Will You Be Dancing Around The May Pole This Friday?

Dancing around the phallic Maypole is just one way to celebrate the fertility aspect of Spring ("May Day" is known as "Beltane" to most Witches) . I remember back when I was a child -- about three hundred million-trillion-gadzillion years ago now -- when I attended grade-school in Seattle. My kindergarten, first and second grade teachers all asked (in subsequent years) the students to weave "May Day" baskets from construction paper strips. The baskets were for holding whatever wildflowers we'd pluck later on.

The idea was to fill those baskets with whatever flowers we found and to take one to any of a number of neighboring front doors. We'd hang a flower basket on the door knob from it's paper handle. Otherwise we'd rest the flower basket on the stoop before ringing the doorbell. Then, before the residents could open the door to discover who was there, we would run really fast to hide (so their hand-crafted gift would be received anonymously.)

It was such a blessed thing to do as a child. I remember hiding in bushes giggling as one Caucasion neighbor-lady in particular found my basket each year and acted so very animatedly surprised.

As I study Scandinavian and Norse mythology I realize these seeming "rituals" of spring date way back . . . and I feel saddened to think they seem to be going by the wayside now. At least -- I haven't heard of any local children passing out May baskets to anyone; not since I did it in the second grade.

Have you heard of such a seasonal ritual??? Ever???

Many of us have felt the huge energetic shift in response to the economy -- not to mention seasonal and social changes as immigration and migration for jobs continues to change what our neighbors and friends tend to look like (and I'm not just talking abut haggard stares).

My hope is that you, dear CyberCoven member, will do something FUN on Beltane. Leap over a small bonfire or weave a paper basket to fill with wildflowers (and give it to a loved one). The death-grip of winter is now over. SPRING IS HERE!

Let's celebrate!
~ SunTiger

Walpurgis (Norse Festival Of Darkness) Ap22-May1

Sometimes I forget how the herb Peppermint (which grows fluently in my garden) came from a wild-growing plant. Thanks to our ancestors -- who lived when "traditional" medicine was not available -- herb knowledge was aquired to help them to survive disease and our existence became possible. I wonder how much of this history do herbs remember (on a cellular level).

While I walk in my yard -- which now blooms with Spring flowers, the Sun seems to be wooing the Earth with kisses: "Wake-up Earth! The cold winter is now over."

While I think of my ancestors, I wonder what their back yards looked like 100 years ago or longer; especially the ones that lived way up north where there might still be some snow on the ground.

For those familiar with Norse Mythology, today begins Walpurgis, the festival of darkness. Historically, this holiday has been celebrated for nine nights: April 22 to May 1, to symbolize the nine days and nights that Odin hung upside down on Yggdrisal - that tree of life. The "Hanged Man" Tarot card seems to remember Odin's sacrifice as well -- because the Hanged Man card symbolizes willingly sacrificing something for a greater cause (as Odin willingly sacrificed his physical comfort for knowledge).

On the ninth day of suffering, Odin saw the runes and died. Then, that midnight, he is reborn (and the Norse Pagans celebrate that hour, where we benefited from so much of Odin's wisdom, by building bonfires. The flames were fueled to keep chaotic spirits away and to honor the dead; especially Odin).

May 1 is also celebrated as Beltane. I wonder -- what do YOU (Cyber Coven Member) plan to do in celebration as May approaches?

Full Moon Ritual, Thursday, April 9, 2009

(Thursday, April 9, 2009).
The moon is in Libra (balance -- more on that, below) and the Sun is in Aries (the ram: symbolic of natural born leaders/climbers).

According to the Farmer's Almanac: Tonight's Full Moon is named "Pink Moon." The name evolved from the earliest widespread spring ground-cover-herb called "moss pink" (pictured).

Since I will be leading out in a Tribal Healing Ceremony this coming Saturday (Public Ritual) I'm thinking rosy-pink thoughts and figured tonight's full moon ritual will focus on welcoming back the healing energies affiliated with Spring -- including that great and Radiant Sun, which heals our bodies from the inside out (as the returning strength of the Sun also rewards our flesh with its golden radiance and fills our souls with gladness).

Shake off that winter cold and rejoice -- for more Sun will be upon us as the great Stag in the sky matures from being a fresh-young-buck toward a strong and powerful steed by summertime

As the book: Witches Spell-A-Day Almanac so pointedly reminds us: This full moon (and any reflective moon, for that matter) resonates with the great Sun's energy. Just as Goddess Moon pulls the tides, so She also lures the Sun to her bosom -- reflecting His rays -- and thus day and night are mirrored together every time we gaze upon Her.

This particular night's moon is in Libra -- meaning now's a time to for maintaining balance with imagery of Libra's judicial scales offered as a visual reminder. Some astrological sites currently warn against the Sun being in Aries because that makes pushy people act even more socially unaware (hold your ground for maintaining emotional equilibrium amidst impulsive, spontaneous and headstrong people).

