Help save innocent lives

Up to 50% of dogs and up to 70% of cats that enter shelters will end up dying there because no one comes to adopt them. That is why the ASPCA is working to make shelter pets the number one choice for those seeking a companion animal. As public awareness is raised regarding shelter pets, more and more animals will be adopted and fewer and fewer animals will suffer.

Tell your friends. Help save innocent lives.

http://myaspca.org

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The Night Before Solstice

The Night Before Solstice

Twas the night before solstice and all through the co-op
Not a creature was messing the calm status quo up.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
Dreaming of lentils and warm whole-grain breads.

We'd welcomed the winter that day after school
By dancing and drumming and burning the Yule,
A more meaningful gesture to honor the planet
Than buying more trinkets for Mom or Aunt Janet,

Or choosing a tree just to murder and stump it
And deck it all out like a seasonal strumpet.
My spouse and I, having turned down the heat,
Slipped under the covers for some well-deserved sleep,

When from out on the lawn there came such a roar
I slipped from my futon and rolled to the floor.
I crawled to the window and pulled back the latch,
And muttered, "Aw, where is that Neighborhood Watch?"

I saw there below through the murk of the night
A sleigh and eight reindeer, challenged of height.
At the reins of that sleigh sat a mean-hearted knave
Who treated each deer like some personal slave.

I'd seen him before in some ads for car loans,
Plus fast food, soft drinks and cellular car phones.
He must have cashed in from these mercantile chores,
Since self-satisfaction just oozed from his pores.

He called each by name, as if 'twere his right
To treat them like chattel enhancing his might:
"Now Donner, now Blitzen," and other such aliases,
Showing his true Euro-centrical biases.

With a snap of his fingers away they all flew,
Like Democrats served up brie or tofu.
Up to the rooftop they carried the sleigh
(The damage to my shingles is there to this day).

Out bounded the man, who went straight to the flue.
I knew in an instant just what I should do.
After donning my slippers, downstairs did I dash
To see this trespasser emerge from the ash.

His clothes were all covered with soot, well of course,
From our wood-fueled alternative energy source.
Through the grime I distinguished the make of his duds--
He was trimmed all in fur, fairly dripping with blood!

"We're a cruelty-free house!" I proclaimed with such heat
He was startled and tripped on the logs at his feet.
He stood back up dazed, but with mirth in his eyes.
It was then that I noticed his unhealthy size.

He was almost as wide as when standing erect,
A lover of fatty fried foods, I suspect.
But that wasn't all to make sane persons choke:
In his teeth sat a pipe that was belching out smoke!

I could scarcely believe what had invaded our house--
This carcinogenic and overweight louse
Was so red in the face from his energy spent,
I expected a coronary right there and then.

Behind him he toted a red velvet bag
Full to exploding with sinister swag.
He asked, "Where is your tree?" with a face somewhat long.
I said, "Out in the yard, which is where it belongs."

"But where will I put all the presents I've brought?"
I looked at him squarely and said, "Take the whole lot
To some frivolous people who think that they need
To succumb to the sickness of commerce and greed,

Whose only joy comes from the act of consuming,
Thus sending the value of retail stocks booming."
He blinked and said, "Ho, ho, ho! But you're kidding."
I gave him a stare that was stern and forbidding.

"Surely children need something with which to have fun?
Or it's like childhood's over before it's begun."
He looked in my eyes for some sign of assent,
But I strengthened my will and refused to relent.

"They have plenty of fun," I cut to the gist,
"And your mindless distractions have never been missed.
They take CPR so that they can save lives,
And they go door-to-door on used clothing drives.

They recycle, renew, reuse and reveal
For saving the planet's a laudable zeal.
When they padlock themselves to a fence to protest
Against nuclear power, we think they're the best."

He said, "But they're children--lo, when do they play?"
I countered, "Is that why you've come in your sleigh,
"To bring joy to the hearts of each child and tot?
All right, open your bag; let's see what you've got."

He sheepishly did as I'd asked and behold!
A Malibu Barbie in a skirt of gold.
"You think that my girls will like playing with this,
An icon of sexist, consumerist kitsch?

With its unnat'ral figure and airheaded grin,
This trollop makes every girl yearn to be thin,
And take up fad diets, bingeing and purging
Instead of respecting her own body's urging

To welcome the shape that her body has found
And rejoice to be lanky, short, skinny or round."
Deep from his satchel he produced up a toy,
Saying, "This is a hit with most every boy."

And what did he put in my trembling hand
But a gun from the BrainBlaster Power Command!
"It's a 'hit,' to be sure," I sneered in his face,
"And a plague and a pox on the whole human race!

How 'bout grenades or some working bazookas
To turn all of our kids into half-wit palookas?"
I seized on his bag just to see for myself
The filth being spread by this odious elf.

