Kat Sanders's Blog, page 6
December 9, 2012
The Sabbats: Winter Solstice
This festival celebrates joy, love and peace with family and friends. It is a time of celebration and fertility. The Yule tree was a symbol of hope and wishes. It was believed that any wish put upon the Yule tree was given into the “arms of the Universe”.
The best rituals during the Winter Solstice is one where family and friends are included and wishes are made to the Universe. Decorate the altar with holly, wreaths and small gifts to be given to the participants.
Once the ritual or spell is complete, spend time in joyous celebration with friends and family. Give them the gifts that sat on the altar and open them.
More Information:
Date: 22nd December
Other Names: Yule
Meanings: commencement, hope, good fortune, kinship, tradition
Colors: brown, white, green, red, gold
Element: earth,
Symbols: Yule tree, mistletoe, holly
Aromas: pine
December 6, 2012
The Tarot: 7 The Chariot
Movement
Balance
After dinner is finished, the Emperor offers you the use of a Chariot for your adventure. You know it will make traveling easier, but at the same time, controlling the animals drawing the chariot as well as providing for them would make your journey harder. You accept the reigns to the chariot and the additional hardships this will add. You know that your journey will be better for it and that you will have the strength to extend your journey to new lands. The Chariot propels you forward into the unknown.
When the Chariot shows up, it is giving you the means to not only make your journey faster but also to extend your journey to new places. It is the essence of travel. The chariot is a tool, a device to make your journey smoother, but beware; taking care of the chariot and the animals that drive it will add more tasks to your day.
Horse
The animal representation of the Chariot is the horse. This is fitting as horses are usually used to pull chariots. The horse symbolizes movement and travel, though not necessarily physical movement or travel. Horses are associated with astral travel. If you find the Chariot and Hierophant, a meditation with astral travel could be in the cards for you. Horses are also associated with magick and divination. They could mean that you are ready for a magick journey rather than a physical journey.
The horse is also a powerful creature and must be controlled by the person driving the Chariot. This represents the need for self-control and self-discipline. A horse has four legs which represents the four elements; earth, air, fire and water; and the balance that is need between them.
Upright Position
In the Upright position, the Chariot signifies travel and balance. Once you have embarked on your journey, the power of the horse will sustain and extend your journey. You will be able to go places you never thought you could reach, but be careful, don’t overextend yourself or you will not be able to maintain the chariot and the horses drawing it.
Reverse Position
If the Chariot is reversed, then it signifies that your life is either out of control, lacking self-discipline and self-control, lacking in movement and direction, moving in the wrong direction or all of them. You will need to take a look at your life, your journey and decide exactly what you want out of it.
Questions To Ask
What elements of your life out of your control? Is there something you can do to control them? If not, can you get out of that situation or is something you need to accept as part of your life? Are you ready to move forward towards your goal? Do you know where your journey is leading? Do you have a destination? Do you need one?
When the Chariot comes into your life, being ready to move forward and continue your project, journey, adventure is important. Knowing what needs to be done to continue and getting it done is also important. While the destination is a goal you need to propel you forward, the journey itself is the fun part. Having the means to extend your journey is always a fun prospect.
Where would you go if your adventure was extended or you could do more? Let me know by replying below!
December 2, 2012
The Tarot: 6 The Lovers
Fertility
Spiritual Choice
The Hierophant sits at the table as his students disperse to other parts of the castle. He smiles at you and opens his book, reading while awaiting the start of the meal. There is another disturbance at the door. In walks a couple, you cannot make out if their genders, but they are surrounded by a brilliant glow. They are the Lovers in all their forms.
The Lovers represents the whole, not just its parts. When you combine two elements, people or things, you get something more than their parts. Is this more something good or bad, right or wrong, light or dark? That depends on the parts that make up the whole. With the right two people, you will experiences the love of a lifetime and your heart is filled with joy. With the wrong two people, you will experience unimagined pain and suffering. This is just one example of the whole being more than its parts.
Bee
The animal representation of the Lovers is the Bee. The Bee represents new love and new energies. Like the pollination of plants, the Bee represents sexuality and fertility. It is not necessarily a physical love or fertility, though if you see the Four of Wands or the Two or Ten of Cups that is more likely. It could also be a spiritual, familial or creative love. If you are starting a new project, then the Bee or Lovers could represent a partnership that makes the project work. Maybe you meet someone who has the financial expertise to match your creative expertise. Maybe you decide to add a new medium to your creative endeavors, match paint to wood instead of canvas or add a 3D element to your painting. It is a creative partnership that is dependent on more than just the same thing that you have been doing. It requires an element of change.
