The Spiritual Soul

Dedicated to all things of a spiritual nature. Enjoy!

[thespiritualsoul]

Is jazmin use for stress ??

I would recommend jasmine, ylang-ylang, and lavender for stress relief.

[thespiritualsoul]

Happy Samhain/Halloween!

Finally it’s arrived, the Celtic New Year; Samhain! It’s a day to honor our dead, and new beginnings for the new winter until the sunlight reaches our paths in May. In honor of our ancestors and to get today started off in a traditional manner, I’ve found a lovely...

[thespiritualsoul]

Happy Beltane! This is a holiday and season filled with fertility and fire! The sun beams down on the earth as the fertility gods place their blessings amongst plants, animals, and people alike. Traditionally this holiday is celebrated the night april the last day of April into May 1st, and is widely known alternatively as "May-Day."  Symbolism

Fertility, Fire, Growth, Sexuality, Love

Symbols

Eggs, Flowers, Maypole, Maybasket

Colors

Red, Pink, White, Gold, Purple, Green

Incense

Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Peach, Musk, Vanilla, Hawthorn

Stones

Sapphire, Bloodstone, Malachite, Garnet, Rose Quartz, Emerald, Beryl, Tourmaline 

Gods

Bes, Bacchus, Kokopelli, Priapus, Green Man 

Goddesses

Artemis, Flora, Hera, Shiela-na-Gig, Aphrodite, Flora, Maia, Oshun, Astarte

_________________________________________________________________ Sources: http://whisperingworlds.com/wiccan/beltane.php http://pendencrystals.blogspot.com/2011/04/beltane.html http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/beltanemayday/a/BeltaneDeities.htm http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/beltanemayday/a/AllAboutBeltane.htm

[thespiritualsoul]

Hello all!

I hope you're all well and happy and healthy!  Welcome to everyone that's new, I give you big hugs <3 Also, I have a new background in time for spring, doesn't it just make you happy?  ______________ As always I'm open to any and all questions! Anon or not, and privately if you wish. 

[thespiritualsoul]

Happy Ostara! The spring equinox is finally here and now the days are equal and the ground may begin to defrost and make way for the beautiful crops and gardens of the new year. It's a time to find spiritual balance as we bask in the sun awaiting its burst of energy and slowly pushing away the darkness of winter. 

Symbolism

Balance, Fertility, New Growth, New Beginnings, Completion, Love, Sexuality, 

Symbols

Crops, Flowers, Eggs, Shamrock, Butterfly, Rabbits

Colors

Gold, Pastels, Greens, Pink, Yellow, Light Blue

Incense

African Violet, Lotus, Jasmine, Rose, Magnolia, Sage, Lavender, Strawberry

Stones

Rose Quartz, Moonstone, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Bloodstone, Red Jasper

Gods

Hare, Green Man, Lord of the Greenwood, Dagda, Cernunnos, Pan, Adonis

Goddesses 

Eostre, Ostara, Kore, Maiden, Isis, Astarte, Ishtar, Minerva, Green Goddess, Asasa Ya, Cybele, Freya, Osiris, Saraswati

_______________________________________________ Sources: http://www.twopagans.com/holiday/Ostara.html http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/ostarathespringequinox/a/OstaraDeities.htm

[thespiritualsoul]

The Major Arcana

Out of the 78 Tarot cards, these lovely 22 are referred to as the "Major Arcana." Each card represents and symbolizes a different emotion and with interpretation; can lead us to our own personal enlightenment. Here I've listed some simple characteristics of each card, however the cards aren't always straight forward. Instead, their meanings should be reflected upon and related to our own personal lives in order to grow from the past and blossom into the future. (Note that I also only include meanings for the cards beings upright, not reversed)

0 - The Fool

Innocence, New Ideas, Beginning, Simplicity, Fresh Start, Blind Faith, Present Moment, Trust, Free Spirit

I - The Magician

Power, Great Expectations, Action, Awareness, Application, Resourcefulness, Inspiration, Concentration

II - The High Priestess

Knowing, Psychic, Oracle, Secretive, Influential, Opportunity, Higher Powers, Mystery, Subconscious Mind

