Doreen Virtue's Goddess Cards - Card for today

Mary Magdalene - Unconditional love (excerpt)

"Love yourself, others and every situation no matter what outward appearances
may be"

Message from Mary Magdalene

I choose to do my work from the higher levels of consciousness where love reigns
supreme, its here where the most good can be done and I urge you to do the same.
Where you dwell in consciousness is where you truly dwell so focus on the good in people.

Watching the beautiful sky from the nursery I had the feeling
all the trees were doing the same thing.


Do remember in this cold weather to regularly feed the birds.

The beauty of life is everywhere... how blessed to have moments like this that just bring tears of joy to your eyes. Spend time in nature, the earth mother will love you for it.

If you are experiencing Blackbird as your totem, this is what I've found from various websites and books.

BLACKBIRD. - excerpt
Understanding the energies of Mother Nature (Ted Andrews)

The blackbird has long been associated with omens and mysticsm. Its colour, alone has evoked both fear and promise. Although called a blackbird, only the males are black, females usually have a streaky brown plumage.

One variety has a yellow head and throat which stands out strongly agains the black plumage. Yellow and black has long been associates with the Archangel Auriel. Auriel is considered the tallest of the angels with eyes that can see across eternity. This being oversees all of nature and all of the nature spirits. Auriel has traditonally been associated with the summer.

They nest in swamps, marshes and low brush - usually just a few feet from water. Again this reflects a tie to water, an ancient symbol for the feminine force and for Nature.

If the blackbird has come into your life as a totem, you will open to new surprises and to a new understanding of the forces of Nature as they begin to migrate into your life.
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PaganMystics

The Blackbird -excerpt


The blackbirds iridescent black plumage holds the energies of mysticism and magic. Druid legends say that the birds of Rhiannan are 3 blackbirds which sit and sing in the World tree of other worlds. Their singing puts the listener into a sleep or a trance which enables him or her to travel to the otherworld. It was said to impart mystic secrets. Those with this medicine often have a hypnotic influence on others as well as an uncanny ability to move between the seen and unseen worlds with clarity. They make excellent shamans and trance channelers.

Blackbirds are timid and prefer their own company over the company of others. In humans shyness is common. Vulnerable to outside influences those with this totem need to remember to clear accumulated influences from their energy field on a regular basis.

The male's distinctive song during breeding season is loud and melodious with flute like qualities. Males often sing from high perches and both sexes produce a variety of sounds which include mimicking other birds. Blackbird medicine people love to sing and have the ability use their voice to heal and inform. They are also good ventriloquists.

Blackbirds spend much of their time on the ground. Its locomotion includes walking, climbing and hopping forward and backwards. They forage for food in open spaces although cover is always near by. When foraging in leaf litter under trees they sound like people walking . In humans this suggests an ability to remain grounded in the earth energies while walking a spiritual path.

When resting the blackbird is frequently seen stretching, legs extended back, side wings in full extension, tail spread, and the head tilted to one side as if listening. Yoga and movement therapy are beneficial for those that hold this totem.

The blackbirds flights are low, short and undulating but fast and direct over open country. They move with determination and focus and can teach us how to do the same. When blackbird flies into your life your connection with nature and the forces of creation increase. The magic of the underworld surfaces in your life. Awareness is heightened and change on a cellular level begins. The blackbird teaches you how to acknowledge your power and use it to its fullest.

SUNSET

LOVE

a winter stroll

beautiful magical moments.

Weekly Rune Reading - Algiz

Algiz: (Z or -R: Elk, protection.)

Algiz illustrates both the antlers of the elk, and the shape of the sedge-grass herb. To some it suggests the spread fingers of a hand raised in a protective gesture. It is a powerful rune of protection and, spiritually, it symbolizes reaching up to the divine.

the primary meaning of Algiz means protection and spiritual connection with the gods and goddesses. Algiz assists in successful magick by channeling the energies of the gods to us in workings. Algiz can be written both upward and downward, having both male and female forms and symbolizing the branches and roots of the Tree of Yggdrasil. According to Freya Aswynn, in its normal upright form Algiz an be used in devotional work, such as when invoking other runes or expanding one's consciousness to higher realms. Aswynn also says that Algiz can be used for healing, and that this is one of the strongest runes to be used in circle because it shields and defends any working done within the circle.

In reading this rune stone stands for protection, a shield. The protective urge to shelter oneself or others. Defense, warding off of evil, shield, guardian. Connection with the gods, awakening, higher life. It can be used to channel energies appropriately. Follow your instincts.

A snowy day in Surrey