An Easy-Bake Oven--ah, goddess, what perfidy!
To hoodwink young girls into household captivity!
Plus an archer play set with shafts that fly out,
The very thing to put a child's eye out.

And toy metal tractors, steam shovels and cranes
For destroying woodlands and scarring the plains,
Plus "games" like Monop'ly, Pay Day, Tycoon,
As if lessons in greed can't start up too soon.

And even more weapons from BrainBlasters Co.,
Like cannons and nun-chucks and ray guns that glow.
That's all I could find in his red velvet sack--
Perverseness and mayhem to set us all back.

"We need none of this," I announced in a huff,
"No 'business-as-usual' holiday stuff.
"We sow in our offspring more virtue than this.
Your goods are things that they'll never miss."

The big man's expression was a trifle bereaved
As he shouldered his pack and got ready to leave.
"I pity the kids who grow up around here,
Who're never permitted to be of good cheer,

Who aren't allowed leisure for leisure's own sake,
But must fret every minute--it makes my heart ache!"
"Enough histrionics! Don't pity our kids
If they don't do as Macys or Toys 'R' Us bids.

They live by their principles first and foremost
And know what's important," to him I did boast.
"Pray, could I meet them?" "Oh no, they're not here.
By now, they're on the roof, liberating your deer!"

At that Santa sputtered and pointed his finger
But, mad as he was, he had no time to linger.
He flew up the chimney like smoke from a fire,
And up on the roof I heard voices get higher.

I ran outside the co-op to see him react
To my children's responsible, kindhearted act.
He chased them away, and disheartened, dismayed,
He rehitched his reindeer (who'd docilely stayed).

I watched with delight as he scooted off then;
He'd be too embarrassed to come back again.
But with parting disdain, do you know what he said,
This overweight huckster when he took off in his sled?

This reindeer enslaver, this exploiter of elves?

"Happy Christmas to all, but get over yourselves!

Source: http://people.cornell.edu/pages/bs16/Christmas/the_night_before_solstice.txt

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Yule Celestial Light Show

URSID METEORS: Earth is passing through a stream of debris from comet 8P/Tuttle and this is causing the annual Ursid meteor shower. Forecasters expect the Ursids to peak on Dec. 22nd with 8 to 10 meteors per hour flying out of the constellation Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper) not far from the north star. The display is usually mild, but outbursts of Ursids occasionally surprise observers with rates many times normal. The last time this happened was in 2006.

Standing outdoors to watch Ursids in December can be a chilling experience. So why not stay inside and listen? Spaceweather.com is broadcasting live audio from the Air Force Space Surveillance Radar in Texas. When a meteor passes over the facility--"ping"--there is an echo. Because the Ursid radiant is circumpolar (always up) over the radar, the echoes may be heard at any hour, night or day. Tune in to http://spaceweather.com to try the audio feed, which can support 1000 simultaneous listeners.

Space Weather News for Dec. 21, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

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Blessed Yule!!

A Viking Yule

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Hall
Not a creature was stirring, not warrior nor thrall
And I in my armour, my greaves and my helm
Was drunker than anyone else in the Realm.

I staggered upstairs and fell into bed
While four quarts of mead were ablaze in my head.
Then up from below came the sounds of a brawl
So I grabbed up my axe and ran down the Hall.

I missed the last step and crashed down in a heap
Thinking, "Why can't those low-lifes downstairs go to sleep?!"
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But two brawny strangers, wielding mallet and spear.

I said to myself, "We'll soon have them beat!"
Then I noticed ten warriors laid out at their feet.
I gave out a yell and leapt into the fray....
I'll always regret my poor choice of that day.

For the one laid his hammer to the side of my nose
And up, up, up to the rafters I rose.
Then came a lone frightened voice from the floor,
"Those are no mortal warriors -- that's Odin and Thor"

Then they looked at each other and they said, "Battle's done.
Now they know who we are, it no longer is fun."
Then Thor raised his hammer, and his elbow he bent,
And with a loud crash, through the ceiling they went.

I crawled through the Hall and flung open the door,
Not really sure that I'd seen them before.
The snow bathed in starlight, the moon like a glede,
I saw them ride off on an eight-legged steed.

And I heard them exclaim, 'ere they flew out of sight,
"TO HELA WITH CHRISTMAS, WE JUST LOVE A GOOD FIGHT!"
....author unknown

Blessed Yule to everyone!

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BIGGEST FULL MOON OF THE YEAR & WEEKEND METEORS

BIGGEST FULL MOON OF THE YEAR: The Moon that's causing trouble for the Geminid display happens to be biggest full Moon of 2008, as much as 14% wider and 30% brighter than lesser Moons we've seen earlier this year. An astronomer would say this is a "perigee Moon" because it occurs at perigee, the side of the Moon's elliptical orbit closest to Earth. Go outside tonight and take a look. The meteor rate may be low, but the lunar beauty index is off the charts.

