastika - happiness, blessings, good fortune, good will
* Tripod - birth, life, death; man, woman, child; maiden, mother, crone
* Rose - an eight pointed star much as is found in Pennsylvania Dutch hex symbols and in quilts - stands for purity, knowledge, beauty, perfection, elegance, the eye of the Divine.
* Dots - either stars or eggs
* Triangle - air, fire, and water; sun, thunder, and bonfire; earth, air, heaven
* Encircling line - eternity
* Embattled lines - looks like the top of a castle tower, going up, left, down, left, up, left, etc. - stands for something contained, or protection against some outside force
* Invected line - a row of half circles touching at the ends ^^^^^^^^ - stands for the meeting of opposites, such as land and water or earth and sky
* Saw - indented lines, looks like a saw blade - stands for fire or water, cleansing
* Meander - looks like a child's rendition of waves - stands for harmony, infinity, waves, immortality. The most famous design incorporating this style is Gypsy Roads, a meander between alternate fields of red and black, and is a strong protection icon.
* Sieve - any space decorated with criss cross lines, like a net - Dividing good and evil
* Basket - a triangle inscribed with a sieve - motherhood, the giver of life and gifts
* Ladder - searching
* Comb, rake - sunrays, putting things in order, harvest, husbandry, prosperity
* Bends - elongated s shapes - defense, protection
* Spirals - mystery of life and death, divinity, immortality
* Solar Crosses - four directions, four ages, four elements
* Trees - pine branches strength, boldness, growth, eternal life; broad leaf trees renewal, creation, unity; apple tree fertility, luck
* Grapes and vines - fellowship, loyal love
* Plums - lines with curved (semi-circle) branches in pairs - knowledge, health, wisdom
* Three leaf clusters - "periwinkles" - eternal love, pure love
* Oak leaf - persistence, strength
* Lily of the Valley - purity, humility, young brides
* Sunflower - circle inscribed with a sieve design and with a stem - The God, a life symbol
* Cucumber - oval with a line of dots from end to end – the preservation of life
* Grain kernels - fertility, abundance
* Stag antlers - leadership, victory, nobility, joy, maleness
* Horse - wealth, prosperity, speed, endurance
* Ram horns - strength in the face of opposition, perseverance, dignity
* Rooster - good fortune, exultation, vigilance, married life
* Hen - fertility
* Birds - the coming of Spring - sparrows symbolized the soul of man Trying to be one with the Divine under any conditions, and community life - swallows protected households, larks protected fields, nightingales protected orchards, ducks and geese protected lakes and rivers, and storks protected villages
* Butterflies - childhood, frivolity, soul's ascent to immortality, freedom
* Spider - artistry, patience, industry
* Fish - abundance, sacrifice, regeneration
* Hens' Feet - motherly protection, guiding the young in search for knowledge
* Goose Feet - the soul, warning, wakefulness (many Poles use geese as watch animals)
* Bear paws - the guardian of the forest, bravery, wisdom, strength, endurance, reawakening, protection, the guardian of homeowners
* Rabbits ears - humility, listening to lessons of nature
* Wolves teeth - loyalty, wisdom, a firm grip on truth, teaching

Colors

* Yellow - light, purity, wisdom, youth, happiness, harvest, hospitality, love, benevolence
* Orange - endurance, strength, worthy ambition, fire, flame - it is the red of passion tempered by the yellow of wisdom)
* Green - renewal, breaking of shackles, freedom from bondage, freshness, fertility, health, hopefulness
* Red - action, magic, fire, charity, youth, spiritual awakening, joy of life, love - children are usually given solid red eggs at Wiosna
* Black - absolute, constancy, eternity, the womb, death, fear, ignorance - black and white eggs are in honor of the souls of the departed
* Brown - Mother Earth, bountiful gifts
* Blue - used SPARINGLY, as is hard to make - skies, air, good health
* White - purity, virginity, innocence, birth
* Purple - fasting, faith, patience, trust
From Pam at Hearthside Circle

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Energy list
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.

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Silliness – GCF: Preposition

A gentleman wandered around the campus of a college looking for the library. He approached a student and asked, "Excuse me, young man. Would you be good enough to tell me where the library is at?"

The student, in a very arrogant and belittling tone, replied, "I'm sorry, sir, but at this school, we are taught never to end a sentence with a preposition!"

The gentleman smiled, and in a very apologetic tone, he replied, "I beg your pardon. Please allow me to rephrase my question. Would you be good enough to tell me where the library is at, dummy?"


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Daily Stuff 3-19-12 Equinox
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 5:27 PM GMT en Marzo 19, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 101 at 6pm.

Interesting… yesterday was 3 minutes 6 seconds longer. Today is 3 minutes 5 seconds longer, but tonight is equinox….

When the sun came over the mountains there was enough cloud that you couldn’t see him, but the clouds turned to silvery gold and the light made everything look rich and clean. The alder was covered with water droplets from an earlier shower and now that the sun is flitting in and out of cloud, when the beams come through, the droplets sparkle. Drips falling from the porch roof are tiny diamonds until they shatter. Birds are on and off of the feeder, but they’re busy this morning, not sticking around to chat, just pecking busily for a mouthful or 3 and taking off.

Yesterday was a good day. The classes went well, although I was getting incoherent by the end of the 101 class. Tempus and two other people went to the Sundays in Spirit seminar. I stayed at the shop and Brea came in for her class, which ranged over a lot of topics…. No one was interested in the Herb Drying class that I had intended for Practical Craft, so we just burned things… …Resins and other incense materials in a cauldron, of course! We finished the day with sitting around and discussing various topics after the young people went back to Job Corps. Tempus and I got home 7-ish and watched the rest of the Two Towers while we ate and then went in and crashed.

I didn’t manage to post the new drying rack pictures, yesterday. I’m going to try to get those today.

I’ve got a few of the egg decorating tools to put away this morning and I *really* want to sew….

..and the classroom needs to be cleaned up and some of the flowers are really dry and need to be put away and there’s new stock to check in (which I’ll talk about tomorrow!) and so on and on….

We’ll be there through class time tonight. If the lights are on we’re there!

We’ve been talking about Spring Break… We usually go to summer hours for that one week. I don’t know that we’re going to open on Wednesday, but we’ll be *trying* to open at 10am all next week. ….trying…that’s going to be a strain. We’ve been staying well into the evening, almost every night, so that’s not as likely to be an issue. Spring Break for Oregon begins this Friday as the kids get out of school and lasts for a week.

The shop opens at 11am. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is a waning crescent. New Moon Phase beings at 2:57pm.Hecate’s Brooch – 3-5 days before New Moon – Best time for Releasing Rituals. It’s the last few days before the new moon, the time of Hecate’s Brooch. This is the time that if you’re going to throw something out, or sweep the floors, or take stuff to Good Will, do it! Rid yourself of negativity and begin the letting go process. End of the cycle - In the time leading up to the “New Moon” you may do banishings and other baneful magicks and healings that require blasting a disease away. Phase change from waning to waxing occurs at 2:57am on Thursday.

If you haven’t gotten outside to look at Jupiter and Venus do it tonight!!!
As the stars come out, look south for brilliant Sirius. It's the bottom point of the Winter Triangle. The triangle's other corners are Procyon to Sirius's upper left, and Betelgeuse to Sirius's upper right (in the corner of Orion). Compared to the Summer Triangle, the winter one is brighter, more colorful, and equilateral!

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces enters Aries at 10:14pm
Moon in Aquarius enters Pisces at 5:05pm
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Ivory
Harvest 3/18-19

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/19 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Not today
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
3/24- Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Planting 3/25-6
3/25 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements (counseling)
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 19, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:20 AM PDT 7:28 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:51 AM PDT 7:57 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:17 AM PDT 8:31 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:42 AM PDT 9:06 PM PDT
Moon 5:40 AM PDT 4:57 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 06m
Length of Day 12h 08m
Tomorrow will be 3m 5s longer.
Waning Crescent, 8% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
M 19 Low 5:18 AM 2.0 7:20 AM Rise 5:41 AM 13
19 High 11:10 AM 7.4 7:28 PM Set 4:58 PM
19 Low 5:45 PM 0.4

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Too busy sometimes now to remember the core of what started at all? Live your dreams and don't let those dreams make you forget who you were when you dreamed them.

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Journal Prompt – Personal Experiences - What are some colors you see the most in your every day life?

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Quotes
It is always with excitement that I wake up in the morning wondering what my intuition will toss up to me, like gifts from the sea. I work with it and rely on it. It's my partner. - Jonas Salk (1914-1995) US microbiologist
It is shocking to find how many people do not believe they can learn, and how many more believe learning to be difficult. Muad'Dib knew that every experience carries its lesson. - Frank Herbert (1920-1986) US writer
Appraisals are where you get together with your team leader and agree what an outstanding member of the team you are, how much your contribution has been valued, what massive potential you have and, in recognition of all this, would you mind having your salary halved. - Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) US President (26)
At twenty you have many desires which hide the truth, but beyond forty there are only real and fragile truths -your abilities and your failings. - Thomas Stearnes Eliot (1888-1965) US writer

Rereading Frost by Linda Pastan, from Queen of a Rainy Country. © W.W. Norton & Company. Reprinted with permission.
Rereading Frost
Sometimes I think all the best poems
have been written already,
and no one has time to read them,
so why try to write more?

At other times though,
I remember how one flower
in a meadow already full of flowers
somehow adds to the general fireworks effect

as you get to the top of a hill
in Colorado, say, in high summer
and just look down at all that brimming color.
I also try to convince myself

that the smallest note of the smallest
instrument in the band,
the triangle for instance,
is important to the conductor

who stands there, pointing his finger
in the direction of the percussions,
demanding that one silvery ping.
And I decide not to stop trying,

at least not for a while, though in truth
I'd rather just sit here reading
how someone else has been acquainted
with the night already, and perfectly.

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Magick – Ostara
Ostara, Tryskelion - http://www.tryskelion.com/tryskelion/ostara.htm
Ostara (Eostre) circa March 21, also known as the Spring or Vernal Equinox, is one of two dates where day and night are equal; a point of balance, after which the forces of light gain power and preeminence over the powers of darkness until it reaches its ultimate at Midsummer.
Deities honored during this festival are those of the maiden goddess and the youthful, warrior god. The sabbat takes its name from Eostra (Ostara), the Goddess of the Dawn, the Saxon Goddess who heralds the triumphant rebirth of the Sun and the return of the greening season. Hellenic traditions celebrate the return of Persephone, Demeter's daughter, from Hades. Some sects see this as the time of courtship between the God and the Goddess, whose relationship will then be consummated at the following sabbat of Beltaine.
When the Catholic Church preempted this rite, as with so many others, it kept the essence of the sabbat, but appropriated its essential properties for Christ. Ostara has always been a rite celebrating the resurrection and restoration of the Sun. The Holy Roman Church simply ascribed the resurrection to Christ, also known as the Son, who is also described in biblical terms as "the Light." Even the way in which "Easter" is arrived at is Pagan in origin, calculated from the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Equinox. That is, of course, unless a full moon falls on that date; at which time, the Easter sabbath falls on the following Sunday. While they were forced by an unchangeable astronomical event into keeping the essential date of the original Pagan Sabbat, it seems that having the Holy Easter Sabbath on a full moon was simply too much for the Church to abide!
Ostara is the beginning of the fertility festivals. Buds begin to push their way through the earth to reach the strengthening sun's light; animals in the wild feel the ancient instinct to breed; the energies of Nature shift subtly from the torpor of Winter to the exuberant activity of Spring. It is a time of new beginnings, of action, of saying goodbye to the old and making room for the new. We can see this urge reflected in our lives even today. We talk of "Spring cleaning" and "In Spring, a young man's fancy turns to..."; the desire to run the greening fields (or, in our world, walk the parks, fish, and other outdoor activities) vies urgently with the obligation of our workday routines, often resulting in "sick leave days" and spur-of-the-moment "personal days" where the real excuse is "Spring Fever."
Symbols of this holiday include eggs, rabbits, and flowers of all kinds. Modern secular activities such as the dying of Easter Eggs are remnants of ancient Pagan traditions. The Anglo-Saxons painted eggs with their hopes and dreams and presented them as a gift to Eostre. These eggs were then buried in the Earth, so that the Earth-Mother would know dreams of her children, in hopes that She would see fit to help them realize their desires. This practice predates Christianity by approximately 1000 years.
Rabbits (hares) were the companions of Eostre, and she is still often pictured with a hare by Her side. Because of their well-acknowledged reproductive ability, they are the perfect compliments to the start of a fertility-based season.
In many cultures, the Goddess was known not only as the Goddess of Fertility, but also as the Goddess of Grain. Therefore, special cakes and breads were baked and given to Her in offering. This tradition remained, long after the original reasons were lost, and we still see people baking special Easter breads and cakes today.
Other foods traditional to this season include those made of seeds, as well as pine nuts. Also, green leafy vegetables and sprouts are equally appropiate. Some groups create special dishes made of flowers, such as stuffed nasturtiums or carnation cupcakes.
Activities appropriate to celebrate the day include those listed above, as well as randomly collecting wildflowers on a walk through the woods, or buying a mixed bouquet from a florist. The flowers you choose will often reveal your inner thoughts and emotions, and their meanings to you can be divined through books, pendulum, and your intuition.
Some groups set the seeds they'll soon be planting within the sacred Circle of their Ostara rituals. In this way, either a special charging ritual can be done for the seeds, or the seeds can simply absorb the energy of the Circle. They can then be planted safely after the next full moon.
Ritual cleaning is often done, though usually in the secular vein today. It seems people are driven by the need to throw open the windows to our homes and force out all the stale, winter air. Many of us clean the house from top to bottom; sweeping every nook and cranny from ceiling to floor; cleaning out cabinets and drawers, and scrubbing them, too. Often, many choose this time of year to change the liners in drawers, or to put away the winter bedding in favor of the lighter-weight summer linen. Heavy winter clothes are washed, folded, and put away and the lighter weight spring and summer clothes find their way into our closets.
This same mundane ritual of household cleaning can be applied to our inner selves, as well. Use Ostara to clean out all the mental cobwebs and to throw away all the old, negative modes of thought. Throw open the doors to your mind, heart, and soul and let the gentle breezes of Ostara breathe new hope and the vigor of youth into your newly awakening life.

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Energy list
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.

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Silliness – GGCF: On Company Time

Boss: You got your hair cut on company time.

Worker: It grew on company time.

Boss: Not all that hair.

Worker: I didn't get it all cut.

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Daily Stuff 3-18-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 3:15 PM GMT en Marzo 18, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 101 at 10am. Brea’s Elements at 1pm. Practical Craft at 3pm.

It’s very grey out. They were wrong about the thunder and rain showers yesterday, I’m hoping they’re wrong about the rain today, but the porch roof is already dripping and there are droplets of water on the altar. I got startled by a sparrow a moment ago, who landed on the grass rake and knocked it over to the window. He rode on it all the way there and then started stropping his beak on the glass. Should I be afraid to walk out the front door, later?  It’s pretty chilly out, in the mid-30’s. …reason enough to crawl back into bed, but I’m trying to get moving so that I can be at the shop at 9.

What a day, yesterday! After the computer crash, we hurried out to the shop so that I could get the newsletter out even if it was incomplete.

I got finished just in time for the Herbs Workshop, but since I was the only one there I worked on the pictures that I took on Friday as I was filling the Herb Drying Rack. I only got some of them done, but the slug doing laps is a hoot. I’m going to try to get those posted at some point today.

After that I worked on some plants, getting one transplanted to a better pot, then worked on cleaning up the egg dye and tried dying my shirt to match the splatters. I don’t understand why it didn’t work… Well, I tried. After that I got the table pretty well cleaned and sorted out the cleaned egg decorating tools. There are more to put away, but it ought to be fast for the few that are left.

I did some more computer work and then it was time for Sewing Workshop. Mary was there and we were playing with the bootie pattern. I’m *so* looking forward to those! I started working on the purple robe and a couple came in looking for some psychic help, so I didn’t get far with what I started on.

Going on into the evening Willow and I worked on sorting some pattern stuff so that she has projects and I started cutting one out, but didn’t get finished. We also pulled out the buttons and played.

Tempus and I got home around 9 and watched the Lord of the Rings while we cooked and ate dinner and then sat for a bit. We’re into the 2nd movie. Theoden has been freed from the spell and is riding for Helm’s Deep with Strider, Legolas and Gimli. Merry and Pippin are with Treebeard. Gandalf is back and Frodo, Sam and Gollum are heading away from the Black Gate.

Today is pretty much all classes, although I’m hoping to get in a little sewing time and Tempus is heading for the Sundays in Spirit series (at Soul Vacation) at noon.

I’ll be at the shop around 9am, but we open at 11. It’s ok, come in anyway! Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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NASA Science News for March 16, 2012 - NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope is finding hundreds of new objects at the very edge of the electromagnetic spectrum. Many of them have one thing in common: Astronomers have no idea what they are. FULL STORY: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-na sa/2012/16mar_theedge/

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is a waning crescent. Hecate’s Brooch – 3-5 days before New Moon – Best time for Releasing Rituals. It’s the last few days before the new moon, the time of Hecate’s Brooch. This is the time that if you’re going to throw something out, or sweep the floors, or take stuff to Good Will, do it! Rid yourself of negativity and begin the letting go process.

As the stars come out, look south for brilliant Sirius. It's the bottom point of the Winter Triangle. The triangle's other corners are Procyon to Sirius's upper left, and Betelgeuse to Sirius's upper right (in the corner of Orion). Compared to the Summer Triangle, the winter one is brighter, more colorful, and equilateral!

Celtic Tree Month of Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Aquarius
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Gold
Harvest 3/18-19

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/18 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/19 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Not today
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
3/24- Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 18, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:21 AM PDT 7:26 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:52 AM PDT 7:55 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:19 AM PDT 8:29 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:44 AM PDT 9:04 PM PDT
Moon 5:12 AM PDT 3:52 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 13h 02m
Length of Day 12h 04m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Waning Crescent, 15% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Su 18 Low 4:21 AM 2.6 7:22 AM Rise 5:12 AM 21
18 High 10:12 AM 7.3 7:27 PM Set 3:53 PM
18 Low 5:00 PM 0.4
18 High 11:24 PM 6.9

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill - just add a little dirt.

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Journal Prompt – Which? - Which is most important to you—being popular, accomplishing things, being organised—and why?

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Quotes
As for accomplishments, I just did what I had to do as things came along. - Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) US first lady (33)
The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end. - Leon Trotsky (1879-1940) Russian revolutionary
As much as I converse with sages and heroes, they have very little of my love and admiration. I long for rural and domestic scene, for the warbling of birds and the prattling of my children. - John Adams (1735-1826) US President (2)
The natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on Earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man, but only to have the law of nature for his rule. - Samuel Adams (1722-1803) US patriot

The fire of hell is just an atom of God's wrath
Just a whip He wields to menace the evil.
Yes, God's wrath is fiery, all-powerful, all-devouring,
But the freshness of His mercy transcends it.
This is an unconditional, unqualified, spiritual priority.
Have you seen beyond duality what is before and behind?
How could a clay bird soar into the heaven of Vision?
The highest place it can soar to is still only air,
For its origin remains sensuality and desire.
Stay, then, astounded and bewildered; don't say yes or no.
Then Mercy can stretch out Its hands to help you. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
Elkloaf

Ingredients:

olive oil
1 handful of Rosemary & Olive Oil Triscuits, crushed (1/2 cup crumbs)
1/4 cup half-and-half
1 egg
1/8 of a sweet onion, diced (about 1/4 cup)
several sun-dried tomatoes, diced (1/2 cup)
1 pound ground elk
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon rosemary

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350º. Grease a loaf pan with olive oil.

Put a handful of Rosemary & Olive Oil Triscuits in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin, until you have 1/2 cup of small crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup half-and-half and one egg. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes so the crumbs will soften.

Meanwhile peel the onion, cut it into sections, and dice until you have about 1/4 cup of onion bits. Put the bits in a small bowl and set aside. Dice the sun-dried tomatoes. Add them to the bowl with the onion bits.

To the large mixing bowl, add 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper. Put the ground elk into the large mixing bowl, tearing it into small pieces with your hands. Add the diced onion and sun-dried tomatoes. Mash and knead the mixture until thoroughly blended; it should be fairly smooth and stick together well. (If it’s too dry, add a little more half-and-half; if it’s too wet, add more Triscuit crumbs.) Pat the mixture into an oblong shape and lift it into the loaf pan.

Pour 1/2 cup ketchup into a small bowl. Add 1 teaspoon oregano and 1 teaspoon rosemary. Mix with pastry brush. Use half the sauce to cover the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly with the pastry brush.

