Dec 21: The Winter Solstice is a celebration of the heart, vessel of our dreams. Through the darkest time on the planet, we are to find solace once again, returning to our inner resting place. Gallantly gazing upon our life’s daily uncertainty and unknowing future. May the earth fold us in comfort away from any harshness. As the light dims, we are to harmonize and begin to sincerely replenish our hearts and minds. The pagans called this holiday Yule, where the people of Europe and Scandinavia made festive. It is not considered religious. The pagans were naturalists, such as the Native Americans and other indigenous communities around the world. They followed the course of the sun, the moon, and the cycles of the seasons for planting food and generally planning a survival strategy. As winter comes, we recognize our need to rest our minds, hearts, and bodies while warming at the hearth. And as we come back out of the darkest day-night of the year and begin to gain more minutes of sunlight and replenishment each day. We linger for a glimmer of light to awaken, reconnecting our spark to life, to the sun and the conviviality of our own beating heart.
Recipes for Winter Solstice & Yule
Hot Apple Cider
Juice Apples or Buy Apple Cider
6 cups Apple Cider
½ tsp whole cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
3 cinnamon sticks
Heat ingredients, simmer, strain & serve hot
Hearty or Veggie Stew
1 ½ pounds Beef stew meat
water (optional)
Vegetable Broth (for Vegetable stew)
¼ c. flour
Add tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, onion
1 tsp thyme
2 tbsp mustard
Salt/pepper
Cook until meat is cooked and vegetables are tender
Preheat oven to 350°. Place 1 in. of water in a large saucepan; add carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until crisp-tender, 7-9 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Transfer carrots to a 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, onion, horseradish and reserved cooking liquid; spread evenly over carrots. Sprinkle with cheese; top with cracker crumbs. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Turkey-spinach Casserole
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups stuffing mix
3 cups cubed cooked turkey
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup dried cranberries
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Bake
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan, bring broth and butter to a boil. Remove from heat. Add stuffing mix; stir until moistened. Stir in turkey, spinach and cranberries.Transfer to a greased 11×7-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Squash Casserole
6 c. diced yellow squash or zucchini
Onion
Garlic
Salt/pepper
Butter or oil
Add into casserole dish
Bake 325* bake until squash is tender 20-45 mins
Alternative added ingredients into squash casserole
Crushed crackers
Cheese
Sour cream
Yule Log Cake
10×15-inch jelly roll pan – line with parchment paper & butter the paper.
Pre-heat oven to 400°F
4 eggs, room temperature
2/3 c. sugar — 7 minutes beat eggs while adding sugar 1 tbsp at a time
Add sifted flour ½ c to batter – stir, don’t beat
Add another ½ c. of flour – stir
Pour into pan – BAKE 10 min. Do not overcook
While hot, put the cake into a clean dish towel sprinkled with powdered sugar so it doesn’t stick.
Remove parchment paper, still warm – roll the cake with the dish towel in. Let the cake cool.
Unroll the cake – spread desired filling, jam, or frosting onto the cake and re-roll the cake.
Frost outside & decorate, Refrigerate to set overnight
13* Gemini will culminate, December 4, 2025 3:14 PM PST/6:14 PM EST.
As the Gemini Full Moon rises in the East, nestled within the Taurus constellation, it brings forth an opportunity for profound self-expression and communication. This celestial Super Moon event invites you to explore the depths of your voice, urging you to articulate your thoughts and feelings with clarity and confidence. For far too long, you may have felt stifled, caught in the web of societal expectations that prioritize politeness over authenticity. The world around you often seems fraught with tension, creating an environment where speaking your truth can feel daunting.
This full moon serves as a gentle reminder that your voice matters. It encourages you to reclaim the art of communication, to find a style that resonates with your true self. This journey is not about harsh confrontations or belittling others; instead, it is about expressing yourself with kindness and respect. Embracing a clarity of conscious speaking will allow your inner wisdom to shine through.
This full moon signals a shift, a lovely promise of feeling more liberated in your speech, as if a weight has been lifted. Your convictions will no longer feel like burdens; instead, they will flow naturally, allowing you to engage in conversations that nurture rather than harm. Trust in your intuitive kindness, and remember that the more you relax with your feelings, the more your words will resonate with authenticity. you will find that life begins to flow more effortlessly, paving the way for deeper connections.
