~ Tarot Cards ~ 1 The Magician

Image: http://www.madroseart.com/magician.html

Archetype- The Trickster

The Magician’s key phrase is ‘creative focussed attention’. He is the focussed inner guide, who translates ideas to action. He is the master of the lessons of the Suits (represented by the wand, pentacle, sword and cup). He is the Shaman, Hermes, Mercury and the patron of education and architecture.

His energy helps us set priorities and act on them. He sets the theme of our quest as we embark on an inner journey. He channels energy toward the elements of our selves and relationships that need action. He encourages you to seek the higher purpose in all you do. He symbolises both your potential and your experience.

The magician draws attention to the discipline we will need to deal with problems. He brings spiritual growth into our lives, the divine forces expresses itself though our personal actions. Key words: creativity, initiative, to focus will and define goals.

Shadow: engaging in trickery and deceit, using black magic for personal or destructive intent, abusing power for selfish and hostile gain, dominating those who are easily dominated.

When the Magician comes up in a reading, consider the following:
• Examine your skills to make sure you are not overestimating them or using them inefficiently.
• Make a choice and take appropriate action rather than simply wishing for success or fulfilment.
• Only concentrate on the business or project at hand.
• Presume that there’s more here than meets the eye, and look for spiritual elements in your everyday life.
• Attend to the wisdom of your higher self.
(Echols, Mueller, Thomson, 1996)
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~Tarot 101 ~ The Suits

 

 Image from: http://www.littleangelshop.com/meet-the-tarot-card-family-211-c.asp

 

 

PENTACLES ~ material grounding, becoming in tune and nurturing the Psyche
... Pentacles represent grounding in material matters so we are in a position to proceed with our spiritual growth. The indicate ego development and using ones energy for expression and self-development. Keywords: Manifestation, realisation, proof, prosperity. The fruits of one’s labour.
Element – Earth

SWORDS ~ fighting illusion; logic, double edged decisions– will you focus on the problem or the opportunity?
Indicate mental conflicts we need to remedy and the abilities that will hinder or help us. They are associated with air, and thinking. They are the archetypal illusion of opposites and duality. Keywords: action, movement, struggle, keenness. The difficulties of turning thought into action.
Element - Air

CUPS ~ feeling your way – emotional pathways
Symbolise enthusiasm, passion, and conviction; people who are ardent and sensitive. The highlight the emotional side of our questions and the responses we have to situations, positive or negative.
They give us insight for learning to trust and respond to feelings without being ruled by them. They connect outer awareness to inner awareness encourage us to take action based on integrated perspectives. Keywords: emotion, desire, inner experience, spirit. They are the glue or cohesive factor in the manifestation of ideas into actions.
Element - Water.

WANDS ~ The Spirit Soars….
Wands place high value on the meaning of experiences, expanding consciousness and intuition. They show a conflict between striving to think of an answer and opening up to inspiration and receiving one.
They bring us experiences and struggles that test out ability to trust and communicate with the higher self. Keywords: ideas, growth, ambition, expansion. The original thought, intention or primary element of growth.
Element – Fire.
(Echols, Mueller, Thomson, 1996)

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~ Tarot Cards ~ 0 The Fool

 

Reflections on the Fool by Zenefertiti
 
The Fool is somewhat significant for me for now, since the last two times I have asked the Moon to choose a Major Arcana card which best suits my journey right now, The Fool appears.
 
At first I think.. The Fool? And I used to consider it meant folly, someone being careless and walking off the cliff of adventure, not worrying about anything. For me it was the beginning of an adventure, and I didn't really take it as anything different, but as a cosmic joke. The Universe is funny like that :)
 
But now, after these months of being the Fool and reading about the Fool - I find that the Fool is telling me to 'let go, and let God' .. to take that leap of faith... and that every step in the journey is meant to be.. and leading me to my destiny. I worry about things, and I constantly think about ways to improve my life and myself and make the kids happy in the long run... The Fool is telling me that this is a time in my life where I need to believe. I need to have faith in the Universe and know, that if I follow my heart and my intuition, I will find my way.

So I wonder... what is my cliff? What am I about to jump into?

My life has changed tremendously since I found the Fool, though then again, it has stayed the same. People have come and go, I've had the guts to make some changes ... and I have an idea that I am ready to jump into. It's scary. It's challenging. But it is also worth the risk :)

I think the darker side of the Fool is to not jump into too many things at once... and this is definitely something I do. I start projects, I start books, I have ideas... and don't seem to follow things through. I really need to pace myself, but it is like if I don't do everything now, what if I run out of time? The Fool tells me it doesn't matter :) To enjoy the Journey - smell the roses on the way.. he still has the rose with him :) It is at a distance, so I agree with others that he is telling us that he is not just day dreaming.. but he carries those dreams with him, and he remembers to take it all in and live in the moment.