Cook the meatloaf for 55 minutes. Remove it from the oven and brush the remaining sauce over the top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and cook for another 5 minutes. Serves 5 people.

Notes:

If you can’t find Rosemary & Olive Oil Triscuits, try substituting plain Triscuits plus 1 teaspoon rosemary and 1 teaspoon olive oil.

I had 1/4 of a sweet onion left over from a previous recipe, and didn’t need to use all of it. You can add more onion if you wish. This time the onion bits didn’t cook completely, although the meat did; they were still a little crispy. Next time I’ll try sautéing them first. Some meatloaves seem to soften onions more than others, even if the onion bits are of similar size.

I used kitchen scissors to cut the sun-dried tomatoes into strips, then held them together and cut crosswise to dice. This is the first time I’ve tried cooking with sun-dried tomatoes, and I’m thrilled with the flavor and texture. I like them much better than fresh tomatoes.

The flavors in this recipe are designed to complement the robust flavor of elk meat. Other game meat such as moose or venison would probably work. It’s not optimized for beef, though you could try that if you don’t have access to game.

Use a good tomato ketchup for the base of the sauce. Avoid ones that already have a lot of spices, or that list high fructose corn syrup as the first or second ingredient; you don’t want it too complex or too sweet. I used organic ketchup, which is nice and tangy, and made a perfect carrier for the oregano and rosemary. The sauce dries to a bright sticky coating with intense flavor.

The five of us devoured the whole meatloaf, with just enough room left for dessert.


This recipe was originally published in The Wordsmith's Forge on 3/22/09, then revised for reprint 6/24/11.

Fly-Off-the-Plate Potatoes

Ingredients:

4 large roasting potatoes
salt
pepper
1/2 cup goose fat
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

Scrub the potatoes. Cut them into bite-sized chunks.

Put 1/2 cup goose fat into a small bowl. Crumble 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary into it. Stir to combine.

Put about half the potatoes into 8x11" baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle about half the herbed goose fat over the potatoes. Stir to coat evenly. Add the rest of the potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle on the rest of the herbed goose fat. Stir carefully, being careful not to knock pieces out of the dish.

Cook at 400ºF for one hour. Toward the end, test the potatoes with a fork. When done, they should be tender, and the top layer will be brown and crispy on the highest points.

Notes:

Any type of roasting or multipurpose potato should work. I used red ones because the skins contrast nicely with the white centers.

The goose fat is what makes this recipe splendid rather than ordinary. Its reputation as a supreme cooking ingredient is well justified. If you don't have any, you can try a variation of this recipe using duck fat, chicken fat, or even cooking oil. But goose fat is so awesome that it's actually sold in jars as an ingredient in its own right, so you can find it at gourmet suppliers. I simply siphoned mine out of the "Herbal Roast Goose" that I made earlier.

Rosemary goes very well with potatoes. However, you can try other herbs such as thyme or oregano if you prefer.

This recipe was originally published in The Wordsmith's Forge on 5/1/10, then revised for reprint 6/24/11.

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Energy list
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.

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Silliness – GCF: Check Your Bill

A corporate executive received a monthly bill from the law firm that was handling a big case for his company. It included hourly billing for conferences, research, phone calls, fax, photocopying, and everything but lunch hours.

Unhappy as he was, the executive knew that the company would have to pay for each of these services.

Then he noticed one item buried in the middle of the list:

"For crossing the street to talk to you, then discovering it wasn't you at all - $125."


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Daily Stuff 3-16-12 Ostara Open Circle
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:43 PM GMT en Marzo 16, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Ostara Sabbat Open Circle at 7pm!

Before sunrise it was pretty chilly, bit it’s warming up pretty quickly. It’s 45F and there’s just enough breeze to move the tree branches around. It’s supposed to be overcast and rainy all day, but right now it’s lovely.

The sunrise was beautiful. It was very grey when I got up, but as the light grew it created a golden glory in the gap in the trees to the east and glowed on small puffy white cloud strings to the south and south-east. Birds have been all over since I came out here and they’re making a tremendous racket outside.

Pretty much everybody has power back. There’s one family that’s still out, but they’re staying with friends. A couple more people have trees to deal with, either in the yard, on the street or in several cases large pieces on top of the house! One person has offered to bring a bunch of laurel from a tree that went down in her yard and some more ivy for wands, since she has a lot of big stuff. If you have trees down, let me know what variety, because I might be interested in some branches or foliage.

Tempus got up on the roof of the house next door yesterday in the wind and the rain to fix a spot where some shingles took off. He checked what he could see of our roof, because we know a few went flying, but didn’t see any. He’s got to get up onto the west side of our house, still.

It was weird to see trash cans all over again. Some folks seemingly with light and not-full cans had stuff scattered all over, but since Dahl’s started providing the dumpable-by-truck cans that we have it hasn’t been nearly as “interesting” as far as trash migrating down the street. I can remember one article that I wrote about the migratory habits of such things….but that’s been several years ago. …and one of the old-style cans that committed seppuku in a tree…30 feet up!

The Ostara ritual is tonight. This is a fairly simple ritual compared to some we’ve done. We’re asking everyone to show up around 7pm and the ritual proper will start at 8. Please bring fingerfoods for the feast.

We didn’t make it back to the shop on time yesterday. It’s the first time we’ve been seriously late in a while, not getting the doors open until 11:30, but it was nasty, messy weather and we didn’t have many people in all day, so I’m hoping no one’s plans were upset by it.

Once we got there I got a little of the sewing/cutting stuff done, then pulled out the egg-decorating supply boxes and started sorting. Grandma had a ton of egg decorating kits that were scattered all over and are all finally (I hope!) in one place. I save a lot of equipment from year to year, as well and the little bits and pieces that help when you’re making small odd projects. I have to put away things as they get washed, at this point…and I still want to make the cow eggs… I know, I’m silly, but that idea has intrigued me for years.

Tempus and I just went through what all we need to get done today…

…Anyway, we did dye eggs at the Crone’s Tea. There are several for the Sabbat tonight and I also emptied a set of shells that I’m going to dye this morning along with another set of plain hard-boiled eggs.

Just as we finished, the 103 class was starting to come in, so we scrabbled things into a useable order and had class. Marcia-Beth was finally able to join us last night. She had surgery on a tendon and has a wonky work schedule, so it’s been difficult, but at worst she’ll get *some* of the class.

After class I pulled the embroidered piece that I’ve been working on off of the frame and got a Triple Moon, beaded embroidery on a purple fabric intended for a robe that has to be mended and finished onto the frame. I don’t know if I’ll manage to work on that today or not, but at least the process is started.

Today Tempus has some things to do at the house, so we’re planning on getting ot the shop a bit early and getting open. I have to work on some financial stuff, while Tempus is working on bread for tonight, laundry and the roof. After that I have to do what egg-dying I can and then Willow is coming in to do some sewing. I finally found the other cut-outs box, so we’re going to sort through some of that and sort some patterns that I found. If things go very well, Tempus might be back in time to get more of the boxes out of the way and then we can get more of the sewing area organized.

We’re stay open up until 7pm for customers to finish setting up for the Sabbat, but if you’re going to want something from Incense, Divination, Cards, Pottery or Prints, it might be smart to come in well before that. Set-up, which will start around 6pm, disrupts those displays pretty badly.

We’re opening the shop before 11am today and we’ll be there up through the Sabbat. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is a waning crescent. Waning Crescent Moon – Best time for beginning introspective magicks that are more long term. Waning Crescent Phase ends on the 17th at 2:57pm.

Jupiter and Venus have separated a bit to appear 4.0° apart now — still a head-turning spectacle during and after twilight!
Tonight Comet Garradd, 6th or 7th magnitude, passes about ¼° by the tail star of Draco: 4th-magnitude Lambda (?) Draconis. See our article and chart in the March Sky & Telescope, page 60, or online.
Saturn (magnitude +0.4, in Virgo) rises in the east around 9 or 10 p.m. and shines highest in the south around 3 a.m. Accompanying it 6° or 7° to the right or upper right is Spica, a little fainter at magnitude +1.0 (and bluer). In a telescope Saturn's rings are tilted 15° from our line of sight, their most open since 2007.
Uranus and Neptune are behind the glare of the Sun.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Capricorn
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Coral
Planting 3/15-17

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
3/17 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/19 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Not today
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
4/19 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 16, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:25 AM PDT 7:24 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:56 AM PDT 7:53 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:22 AM PDT 8:27 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:48 AM PDT 9:01 PM PDT
Moon 4:00 AM PDT 1:39 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 12h 56m
Length of Day 11h 58m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Waning Crescent, 33% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
F 16 Low 1:47 AM 3.3 7:25 AM Rise 4:01 AM 41
16 High 7:47 AM 7.4 7:24 PM Set 1:39 PM
16 Low 3:01 PM 0.5
16 High 9:42 PM 6.1

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Wisdom grows from roots of Compassion

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Journal Prompt – Describe - Describe your perfect vacation.

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Quotes
America is a country that doesn't know where it is going but is determined to set a speed record getting there. - Dr. Lawrence J. Peter (1919-1990) US pop psychologist, writer
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. - Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Scottish novelist, poet
No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously. - Dave Barry
The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore. - Dale Carnegie

Otherwise
I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been
otherwise. I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach. It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.

At noon I lay down
with my mate. It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks. It might
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the walls, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know,
it will be otherwise. - Jane Kenyon (Otherwise)


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Magick – Ostara
Ostara Traditions Past & Present - http://homefrontmagazine.org/ostara-traditions-pas t-present/
The kids and I blow out eggs and decorate them with Celtic and spring symbology. Then we hang them on a branch, spray painted white and put in a vase of brightly colored floral pebbles. This is our “Ostara tree”. We plan a spring menu to clelebrate the spring Equinox ( we always celebrate March 21, disregarding the Christian Easter). We also begin some of our garden indoors on this day such as tomatoes and peppers. It brings the meaning of being closer to the earth to our kids. Of course, we always do an egg hunt too, usually indoors, since it is usually still chilly on March 21 where we are and the kids are still young. They go wild for this. I just wish I could come up with more ideas of things that are non-candy to out in the eggs.

Europa14 – USA
Every year so far we have followed the traditions we had in my household while growing up, which are pretty typical. Coloring eggs the night before, hunting for them the next morning or afternoon, Easter baskets, and a special dinner with family. This year I’m finally shaking the mindset that we have to do everything the day the calendar says; since we are not following Christian traditions, there is no reason to follow the Christian date. We’ve taught Thorin that we are celebrating spring, so we might as well do just that. We’ll be doing everything on the Equinox this year and avoiding as much store-bought stuff in favor of homemade as we can, which we do for holidays anyway.

WAU NC
When I was little my father used to hide chocolate egg(s) for me in the house, when I was close to find it he said “warmer” and when further “colder” this is a nice memory for me.

Skuld – WAU Finland
HUGE egg hunt! My Sister does this every year. She puts candy and prize vouchers inside of plastic eggs and hides them all over her yard and house. The prizes range from jelly beans, stickers, stuffed animals, videos, computer games – she really goes all out. The kids LOVE it! It’s sooo much fun. This year will be her 16th year having it!

Anne – WAU NJ
In Sweden, Easter is known to us as Påsk. It is a time rich in tradition and family.
On Easter morning the family, and good friends, gather at the kitchen table to color boiled eggs for many hours. After admiring everyone’s artwork, off to the refrigerator they go.
In Swedish folklore, Easter was thought to be the witches’ time. On Thursday, these witches were said to fly off to “Blåkulla” and return again on the Saturday before. People feared this “Witches’ Time” and tried to prevent their home and family to be killed or kidnapped by the angry witches who tend to roam the land. Grandparents would frighten the children with horrible stories of people being half-eaten by wolves or slaughtered by witches. Many of these tales are written down and can be found in libraries all over Sweden.
Nowadays, children dress up as Easter witches and go from house to house and are given candy or money – very similar to the North American Halloween.
Around noon my family sits down to a huge feast where we eat our decorated eggs and other goodies! As all the eggs are hand painted and are all different, it’s very enjoyable picking from the bowl those eggs you want to eat. In my family we have a contest to see who eats the most eggs; I remember one time I managed to stuff myself with 13 eggs, but I’ve heard stories of people eating up to 30 eggs! I also remember how excited I was to find an egg with my name on it.
After the meal – of course as we are Swedish – what would be a Swedish Easter without a “Nubbe”? (shot) While the adults are sitting around the kitchen table talking, the kids get to search the house for their Easter Egg: one huge Egg filled with Candy. Unlike the small plastic american teeny-tiny eggs they hide in the backyard in North America, these are huge and are packed with candy and fruit.
Many restaurants limit their menu during the Holiday to only Easter foods. Food like Janssons Frästelse (fish and potatoes casserole) or Smörgåsbord (Sandwich Table) – which is bread made into a huge cake, with all kinds of food stuffed into it like Olives, Meatballs, Potatoes, Eggs and alot more, and is eaten cold – a delicious meal.
NorseStar

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2. Ostara – March 21st Ostara, is the Spring Equinox, it is the day when we see light conquering over darkness, when our glorious Spring has returned. In addition to...
3. Ostara Nests Ingredients Cooking chocolate Shredded Wheat Mini eggs Rice paper circles Method Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, or in a bowl over steam. Get...
4. The Pagan Origins of Ostara Ostara, is the Spring Equinox, it is the day when we see light conquering over darkness, when our glorious Spring has returned. In addition to...
5. EASTER Eggs To make dye for Easter eggs from natural materials in the kitchen try these ideas. -Red Cabbage leaves produce a robin’s egg blue color. -Orange...

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Energy list
3/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round! Update 3/08/12 – Didn’t get it. Going to try again!

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Silliness – GCF: Empty Cage
Staring at an empty cage, a zoo visitor asks, "Where are all the monkeys?"
"It's mating season," the keeper replies. "They're inside."
"Do you think they'd come out for peanuts?"
"Probably not," answers the keeper.
"Why not?" persists the visitor.
"Would you?"


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Daily Stuff 3-15-12 Ides of March
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 2:34 PM GMT en Marzo 15, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

High Wind Warning in effect until 10am.

Crones’ Tea at 3pm. Wicca 103 at 5pm.

It’s just barely getting light. The wind is blowing pretty hard at times and the house thrums and makes booming sounds. The computer says it’s blowing at 29-25 and gusting from 30-45.

I’ve heard from the rest of the people that I was wondering about. Three were still without power, but warm enough and with phone, just no internet. A couple of others were staying with friends and one, who is dealing with a tree across the driveway, headed for Portland for the weekend.

I spent a chunk of yesterday writing and reading. I’m still doing research on a couple of projects that are more long-term, and then I went off into a long spate of down-loading and watching NASA videos from youtube. Eventually I got into Spoonflower fabric designs and I’ve got a few new ones up, but I found out today that you can have too many designs in a collection. I’ve got to figure out how to whittle down the Pagan Collection, to divide it up. My best bet will probably be to make a Great Rite series, which would include the God/dess designs and a Quarters collection.

Tempus is doing genealogical research, trying to find his link to an uncle that he didn’t know he had and fill in the blanks around that. He spent most of yesterday on that, discovering relatives that we didn’t know about, a probable adoption, and some other odd coincidences.

During the afternoon we were trying to figure out if we were doing an Ostara run-through last night, and finally figured out late in the afternoon that we pretty much had….so we didn’t have an esbat. Everyone’s still up to their ears in alligators, so that was a bit of a relief.

Tempus and I have to go into Newport before we open this morning. We should be back on time, I hope.

Today, I’m hoping to get my jumper cut out, finally. I did find the scraps from the navy blue jumper, too, so it’s getting a ruffle, since it turned out too short. I may end up working on another project too, because I have an embroidered robe…well, partially-done, embroidered robe… that I tracked down. I’m thinking about dropping it onto the big frame to finish it, while I’m trying to fix the pattern for the embroidery piece that’s on there, now.

We’re going to be dying eggs at the Crones’ Tea, this afternoon, maybe doing more decorating than just simple colors. I have a bunch of kits and at least our classroom’s pretty hard to make too much of a mess. Want to come play?

Just barely enough light to see and there’s a hummingbird on the feeder, hanging on as it rocks wildly in the wind.

We’re opening the shop at 11am today and we’ll be there through class-time. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is a waning crescent. Waning Crescent Moon – Best time for beginning introspective magicks that are more long term. Waning Crescent Phase ends on the 17th at 2:57pm.

This is the time of year when we in the mid-northern latitudes get our best evening look at the teeming Milky Way in the constellation Puppis, east and southeast of Canis Major. Explore some of the telescopic highlights here with Sue French's chart and article in the March Sky & Telescope, page 62.
Mars (magnitude –1.1, in Leo) was at opposition on March 3rd and nearest Earth on March 5th. It shines bright fiery orange low in the east during twilight, and it dominates the eastern sky after dark. Regulus twinkles about 10° to its upper right. Mars shines highest in the south, in best telescopic view, by 11 or midnight.
In a telescope Mars is still 13.8 or 13.9 arcseconds wide, the largest it will appear until 2014. See our Mars map and observing guide in the April Sky & Telescope, page 50.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Sagittarius enters Capricorn at 3:24am
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Crimson
Planting 3/15-17

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
3/17 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/19 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Not today
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 15, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:27 AM PDT 7:23 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 6:58 AM PDT 7:52 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:24 AM PDT 8:25 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:50 AM PDT 9:00 PM PDT
Moon 3:13 AM PDT 12:33 PM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 12h 53m
Length of Day 11h 55m
Tomorrow will be 3m 5s longer.
Last Quarter, 44% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Th 15 Low 12:24 AM 3.1 7:27 AM Rise 3:14 AM 52
15 High 6:32 AM 7.7 7:23 PM Set 12:33 PM
15 Low 1:49 PM 0.4
15 High 8:29 PM 5.9

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – If wrinkles must be written upon our brow, let them not be written upon the heart; the spirit should not grow old.

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Journal Prompt – Persuasive - Many adults are concerned about the best ways to prevent young people from smoking. Write an editorial aimed at adults, suggesting ways to do this.