WEEKEND METEORS: Earth is entering a stream of debris from extinct comet 3200 Phaethon, and this is causing the annual Geminid meteor shower. The shower is expected to peak on Dec. 13th and 14th. Normally, as many as 100 meteors per hour shoot out of the constellation Gemini, but this year a bright Moon will interfere with the display, reducing hourly counts to only 20 or so. That's could still be a nice show. For best results, watch the sky from 10 pm local time on Saturday night (Dec 13th) until dawn on Sunday morning (Dec. 14th).


Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos, webcasts and more information.

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Don't forget our homeless animal friends

Don't forget our homeless animal friends this holiday season!

This is Snowflake. She and her kittens were found living outside in the cold. Abandoned and forgotten like so many other cats. Snowflake managed to continue to care for her kittens even though she was tired, hungry and homeless. Humans could learn a few things from the acts of loyalty and devotion displayed by animals. Luckily, this mama cat’s efforts to keep her babies alive were not in vain. A kind stranger discovered the family and contacted PetConnect Rescue. This mother and her young kittens are examples of some of the wonderful cats that are available for adoption right now.

The population of neglected and discarded cats is truly overwhelming. While the plight of homeless dogs is dismal, the situation for cats is even worse. There is a very urgent demand for more foster families and potential adopters. Animal lovers must not forget that cats deserve to be rescued too!

Snowflake kept her babies as safe as she possibly could during those difficult first weeks. PetConnect Rescue plans to help her keep them safe forever.

To learn more about PetConnect please visit their website at www.petconnectrescue.org
Thank you. Click the above link to see other pets…and what you can do to help….just $10 from you can help!



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Celestial Show Monday Night

Space Weather News for Monday, Dec. 1, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

When the sun goes down tonight, step outside and look south. Beaming through the twilight is one of the prettiest things you'll ever see--a tight three-way conjunction of Venus, Jupiter and the crescent Moon. The event is visible from all parts of the world, even from light-polluted cities. People in New York and Hong Kong will see it just as clearly as astronomers watching from remote mountaintops. Only cloudy weather or a midnight sun (sorry Antarctica!) can spoil the show.

The great conjunction offers something extra to Europeans. For more than an hour on Monday evening, the crescent Moon will actually eclipse Venus. Astronomers call such an event a "lunar occultation." Venus emerging from the dark edge of the Moon is a remarkably beautiful sight. Sky watchers across Europe will be able to see this happen.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos, webcasts and more information.

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Thanksgiving Greetings!

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LEONID METEOR WATCH

LEONID METEOR WATCH: The Leonid meteor shower peaks this year on Nov. 17th and 18th. Bright moonlight will probably spoil the show, but not necessarily. Researchers who study Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle, the source of the Leonids, say Earth is going to pass through one or two of the comet's dusty filaments. Peak rates of 20 to 100 meteors per hour are possible during the early hours of Nov. 17th (especially 0000-0200 UT) and again during the waning hours of Nov. 18th (around 2130 UT). These times favor sky watchers in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Smaller numbers of Leonids could appear between the anticipated peak times. Meteor enthusiasts everywhere should monitor the sky on Nov. 17th and 18th; the hours before local dawn are usually best.

Space Weather News for Nov. 16, 2008
http://spaceweather.com

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Amazonite Stone

Amazonite Stone

Amazonite is a mint green to aqua green. It is the "Stone of truth, honor, communication, integrity and trust". It is said to enhance intuition, psychic powers, creativity, intellect, and psychic ability. Amazonite is often associated with the throat chakra, and as such, can be beneficial to communication. It aligns the physical and astral bodies. It can lessen stress and self-defeating behaviors by calming and building self-esteem. Amazonite can assist with peacefully making the transition out of this life. Amazonite is said to heal emotional disturbances and the after effects of emotional trauma. It is reputed to have spiritual energy healing powers of preventive energy that's good for one's health in general, decreasing heart problems, benefitting the muscles, helping the nervous system, lessening tooth decay and osteoporosis.

See more Crystals

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Free eCards

Send free eCards from CyberMoon!

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Giant Crystal Cave

Giant Crystal Cave

"It's "the Sistine Chapel of crystals," says Juan Manuel García- Ruiz.

The geologist announced this week that he and a team of researchers have unlocked the mystery of just how the minerals in Mexico's Cueva de los Cristales (Cave of Crystals) achieved their monumental forms."

Read more about these beautiful caves.

Selenite can be used to access past lives and future lives by rubbing the wand with a finger or thumb while the meditative state is attained. The visual images will begin. Selenite is also believed to aid in the acquisition of materialistic pursuits related to business, provide clarity of mind and expand awareness. It is a stone of peace and helpful in relationships by providing a bridge to ease the way to working things out. Helpful to calm a temper, release stress and negativity.