Inner Wisdom List
Are your Values in sync –
There are about 50 values but 5 core values:
Love
Peace
Truth
Respect
Self-control
What is your philosophy of life:
Your philosophy would be your inner wisdom and conduct
What are your desires, what do you really want:
Do you harbor secret desires, what are they?
What are your fears:
What are you afraid might happen, good or bad.
Who in your life, matters
Who is important to you in the past and present
6. Speaking your truth
How easy is it to be truthful in a gentle way.
Journal Questions:
Write down what has changed and are you happy with these changes, if not why:
yourself
others
Family
Friends
Work arena
Neighborhood
City
State
Country
World
What do you have, used to have or want to have:
House
Love
Family
Parents
Mate
Children
Are you reigniting a peaceful passion for:
Love
Career
Job
Health
Relationships
Friendships
Happiness
Exercise
What needs to be perked up in your daily life:
Love
Career
Job
Health
Relationships
Friendships
Happiness
Exercise
What could be your new Aspirations:
Spiritually
Emotionally
Intellectually
Materially
Physically
Who Inspires you, list those family, friends or mentors.
Write a kind or uplifting word next to their name.
———-
There exists a profound truth: true contentment stems not from societal expectations but from a life imbued with meaning, authentic relationships, and alignment between one’s values and actions. As conscious explorer’s, we want the journey of seeking personal happiness, fostering sincere connections, and creating a positive impact that inspires others to follow suit.
The pursuit of joy should focus on experiences, personal growth, and fulfillment. By reflecting on what truly brings joy—be it a serene morning routine, pursuing a passion, or spending time with loved ones—individuals can redefine their understanding of happiness.
—— “Wisdom cannot be imparted. Wisdom that a wise man attempts to impart always sounds like foolishness to someone else … Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.”
The Full Hunter’s Moon (Native American) at 14* Aries culminating October 7, 2025, 8:48PM Pacific/ 11:48PM Eastern. (Farmers Almanac)
As the nights grow darker, an invitation for introspection emerges, urging us to embrace rest and rejuvenation. The Aries moon, with its assertive energy, calls for change, particularly in our home lives and in how we treat those around us. It’s a time to recharge our understanding of ourselves and our connections. This lunar phase encourages us to cultivate wellness within our hearts and minds, extending that healing to our families and friends.
To foster this transformation, we must reflect on our lives—where can we improve? Are there habits that drain our energy? Perhaps we can enhance our interactions, making those we love feel special. Small gestures—a kind word, a thoughtful act—can illuminate our hearts and bring joy to others.
Aries embodies a spirit of movement, urging us to act decisively toward our goals. This is not a time for hesitation; sometimes we must dig deep for some sentimentality. We are called to be bold and clear in our intentions. Let go of what no longer serves us; it is essential to shed the burdens that weigh us down. Embrace the strength needed as we prepare for the winter months ahead. As we move forward, let us do so with clarity and determination, ensuring that our hearts shine brightly in the company of those we cherish.
Move toward advancement. Sit with your eyes closed and take a couple deep breaths, remove all pressure, heaviness and worries away.
Relax your mind – Learn to Meditate
Feel Your Body – Be in Gratitude for your Vessel/Temple
Open the Senses – Breathe in “Life”
Don’t make too many Decisions – But be decisive
Take a break every few hours – Revive
Stay in touch with your Loved Ones – Be the love
Read Books – brain stimulation
Not always needing to be right – compromise or accept
Be the bigger person – keep on track with your life
Here are some tips on how to make clear decisions.
Use your Emotions – How do you Feel:
What do you want your health to be
What do you want your career to be
How do you want to make money
How much money do you want
How hard are you willing to work
How much time are you willing to study
How much time are you willing to work
Are you working smarter, not harder
Where do you want to live
What kind of house do you want
Where are your opportunities
What are you afraid of
What are you NOT afraid of
What are your opportunities to date
Who are you committed
Over 18 years, do they pull their share
Do you make conscious choices to clear your confusion – how.
B. Use your Intellect – How do you reason:
What do you want your health to be
What do you want your career to be
How do you want to make money
How much money do you want
How hard are you willing to work
How much time are you willing to study
How much time are you willing to work
Are you working smarter, not harder
Where do you want to live
What kind of house do you want
Where are your opportunities
What are you afraid of
What are you NOT afraid of
What are your opportunities to date
Who are you committed
Over 18 years, do they pull their share
Do you make conscious choices to clear your confusion – how
Reasoning gives you a chance to be more objective about yourself and your needs over the emotional side of your nature.