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Quotes
If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings." - Dave Barry
About all I can say for the United States Senate is that it opens with a prayer and closes with an investigation. - Will Rogers (1879-1935) US actor, humorist
Any idea, plan, or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought. - Napoleon Hill
It becomes almost second nature to be on guard against the creative pattern of our own thought. - Alice Childress (1920-1994) US writer

The grapes of my body can only become wine
After the winemaker tramples me.
I surrender my spirit like grapes to his trampling
So my inmost heart can blaze and dance with joy.
Although the grapes go on weeping blood and sobbing,
"I cannot bear any more anguish, any more cruelty!"
The trampler stuffs cotton in his ears: "I am not working in ignorance.
You can deny me if you want, you have every excuse,
but it is I who am the Master of this Work.
And when through my Passion you reach Perfection,
You will never be done praising my name." - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
http://www.thegreenguide.com/blog/tow - Green Eggs - Filed under: Dyes - 12:58 am - March 18, 2008

Most conventional egg dyes on the market are made with potentially harmful coloring agents, such as FD&C Red 40 and FD&C Yellow 6, and ingredients derived from petroleum. But colorful dyes that are safer for the environment and your family's health can be made simply and cheaply with plant-based ingredients like pomegranate and spinach. Check out "Color Me Organic" for tips on having a greener Easter.
© The Green Guide, 2008
Color Me Organic by Emily Main and P.W. McRandle

Easter is coming and you've got your free-farmed or organic eggs—so why not dye the shells naturally, too? There are a number of vegetable- and fruit-based dyes that offer a broad range of beautiful colors and are better for you and the environment than artificial colors.
Easter eggs can be dyed using either a hot method or a cold method. If you choose the hot method, hard-boiling the eggs prior to dyeing them isn't necessary; they're "cooked" as they're boiled in the dye. The cold method is safer for younger children who want to be part of the process; in this case, eggs should be hard-boiled first. In either situation, never plan on eating the eggs if they will be un-refrigerated for more than two hours.
Before dyeing your eggs, wash them with soap and water to remove any dirt or oils that might prevent the dye from sticking to the shell (this is also a good sanitary measure, should you decide to make an Egg Tree; see below).
Making Natural Dyes
For 4 cups of dye, you'll need:
1 tablespoon of a spice or 4 cups of a chopped fruit or vegetable (see list below; adding more of these ingredients will give the dye a darker hue)
4 cups of water
2 tablespoons of white vinegar (to help the dye adhere to the eggs)
Combine the ingredients in a pot, and bring them to a boil, then reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 15 to 30 minutes. The longer you allow the ingredients to simmer, the darker the color will become. If you choose to dye the eggs using the hot method, you can add raw eggs to the mixture while it's being prepared. If using the cold method, remove the dye from the heat, allow it to cool, then run it through a strainer. Dip your hardboiled eggs in the dye for at least 15 minutes—longer if you want a darker color. When finished, you can rub the eggs with vegetable oil to give them a soft sheen.
For a little variation, you can have kids decorate the eggs with crayons or wax pencils before boiling and dyeing them. Or, wrap a rubber band around the egg to create contrast, either on a white egg, to prevent coloring, or on a dry, dyed egg, where it will give you a stripe of the original color if it's redipped in another.
Egg Trees
Older kids who can handle delicate egg shells might be interested in making an Easter Egg Tree, a tradition native to Germany and Austria.
Start by puncturing both ends of a raw egg with a pin. Work the pin a bit to make two small holes, and then blow out the egg's contents into a bowl. Because of salmonella risks, it's best if the adults handle this step, but to avoid it completely, you can purchase an egg blowing tool, sold at craft stores, or you can try Martha Stewart's trick of using a rubber ear syringe from your local pharmacy to remove the contents. Once the shell is empty, dye it per the procedures above.
For your tree, use branches collected from your yard or an obliging roadside, and place them in a pot or vase filled with sand or pebbles. Tie a piece of twine or ribbon around half of a broken toothpick, and insert the toothpick into one of the holes you created initially. Then tie the other end of the twine or ribbon around one of your branches, and you can admire your eggs indefinitely.
Natural Egg Dyes
The following materials will give a range of intensities and surface textures to create a unique Easter egg basket or tree. Measurements where given are approximate; play with additional spices, vegetables and fruits for different results. Canned vegetables will work in place of fresh or frozen, but their colors will be paler. Also, herbal and black teas will give you varying shades of greens, reds and browns.
Pink/red: Pomegranate juice, red onion skins, beets or the juice from pickled beets, pickled red cabbage juice, chopped rhubarb stalks, cranberries or cranberry juice, raspberries, red grape juice
Orange: Yellow onion skins, paprika
Dark orange: Chili powder
Yellow: Orange or lemon peels, carrot tops or shredded carrots, celery seed, ground cumin, ground turmeric
Green: Spinach
Greenish yellow: Yellow Delicious apple peels
Blue: Red cabbage, canned blueberries or blueberry juice, blackberries, purple grape juice
Lavender: Small quantity of purple grape juice, violet blossoms plus two teaspoons of lemon juice, small quantity of red onion skins
Brown/tan: Dill seeds, black walnut shells, strong or instant coffee, tea
Free Farmed and/or Organic Eggs
Pete and Gerry's (www.peteandgerrys.com)
Phil's Fresh Eggs (www.philsfresheggs.com)
Gemperle Farms
Also try out eggs produced by Food Alliance farmers (www.foodalliance.org - see Where to Buy)
Image courtesy of Mary Jane's Farm (www.maryjanesfarm.com)
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/113/eastereggs/2

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Energy list
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round! Update 3/08/12 – Didn’t get it. Going to try again!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.

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Silliness – GCF: Knowledge and Wisdom

The difference between Knowledge and Wisdom:

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.

Wisdom is not putting tomatoes in a fruit salad.

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Daily Stuff 3-14-12 Pi Day
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 3:44 PM GMT en Marzo 14, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Happy Pi Day!

No Herbs Outdoors today!

It’s still pretty dark out, cloud cover, not the time of the day, for once! The snow has mostly melted off and it doesn’t look like we’ve got *too* much damage. It’s about 45 degrees and it’s windy, but not too bad. We’re under a high wind warning for today, which means high surf tomorrow.

There’s a picture album up at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.11073353 79298.13207.1704231146&type=1&l=8c45c5406f and another at:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1015072 6131854148.496132.714224147&type=1&l=b5973a333d with the garden plants… and in this one the current pictures are at the bottom.

The snow yesterday was a shock. As far as I’ve been able to find out pretty much everyone is ok. There was a section of Yachats with power and internet out late yesterday afternoon and some people have been shaken up by minor car accidents or tree encounters, but nothing major that I’ve heard about.

I spent a lot of yesterday concentrating on snow, one way or the other. I did pictures, checked up on people, started out the window at it and finally went outside to play a little myself. I did get the usual computer stuff dealt with and managed a little work on some of my fabric designs. I’ve got an interesting one based on a pic of a jonquil in the snow and I’m trying to set up some with crocus pictures.

Tempus is doing genealogical research, trying to find his link to an uncle that he didn’t know he had and fill in the blanks around that. He’s digging into old letters (what are our descendants going to do?) and checking online. He cleaned the kitchen.

Today we have more of the same, but I think I’m going back to bed for a while.

The shop is closed on Tuesday/Wednesday, but you can always reach us here. For the daily newslettter, please friend Ancient Light (not just "like" this page). When you do that you can find it in the Notes section! Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Space Weather News for March 14, 2012 - http://spaceweather.com
INCOMING CME: Sunspot AR1429 unleashed another strong flare (category M7.9) on March 13th. The explosion produced a significant coronal mass ejection (CME), which forecasters say should reach Earth on March 15th. Geomagnetic storms are possible when the cloud arrives. Check http://spaceweather.com for updates.
SUNDIVING COMET: A bright comet related to sungrazing Comet Lovejoy is diving into the sun. The orbiting Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is monitoring the comet's death plunge even as the sun peppers the spacecraft with energetic particles accelerated by the March 13th solar flare. Images of the comet are featured on today's edition of http://spaceweather.com.

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is at the Quarter at 6:25pm . Waning Gibbous Moon - From three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon. Best time for draining the energy behind illness, habits or addictions. Magicks of this sort, started now, should be ended before the phase change to the New Moon. Waning Crescent Moon – Best time for beginning introspective magicks that are more long term. Waning Crescent Phase ends on the 17th at 2:57pm.

Last-quarter Moon (exact at 9:25 p.m. EDT on this date). The Moon rises around the middle of the night. As dawn begins Thursday morning it's above the Teapot of Sagittarius.
In a telescope Venus is a brilliant white disk 20 arcseconds tall and slightly more than half lit (60% sunlit). Jupiter shows a much lower surface brightness, being farther from the Sun, but its apparent diameter is larger: 35 arcseconds.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Goddess Month of Columbina runs from 3/20 - 4/17
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Sagittarius
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Topaz
Harvest 3/13-14

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/14 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Not today
Planting 3/15-17
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
3/17 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/19 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 14, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:29 AM PDT 7:21 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 7:00 AM PDT 7:50 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:26 AM PDT 8:24 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:52 AM PDT 8:59 PM PDT
Moon 2:18 AM PDT 11:30 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light - 12h 50m
Length of Day - 11h 52m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Waning Gibbous, 55% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

Fearn Alder Mar 18 - Apr 14 - Fern - (FAIR-n), alder - The common alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertner) is common along lowland rivers, where it grows with aspens, poplars, and willows. Like willows, alders sprout from stumps. This allows them to regenerate after heavy flooding. In protect sites they may grow to 20 m (65 feet) tall. Their leaves are more blunt-tipped than most North American alders, which look more like the grey alder (A. incana (L.) Moench). This species is more common in the mountains of Europe, and is not restricted to moist soils. Like ashes, European alders are not widely cultivated in North American (they are often sold as black alders), but several native species are. Alder wood is said to resist rotting when it is wet, and was the wood of choice for pilings in many regions. Alders are members of the Birch family (Betulaceae).
Fearn - Alder Ogam letter correspondences
Month: January
Color: Crimson
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: F, V
Meaning: Help in making choices; spiritual guidance and protection.
to study this month - Ailim - Silver Fir Ogam letter correspondences
Month: None
Color: Light Blue
Class: Shrub
Letter: A
Meaning: Learning from past mistakes; Take care in choices.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
W 14 High 5:26 AM 8.1 7:29 AM Rise 2:18 AM 63
14 Low 12:36 PM 0.2 7:22 PM Set 11:31 AM
14 High 7:07 PM 5.9

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Don't ask for an easier life; ask to be a stronger person.

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Journal Prompt – What does this quote say to you? - William Durant, the founder of General Motors, once said, "Forget mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you're going to do today. Today is your lucky day." Write about how today is your lucky day.

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Quotes
It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. - Samuel Adams (1722-1803) US patriot
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. - Benjamin Franklin
The artist alone sees spirits. But after he has told of their appearing to him, everybody sees them. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
A writer is congenitally unable to tell the truth and that is why we call what he writes fiction. - William Faulkner (1897-1962) US writer

Pale, beyond porch and portal,
Crowned with calm leaves she stands
Who gathers all things mortal
With pale, immortal hands. ~Swinburne

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Magick – Ostara
Spring Equinox (Eostre/Ostara) on Witchology - http://www.witchology.com/contents/march/ostara.ph p
Find out about the Spring Equinox - the Wiccan Eostre or Ostara Sabbat - this month's seasonal witchcraft Sabbat celebrated by modern Wiccans and pagans.

The Rites of Spring
By Dr Leo Ruickbie, Director of WICA.
The end of March is the focus for a number of religious and traditional celebrations. As the sun appears to cross the earth's equator on the 20th or 21st of March, entering the Zodiacal sign of Aries, day and night will be equal in length. This astronomical phenomenon is a day anciently revered amongst Pagan peoples. Their festivals included Alban Elfed, the Teutonic festival in honour of Eostre, Roman Hilaria Matris Deûm, Welsh Gwyl Canol Gwenwynol ('Day of the Gorse'), the Wiccan Eostar (Ostara) Sabbat and the Christian Feast of the Annunciantion of the Virgin Mary (Lady Day) as well as Easter itself.

Origins and History of Ostara
Today, Ostara is one of the eight major holidays, sabbats or festivals of Wicca. It is celebrated on the Spring Equinox, which in the northern hemisphere is around the 20th or 21st of March and in the southern hemisphere around the 23rd of September. Its modern revival is linked to some of the oldest traditions of mankind.

The Month of the Goddess
The name is thought to be derived from a goddess of German legend, according to Jakob Grimm in his Deutsche Mythologie. A similar goddess named Eostre was described by the Venerable Bede. Bede indicated that this name was used in English when the Paschal holiday was introduced. Since then this name (not the holiday) has been converted to Easter, or in German Ostern. Some scholars question both Bede's and Grimm's conclusions due to a lack of supporting evidence for this goddess. Others argue that a lack of further documentation is not surprising given that Bede is credited with writing the first substantial history of England (in which he described Eostre as a goddess whose worship had already passed) and Grimm was specifically attempting to capture oral traditions before they might be lost.
Despite these reservations, the idea of Eostre has become firmly established in many minds. Without any consideration of these problems, the folklorist Dr Jonathan Young categorically states:
Easter has deep roots in the mythic past. Long before it was imported into the Christian tradition, the Spring festival honored the goddess Eostre or Eastre.
According to Bede and Einhard in his Life of Charlemagne, the month called Eostremonat/Ostaramanoth was equated with April. This would put the start of 'Ostara's Month' after the Equinox in March. It must be taken into account that these 'translations' of calendar months were approximate as the old forms were predominantly lunar months while the new were based on a solar year. Thus start of 'Eostremonat' would actually have fallen in late March and could thus still be associated with the Spring Equinox.
The holiday is a celebration of spring and growth, the renewal of life that appears on the earth after the winter. In mythology it is often characterized by the rejoining of the goddess and her lover-brother-son, who spent the winter months in death. This is an interesting parallel to the biblical story in which Jesus is resurrected (the reason Christians celebrate Easter), pointing to another appropriation of pre-Christian religious figures, symbols and myths by early Christianity.

Word Origins
Etymologically, Eostre, or, as it is sometimes called, Ostara, may come from the word 'east', meaning dawn. Others have also tried to link Eostre with 'estrogen' and 'estrus'. These words, however, are more widely considered to be derived from the Greek oistros, meaning 'gadfly' or 'frenzy'. Interestingly, the word 'spring' (from to spring, to leap or jump up, burst out, 0ld English springan, a common Teutonic word, ccompare German springen), primarily the act of springing or leaping, is applied to the season of the year in which plant life begins to bud and shoot.

The Antiquity of Ostara
Ostara is a modern Wiccan festival and there is no evidence that Spring Equinox festivals were called by this name in the past. However, there is no direct 'proof' of many Christian or pagan traditions, so a lack of evidence should not necessarily be taken as disproof.

Wiccan Interpretations
The Cycle of Birth, Death and Rebirth
Goddess of fertility and new beginnings, we take this opportunity to embrace Eostre's passion for new life and let our own lives take the new direction we have wanted for so long.
Goddess.com.au
Many Wiccans situate Eostre (Ostara) within a symbolic cycle of birth, death and rebirth. As the quotation from Goddess.com.au demonstrates, the particular role of Eostre is internalized and turned into a self-empowering meditation. Again Dr Young re-inforces this, by no means definitive, interpretation:
The annual event in honour of Eastre celebrated new life and renewal.
However, other views also add a darker element, according to Mike Nichols:
The god of light now wins a victory over his twin, the god of darkness.
Nichols has attempted a reconstruction of the symbolic events of this time of year using the Welth mych-cycle of the Mabinogion. By this interpretation the Spring Equinox is the day on which the reborn Llew exacts his revenge on Goronwy by piercing him with the spear of sunlight. Reborn or returned to health at the Winter Solstice, Llew is now able to challenge and defeat his rival twin and mate with his lover/mother. Meanwhile the 'Great Mother Goddess', miraculously returned to virginity at Candlemas, now receives the sun god's advances and conceives a child. This child will be born at the next Winter Solstice, nine months from now, at once closing the cycle and re-opening it.

Christianity and Easter
Contrary to what the Church may try and tell you, Christianity came late to the Easter party. There is no indication of the observance of the Easter festival in the New Testament, or in the writings of the apostolic Fathers. A comment made by St Chrysostom on I Cor. V. 7 has been supposed to refer to an apostolic observance of Easter, but this is erroneous. The sanctity of special times was an idea absent from the minds of the first Christians. The ecclesiastical historian Socrates (Hist. Eccl. V. 22) states that neither Jesus nor his followers enjoined the keeping of this or any other festival. He attributes the observance of Easter by the Church to the perpetuation of an old tradition, just as many other customs have been established.
Superstitions and Traditions
The Shock of the New
Elements of old beliefs linger in current 'superstitions'. According to these, it is said that something new should be worn at Easter to bring good luck. Easter Parades reflect this idea about wearing new clothes.

Eggs and Rabbits
The Easter Bunny is German in origin. He first appears in literature in 16th century as a deliverer of eggs. All rabbits and hares were thought to lay eggs on Easter Day, but the Easter Bunny specifically sought out and rewarded well-behaved children with coloured eggs in a manner reminiscent of Yule customs. The movements of the hare, leaping and zig-zagging across the fields, were thought to hold clues to the coming year.
Eggs themselves are obvious symbols of resurrection and continuing life, as well as fertility. Early humans thought the return of the sun from winter darkness was an annual miracle, and saw the egg as a natural wonder and proof of the renewal of life. As Christianity spread the egg was adopted as a symbol of Jesus's alleged resurrection from the tomb. According to Young, the Easter Bunny is:
a continuation of the reverence shown during the spring rites to the rabbit as a symbol of abundance. The honouring of such emblems of fertility extended to eggs. The egg serves as a representation of new life. It stands for the renewing power of nature and, by extension, agriculture. The egg can also symbolize regeneration in a spiritual or psychological sense. The ritual of colouring Easter eggs stems from the tradition of painting eggs in bright colours to represent the sunlight of spring.

The Inner Bunny
Young goes on to suggest that:
This might also be a good time to find the inner Easter Bunny.
Whether you feel up to the challenge or not, the Spring Equinox is an ominous reminder of the ways in which Christianity has subverted and perverted the old traditions of Europe - a process that many are seeking to reverse and at what better time than now.

Brief Bibliography
• Bede, De Temp. Rat. c. xv.
• St Chrysostom, Commentary on I Cor. V. 7.
• Einhard, Life of Charlemagne, trans Samuel Epes Turner. Harper and Brothers, 1880.
• Encyclopedia Britannica, 1911.
• Goddess.com.au, accessed 9th February, 2006.
• Grimm, Jakob, Deutsche Mythologie. 1835.
• Nichols, Mike, 'Lady Day: The Vernal Equinox', 1999.
• Socrates, Hist. Eccl. V. 22.
• Young, Jonathan, 'Symbolism of Spring', Vision Magazine, April 2003.

News About this Spring Equinox (Eostre/Ostara) Article
This article has been cited by Justine Hawkins, 'The Eostre bunny', The Guardian, 23 March 2008, url: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/mar/2 3/bunnies.

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Energy list
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round! Update 3/08/12 – Didn’t get it. Going to try again!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.

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Silliness – GCF: Fishing

A wife returning from a fishing trip with her husband was telling her troubles to a neighbor.

"I did everything all wrong again today," she said. "I talked too loud, I used the wrong bait, I reeled in too soon, and I caught more fish than he did."

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Daily Stuff 3-13-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 3:11 PM GMT en Marzo 13, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Snow? Snow! We have most of 6 inches of *snow*!!!!!!!!

Go figure!

I’ve just been out taking pictures. It’s over 32F, now, since everything is dripping.

There’s a picture album up at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.11073353 79298.13207.1704231146&type=1&l=8c45c5406f and I have a few more pic to add from 1am, 7am and 8am. I’ll do that right after I get this published.

Yesterday as we got to the shop it was all wind and rain. There were times when thunder would rumble and Tempus and I just looked at each other. “Was that…?” “Yup!” It poured down all day, while we worked out way through the rest of the rocks & crystals and all of the clothing.

We had locals popping in and out all day. Well, I’m counting Coos Bay as local, too! …but Coasties. I spent some time answering mail and also setting up an order that’s going out this morning. At one point Tempus commented on whether it was slow rain or drips from the roof, so I tried to open the front door to see. I had to shove *really* hard against the wind, and then when I let it go it shut abruptly with a “boom!”

There’s a junco on the bow rake, peering in the window. I wish I had left the camera set up, but if I try to get a pic, he’ll fly off. …He did.

So around 7pm, Tempus went across to the China Star and got some potstickers as a treat to tide us over until we were finished. We got back into counting stones and when we finished, around 8:30, he turned to look outside. “Damn! That’s some really slow rain! No! That’s *not*…! The car is covered!” I hopped up and sure enough, there was already an inch of snow on the ground. I got a picture, but it was already beginning to melt off of the running car. We scrambled to get closed up to go home, knowing that it was going to be in “interesting” drive.

It was. We didn’t have any major trouble, driving slowly kept us from slewing around, anyway, but as we went up Range Drive, each section of the slope got harder and harder to get up. I was almost certain we weren’t going to make it over the last hump before the stop sign, but we did, then carefully rolled around the last two corners and pulled into the driveway with a sigh of relief. Tempus cautioned me about walking carefully and I salted the porch steps before he got there with his load of stuff that we were bringing home for the weekend.

When I went into the bathroom to change out of the my work clothes I looked up and the *skylight* was covered!!!!!! During the rest of the evening it just snowed like crazy and we had one power flicker after another, one actually crashed the computers and the router. I took pictures around 10m, midnight, 1:15 or so, and then when I got up this morning at 6:30 I had to get out there for a bit. By the set of pictures at 1:15am you could hear water in the downspouts, so it was actually warming up, and it looked a lot more clear, although there are still snowflakes in the pictures.

Now it’s not snowing. There is water blowing around a bit. I got damp the last time I was out there, but I don’t think it’s rain. It felt more like it was coming from the underside of the porch roof. The porch roof is running streams and the trees that were covered last night and drooping are shedding their white coats. I did get a pic of the pampas grass still covered, but you can see that things are melting fast.

Wow….

Today we have the usual house stuff to finish. The order still has to get placed. I was just about to do that when we saw the snow. I have the usual computer work to do, newsletter files and housekeeping and we need to clean the kitchen and get the laundry done.

Here comes the wind again. Lots of roads are closed out here on the coast and the schools are closed. You can hear children outside, playing already. Lots of trees are down. Ok, just be careful folks!

The shop is closed on Tuesday/Wednesday, but you can always reach us here. For the daily newslettter, please friend Ancient Light (not just "like" this page). When you do that you can find it in the Notes section! Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Today I will practice detachment by letting go of things. I can't control.

I can't control other people, their actions, or their beliefs by forcing them to act or believe as I do. Detachment helps me see the big picture, since I can see things more clearly from a distance.

Today, and from now on, I will practice taking care of myself by detaching from people or situations that aren't good for me. Today I will pay close attention to when I am trying to force the issue, and I'll remember that my time would be better spent leaving it alone.

Quoted from Judith R. Smith (and swiped from Amanda Jarvis’ Facebook page….)

