Discovering and finding Magic in ones self A Place of Love and Support ~~Believe in yourself and make it happen~~

The Enchanted Forest Team

Owner
BREEZE
HEAD ADMIN SHADOW MODERATOR
Just like with any online service, you should exercise common sense when using this site. Below weve outlined some simple guidelines to keep in mind: * Create strong passwords and keep them secure, which means you should never share your password with anyone! * Adjust your privacy settings so they match your level of comfort and remember to review them often. * Be cautious about posting and sharing personal information, especially information that could be used to identify you or locate you online, such as your address or telephone number. * Report members and content that violate our Terms of Service to the Admin, Shadow or Breeze * Block anyone who sends you unwanted or inappropriate communications and report it to the Network Creator or directly to us.

Soaring Eagle Spirit Lord Whitewolf Sapphire

This Site is Protected by Angels

* Dont post anything that would embarrass you later. Think twice about posting a photo or other information you wouldnt want your parents, potential employers, college or boss to see. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT SEND A MEMBER OF THE ADMIN A MESSAGE AND SEEK FURTHER ASSISTANCE - WE'RE HERE TO PROTECT AND ASSIST OUR MEMBERS AND TO KEEP THIS A PEACEFUL HAPPY SAFE PLACE FOR ALL

Have any Questions just hit any of us up and we will try to help find the answer.

Craft class for Beginners every Saturday night Times

USA Central - 7 pm Eastern - 8 pm Western 5 pm Australia (Melbourne) Noon (Sunday) UK -1 am

Herbs with Susun Weed

Tarot Class With Hermotimus Tuesdays

Times
USA Central - 8 pm Eastern - 9 pm Western 6 pm Australia (Melbourne) 1pm (Wednesday)

Every 3rd Monday

Times
Central - 6 pm Eastern - 7 pm Western - 4 pm Mountain Time - 5 pm Australia (Melbourne) 11 am UK - Midnight

UK -2 am

Enchantment and the being Enchanted *Magical True Self*

With all that's going on in the World keeps people distracted. is various ways and means this is done.. All in All is we ourselves doing best we can with what we have at any giving moment. So when we hear scenarios going on around us..alot is Fear of war or events to take place ..that makes one feel as if they or their life is threatened and thus some hide to not be seen or heard. to allow expression to be restrained of our true selves to really speak of what we really want and wish for out of Life.

Some things may come to light or evolve even if we do not wish them to..and thus also making us feel helpless in being able to make a change..

But we can!!! An individual has to trust in themselves and trust in their presence on this Earth and their being on this great Planet.. and that each and everyone can make the change.. and is simple as giving positive insight and positive outlook on any matter that comes your way. are many out there that will spend all their energy spreading demise and hopelessness breaking spirits.. But your own spirit cannot be broken unless you allow it..

our true selves withhold great inner Magic..is nothing Fake or untrue about that.. we all have the inner power to manifest and make change .if you allow yourself to trust in that. when you deny yourself this gift ..then the ill fate you hear can very well come to pass for that individual.. As i look around I see more magic then people give credit to themselves for..and wanted to say being Enchanted is real and you are a being of Enchantment that can be spread to others. There is a magical true self that is very real ..as real one knowing of their existence in this World.. So i speak up to say..spread your wings..never be afraid to evolve into who you truly are..do not let any thing fear you no matter what is put in front of you..its all a farse to break your inner magic down to undermine magical powers that could help many. Trust in yourself..believe in your magic and spread it..utilize it. this is your chance to do as some would say shine..it is very real..

do not doubt yourself of the capability to do any thing and make change. together we can make tremendous changes and all for the better..nothing is written in stone..are multiple scenarios that can become .. see beyond all that is not seemingly pleasant and dare it to be as such to challenge to defeat and use your magic to make sure it doesnt happen..

dont think you are crazy..you have this one lifetime here now to give it all you got..so give it your best shot..you will be confident you have gave it all you could and used all the magic you knew you had within..it is there to be used with all your gifts..we all have different talents and gifts some more then others ..that's ok we each have what we were giving to utilize for various needs and callings..and together it makes a complete.

If you choose to withhold your powers and gifts ..will be a lost chance you had to show your Enchanting being on this Planet in this lifetime.. It will not interfere or hurt anyone else .. only if they allow it to do so or follow suit with those who spread negative ideas.. With all said ..you have Magical powers use them believe in it..for YOU are truly and an Enchanted being in this time.. Peace ~Shadow~

Never stop caring about the little things in life Never stop dreaming or give into strife Never stop wondering, are we on our own Never stop thinking has your spirituality grown

Never stop building bridges that leads to better tomorrows

Never stop trying or give into sorrow

Never stop feeling amazed at the beauty that surrounds you

Never stop hearing the music or give into the blues

Never stop pushing away negative thoughts that make you feel sad Never stop looking at the all the miracles we have had Never stop loving the ones you hold dear Never stop giving or give into the fear

Never stop smiling and look forward to each new day Never stop shining in your own special way Never forget that all storms will clear Remember brighter tomorrows are always near

Terrie Brushette

It Will Be Worth It
Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

It Will Be Worth It Being Positive Being physical is not an easy journey. No matter who you are there are often difficulties in achieving your goals. It is important to pay attention to your creations. Keeping positive energy as the main ingredient while looking over the walls of difficulty will lead to a better understanding of yourself and others. You are always a contributor to drama in your lives. Being a victim is a choice. By owning your involvement, it empowers you to have a say in how it all unfolds. Placing the blame totally outside of yourself disables your ability to turn the energy in a different direction. Take a good look inside to find your positive self. It is there. Waiting to reunite with you. There will always be challenges. Be bold enough to climb over the walls of your self doubt. Take back your life. By being positive one can hope to change anything for the better. Allowing yourself to go along with negativity erases all hope. Reach deep within and add positive thoughts to your day. With each effort, a small bit of difficulty will dissolve. Be patient, for it is achievable. Be positive. It will be worth it.

Craft Class For Beginners

This Class is Weekly Classes Every Saturday, the class is taught in a live chat box and it is a time for people to share and learn. Basic Topics taught each week and then a time of Q & A after class is finished. All classes are then written up and put up in group for all group members to read over. Please come along and join in this is an amazing chance to learn with others
COME ALONG TO THIS LIVE CHAT EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT

Times of Lesson for each country USA Central - 7 pm Eastern - 8 pm Western 5 pm Australia (Melbourne) - Noon (Thursday) UK -1 am