See our Selenite

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AMETHYST ~ MYSTICAL PROPERTIES

AMETHYST ~ MYSTICAL PROPERTIES

Because of its mineralogical formation, this stone possesses the properties that allow it to be one of the best third-eye stones by stimulating vision unto unknown realms. Amethyst is commonly used to transform negativity and strengthen the third eye vision or your intuitive sense. Put it under your pillow or on the headboard of a bed for one who suffers nightmares or disturbing dreams. Always have a nice piece in the room where you entertain outsiders, such as friends, or clients (and especially family!). This stone is believed to be good for headaches and preventing overindulgence in alcohol.

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Hurricane Ike - Animal Rescue

Hurricane Ike - Animal Rescue

We are praying for all our friends, patrons, customers, and animal friends in the path of Hurricane Ike.

Houston SPCA has taken in approximately 200 animals in need of shelter from Ike at the time of this posting. We've made a donation to aid this shelter in honor of our pets who have passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

If you would like more information on this animal rescue, please see their website.



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WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE

HOW QUICKLY WE FORGET, IF WE EVER KNEW...

WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE

This is the story of our
Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers;
they lived only 90 years ago.

Remember, it was not until 1920
that women were granted the right
to go to the polls and vote.

The women were innocent and defenseless,
but they were jailed nonetheless
for picketing the White House,
carrying signs asking for the vote...

And by the end of the night,
they were barely alive.
Forty prison guards wielding clubs
and their warden's blessing
went on a rampage against the 33 women
wrongly convicted of
'obstructing sidewalk traffic'


(Lucy Burns)

They beat Lucy Burns,
chained her hands to the cell bars above
her head and left her hanging for the night,
bleeding and gasping for air...

(Dora Lewis)

They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell,
smashed her head against an iron bed
and knocked her out cold...
Her cellmate, Alice Cosu,
thought Lewis was dead
and suffered a heart attack...
Additional affidavits describe the guards
grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming,
pinching, twisting and kicking the women...

Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror'
on Nov. 15, 1917,
when the warden at the
Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his
guards to teach a lesson
to the suffragists imprisoned there
because they dared to picket
Woodrow Wilson's White House
for the right to vote.
For weeks, the women's only water
came from an open pail.
Their food--all of it colorless slop
--was infested with worms...

(Alice Paul)

When one of the leaders, Alice Paul,
embarked on a hunger strike,
they tied her to a chair..,
forced a tube down her throat
and poured liquid into her until she vomited...
She was tortured like this for weeks
until word was smuggled out to the press...
Memory of Sufferegette Prisoners



So, refresh my memory.
Some women won't vote this year because-
-why, exactly?
We have carpool duties?
We have to get to work?
Our vote doesn't matter?
It's raining?

Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening
of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels'
It is a graphic depiction of the battle
these women waged
so that I could pull the curtain
at the polling booth and have my say...
I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder...

All these years later,
voter registration is still my passion...
But the actual act of voting
had become less personal for me,
more rote...
Frankly,
voting often felt more like an obligation
than a privilege.
Sometimes it was inconvenient...

My friend Wendy, who is my age
and studied women's history,
saw the HBO movie, too...
When she stopped by my desk to talk
about it, she looked angry...
She was--with herself...
'One thought kept coming back to me
as I watched that movie,' she said...
'What would those women think
of the way I use, or don't use,
my right to vote?
All of us take it for granted now,
not just younger women..,
but those of us who did seek to learn...
' The right to vote, she said...
had become valuable to her 'all over again'

HBO released the movie on video and DVD.. .
I wish all history, social studies
and government teachers
would include the movie in their curriculum
I want it shown on Bunco night, too..,
and anywhere else women gather...
I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing..,
but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be,
and I think a little shock therapy is in order...

It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson
and his cronies try to persuade
a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane
so that she could be permanently institutionalized.
And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse...
Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave...
That didn't make her crazy...

The doctor admonished the men:
'Courage in women is often mistaken
for insanity'
Reprinted from _Houston Independent Media_

Please, if you are so inclined,
pass this on to all the women you know...

We need to get out and vote
and use this right that was fought so hard for
by these very courageous women...
Whether you vote democratic..,
republican
or independent party
- remember to vote...