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is Waning Gibbous. Waning Gibbous Moon - From three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon. Best time for draining the energy behind illness, habits or addictions. Magicks of this sort, started now, should be ended before the phase change to the New Moon.

Venus and Jupiter appear closest together tonight: 3.0°.
Venus and Jupiter have their spectacular conjunction in the western evening sky this week! These are the two brightest celestial objects after the Sun and Moon, at magnitudes –4.3 and –2.1, respectively. They appear closest together, separated by 3°, on March 12, 13, and 14. After that, Jupiter moves away lower.
Mercury is still about the same height above the western twilight horizon as it was last week, far below or lower right of brilliant Venus and Jupiter. But it's fading: from a weak magnitude +0.5 on March 9th to an essentially invisible +2.4 on the 14th.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Sagittarius
Mercury Retrograde, Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Grey
Harvest 3/13-14

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/14 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Beginning the harvest.
Planting 3/15-17
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
3/17 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/19 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 13, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:31 AM PDT 7:20 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 7:02 AM PDT 7:49 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:28 AM PDT 8:23 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:54 AM PDT 8:57 PM PDT
Moon 1:13 AM PDT 10:34 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 12h 47m
Length of Day 11h 49m
Tomorrow will be 3m 7s longer.
Waning Gibbous, 67% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Tu 13 High 4:31 AM 8.5 7:31 AM Rise 1:14 AM 74
13 Low 11:30 AM -0.1 7:20 PM Set 10:34 AM
13 High 5:51 PM 6.3
13 Low 11:16 PM 2.7

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Negative thinking produces negative experiences.


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Journal Prompt – I wish… - I wish all children would......

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Quotes
It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up. - Vince Lombardi
Open yourself to meditation then trust your natural responses; and everything will take its place. - Dharma
All literature is gossip. - Truman Capote (1924-1984) US writer
Blood alone moves the wheels of history. - Martin Luther (1483-1546) German leader of the Protestant Reformation

For His Lovers, He alone is their joy and grief,
He alone their wages and reward for their service.
If they look to anyone other than the King
Theirs isn't love at all, only an empty passion.
What is Love? That flame which, when it arises,
Consumes everything that is not Him. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
Greenhaven Ostara Recipes - http://greenhaventradition.weebly.com/ostara-recip es.html

Cooking for Ostara often involves the first spring greens. It's too early for most farmer's markets to open, but this is prime season for gathering mushrooms and wild greens. Poultry, rabbit, and lamb are popular meats. Eggs appear whole or mixed into many dishes; whole eggs are often dyed or otherwise decorated. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products remain popular. Pastel colors and white prevail, sometimes accented with gold or silver. For background information and ritual ideas, see our main Ostara page.

Bacon-Swiss Quiche

Ingredients:

1 (9-inch) deep-dish pie crust in tin
12 slices bacon
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white sugar
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Place bacon in a large skillet, and fry over medium-high heat until crisp.

Drain on paper towels, then chop coarsely. Sprinkle bacon and cheese into pastry shell.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, sugar and cayenne pepper. Pour mixture into pastry shell.

Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce heat to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), and bake an additional 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted 1 inch from edge comes out clean. Allow quiche to sit 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.

Blueberry-Ginger Crumble

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh blueberries
1/3 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons ginger chips (minced crystallized ginger)
1/3 cup butter

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350º.

Put the blueberries in a medium-sized glass bowl and rake the edge of a spoon through them to bruise the fruit slightly. Add 1/3 cup white sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; stir, then set aside.

In a second bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, and 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar. Then stir in 2 tablespoons of ginger chips. Slice the butter into squares and add to the dry ingredients. Use a butter cutter to mix the contents until loose and crumbly.

Stir the blueberries and spread them in the bottom of a glass pie plate. Then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the blueberry filling. Bake at 350º for 20-30 minutes, until topping is golden-crisp and filling is bubbly.

Notes:

I used fresh blueberries this time. Frozen ones should also work.

The Ginger People brand sells ginger chips by the can or in bulk. If you can’t find that, buy ordinary dried crystallized ginger and mince it finely.

This crumble dessert was received with great enthusiasm.

This recipe was originally published in The Wordsmith's Forge on 7/23/08, then revised for reprint 6/24/11.

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Energy list
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round! Update 3/08/12 – Didn’t get it. Going to try again!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.

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Silliness – A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph 's Hospital. She timidly asked, "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?"

The operator said, "I'll be glad to help, dear. What's the name and room number of the patient?"

The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said, "Norma Findlay, Room 302."

The operator replied, "Let me put you on hold while I check with the nurse's station for that room."

After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, "I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Norma is doing well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back normal, and her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged tomorrow."

The grandmother said, "Thank you. That's wonderful. I was so worried. God bless you for the good news."

The operator replied, "You're more than welcome. Is Norma your daughter?"

The grandmother said, "No, I'm Norma Findlay in Room 302. No one tells me shit."

TRUE STORY

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Daily Stuff 3-12-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:34 PM GMT en Marzo 12, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 101 at 6pm.

High Wind Warning in effect from midnight tonight to 5 PM PDT Monday... High surf warning in effect from 5 am to 11 PM PDT Monday...

It’s the 4th day of the morning minus tides. Anyone been clamming? There’s just one more day…. Come to think of it, this morning’s probably a bad idea with the wind….

Tempus and I just dragged yesterday morning. We got the shop open and when the Job Corps bunch showed up he headed home to make us a hot lunch after getting the DVD’s and tapes to where I could load them into the shelf. They’re not completely sorted, but at least they’re all in one place.

Class went well and Brea came in just as we were finishing up and worked with the young folks while some of us downloaded Youtube videos and music to share, mostly because we not only have *two* band geeks now, (one’s me ) but a choir geek, too, so we played for a bit.

Tempus brought lunch and everyone ate. I had several people come in as customers, several from that women’s retreat. The young folks went back to the Center at about 2:30, after the Progressives meeting started. There may not be any more of these meetings, since the only ones at the meeting were Diana and me. We’ll wait to see what else folks are interested in doing.

We went home while it was still light. That felt weird! We ate and then Tempus went back to his genealogical research and I got a bath and went to sleep. I was arguing with my stomach before I fell asleep and I couldn’t imagine why. We had an earthquake, a 3.1, 20 miles offshore, just a little after 4am.

The wind picked up during the evening and around 11am began to moan. Right now the trees are thrashing, but it hasn’t been that big of a storm, not enough to get me awake, anyway. Once in a while the house thrums. They’re saying the wind is at 20mph, gusting to 32.

There’s a sparrow sitting on the bow rake in the tool stand right outside my study window, just looking around.

Today we’re supposed to go through the clothing, making sure things have tags and that they’re on hangers properly.

The shop opens at 11am and we’ll be there through class time. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Space Weather News for March 11, 2012 - http://spaceweather.com
INCOMING CMEs: One and perhaps two CMEs are expected to hit Earth's magnetic field today. Of particular interest is a CME launched toward Earth by a powerful M8-class eruption on March 10. Forecasters say the cloud could spark minor to severe geomagnetic storms when it arrives on March 11-12. High-latitude sky watchers should be alert for auroras tonight. Check http://spaceweather.com for updates.
WHAT DOES A SOLAR FLARE SOUND LIKE? Saturday's M8-class flare hit Earth with a burst of strong shortwave radio emissions. Today's edition of Spaceweather.com features an audio recording of the blast captured by an amateur astronomer in New Mexico.
SPACE WEATHER ALERTS: Would you like a call when geomagnetic storms are in progress? Aurora alerts are available from http://spaceweathertext.com (text) and http://spaceweatherphone.com (voice).

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is Waning Gibbous. Waning Gibbous Moon - From three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon. Best time for draining the energy behind illness, habits or addictions. Magicks of this sort, started now, should be ended before the phase change to the New Moon.

Venus and Jupiter are now almost at their closest together, appearing 3.1° apart this evening. Watch their orientation change drastically from day to day now that they're so close.
Venus and Jupiter have their spectacular conjunction in the western evening sky this week! These are the two brightest celestial objects after the Sun and Moon, at magnitudes –4.3 and –2.1, respectively. They appear closest together, separated by 3°, on March 12, 13, and 14. After that, Jupiter moves away lower.
Mercury is still about the same height above the western twilight horizon as it was last week, far below or lower right of brilliant Venus and Jupiter. But it's fading: from a weak magnitude +0.5 on March 9th to an essentially invisible +2.4 on the 14th.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Scorpio enters Sagittarius at 11:54pm
3/12 - Mercury Retrograde at 12:49am
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: White
Planting 3/11-12

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/12 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
Harvest 3/13-14
3/14 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Beginning the harvest.
Planting 3/15-17
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
3/17 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 12, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:32 AM PDT 7:19 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 7:03 AM PDT 7:48 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:30 AM PDT 8:22 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:56 AM PDT 8:56 PM PDT
Moon 12:02 AM PDT 9:44 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 12h 44m
Length of Day 11h 46m
Tomorrow will be 3m 5s longer.
Waning Gibbous, 76% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
M 12 High 3:43 AM 8.8 7:33 AM Rise 12:02 AM 83
12 Low 10:31 AM -0.4 7:19 PM Set 9:45 AM
12 High 4:45 PM 6.8
12 Low 10:22 PM 2.0

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – These days, an "underprivileged kid" only has one set of parents.

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Journal Prompt – What is? - What was(will be) the first thing that you did(do) when you got your driver's license?

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Quotes
All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. - Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Spanish artist
Beauty is the greatest seducer of man. - Paulo Coelho
Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation. - Robert F. Kennedy (1925-1968) US Politician
In avoiding the appearance of evil, I am not sure but I have sometimes unnecessarily deprived myself and others of innocent enjoyments. - Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893) US President (19)

PEARLS
pearls of wisdom
pearls of beauty
pearls surround me
i'm wrapped, bound,
and covered in pearls
like a bumpy queen.

candles made of pearls
round ones, square ones
pearls of great price
glowing with color
or pale like my
corpse-gown.

pearls in my ears
pearls on my feet
shining in bracelets
and beautiful rings
brighter than
my bloodless heart.

pearls of sadness
pearls of joy
they mean nothing
i am only a spectre
at my own
wedding feast.

riches have won me
but pale is his gold,
and the pearls
that cover me
are the poison
for us both.

they sold me to him
now they shall see
how bitter
the vengeance
of a daughter
and her riches
can be. - © 2005, Beth Johnson (Mystic Amazon)


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Magick – Ostara
Spring Equinox, Ostara, Eostre, March 21st to 23rd - http://www.wiccantradition.org.uk/ostara.html
Traditions at Ostara
Celebrates the birth of spring, some dedicate the rite to the Goddess Eostre, it is a tradition to collect wild flowers for this rite but modern laws may prevent this, if you do collect any plants or flowers from the countryside NEVER PULL THEM UP BY THE ROOTS! Always show kindness and courtesy to the plants and always remember to thank them for their generosity.

Also this is a good time to experience the outdoors, plan a long walk in the countryside take in the spring sights and smells.

It is also a good time for starting a magical herb Witches garden or for maintenance of an existing garden that has over wintered and needs a helping hand.

Rites for Ostara
Place on the Alter a green candles, decorated eggs, Fresh flowers, leaves and buds, of the season, these can also be worn. A pot plant possibly one planted for Yule, burn incense of Jasmine, sage or floral fragrances.

Christianity and Ostara
Christians base their holiday of Easter on this period, The Easter bunny is a representation of the Moon Hare which is sacred to many of the Lunar Goddesses. The Hare as a fertility symbol represents rebirth and resurrection. The colouring of Easter eggs has pagan beginnings, Eggs which are symbols of fertility and reproduction were decorated by pagans with magical symbols and used in fertility rites as offerings to the Goddesses. Some eggs were painted in Gold, Oranges and yellows in honour of the Sun Gods.

Feasting at Ostara
Floral wines are such as Elderflower are good for this festival, as well as Lamb and fish, leafy vegetables are good for feasting. Biscuits like scotch shortbread are really good as a desert.

Correspondence for Ostara

Herbs - African Violet, Angelica, Betony-wood, Bluebell, Bracken, Briony, Broom, Burdock, Camellia, Cattail, Clover, Coltsfoot, Comfrey, Cowbine, Cowslip, Crocus, Cuckoo-flower, Daffodil, Daisy, Dandelion, Dock, Edelweiss, Elderflower, Eyebright, Foxglove, Frankincense, Ginger, Gorse, Grass, Hemlock, Henbane, Hyacinth, Iris, Kcalbs Cross, Lady's Slipper, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lilac, Lilly of the Valley, Lovage, Mandrake, Marigold, Mugwort, Narcissus, Orchids, Pansy, Periwinkle, Pimpernel, Primrose, Purslane, Rose Geranium, Snap dragon, Sorrel-Wood, St Johns Wort, Wisteria

Oils - Frankincense, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lilac, Rosemary.

Trees - Apple, Apricot, Ash, Birch, Cherry, Hawthorn, Hazel, Juniper, Magnolia, Maidenhair, Oak, Pine, Rowan, Willow, Yew.

Stones - Amethyst, Aquamarine, Calcite-Blue, Carnelian, Diamond, Emerald, Flint, Jasper-Green, Moonstone, Opal, Peridot, Quartz, Ruby, Salt, Sapphire, Topaz.

Metals - Brass, Gold, Mercury, Meteorite, Silver, Steel.

Associated Colours - Gold, Green, Yellow.

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Energy list
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round! Update 3/08/12 – Didn’t get it. Going to try again!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.

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Silliness – GCF: Living Large

We were four frugal young teachers. But a couple times a year we treated ourselves to the best Manhattan had to offer. As we approached the famous restaurant Lutece, we questioned whether we were dressed perfectly. Could we pass as urban sophisticates?

The maitre d' met us at the door, all smiles and bows. When he took my raincoat, I began to look over the cozy little bar and anticipate the charming basket of pastry that was our appetizer. Then the maître d' returned to our group, gingerly holding a fabric softener sheet that had fallen from my coat sleeve.

"Madam," he said, "Your Bounce."

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Daily Stuff 3-11-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 3:22 PM GMT en Marzo 11, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 101 at 10am. Brea’s counseling at 1pm. Waldport Progressives at 2pm.

Did you remember to set your clocks forward? It’s, “Spring Forward, Fall Back!” I always hate this day in spring. I’m so very sleepy! . I know I’m going to have issues all day, because I’ve been falling asleep sitting here for about 40 minutes. I just haven’t been able to keep my eyes open.

We’re under a high wind watch for late tonight through Monday.

It’s the 3rd day of the morning minus tides. Anyone been clamming?

It’s still pretty Dark, even though it’s the time of actual sunrise.

Before we left for the shop I spent a little time out in the rain. I harvested some pine tips, a bit of blue spruce, the last of the jonquils and trimmed a bit off of the weeping cherry, branches that would be dragging on the ground.

When Tempus and I got to the shop I replied to some e-mails, while he picked up and put away some of the tools he was using on Friday, then I started in on the herbs. I made a needle tea to try from the fresh needles, which was interesting. They’re high in vitamin C and used to be used to fend off scurvy and other deficiency diseases. Next I got the jonquils drying and rearranged the trays. I have some pictures again. I started getting the heather that I harvested earlier in the week off of the hard stems when some customers came in.

There is a group of women having a beach retreat this weekend at a beach house up in Seal Rock. Several of them were very interested in the pendulums and incense and I worked with them for a while. A second group of them came in during the mid-afternoon.

I went back to the heather, got that finished, then got the rosemary out and worked on that, in between working with other customers and trying to get my inbox sorted out. I also got to talk with the lady who does the Frivolous Fuzzies, the light-weight necklaces with a magnetic clasp that work so well for folks whose hands don’t work as well anymore. We’ve got an ½ dozen new ones in some nice bright colors and a couple pastels for Ostara!

Tempus was sorting and putting away things, mostly hardware, but also some paperwork. We finally got around to working together and unstacked, sorted and re-stacked a lot of boxes of fabrics and projects, finding a bunch of things that I want to work with Willow on and, as usual, finding things that had been put away in the wrong places. I spent a long while sorting bias tape packages into the organizer that I have for those. I’m going to have plenty to make up some of the projects that have been waiting, but I didn’t get as far as getting the sewing area properly sorted out.

I *still* need to get the library DVD’s in order! …and I never got around to cutting out my jumper, but I did find the tools that had gone missing.

The wet weather kept most of the people who come to the workshops home, I guess.

Some of the misplaced stock that showed up were things like an acorn pendulum, a really nice chunk of amethyst geode set as a pendant, a pair of clip earrings with turquoise, a pendant of jasper and goldstone, some more rocks and another bit of kyanite.

Did you know we have a whole box of blue kyanite wands in the display case? They’re very delicate, but there’s nothing better for aura clearing, since kyanite doesn’t need cleansing and will drag negativity out and disperse it. I hadn’t been talking about it much, since I don’t have anything really good to put the wands in for transport. I finally figured out that we can make sleeves out of scrap cardboard that should work perfectly well, so we’ll start selling those.

Today’s weather is supposed to be more interesting with thunderstorms expected out here and possible snow in the Valley.

The shop opens at 11am, but I’m going to be there a bit after 9am. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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A man was walking down a beach one day at low tide, and happened to spy a young boy who was picking up things and throwing them into the water. As he got closer he could see that what the boy was doing was picking up starfish that had been stranded on the beach when the tide went out, and tossing them back in. They were all over. The man watched for a while and finally walked up to the boy and said "You know, you're wasting your time. There are tens of thousands of starfish all up and down this beach. There is no way that you can make a difference!" The boy looked up at him, and then he bent over and picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea. .He turned back to the man and said "I made a difference to that one! – source unknown

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is Waning Gibbous. Waning Gibbous Moon - From three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon. Best time for draining the energy behind illness, habits or addictions. Magicks of this sort, started now, should be ended before the phase change to the New Moon.

Saturn (magnitude +0.4, in Virgo) rises in the east around 9 or 10 p.m. and shines highest in the south around 3 a.m. Accompanying it is Spica, 7° to Saturn's right or upper right and a little fainter at magnitude +1.0. In a telescope Saturn's rings are tilted 15° from our line of sight, their most open since 2007.
Uranus and Neptune are hidden behind the glare of the Sun. .

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Scorpio
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Amber
Planting 3/11-12

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/11 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm Brea (counseling)
2pm – Next political meeting, Waldport Progressives
3/12 - Mercury Retrograde at 12:49am
3/12 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
Harvest 3/13-14
3/14 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Beginning the harvest.
Planting 3/15-17
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
3/17 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 – Sunday
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 11, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 7:34 AM PDT 7:18 PM PDT
Civil Twilight 7:05 AM PDT 7:46 PM PDT
Nautical Twilight 6:32 AM PDT 8:20 PM PDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:58 AM PDT 8:54 PM PDT
Moon No Moon Rise 9:02 AM PDT
Length Of Visible Light 12h 41m
Length of Day 11h 43m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Waning Gibbous, 88% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Su 11 High 2:01 AM 8.8 7:35 AM Set 9:03 AM 91
11 Low 9:38 AM -0.4 7:18 PM
11 High 3:47 PM 7.3
11 Low 9:36 PM 1.4

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Journal Prompt – Expository - What superpower would you like to have? What would you do with it?

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Quotes
I see no reason why I should tickle stones or waste time on polishing bronze. - Louise Nevelson (1889-1988) Russian artist
It is now the only place in our overly active world that does. - John Kenneth Galbraith
Little beginnings sometimes have great endings. - Benvenuto Cellini
The more you know yourself, the more clarity there is. Self-knowledge has no end, you don't come to an achievement, you don't come to a conclusion. It is an endless river. - J. Krishnamurti

God could have created the universe in a second
Just by issuing the simple order "Be!"
Why, then, did He prolong Creation over six days,
Each one of which equaled a thousand years?
Why does the formation of a child need nine months?
Gradual action is characteristic of the King.
Why did the creation of Adam take forty days?
God perfected his clay by slow, perfect degrees.
Not like you, crazy one, rushing everything always. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
Dye Eggs the Natural Way - http://www.everythingeaster.com/story/naturaldye.h tml

Use vegetables, fruits and natural products to make colorful eggs this Ostara.
The stores are stacked with Ostara egg dyes and every year as a parent you have to pick the one your child will like and hope it works.
You get home set up all the messy dyes and begin working and many times the result is a bit disappointing. The eggs may not colour properly or the dye does not stick or the child is not happy with the results.
Forget the drugstore dyes and grab some stuff out of your refrigerator. There is a way to make colourful Ostara eggs from nature. It is a great way to teach your children to use ingredients from nature, and it should also be a fun and educational experience.
First you need ingredients which depend on the colour you are looking to achieve. The following is a list of colours and what ingredients you will need.