III - The Empress

Promise, Femininity, Abundance, Creativity, Assurance, Fertility, Nature

IV - The Emperor

Strategy, Rulership, Authority, Masculinity, Practicality, Father-Figure, Structure, Foundation

V - The Hierophant

Law, Holy, Respect, Ceremony, Knowledge, Tradition, Conformity, Group Identification, Tradition, Beliefs

VI - The Lovers

Sex, Love, Health, Union. Trust, Passion, Temptation, Vulnerability, Relationships, Values, Alignment

VII - The Chariot

Tact, Skill, Action, Control, Focused, Driven, Motion, Balance, Will Power, Determination, Assertion

VIII - Strength

Balance, Strength, Courage, Patience, Compassion, Understanding, Control

IX - The Hermit

Wisdom, Humility, Solitude, Searching, Detachment, Observation, Introspection, Inner Guidance

X - Wheel Of Fortune

Luck, Chance, Change, Destiny, Revolution, Consequence, Good Luck, Karma

XI - Justice

Truth, Balance, Justice, Equality, Congruence, Accountability, Fairness, Cause And Effect, Law

XII - The Hanged Man

Yield, Suspend, Surrender, Sacrifice, Non-Action, Submission, Letting Go

XIII - Death

Change, Exposure, Transition, Termination, Inevitability, Transformation

XIV - Temperance

Merging, Balance, Healing, Blending, Connection, Chemistry, Moderation, Purpose, Meaning

XV - The Devil 

Ego, Loss, Error, Addiction, Illusion, Disruption, Enslavement, Bondage, Materialism, Sexuality

XVI - The Tower

Change, Eruption, Upheaval, Exposure, Cataclysm, Blind-sided, Disaster, Revelation, Sudden Change

XVII - The Star

Hope, Promise, Healing, Guidance, Cleansing, Assurance, Rejuvenation, Serenity, Renewal, Spirituality

XVIII - The Moon

Cycles, Emotion, Intensity, Reflection, Confusion, Influence, Illusion, Fear, Anxiety, Subconscious

XIX - The Sun

Life, Energy, Growth, Clarity, Vibrancy, Understanding, Illumination, Vitality, Warmth, Success, Fun, Positivity

XX - Judgment 

Faith, Honesty, Judgment, Resurrection, Transformation, Rebirth, Inner-Callings, Absolution

XXI - The World

Value, Success, Achievement, Fulfillment, Enrichment, Satisfaction, Completion, Integration, Travel, Accomplishment

_______________________________________ Sources: 

Venefica, Avia. "Tarot Card Meanings of the Major Arcana." TarotTeachings.Com. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar 2013. <http://www.tarotteachings.com/tarot-card-meanings-of-the-major-arcana.html>.

"Delivering Insight Through Tarot." Biddy Tarot. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar 2013. <http://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/>.

^ Both AMAZING beginner Tarot guides, I seriously recommend them for all your learning needs! 

[thespiritualsoul]

  Happy Imbolc!  Imbolc represents the time of year when the first signs of spring and the return of the sun are upon us. This coming of spring brings with it the sun of purification after a dark cold winter and we should celebrate this Sabbat as a festival of light and fertility.  

Most importantly, Imbolc is a time to celebrate the love and praise of the Celtic Goddess Brigid who rules over poetry, healing, smithcraft, and midwifery. 

Symbolism

Purity, Growth, Renewal, Reunion of Goddess and God, Fertility, Out with the Old in with the New!

Symbols

White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brigid's Crosses 

Colors

White, Orange, Red, Pink, Red

Incense

Rosemary, Frankincense, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Basil, Bay

Stones

Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise

Goddesses

Brighid, Hestia, Venus, Vesta, Gaia, Cerridwen, Bast, Ceres, Aradia, Aphrodite

Gods

Aenghus Og, Eros, Pan

______________________________________

Sources: http://wicca.com/celtic/akasha/imbolclore.htm

http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/the_wheel_of_the_year/imb

[thespiritualsoul]

Celtic Tree Month - The Rowan Tree

From Jan. 21st - Feb. 17

Irish Druids once considered the Rowan tree as 'The Tree of Life,' however it also represents astral travel, personal power, success, divination, psychic powers, working with the dead, and (especially) protection. A charm carved from the wood of a Rowan tree will keep the wearer from harm, even Norsemen used the branches to create rune staves of protection. Also, when searching or creating a wand, Rowan wood is considered very powerful. 