Upright Position
In the upright position, the Lovers signify a great partnership. This is a partnership that you should agree to and throw yourself into wholeheartedly. It should make your heart sing with joy and cause a bounce in your step. If you are not feeling the excitement, then you should be looking for a different partnership. With the right additional cards (Four of Wands or the Two or Ten of Cups), this could mean the partnership is a romantic entanglement. You may meet Mr. or Ms. Right and when you do, you should embrace the romance.
Reverse Position
In the reverse position, the Lovers signify a partnership that isn’t right for you. It isn’t that the partner is bad or evil. It is just that you don’t fit. Look around you and at the partner, what qualities does he or she have that fit the qualities you need in your life. If the additional cards are the Four of Wands or the Two or Ten of Cups, then this bad partnership could be a romantic one. Be very careful and know what you want in the partnership before you agree to it.
Questions To Ask
Do you know what you want and need in a partner? Are you sure that the partner is the right one for you? Is he or she in the same place in life that you are, ready to make the sacrifices that are need to maintain a great partnership? Is he or she the lover you need? If it isn’t about romance, then does he or she have the business, creative, athletic… that you need to make the partnership work? If you are marrying creative, business, athletic… objectives, will they work together? Does the painter who works on canvas have the right paint to work on metal?
When the Lovers visit your life, it is the first step in a partnership. If you are not ready, then the partnership will fail. Know what you want and need in a partnership. Know what compromises you are willing to make. Know how far you are willing to go to make the partnership work. Pay attention to your heart, it knows if it is making a mistake. If even for a minute you think that this isn’t going to work, you need to take a closer look at the partnership. It’s not that the partnership is wrong, but there may be other things that need to be worked out.
Who is your partner during your adventure? Are you ready for the opportunity of a partnership? Let me know by replying below!
November 29, 2012
The Tarot: 5 The Hierophant
Longevity
Honor
Spiritual Justice
You sit down and glance around at the others feasting at the Emperor’s table. As you turn back to your plate, there is a disturbance at the door. In walks a man in modest clothing holding a book in one hand and an apple in the other. He is surrounded by both children and adults. They ask him questions and listens to the answers. He is a teacher and shaman. He is the Hierophant.
The Hierophant represents spirituality and the everyday manifestations of faith. He is the teacher that helps you breach the spiritual world with his knowledge and understanding of the divine. He isn’t just a teacher. He is also a spiritual leader, a shaman. He conduct the sacred rituals and magickal spells that allow those who prefer leadership in spiritual matters to focus on the mundane while he focuses on the mystical.
White Crane
The animal representation of the Hierophant is the white crane. The white crane represents the bridge between worlds, time and realms. It shows the need to focus on the spiritual and how it interacts with the mundane. Because it is the bridge between realms and worlds, having the white crane in your spread could mean that you will find a spiritual path that includes teachers outside of what is thought to be normal. The white crane also represents the bridge between times. This would allow you to learn of past lives and things that happened before.
Upright Position
In the upright position, the Hierophant symbolizes the need to seek out teachers and shamans to show you the way to incorporate your spiritual life into your everyday life. Those teachers might not be the traditional preacher or priest. It could be a spirit guide, a mystical creature or a visit to the Akashic Records. Don’t dismiss a teacher just because he or she isn’t a part of the “normal” world.
The Hierophant could be showing you that you already have the knowledge but that you are not incorporating it into your everyday life. Take a step back and see if what you believe is shown in what you do, say and think. If not, take the time to see why.
Reverse Position
In the reverse, the Hierophant can show you that you need to spend more time with family and friends as nurturing your loved ones is a spiritual blessing. It could also mean that you are not spending enough time in protecting your creative projects and endeavors. If the Hierophant is surrounded by other cards representing learning, it may signify a need for formal training like college or technical school. If the Hierophant is surrounded by negative cards, it may signify that spiritual power is being abused by you or someone around you, usually someone that is a teacher or spiritual guide. Look to the motivations of yourself and those around you.
Questions To Ask
What can you learn from the past, yours in a past life or the history of the world? Are you repeating the mistakes of others? Do you need a teacher, guide or other means of learning new information, especially spiritual teachings? Are you looking at the world around you as the mundane world and not the mystical teacher it can be? What can you learn?