History is being made

Book:
Iron-Jawed Angels
The Suffrage Militancy of the
National Woman's Party
1912-1920
Linda G. Ford

UNVERSITY
PRESS OF
AMERICA

Lanham, New York, London
Library of Congress Cataloging-in -Publication Data
Ford, Linda, 1949
Iron-Jawed Angels: the suffrage militancy of the
National Woman's Party, 1912-1920
299 p. 22 cm
Includes bibliographical references.
1. Women-Suffrage-United States-History-
20th century. 2.United States-Politics and
government-1913-192. I Title
JK1896.F67 1991
With love, respect and gratitude
_Rev Alicia Lyon Folberth_



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METEOR SHOWER ALERT

METEOR SHOWER ALERT: The next meteor shower is the Perseids on August 12, 2008. After the first-quarter moon sets, around 2 a.m., meteors should be more easily visible until dawn. You may see dozens of meteors per hour.
Serious meteor hunters will begin their watch early, on Monday evening, August 11th, around 9 pm when Perseus first rises in the northeast.




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SUPPORT OLYMPIC TEAM DARFUR

SUPPORT OLYMPIC TEAM DARFUR

We salute our Athletes competing in the Olympic Games, especially TEAM DARFUR.

Tracy Mattes', a gold Olympic athlete, has been denied a visa to China because of his support of Team Darfur. Read more about Mattes

"A campaign leading up to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, Team Darfur aims to educate the global public through the unique voice of elite athletes. Team Darfur brings together the world's Olympic and professional athletes to put international pressure not only on Sudan, but also on those countries that support the policy of inaction in the face of this dire humanitarian crisis.

"China's government holds enormous leverage over Sudan. They purchase two thirds of Sudan's oil, and they sell Sudan the weapons that are used by the Janjaweed to carry out their attacks. If the Chinese government really wanted to, they could end the genocide. Their economic relationship with Sudan is just that powerful. Team Darfur is tremendously excited about the upcoming summer Olympics in Beijing. However, it has become clear to us that China's lack of action with regard to Darfur is not in line with its professed motto of "One World, One Dream."

"Since last year, Team Darfur has been working to put pressure on China in the lead-up to the Olympics. And it has been working! China has responded by appointing a diplomatic envoy to Darfur, sending engineers to the region, and making vocal statements about their commitment to helping the victims of the conflict. We commend them for all of this. But it is not enough!"


See the list of Team Darfur Atletes

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)0( Visit our Witch and Pagan Auctions

We offer Almanacs, pentacles, pentagrams, incense, oils and other magickal items on ePagan Auction.

Visit our witch auctions and pagan auctions

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Baby Moose Twins

Baby Moose Twins like to play in sprinkler

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SOLAR ECLIPSE

SOLAR ECLIPSE: On Friday, August 1st, the Moon will pass directly in front of the Sun producing a total solar eclipse. The narrow path of totality stretches from arctic Canada through Greenland, Siberia, and Mongolia, and comes to an end in China, where millions of people will witness the event. Even more people will see the partial eclipse, visible from almost all of Europe, the Middle East, India, Asia and a corner of North America. The action begins at approximately 09:20 UT (5:20 am EDT) when the Moon's shadow first hits Earth in northern Canada and begins its rapid sweep toward China.

Visit http://spaceweather.com for photos, webcasts, timetables and full coverage of the eclipse.


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Lughnasadh - Lammas

Lughnasadh - Lammas

Lughnasadh(pronounced loo-na-sa), is one of the four main festivals of the medieval Irish calendar. August 1st is Lammas Day (loaf-mass day), the festival of the first wheat harvest of the year. On this day it was customary to bring to church a loaf made from the new crop. In many parts of England, tenants were bound to present freshly harvested wheat to their landlords on or before the first day of August. In the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, where it is referred to regularly, it is called "the feast of first fruits".

In Wicca, it is the first of the three autumn harvest fests, the others are Mabon and Samhain, along the Wheel of the Year.

The festival of Lammas (comes from "loaf mass"), celebrated Aug 1st, marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. It commemorates the sacrifice and death of the Wiccan Corn God, celebrating the cycle of death, nurturing the people, and rebirth, The corn is considered an aspect of the Sun God, symbolizing Lugh. Some Wiccans mark the holiday by baking a figure of the god in bread, and then symbolically sacrificing and eating it. It is prophesied that, as long as the custom shall be maintained, there will be corn and milk in every house, peace and fine weather for the feast.

At Lammas, a couple could decide to continue the Year and a day handfasting arrangement if it pleased them, or to stand back to back and walk away from one another, thus bringing their Tailltean marriage to a formal close.

People in the Southern Hemisphere that celebrate Lammas do so February 1, to reflect the 6 month offset of seasons on the other side of the planet.

See our Hidden Pentagram Wheel of the Year Pendant

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Leprechaun Potatoes Recipe

Leprechaun Potatoes Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

* 4 large baking potatoes, baked (see Note)
* 1/2 cup butter (1 cube), room temperature
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Dash of ground nutmeg
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, cooked and drained
* 2 tablespoons sour cream
* 1/4 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese

TO PREPARE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Slice cooled potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out flesh.
In a large bowl, combine potato pulp, butter, salt, sugar, chives, dill,
garlic powder, nutmeg, cooked spinach and sour cream. Mix together thoroughly.
Fill potato skins with mixture and place in a baking dish. Bake uncovered at
350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with Parmesan
cheese. Return to oven and broil at 500 degrees for approximately 3 minutes, or
until tops are golden brown.