I've been the Fool. Literally :) It also reminds me of when I went backpacking around Germany as a 20 year old. All my belongings were in a backpack... I travelled from place to place, exploring and finding myself. That was a happy accident. I became self-sufficient and I trusted the Universe to guide and look after me :)

I've also been the Fool in love. It happens. And it happens to all of us - in love it is an exciting time :) For any Fools in love, enjoy the newness and giddy heights and crushing lows while it lasts!

I find the Fool a happy card. And at the moment, it makes my heart feel warm when I see it. He is an old friend, this Fool. Where will he take me next?

The Fool begins his journey

We begin with the Fool (0), a card of beginnings. The Fool stands for each of us as we begin our journey of life. He is a fool because only a simple soul has the innocent faith to undertake such a journey with all its hazards and pain.

At the start of his trip, the Fool is a newborn - fresh, open and spontaneous. The figure on Card 0 has his arms flung wide, and his head held high. He is ready to embrace whatever comes his way, but he is also oblivious to the cliff edge he is about to cross. The Fool is unaware of the hardships he will face as he ventures out to learn the lessons of the world.  The Fool stands somewhat outside the rest of the major arcana. Zero is an unusual number. It rests in the exact middle of the number system - poised between the positive and negative. At birth, the Fool is set in the middle of his own individual universe. He is strangely empty (as is zero), but imbued with a desire to go forth and learn. This undertaking would seem to be folly, but is it?

http://www.learntarot.com/journey.htm

Other opinions on the meaning of the Fool



Image from: http://enchantress-lele.deviantart.com/art/The-Fool-303783161

Some believe he is at the beginning of the Major Arcana, some believe he is at the end – in this way I think he represents the full circle. We at least have to revisit the archetype more than once in our lives as we take risks to find or explore happiness and other endeavours on our life’s journey. 

When looking at a card, take note of what makes sense to you – impressions, gut feelings. What confuses you? What intrigues you?

The Fool’s key phrase to remember him by is the limitless energy of the spirit. He encourages you to take risks, be impulsive, be yourself and true to your own nature. Also known as the God Self, he is open, unbounded, and doesn’t take life too seriously. He shows us how to seek the truth in situations, having faith in the Universe.

Through him we are learning, acting spontaneously, opening to and trusting love, and exploring mysteries and fantasies. His shadow is the inability to commit to tasks or relationships, being psychologically and spiritually rigid, reluctance to admit own foolishness, difficulty in being spontaneous.

Depending on where in the layout – if the fool appears:
• Take more risks
• Take a deep breath, be brave and embrace the next adventure
• Realise there is cosmic knowledge and hidden depths to be gleaned from your situation (light and shadow)
• Examine your attitude for insight into obstacle you are encountering. Stop being naïve.
• Seek the highest qualities in yourself and others. If you find them in other, they must be inside you too.
• Open your eyes, mind, and heart. The time for unfolding has arrived or is at hand.

(Echols, Mueller and Thomson, 1996)

Angel Paths

 

 

The Fool is the first card of the Tarot and is generally unnumbered, or numbered zero. The Fool is at the start of our journey and is the initiator. Seen by many as the innocent, he has an eagerness and freshness about him. He is young and carefree, entering the World without preconceptions.

The Fool trusts in life and expects his path to be a happy and rewarding one. There is faith in the gods to see him through and a complete absence of fear.

Sometimes the Fool is seen as too carefree - certainly a good dose of other people's more negative reality could damage him. However, for as long as the Fool has faith in his own purity and innocence, others will not be able to take advantage.

This is the child within. This is how we were before the many experiences of life forced us to build up so many walls. The Fool does not shade himself from the light - here we are born and from here we walk the path. It's time to jump off the cliff...

 

 

The Fool is a joyous and exciting card - combining both perfect trust and self reliance.

As the very first card in the Tarot deck, it marks the moment upon which we embark on a new phase in our spiritual journey.

When we explore new terrain, we are bound sometimes to encounter danger or challenge. The Fool's energy gives us the power and self-confidence to move through challenges with an open heart, to recognise friends and to gather experiences to us as the true treasures that they are.

Innocence is a devalued quality these days. We forget that to approach life with eyes that are new each morning reveals to us more of life's mystery than anything else. We cannot substitute the sheer growth permitted by trust and innocence with cynicism nor prior knowledge.

So, on a day ruled by the Fool, we need to lift our hearts upwards and open them to the richness and beauty of life. We need to regard ourselves as travelling through a land of wonderment and joy. We need to encourage excitement and exhilaration, and to look constantly for that which is new and bright and hopeful in every step we take.

We also need to trust to the life process, and to remember that, by and large, the gods have no need of our suffering, and every need of our joy, laughter and celebration.

Affirmation: I tread the path of life with joy in my heart and a smile on my lips. 