By Lord Raze White Wolf

Friday Feb 10th 2012 at 9:30 am Lord Whitewolf toke A group Of Teen Agers In to the Timber For A day Of Exploration And Fun. Four Boys Four girls . Every one Was Dressed warmly And ready to go Not Much Complaining. But Not Exactly full of Enthusiasm. We Started of With Following A trail in to the Closest point of our Timberland And Walked For A few minutes As I explained how to Walk Quietly On And Around the woods Would help And Keep From Startling Wild life And They Would See Lots more, Activity Then If They Was Being Loud And noisy. About A hundred Yards In I picked Up on A trail left Behind By A rabbit And I stopped And Brought the trail to the Teenagers Attention And Asked them What They Saw. I saw Immediately That none had a clue what they was looking At. So I explained that They Was looking At rabbits Foot Prints and that the rabbit Was moving At that time to A south Easterly direction and that the prints was Probably Fairly fresh So the rabbit probably Wasnt Far Of And At that time I choose to Follow That Trail Abit to See Where it Was Heading. The girls Was like Aw A bunny Thats Cute And A couple of the boys Said Man Wish We had Our Guns. At this point I told the boys Even Had they Brought There Weapons They Would not Of Been using Them Any Way. We dont Kill On This Place Needlessly. That of Course Made The Girls Pretty happy. After About Five Minutes of Walking We saw the bunny And the girls Again Thats So Cute And the boys Seemed Amazed that We Could Follow the tracks Left Behind of A rabbit that We Would Actually get to See it So Easily. After We had Found the rabbit I toke them on through The Timber further In to the property showing Them Signs Where Horses Had been Through deer And Other Animals Showing them Tracks And other Signs of life. As We Went Along I told Them to Listen to The Sounds Around them That There is So much Activity going on here that You Dont See And Wouldnt Recognize with out listening Intently And Letting your mind Just take in those Sounds. And after About twenty minutes We Stopped At A spot that Was Dry And Good Places to Sit And Just Rest And listen And then I asked them to tell me What they Heard. And I got Some Of These Answers.

Wind Leaves and the Smartelic in the group Said You Talking. One of the girls that Was Really In tune to What We Was doing Said She thought She heard Water running. I was Proud Of Her At that moment because The fact was We Was About Fifty yards From A stream. And The Sound of trickling Water Could be heard. To those really listening. After A ten minute Rest We All got up And headed on over by the Stream And Let them See And Told them That A lot of the Animals Came here to Drink Because the Water Was fresher And Cleaner compared to the three ponds Because the Water flowed And the Bed Rock of the Stream Acted As A Natural Filter Of the Water Where As the Ponds Sit Stagnate And not Quit As Clean As the Stream Water. At That point And Time We Moved On Where I knew there Was A squirrel nest And I wanted to Show them. When We got to the location I showed Them the nest And I asked What they Saw. None Could Answer correctly. But I did Get A couple of Answers. One Answer Came as no Shock It Was Just A stack of leaves that Got Caught up In A fork In the tree. And another one Was a bee hive. Here Is Where the most Excitement of the day Came. At that point I had Given one of the girls Along pole and told her to poke it And she Did After Abit Of coaxing and Ever So gently She poked the Nest Afraid it Was A bee hive And this Squirrel Came Barreling out of the Nest She jumped And Screamed like Mad and the look on her face Was Priceless. Every one got A good Chuckle And After A minute She was Laughing As Well. In this Little Journey That Soon Came to A end After The Squirrel Incident , I had Learned A few Things my Self. Teens Though they Are smartelics A times They Also Are So Curious As Well And they try to Mask it. And never Have A girl poke A squeals nest unless you want to Wake up the Four County Area. All In All the Day Went off With out A hitch And Every one had Fun. They Got to See A few Animals And They learned A few Tricks Animals used. If You Get A chance to Take Along Walk In The Woods With Friends And Teenagers take it And a whole new World Opens up For you And Them.

Lord Raze White Wolf

Hello my Forest friends. Im quite sure that some of you can relate to the following little story. In the past 3 years Ive been really intertwined with some of the most unhealthy members of my family. At the same time, Im cut off from people who are very supportive, that Ive known for 20 years or more in my 12-Step program back in the Midwest. I moved here to California in 2009 to be away from the weather there at home, and to get help from family so I could quit working & apply for disability. Well, Im still struggling to get the disability & still living with the family members who are unhealthy. Why am I writing about this? Because it has been a significant part of my spiritual journey for the past 3 years. Im not used to all of this anger & constant bickering, with some of it being directed at me. Since I am no longer working, I have more time to devote to book & cauldron. I have been studying & working, journaling, praying, chanting,etc---you name it. I have gotten much closer to The Lord & Lady and all of the benevolent spirits & beings during this time. I have something in me that pushes me constantly to keep striving for more & more growth. I know that the something pushing me is either The Lady Herself or a being who is guided by Her. I am once again, as I was in the beginning so many years ago, in awe of all there is to learn & do in Our Craft. I am also in awe of how easy it is to keep that circle of spirituality strong & tight around me. I believe that I have many circles around me that get smaller the closer they get, until finally, the smallest one is only big enough for The Divine & myself to fit into. This is the place where I receive true protection & comfort. Its the place where I feel unconditional-divine love. It has taken me years in the Craft to be able to stand in the center of a storm & remember that this small circle surrounds me, keeping the storm at bay. Im not saying Im perfect at this. No one is. There are days when I let everything get to me & let people hurt me. But, I always have the choice to step back into that small circle & let the healing & love begin. This circle is known by many names: a psychic shield, divine protection, Brids Cross, the shield of Brid, armor, etc. Call it whatever you want, but it really works & is strengthened by diligence & faith. Not only am I spiritually healthier with this, but also gaining more wisdom & knowledge as I delve deeper into the gifts of our Craft. I am so grateful for the gifts. Many times when I pray to the Goddess, I thank Her for making me a Witch!......Namaste My Forest Friends.

by Forest Faerie

I step outside today in sun and light and open my eyes wide to see. My senses rejuvenated as the sweet scent of flowers fills me. The birds on the nearby branches sing a new song as the sun smiles down upon me. This rebirth of seasons happens every year and it never fails to rejuvenate my soul. The early morning hours no longer hold the sounds of ice scrapers and motors running to warm potential commuters. The only sounds that grace my ears are those of Mother Nature calling me back to my senses. And now I step onto the ground barefoot and feel the vibrations of life run through me and recalibrate my soul. I look to the morning sky and watch the scattered clouds hang weightless, floating, carrying the precious drops of water that they reserve for the cleansing to come. I listen to the talk of the birds as they speak of this world and its change in vibration. I watch their movements, as it shows me where things are going and what changes are in store. And then I remember old man oak. I walk up to him and place my hand on his trunk. "Good day old one." I say as my fingers dance on his bark, tracing the groves in his skin. I look up at his mighty branches and train my sight on the buds that grace the place where leaves will soon flourish. It has been a long, cold winter, and I have been waiting for this moment, this moment when I can see the rebirth of all things and feel the warmth returning to the earth and to my soul. I take a long deep breath and close my eyes. It is these moments that remind us of our ancient roots. It is these moments that stir the lives we have lived before in our memory. And it is these moments that wake us to the call of change. It is our time to change the course laid by less than caring men. It is time to remember that the Earth is alive and feeling and sad. She weeps because she is in pain. It was vast generations that caused her heartache, and it is time we healed this wound and treated her with the love she deserves. So, this spring, take the time to listen to Mother Nature. She has a lot to say, and no one seems willing to listen. Please show her some respect and courtesy. After all, she is the only planet we have to live on right now, and her once beautiful splendor is going unrecognized too often. Glance around. See her for the beautiful work of art she is and hold her as dear as you would a child. Destroy not; neither scar the beauty of Nature around you. Hold her in high esteem and let's work together to clean her up and restore the splendor she has a right to show. Kisharblaze.