NOTE: Potatoes can be baked in the microwave to save time.

SERVES: 6 - 8

Daily Recipe

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WITCHES STONES: AMBER

WITCHES STONES: AMBER

Amber is a fossilized tree resin. It was formed over millions of years. The amber originated from the now extinct Hymenaea tree in an ancient rain forest. The tree sap (or resin) became buried and over time, fossilized. Animals, plants, and insects became entrapped and entombed in this resin, providing a unique and detailed snapshot of life millions of years ago. Tiny pieces of time frozen forever. Your stone may hold an insect or botanical inclusions consist of leaves and parts of leaves, flower petals, flower stamen, seeds, twigs, flower buds or flowers, etc, from past ages. from thousands of years ago. Add the power of the insect and the amber to your life!

See our AMBER

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~ Andalusite (Faery Cross) ~

~ Andalusite (Faery Cross) ~

This is a very hard to obtain rare, ANDALUSITE (Faery Cross) Polished Crystal. It is a glorious multi color(also called poor mans alexanderite). In the center is a CROSS that is a natural part of its crystalline structure and a symbol of PROTECTION and Balance. Unique from any other gem! It is used as a powerful protection stone and stimulates self enhancement, self realization and memory! In channeling it is used to magnify past lives. A remarkable stone crystal we are very happy about offering. A most important stone for practitioners.

See more CRYSTALS

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Dutch house cat adopts rejected red panda

Dutch house cat adopts rejected red panda

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) - A zookeeper's house cat has adopted a baby red panda abandoned by its mother and is nursing the cub along with her own kittens, the Artis zoo said Wednesday.
The panda's mother rejected her two cubs after they were born on June 30.

"She left them there, lying in the cold," said zoo spokesman Bart Kret.

The zoo initially kept the cubs in an incubator. But a keeper's tabby cat had just given birth to four kittens, and let the two panda cubs join the crowd.

Read more

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WITCHES STONES: LODESTONES

LODESTONES

Lodestones are natural magnets & for many centuries have been used to charge spell items, primarily to attract things to the one using them -- good luck, healing, etc. Often two lodestones are carried: one to repel bad luck & one to attract good. Also used in charm bags.

See our LODESTONES

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KEEP YOUR KITTY SAFE - HOUSEHOLD POISONS

KEEP YOUR KITTY SAFE - HOUSEHOLD POISONS

Many items that are common in households are TOXIC poisons to cats. Some of thse items are:

*Chocolate
*Chewing Gum
*Mouse/rat poisons

Read more about how to protect your kitty.



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Summer Soltice in Austria

SOLSTICE CELEBRATIONS: No, this mountain in the Austrian Alps is not spewing lava. It's a summer solstice celebration.

Zoom in and zoom in again to see what's really happening.

"This is a traditional solstice celebration in our part of Europe," explains photographer Thorsten Boeckel. "More than 8000 fires light up these 200-meter figures in the steep mountain walls from an altitude of 1200m to 2900m. What an unique sight from a 2000m perch on the opposite side of the valley."

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India baby girl deaths 'increase'

More Girls Condemned

In addition to China and the Arabian countries, India's parents are aborting female babies or simply neglecting them so that they die.

"The number of girls born and surviving in India has hit an all time low compared to boys, ActionAid says.

A report by the UK charity says increasing numbers of female foetuses were being aborted and baby girls deliberately neglected and left to die.

In one site in the Punjab state, there are just 300 girls to every 1,000 boys among higher caste families, it says.

ActionAid says India faces a "bleak" future if it does not end its practice of cultural preference for boys."

Read the news story.

We have not proclaimed the sacred feminine enough so that our sisters will live.

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English Crop Circle's Mysterious Pattern Solved

English Crop Circle's Mysterious Pattern Solved

Another crop circle has appeared in the English countryside — and this one's clearly been made by someone, or something, that understands math.

At first glance, the strange ratcheted pattern, radiating out clockwise, doesn't look like much — modern art, perhaps.

But an electrical engineer from North Carolina — described by the London newspapers as a "retired astrophysicist" — figured out that it was an abstract representation of pi, the number at the center of Euclidean geometry. Read more

See our Crop Circle Pendants

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One-Horned 'Unicorn' Deer Born in Italy

Just when you thought the myths about unicorns were just myths...

Read about the real live unicorn.

See our unicorn pendants.

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Hollywood to fill in Jesus missing years

Did you ever wonder what Jesus did during the years the Bible doesn't cover? Hollywood is making a movie called "Aquarian Gospel," a $20m movie, which portrays Jesus as a holy man and teacher inspired by a myriad of eastern religions in India. The Aquarian Gospel takes its name from a century-old book that examined Christianity's eastern roots and is in its 53rd reprint.