This Celtic tree month is all about psychic awareness and protection. The Rowan tree will help guide us closer to our spiritual selves as we seek connection with the other side. This tree has a bright and beneficial energy allowing for psychic insights and visions between the spiritual realms, whilst protecting us from negative energies/entities. 

Rowan tree fruit is used for many medicinal purposes including...

Fruit produces a Fehling's solution, which when mixed with other solutions provides for a blood sugar test

Tones tissues and reduces secretions and discharges

Increases secretion and elimination of urine

Fresh juice used as a gargle for hoarse/sore throat and inflamed tonsils

This is also a perfect time of year (along with Imbolc) to celebrate initiations, whether you become a part of a  new group, or wish to perform a self-dedication.

"O rowan fair, upon your hair how white the blossom lay! O rowan mine, I saw you shine upon a summer's day, Your rind so bright, your leaves so light, your voice so cool and soft: Upon your head how golden-red the crown you bore aloft!"

from The Two Towers, J.R.R. Tolkien

________________________________________________________

Happy Rowan tree month! Be looking out for a self-dictation ritual within the next week and plenty of other Imbolc goodness!  

Sources: http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/moonphasemagic/ss/Celtic-Tree-Months_3.htm http://www.faeriekeeper.net/faeriefestival0121.htm 

[thespiritualsoul]

Cleansing Chant "Uphold the rules of the Wiccan Rede. Be high in spirit ye shall succeed. Power of the Elements Fire, Will help Mother Nature stay alive. From grains of Earth to the moving Air. Past the burning Fire that magick flares. Flow with Water, lakes, and streams; Around the spirits aura and dreams." _________________________________ Hello all! Thinking of you all and the new year! Some exciting things happening in my life, and I hope for you as well. I just moved to Denver, Colorado! It's an exciting little city and I'm quite close to Uni as well. So, in order to make sure I felt as comfortable in my new apartment as possible I did this small cleansing ritual. You may do this cleansing chant with some sage, or perhaps some cinnamon incense. Always remember that the best time to perform any sort of cleansing spell/ritual/chant is during the waning moon when we rid our lives of negative energies/entities.  

[thespiritualsoul]

To Rid a Room of Evil Light a cinnamon incense stick in the center of the room and walk to the NE corner wall. Say: "Earth and Air, purify to good, blow away evil." Draw a pentagram of smoke and use the incense stick to stab through the center.

Walk to the SE corner of the room. Say: "Air and Fire, blow away evil, burn away pain." Repeat the pentagram and stab through the center.

Walk to SW corner of the room. Say: "Fire and Water, burn away pain, wash away fear." Repeat pentagram and stab. Walk to the NW corner of the room. Say: "Water and Earth, wash away fear, bury all negativity, purify to good." Repeat pentagram and stab.

Walk to the center of the room and point the incense stick to the sky. Say: "As above..." Drop ash from the incense stick. Say: "So below." ______________________________

I have had this little spell handy in my spiritual journal for ages! I've dabbled in some things that I never should have being young and naive and was always quite paranoid about negative energy and entities. So, before bed I'd center myself and do this spell and I always felt everything was of light again. So those nights when you can't run from the nightmares, are stressed from work or school, or just moved to a new location, try this out! Remember though, this is only temporary and not meant to be used to keep negativity at bay for long terms of time. 

[midnattulv]

[thespiritualsoul]

Just wanted to share this playlist with you all (from my personal tumblr)! It's TOO amazing! It's great for meditation and calming yourself before rituals and casting.  It's on a free music program called Spotify! I really love it ^-^ Be looking out for some good New Years rituals. <3 Stephanie 

[thespiritualsoul]

Wassail Recipe

Wassailing is an old tradition of going from door to door, singing and drinking to the health of your neighbors and family. However, even earlier (pre-Christianity) wassailers would take to the forests, farms, and orchards on a winters night singing to scare away any spirits that would inhabit the future crops. To finish the ceremony, villagers would then pour their wine and cider upon the ground to increase fertility of the crops. 