Hanging precariously off of the tip of a single green leaf, suspended for just a moment in time, slid a single drop of dew. In the reflection of this single drop of water shone the sun. In the light of the morning was brought forth the colorful splendor found in the prism of colors hued in the petals of flora around the dewdrop. The notes streaming from the songbirds nearby held resonate in the air love and grace which floated on the air waves and gently brushed the bottom of the solitary drop. As I stared deeper into this tiny dew drop world, I saw yet one more image. It held a beauty I had missed before, such depth of color, such unique splendor and grace. What reflection filled my eyes was the reflection of myself.

The drop then slid off the leaf and with a tiny splash onto the ground below it became one with Mother Earth, and my memory sparked a sweet sound of thought. We are all one, the whole world in a single drop of dew.

Kisharblaze.

I gazed upon the Myrtle Tree A'rising from the verge And felt the Fair Ones smile at me As our energies then merged. To stop and gaze at fuschia blooms Was all the plan in me Surprised was I at such a boon Within that one small tree. The faeries, bees, and hummingbirds Some busy, some at play Songs so dear is what I heard Upon that sunny day. So, pay attention when in Nature To what you hear and see For secret gifts to be sure May suddenly rain on thee. by Forest Faerie

Tarot Teacher To The Site

Hermotimus

We at the Enchanted Forest are delighted and honoured to have Hermotimus in the post of Tarot Teacher to the Enchanted Forest. Hermotimus has been doing Professional Readings since 1975 (35 years) and has taught 5 tarot card reading classes in person (IRL) and 12 classes on line in the last 15 years. He will also be available to answer questions and offer guidance in the Tarot Group http://enchantedforrest.ning.com/group/thelearningtarotandsharinggroup

by

Nancy A. Kaiser I, like many horse-lovers, had been waiting for War Horse to hit the theaters for months. A group of us who ride together gathered at the theater prior to Christmas. What I hadnt anticipated were the missed emotions Id be left with as we exited two-and-a-half hours later. While the entire country seemed to be embracing the story of this amazing horse, I was struggling with my misgivings about the filming of the more harsh and graphic scenes. I adored the parts of the movie that dealt with the relationship between the horse, Joey, and the kind people he attracted into his life, especially Albert. The scenes as a foal and youngster reminded me of my own babies and ignited warm feelings and gratitude for the horses whose chose to share my life. I felt the movie truly showed the generous nature of horses to willingly do what is asked of them regardless of the consequences. I rushed to the theater to support this movie without considering the fact that there would be so much violence. Normally, I pass on this type of movie, but having a horse as the star drew me to the theater. The longer I watched the more concern I began to feel about how these violent and realistic scenes were filmed. Being an empathetic, animal communicator and healer, I sense and feel animals emotions and pain. Just watching some scenes, especially the one in the barbed wire, was very difficult for me. I actually had to look away several times during this movie. Im glad that I went, but I left worried for the equine actors who made these scenes appear so authentic. My reaction to War Horse triggered a mixed bag of memories from life on my farm in central New Jersey when I worked with an equine actress. I was introduced to this starcrossed mare when my vet-husband and I were checking mares for breeding at a local Quarter Horse facility. My husband was asked to perform a reproductive exam, because her person was considering breeding the mare. When my husband began to palpate her, she went ballistic bucking and kicking wildly. This was totally unexpected as most mares just stand for the vet exam. I was startled and had almost no control of her, which frightened me. I was furious with the mare for her dangerous and disrespectful behavior. The barn owner shared the mares history with us. The mare had appeared in the movie, Wolf, with Jack Nicolson and Michelle Pfeiffer in 1994. In order to get her to spook at Jack Nicolson, the wolf, firecrackers were thrown at her. She was emotionally scarred from the traumatic experience. No wonder she didnt trust or respect humans. I wouldnt either. The barn owner told us how each Fourth of July since they had to leave a radio blaring by her stall to keep her from going crazy from the fireworks noise.

Once the story was told, I understood her dangerous explosion. It was still unacceptable, but understandable. I just wish wed been forewarned that this was not your typical mare. My heart broke for her and I was flooded with guilt over the anger that I expressed during unruly behavior. Knowing her ordeal generated instant forgiveness within me. Id begun communicating several years earlier and wanted to do all I could to recover this mares sanity and reinstate her trust in people. I wanted to offer her a happier existence. The mare came to our hospital so we could use our set of stocks to better control her. Without them, she was too dangerous to work on. Along with some sedatives, our stocks did the trick. My husband was able to examine her and take a uterine culture. Unfortunately for her person, the mare had a uterine infection that would require daily treatments for five days. In reality, it was in perfection for all of us. It would give me time to gain her trust and cooperation through communication and some other healing modalities I worked with. I rented Wolf, so that I could watch the scene that began this poor horses nightmares. I was astonished to see a scene of less than 30 seconds of the movie that changed this mares future. I was disgusted when I saw the disclaimer at the end that no animals had been I was so angry that I wrote letters to the director, producer, and movie company. Sadly, no one acknowledged my letter or my concerns. I cleared the mare with Spiritual Response Therapy right away. I knew such an assault would have triggered many past life negative influences surrounding gunfire, explosions, etc. I began vibrational remedies to help her embrace the clearing work quicker and rebalance her emotional state. I also spent time communicating and flowing hands-on healing energy to regain her trust and respect. She needed to understand that not all people were the enemy she believed them to be. By the time the mares uterine treatments were finished, she appeared calmer and more relaxed as we worked with her. The crowning proof was when the barn owner asked me what Id done to the mare. Shes like a new horse. She comes to the front of the stall to see us now. She never did that. She always stood along the back wall looking wary. It is so humbling to be able to make this kind of difference in someones life. This horse didnt ask to be in a movie. She did what humans asked and was rewarded with a future consumed with fear and anger. I felt privileged that the Universe brought us together; that It allowed me to help create a happier life for her. Now, you understand why War Horse generated mixed emotions within me. Im still worried about the horses that starred in this film. The emotions expressed in the eye of the horse as it struggled with the barbed wire deeply disturbed me. It was what triggered those memories of the mare from Wolf. I just trust that the Universe will obtain the necessary help for any of the horses in War Horse that need their emotional health restored. No movie is worth the cost of any individuals happiness no matter the species.