Pale Red - fresh beets or cranberries, frozen raspberries.
Orange - Yellow onion skins.
Light Yellow - Ground turmeric.
Pale green - Spinach leaves.
Green-gold - Yellow Delicious apple peels.
Blue - Canned blueberries or red cabbage leaves.
Beige to brown - strong brewed coffee

Now that you have the ingredients you need you follow this process and you will have colorful Ostara eggs dyed the natural way.

1. Put eggs in a single layer in a pan. Pour water in pan until eggs are covered.
2. Add about a teaspoon of vinegar.
3. Add the natural dye appropriate to the colour you want your eggs to be ( the more eggs you are dying at a time, the more dye you will need ).
4. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Remove the substance you used to colour the eggs. Put eggs in a bowl. If you want your eggs to be a darker shade, cover them with dye and let them stand overnight in the refrigerator.

Copyright © 2003 EverythingHolidays.com, Inc.
Submitted By Akasha

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Energy list
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round! Update 3/08/12 – Didn’t get it. Going to try again!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.

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Silliness – GCF: Bass Fishing

Doug was describing a 30 pound bass he'd caught recently after fighting it for three hours.

Bill interrupted the story saying, "I saw the picture you took of that fish. You're lucky if it even weighed 10 pounds."

Doug replied, "Well ... a fish can lose an awful lot of weight during three hours of fighting."

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Daily Stuff 3-10-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:36 PM GMT en Marzo 10, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Herbs Workshop at 11am. Sewing Workshop at 3pm.

I love this kind of weather. Everything is very dim and cool. Water droplets hang on every catkin on the alder. The tree branches are waving gently. The greens are rich and dark. It won’t be nasty to head out to the shop. It’s not even all that chilly! The eaves drip and the birds flutter in the blooming clematis. It’s a nice way to start the day although it looks like it’ll be stormy, later.

Yesterday was just another day at the shop. We cleaned and worked on the window displays and then went through the CD’s, finally. Mary Cedarwolf stopped by, along with several other people at various times. The day just… went.

The people who are interested in the Society for Creative Anachronism got together last evening at the shop. The SCA is an international historical re-creation group. There was a branch out here in Lincoln County for several years, but it folded. You’ll see the occasional announcement about those events here because of the use of the shop for meetings. The group is planning a medieval feast on April 13th as a learning experience. If you’re interested, let me know.

Tempus and I watched the 2nd part of South Pacific last night after we got home while we ate supper and then turned in, which meant I actually got up on time this morning. That’s a good thing because I’m hoping to get to the shop early. I want to harvest some pine tips this morning. It’s a perfect time for it although I’ll be wearing my heavy coat so as not to end up dripping and chilled. I have a few more jonquils and crocus to harvest, as well.

Herb Workshop this morning depends on who is there. I’ll be starting with setting things up for drying. We’ll probably make some pine tip tea, as well. After that I’m thinking to get the elderberry processed and maybe some of the hollyhocks and I think some of the rosemary is dry enough to get it put away, maybe even the cedar.

For the sewing workshop I’m thinking about starting my spiders & lavender jumper, getting it cut out. This is the good kind of weather for working on that kind of stuff. I’ll make sure to get the work table clear so we can get some of those projects take care of. I’ve also got a pair of lap blankets to work on and those take some space.

I still need to get the library DVD’s in order and maybe get some of the boxes out of the walkway in back. Wow, wouldn’t getting them actually put away make a difference?  With any luck, if we manage that, we can get the sewing machine out, too. …and there’s a stack of project boxes in back that it would really help to go through… and…. Yeah, I’ve got “projects” on my mind today!

The shop opens at 11am, but we’re intending to be a bit early. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Space Weather News for March 9, 2012 - http://spaceweather.com
INCOMING CME: As Earth's magnetic field reverberates from the impact of one CME on March 8th, a second CME is on the way. Big sunspot AR1429 unleashed an M6-class solar flare today, and the eruption hurled a cloud of plasma almost directly toward Earth. Forecasters say the CME could reach our planet during the late hours of March 10th or early hours of March 11th. Strong geomagnetic storms are possible when the cloud arrives. Check http://spaceweather.com for more information and updates.

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is Waning Gibbous. Waning Gibbous Moon - From three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon. Best time for draining the energy behind illness, habits or addictions. Magicks of this sort, started now, should be ended before the phase change to the New Moon.

The Big Dipper glitters high in the northeast these evenings, standing on its handle. You probably know that the two stars forming the front of the Dipper's bowl (currently on top) are the Pointers; they point to Polaris, currently to their left.
And, you may know that if you follow the curve of the Dipper's handle out and around by a little more than a Dipper length, you'll arc to Arcturus (now rising in the east).
But did you know that if you follow the Pointers backward the opposite way, you'll land in Leo?
Draw a line diagonally across the Dipper's bowl from where the handle is attached, continue on, and you'll go to Gemini.
And look at the two stars forming the open top of the Dipper's bowl. Follow this line past the bowl's lip far across the sky, and you crash into Capella.
The waning gibbous Moon forms a nice triangle with Saturn and Spica once they're well up by 10 or 11 p.m.
Daylight-saving time begins (for most of North America) at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Clocks spring forward 1 hour.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.
Runic half-month of Beorc, 3/14-29 Half-month ruled by the goddess of the birch tree; a time of purification for rebirth and new beginnings.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Libra enters Scorpio at 8:24pm
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Black

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/10 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
3/11 - Daylight Savings begins, 2am
Planting 3/11-12
3/11 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm Brea (counseling)
2pm – Next political meeting, Waldport Progressives
3/12 - Mercury Retrograde at 12:49am
3/12 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
Harvest 3/13-14
3/14 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Beginning the harvest.
Planting 3/15-17
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 – Sunday
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 10, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 6:36 AM PST 6:16 PM PST
Civil Twilight 6:07 AM PST 6:45 PM PST
Nautical Twilight 5:33 AM PST 7:19 PM PST
Astronomical Twilight 4:59 AM PST 7:53 PM PST
Moon 9:46 PM PST 7:26 AM PST
Length Of Visible Light 12h 38m
Length of Day 11h 40m
Tomorrow will be 3m 4s longer.
Waning Gibbous, 93% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Sa 10 High 1:22 AM 8.7 6:36 AM Set 7:27 AM 96
10 Low 7:49 AM -0.3 6:17 PM Rise 9:47 PM
10 High 1:54 PM 7.8
10 Low 7:54 PM 0.9

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck...

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Journal Prompt – Personal taste - Families are important because...

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Quotes
You are the Child of Light within the heart of the Cosmos. Hope and Harmony radiate from you into the darkness. Do not forget the Child when you wear the golden crown, for the Child and Sovereign are one and the same. The sacrifice on the altar of the Watcher is of ego, not innocence, and with sacrifice it is thus transformed to copper-gold. - Christopher Penzak
Daisy but deceives; 'He loves me not,' 'he loves me well,' One story no two daisies tell. Ah, foolish heart, which waits and grieves, Under the daisy's mocking spell. - Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885) US writer
Avoiding problems you need to face is avoiding the life you need to live. - Paulo Coelho
Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be. - John Wooden

Oxygen
Everything needs it: bone, muscles, and even,
while it calls the earth its home, the soul.
So the merciful, noisy machine

stands in our house working away in its
lung-like voice. I hear it as I kneel
before the fire, stirring with a

stick of iron, letting the logs
lie more loosely. You, in the upstairs room,
are in your usual position, leaning on your

right shoulder which aches
all day. You are breathing
patiently; it is a

beautiful sound. It is
your life, which is so close
to my own that I would not know

where to drop the knife of
separation. And what does this have to do
with love, except

everything? Now the fire rises
and offers a dozen, singing, deep-red
roses of flame. Then it settles

to quietude, or maybe gratitude, as it feeds
as we all do, as we must, upon the invisible gift:
our purest, sweet necessity: the air. - ~ Mary Oliver ~ (New and Selected Poems, Volume Two)

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Magick – Ostara
Goddess Ishtar and the First Resurrection, The Goddess Ostara and the Easter Bunny - http://www.goddessgift.com/Pandora%27s_Box/Easter- history.htm

Feeling guilty about arriving late one spring, the Goddess Ostara saved the life of a poor bird whose wings had been frozen by the snow. She made him her pet or, as some versions have it, her lover. Filled with compassion for him since he could no longer fly (in some versions, it was because she wished to amuse a group of young children), Ostara turned him into a snow hare and gave him the gift of being able to run with incredible speed so he could protect himself from hunters.
In remembrance of his earlier form as a bird, she also gave him the ability to lay eggs (in all the colors of the rainbow, no less), but only on one day out of each year.

Eventually the hare managed to anger the goddess Ostara, and she cast him into the skies where he would remain as the constellation Lepus (The Hare) forever positioned under the feet of the constellation Orion (the Hunter). He was allowed to return to earth once each year, but only to give away his eggs to the children attending the Ostara festivals that were held each spring. The tradition of the Easter Bunny had begun.
The Hare was sacred in many ancient traditions and was associated with the moon goddesses and the various deities of the hunt. In ancient times eating the Hare was prohibited except at Beltane (Celts) and the festival of Ostara (Anglo-Saxons), when a ritual hare-hunt would take place.

In many cultures rabbits, like eggs, were considered to be potent remedies for fertility problems. The ancient philosopher-physician Pliny the Elder prescribed rabbit meat as a cure for female sterility, and in some cultures the genitals of a hare were carried to avert barrenness.

Given their "mad" leaping and boxing displays during mating season as well as their ability to produce up to 42 offspring each spring, it is understandable that they came to represent lust, sexuality, and excess in general. Medieval Christians considered the hare to be an evil omen, believing that witches changed into rabbits in order to suck the cows dry. It was claimed that a witch could only be killed by a silver crucifix or a bullet when she appeared as a hare.

In later Christian tradition the white Hare, when depicted at the Virgin Mary's feet, represents triumph over lust or the flesh. The rabbit's vigilance and speed came to represent the need to flee from sin and temptation and a reminder of the swift passage of life.

And, finally, there is a sweet Christian legend about a young rabbit who, for three days, waited anxiously for his friend, Jesus, to return to the Garden of Gethsemane, not knowing what had become of him. Early on Easter morning, Jesus returned to His favorite garden and was welcomed the little rabbit. That evening when the disciples came into the garden to pray, still unaware of the resurrection, they found a clump of beautiful larkspurs, each blossom bearing the image of a rabbit in its center as a remembrance of the little creature's hope and faith.
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Ishtar, Goddess of Love, and the First Resurrection (also known as Inanna)

Ishtar, goddess of romance, procreation, and war in ancient Babylon, was also worshipped as the Sumerian goddess Inanna. One of the great goddesses, or "mother goddesses", the stories of her descent to the Underworld and the resurrection that follows are contained in the oldest writings that have ever been discovered. . . the Babylonian creation myth Enuma Elish and the story of Gilgamesh. Scholars believed that they were based on the oral mythology of the region and were recorded about 2,100 B.C.E.

The most famous of the myths of Ishtar tell of her descent into the realm of the dead to rescue her young lover, Tammuz, a Vegetation god forced to live half the year in the Underworld. Ishtar approached the gates of the Underworld, which was ruled by her twin sister Eresh-kigel, the goddess of death and infertility. She was refused admission.

Similar to the Greek myths of Demeter and Persephone that came later, during Ishtar's absence the earth grew barren since all acts of procreation ceased while she was away. Ishtar screamed and ranted that she would break down the gates and release all of the dead to overwhelm the world and compete with the living for the remaining food unless she was allowed to enter and plead her case with her twin.

Needless to say, she won admission. But the guard, following standard protocol, refused to let her pass through the first gate unless she removed her crown. At the next gate, she had to remove her earrings, then her necklace at the next, removing her garments and proud finery until she stood humbled and naked after passing through the seventh (and last) gate.

In one version, she was held captive and died but was brought back to life when her servant sprinkled her with the "water of life". In the more widely known version of the myth, Ishtar's request was granted and she regained all of her attire and possessions as she slowly re-emerged through the gates of darkness.

Upon her return, Tammuz and the earth returned to life. Annual celebrations of this "Day of Joy", were held each year around the time of the vernal equinox. These celebrations became the forerunners of the Ostara festivals that welcomed Oestre and the arrival of spring.

A section on the Goddess Inanna (the Sumerian version of the Goddess Ishtar), her myths and symbols, is included with the myths of the goddesses at this website.
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Easter eggs, the Easter Bunny, the dawn that arrives with resurrection of life, and the celebration of spring all serve to remind us of the cycle of rebirth and the need for renewal in our lives. In the history of Easter, Christian and pagan traditions are gracefully interwoven.

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Energy list
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round! Update 3/08/12 – Didn’t get it. Going to try again!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.

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Silliness – GCF: Small Town

Traveling through New England, a motorist stopped for gas in a tiny village. "What's this place called?" he asked the station attendant.

"All depends," the native drawled. "Do you mean by them that has to live in this dad-blamed, moth-eaten, dust-covered dump, or by them that's merely enjoying its quaint and picturesque rustic charms for a short spell."

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Daily Stuff 3-9-12 Strenneia
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 1:52 PM GMT en Marzo 09, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Blessed Strinneia! Hail Lada! Hail Leyla! Welcome Jarilo! ..and let the bees bring the Spring!

I’m up way before sunrise, and I’ve been awake most of the night despite being really tired, so I’m going to get this out and then try again to sleep.

Did anyone see auroras last night? I checked several times, but it was too cloudy.

We didn’t get into the CD’s yesterday, but it was a productive day for all of that! First off, we now have several of the Love Bell spells set up and ready for sale. I sold almost ½ of them before we even got them finished! These are based on a spell of Scott Cunningham’s and they’re really pretty: a delicate glass bell painted with forget-me-nots with a blue bead clapper, hung from a string of ocean-colored beads, with the spell itself printed on a small laminated cardstock heart and a cardstock folder with directions. I don’t know when I’ll find appropriate bells to make more of these again.

I’ve started re-stocking the tarot earrings. There are about 30 more of the Major Arcana. I’m aiming to get 2 or 3 of each card done.

I spent the early part of the day cleaning up the shop plants. A couple got planted in my “fairy garden”. Those were the dahlias that really belong outside. Tempus treated several for white fly and we put them into the other window. That mostly takes washing them down with a dish soap solution, but he thinks he has a recipe for a non-toxic spray that might help. The hanging baskets mostly needed to have dead leaves removed and some spider plant babies that fell off replanted. Tempus is also going to wipe down the windowsill where the plants were this morning to try to clean that up a little. I have one plant still, which needs to be re-potted, so we brought it home to find the right size pot.

I also did a number of pictures for online orders and got those posted and e-mailed. I got a bunch of things (mostly misplaced stock) headered and put up with Willow’s help.

Willow also harvested a bunch more of the jonquils and she got the primroses for me, which then went into the drying rack.

While we had the laminator out I made a set of tags for the rock tumbler projects to track which grit level the stones are on.

…and picked up…and put away…and cleaned up… and prepped. Yeah, just another day.

It looks like Carl Neal is going to be the special guest for our May Psychic Fair. I don’t know what classes/workshops he’s going to do, yet. We’re still talking. He’s the author of one of the two incense books we use for texts and a book called the Magick Toolbox, plus a 3rd that just came out. He did a couple of workshops at World Tree last fall.

Today… I’m not sure what we’re going to be doing. I think it depends on whether I ever wake up!

The shop opens at 11am. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Strinennia, Slavic holiday of Spring
Oh little bee, Ardent bee!
Fly out beyond the sea.
Get out the keys, the golden keys.
Lock up winter, cold winter
Unlock summer, warm summer.
Warm summer –
A summer fertile in grain.
Today is an old Slavic holiday. On this day, clay larks were made; their heads were covered with honey and decorated with tinsel and they were carried around the village by revellers who sang vesnjanki, invocations to spring.
Pastries shaped like birds were baked, and given to children who threw them into the air while saying "The rooks have come". Pastries were sometimes tied to poles in the garden. The baking of these pastries would ensure that the birds would return, for it is they who bring back the spring.
Slavic Deities and Shaman-Pagan Traditions - http://www.geocities.com/satanicreds/slavic.html (link is broken!)

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is Full. Full Moon Magick: From fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon. “And better it be when the moon is full!”! Prime time for rituals for prophecy, for spells to come to fruition, infusing health and wholeness, etc. A good time for invoking deity.

This is the time of year when Sirius, the brightest star after the Sun, shines due south at nightfall. Upper left of it (by two fists at arm's length) is Procyon. Upper right of Sirius by the same distance is Betelgeuse in Orion's shoulder. These three stars form the bright, colorful Winter Triangle.
Mars (magnitude –1.2, in Leo) is at opposition March 3rd and nearest Earth on March 5th. It shines bright fire-orange low in the east during twilight and dominates the eastern sky after dark. Regulus twinkles about 12° to its upper right. Mars shines highest in the south, in the sharpest telescopic view, around midnight. In a telescope Mars is 13.9 arcseconds wide, the largest it will appear until 2014. See our Mars map and observing guide in the April Sky & Telescope, page 50.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Full Storm Moon at 1:39am, Community Ant Moon
Moon in Virgo enters Libra at 8:57pm
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Green

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
Friday 3/9 – no business meeting
3/10 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
3/11 - Daylight Savings begins, 2am
Planting 3/11-12
3/11 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm Brea (counseling)
2pm – Next political meeting, Waldport Progressives
3/12 - Mercury Retrograde at 12:49am
3/12 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
Harvest 3/13-14
3/14 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Beginning the harvest.
Planting 3/15-17
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 – Sunday
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 09, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 6:38 AM PST 6:15 PM PST
Civil Twilight 6:09 AM PST 6:44 PM PST
Nautical Twilight 5:35 AM PST 7:18 PM PST
Astronomical Twilight 5:01 AM PST 7:52 PM PST
Moon 8:29 PM PST 6:54 AM PST
Length Of Visible Light 12h 35m
Length of Day 11h 37m
Tomorrow will be 3m 5s longer.
Full, 98% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
F 9 High 12:45 AM 8.4 6:38 AM Set 6:54 AM 99
9 Low 7:02 AM 0.1 6:15 PM Rise 8:30 PM
9 High 1:04 PM 8.1
9 Low 7:14 PM 0.4

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – A Messy Kitchen Is A Happy Kitchen... And This Kitchen Is Delirious [I made this into a poster to hang in ours!]

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Journal Prompt – Schoolish Stuff - What instrument would you most like to play in a school band?

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Quotes
I may be president of the United States, but my private life is nobody's damned business. - Chester Allen Arthur (1830-1886) US President (21st), VP (20th)
Our senses don't deceive us: our judgment does. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The greatest remedy for anger is delay. – Seneca
Their rage supplies them with weapons. - Virgil

Really to experience the day of Resurrection
You have to die first, for "resurrection" means
"making the dead come back to life."
The whole world is racing in the wrong direction
For everyone is terrified of non-existence
That is, in reality, the only certain refuge.
How should we try to win real awareness?
By renouncing all knowing.
How should we look for salvation?
By giving up our personal salvation.
How should we search for real existence?
By giving up our existence.
How should we search for the fruit of the spirit?
By not always greedily stretching out our hands. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
Orange Apricot Juice – adapted from http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
1 (12 ounce) can apricot nectar, chilled
1 1/2 cups orange juice, chilled
2 tablespoons lemon juice
In a pitcher, combine apricot nectar, orange juice, and lemon juice. Serve chilled

Gingered Kiwi Fruit – adapted from http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
3 oz sugar
3 oz water
¼ cup crystallized ginger, minced
½ tsp vanilla extract
8 kiwi fuit, peeled and sliced
4 oranges, peeled and sliced
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, water and ginger. Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, boil until mixture reaches a light syrup consistency, about 3 mins. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool slightly. In a dessert dish, gently stir fruit slices and ginger syrup until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours.
Serves 4

Honey Sunflower Bread - http://autumnearthsong.com/2012/03/03/ostara-recip es-2012/
*Makes 2 loaves
2 cups water
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup honey
1 TB butter
2 tsps salt
1 cup roasted sunflower kernels
1 (1/4oz) package active dry yeast
½ cup warm water
2 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups white flour
Bring the water to a boil and and stir in the oats. Set aside for 1 hour. Spray two 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pans with vegetable oil spray.
Add the honey, butter, salt and sunflower seeds to oat mixture and stir well.
Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir the yeast mixture into the oat mixture. Blend in both flours, stirring until the dough pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. Form the dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Punch down the dough. Knead until smooth and elastic. Divide into two loaves and place in the prepared pans. Cover and let rise again until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 350*. Bake until golden brown, about 45-50 mins. It if appears that breat is browning too quickly, cover with foil the last 10-15 mins of baking time. Remove bread from pans and cool on a wire rack.
*I think this would make delicious french toast too

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Energy list
3/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
2/10/12 – “I'm posting here today to ask for positive energies, and protection from traveling evil, I head up to Canada on the 14th.”