Cook Time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

1 Gallon apple cider

2 C. cranberry juice

1/2 C honey

1/2 C sugar

2 oranges

Whole cloves

1 apple, peeled and diced

Allspice

Ginger

Nutmeg

3 cinnamon sticks (or 3 Tbs. ground cinnamon)

1/2 C - 1 C brandy (optional)

Set your crockpot to low, then pour apple cider, cranberry juice, honey and sugar in. Mix carefully and frequently as it warms to ensure the sugar and honey dissolves. Stud the oranges with the cloves (they'll float), then add the diced apple. Add the allspice, ginger, and nutmeg to taste (a couple of tablespoons each is plenty). Finally, snap the cinnamon sticks in half and add in.  Cover your pot and simmer on low for 2-4 hours, adding in the brandy about a half an hour before serving. 

______________________ 

This tastes soooo delicious (with/without alcohol) and really smells great! Puts your whole household in the merry spirit and keeps you extra warm in these cold months. Hope you enjoy!  (more info in source link!) 

[thespiritualsoul]

Hello loves <3 Just wanted to make a quick post to apologize for my absence!  Been quite busy finishing up this term of Uni with finals and such, but I'm now freeeee! I'm also in the midst of moving and starting a new job, so yay!  I also wanted to create a bit of a blog statement, because I've been losing a fair amount of followers and get a lot of inquiries about posts.

 I just wanted to make clear that this is not a reblog Tumblr (there's not a thing wrong with them, it's just a personal choice). I do a lot of hard work on research and adding personal touches to each post, whether they're big or small. Because of this, I truly believe in quality over quantity and posts that I feel will enrich and create growth spiritually in myself as well as my lovely followers. I know my posts feel a bit basic, however so many of those looking for a spiritual outlet in Paganism don't know where to start or where to grow from. So with this blog, I hope to provide the stepping stones needed to get started in finding a perfect and easy form of spirituality for the everyday Pagan. Thank you for time! I'm blessed to have you all <3 Please remember that I always take requests, and I always answer any questions. Love you all! Blessed Be  

[thespiritualsoul]

Happy Yule/Winter Solstice!

Happy Yule/Winter Solstice!

Dates

Varies from December 20 - 23

Tools

Mistletoe, Evergreen Wreath, Lights, Gifts, Holly, Yule Log, Yule Tree

Colors

Red, Green, Gold, Silver, Orange, Yellow

Incense

Pine, Cedar, Bayberry, Cinnamon

Stones

Rubies, Bloodstones, Garnets, Emeralds, Diamonds

Energy/Spellworking

Regeneration, Renewal, Peace, Harmony, Love, Increased Happiness

Goddesses

Isis, Great Mother, Brighid, Demeter, Diana, Tonazin, Lucina, Bona Dea, Gaea

Gods

Apollo, Ra, Odin, Sun Child, Horus, The Oak King, The Green Man, Lugh

Customs

Wreaths, Lighting, Caroling, Gift-Giving, Feasting, Burning the Yule Log, Decorating the Yule Tree

Welcome to a weekend of Yule/Winter Solstice posts. Happy Yule to you all! And I hope you have a beautiful Winter Solstice and a very Merry Christmas! 

[thespiritualsoul]

Pagan Calendar - December 2012

Check out this site for the legend, and events! December is a busy month, but I hope it's a great one for you all. <3

http://pagancalendar.co.uk/

[thespiritualsoul]

Lunar Deities

Alignak Inuit

God of the moon and the weather

Controls tides, earthquakes, and eclipses

Responsible for returning souls to earth to be reborn

Artemis Greek

Goddess of the hunt, nature and birth

Twin brother Apollo (god of the sun)