When the Hierophant wants to teach, you should listen to his words and take them to heart. Find the right person, spirit, creature or power that can guide you down the path of your spirituality and show you have to incorporate it into your everyday life. The Hierophant wants to share his knowledge. You only have to listen.
Who in your life is your teacher, your Hierophant? Let me know by replying below!
November 25, 2012
The Tarot: 4 The Emperor
Vision
Power
Healing
Order
Stability
The Empress’ carriage takes you into the stronghold of the Emperor. You descend from the carriage after the Empress and see a tall gentleman strode down the steps of the castle. The Emperor greets the Empress with a restrained kiss and ushers her into the great hall. You follow along behind the royal couple looking at the straight lines and angles of the walls and floor. You notice that there is food and drink on the table but not the overabundance from the carriage. Everything is luxurious but also functional. The castle is the essence of order and stability of the Emperor while the decorations show the creativity and abundance of the Empress.
Once the Empress is seated at the head of the table, the Emperor turns to you and offers you a seat as well. You admire his manner and demeanor. You are just a lowly adventure not a noble. You are sure you are going to mess something up. The Emperor smiles and welcomes you, tells you not to worry and that everything will be fine. You are relieved and are glad for the foundation to rest upon.
The Emperor represents stability and order. He is the ruling power of the land and must make sure that everyone has what he or she needs. He takes care of the planning, the strategy and the security. He must make sure that his subjects are happy and healthy. He is the authority figure you can lean on and the structure around which plans can be made.
The Eagle
The animal representation of the Emperor is the Eagle, a majestic bird of prey. The eagle represents power and authority as well as vision. The eagle has keen eyesight and can see the world around him much better than most. He represents the need to take a closer look at a situation and know what is happening. The eagle is also very patient when hunting and shows us the need to be patient with a situation so the timing is right for the moves that must be taken.
Upright Position
In an upright position, the Emperor shows that you must take the time to make plans and contingencies. Set the structure, make an outline, and know what you need to do before doing it. It is the stability and foundation that will make your plans work. Also, look around you and make sure you know what is going on. Don’t be surprised because your head is in the sand.
Reverse Position
In the reverse, the Emperor shows you that sometimes things are moving too fast or that you might say something out of turn. Watch what you say and how you say it. What your body language. You never know if being too aggressive or obnoxious might ruin the opportunities that have come your way. It also could mean that you need to step back and get advice from someone who has been there before.
Questions To Ask
Are you ready? Do you have a plan? If you are starting a business, have you written a business plan? If you are writing a book, have you written an outline? Do you have all the supplies you need to complete your project? Do you have an adviser, someone who can let you know when you could be making mistakes?
When the Emperor walks into your life, you need to start looking at the structure and stability of your plans. The foundation need to be stable and big enough for expansion. Make a plan, get advice and make decisions. Temper the overindulgence of the Empress with the stability of the Emperor.
Who or what is the stability in your life? Is it you or someone else? How do you make plans? Let me know by replying below!
November 22, 2012
5 Reasons To Be Thankful
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough. -Oprah Winfrey
Today in the United States is Thanksgiving. I want to focus today’s post on my top five reasons to be thankful:
I am thankful that I found a job that I love.
I am thankful that I have the time to pursue my favorite pastimes: writing, sewing and making jewelry.
I am thankful that my family, both blood and made, is all alive and well.
I am thankful for a roof over my head and food on my table.
I am thankful that I can share my spirituality through this blog.
I am thankful that I found a job that I love.
I spent 6 months on short term disability because of some medical issues last year. In the end, I wasn’t able to go back to the job I had. This past Monday was my first day as an employee with the company that I was temporarily working for through a temp agency. Not only will I be making a little more an hour than I was as a temp employee, but I will also be working three days a week instead of two.
I am thankful that I have the time to pursue my favorite pastimes: writing, sewing and making jewelry.
In the past when working a full time job, I always felt that there wasn’t enough time to do all the things I love. Now, that I am working part time, I have time to maintain this blog, write e-books, sew, design embroidery, make jewelry, design graphics and still have time for friends and family.
I am thankful that my family, both blood and made, is all alive and well.
I love my family and my friends. A few years back, I lost a close friend just before Christmas. Now, I appreciate my friends and family even more and want to spend time with them. You never know what you have until you lose it.