Read more about the movie.

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The Charge of the Goddess

The Charge of the Goddess

Now listen to the words of the Great Mother,
who was of old also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Dana, Arianrhod, Isis, Bride, and by many other names. At her altars, the youth of Lacedaemon in Sparta made due sacrifice.

Whenever ye have need of any thing,
once in the month,
and better it be when the moon is full,
then shall ye assemble in some secret place, and adore the spirit of me,
who am Queen of all witches.

There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery,
yet have not won its deepest secrets;
to these will I teach things that are as yet unknown.

And ye shall be free from slavery;
and as a sign that ye be really free,
ye shall be naked in your rites;
and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in my praise.
For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit,
and mine also is joy on earth;
for my law is love unto all beings.

Keep pure your highest ideal;
strive ever towards it, let naught stop you or turn you aside;
for mine is the secret door which opens upon the land of youth,
and mine is the cup of wine of life,
and the cauldron of Cerridwen,
which is the Holy Grail of immortality.

I am the gracious Goddess,
who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man.
Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal;
and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom,
and reunion with those who have gone before.

Nor do I demand sacrifice;
for behold, I am the Mother of all living,
and my love is poured out upon the earth.

Hear ye the words of the Star Goddess;
she in the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven,
whose body encircles the universe.

I who am the beauty
of the green earth and the white moon upon
the mysteries of the waters,
I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me.

For I am the soul of nature
that gives life to the universe.
From me all things proceed and unto me
they must return.
Let My worship be in the
heart that rejoices, for behold,
all acts of love and pleasure
are My rituals.

Let there be beauty and strength,
power and compassion,
honor and humility,
mirth and reverence within you.
And you who seek to know me,
know that the seeking and yearning
will avail you not,
unless you know the Mystery:
for if that which you seek,
you find not within yourself,
you will never find it without.

For behold,
I have been with you from the beginning,
and I am that which is attained
at the end of desire.

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The Celtic Triquetra Knot - Charmed Symbol

The Celtic Triquetra Knot
Charmed Symbol

The ancient Celtic Triple Goddess symbol, the Triquetra knot represents the threefold nature of the Goddess as virgin, mother and crone. It also symbolizes life, death, and rebirth and the three forces of nature: earth, air, and water.

In Christian symbolism, the Triquetra represents the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the unbroken circle represents Eternity. The interwoven nature of the symbol is for the indivisibility and equality of the Holy Trinity. Symbolizing that the Holy Spirit is three beings of power, honor, and glory but is indivisibly one God.

Visit our CHARMED SHOPPE


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The 13 Wiccan Principles

The 13 Wiccan Principles

The following set of thirteen principles was
adopted by the Council of American Witches, in April, 1974.

1: We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.

2: We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3: We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4: We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity ~as masculine and feminine~ and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to each other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.

5: We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. ~and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6: We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.

7: We see religion, magick, and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it ~a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft~ The Wiccan Way.

8: Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch, but neither does heredity itself, not the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.

9: We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.

10: Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way", and have sought to deny freedom to others and to surpress other ways of religious practice and belief.

11: As American {Or World-Wide!} Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12: We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as Satan or the Devil, as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the sufferings of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.

13: We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

See our Books about WICCA

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Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds

10 Flowers Commonly Used for Attracting Hummingbirds:

Bee Balm
Red Columbine
Delphinium and Hollyhock
Butterfly Bush (unfortunately, invasive; see Page 2)
Catawba Rhododendron
Rose of Sharon
Trumpet Vine and Trumpet Honeysuckle
Cardinal Vine
Lantana and Fuchsia
Silk Tree

Read more about attracting hummingbirds

The hummingbird teaches us to laugh and enjoy the creation, to appreciate the magic of being alive, and the truth of beauty.

Hummingbirds awaken us to the beauty of the present moment. They also awaken us to the medicinal properties of plants.

In ANIMAL SPEAK, Ted Andrews says hummingbirds teach us how to draw the life essence from flowers. "They can teach us how to use flowers to heal and win hearts in love."

Hummingbirds teach us fierce independence. They teach us to fight in a way where no one really gets hurt. They teach us simple courage. Andrews says the twittering, vibrating sounds of the hummingbirds bring us an internal masage that restores health and balance.

Hummingbirds also inspire us to protect the environment and to preserve old traditions that are in danger of being lost. When Native American ways were being destroyed by the expanding Euro-American culture, the Ghost-Shirt religion was established to try to bring back the animals and old ways through dancing. The leader of the dance was a hummingbird.