C. Visualize your future
Create your perfect world in your mind’s eye
Be willing to compromise if you live with others
No rigidity
D. Stop Arguing
Make Space in your mind
Be truthful, especially to yourself
Make space in your future
Don’t fight for your limitations
Do not fall prey to others fear
Don’t judge others
Don’t persuade others
Do you have clear mind and why
Create strength of mind
E. Progressive Movement
Use your vitality
Use your personal power
We read, therefore learn
Use your core values
Take steps to achieve in health, well-being, career, well-being, relationships, love, positive direction
Use your education
Use your creativity
Use your sound plans
Create strength of body
— Practice gratitude with your family and friends. You can say one thing you appreciated about them that day. Eat together when possible. Share a meal without screens; use a “talking item” to guide conversations. Make effort to listen and when we respond, we want to encourage those we love to be their very best.
We’re working on creating our personal power this Full Moon Month. All Dreams are born in the dark as our days of light are limited, allow plans and goals to be developed. We can fail many times, but we’ll find what we are looking for eventually. If it’s people, places or things, we are to remain hopeful, polite and adventurous. It’s our birthright to survive and thrive in this world and allows us to become the very best we can be.
—“My friends, it is wise to nourish the soul, otherwise you will breed dragons and devils in your heart.”
― C.G. Jung 1875-1961 Swiss Psychiatrist and Author
Lughnasadh is the harvest and reaping of great rewards; it is also a day of feasting. Lugh is the Celtic God of Light, and this Pagan Sabbat is the midpoint between the Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox. Some bake a figure of the “corn god” in bread, and then symbolically sacrifice and eat it. The tradition of eating and sharing the first fruits, vegetables, and grains of the season started with Lughnasadh in Ireland. In England, it became the medieval festival known as Lammas Day. In keeping with the Lughnasadh tradition, the first grains were offered to the gods, the form of a baked loaf of bread. The loaf was blessed and cut into four pieces, with one piece placed in each corner of the home for good luck.
The non-sporting competitions in festivals were singing, dancing, poetry-reading and storytelling. Trial marriages were performed, couples would join hands through a hole in a slab of wood. The experimental marriage would last one year and a day, after which it was annulled without question.
Celtic festivals like Lughnasadh was an opportune time to make political, social and economic deals. All weapons and rivalry’s were laid down so the neighbors could get to know one another. Chieftains held important meetings, farmers would make trade agreements about crops or cattle for the coming season.
A common tradition of Celtic festivals were to visit holy wells. People would give offerings to the wells and decorate them with flowers and garlands, they could leave coins or clooties (cloth). They would walk around the well in a sun-wise direction praying to the Gods.
* Preheat oven to 375°. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and onion; cook and stir until broccoli is crisp-tender. Stir in greens and garlic; cook and stir 4-5 minutes longer or until greens are wilted. Unroll pastry sheet into a 9-in. pie plate; flute edge. Fill with broccoli mixture. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, milk, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Swiss cheese; pour over vegetables. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.
* In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually stir in broth; bring to a boil. Boil and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the cream, chicken, rice, mushrooms, pimientos and parsley; heat through. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly.
* Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat egg. Add sour cream, Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture with Monterey Jack cheese, spinach and half of the onions. Pour into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until heated though. Top with remaining onions; return to the oven for 5 minutes or until onions are golden brown.
Pasta Pizza Skillet Casserole
Ingredients
* 8 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
* 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
* 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
* 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
* 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
* 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
* Preheat oven to 400°. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large cast-iron or other ovenproof skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms, green pepper, and onion; saute until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Increase heat to medium-high. In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil. Spread pasta evenly in the skillet to form a crust. Cook until lightly browned, 5-7 minutes. Turn the crust onto a large plate. Reduce heat to medium; slide crust back into skillet. Top with pizza sauce, sautéed vegetables, and olives; sprinkle with cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake until cheese is melted, 10-12 minutes.