I am thankful for a roof over my head and food on my table.
I went almost five months without a job once my medical issue was to the point that I could work again. Thankfully, my roommate is also my best friend and she was able to help me out when the money ran out. I owe her big, not just in the money I am repaying her, but also because without her I would be homeless and wondering where my next meal would be coming from. I am truly grateful to her for all her help.
I am thankful that I can share my spirituality through this blog.
Religion was a big deal in my house growing up, but spirituality wasn’t. We went to church every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night. I went to the Christian school that was associated with the church. My dad was in college at the college that was associated with the church. I don’t ever remember it feeling personal.
In my teens, I found Cunningham’s book, Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
, and feel in love with Wicca. The love affair has continued for the last 20+ years. I have learned a lot over the years as my spirituality has grown and I wanted to share it with the world.
However, I don’t want to force anyone to learn, practice or believe the way I do. This blog and other blogs like it are the perfect median to share my spirituality. When someone is interested in learning about Paganism and Wicca, then this blog is a resource they (you) can use to find their (your) own spirituality.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Even if you don’t live in the United States and celebrate Thanksgiving, it is a great idea to incorporate a day of thanks into your life. Take a day and reflect on the things that you are thankful for. Tell others why you are thankful they are in your life. This will allow you to reflect on all the good in your life and that will make you life better!
November 18, 2012
The Tarot: 3 The Empress
Creativity
Fertility
New Promise
The High Priestess has told you what your future hold if only you could decipher what she said. You continue your journey ponder the cryptic messages. It holds so much of your attention that you don’t notice the jewel encrusted carriage that almost runs you over. The carriage stops just ahead of where you are standing and out steps the Empress. She is a shining star and you are humbled by her presences. She offers you food and water, her carriage for traveling and her cloak for warmth. You climb into the carriage and are wrapped in luxury. You have never seen so much abundance. But as the carriage continues down the road, the Empress doesn’t ask where you are going. You are at her mercy and must continue your adventure at her whim.
When the Empress comes to be involved in your life, you will have an increase of abundance and creativity. She encourages you to become one with the creativity, to lavish in the overwhelming awe of everything flowing freely from you mind/body/soul and out into the world. You are caught in the grip of Mother Nature in all her forms.
The Dolphin
The animal representation of the Empress is the dolphin. The dolphin represent three of the most powerful creative forces: water, sound and breathe. These three put together will allow change to flow through your life. Use chants, prayers and spells to let the energy flow like water and spark the creativity and need to change. It is a sea of possibilities ready to be plucked from the water. Take this time to indulge and become pregnant with new beginnings.
Upright Position
When the Empress is scene in the upright position, it heralds a time of change and creativity. This can be represented as new projects, crafts or opportunities. It could also be a very physical change. This card represents pregnancy and new life as well. It also can represent the way that creativity and passion can overtake your life. You don’t always have control.
Reversed Position
When the Empress is reversed, it can show that your life is full of stress and that you need to make changes and relax. Stress can play havoc with your body as well as your creativity. You may need to learn a new relaxation technique or get a massage, anything to make you relax. Take some time off from work and do things that you enjoy.
Questions To Ask
What is causing stress in your life? Are you overwhelmed? Have you enjoyed life lately? Are you all work and no play? Once you have relaxed, what opportunities are you going to take? Where is your creative outlet?
When you meet the Empress, let her indulge you but realize that those indulgence can’t overwhelm your life. Take it one day at a time. Let the creativity out. Pursue the new opportunities. Remember that you need to take time out of working to play. Keep a balanced life. Don’t let Mother Nature take you by storm, but indulge in the passion without losing yourself.
Let me know how you are indulging your passions and pursue new opportunities by replying below.
November 15, 2012
The Tarot: 2 The High Priestess
Intuition
Weaving of Fate
Experiencing the Unexplainable
As you stumble away from The Magician, you know that your journey has only just begun. You want to know what is going to happen and what surprises await you. As you walk down the road, you see a tent covered in the webs of spiders. Outside sits a lady resplendent in the robe of The High Priestess. She sits before you with the means to tell you the future. You approach her wishing to know what would happen next. She smiles and turns over the cards laid out before you. She smiles and answers your questions in cryptic code.
The High Priestess represents the need to know the future and what is going to happen. It is also the knowledge that you can’t know the future and when you get hints and clue, they never make sense until the future is past.