Became connected with the moon in post-Classical world

Symbolized by the crescent moon

Cerridwen Celtic

Keeper of the cauldron of knowledge

Giver of wisdom, inspiration, and intuition -> associated with the moon

Goddess of the Underworld

Both Mother and Crone

Chang'e Chinese

Married to the tyrannical king Hou Yi who found an elixir that would allow him to live forever

To save her people, Chang'e stole the potion and drank it when she was caught

She immediately flew into the sky as the moon

Diana Roman

Goddess of the hunt and wild animals

Like Artemis, transforms into lunar goddess

Responsible for fertility and childbirth

Hecate Greek

Goddess of ghosts, the waning and dark moons, and the spirit world

Pagans honor her in her guise as a Dark Goddess

Depicted as haunting crossroads with her 2 large hounds, carrying a torch (symbolic of great wisdom)

Sina Polynesian

Resides within the moon itself

Protects those that travel at night

Originally lived on earth, but tired of her husband and family, so decided to live in the moon

Thoth Egyptian

God of magic and wisdom

Appears wearing a crescent on his head

Closely associated with Seshat (goddess of writing and wisdom)

Anahita Persian

River goddess, also goddess of Venus and the moon

Name means "pure" or "immaculate one"

Cleanses and fertilizes the flow of the cosmos

Anunit Babylonian

Goddess of the moon and battle

Also known as Ishtar (mother/daughter of the moon)

Associated with the evening star

Candi Indian

Female counterpart to Chandra (Hindu lord of the moon)

Were said to take turns, one month Chandi was the moon, and the next Chandra

Epona

Celtic

Horse goddess

associated with the night and dreams

Goddess of magic, fertility, and feminine power

Juna Roman

Goddess of the new moon, marriage, pregnancy, and childbirth

Greek equivalent is Hera 

Rhiannon Celtic

Goddess of fertility, the moon, night, and death

Name meas "night queen" or "divine queen" of the fairies

Also known as Rigantona

Selene Greek

Titan mother goddess linked with the full moon

Widely worshiped by pagans

Depicted as woman riding side saddle on a horse or in a chariot drawn by winged steeds

Only god represented by old Greek poets as the moon incarnate

Yemanja Native South American

Brazilian goddess of the oceans

Symbolized by the waxing crescent moon

Represents motherhood and a protector of children

Yolkai Estan Native North America

Navajo moon deity 

Created from an abalone shell by her sister Yolkai (goddess of the sky)

Goddess of earth and the seasons

Known as White Shell Woman 

  This is no way is all of them! But, it's a great start =]  Knowing your Gods and Goddess's is essential when studying Paganism or Wicca, so I hope my little obsession with the moon sparks some curiosity within! <3 

[thespiritualsoul]

I just bought this book a few weeks ago, and I love it! So, I thought I'd let you all know about it, I think it would make a great gift for anyone at any level of spirituality. 

"Llewellyn's 2013 Magical Almanac"

It's got spells, advice, recipes, rituals, and amazing articles by regulars in the spiritual field. It's also got a day by day guide that will come in handy with Sabbats and spell casting, rituals, etc. I keep it handy in my bag and use it quite often. It's great to just pop open, and read a few articles while I'm on the bus and such!  Llewellyn's website quotes it as...

"Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac has been inspiring all levels of magical practitioners for over twenty years. Filled with practical spells, rituals, and fresh ideas, you’ll find new ways to deepen your craft and enhance everyday life.

This edition features compelling articles, grouped by element, on ribbon magic, answering the goddess’ call, lunar potions, the magical uses of foxglove, caring for house elves, bringing steampunk principles into Pagan traditions, connecting with raptor energies, and other magical topics. Also included is a handy calendar section— shaded for easy “flip to” reference—featuring world festivals, holidays, and 2013 Sabbats. You’ll also find astrological info, plus incense and color correspondences, to empower your magical work."

You can preview it at Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Llewellyns-2013-Magical-Almanac-Practical/dp/0738715158 - It's a great price! Or buy it from Llewellyn here:  http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738715155

I bought mine at Barnes & Noble, but you get a better price online! If you've unfamiliar with Llewellyn as a publishing company, I highly suggest looking at their site and maybe picking up some good reads! It's just a fantastic website and a great spiritual source!