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SGC Admin: From our inbox to you from: DailyOm on “Universal Feelings” by Madisyn Taylor
Universal Feelings

BY MADISYN TAYLOR

Every day we hear stories of personal suffering and loss that far exceed our own. When we compare our situations to those of people living in war-torn countries or those who have lost their homes and livelihoods to natural disasters, it is tempting to minimize our own experiences of suffering. We may feel that we don’t have a right to be upset about the breakup of a relationship, for example, because at least we have food to eat and a roof over our heads.

While awareness of the pain of others in the world can be a valuable way to keep our own struggles in perspective, it is not a legitimate reason to disregard our own pain. Disparaging your feelings as being less important than other people’s emotions leads to denial and repression. Over time, an unwillingness to experience your own feelings leads to numbness. It is as if our internal systems become clogged with our unexpressed emotions. This in no way helps other people who are suffering in the world. In fact, it may do just the opposite because when we devalue our own sorrow, we become impervious to the sorrow in others.

Fully experiencing our own hurt is the gateway to compassion toward other human beings. Feelings of loss, abandonment, loneliness, and fear are universal, and, in that sense, all feelings are created equal. Regardless of what leads us to feel the way we do, our comprehension of what it means to be human is deepened by our own experiences. Our personal lives provide us with the material we need to become fully conscious. If we reject our emotions because we think our experiences are not dramatic or important enough, we are missing out on our own humanity. We honor and value the human condition when we fully inhabit our bodies so we can experience and feel life fully. Accepting our emotions and allowing ourselves to feel them connects us to all human beings. Then, when we hear the stories of other people’s suffering, our hearts can resonate with understanding and compassion–for all of us.
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From our inbox to you from the Dark Pixie on “what it means to be an empath”

newsjoywhatmeanstobeanempath

An empath is one who is sensitive by nature, able to feel the moods of others and at times pick up their intentions, thoughts and more. Many empaths are lightworkers, if not all, which means that in addition to one’s personal life purpose, the empath is meant to serve humanity for the highest good of all. Likely, if you are an empath, you are drawn to doing just that in whatever capacity feels the most fitting for you.

At heart, empaths are kind, generous, loving and dedicated individuals, but many also have mischievous and solitary natures. Many empaths share a close bond to animals and nature because the vibration is a match more than with many people.

Living in the world as an empath can be challenging at times. An empath must shield and ground daily to avoid picking up unwanted energies. Care must be taken with relationships of all types because often the light of the empath is sought by those who have dimmed their own.

Another challenge can be found in the competing desires of wanting to help and serve versus needing solitude; balance must be realized but this can take many life lessons to accomplish. Most of all, an empath must remember to give themselves the warm love and compassion that they so freely lend to others, believing in themselves and embracing their life mission in every way.

About Joy:
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Jocelyn Joy Thomas is an intuitive empath with an Etsy shop where you can purchase readings from her. She has a few empath readings that she offers, including for love, career, and your spiritual path – check them out, fellow empaths!
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From our inbox to you from: DailyOm Madisyn Taylor on “seeing the bigger picture”

Seeing The Bigger Picture


BY MADISYN TAYLOR

 

We have created imaginary boundaries, sectioning ourselves into countries and states, forgetting that in reality we are all living together.

Seeing an image of the planet Earth taken from space inspires awe in many of us, since we can clearly see the connectedness of all of us who live upon this planet. We have created imaginary boundaries, sectioning ourselves into countries and states, forgetting that in reality we are all living together, breathing the same air, drinking from the same water, eating food grown from the same earth. We share everything on this planet, whether we are conscious of it or not, with other people, and those people are our brothers and sisters. Keeping a photograph or painting of the planet Earth in a prominent place in our homes can be a positive way to remember our interconnectedness.

Meditating on the fact that any sense of separation we have from one another is truly an illusion, we will naturally begin to make more conscious choices in our daily lives. The simple act of preparing food, or determining how to dispose of our refuse, can be done with the consciousness that whatever we do will affect all our brothers and sisters, no matter how far away they live, as well as the planet herself. When we foster this kind of awareness in ourselves out of a feeling of awe, it becomes easier to be conscious than to fall back into old habits of thinking of ourselves as separate.

When we contemplate the earth in her wholeness, we attune ourselves to the truth of the bigger picture, which is the Earth, and all of us, every one of us, living on her body. We are connected to one another in the most intimate way, because we literally share our living space. As more people become aware of the reality of our inter-dependency, things will shift in a positive direction, and much of the discord that we see now will give way to a more cooperative, loving conscious. This is happening already, so as our consciousness grows, we can join with the many other minds working to live in the spirit of togetherness.
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From our inbox to you from: Patti Wigington & Making Magic in Your Garden
Making Magic in Your Garden
By Patti Wigington
 

The garden can be one of the most magical places in your life. As spring approaches, let’s look at how to plan, create, and grow your magical garden, as well as ways to create specialty gardens, herb plots, and more!
Garden Folklore and Magic

The very act of planting, of beginning new life from seed, is a ritual and a magical act in itself. To cultivate something in the black soil, see it sprout and then bloom, is to watch a magical working unfold before our very eyes. The plant cycle is intrinsically tied to so many earth-based belief systems that it should come as no surprise that the magic of the garden is one well worth looking into.
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Plant a Magical Moon Garden

 

A lot of people don’t realize you can grow plants and flowers that bloom at night. Cultivating a moon garden is a great way to get in touch with nature, and it provides a beautiful and fragrant backdrop for your moonlight rituals in the summer. If you plant these lovelies close to your house, you can open the windows and take advantage of their aromas as you sleep.
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READ NOW

 

As spring arrives, our gardens begin to bud and eventually bloom. For hundreds of years, the plants that we grow have been used in magic. Flowers in particular are often connected with a variety of magical uses. Now that spring is here, keep an eye out for some of these flowers around you, and consider the different magical applications they might have. 