Layered Fruit Salad
Ingredients
* 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
* 2/3 cup orange juice
* 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
* 1/3 cup lemon juice
* 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 cinnamon stick
* FRUIT SALAD:
* 2 cups cubed fresh pineapple
* 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
* 2 medium kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
* 3 medium bananas, sliced
* 2 medium oranges, peeled and sectioned
* 1 medium red grapefruit, peeled and sectioned
* 1 cup seedless red grapes
Directions
* Place first 6 ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Cool completely. Remove the cinnamon stick. Layer fruit in a large glass bowl. Pour juice mixture over top. Refrigerate, covered, several hours.
Berry Pie
Ingredients:
5 cups fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
1 cup sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon sugar
Method:
Sprinkle berries with lemon juice; set aside.
Fit half of the pastry in a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions.
Combine 1 cup sugar and the next 3 ingredients; add to berries, stirring well.
Pour into pastry shell, and dot with butter.
Unfold remaining pastry on a lightly floured surface; roll gently with a rolling pin to remove creases in pastry.
Place pastry over filling; seal and crimp edges.
Cut slits in the top of the crust to allow steam to escape.
Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar
Bake at 400° for 35 minutes or until golden.
Cover edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, if necessary.
Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Lughnasadh or Lammas is a harvest festival. In other languages:
Irish – Lá Lúnasa
Welsh – Gwyl Awst (August Feast)
English – Apple Day (drinking Apple juice, Apple cider, or Mead
Lughnasadh Harvest Spell
sit down in the middle of a circle of candles (tealight)
Cup your hands ready to receive
Repeat Aloud:
Thank you, Mother Earth, and our Amazing Land
Thank you for the seeds, for creating the food
Thank the nourishment feeding everyone we love, Thank the Farmer for tending the crops
Thank the handlers for getting the crops to market. Thank you to the market representatives
Thank you, Food Preparers, Thankful for Food. Let us pray. So Much to Be Thankful For
The Sustenance, the Healing, the nourishing, and the nurturing. Blessed Be
Back to Back Certification Learning… 3 hours each evening – 50 hours EACH – Hypnosis Training Certification (50 hours) & Spiritual Counseling Certification (50 hours)
Tara Sutphen CHt is a distinguished figure in the field of hypnotherapy, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the human psyche. With over three decades of dedicated practice, Tara has honed her skills in various therapeutic modalities, combining her background in psychology, energy healing, and spiritual counseling to create a unique approach to hypnotherapy.
Her journey began with a strong foundation in traditional psychology, which she later complemented with specialized training in hypnotherapy. Tara is a certified hypnotherapist, recognized for her ability to guide individuals into deep states of relaxation and heightened awareness. This allows clients to access their subconscious mind, facilitating transformative change and healing.
Tara’s expertise extends beyond basic hypnotherapy techniques; she is skilled in regression therapy, enabling clients to explore past experiences and traumas that shape their current behaviors and beliefs. Through her compassionate and intuitive approach, she creates a safe space for clients to confront and release emotional blockages, fostering healing on multiple levels.
In addition to her one-on-one sessions, Tara has conducted numerous workshops and seminars, educating aspiring hypnotherapists and spiritual counselors on the intricacies of the practice. She is passionate about empowering others to harness the power of the mind, teaching them effective techniques for self-hypnosis, visualization, and affirmations. Her engaging teaching style and deep knowledge make her a sought-after instructor in the field.
Tara’s work is not limited to individual therapy; she has also contributed significantly to community wellness through group sessions and public speaking engagements. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences allows her to share valuable insights on the benefits of hypnotherapy, helping to demystify the process and make it accessible to all.
Her extensive experience is further enriched by her commitment to continuous learning. Tara stays abreast of the latest research in psychology and hypnotherapy, integrating new findings into her practice to ensure her clients receive the most effective and evidence-based care. This dedication to professional growth reflects her passion for helping others achieve their fullest potential.
In summary, Tara Sutphen CHt is a highly experienced hypnotherapist whose depth of knowledge, compassionate approach, and commitment to healing empower clients to transform their lives. Her exceptional skills and expertise provide a solid foundation for those seeking to navigate their personal challenges and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The Full Buck Moon (Native American) at 18* Capricorn will culminate on July 10, 2025, at 1:37 pm Pacific/4:37 pm Eastern (Farmers Almanac).
This Capricorn Moon invites us to reflect deeply on our ambitions, responsibilities, and the emotional landscapes we navigate. It challenges us to assess whether we truly harness our inner drive with enough courage to foster a genuine connection to our lifeforce. The essence of this astrological phase encourages introspection—are we merely skimming the surface of our potential, or are we diving deep into the waters of our true capabilities?