See our HUMMINGBIRD PENDANT

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The Witch's Hat

The witch's hat is a symbol of her power. The witch's hat may go back to antiquity. Ancient Etruscan coins from the city of Luna have a head on one side which may be the goddess Diana. The head wears a brimless, conical hat. In medieval woodcuts and drawings, witches are depicted wearing various costumes of the times, including the conical witch's hat.

Mission to Mars - Landing May 25th

NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander is set to end its long journey and begin a three-month mission to sniff and taste fistfuls of Martian soil and buried ice. The challenging landing on the Red Planet is set for the evening of May 25. Nasa

METAPHYSICALLY The protective influence of Mars can help one fight against disease, injury and unforeseen attack. The pentacles of this talisman have the ability to incite one to accomplish great works and mighty deed of valor! Properties : Manifesting Will - Fire Properties: For attracting love and strengthening relationships. See our MARS amulet. Fine Pewter, Double-sided. Shipped with a 36" cord, accent bead and booklet.

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Free Stonehenge Computer Background

Free Stonehenge Computer Background from National Geographic. Lots of other great photos too! Be sure to browse them.

See other free pagan downloads on our Downloads Page.

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The Wiccan Rede

The Wiccan Rede

Bide ye Wiccan laws you must,
in perfect love and perfect trust.

Live ye must and let to live,
fairly take and fairly give
For the circle thrice about
to keep unwelcome spirits out.

To bind ye spell well every time,
let the spell be spake in rhyme
Soft of eye and light of touch
speak ye little, listen much.

Dosil go by the waxing moon
chanting out ye baleful tune
When ye Lady's moon is new,
kiss ye hand to her times two

When ye moon rides at her peak,
Then ye hearts desire seek
Heed the North winds mighty gale
lock the door and trim the sail.

when the wind comes from the South
love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the East
expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in the caldron go
burn them fast and burn them slow
Elder be ye Lady's tree
burn it not or cursed ye'll be.

When the wheel begins to turn
soon ye beltane fires will burn
When the Wheel hath turned a Yule
light the log the Horned One rules.

Heed ye flowers, bush and tree
by the Lady blessed be
Where the rippling waters go
Cast a stone the thruth ye'll know

When you have and hold a need
harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend
or be counted as his friend.

Merry meet and Merry part
bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind ye threefold law you should,
three times bad and three times good.

When mistfortune is enow,
wear the star above thy brow.
True in love must ye ever be,
lest thy love be false to thee.

These eight words the wiccan rede fulfill;
An harm ye none, do what ye will.

See our Books about Wicca

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Candle Colors and Correspondences

BLACK Absorption & destruction of negative energy (1st Chakra)
CRANBERRY RED Love, passion, energy, enthusiasm, courage (1st Chakra)
ORANGE Strength, authority, attraction, success, joy (2nd Chakra)
YELLOW Clairvoyance, learning, mind, communication (3rd Chakra)
GREEN Healing, money, prosperity, luck, fertility (4th Chakra)
PINK Emotional love, friendships, affection, harmony (4th Chakra)
GREEN Emotional healing and protection, calming (4th Chakra)
RED Self love, enhancing relationships (4th Chakra)
BLUE Healing, meditation, tranquility, forgiveness (5th Chakra)
PURPLE Spirituality, wisdom, psychic awareness (6th Chakra)
WHITE Protection, peace, purity, truth (7th Chakra)

See our CANDLES

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My Kitty Super Star

Which super star would your kitty be?

Our Sheba would be Angeline Joile

Take the quiz for your kitty

BAST is already a super star!! See BAST on our website.

Visit our >CHARMED KITTY site.

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STRANGE SOLAR FLARE

STRANGE SOLAR FLARE: Yesterday the blank sun unleashed a solar flare without the usual aid of a sunspot. At 1408 UT on April 26th, Earth-orbiting satellites detected a surge of X-rays registering B3.8 on the "Richter scale" of solar flares. That's a relatively minor flare; nevertheless, the blast sent a "solar tsunami" shock wave rippling through the sun's atmosphere and also launched a coronal mass ejection. The CME is expected to reach Earth late on April 28th or April 29th, possibly sparking high latitude auroras when it arrives. Visit http://spaceweather.com to view images, movies and updates.

That's okay!! Our suncatchers will capture the sun's rays and make beautiful prisms for you!

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Science pinpoints Earth's 'hum'

Yes, the Earth actually does hum!!

"The noise - which can be picked up in the two and seven mHz (millihertz) range - occurs far below the threshold of human hearing, US researchers said."

Apparently Buddha and others could hear it, and called it OM.

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Stonehenge replica to be built in Australia

Australia will soon have their own Stonehenge. This Stonehenge will be open for use and visitors will be encouraged. What fun!

Location: "The structure will be made with 2,500 tonnes of granite quarried from Esperance, on Western Australia's south coast."

See our Stonehenge Pendant.

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