Magical Flower Correspondences

 

SGC Admin Astrology Info, Astrology Notes, Full Moon & New Moon Dates, Moon Phase: Current Sun Sign:

The Moon and Astrology: How it affects our daily life… April Full Moon & Transiting Moon in April 2017

Present Moon Sign/Phase/House:

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http://www.123rf.com: Copyright : jtxie
  • Date: April 9 2017
  • Moon Sign: Libra
  • Moon Phase: 2nd
  • Void-of-Course: April 11 2:19 pm (ET) 11:19 am (PT) to Moon in Scorpio: Moon v/c in Libra is not one of the 4 void of course “good signs” Relationship issues may not go as planned, leave the planning until after the V.O.C moon… Venus is also in retrograde motion, adding stress and possible frustrations where relationships and money matters are concerned. Venus goes direct on April 14. 
  • House(s) using equal house method : 12th House of our dreams and wishes and perhaps our fears and phobias. She moves into the 1st house of self on April 10th
  • Opportunity Period: None

Full Moon 

  • The moon becomes full on April 11 (ET) and on April 10 (PT).
  • All of the following moon in Libra traits will be strengthened.
  • Those with personal planets in Libra may wish to work on creating a balance in their lives.
  • Taking time out and enjoying life’s luxuries may also be a good idea… Just watch your spending, as it’s probably easier to go over budget right now.
  • Issues dealing with judgement, such as court cases, custody issue’s or landlord issue’s may be on the agenda for some, if they are, staying calm and acting rationally will bring about better results. Libra can become passionate about things that aren’t fair and during the full these may seem “bigger” or worse than usual… 
  • Because the moon moves into Scorpio on the evening of the day the moon becomes full, Scorpio traits will also also be present this full moon and likely the negative ones as opposed to the more positive ones. Negative behavior such as drinking too much, or over indulging in other substances can be easier to do under the full moon’s influence. Be aware and be responsible and if you can’t be responsible then be very careful and try not to hurt or upset anyone else (who doesn’t deserve it) around you . 
  • The Full Moon is traditionally thought of as being the perfect time to wrap things up, finish projects and put an end to relationships and jobs or to move away… It’s not written in stone, however, as the moon will become full while in the 2nd quarter.. As the moon relates to our instincts, reactions and emotions, being “in touch” with them during a full is the best way to figure out if it’s a good time for you to end, stop or leave… :)

What does it all mean?

  • Libra has a need for balance, indicating this moon period may be an ideal time to implement some into our daily lives. 
  • A desire for justice may be present, dealing with issues that have upset our sense of justice may prove to be productive. 
  • Diplomacy is likely to be more apparent during the next few days, and may be a good time to bring up that topic you have been putting on the back burner. 
  • Hesitation is probably going to raise its head, we may see many sides of a story and find it difficult to make up our minds. 
  • Difficulty in making commitments or long-term decisions, because we can’t make up our minds. If this is the case perhaps wait a few days until the move has moved out of Libra. 
  • Libra is happiest when in a relationship or partnership. Indicating this may be a good time to begin one. :) 
  • Co-operation should be in the air, making this an ideal time to make plans with others. 
  • May be a good time to improve our appearance and surroundings. 
  • May be great time to go bargain hunting, 
  • In the 1st house: Our energy levels may be up and down, we can be more protective towards our loved ones, especially our children.. Relations with mother type personalities may be strained but they will remain strong. When it comes to allowing others to see our true self, we may find we aren’t as open to revealing as much as we had thought. 
  • In the 12th house: Some folks could be tempted to hide away from the world because it’s just so unfair and cruel… others may decide that numbing the unfairness with alcohol or other substances is for them… we can become “submerged” our spiritual world, we want to escape from the challenges of life and believe we are somewhere kinder and easier… As long as we come back to reality it’s a good way of refreshing ourselves and appreciating the good in our lives.
  • This moon sign will affect us all but will have more of an effect on those who have the following in their charts.
      • **Moon in Libra,
      • **Sun in Libra,
      • **Venus in Libra
      •  **Moon in 12th house
      •  **Moon in the 1st house
      • **Moon in 7th house,
      • **Any aspects to the Moon or Venus
      • **Midheaven in Libra
      • **Ascendant in Libra

Email us HERE with your questions and comments… :)

or Follow our blog to see where the transiting moon is each moon… 

 

In astrology, the moon is connected to our emotions and reactions… how we are feeling on a given day may well be influenced by the sign that is visiting the moon… Each sign stays with the moon for up to 2.5 days…. :) 

The Moon Void-of-Course: 

There are times throughout the month when the moon isn’t fully immersed in any sign… this is when we say the moon is Void of Course… and when this occurs, we may feel “foggy” and “unfocused” … We may not be sure how we are truly feeling about a situation or a person…. Therefore it is not recommended that we make long-term commitments or important decision’s while the moon is Void of Course…. However there are 4 signs in the zodiac which may prove positive during the Void-of-Course moon… 

Good for Void-Of-Course Moon: These v/c signs may prove to be quite productive times.

  • Cancer
  • Taurus
  • Sagittarius
  • Pisces…

Opportunity Periods  (thanks to astrologer Jim Shawvan):

There are other periods throughout the month that are known as opportunity periods, when it can prove to be a positive time for most people, however if you have challenging aspects happening within your own chart you may not be able to make use of opportunity periods. astrologer and Llewellyn’s Daily Planetary Guide for opportunity periods.

Copyright: Greta McKenzie Astrology updated March 31 2017