3 Year Anniversary for Enchanted Forest March 4th

Breeze first signed up to this site on March 4th 2009 and wasnt till few weeks later I came over as Admin and we opened the gates to the Forest.and for the last 3 years we and the members have shared our energys for the betterment of all best we could. The Forest became a Labrynth of knowledge. There have been tough times with many as with some of the team members as well..and we hope that all can find peace in their trying times. seems this last year alone has been major changes for many ..mostly for the good some for the not so good.And we here at the Forest continue to strive to continue giving what we have these last few years to any who come our way. and We very much appreciate those who found themselves dedicated to this site and shared their energyz in this time..many we have here have been members since beginning and stuck with us the whole time .If it wasnt for members like this.. the Forest wouldnt be half of what it is now. we have several who have came in through time and have shown the same dedication to the cause and utilized their energy in that.. This wasnt Just for me and Breeze or the Forest but all those we encountered through time with all thats going on in life.Breeze gave this site with idea of no drama or agro or prowlers in hoping to not disrupt those trying to learn or share and to be somewhere at peace a sanctuary away from the "NORM" for most of us live in communities that are not quite open to our ideas or paths or teachings.Breeze has givin so much just so this could happen here and gave us all a safe place to be and left me to burn trees if there were agro .haha.. we hope we can make this Summer a great one for all to be able to come here and enjoy your visit and find what you seek and many here will help without being rude or critical..never be afraid to ask questions.lets remember March 4th as the day Breeze planted the seeds for such a wonderful place that has now hit its 3rd year.. Thank you Breeze huggs and Love you Shadow

Posted by OneCrow

The First St. Patrick's Day Parade The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place not in Ireland but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as fellow Irishmen serving in the English army. Over the next 35 years, Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, prompting the rise of so-called "Irish Aid" societies like the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and the Hibernian Society. Each group would hold annual parades featuring bagpipes (which actually first became popular in the Scottish and British armies) and drums. In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies decided to unite their parades to form one New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade. Today, that parade is the world 's oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States, with over 150,000 participants. Each year, nearly three million people line the 1.5-mile parade route to watch the procession, which takes more than five hours. Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and Savannah also celebrate the day with parades involving between 10,000 and 20,000 participants.

No Irish Need Apply Up until the mid-19th century, most Irish immigrants in America were members of the Protestant middle class. When the Great Potato Famine hit Ireland in 1845, close to a million poor and uneducated Irish Catholics began pouring into America to escape starvation. Despised for their religious beliefs and funny accents by the American Protestant majority, the immigrants had trouble finding even menial jobs. When Irish Americans in the country's cities took to the streets on St. Patrick's Day to celebrate their heritage, newspapers portrayed them in cartoons as drunk, violent monkeys. However, the Irish soon began to realize that their great numbers endowed them with a political power that had yet to be exploited. They started to organize, and their voting block, known as the "green machine," became an important swing vote for political hopefuls. Suddenly, annual St. Patrick's Day parades became a show of strength for Irish Americans, as well as a must-attend event for a slew of political candidates. In 1948, President Truman attended New York City 's St. Patrick's Day parade, a proud moment for the many Irish whose ancestors had to fight stereotypes and racial prejudice to find acceptance in America. Wearing Green Around the World Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest productions, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated in other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Russia. In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has traditionally been a religious occasion. In fact, up until the 1970s, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on March 17. Beginning in 1995, however, the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick's Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world. Last year, close to one million people took part in Ireland 's St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows. The Chicago River on St. Patrick's Day Chicago is famous for a somewhat peculiar annual event: dyeing the Chicago River green. The tradition started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river enough to keep it green for a week!Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only 40 pounds of dye are used, making the river green for only several hours. Although Chicago historians claim their city's idea for a river of green was original, some Savannah natives believe the idea originated in their town. They point out that, in 1961, Savannah mayor Tom Woolley had plans for a green river. Due to rough waters on March 17, the experiment failed, and Savannah never attempted to dye its river again.

Susun Weeds
Monthly class on the Forest
Chats with Susun Weed ~ Third Monday of every month ~

Ten Top Tips for Avoiding the Flu

1. Wash your hands. (Rub briskly under hot running water for at least 30 seconds.) 2. Don't use antibacterial soaps. (They encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.) 3. Drink lots of fluids. (Especially hot herbal antibacterial teas such as sage, thyme, rosemary.) 4. Start your day with a cup of cool yogurt or hot miso soup. (Both encourage strong immunity.) 5. Make nourishing soups with the immune-enhancing roots astragalus and eleutherococcus.* 6. Spray your nasal passages with a saline solution or a xylitol rinse. (Kills viral particles.) 7. Be wary of diets that radically alter what you eat. (They tend to depress the immune system.) 8. Eat well-cooked leafy greens like kale, collards, and mustard greens. (Strengthens immunity.) 9. Add lots of arugula and watercress to your salad. (They're antiviral.) 10. Eat garlic. (Even powdered, even cooked.) Eat ginger. (Or drink it.)

If you do get the flu, elder berry (Sambucus nigra) tincture or syrup may shorten its stay. Green blessings Susun S. Weed

If You Think You are Beaten

By Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you'd like to win but think you can't, It's almost certain you won't. Life's battles don't always go To the stronger or faster man, But sooner or later, the man who wins Is the man who thinks he can.

Gardening Mistakes
Posted by Forest Faerie
Merry Meet to all. I'm just going to list the mistakes I made in hopes that some of you who are just starting your garden will learn from them. (1) I had very little money so I didn't amend the soil. (2) I didn't plan the garden so it doesn't have the look I wanted. (3) I bought a bunch of cheap annuals due to finances. (4) I didn't use mulch due to finances. (5) A bunch of other stuff I can't think of right now. Soooo-I've learned that it's okay because it is a decent garden. BUT, over the winter months I will definitely draw up a blueprint for what I want. Finances will be better soon so I can start setting aside money for my new garden next spring. I will buy things that are not plants when it's cold so that part will be done by spring. I will do it the way it's supposed to be done next year. I will not fret over my mistakes & just enjoy the garden. I will also be happy that my big front porch turned out the way I wanted (plant-wise). If any of you are beginners I hope this helps. Our gardens are blessed places and are wonderful places to commune with the Goddess & other beings. It's well worth the effort to study & learn before we start planting. Blessed Be

Gardening Time: Pepper Tips

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)
I know most of us have been getting garden catalogs in the mail since December, but it's finally time to start seeds indoors. A general guide for vegetables and flowers is the following: Zones 9, 10, 8, 7, and 6: Start seeds indoors February/March Zones 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1: Start seeds indoors in middle or end of March. Peppers are a little bit challenging to grow, but with seeds you'll have access to a much bigger selection of hot and mild varieties. I've grown both types and they have a couple of things in common: grown them in full sun in a fertile, rich soil that is never soggy. Pepper plants don't like wet feet, but at the same time don't allow the soil to go completely dry. It's best to start pepper seeds inside about 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. The thing to remember about pepper seeds and plants is they like it toasty. If you live in a hot climate you can start seeds outdoors when the soil is about 65 degrees F., but the rest of us need to start seeds indoors or buy plants. Growing from seeds offers a huge selection of sweet and hot peppers compared to the plants that are usually available at nurseries, as I mentioned. To start pepper seeds indoors, the temperature of the potting soil needs to be between 75-80 degrees F. A covered seed starting container works great--it acts like a mini greenhouse. Clear plastic containers from baked goods or salads can be used too. Seeds should germinate/sprout in about 10-15 days depending on the variety. Keep the container in a warm location that is free of drafts to get the best results. Once the seeds germinate, then they will need bright light. Use fluorescent lights 14 to 16 hours a day, positioned a few inches above the seedlings, raising it as they grow taller. A sunny window will work too if it's in full sun. If a window is used, the container will need to be turned daily so the seedlings don't bend one way towards the light. Don't transplant the pepper plants outside until all frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60 degrees. Always "harden" the seedlings before putting them into the garden, by moving the seedlings outside for a little bit each day when it warms up. When you are sure the cold nights are done, then plant them in the garden, and water well.