FOR TONIGHT'S RITUAL
One really HEALTHful practice (for healing your life) is to write down an affirmation. {{Need affirmation ideas to get this healing process started? See SunTiger MOJO's Affirmation Page.}}

Collect 25 stones and two empty bowls. Ask each stone you collect to help you in the healing process. Then place all 25 stones into one of the bowls. Each time you state your affirmation out-loud, take one stone from the first bowl and place it into the second (previously empty bowl). When all stones have been moved, your task is complete for the day and ready for you to begin the affirmation cycle again the next morning.

OTHER HEALING IDEAS:
Burn a blue candle for healing. Annoint that candle with a calming herb such as chamomile or some other herb affiliated with your particular healing goals (e.g., dandelion is good for the kidneys, Milk Thistle for the liver, Yarrow to slow menstruation or stop bloody noses, Ginko biloba to improve memory, etc.).

When you anoint any candle begin at its middle and draw the oil outward (toward the top and then, alternatively toward the bottom). Visualize your goals as you do your anointing work.

As you light your candle, state your request! Ask your deity of choice to empower your spell.

Papa Legba -- Is That You Tapping MY Shoulder?

We all have objects, sounds and smells that create an emotional response in us. The topic of this entry might elicit some stirring within. Meanwhile, I've been feeling this metaphysical tapping on my shoulder today and someone is seriously wanting to be acknowledged. I am acutely aware of the Voodoo Loa . . . thus I make this posting.

We all need some quiet time of withdrawal (every now and again). Perhaps this story will give you something to ponder the next time you're alone.

At times when a person is NOT talking to spirits, she can feel "at peace" although she is not permitted to speak great words of wisdom during that time because it is the season of quiet recuperation and introversion.

Only later -- after strength has returned from such reprieve -- can the mystic speak again to relay new ideas and sell them to others. That's about the extent of my limitations (as a psychic). A Voodoo psychic, however, would have much more than just her level of energy and physical endurance to consider.

Because of the tapping on my shoulder -- I present what might be a new idea to you if you're used to only studying Caucasian, Egyptian or Middle Eastern deities -- even while this deity has been around for centuries. {{Note: I never anticipated, not in a million years, that I would ever be posting such a phallic image.}}

Let me introduce Papa Legba (Legba Ati-Bon) who is Voodoo's gatekeeper to the spirit world.
According to tradition, Voodoo practitioners cannot talk to any deity or spirit ancestors unless they first ask Papa Legba's permission. After he grants them the right, there's additional Loa (spirit hierarchy) to grant more permission before a spirit closer to the family gene pool, such as her dearly departed great aunt Edna, has access to family members.

Many altars have been built in Papa Legba's honor and he deserves honor beyond the fact that he is the guardian of the crossroads. Similar to Odin in Norse Mythology, especially in the way that Odin brought his people the Nordic Runes, Legba introduced his tribes to the oracles and taught them how to interpret such. In any given Vodoun ceremony, Legba is always the first deity to be called to participate because he is the highest honored and no self-respecting Loa is going to talk to you (or attend your party) without you carrying Legba's permission slip.

Goddess Symbols {More} by SunTiger

Symbols come in very handy for all root-and-spell workers. Personally -- Symbols help ME meditate and do positive energy work!

This first symbol, the "Tiet" (pictured left, also spelled "Tyet") is also called an "Isis knot." Since "Knots" are used to bind magic -- this might be a great knot to learn how to tie.
As a hieroglyph, the Tiet seems to resemble the famous Ankh affiliated with all Egyptian deity, except the ankh's arms are fully extended out to either side while the Tiet's arms droop down.

The second symbol, pictured in black and white, represents the Greek Goddess Hecate (Wise Woman -- the Triple Goddess). The middle circle of Her symbol seems to emphasize the moving aspect of the yearly wheel (changing cycles/cogs going round and around) while the three outward prongs seem to symbolize the Triple Goddess -- or her three aspects: maiden, mother and crone.

Next is the symbol "Triskelion" which is identifiable by three interlocked bent lines; often presented as human legs bending at the knee (seemingly running). I mention this symbol as it relates to Goddess worship. It is visually similar to the Spiral Goddess Triskele symbol, pictured in black & white, below. (Reportedly this symbol has been found in Irish Megalithic and Neolithic sites while the Triskelion with legs -- pictured in marble -- is from Sicily).

Lucky MOJO Rice (posted by SunTiger)

Pictured left, FEHU (Nordic rune for blessings and wealth)

This following recipe was originally posted by CuriousCurandera (http://curiouscurandera.blogspot.com) but it reminded SunTiger so much of Hoodoo recipes that she's added her personal touches to enhance the work. Instead of "Green Fixed Rice," this enhanced recipe is now "Lucky MOJO Rice" which you can purchase from any legitimate root-working or spiritual supply store (or make your own).

PREPARATION AHEAD OF TIME:
SunTiger STRONGLY recommends cleaning a home thoroughly before doing any "lucky rice" or energy work. Sweep negativity AWAY from the home simply by swinging the broom away from the house. To increase traffic (as toward a business) select a stimulating herb such as Peppermint or Ginseng and make a tea to use as a floor wash. To create a more peaceful atmosphere, select a calming herb for brewing your tea/floor-wash, such as Camomile or nutmeg.