The Spider
The animal representation of the High Priestess is the spider. The spider represents magical creativity and balance. The spider spins its web and captures everything it needs to live. You like the spider need to spin a web to capture what you need for your adventure.
Upright Position
In the upright position, the High Priestess acknowledges the lust for knowledge and the frustration of not knowing what will happen. It is creativity and intuition combined with patience that will allow you to make the right choices on your path. Make sure you have what you need to complete your journey and that you listen to your gut. It knows when things need to happen, even when they can’t be explained.
Reverse Position
When the High Priestess or the Spider shows up in the reverse, it is a warning to curb your frustrations and be patient. Your rewards will come to you in time, you just need to stop pushing and take the time to relax.
Questions To Ask
What creative opportunities are you missing? Why are you always frustrated? What could you be doing differently to make your dreams a reality? Are you constantly looking for answers to what the future holds or are you letting fate walk you down your path? Which would work better for you? What does your gut tell you?
When the High Priestess walks into your life, know that your adventure has been blessed by the higher powers and that they are guiding your steps. Let fate guide you to your next step. And don’t forget that creative intuition can lead you to new roads and new opportunities.
What higher power do you believe in and how have they influenced your life? Let me know by replying below!
November 11, 2012
The Tarot: 1 The Magician
Blessings
Magic Afoot
Using knowledge and hard work to create a change
You have started your adventure. You are traveling down the road of life eager to see all the wonders. There on the side of the road is The Magician. He is one with the magick he wields. Take a minute. Study him. What you are seeing is the end product. It took years of study, preparation and hard work to get where he is today. The Magician represents the time and effort that is taken before the journey has even begun as well as that magickal moment when it all comes together.
The Fox
The animal representation of the magician is the fox. The fox represents the magic of dusk and dawn, those in between times where anything is possible. The fox also represents healing and the art of camouflage. If no one knows you are around, then you can learn many interesting things. It also means that tasks can be completed while still avoiding obstacles that would normally be in our path. If you can not be seen, then you can not be stopped by others.
Upright Position
When the magician or fox is in your spread in an upright position, it is a reminder of the world unseen, whether unseen by you or others. It reminds you to stop and look around you for that which is hidden or camouflaged. It is also a reminder that magic can happen with a lot of hard work and study. Take the time to know yourself, your surrounding and your potential. This way you won’t miss out on that magickal moment when it all comes together.
Reverse Position
When the magician or fox shows up in the reverse, be aware of your creative energies. There is always some obstacle that you could run over that could cause your creativity to run dry. These obstacles may or may not be seen. The solutions may be hidden. Take the time to study your situation before making a decision.
Questions To Ask
Are you keeping your plans a secret? Or does everyone you meet know what you are going to do? Will those around you help or hinder your efforts? Is that help really helpful or is it a hidden obstacle?
Sometimes revealing the secret (study and hard work) behind the magick is just as bad not saying anything to anyone. Know who to talk with and how much to say. Also, look around you for hidden obstacles and opportunities. You never know when the magick will happen.
What things do you think should be kept secret and what things should be shown to wow your audience? Let me know by replying below!
November 8, 2012
Elder Futhark Runes: Dag
The Elder Futhark Runes were made up of 24 basic runic letters. There were more added at points in time. The basic 24 are the runes that are normally used in divination and runic magic. The Elder Futhark alphabet starts with Feoh and ends with Dag. Each letter has its own meaning and correspondences.
Dag is the last rune in the main 24 Elder Futhark runes. It represent day and the polarities of light and darkness.It is a powerful blocking rune and is used on doors and windows as a rune of protection. It also means light, health and prosperity. It’s used as protection from anything harmful while still allowing anything beneficial to enter. It is also the rune of invisibility and cosmic consciousness.
The tree for this rune is the Spruce. Spruce is the tree of Yule. It represents permanence and the eternal cosmic axis.
Some Correspondences
Number: 24
Color: light blue
Tree: spruce
Herb: clary
Gender: male
Element: fire/air
Deity: Heimdall
Wind: Auster – S
Essential Oil: Clary Sage
Time of Day: 11.30 – 12.30
Half Month Begins: 14-June
For more information, try these websites:
Wayfarer’s Mark Videos
Runes, Alphabet of Mystery
The Oracle Answers
To purchase a set of runes, click the picture below:
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