Posted by LordWhiteWolf

Spring Is Right Around the Corner For most. And Soon That Dreaded time of Yard Work And Keeping The Lawn Mowed. Is Growing Nearer. Many Look out in their Shops And Garages And Look At that mower And Moans IS it going to Do The Work this Year Is It Going to Start Up. How much Trouble is it going to be this Year. Well Its Time to Get Started on Preventive Maintenance. A well kept Machine Can Last Along time If You Service it Regulary. And Following Manufactures Maintenance Programs Is just doing the Bare Minimum. Let me enlighten you To There Maintenance Schedules. There Schedule Is Just Enough to Keep the Machine Working To Its Life Of Warranty. They Want the Machine to last that long But Not Much Longer Beyond that. If Machines Last For Several Years There Profit Margines Fall Dramatically. This is With Any type of Product. Is The Main Reason Parts Is So high. They Want People to Buy New. So I will give you Some tips to help Maintain And Make That Machine Last Longer And Keep Cost Down. tip Number one Never Change your oil in the Fall , Unless You just Want to Waste your Money. When Fall hits And You Change the oil And Park it And it Sits All Winter When Spring time hits Guess What You have to Change the oil Again Any Way. Why you might Ask. one You Never Get the Old Oil All The Way out. So That Bit of old oil mixes With the new. And Its Starts it break Down Process because of the old oil. Second Most Start There Machines A few times During the Winter to Keep the Machine From Drying out. If you dont You Should. Long time Sitting And engine Cylinder Drys out Those Rings gouges The Side of the Cylinder Walls And you loose Compression. Kills The Longevity of your Machine. So Start The Machine Every so Often to Stop that From happening. Spring time is the Best time For Preparing For The New Season.

So lets Go Down the Check list Here. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Change the Oil change air filter change fuel filter change Oil filter At Oil change if machine is Equipped With Such. change the Fuel. If You have Fuel from The previous Season take it out And Dispose of it. 6. If your Engine Is a Over head Valve Machine Check Valve lash to make Sure They are Set to Specs 7. Make Sure You Grease Everything Front Tires front Axle Spindles Blade Spindles Poorly Maintained Items Such As Wheel turning Spindles And The blade Spindles Puts Bind And Pressure Needlessly On Engine. Cause Wear 8. Make Sure your Blades Are Sharpened And Balanced. Dull Blades Again Puts Added Strain on Engine And Causes Wear. Unbalanced Blades Causes Vibration And Stress on Bearings And Causes Bearing Damage There For Causing Again Unneeded Strain And damage ( this damage Is very Costly And can be Prevented with Proper Maintenance.) 9. Proper tire Inflation. Low tire Pressure causes The Deck to be un Even And you Get Un Even Cutting This Is Well Known What is not Well known is that on Lawnmowers Low Tire Pressure Causes Drag And Un Needed Resistance to Movement And Stress on Engine Again Kills the life of your Machine. 10.Level the Deck A Un Level Deck causes Damage And Un Even Cutting. damages to the Deck can Cause Serious Problems And Replacing The Deck Is Almost As Costly As Just Replacing The Machine In General.

These Ten Things Will help Pro long The life of that Machine. If You Are Un Sure on how to Do these Things Ask Friends If not Take it And Have it Done By A Professional. The Costs Of Proper Maintenance Is Minimal Compared to Having to buy A new Machine Every Few years.

You Can Find More information In the group Wolfy's Small Engine Tech Support. I would be glad to Give you Tips And Any Information I can On how to Do these things.

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

Teach me, my God and Goddess, In all things thee to see, And what I do in any thing, To do it as for thee: Not rudely, as a beast, To run into an action; But still to make thee prepossessed, And give it his perfection. A man that looks on glass, On it may stay his eye; Or if he pleaseth, through it pass, And then the heaven espy. All may of thee partake: Nothing can be so mean, Which with his tincture (for thy sake) Will not grow bright and clean. A servant with this clause Makes drudgery divine: Who sweeps a room, as for thy laws, Makes that and the action fine. This is the famous stone That turneth all to gold: For that which God and Goddess doth touch and own Cannot for less be told.

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Buying Bargain Blooms & Deadheading

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

This time of the summer you're going to find many markdown prices and clearances on plants. It's a great time to take advantage of inexpensive annuals that will perk up your landscape from now until late fall. Don't buy annuals that aren't hardy to your area that won't keep blooming. If you aren't sure, then ask someone at the nursery or store.

Here are a few things to watch out for when choosing bargain plants:

1. Buy only for your location-- don't buy shade plants for a flower bed in the full sun. This time of year the sun is hot, and they'll do terribly. 2. A little bit of brown that can be cut off the plant is okay, but don't buy a plant that is too wilted or has more than a few brown leaves. 3. Don't buy plants that have any sign of disease like black on the leaves/stems or a white powdery substance on the plant. 3. Bring home your plant and cut off the brown leaves, deadhead the blooms and plant immediately, but as gently as possible, using plenty of water in the hole. Fill in the dirt without packing it too tightly, and water well. Last week I bought petunias and snapdragons on sale. I brought them home, deadheaded, trimmed off the brown and planted them the same day I bought them. I took pictures of the seedpods, and buds to show you the difference. This picture is a petunia that needs to be snipped off the part of the plant that has already bloomed and it's forming seeds. See that area in the middle of the four leaf sections? That's where the seed forms, so it needs to be pinched or cut off. The top of the picture shows a bud that is almost ready to open and next to it a small green bud that still has a ways to go. Notice the green at the base of those are closed, not open like the one where the seed is forming.

This next picture is a snapdragon seed pod. These are very easy to distinguish from the buds forming because they have that odd "antenna" on the top of each one. These need to be pinched off of the plant. If they aren't, then once the buds that have formed have bloomed, the plant will stop making flowers and only make seeds. Even if the entire plant is full of the "antenna" pods, once you pinch them all off it will start forming buds again, right up until a hard frost in the fall.

There is a lot of time left for annuals to bloom, and it's a shame not to take advantage of the great prices out there. Spend a little time inspecting the plants before you buy them, and a little more time deadheading and cleaning them up at home. You'll have a lot of added color for very little money.

Planting a Moonlight Garden

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven) By Jim Long I sometimes stroll through my garden enjoying how different it is at night. Not only do the white flowers glow with unexpected light, the pinks and lighter yellows seem to have a vibrancy absent in daylight. When my friend, the late educator and herbalist Betty Wold, visited my garden one summer morning years ago, she asked me why there were no pink and white flowers in my garden. I replied that I really didnt like those colors. But if you have only darker colors, none of those show up in the moonlight, she chided me with a laugh. Night Scents Over the years, I have come to appreciate the more subtle floral colors, not for their daytime hues, but for how magical they become after sunset, even in simple starlight. A moonlit garden has a different set of fragrancessome subtle, some pronounced. In the heat of the day, many essences are lost to our senses because the heat evaporates them so quickly. At night, they are considerably more noticeable. Dianthus, which has a lovely, clove-scented fragrance by day, is absolutely delicious at night. A moonlight garden should have lots of fragrant things to smell, including plants to walk on along the pathways. Creeping thymes, such as caraway and lemon thyme, are good additions. You might not even notice their scents in the daylight, but at night, when your senses are more attuned, you will be aware of the fragrances as you walk. Seeing By Night I have light-colored gravel pathways in my gardenunremarkable by day; lighted walks by moonlight. In the background, I have a little fish-pond fountain, and the trickling water adds a peaceful backdrop to the allure of the garden. Plants such as the often-overlooked yucca even change shape after dark. In the daytime, the waxy, cream-colored blossoms hang down like bells. But at night, when the air has cooled, the flowers turn somewhat upward, releasing their scent to attract the moths that pollinate them. Simpler elements of my garden, such as a light-gray limestone bench, look most inviting by the full moon. During the day, there are often so many interruptions, noises and responsibilities that I seldom get to sit and enjoy my garden. But at night, when the world is quiet and others demands on my time have ceased, I like to retreat to my nighttime garden. Many times Ive sat on the bench with a midnight snack, enjoying the serenity.