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Silliness – GCF: Freedom Peppers

A man walks up to a cashier in a grocery store. He says, "Hey, how much for these jalapeño peppers?" He pronounces it "joe-la-pen-oh," not "ho-lo-peen-yo."

The cashier says, "Sir, that's not what those peppers are called."

The man replies, "Listen, buddy, this is America, and I can pronounce any word the way I please."

The cashier responds, "That may be, sir, but those are green peppers."

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Daily Stuff 3-8-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 6:01 PM GMT en Marzo 08, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 103 at 5pm tonight!

“If you have the capacity, always do what you can to fight for people who are unable to fight for themselves, regardless of what gender you are, or what gender they are. It is, ultimately, the decent thing to do." - Karen Walrond of Chookooloonks, for International Women's Day

It’s bright sunshine and according to the porch thermometer, quite warm. The computer says 54F. Wow! Considering how cold it was on Tuesday and then chilly yesterday…..

Did anyone see auroras last night? I checked several times, but didn’t out here. They did see them in Seattle.

The moon was amazing. Rising through the cedars she was haloed with gold and during the night bright enough to actually show colors. I spent a little while sitting in the living room around 3am, reading….by moonlight! How often does that happen?

Tempus finished his tax class and passed the final!

I ended up working on the computer from noon to one, yesterday, then went back to lie down, not because I was tired, but I had a hip going on strike. I finally got up and went outside to start working in the garden around 2pm. The first thing I did was to harvest the crocus and clover, then I managed to weed the red-veined sorrel and the calendula that are under the tent. I ended up squashing a few plants because I was in a tight space, but I think they’ll come back if I don’t do it again. The disadvantages of being large and needing to sit instead of kneel…..

From there I picked up and went to work around the orris. The slugs are eating ‘em again. I’ve got to do something… Next was the lovage and garlic. Very few of the garlics are up. I’m not sure why they don’t seem to do all that well in that spot. I’m thinking about getting Tempus to spade up another section and digging some more soil amendments in before I replant. I ended up breaking a piece off of a new lovage plant that was coming up at the end of the root, because it was still underground, but I missed the rest.

I got some grass out of the Sweet Williams again. Where’s it all coming from? I went around between those and the yellow yarrow, digging up mostly horsetail and grass, but working the ground as I went and replanting the cinquefoils that are coming up from seeds that I missed last summer. That’s going to be quite a display! I’ve found over a hundred plants. I filled a 5-gallon bucket with the stuff I dug out. I’m going to have to go along the base of the lavender and the wormwoods on the garden side of the retaining wall, since they’re tangled in each other and the grass is starting to come up through. That will be a mess later in the year if I don’t get on it.

Tempus came out at the point and he ran around for a bit dumping buckets and raking, then he went to run the lawn mower and I moved up to the end of the path by the driveway since I had an empty bucket and worked my way around, getting grass that had been missed before pulled out, and replanting some of the dandelions. For my next-to-last task, I had to get into the hydrangea, so I had to sit on the ground again, but I pulled grass and re-planted the creeping strawberries, digging roots as I went and picking up broken bits of the succulents and re-planting those.

Tempus finally managed to get me back up off the ground and I spent a while, sitting on my rolly seat, pulling the crab grass and getting the roots/sod out of the inside edge of the path. I only managed about 2 more feet along there, but it’s pretty well cleared back to the rock around the edge of the rose bed, now.

At that point I told Tempus what needed to be dumped and picked up and showed him the rest of the dandelion blooms that needed harvesting and staggered into the house for a bath.

I’m still going ow…..

When it was getting dark Tempus had finished cutting the grass, so he came in and we made a ham sandwich spread for this weekend’s lunches, and had a bit for a light supper before esbat.

The esbat was a business meeting, talking about Pan-Pagan and the DVD’s of the 101 class and other projects that we’ve been working on. I’m going to get the first “teacher letter” out in the next couple of days and there’s going to be a group planning meeting in the 2nd half of April.

Tempus and I both will be at the shop all day, probably working on the CD section of the shop. We’ve posters to put up and an order for new stock to figure out as well as the CD’s to count. We’ll be open through class-time.

Tempus just grabbed the hummingbird feeder for a re-fill. We had a rufous hummingbird a little bit ago, but he didn’t stay because the feeder was empty!

The shop opens at 11am. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Space Weather News for March 7, 2012 - http://spaceweather.com
SOLAR ACTIVITY: Big sunspot AR1429 has unleashed another major flare--an X5-class eruption on March 7th at 00:28 UT. As a result of the blast, a radiation storm is underway and a CME will likely hit Earth's magnetic field in a day or so. Geomagnetic storms are already in progress at high latitudes due to earlier eruptions from the active sunspot. Last night, auroras were spotted over several northern-tier US states including Michigan and Wisconsin. Check http://spaceweather.com for updates and images.

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is Full. Full Moon Magick: From fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon. “And better it be when the moon is full!”! Prime time for rituals for prophecy, for spells to come to fruition, infusing health and wholeness, etc. A good time for invoking deity.

This is the time of year when Sirius, the brightest star after the Sun, shines due south at nightfall. Upper left of it (by two fists at arm's length) is Procyon. Upper right of Sirius by the same distance is Betelgeuse in Orion's shoulder. These three stars form the bright, colorful Winter Triangle.
Mars (magnitude –1.2, in Leo) is at opposition March 3rd and nearest Earth on March 5th. It shines bright fire-orange low in the east during twilight and dominates the eastern sky after dark. Regulus twinkles about 12° to its upper right. Mars shines highest in the south, in the sharpest telescopic view, around midnight. In a telescope Mars is 13.9 arcseconds wide, the largest it will appear until 2014. See our Mars map and observing guide in the April Sky & Telescope, page 50.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Full Storm Moon at 1:39am, Community Ant Moon
Moon in Virgo enters Libra at 8:57pm
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Green

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
Thursday 3/8 - Full Storm Moon at 1:39am, Community Ant Moon
Waldport Chamber of Commerce Meeting – Noon at Rumi
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Friday 3/9 – no business meeting
3/10 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
3/11 - Daylight Savings begins, 2am
Planting 3/11-12
3/11 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm Brea (counseling)
2pm – Next political meeting, Waldport Progressives
3/12 - Mercury Retrograde at 12:49am
3/12 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
Harvest 3/13-14
3/14 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Beginning the harvest.
Planting 3/15-17
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 – Sunday
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 08, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 6:40 AM PST 6:14 PM PST
Civil Twilight 6:11 AM PST 6:43 PM PST
Nautical Twilight 5:37 AM PST 7:16 PM PST
Astronomical Twilight 5:03 AM PST 7:50 PM PST
Moon 7:13 PM PST 6:24 AM PST
Length Of Visible Light 12h 32m
Length of Day 11h 34m
Tomorrow will be 3m 6s longer.
Full, 100% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
Th 8 High 12:10 AM 7.9 6:40 AM Set 6:25 AM 99
8 Low 6:17 AM 0.7 6:14 PM Rise 7:13 PM
8 High 12:16 PM 8.2
8 Low 6:36 PM 0.0

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death...

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Journal Prompt – What is? - What's the best idea you have ever had?

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Quotes
Wise sayings often fall on barren ground; but a kind word is never thrown away. - Arthur Helps
All my humor is based upon destruction and despair. If the whole world were tranquil, without disease and violence, I'd be standing on the breadline right in back of J. Edgar Hoover. - Lenny Bruce (1925-1966) US comic
Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books. - John Lubbock
I doubt that the imagination can truly be suppressed. If you truly eradicated it in a child, he would grow up to be an eggplant. - Ursula K. Le Guin

Only Once
All which, because it was
flame and song and granted us
joy, we thought we'd do, be, revisit,
turns out to have been what it was
that once, only; every invitation
did not begin
a series, a build-up: the marvelous
did happen in our lives, our stories
are not drab with its absence: but don't
expect to return for more. Whatever more
there will be will be
unique as those were unique. Try
to acknowledge the next
song in its body -- halo of flames as utterly
present, as now or never. - Denise Levertov ~ (Selected Poems)

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Magick – Ostara
Easter : History and Traditions
Goddess Ostara, History of Easter Eggs, History of the Easter Bunny
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Easter History : Christian and Pagan Traditions Interwoven
The history of Easter reveals rich associations between the Christian faith and the seemingly unrelated practices of the early pagan religions. Easter history and traditions that we practice today evolved from pagan symbols, from the ancient goddess Ishtar to Easter eggs and the Easter bunny.

Easter, perhaps the most important of the Christian holidays, celebrates the Christ's resurrection from the dead following his death on Good Friday. . . a rebirth that is commemorated around the vernal equinox, historically a time of pagan celebration that coincides with the arrival of spring and symbolizes the arrival of light and the awakening of life around us.
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Ostara, Goddess of Spring and the Dawn (Oestre / Eastre)

Easter is named for a Saxon goddess who was known by the names of Oestre or Eastre, and in Germany by the name of Ostara. She is a goddess of the dawn and the spring, and her name derives from words for dawn, the shining light arising from the east. Our words for the "female hormone" estrogen derives from her name.

Ostara was, of course, a fertility goddess. Bringing in the end of winter, with the days brighter and growing longer after the vernal equinox, Ostara had a passion for new life. Her presence was felt in the flowering of plants and the birth of babies, both animal and human. The rabbit (well known for its propensity for rapid reproduction) was her sacred animal.

Easter eggs and the Easter Bunny both featured in the spring festivals of Ostara, which were initially held during the feasts of the goddess Ishtar | Inanna. Eggs are an obvious symbol of fertility, and the newborn chicks an adorable representation of new growth. Brightly colored eggs, chicks, and bunnies were all used at festival time to express appreciation for Ostara's gift of abundance.
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History of Easter Eggs and Easter Candy

The history of Easter Eggs as a symbol of new life should come as no surprise. The notion that the Earth itself was hatched from an egg was once widespread and appears in creation stories ranging from Asian to Ireland.

Eggs, in ancient times in Northern Europe, were a potent symbol of fertility and often used in rituals to guarantee a woman's ability to bear children. To this day rural "grannywomen" (lay midwives/healers in the Appalachian mountains) still use eggs to predict, with uncanny accuracy, the sex of an unborn child by watching the rotation of an egg as it is suspended by a string over the abdomen of a pregnant woman.

Dyed eggs are given as gifts in many cultures. Decorated eggs bring with them a wish for the prosperity of the abundance during the coming year.

Folklore suggests that Easter egg hunts arose in Europe during "the Burning Times", when the rise of Christianity led to the shunning (and persecution) of the followers of the "Old Religion". Instead of giving the eggs as gifts the adults made a game of hiding them, gathering the children together and encouraging them to find the eggs. Some believe that the authorities seeking to find the "heathens" would follow or bribe the children to reveal where they found the eggs so that the property owner could be brought to justice.

Green Eggs . . .
. . . and Ham???

The meat that is traditionally associated with Easter is ham. Though some might argue that ham is served at Easter since it is a "Christian" meat, (prohibited for others by the religious laws of Judaism and Islam) the origin probably lies in the early practices of the pagans of Northern Europe.

Having slaughtered and preserved the meat of their agricultural animals during the Blood Moon celebrations the previous autumn so they would have food throughout the winter months, they would celebrate the occasion by using up the last of the remaining cured meats.

In anticipation that the arrival of spring with its emerging plants and wildlife would provide them with fresh food in abundance, it was customary for many pagans to begin fasting at the time of the vernal equinox, clearing the "poisons" (and excess weight) produced by the heavier winter meals that had been stored in their bodies over the winter. Some have suggested that the purpose of this fasting may have been to create a sought-after state of "altered consciousness" in time for the spring festivals. One cannot but wonder if this practice of fasting might have been a forerunner of "giving up" foods during the Lenten season.

Chocolate Easter bunnies and eggs, marshmallow chicks in pastel colors, and candy of all sorts . . . these have pagan origins as well! To understand their association with religion we need to examine the meaning of food as a symbol.

The ancient belief that, by eating something we take on its characteristics formed the basis for the earliest "blessings" before meals (a way to honor the life that had been sacrificed so that we as humans could enjoy life) and, presumably, for the more recent Christian sacrament of communion as well.

Shaping candy Easter eggs and bunnies out of candy to celebrate the spring festival was, simply put, a way to celebrate the symbols of the goddess and the season, while laying claim to their strengths (vitality, growth, and fertility) for ourselves.

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Energy list
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
2/10/12 – “I'm posting here today to ask for positive energies, and protection from traveling evil, I head up to Canada on the 14th.”
2/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.

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Silliness – GCF: Shades of Tanning

Before going on vacation, I went to a tanning salon. I was under the lights so long that the protective goggles I wore left a big white circle around each eye.

Gazing at myself in the mirror the next day, I thought, "Man, I look like a clown."

I had almost convinced myself that I was over-reacting until I got in line at the grocery store. I felt a tug at my shirt and looked down to see a toddler staring up at me.

He asked, "Are you giving out balloons?"

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Daily Stuff 3-7/12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 8:15 PM GMT en Marzo 07, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

There hasn’t been a sunrise for a while that I’ve seen, mostly because of the weather, but this one made up for it. First, the sky paled, the blue only slowly seeping into it. Then the part of the horizon, right at the notch, very slowly caught fire until the glow of the sun popped over the edge. Everything is thickly coated with frost, even the points on the raccoon discourager on the railing.

The sun hit the bookcase on the west wall and now is burning away the frost on everything it touches. It’s cold out there, 33F, according to the computer. The porch thermometer still says it’s well below freezing.

…Finally, an hour and a half after the sun came over the mountains, the frost melted off the porch roof. Very suddenly the roof was running streams.

I’ve been watching birds. Right now there’s a beautiful towhee in his best spring suit and a chickadee, dressed up for the ladies.

…

Well, that was a surprise. I decided to crawl back into bed to warm up a little, thinking that I might doze off, but Tempus would wake me when he got up. Oops…. It’s now noon? Let me finish this quickly, then.

It was far too cold yesterday to work in the dirt. I got about 15 minutes of weeding time in and my hands just quit, so I got out the camera and got a few pictures. The garden tent is up and I’m hoping that it won’t be so cold today. Wow… it’s nearly 50!

Tempus has only 2 hours left in his tax class. I’m hoping he’ll finish today. I have two files to go on the computer housekeeping and then I want to cook a little before Herbs Outdoors.

We’re intending to run a 101 Intensive later in the spring. If you’ve been thinking about doing one, let me know. We have two people so far and all I need is one more to start setting up a time. For those of you who are newer to this list and the Circle, the Intensives are set up so that people who are from farther away or have strange work schedules to be able to take the same class that everyone else gets 8-12 weeks in just 16 hours….two days… that’s why we call them Intensives.

The shop is closed today and tomorrow, but if you need something you should be able to get through to me on the computer. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is Full. Full Moon Magick: From fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon. “And better it be when the moon is full!”! Prime time for rituals for prophecy, for spells to come to fruition, infusing health and wholeness, etc. A good time for invoking deity.

Mars shines left of the full Moon this evening, as shown here; both are at or near opposition. (The Moon is exactly full at 4:39 a.m. Thursday morning EST.)
Venus and Jupiter (magnitudes –4.3 and –2.2) are the two bright “Evening Stars” shining in the southwest to west during and after dusk. Venus is the brighter, lower one. Watch Jupiter closing in on it by about 1° every day! The gap between them narrows this week from 10° to just 4°. These are the two brightest celestial objects after the Sun and Moon. To Jupiter's right are the stars of Aries.
In a telescope, Venus is a brilliant white gibbous disk 19 arcseconds tall and 62% sunlit. Jupiter shows a much lower surface brightness, being farther from the Sun, but its apparent diameter is almost twice as great: 36 arcseconds.
Mercury (about magnitude –0.8) is having its best evening apparition of 2012. As the afterglow of sunset fades in the west, look near the horizon for Mercury far below and perhaps a bit right of bright Venus and Jupiter.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Virgo Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Yellow

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Calendar
3/7 – Wednesday, 3pm – Herbs Outdoors – Beginning the harvest.
Esbat, Full Moon, at Anja’s 7pm
Thursday 3/8 - Full Storm Moon at 1:39am, Community Ant Moon
Waldport Chamber of Commerce Meeting – Noon at Rumi
5pm - Wicca 103 – Lesson 3
Friday 3/9 – no business meeting
3/11 - Daylight Savings begins, 2am
3/10 - Saturday 11am – Herbs Workshop
3pm – Sewing Workshop
Planting 3/11-12
3/11 - Sunday, 10am – Wicca 101
1pm Brea (counseling)
2pm – Next political meeting, Waldport Progressives
3/12 - Mercury Retrograde at 12:49am
3/12 – Monday, 6pm – Wicca 101, Lesson 4-5
Harvest 3/13-14
Planting 3/15-17
3/15 - Thursday, 3pm - Crones’ Tea
Ostara Sabbat, Friday 3/16, 7pm - waning
Harvest 3/18-19
3/18 – Sunday
1pm - Brea’s Elements
3pm – Herb Workshop – Practical Craft
3/20 – Tuesday, Sun enters Aries
Planting 3/20-21
3/21 – Esbat, 7pm - Dark moon, Brigdhe’s Flame?
Thursday 3/22 – New Moon at 7:37am
3/24 – Saturday, Juno Retrograde, 4:32pm
Planting 3/25-6
Planting 3/30-31
4/1 – Sunday, April Fools’ Day, Palm Sunday
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 1 Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge, 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, $5.00
http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Tour ism-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx http://industry.traveloregon.com/Departments/Touri sm-Development/Oregon-Rural-Tourism-Studio-1.aspx
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Destination Branding Workshop - Part 2
Overleaf Events Center at the Overleaf Lodge (goes with above)
4/4 – Wednesday, Mercury goes Direct at 3:11am
Esbat, 7pm, Full Moon
4/6 – Friday, Full Wind Moon, 12:19pm, Peaceful Crane moon
Planting 4/7-8
April 7-8 – Psychic Fair – No Special Guest
11am - Herb Workshop
1pm – Hypatia and the Burning of the Library of Alexandria
3pm - Sewing Workshop
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing Agora, discussion will follow, bring snacks
Harvest 4/9-11
4/10 – Tuesday, Pluto Retrograde
4/12 – Thursday
Planting 4/12-13
4/13 – Friday, Mars goes Direct, 8:53pm
Harvest 4/14-15
Planting 4/16-17
Harvest 4/18-20
4/18 – Esbat, Hecate’s Brooch – Lesser Banishing of the Chocolate Bunny
4/19 – Thursday, Sun enters Taurus, 9:12am
4/21 – Saturday, New Moon at 12:18am
Planting 4/22-3
Sat/Sun May 12/13 – Waldport’s Great Garage Sale
Pan-Pagan Gathering, Friday – Sunday, September 28-30

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www.wunderground.com
Mar. 07, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 6:41 AM PST 6:12 PM PST
Civil Twilight 6:12 AM PST 6:41 PM PST
Nautical Twilight 5:39 AM PST 7:15 PM PST
Astronomical Twilight 5:05 AM PST 7:49 PM PST
Moon 5:57 PM PST 5:55 AM PST
Length Of Visible Light 12h 28m
Length of Day 11h 30m
Tomorrow will be 3m 4s longer.
Waxing Gibbous, 99% of the Moon is Illuminated

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Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash - the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) is a major tree of lowland forests in much of Europe, along with oaks and beeches. It grows to 40 m (130 feet) in open sites, with a broad crown reminiscent of American elm trees. Ash was and still is an important timber tree, and is a traditional material for the handle of a besom. The common ash is occasionally cultivated in North America, and similar native ash species are widely grown as street trees. Ashes are members of the Olive family (Oleaceae).
Nuin - Ash Ogam letter correspondences
Month: March
Color: Glass Green
Class: Cheiftain
Letter: N
Meaning: Locked into a chain of events; Feeling bound.

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Tides for Alsea Bay
Day High Tide Height Sunrise Moon Time % Moon
/Low Time Feet Sunset Visible
W 7 Low 5:33 AM 1.3 6:42 AM Set 5:55 AM 96
7 High 11:28 AM 8.2 6:13 PM Rise 5:57 PM
7 Low 5:58 PM -0.1

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Affirmation/Thought for the Day – Write Love letters.

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Journal Prompt – What do you think? - What safety issue do you think is most important for kids? Write a brochure for kids, discussing the issue without unnecessarily frightening your audience.