As we ponder our successes, health, love life, and overall consciousness, we must ask ourselves if we’ve been cutting corners. Are we settling for mediocrity in pursuit of convenience, or are we committed to the hard work necessary to cultivate a fulfilling existence? This period of renewal serves as a clarion call to let go of the distractions that pull our focus from the life we aspire to lead. Instead of getting bogged down by minor infractions or grievances, we are urged to adopt a broader perspective, embracing the possibility of transformation and growth.
We are beckoned to confront our past fears—those emotional weights that may have stunted our progress. As we process these feelings, we can begin to unfurl our potential, shedding the layers of self-limitation. It is crucial to examine whether our concerns are truly significant or if we have allowed third-world problems to overshadow our first-world realities. This reflection can reveal a deeper compassion or, conversely, expose judgments that come from a place of privilege.
In a world filled with diverse opinions, the question of morality arises. Are we grounded in a sense of ethics that guides our decisions and interactions, or do we find ourselves lost in a sea of self-serving beliefs? We are reminded to root our actions in integrity, fostering a sense of accountability not only to ourselves but to the greater community.
By fostering a spirit of determination and addressing our emotional truths, we can embark on a powerful journey of rebirth and renewal. Are we ready to engage with our full potential, or do we still have work to do?
Journal Questions:
1. What are the top three dreams or aspirations that I have for my life, and what steps can I take to start pursuing them?
– Reflect on your deepest desires and outline actionable steps to begin working towards them. Consider both short-term and long-term actions.
2. What beliefs about myself or my capabilities are limiting my potential, and how can I challenge or change these beliefs?
– Identify specific beliefs that may be hindering your progress. Explore how you can reframe these thoughts to foster a more empowering mindset.
3. What does success look like for me in various areas of my life (career, relationships, health, personal growth), and what is one action I can take in each area this week to work towards that vision?
– Define your personal concept of success across different life domains. Set tangible, achievable actions for the immediate future to bring your vision closer to reality.
4. When faced with obstacles, how do I typically react, and what strategies can I implement to respond more effectively moving forward?
– Analyze your typical responses to challenges and setbacks. Consider developing a toolkit of strategies that can help you navigate difficulties with resilience.
5. What passions or interests have I neglected, and how can I reintegrate them into my life to enhance my overall happiness?
– Reflect on activities or interests that once brought you joy but have since fallen by the wayside. Plan specific times to engage with these passions again.
—- It is never too late to become who you want to be… The treasure hunt is searching for key elements to unlock manifesting abilities and fulfill projects and tasks. Rewards come from recognition and appreciation, it appeals to a fundamental human need.
We are on our own personal treasure hunt in life. Treasure hunt is used as a metaphor for unlocking our manifesting abilities is both captivating and enlightening. This journey represents the quest for self-discovery and the realization of our potential, where each key element we uncover not only propels us toward fulfilling our projects and tasks but also enriches our lives in profound ways.
At the heart of this treasure hunt lies the recognition and appreciation we seek. These rewards resonate deeply with our fundamental human needs, as they affirm our worth and validate our efforts. When we feel acknowledged, it ignites a spark within, motivating us to pursue our aspirations with greater fervor. Recognition serves as a powerful catalyst, transforming our mundane tasks into significant milestones on our journey toward self-actualization.
As we embark on this quest, we must first identify the key elements essential for unlocking our manifesting abilities. These elements may include clarity of intention, self-belief, and a commitment to action. Clarity of intention acts as our map, guiding us through the labyrinth of possibilities. It is vital to define what we truly desire, ensuring our focus remains unwavering amidst distractions.
Self-belief is another crucial component; it acts as the compass that directs our efforts. When we possess confidence in our abilities, we are more likely to take risks, embrace challenges, and step outside our comfort zones. This courage is often what separates those who merely dream from those who manifest their visions into reality.
—–”A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
The Full Pink Moon at 23* Libra will culminate April12, 2025 5:22pm pdt/ 8:22pm edt/ April 13 2:22am France (almanac). This moon is magical. Breathe deeply and take in some of this magic thats in the air. The beauty, the fortuitous energy surrounding you. We are re-learning to live richly. It’s about tapping into “the good” in your life, and not the bad. We create our reality every day and to live with rose colored glasses might be the suggestion of the pink moon.