Let the Sun Go Down on Me There are myriad plants to choose from that magically transform themselves from almost invisible in sunlight to glowing performers at night. Any plant you choose with the name Alba after it will be white, such as rose campion (Lychnis coronaria Alba), for example, or Dianthus deltoides Alba. White, yellow and pink hollyhocks shine like subtle beacons, even in starlight. Glowing additions such as the white echinaceas, like White Swan and Fragrant Angel, seem to pop into heightened reality at night. Angels trumpets (Datura inoxia), white salvia (Salvia coccinea Snow Nymph) and Shasta daisies all show up like little walkway lights. Even the gray plants, like gray santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus) or curlicue wormwood (Artemisia versicolor Seafoam), awaken at night, as does dusty miller (Senecio cineraria) and curry plant (Helichrysum italicum). Plants with fuzzy, gray leaves like my favorite, silver sage (Salvia argentea), seem more alive under the moon. All of the clary sages look fanciful at night, as well. Dont despair if you cant locate or grow this variety, as even silver-leaf creeping thyme and dwarf ribbon grass (Phalaris arundinacea Dwarf Garters) glow subtly at night. Any plant with silver in its name, like silver southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum Silver), is a good choice. Vines, such as moonflower (Ipomoea alba), add additional charm. Moonflowers 6-inch-diameter blossoms are open only at night when they release a rich fragrance and attract fascinating large moths. The flowers themselves, on a moonlit evening, are so deliciously bright they appear to be lit from inside. Other plants to add for moonlight viewing and fragrance include white spider flower (Cleome hassleriana Helen Campbell), white peonies, white roses and night phlox (Zaluzianskya capensis), also called midnight candy (which is a clue to its charming appeal). Any of the evening primroses (Oenothera spp.), including our Missouri native, O. macrocarpa, send forth their fragrance in the evening. Planting a Moonlight Garden There are special considerations to making a moonlight garden. First, you need full sun for most plants, and giving them full sun generally equals full moonlight. You dont want big shadows cast by neighboring plants to block out the moonlight, so choose accordingly. I like to bunch the brighter whites together rather than scatter them about. The duller whites and yellows can be clustered, as well. With the plants grouped this way, the white and yellow flowers will come into their own at night.

Earth Healing Group

Full moon gatherings
This group is for those wishing to share earth healing techniques and information about important events and who wish to add there energy to raising the vibration of the planet for the good of all Come join us every full moon and we will all send healing Energy to Earth at one time a collective conscious activity to help Mother Earth and all those on it.

This group is for all people from all over the world to come "together" every MONTH to focus their energies for a common goal. It is also a place to share with each other HEALING TECHNIQUES and INFORMATION about important events.

THIS GROUP IS HERE TO ACTIVELY MAKE A CHANGE AND RAISE THE VIBRATION OF THE PLANET FOR THE GOOD OF ALL

helpful herbs & their uses 1

Posted by peacewillow devine

From the Holistic pet care group

*finding exact dosage recommendations is a tricky thing due to the lack of documented research, as well as individual reactions. the best bet is to start low and watch for adverse reactions. -some vets recommend using one human dose as a guide, based on weight, assuming the human dose applies to a 100 lb person. another vet recommends 500 milligram capsules 2-3 times per day. (i've listed the dosages that i've found useful for 25lb cheyanne in parenthesis) all of these herbs are good for humans, as well as animals. *ask your vet before giving any herb or medication to a pregnant animal*

1. echinacea - an excellent immune booster and antibiotic used to treat allergies, infections and kidney problems. experts are split on how often this herb should be used, but most agree that it's best to use it in intervals. some recommend 3 weeks on, 1 week off, while others suggest 5 days week on with 2 days off. (167mg, 2x day, 5 days week) *do not give to animals on any type of immune system medication*

2. ginkgo biloba - helps us to stay sharp as we get older!! aids with memory and 'doggie dementia'. (120mg, 1x everyday) 3. chamomile - an herbal dewormer that also calms nervous pups. topically used to treat 'hot spots' and other skin inflammations. chamomile tea can be mixed with fido's water or food and sprayed directly on the skin - no fears if they lick it off. (chey and i haven't tried this one yet but we're getting ready to.)

4.valerian - the source of valium. used as a sedative to calm anxiety and nervous pups, as well as being used to treat epilepsy and seizures. helps calm fido while you're out buying his herbs & food! (chey gets one 450mg capsule before bed or i don't get any sleep!) 5. milk thistle - used to detoxify the liver and give a boost to the other herbs. (200mg, 1x everyday) *the rest of these aren't exactly herbs, but i highly recommend them as supplements* 6. alfalfa - preferably fresh - provides calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and vitamin k. acts as an antioxidant and an immune booster. used to treat allergies, infections and doggie dementia. (i buy the living sprouts and sprinkle a bit on each meal.) 7. garlic - preferably fresh - not only works to control both internal and external parasites, but also acts as an immune booster!! used to treat allergies, infections, diabetes and heart ailments. (don't overdo it. one clove (cooked or raw) chopped fine, per day is enuff.) 8. fish oil - one of my favorites! supplies omega 3 fatty acids, which work wonders on skin diseases! also an immune booster used to treat allergies. it is also used to treat cancer...it can keep tumors from spreading and promotes healthy weight gain. (if your pet is healthy, 1or 2 500-1000mg capsules per day is fine. chey has issues so she gets 2 1000mg capsules per meal (3-4x day). i pop 'em open and squeeze them unto the food) 9. coenzyme Q10 - an antioxidant and immune booster used to treat cancer, heart issues and dental issues. it's a naturally occuring substance in the body. (50mg, 1x everyday) 10. turmeric - an herbal spice used as a taste enhancer that also has anti-cancer properties. (sprinkle on every meal) *i haven't tried these last two but the issue of seizures has come up for others* 11. choline - a component of vitamin b complex - found in egg yolks, milk, meat and soybeans. used to treat seizures and calm nerves. (i've actually started cheyanne on 100mg, 1x everday of b6 as a nervous system treatment) 12. potassium - found in bananas, has anti-seizure properties. i hope this beginning list is helpful. peace and blessed be to all. namaste