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Quotes
The core value that motivates a true revolution is love; love for peace, justice, freedom and higher values, love for humanity, and the love for the well-being of all existence. When forces threaten this well-being, the lover is motivated to act in the interest of the beloved. - Roozbeh Bahramali
The past is another country. People do things differently there. - L. P. Hartley
To have and not to give is often worse than to steal. - Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach
Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace. - Dalai Lama

The moment I saw the Face of my Unique Beloved
I saw my heart in infinite heartache. - Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (Translated by Andrew Harvey from A Year of Rumi)

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Magick – Ostara
Egg Dyeing Article Au naturel: Color your eggs the old-fashioned way
Tea and Your Health
http://www.celestialseasonings.com/tea-health/egg -dyeing-article.html
By Lee Svitak Dean, Star Tribune Taste Editor, Pictures by Tom Wallace/Star Tribune

Piles of yellow onion skins, chunks of bright red beets, bunches of deep-green spinach leaves, even bags of fragrant Red Zinger tea, redolent with hibiscus flowers, filled the kitchen counter. Bottles of paprika, dill seed and turmeric stood at the ready, as did a pot of coffee. So did dozens of eggs and a jug of white vinegar.
We were dyeing eggs. And there wasn't a PAAS coloring kit in sight.
Egg dyeing, by its very nature, makes a mess and, frankly, it's even messier when the colors are made from from edible food. The homemade version also takes a bit longer to prepare than dye from a package.
But don't let these cautions deter you. The homemade variety offers more of a challenge—and it's fun, too. As many cooks know, that sense of curiosity and discovery is half the reason so many of us hang out in the kitchen. Making your own dye lets you experiment with the vagaries of color, from the leftovers in the refrigerator to the stock of spices in the pantry.
Many of the colors from homemade dye are a softer hue, and there's more possibilities of shades in the color palette. But there is nothing precise about natural food dyes: You might get the colors you anticipate when using them; then again, you might not. The variations depend on what you're using for dye—and how long you soak the egg. It also depends on the egg shells, which are as variable as snowflakes.
Though not readily apparent, shell texture differs from egg to egg—from smooth to rippled—as does the thickness of the shell. All of this affects how the egg picks up dye. So if you expect the unexpected when you're using homemade dye, you won't be disappointed.
Cold vs. hot


There are two ways to color eggs with natural dyes: cold and hot dye.
Most directions recommend starting with hard-cooked eggs. The dye is then prepared separately, and in the last step the egg is soaked in the coloring (which usually is recommended to be hot). This method works fine with commercial food dyes, such as PAAS or Dudley, where eggs are dipped into color for only a few moments.
But with natural dyes—which take longer to imprint their shade—the eggs are soaked in the color for at least 15 minutes, which is the same amount of time it takes to hard-cook eggs. So eggs can be dyed at the same time they are being hard-cooked (they also will get a more uniform and saturated color as they roll around in the simmering dye).
The hot method of natural food dye means placing the eggs in a single layer in a non-aluminum pan. The eggs are covered with 1 inch of water and vinegar is added to the water to help the color adhere to the eggs. The dye materials—which include spices, fruits, vegetables and more (see chart at below)—are also added, and the whole mixture is brought to a boil, then reduced to a simmer for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the desired color.
Whatever food is used to dye eggs, vinegar should be added to help the color adhere (but if you forget to add vinegar, don't fret; the eggs will still be colored, but it likely will be lighter).
Which leads the cook to a familiar question: Can these dyed eggs be eaten? Well, it depends. Eggs should sit out no longer than two hours if they are to remain safe to eat. And hard-cooking them for more than 15 minutes will definitely toughen them up (though they will look beautiful). Also, some colors might seep into the egg white, which makes them less appetizing. So, you might want to use these colorful eggs for decoration only, or else refrigerate them until mealtime.
Cold method of dyeing
If you want to eat your colored eggs—or if you want to dye them a second time for added interest—try the cold method of coloring. In this case, to prepare the dye separately, add the edible materials to water, along with vinegar (see chart for quantities). Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the dye is the preferred color, 15 minutes or more. Remove from heat and cool; strain. Dip cooked eggs in the dye for at least 15 minutes. The longer the eggs sit in the dye, the richer the hue will be.
Adapt the dye
If the dye isn't dark enough, add more ingredients to deepen the hue—or let the eggs soak in the color for hours or overnight (in the refrigerator, of course).
You don't necessarily have to stop after dyeing the eggs once. Dip them in a darker color for a second coating. (In this case, do not boil the eggs a second time; simply dip the egg in the second dye for 5 to 10 minutes). Some color combinations recommended by the Alberta (Canada) Egg Producers Board: coffee dye, then blueberry; turmeric and onion skins, followed by cranberries.
Once the dyed eggs are dry, they can be rubbed with vegetable oil for a sheen (if being used for decoration).
Dress up the eggs


Martha Stewart wouldn't stop at homemade dye—that would be just the beginning. Try one of these steps to make even more beautiful eggs:
Onion wraps (for a tie-dye effect): Rub clean, uncooked eggs with vinegar, then wrap in onion skins and bind with kitchen string or rubber bands. Simmer eggs in plain water for 20 minutes. Then remove onion skins.
Rubber bands: Use to create contrasts. On a white egg, the rubber band will prevent color where it is located. On a colored (dry) egg, a band will give a stripe of the original color if the egg is redipped in another.
Patterns: Rub the cooked, dyed egg to remove some of the color after it is dry, or drip additional color onto the dry egg to make a pattern. Or wrap in onion skins or tiny leaves after the egg has been colored, but before it has dried (this will add a texture to the dye pattern). You also can use a clean sponge and dab at the wet colored egg to add a stippled effect. If making dye from powdered spices, some residue may linger on the egg.
Marbleized: Stir a tablespoon of vegetable oil into some natural food dye (or other dye). Dip the egg into it for a marbleized look. Once dry, it can be dipped into another color for additional decoration.
Mosiac: It's not dyeing, of course, but since you're in the kitchen anyway you can decorate hard-cooked eggs by glueing on spices from the kitchen: star anise, peppercorns, powdered spices or even tiny pasta or rice (the latter two could be dyed first).
Hints for the cook
Wash uncooked eggs in mild soapy water before they are hard-cooked to remove any oily coating that might prevent the dye from adhering.
To avoid staining your fingers, wear rubber gloves when working with reds, yellows and purples. And cover the table or counter with newspaper or a protective coating for the same reason.
NATURAL DYES FOR EGGS
Pink/red: Fresh beets, pickled beet juice, pickled red cabbage juice, cranberries, frozen raspberries
Orange: Yellow onion skins, paprika
Deep yellow: Ground turmeric
Pale yellow to light green: Spinach leaves, Golden Delicious apple peels
Soft yellows: Orange or lemon peels, carrots tops or shredded carrots, celery seed, ground cumin
Purple: Red Zinger® tea (by Celestial Seasonings)
Blue: Canned blueberries, blackberries, red cabbage leaves, purple or red grape juice
Beige to brown: Strongly brewed coffee, tea, walnuts, dill seeds
Brown to orange: Chili powdered, ground cumin

Natural Food Dye - Makes 4 cups.
Add more of the coloring agent for a deeper hue.
1 Tbsp. spice or 4 c. chopped fruit or vegetable, or more
4 c. water, or more
2 Tbsp. white vinegar (per 4 c. water)
Combine spice or foodstuff with water and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 to 30 minutes. Eggs can be colored (and cooked) in the dye while it is being prepared. Or they can be hard-cooked in advance, then dipped into the prepared dye (which can be either cold or hot).
— Lee Svitak Dean is at ldean@startribune.com.
Reprinted with permission from the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, Minn. (Thursday, March 28, 2002, pp. T1, T8) Interactive Tea Guide >>
Additional Tea and Your Health Information
Herbs from A to Z >>
Teas and Herb Resources >>
Natural Dyes for Easter Eggs http://www.icangarden.com/document.cfm%3Ftask%3Dvi ewdetail%26itemid%3D846%26categoryid%3D4
Tips for special effects and natural dyestuffs from your garden.

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Energy list
3/7/12 – “I would also like to ask for healing...I just want to be whole again...able to walk so I can take care of the things I need to take care of. I know with the whole almost dying thing that it would take me a while to recover but a month and a half of being practically bed ridden..its a lot slower than I anticipated...I am just feeling trapped by my own body and these circumstances. To be honest it may seem bigger than it really is because I'm so inward focused and emotional right now. On the plus side I am very happy to say that I have more energy and am walking further every day ;-)”
2/19/12 – A young couple starting their first baby, asking about fertility rituals and energy to make things go well.
2/17/12 – For a woman who has the “chance of a lifetime” to get a fellowship to study abroad. Update… made it through the first round!
2/16/12 – For someone who has found a dream job and wants some extra oomph to help him get it.
2/10/12 – “I'm posting here today to ask for positive energies, and protection from traveling evil, I head up to Canada on the 14th.”
2/7/12 - 9-year-old boy with an inoperable brain tumor. Starting radiation. Family and friends asking help for him and for the children that know him.

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Silliness – GCF: Professional Animal Trainer

As a professional animal trainer, I was disturbed when my own dog developed a bad habit. Every time I hung my wash out on the clothesline, she would yank it down.

Drastic action was called for.

I put a white kitchen towel on the line and waited. Each time she pulled it off, I scolded her. After two weeks the towel was untouched. Then I hung out a large wash and left to do some errands.

When I came home, my clean clothes were scattered all over the yard. On the line was the white kitchen towel.


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Daily Stuff 3-6-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 7:51 PM GMT en Marzo 06, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Snow? In March? I missed it entirely, being a slug-a-bed this morning, but Tempus said that between 9 and 9:30 this morning it was snowing hard: first rain, then “lazy rain”, then he noticed flakes in it, then just a drifting curtain of white. There was still some on the roof next door and on the north side of the house in the moss it was very visible.

It’s only 39F, even yet, and the sun’s been out, twice. Everything is dripping and Tempus is putting out stale bread and things that have gone bad in the fridge. He had a great success earlier when the seagulls found the macaroni. There was a great flapping ball of white and grey and then everything was gone in seconds. Talk about conjuring!

Right now there’s a junco that making me laugh with his “King of the Hill” stance. He keeps, fluffing up his wings and flirting his tail and acting like he’s going to “cock-a-doodle-doo” and all that comes out is chirps!

I haven’t seen nearly as many hummingbirds this week. I wonder why?

Here’s the link to the “Edible Food Forest” article. This is a project in Seattle. …and there are more links about it attached to the article. Facebookers saw this last week, but this project’s *good* stuff! http://www.utne.com/The-Sweet-Pursuit/The-Incredib le-Edible-Forest-Beacon-Food-Forest-Seattle.aspx?n ewsletter=1&utm_content=03.05.12+Environment&utm_c ampaign=2012+ENEWS&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=ema il

Sunday morning Tempus worked some more on the front path. He picked up the sod that he had cut away from the path, shook what path stones he could out of it and then made a pile of it closer to the lithodora. He pulled out all the dandelions and planted them together right at the edge of the path, bless him! I got a good look at that yesterday morning on the way to the shop, and also the seaside daisy that I rescued out of the path, which not only took, but has several blooms where I planted it under the hydrangea, which has leaves, now. …and I just realized that I left my rolly-seat at the shop, drattit…..

Inventory… that really ought to be a swear word…or at least have four letters! That was yesterday, *all* *day* *yesterday*!!!!! Just the crystal wall is several hundred lines in the inventory. We worked until 9:30pm, trying to get the whole crystal wall sorted out. We had to move things around and count the “unders” (the back-stock) and sort things out. Argh! At least it’s done… Of course, Tempus had to get to the Post Office and the bank and then take the rent to our landlord and a bunch of other things. I spent a little time sorting ointment products and tools and materials out and putting away, although there’s another batch of things still on the class table and I did, finally, get some lick in on the photos of the drying rack and that process. Hopefully I can finish that today. …but at least the crystals are done. Oiyoiyoiyoi……

The weather was too bleak to work on the primroses out front: chill or cold and *wet*! It wasn’t a steady drown-pour for the whole day. We got some sun-breaks when sucker holes went past, and a few times when it just dripped, even some fairy rain, but there was a lot of water that got wrung out of those clouds!

I finally found out what happened to two of our 101 students. The one was in the hospital for several days (antibiotics and doing much better, now) and the other has had his work schedule shift abruptly. We’re trying to work out how they can finish the class, since they didn’t make it in for their make-up.

We’re intending to run a 101 Intensive later in the spring. If you’ve been thinking about doing one, let me know. We have two people so far and all I need is one more to start setting up a time. For those of you who are newer to this list and the Circle, the Intensives are set up so that people who are from farther away or have strange work schedules to be able to take the same class that everyone else gets 8-12 weeks in just 16 hours….two days… that’s why we call them Intensives.

I’m hoping that the rain will decrease and the sun start coming through more. I want to get some time in the garden to weed the greenhouse tent area and get the seeds in for the small stuff: lettuce, carrots, radishes, beets, various greens. I also want to put in a row of peas, then get the greenhouse tent back up, because that will keep the crows out of the seeds! I can take that down when the plants start to come up. I also want to start some datura seeds that I bought this last winter. The first batch got drowned when the tray they were in got moved.

I need to work on newsletter files and computer housekeeping (I’m planning a full backup), pictures from the shop, and then I’d like to spend some time in the kitchen cooking, assuming that my feet and hips will cooperate! Tempus is planning to work on his tax class. He’s on the last section, finally, but I might drag him outside with me for an ½ hour or so at some point. …omg… he’s making waffles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

…Tempus was in here a few minutes ago bemoaning the fact that the latest batch of stuff from the cleared-out fridge hadn’t drawn any interest. Suddenly there were crows all over and almost the whole pile of the bread is gone. There were two seagulls flying over and landing on the porch roof, but the crows drove ‘em off and now there’s nobody here again.

Robyne called, wondering where the Stuff was and said something about the morning’s weather forecast being “snow, mixed with rain” and commented, “Not with *that* blue sky!” He’s in the Portland area. We’re still getting the mixed sun/ rain/ hail/sleet/snow/WTF weather….

Juncos are such pretty birds with the soft black head and the lovely brown/tan shading to cream….

We asked a lady that posted to both Tempus and me if she would be willing to share her story. It’s in the next section before the links. She’s responding to a quick comment about a video that she shared on Facebook.

The shop is closed today and tomorrow, but if you need something you should be able to get through to me on the computer. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Space Weather News for March 5, 2012 - http://spaceweather.com
STRONG SOLAR ACTIVITY: Big sunspot AR1429, which emerged over the weekend, is crackling with strong flares. This morning the active region produced an X1-class eruption and a bright coronal mass ejection (CME). The CME appears set to deliver a glancing blow to Earth's magnetic field in the days ahead, possibly sparking geomagnetic storms. Stay tuned to http://spaceweather.com for images and updates.

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We asked a lady that posted to both Tempus and me if she would be willing to share her story. It’s in the next section before the links. She’s responding to a quick comment about a video that she shared on Facebook.

It inspired me to such an extent that I felt compelled to share with those who have greatly inspired me. You see its not like some change happens so fast. Our encounter...gave me something that I didn't have at the time. No one knew....I never wanted to be a burden on anyone else....but when I came to you guys I was searching....for what what I had no idea...and there's no way I could have told you I would be where I am physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually today. When I came to you guys I was still in what I'm calling the dark times...I had just been raped in my own home by my next door neighbour...I had lost 5 family members in a period of a 2 months only a few months earlier...before they all started dying I got out of an abusive relationship..divorced...the reason I'm telling you all of this is because at the point when I met you I had lost everything..including my two greatest loves..music and people. You and your beautiful family not only showed me I wasn't alone in my thinking but you didn't judge me...you restored my faith in people..in the good in people. After meeting you it was a turning point..slowly change happened...then I made the choice to leave that apparment and go homeless. Knowing I would be homeless for a month before I could leave to come here. Hard times dark times..but when I got here...I finally felt safe..and all the work I was doing on myself came together...forgiveness...healing...growth...expone ntial growth..in three months my whole life has changed....moving here started it but my woman walk...my journey on the big island and my near death...I found myself...I found my strength...my light....and everyone I met could see it..just like me...I felt energy on a level I have never experienced...I felt everything...then I got really sick...and have been bedridden for almost two weeks...the medication not being able to go outside...I felt cut off...and only a few days ago did I find a different kind of strength...which I feel was also part of this...transendance...the strength not in physicall form like on the big island where I hiked for miles and lived off of the land...but I was so helpless physically that at one point I was laying in my own urine...the point...lol I always ramble a bit...the point is I am becoming the woman I've seen in my dreams...I have found peace...joy...a happy medium per say that I've been searching for my whole life. It's in the little things we do...no one really recognizes...or fully understands the impact..the power of just a smile...just loving someone just because they are human...just taking the time...I realised my path..I am a healer...and I have dedicated the rest of my life to living in a healing way...in a positive way...and to learn nutrition, herbs, acupunture...I found me and my path and it is because of people like you and your family of friends..Thank you <3 I've never really wrote all of this out and was pretty emotional while writing it lol I'm also on my phone lol but I think when I write my note I want to include parts of this letter just because of the bare emotions and sincerity. There is only one thing I am afraid of...this has all happened so fast...but I entered my dream...I experienced transcendence...my being became bigger than my body...it became bigger than my history...the beauty and fragility of life takes my breath away...my only fear is that I will habituate and loose the vision.....and I'm going to put that as my status...I know from now on everything is going to be different..and it is going to be very good...beautiful even...I'm just afraid that I will become..comfortable you know...cut off by daily living...its tv filled, computer, gaming, fast paced craziness...lol we were speaking of gurus earlier lol any advice for this wandering gypsy ^.^ I feel that it is in daily immersing of myself in reaserch or ritual...but I don't want this to be put in a box per say...its the way I live my life...dejavu...aparently you were ment to hear this...and me ment to ask. Thank you for being a part of my life..all of you..much love, many blessing and joy, and positive energies headed your way <3 Aloha

This what Tempus answered to her;

Wow. Child, I had no idea, but I think you must be more the inspiration than I, and I am honored that you were willing to share that with me. If meeting us helped you find your path, then that pleases me. As to finding your strength, well, I think it is evident that it was with you all the time, else you wouldn't have made it far enough to recognize it when you found it. I don't think you have to worry about losing it in being too "comfortable", not after what you've experienced, and the conclusions you've reached. People are like onions, with each new set of experiences just another layer over what was there before, but the layers beneath are always still there supporting the ones above. And, yes, people are also like onions in that they sometimes make you cry, and more than a few would be better if they were batter-dipped and deep fried ...... Sorry, I was starting to sound too sagely serious ..... You rock, kid. Keep up the good work. And you know, would you be willing to share any of this with the people who read Anjas newsletter? With or without the serial numbers attached, your preference. There are a lot of people out there these days going through all kinds of hard times, and knowing that there is at least the chance of going through something like what you described and still coming out the other side to a brighter day, that there is always a little ray of hope, even if you have look real hard to find it, may be enough to get them through one more day. And sometimes just one more day ..... is just enough ....... [:42:]

She wrote back:
I would absolutely be willing to share. I've reached a point where those things they no longer drag me down but they inspire me. After everything I've been through I think I can really relate to people ya know...people who are down that dark whole who feel they have no way out. That's also part of the reason of why I want to write that note I keep talking about. I want to put my story down...get it out of me to inspire who it inspires...to be honest no one really knows I almost died either so I'm going to address that as well. I just havnt had the energy but I have more energy every day. It's going to be long but I'm hoping to post it sometime this week [♥] I'm not hiding anymore either. I made my profile public last night. Please feel free to share who I am it would be an honour to help in any way I can. And thank you for the advice [♥] it is comforting [♥] fear is a powerful thing man...conqering it has been one of my biggest missions. All fears physical, mental, emotional, spiritual...change..it is a breaking out of that comfortable shell ya know? Some will hold on to the negative..the fear, pain...just because its comfortable..familiar..I did my whole life. Not saying I got it all figured out...I don't think fear ever goes away...I guess it just starts with the little battles..and after a while you realise you've worked through a major battle...and then eventually there not battles anymore..but challenges [♥] and I know what you mean humor is also my way of rebalanceing myself ^.^ I can go real deep for a while but life needs a little laughter ya [;-)] sending all my love [♥]

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is Waxing Gibbous, moving to Full phase in the evening. Waxing Gibbous Moon - From seven to fourteen days after the new moon. For spells that need concentrated work over a ¼ moon cycle this is the best time for constructive workings. Aim to do the last working on the day of the Full moon, before the turn (Wednesday). Waxing Gibbous phase ends on Tuesday at 4:39pm. Full Moon Magick: From fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon. “And better it be when the moon is full!”! Prime time for rituals for prophecy, for spells to come to fruition, infusing health and wholeness, etc. A good time for invoking deity.