No grinding into the next hours or days, every day should be pleasant. It starts with us and how we expect it to be. We should come to expect balance and beauty, not opinions, snide remarks or terseness. Our health depends on our will to be of higher mind.
Lacking passion is fatal. So it’s up to you to find it again, and again. The divine spark is in you, holding sacred space in your heart and mind.
Passion Mind-Map:
What were your past passions
What new hobbies, activities or events would you like to try
Don’t sit around and overthink
Attend workshops, classes or events, see what resonates
Set small goals
Journal Questions:
Write in your journal for the full moon and throughout the month.
Dreaming:
Do you remember your night time dreams?
Do you pay attention to your daydreams?
Do you have wishful thinking?
Do you have magical thinking?
Do you have expectations?
Do others have expectations of you?
Are you someone who moves your wishes into action?
Do you feel you create a plan and easily bring those plans into fruition?
How do you do it?
How do you feel when you accomplish what you want?
What areas do you wish to know “accomplishment”?
(write a sentence, paragraph or more)
Money
Love
Friendship
Family
Happiness
Wisdom
Knowledge
Exercising
Eating well
Good Health
Fun
Beauty
What is your first impression about yourself in these areas?
(write a sentence, paragraph or more)
Money
Love
Friendship
Family
Happiness
Wisdom
Knowledge
Exercising
Eating well
Good Health
Fun
Beauty
Recreate Passion for Life:
1. Regain Perspective
2. Rekindle Friendships
3. Risk your Feelings
4. Create Atmosphere
5. Communicate
6. Listen
7. Don’t Dwell on the Past
8. Share
9. Don’t be harsh
10. Nurture
Meditation:
To be successful in all areas of your life// focus on the value of learning// the value of time// the value on yourself// the value on your mind// the value on how you love your friends and family// the value on your environment// the value on your heart// the value on your soul// the value on your being// Raise your vibration// be in Om Resonance
Om Resonance written by Tara Sutphen – Lifeforce Activation series Mp3’s
Spring Equinox, Ostara, Eostre, Easter, Vernal Equinox
By Tara Sutphen
Spring Equinox is March 20, 2025 and marks the mid-point of the Waxing Year, the nights and days are balanced once again; the time when Kore, (Persephone) was believed to have returned from the Underworld where she had ruled throughout the Winter. The spark of light, born at Winter Solstice has reached maturity, and from here onwards, the days progressively grow longer than the nights.
Western culture proclaims this the first day of Spring. Older traditions called the Spring Equinox, Ostara; the time of the festivals of the Grecian Goddess, Eostre, and the Germanic Ostara, both fertility Goddesses of Dawn. These influenced the naming of the modern-day Easter Holiday. New greenery bursts forth from sleeping seeds in the countryside, as metaphorically, pagans also plant their own seeds for future goals, future projects and growth at this time. Decorated eggs, being symbols of fertility are symbolic of Ostara.
In days gone, Europeans gave gifts of decorated eggs to new brides, in the hope that they would bear many children. Similarly, bowls filled with eggs were given to farm workers by the farmer’s wife, to ensure a rich harvest. Most all cultures see the egg as a symbol of Life; the actual home of the Soul. In Russia, decorated eggs are still given as gifts to loved ones and buried in graves to ensure rebirth. The women gathered the eggs only from hens which were around a rooster and decorated them, allowing no one to watch them work as they transferred the goodness of the household to the designs on the eggs, thus keeping evil away. Dyes were mixed to secret family recipes and special blessings placed on each egg.
Colors of Ostara Eggs:
White:
Purity
Yellow:
Wisdom, a successful Harvest, or Spirituality
Green:
Spring, rebirth, wealth, youth, growth, happiness
Blue:
Good health, clear skies
Orange:
Power endurance, ambition, courage
Red:
Happiness, hope, passion, nobility, bravery, enthusiasm, love
Brown:
Enrichment, good harvest, happiness
Purple:
Faith, trust, power
Pink:
Success, friendship, love
Black:
Remembrance
Lore:
The custom of eating Hot Cross Buns also has pagan origins. The Saxons ate buns that were marked with a cross in honor of Eostre; Ancient Greeks consumed these types of buns in their celebrations of Artemis, Goddess of the hunt, and the Egyptians ate a similar cake in their worship of the Goddess Isis.