Posted by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

Much of the mystery about March meaning and symbolism is solved when we learn the month is named after Mars. Martius, the moniker for Mars is actually the original term for the month of March in Roman calendars. So what's the big deal about Mars, and why is it associated with March? A paramount god of war to the Roman Empire - an empire structured upon many ardent ideas like: Conquest, Heroism, Battle. Fighting for country, kin and emperor equates to standing resolute to a way of life. And so, Mars is the icon of these fiercely proud, patriotic and heroic qualities. Originally, Martius (March) was the very first month of the Roman calendar. Symbolically, we can make sense of the arrangement. In their geographical region, the grips of winter are just beginning to lose their hold in March. It makes sense that a year should begin as a new season of life begins too. Interestingly, before he became popularized as a warmonger, Mars was actually fertility and agricultural deity. He, along with other deities like Ceres and Cybele oversaw the new growth of spring, and encouraged the continuation of life (fertility, sex, procreation in human, plant and animal realms). Whether a god of war or agriculture, the personality of Mars is charging, unrelinquishing and brutally assertive. We find this kind of fervent focus in March too. At this point in the year, there is no stopping the burgeoning birth of new life. March (and Mars) is a highspeed locomotive on a single-focused monorail with only one objective: Explosive Expression. And so, March meaning embodies a kind of reigniting of the hearts and consciousness of humankind. This month we feel the initial kicks of Spring from the deepest womb of the Mother (Earth). And like our ancestors, we are quickened...our soul- palettes are whetted for new conquest and bold assertion and we set a course for forward-momentum.

Keeping this symbolic propulsion of Mars/March meaning in mind, let's take a look at other signs and symbols native to the month: Ash: It's highly prized tree for its resilience, and that kind of resilience translates well in the month of March. The wood of the ash is incredibly strong, and has been used to create all manner of helpful tools and sacred items. From baseball bats to magic wands, spears and bows to besom handles - the ash gives humans a sense of industry - while remaining flexible to work with the will of man. The Yggdrasil is reputed to be made from ash...an epic ancient Norse tree conveying the connective qualities of metaphysicality (connections between mundane and heavenly). We get a sense of determined strength combined with a deeper wisdom when we research the symbolism of the ash. It is also a ravenous grower - give it room and light and it will reforest an area with remarkable expedience. Ash offers a message: "Identify your points of strength and use these aspects to the utmost. Do not relinquish to your shortcomings, rather bend with them to create the most advantageous outcome." Alder: March, as already observed, is a potentially raucous month - filled with transition as the land pries itself from the "death" grip of Winter. Alder is a protective tree in a time of deep transition. It reminds us to remain flexible and also prepare for upcoming change while also retaining a level of adamancy about our personal expectations in life. How am I coming up with this? Well, two reasons. Alder grows in watery environments - symbolic of change, emotion, movement and flux. Alder is also commonly known to produce multiple trunks - many bodies within one body. This is symbolic of garnering strength from more than one foundation in our lives. Alder asks us to identify our core allegiances within key areas of life (like: Family, Love, Money, Health, Spirituality, Mind, etc.) Once identified, alder protects these honorable aspects and encourages transitional growth in each area. Symbolic Flowers of March: Daffodil: In the Victorian language of flowers, the Daffodil speaks to us about forgiveness, trust, honesty and true love. The flower looks like a trumpet to me, and I like to think the energy of the Daffodil announces the arrival of spring. I can hear the otherworldly trumpeting of the Daffodil, and its sonic-booms peel away the aging paint of my consciousness. Meaning, the spiritual symbolism of the Daffodil is so clear, so bright, that it blasts away illusion - and it does this with simple, childlike honesty and love.

What better time than the oncoming spring to be reminded of such heartwarming concepts? Shamrock: The Shamrock (also referred to as clover) can rock our worlds with symbolic insight. They are remarkable survivors and can endure seemingly insurmountable challenges in their stubborn determination to live and thrive. Through droughts, substandard soil and ravenous goat appetites, the shamrock is a champion survivor. This is the spirit of Mars coming through - fierce will. and, the Shamrock is a common symbol of St. Patrick's day (March 17th) - an icon of the "fighting Irish." Symbolic Festivals of March: We can learn a lot more about symbolic March meaning when we investigate the rituals, parties, holidays, ceremonies and festivals that take place this time of year. Here are a few: St. Patrick's Day: March 17th, the day of St. Patrick's death (461 A.D.) is memorialized in Irish history. He was an incredible individual, and to my view, he embodies the unsinkable, charismatic and doggedly determined theme of March. Why? Because he was a fighter, an innovator and staunch in his passion for bringing awareness to the Christian faith (a minority faith at the time of his life). He was captured as a slave at a young age and ripped from his Irish homeland. This crisis would have dealt a crushing blow to most people, but St. Patrick isn't a saint for nothin'. He overcame his displacement, endured his time as a slave and clung resolutely to a divine vision of helping his Irish kinsmen. Indeed, he did. He returned to Ireland and virtually single-handedly established a strong foothold of Christianity in the area. I realize in this free-thinking era that religious conversion isn't the most noble ideal however, St. Patrick is worthy of acknowledgement for his enduring spirit - a indomitable spirit that resonates through the whole month of March. Mothers of March: For every yang, there is a yin and although this month runs rampant with masculine Mars qualities like assertion and conquest - it also holds a host of observances for the mothers and their various visages. In the US, we observe Mothers Day in May - but March marks a plethora of dates devoted to the mother.

To wit: Coventina - Celtic Goddess of the Water and Sacred wells. She gives March meaning because is honored this month for her gifts of nourishment, replenishment, renewal and inspiration. She is a matron of childbirth and the natural cycles of life. Her symbol is the cauldron, chalice and/or wells. Perhaps she is honored this month because March represents the first birth pang of Spring. The ancient Celts honored Coventina by tossing sacred items (coins, brooches, valued personal items) in various wells and bodies of water. Nuwa - Chinese Creation Goddess. Nuwa is credited for the creation of humans in the most ancient myths of China. Apparently, life was cold and lonely for Nuwa as she was the only entity around at the beginning of time. Weary of her own company she took it upon herself to craft the first humans of earth (which she made from clay). We can see a connection with her celebration in March and the procession of the seasons. Winter is a brutal, cold cruel season in China - conveying a sense of bitter isolation and even death. Embracing the creatrix Nuwa in March is synonymous with becoming alive, reanimated and renewed with Springtime's return. Rhea - Mother Goddess of Greece. She is ancient - one of the first (Titan) of her mothering kind. Her power is celebrated this month for much the same reason many other mother goddesses are recognized - because March is a transitional month - a time in which we are each born out of the dark days of winter and into the light of spring/summer. We see this theme in quite a macabre light with Rhea. All of her children but one (Zeus) were swallowed by her husband (and brother) Cronus. Upon maturity, Zeus (symbolizing the return of light) releases all the children from Cronus' gorged belly and bowls - more themes of birth. Ostara - Germanic Fertility Maiden Goddess. She is the epitome of celebrating new life. She is the expectant one - and her vision only sees potential. In every nuance of experience, Ostara sees indwelling life, and keeps her attention honed there. She's the reason spring unleashes its vitality - because Ostara has kept her light bright, her vigil of life strong and her focus of promise remained stoic even in the leanest months of winter. Trace your history and you will find this nurturing goddess at the prime root of the festival of Easter. Hopefully I'll have a chance to write about her and how she influenced the symbolism of Easter in an upcoming article. Ostara is also connected with the vernal equinox (by the same name) which occurs March 20-21st.