The nearly full Moon hangs to the right of Regulus this evening. Mars shines to their lower left.
Venus and Jupiter (magnitudes –4.3 and –2.2) are the two bright “Evening Stars” shining in the southwest to west during and after dusk. Venus is the brighter, lower one. Watch Jupiter closing in on it by about 1° every day! The gap between them narrows this week from 10° to just 4°. These are the two brightest celestial objects after the Sun and Moon. To Jupiter's right are the stars of Aries.
In a telescope, Venus is a brilliant white gibbous disk 19 arcseconds tall and 62% sunlit. Jupiter shows a much lower surface brightness, being farther from the Sun, but its apparent diameter is almost twice as great: 36 arcseconds.
Mercury (about magnitude –0.8) is having its best evening apparition of 2012. As the afterglow of sunset fades in the west, look near the horizon for Mercury far below and perhaps a bit right of bright Venus and Jupiter.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Leo enters Virgo 7:37pm
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Scarlet

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Daily Stuff 3-4-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 6:38 PM GMT en Marzo 05, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 101 make-up night for the people that have missed a class!

We’re having a regular storm out there. The branches are whipping around and the rain is sheeting across. Wind in the 20’s gusts in the 30’s and it’s back to the upper 40’sF. It was lovely having two spring days in a row, though!

The junco on the feeder is chomping busily and has been joined and left by several chickadees just as I’ve been typing. When the feeder rocks violently in the wind he switches position to where he can grab on more tightly and hunkers down, but then goes right back to chomping.

Yesterday was much busier then Saturday. It wasn’t just the class people, either. We had a number of customers in. One was a man from Eugene who’s just starting out as a Pagan. He needed some pointers and folks to talk to and some supplies.

Classes went well. Marius spelled me on the 101 class and Brea did her Elements class. The ointments workshop actually took longer than I planned by quite a bit, but the sandalwood/neroli perfume salve turned out just about right. Next step on that is getting the ointment tins. We also made a calendula balm and a warm rose oil from dried petals along with the tincture and cold oil from yesterday.

Barbara, the new Reader, came in and we talked for a while off and on during and between the various class times.

We actually got out of the shop earlier than we’ve been. It was still twilight. As we walked out of the shop Venus and Jupiter were bright pearls on a deep blue velvet sky.

Tempus and I are going to go full bore on the crystals today. We’ve headered nearly 100 in the past week and that whole section still needs to be counted. I was going to harvest the primrose flowers and the rest of the jonquils this morning, but I think I’ll let that wait until I’m not going to drown in the process…. If I get a chance I’m going to work on the DVD/Tape section of the library today. Then we have class tonight and then I can collapse. I slept 10 hours last night, but oversleeping this morning and even coffee isn’t getting my brain going….

In the bathroom the rain is tippity-tappeting down on the skylight. The eaves are running streams and the trees thrashing. It’s going to be that kind of weather all day, but that makes it a good day for accomplishing things. Yesterday I kept having to gaze at the sunshine to often!

The shop opens at 11am and we’ll be there through class time tonight. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is Waxing Gibbous. Waxing Gibbous Moon - From seven to fourteen days after the new moon. For spells that need concentrated work over a ¼ moon cycle this is the best time for constructive workings. Aim to do the last working on the day of the Full moon, before the turn. Waxing Gibbous phase ends on Tuesday at 4:39pm.

Mars is at its closest to Earth for this apparition: 100.8 million km (62.6 million miles). Mars appears 13.9 arcseconds wide, compared to the 24? or 25? it reaches during its closet swing-bys. The last time that happened was in 2003; the next will be in 2018.
The eclipsing variable star Algol should be at minimum light, magnitude 3.4 instead of its usual 2.1, for a couple hours centered on 9:25 p.m. EST. It takes several additional hours to fade and to rebrighten.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Leo
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Lavendar

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Daily Stuff 3-4-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:24 PM GMT en Marzo 04, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

The sun is straining to get through. The fog has left a droplet on each branch tip, catkin and blade. The occasional drip falls from the porch roof and the roses are beginning to get leaves. The alder seems fuller than even a week ago.

I finally got word back from Yahoo and deleted 3 more spammers. Let me know if you’re still seeing spam from the Yahoo Rose of the Sea list, please!

There’s a Stellar jay making the feeder dance around. Suddenly a breeze came up and the sunshine got brighter. Droplets are flying around, showering off the branches and the fog is shredding into tattered curtains, flying away.

The various workshops and classes went well yesterday, although there weren’t a lot of people in. On the way to the shop, I took a paper bag and clippers and did a quick collecting of various materials, including heather, bay, crocus, dandelion and a flower spray off of one plant that I can’t ID. I know I bought it as a useful herb, but I don’t know what it is! I nabbed a couple of short branches from the plum that’s starting to flower, too.

I started prep on those as soon as I got to the shop, setting them up in baskets or tying up for the herb rack. The drying bay is making Tempus wrinkle his nose. I don’t like the smell, but he says it smells like cat pee! He was working in the back, re-setting the box stack that I sorted, so that we can move around in the back again and access the rollies and shelves. The next step is to get the boxes with craft materials into the shelves and the miscellaneous boxes marked and consolidated. We can actually see progress!!!!!

I made a rose tincture and started the soaking process in the oil for the ointments for today. Right then we got a call that our special guest for the weekend had to cancel because of a family crisis.

Barbara, the new Reader, came in and we talked for a while off and on during and between the various class times.

I got one witch hat cut out, late in the day, then settled down to catching up on mail and such while waiting for the movie time.

We did watch the Secret. It’s a good movie, if a bit preachy, and we had a good discussion (and a huge bowl of popcorn) afterwards.

Today I’m going in at 9am. …which means I need to hurry up! We have the usual Wicca 101 at 10am, then Brea is coming in to do her next “Elements” class. We have the ointments workshop at 3pm. Not quite as full a schedule as yesterday, which is a good thing since I’m already tired! OTOH the sun just came out and that’s waking me up.

Today’s schedule:
March 3-4 – Psychic Fair –
10am – Wicca 101
1pm – Brea’s Elements
3pm – Ointments workshop

I love the psychic fair weekends!

The shop opens at 11am (although I’ll be there not long after 9am). Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

***

NASA Science News for March 2, 2012 - Lately, the International Space Station has been flying through geomagnetic storms, giving astronauts an close-up view of the aurora borealis just outside their windows. FULL STORY: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-na sa/2012/02mar_aurorasunderfoot/

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is Waxing Gibbous. Waxing Gibbous Moon - From seven to fourteen days after the new moon. For spells that need concentrated work over a ¼ moon cycle this is the best time for constructive workings. Aim to do the last working on the day of the Full moon, before the turn. Waxing Gibbous phase ends on Tuesday at 4:39pm.

Mercury is at greatest elongation, 18° east of the Sun. Look for it above the sunset horizon far below and perhaps a bit right of Venus and Jupiter. Mercury remains at nearly the same place above your horizon each evening this week, but it's fading day by day.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Cancer enters Leo at 3:17pm
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Yellow
Planting 3/2-4

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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Daily Stuff 3-3-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 4:31 PM GMT en Marzo 03, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

So…then I didn’t realize that the note in the newsletter that I posted in the evening wasn’t what I had typed…. ….but I *do* have my computer back up and running. It turned out that the memory chip unseated itself and just needed a shove. Never heard of such a thing…. So it was back within a couple of hours. Of course, I didn’t manage to get it fully plugged in. It’s still not, since the sound isn’t coming on….probably in the wrong hole…. But I’m not climbing under there right now!

I found out last night that no, deleting the one spammer did not get all the spam. I sent another note up the line and I’ll try to find which account it might be coming from. I’ll eventually get them gone. Part of the problem is that I don’t see the spam since my spam box catches it, so I have to go online and work it from there.

I’ve been playing, since I got up at the regular time, just reading and replying on Facebook and listening to NPR news. Off and on I’ve been watching out the window as the light grows. At 7, even if the sun was supposedly up, it was still pretty dark and grey. It’s still grey, but the clouds have thinned a bit and there’s only an occasional drip from the porch roof. It’s in the mid-40’s and one forecast says it might get to nearly 60 today. The birds are slow this morning. There were juncos all over the porch when I came out here, but not many others, since.

Yesterday’s plans went haywire because of the computer issue. Tempus and I went down to the shop very early and got things open, then he took the computer to Newport while I got the newsletter out. When he got back I had been working in the classroom, setting up the jonquils that I harvested from the flower boxes out front and the crocuses that I picked on the way to the shop to dry. I have pictures. Maybe I’ll get time at some point to get those put up.

…and the day went on. I spent some time with the new psychic, who will be doing readings over the whole weekend, and I worked on sorting out the next batch of crystals to work on... and put away some herbs that are dried enough. …and talked to more people …and then Marius came in and we talked a while. Do I detect a common theme?

There’s a towhee making a branch of the alder wave slowly up and down, like the queen at a parade. …and now two in the feeder and one of the railing. Ah... He’s come over to have some popcorn from the tray right outside the window.

This morning we’re heading in to the shop a bit early, wanting to finish getting ready for the day. We have a set of boxes to move to make room to get a few things down and I want to get the sewing machines ready to pull out and the table completely cleared. Right now, it’s at “mostly”!

Today’s schedule:
March 3-4 – Psychic Fair – Special Guest Michael Reed
11am - Herb Workshop
2pm – Talk (Michael Reed) – Astrology is life – 1 hour lecture (everyday life mimics astrology current events, etc.)
3pm - Sewing Workshop
4pm - Making at Witch Hat ($5 for materials)
6pm - Metta Meditation
7pm – Movie Night, showing The Secret, discussion will follow, bring snacks

I love the psychic fair weekends!
The shop opens at 11am and we’ll be there until at least 7:30pm. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

***

NASA Science News for March 2, 2012 - Lately, the International Space Station has been flying through geomagnetic storms, giving astronauts an close-up view of the aurora borealis just outside their windows. FULL STORY: http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-na sa/2012/02mar_aurorasunderfoot/

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is Waxing Gibbous Waxing Gibbous Moon - From seven to fourteen days after the new moon. For spells that need concentrated work over a ¼ moon cycle this is the best time for constructive workings. Aim to do the last working on the day of the Full moon, before the turn.

The Moon shines above Procyon after dark. Upper left of the Moon are Pollux and Castor.
Mars is at opposition, appearing opposite the Sun in Earth's sky. This is the most distant opposition of Mars in its 15-year cycle of oppositions near and far, so the planet appears only 13.9 arcseconds wide. At its next time around in April 2014, Mars will reach a diameter of 15.2″.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Cancer
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Blue
Planting 3/2-4

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Daily Stuff 3-2-12 evening
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 7:31 AM GMT en Marzo 03, 2012 +0
I have my 'puter back!

Hi, folks!

Wicca 103 at 5pm.

If the weather prediction that goes by, “In like a lion, out like a lamb” is right, we ought to pretty well be done with winter! …although it’s really pretty right now, it wasn’t late last night. Sunshine is pouring through the study window and everything is dripping. …and now it’s fairy rain… and now just cloudy but brightening fast. If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes? Does that count for “in like a lion”? I hope so!

Tempus re-filled the bird-feeder yesterday and it’s been covered with the small birds since I got out here.

Yesterday was a long, rather frustrating day at the Rural Tourism Studio. I get the slow pace, but I rather feel as through the workshops are herding toward a particular answer and I don’t know whether that’s going to get us to a sustainable result. I don’t particularly feel as though I’m learning much, either, which makes me rather resent the wasted time. That’s making me cranky with the process, although I’m going to stick it out, hoping that there will be a benefit. I guess there is one… a substantial matching grant if folks finish.

Well….

Then there were the two times when we were supposed to get up and walk around or spend quite a bit of time standing still. I don’t do well with standing still. I would have brought my walker if anything had been said. By the end of the day I was having to fight to pay attention and I left quickly instead of sticking around to talk to folks, which would be much more usual for me.

I do have some ideas. …and some that were sparked off by things others said.

That was my day yesterday. I came home and dropped into bed and woke in time for supper. Tempus and I watched a movie because I wasn’t in good shape and then I tried to get some computer stuff done. Nothing is finished, but at least it’s farther down the road….

…and then I didn’t sleep well….

So, I’m going to be home for the first part of the day, trying to finish some of the things that I usually do on my weekends. Tempus is going to be at the shop, working on some of the things that he needs to do, probably lights & lighting will get in there somewhere... Wicca 103 starts at 5pm.

The shop opens at 11am and we’ll be there until at least 7:30pm. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

***

Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

***

Today
The Moon is Waxing Gibbous Waxing Gibbous Moon - From seven to fourteen days after the new moon. For spells that need concentrated work over a ¼ moon cycle this is the best time for constructive workings. Aim to do the last working on the day of the Full moon, before the turn.

Early this evening, the Moon occults (covers) the 5th-magnitude star 114 Tauri for most of the eastern U.S. and southern Ontario. Some times for the star's disappearance behind the Moon's dark limb: Toronto, 7:47 p.m. EST; Atlanta, 7:18 p.m. EST; Chicago, 6:23 p.m. CST.
Then later tonight, the Moon's dark limb covers 3rd-magnitude Zeta Tauri for the Northeast and much of the Midwest. Some times: Toronto, 1:25 a.m. EST; Washington, DC, 1:36 a.m. EST; Chicago, 12:39 a.m. CST; Winnipeg, 12:16 a.m. CST. More times.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Gemini
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Turquoise
Planting 3/2-4

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Daily Stuff 3-2-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 5:59 PM GMT en Marzo 02, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

I had no warning that my house computer was going to go splat until last night just as I was shutting it down. I had trouble with it, getting it to close Word and thought that was really strange, but assumed that a re-start would fix it. Then, after I had told it to shut down, it told me it was doing updates and the computer would shut down automatically when it was done. 8 hours later, it still wasn’t done. …right…. So I pulled the plug, gave it about 10 minutes while I got some breakfast and came back to try again. …nothing… it won’t even *try* to turn on! So, the newsletter that I put together last night, that was all ready to go, isn’t available.

I’m typing this down at the shop. Tempus is on his way to the computer shop with the tower. I don’t have any of the files available with the quotes and magick and such. So….

It’s a grey morning, not drippy, but no sun. Instead of birds, I’m watching cars on the highway. It’s around 40F, not going to get too much warmer than that, maybe some rain, maybe not. I’m bummed…..

I ended up staying home yesterday working on the 103 class, lesson 3. When we re-set the class, expanded it, I added a bunch of stuff and there was a 30 page handout with this lesson. ….but that was before the *last* computer crash. When I went back to access the file, it was corrupted and the one save that came off it in a backup had just 7 pages…5 of good stuff and 2 of various symbols and garble. So I stayed home yesterday to get it re-done before this current session needed it. It took several hours to find all the pieces that I needed, but less than an hour to re-format it and get it looking good. …and then I threw in a couple of funnies as filler.

I called Tempus and things were slow down there, so I took a nap, got myself fed and dressed and headed down there at about 4pm. I managed to get one more of the love bells done before everyone came in for class. Two people missed last night and I’m hoping we’re going to be able to catch them up, but that might get really interesting.

As we left the shop, the clouds parted just long enough for us to see Jupiter and Venus like two brilliant gems in the dark sky. The just-past-quarter gibbous moon was just a hazy glow. When we got up to the house, the moon was floating in a clear space surrounded by a 22 degree halo!

Tempus was doing paperwork again, all day, but we’re within spitting distance of *finally* getting the accounts transferred out of BoA. I thought 3 months would be enough, but we started last September and we’re not quite done, even yet!

Today is….well, the computer… and then setting up for the “specials” for the psychic fair, getting some posters around town…and if you have a few extra minutes to put up a few, I’d appreciate the help, since that’s what Tempus was supposed to be doing and he has to be here for me doing readings.

Love & Light,
Anja

What I’ve got for today….

Today is a planting day.
Sun in Pisces
Moon in Gemini

Mar. 02, 2012 Rise Set
Actual Time 6:50 AM PST 6:06 PM PST
Civil Twilight 6:21 AM PST 6:35 PM PST
Nautical Twilight 5:48 AM PST 7:09 PM PST
Astronomical Twilight 5:14 AM PST 7:42 PM PST
Moon 12:13 PM PST 2:56 AM PST
Length Of Visible Light 12h 13m
Length of Day 11h 15m
Tomorrow will be 3m 3s longer.
Waxing Gibbous, 66% of the Moon is Illuminated

Affirmation – Each day I live is better than the last.

…and because just enough people have asked for it… the litany that my teachers wrote.

I am God.
I am Goddess.
I am one, whole and complete in myself.
I am the Center of my own Universe.
…and all is well with me.

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Daily Stuff 3-1-12
Posted by: CoastalAnja, 6:04 PM GMT en Marzo 01, 2012 +0
Hi, folks!

Wicca 103 at 5pm.

If the weather prediction that goes by, “In like a lion, out like a lamb” is right, we ought to pretty well be done with winter! …although it’s really pretty right now, it wasn’t late last night. Sunshine is pouring through the study window and everything is dripping. …and now it’s fairy rain… and now just cloudy but brightening fast. If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes? Does that count for “in like a lion”? I hope so!

Tempus re-filled the bird-feeder yesterday and it’s been covered with the small birds since I got out here.

Yesterday was a long, rather frustrating day at the Rural Tourism Studio. I get the slow pace, but I rather feel as through the workshops are herding toward a particular answer and I don’t know whether that’s going to get us to a sustainable result. I don’t particularly feel as though I’m learning much, either, which makes me rather resent the wasted time. That’s making me cranky with the process, although I’m going to stick it out, hoping that there will be a benefit. I guess there is one… a substantial matching grant if folks finish.

Well….

Then there were the two times when we were supposed to get up and walk around or spend quite a bit of time standing still. I don’t do well with standing still. I would have brought my walker if anything had been said. By the end of the day I was having to fight to pay attention and I left quickly instead of sticking around to talk to folks, which would be much more usual for me.

I do have some ideas. …and some that were sparked off by things others said.

That was my day yesterday. I came home and dropped into bed and woke in time for supper. Tempus and I watched a movie because I wasn’t in good shape and then I tried to get some computer stuff done. Nothing is finished, but at least it’s farther down the road….

…and then I didn’t sleep well….

So, I’m going to be home for the first part of the day, trying to finish some of the things that I usually do on my weekends. Tempus is going to be at the shop, working on some of the things that he needs to do, probably lights & lighting will get in there somewhere... Wicca 103 starts at 5pm.

The shop opens at 11am and we’ll be there until at least 7:30pm. Winter hours – Thursday through Monday, 11am-5pm. If we’re supposed to be closed, but it looks like we’re there, try the door. If it’s open, the shop’s open!

Love & Light,
Anja

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Café Press Products from Ancient Light - http://www.cafepress.com/ancientlight Everything from T-shirts to pillows to coffee mugs to journals with witchy or just fun designs! I’ve added a bunch of products to the Happy Naked Pagan Dance design!

Spoonflower Fabrics - http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/coastalanja The newest designs are in the Bugs ‘n Slugs Collection. We have designs for sale in the Garden Collection and Mushroom Collection and the Pagan Collection is coming soon.

Our Circle’s site! http://www.ancientlight.info/circle/ Add things by e-mailing me here. mbartlett@harborside.com

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Today
The Moon is Waxing Gibbous Waxing Gibbous Moon - From seven to fourteen days after the new moon. For spells that need concentrated work over a ¼ moon cycle this is the best time for constructive workings. Aim to do the last working on the day of the Full moon, before the turn.

Early this evening, the Moon occults (covers) the 5th-magnitude star 114 Tauri for most of the eastern U.S. and southern Ontario. Some times for the star's disappearance behind the Moon's dark limb: Toronto, 7:47 p.m. EST; Atlanta, 7:18 p.m. EST; Chicago, 6:23 p.m. CST.
Then later tonight, the Moon's dark limb covers 3rd-magnitude Zeta Tauri for the Northeast and much of the Midwest. Some times: Toronto, 1:25 a.m. EST; Washington, DC, 1:36 a.m. EST; Chicago, 12:39 a.m. CST; Winnipeg, 12:16 a.m. CST. More times.

Celtic Tree Month of Nuin/Nion Ash Feb 18 - Mar 17 - (NEE-uhn), ash
Goddess Month of Moura runs from 2/20 - 3/19
Runic half-month of Tyr, 2/27-3/13 This is a time of positive regulation, sacrifice and hard work in order to progress.

Sun in Pisces
Moon in Gemini
Mars Retrograde, Saturn retrograde
Color: Turquoise

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©2012 M. Bartlett, Some parts separately copyright

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About CoastalAnja
Moved to Oregon from Balto, MD, '83, to the coast in '99. Love gardens, the outdoors and the ocean, and write about it in a daily newsletter. Shared!

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