There are conflicting ideas as to what the cross symbol represents. One suggestion is that it is a Christianisation of horn symbols that were stamped on cakes to represent an ox, which used to be sacrificed at the time of the Spring Equinox. Another theory relates to
—Moon worship; the bun representing the full Moon, and the cross, its four quarters. Christianity gave new meanings to the symbolism of the buns, saying the cross represented the Crucifixion Cross. Thus, superstitions arose crediting these buns as being charms against evil, so after Good Friday, people would save one or two of them to hang in their homes as amulets. During the festival season and indeed, for a long time afterwards, fishermen would carry these Easter buns in their boats, for protection.
The Spring Equinox defines the season where Spring reaches it’s peak, with the powers of light increasing. The God of Light, (Llew), now gains victory over his twin, the God of Darkness. Llew was reborn at the Winter Solstice and is now old and strong enough to vanquish his rival twin and mate with his Mother Goddess. The great Mother Goddess, who returned to her Virgin aspect at Imbolc, welcomes the young Sun God’s attentions and conceives a child. The child will be born nine months from now, at the next Winter Solstice, when the cycle closes, only to begin anew.
The Easter Bunny is another symbol which has obvious links to fertility, rebirth, and the abundance of life which is evident in Spring.
Eostre was a playful Goddess whose reign over the earth began in Spring when the Sun King journeyed across the sky in his chariot, bringing the end of Winter. Eostre came down to Earth then, appearing as a beautiful maiden with a basket of bright colorful eggs. Eostre’s magical companion was a rabbit who accompanied her as she brought new life to dying plants and flowers by hiding the eggs in the fields.
Traditional Foods:
Dairy foods
Leafy Green Vegetables
Nuts such as Pumpkin
Sunflower
Pine
Hot Cross Buns
Flower Dishes
Sprouts
Herbs and Flowers
Jonquils
daffodils
Woodruff
Violet
Gorse
Olive
Peony
Iris,
Narcissus
spring flowers.Incense
Jasmine
Rose
Strawberry
FloralsSacred Gemstone
Jasper
Recipes:
Hot Cross Buns
1/4 cup apple juice, beer or rum
1 cup raisins, dried currants, or dried cranberries
1 1/4 cups milk
3 large eggs, 1 separated
6 tablespoons soft butter
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
4 1/2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
Glaze:
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon milk
Frosting:
1 cup & 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
4 teaspoons milk
oven 375*
20 mins
Beer Bread
Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups flour
4 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package active dry yeast
1 cup beer or apple juice
1 tablespoon butter
2 1/2 tablespoon honey
1 egg
9×5 Bread Pan
Dry Ingredients
Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast
Beer or Apple juice and other ingredients
warm the beer/ingredients on the stove.
Add egg last – cover & let raise 30 mins.
Kneed on flour surface, cover & let raise another 20 mins
Grease pan: place in pan, cover & let “another” 20 mins
Oven 375*
30-35 mins
Lavender Goat Cheese Figs
6-10 figs
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1/4 cup goat cheese
1/4 teaspoon dried lavender
1/2 tablespoons honey
cut figs in half, spoon in cheese/lavender mixture
Vegetable Tart
1 Puff Pastry
Spread out and brush pastry with olive oil
Lightly cook in oven
Cook vegetables of choice and garlic for the tart
Add them onto the oven baked pastry
Add your cheeses – parmesan and mozzarella
Lightly cook in oven and brown
Cut and serve
Irish Soup
Sautee’
1 onion
2 leeks
garlic
Add
3 carrots
3 potatoes
2 containers vegetable broth or chicken broth
Cook on stove top or crockpot until carrots and potatoes are soft
Imbolc “IM-bulk” is a pagan holiday with many names. One of the Sabbats, it is an ancient festival generally celebrated on January 31, February 1, or February 2. It is also known as Candlemas, Brighid (“breed/bride”), and Oimelc (“EE-mulk”) which means ewe’s milk. It is the time of year halfway between December 21, the Winter Solstice (Yule), and March 21, the spring Equinox (Ostara). Imbolc is in the middle of winter but is the optimism of spring. The Egyptians and the Romans also celebrated this time, as it was the earth goddess giving birth to the Sun God. The time to ready seeds for the planting of food. A time of planning weddings, love, and romance. Days are getting longer and hope is renewed. The celebration is to light candles. The night of white candles turns the darkness into light.