Misc. Symbols of March: Hares, Rabbits: Ever heard the term "madder than a March hare?" I have (my mom says it). It has to do with rabbits going bonkers around this time of year. They feel the call of spring just as strongly as everyone and everything else - perhaps moreso. Creatures of all kinds feel the tremors of springtime's return and respond to it in wild courtship. It's a celebration of life, and bunnies bounce right back into the swing of spring. All of us know the power of population the rabbit has - they are legendary for their ability to reproduce fast and furiously. For that same reason, the rabbit is a perfect symbol for this month which is fertile with themes like: New life, New beginnings and the undeniable current of growth. The rabbit is also a symbol of Ostara (see above), an ancient fertility goddess whose symbols are rabbits, various flowers and eggs (more life/growth/fertility themes!). Eggs: Another symbol of fertility, for sure and a great addition to March meaning and symbolism. Creation, actually. Countless creation myths begin with a grandiose and/or cosmic egg. Upon breaking open, the contents ooze out and begin forming the universe as it is known in whatever culture is telling the story. Alchemically, the yellow yolk is symbolic of gold, and the sun (light, vitality, virtue, life, male). The albumen signifies silver and the moon (supportive, clarifying, purifying, female). The egg is used in Christianity as a symbol of Christ's resurrection (breaking forth from the tomb of death as a chick breaks out of an eggs casing). This comparison comes into play in springtime festivals surrounding Christ's spiritual ascendance and resurgence. The egg is also a universal symbol of promise and potential. Within any egg, at any given time, there rests dormant the possibility of life - and within that possibility is life in its overwhelmingly diversity. What I mean is, the egg prompts potential-based questions like: How will this life manifest? Green eyes or blue? Prince or pauper? Rooster or hen? Fuzzy or silky? Genius or diabolic? Gives the wandering mind a run for its money and a gives fresh perspective to eggs, eh? I hope you have enjoyed these random thoughts on March meaning and symbolism. Of course, there's tons more symbolic fun to be had in the month of March.

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Simple WEED guide. Get the most out of your garden.

Posted by where the Holly grows
It is easier than you may think to discourage weeds in your garden. At the same time you increase fertility of your soil, earthworm population and water retention. By investing a little labor at the beginning of your next season you can reduce the amount of weeding you will need to do throughout the year. Method: Try using layering under your mulch: Compost, UN-waxed Cardboard with Straw, dry grass clippings, hay (no seeds!) or newspaper (whole sheets). Be careful not to layer too thick or punch small holes in your layers. One layer of cardboard, to start the season is sufficient. You can place cardboard sheets strategically around your existing plants. Or if you are starting a new bed, simply dig a hole in the layer where you would like to plant. After this you may layer with mulch to make it attractive. The cardboard/compost (cardboard on top of compost) method is my favorite because it rates high in water retention, adds no weed seeds on to the soil, breaks down at the end of the season, feeds plants, and doesnt greatly acidify the soil. I worked on a farm last summer and learned how to add weeds to compost. Dry matter is very valuable to breaking down compost in the rainy season. So if you end up with weeds here is a good way to recycle: Catch them early! 1) Don't allow weeds to grow to the seed stage. (This is when weeds will tap into the nutrients most needed by other garden plants, and then once seeds do drop they will take over your garden because Weeds tend to have a faster life cycle than your garden plants.) So if you haven't had time to weed before seeds arrive, my best advice is to carefully remove the seed head (clip it off) with a receptacle ready, and toss in the burn pile. (You can then safely compost the ashes). The remaining part can be composted as dry matter. 2) If the weeds have developed roots but no seeds: relocate weeds with roots to a sunny area on black plastic. This will dry the plant out including the roots, you may want to rotate the pile or lay them out in a single layer. After the weed is completely dry add to compost pile. 3) A Bonus: at their earliest stages the weed 'seedlings' add the most nutrients to your compost! Side Note: It helps to identify the weeds you want to get rid of versus weeds that are beneficial. For example in my garden, I allow violets to grow because the flower heads are edible. A Friend of mine just loves lambs quarter so she harvests the plant before it seeds to add to salads. But some weeds can just be unbearable! For my garden, I battle with pig weed. Just for thought, not all weeds are a bad thing. Happy Gardening! Holly

How can I hear and trust my Angels and Guides?

Posted by Rev Willow Raine

Question: I have been working with contacting and listening to my guides. Can you tell me if the guidance sent our way is ultimately from our higher self or from other spirit beings? How do they know what is best in a situation when Im stumped and dont always know if I can trust what I hear or whether I am hearing the right thing. Answer: Our guides and angels are in constant communication with us, although we tend to be in listening mode when we ask questions or need something. One way to fine tune that process is to have regular meetings in which you dedicate time to be still and listen for their guidance and talk to them about what is happening in your life. This helps you become familiar with the type of connection you have (your guides will have their own way of talking to you) and gets you in the habit of listening. combination of sources that include our higher self, our angels and guides, and other energies or guides who can offer support and information. During our lifetime we can change guides many times, as we progress through our healing and transformation journey. When you set an intention for only the highest possible energies to be present when you speak to your angels and guides, you can be assured that you are not going to be assaulted by lower energies. That said, fear is a powerful attractor so be aware that when you ask for help out of fear or desperation, as they place you at a lower energetic level and that can impact the level of the energies who try to connect with you. Its always a good idea to breathe and ground yourself energetically, connecting with heaven and earth, when you speak to your guides and angels. While the information from our guides and angels is at the highest energetic levels, it is filtered through our energy, including our fear. We cant get information that vibrates at a higher level than our own. Thats why it is important to release any fear around the issue because the fear will create the confusion that you are now feeling. Our spiritual team guides us but they cant tell us what to do. And when we ask in fear, we limit how they can respond. Show me the lesson I intended for myself in this situation and how to transcend it is more likely to receive a response than Tell me what to do. And they dont know what is best for us, they are aware of the potential for the next step because it is what we do in that instance that determines what happens next.

As far as trusting the information, you wont insult your spiritual team by asking for confirmation. Asking for validation can be like, Please send me confirmation of this message, in the highest and best way possible within the next 24 hours so that it is absolutely clear to me. Then make sure you are in listening and receiving mode so you get the message. Your guides are aware of many different possibilities but you can only connect with those that are at your energetic vibration. They cant show you all of the possibilities unless you are open to those options, that is why it is important to know your fear and to be open to many different options. The more you are willing to be open to your highest potential, the more you will be aware of new ways of being. That is what they can share with you but only when you are willing to hear them. And they will The messages come from a never tell you anything wrong or mislead you but you should always trust your own judgment and intuition. If an answer doesnt feel right, ask where it is coming from, ask for confirmation and then make your choice based on what feels right to you. You will always have another chance to do it differently, thats the blessing of a dynamic, limitless Universe. Copyright 2012 by Jennifer Hoffman and Enlightening Life OmniMedia, Inc. This material is protected by US and international copyright now and may be distributed freely in its entirety as long as the authors name and website, www.urielheals.com (http://www.urielheals.com) are included.

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At the Enchanted Forest we try and maintain an "open policy" with this is mind we ask that all Groups created by members are created and open for all - No groups should be set to private. Thank you all for your continued support and input in the Forest. The Enchanted Forest Team