LUCKY RICE RECIPE:
Many parts of the world affiliate rice with happiness. That’s why, historically, we threw rice after weddings (wishing the bride & groom good luck). Spiritual supply shops sell “lucky rice” or you can make your own!

The only way to create “lucky rice,” in the Hoodoo tradition, is to mix in some shredded cash. Trust me: cutting up even a one-dollar bill takes a LOT of personal self reflection -- which adds power to the lucky rice!

Therefore, while CuriousCurandera's recipe omits that part – SunTiger added it in along with Angelica -- a very strong protective herb to dispel any negativity.

LUCKY RICE INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup of regular white rice.
• 5 TBSP of rubbing alcohol
• 1 TBSP of Holy Water (or water blessed by the full moon)
• One squirt of green food-coloring (may add more for a darker color).
• 1 TBSP of Angelica for protection
• 1 green bill: cut in very small pieces

Place all the above ingredients EXCEPT the cash into a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Once the green is evenly distributed, pour the rice out onto layers of paper towels or newspaper and spread it out to air dry. (Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly but I’ve been known to place my rice on the lowest oven setting for 15 minutes when I’m in a hurry).

After your rice is dry . . . add the shredded cash!

IMPORTANT INCANTATION BEFORE USING:
Call upon your deity and ask them to awaken the power in your rice. For example:
“I call upon the power of the Goddess Isis, the four directions and the forces of the elements, to awaken the positive energies in this rice before me.” (For the Christian version, see CuriousCurandera's blog site)

When you’re finished, make a sign of the power over your Green Rice (SunTiger uses the pentacle for protection and the Fehu Rune, pictured, for drawing Nordic blessings) and your rice is then ready for use!

For Home (to attract good luck, peace and prosperity):
Stand outside the closed front door. Throw a small handful of your lucky rice at it. Sprinkle some under door mats or place some in a planter or open container near the front door.

For Your Wallet/Purse or Shoes: (attract money & w/SunTiger's recipe, be protected!)
Put some lucky rice inside!

For Your Mailbox/Phone: (to lure good news)
Sprinkle lucky rice in and around your mailbox. For receiving good news via a phone call, fold some inside your cellular phone (in the old days they’d put the rice inside the receiver).

For Enhancing Business (to attract investors and customers with money to spend)
Throw a small handful on business rooftop. Place some at the main entrance; as under the door-mats, in a planter or open container. Place some wherever money is kept (e.g., cash drawer, at the register, in the safe). Scatter it about your parking lot!

For a Lucky MOJO bag (to improve your general sense of well-being)
Sew a small bag from red flannel. Fill it with your Lucky MOJO Rice. You may also add other elements that are important to you (such as a lucky stone or amulet). Attach the MOJO bag to your belt or carry it in your purse.

Richest blessings to you all.
{Thank you, CuriousCurandera, for making your inspiring post!)

Why Online Psychic Readings Get Frustrating

To work as a psychic at the LivePerson virtual office -- the intuitive reader must exercise SO MUCH patience if she's going to solicit work from the public boards. Below, I've cut and pasted an actual exchange (exactly as written -- only the client's ID has been changed to protect her identity). This information shows how hard we psychics must work doing the advertising, etc., often without a resultant "hire" on LivePerson. I wish this did not happen so frequently there . . . [I feel so thankful for DIRECT hires via eBay and through my website: SunTigerMOJO.com; where people are more honoring and willing to pay for an equal exchange (i.e., money for the information they seek). From: Drama Queen Date: 3/16/2009 10:25:02 PM I was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about an specific person that has been on my mind for that last few days. Sorry I don't have his DOB Any that could describe him would be a plus!!! Please no post and copys {She suggested paying $10 for the reading.} From: Mystic SunTiger Date: 3/16/2009 11:38:36 PM Drama Queen ~ * brown-haired male * younger than you * thinner build * average height I'd love to work with you but my lowest price is $33 (for obvious reasons, we get what we pay for as with psychic readings, energy is exchanged for energy). ~ SunTiger From: Drama Queen Date: 3/17/2009 11:32:16 AM Have I been on his mind like he's been on mine? From: Mystic SunTiger Date: 3/17/2009 12:19:33 PM For the fully detailed and personalized love forecast you may hit your hire button. I will offer a timely reply with all the information you seek.

RESULT: Drama Queen (like so many others who have posted on LivePerson's public boards before her) withdraws her questions once she realizes not even psychics can afford to work for FREE. My goal, in posting this, is to build stronger business relationships with all people. I'd like to raise the bar between client and psychic-intuitive exchanges.

SIDE NOTE TO CYBERCOVEN MATES: Next Full Moon Ritual happens Thursday, April 9th. Be thinking about what sort of goals you would like to accomplish. Send me a message at SunTiger@usa.com (and I will research spell options for that goal) or suggest your own ritual ideas.