 

 http://www.angelpaths.com/majors/fool2.html

 

 

 

Tarot of Color - The Fool 

Number: 0
Card Title: The Fool
Esoteric Title: Spirit of Aether
Astrological Atttribution: Uranus (modern)
Elemental Attribution: Air (hot, wet)
Dates & Timing: Season of Spring
Hebrew Letter: Aleph Ox 1
Color: Pale Yellow
Intelligence: Scintillating Intelligence
Esoteric Function: Air of Reconciliation
Qabalistic Path: Path 11: 1 Kether to 2 Chokmah
Translation of Path: The Crown of Wisdom

 

Keywords:

Choice, Beginning, Fresh Start, High Ideals, Crossroads, Neophyte, Intuitive Sense, Seeking New Experiences, Beginning, Innocence, Spontaneity, Carefree Innocence, Independent, Rebellious, Trickster, New Chapter, Openness, Innocence, Faith, Beginners Mind

 

Ill-Dignified: Apparent Fool, Naiveté, Foolish, Foolhardy, Blundering, Pollyanna, Indiscretion, Faulty choice

 

http://tarotofcolor.com/card-0/

 

 

 

 

 

 

~ PaganesqueTarot Series ~ Tarot 101 ~

~ Tarot 101 ~
 

While I have lots of books on Tarot, and I am the eternal student, the information  on Tarot that I will start with comes from Spiritual Tarot, by Signe E Echols, Robert Mueller and Sandra Thomson, unless otherwise stated.  It’s an awesome book – definitely worth buying.. or borrowing – but so tempting not to return! They do another one, called Lovers' Tarot which I would like to check out at some stage. 

The topics I will cover in the Zenefertiti Tarot Series
Archetypes
Correspondences
Cards
Readings
Other things you can do with Tarot

• meditation
• pathworking
• drawing a daily/monthly card
• spell work
• creative writing

That's all that comes off the top of my head at the moment, I'm sure I will think of more :) Let's begin with Archetypes and why we study them. What use do they have for us?

Image from: http://worldofmythology.tumblr.com/search/octoberseries

Why study Tarot archetypes?
Tarot triggers your memories, feelings and associations and as a result,

your awareness of what is happening in particular areas of your life. The more you use the cards, the more you grow. Each card represents an archetype in some way – and its symbols give you clues or help you better understand the archetype and how its meaning can help you grow spiritually.

 

What is an Archetype?
An Archetype is an essential building block of your personality. We all manifest them in some way. Getting to know the archetypes and recognising them in our own souls, minds and lives will help us connect with our higher self, and hopefully we will become happier and connected with our life purpose in the meantime!

When you are facing a challenging situation, for example, a Tarot Archetype can help you decide the next course of action.. like those questions "What would Jesus do?" hahaha But ask yourself "What would the Warrior do?" (referring to the Chariot). Perhaps in a personal or family relationship, you can ask yourself "What are the values of the Lovers' card I can follow? How can I do what they do, in my own life?"

There is always much to learn and understand, so let’s start with some main questions we can use to study the symbolism and archetypes of each Tarot card. I won’t go through the questions for each card myself … that is something only you can do. I've made a picture of the Archetypes and Questions posted here.   

 

* Practical stuff you can do *
 

Lol – Start a Tarot Journal (I’m beginning to see a pattern here... journals for this, journals for that ;p) with one card per page – or 2 pages would be better. You can also use the binder idea. 

Questions to ask as you study the cards:
For each card, ask the following questions. Do this in a reading before turning to the definitions for each card. You can also do this as you work through each card to learn its inner meaning, values or message as you understand it. I will post more on drawing cards later.  

Image from http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/crystal%20ball

1. What does the card convey to you?
2. Of what life experience does it remind you?
3. Have you had this experience or only heard of it?
4. How close to or removed from the depicted characters do you feel?
5. Overall, do you like this card?
6. Are there some parts you are more drawn to than others?
7. Are there parts of it you don’t like or that make you uncomfortable?
8. If the characters on the card could speak, what would they say? Speak to them, write it down.
9. What does the figure’s depicted position on the card suggest to you about his or her state of mind? If you were the character in the card, how might you change you placement in the scene, or your posture?
10. What might this character do next?

(Spiritual Tarot, by Signe E Echols, Robert Mueller and Sandra Thomson, 1996)


 

 

 

 

 

~ Tarot Archetype Correspondences ~

 Its finicky work! Hope you like :)

Click on the picture to view the full size :)

 

 

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Please allow me to introduce myself.... (but I'm no man of wealth and taste ;p)

I am Zenefertiti

Like 22 million other people in the world, I live in Australia... born and bred. Like vegemite, which is delicious. (Don't believe the hype) I am a mum, sister, friend, girlfriend, student, retail employee and sometimes a crazy person.. particularly around the Full Moon... :) Soooo much energy. I prefer the New Moon.

 

I am currently halfway through my year and a day, studying with the Wild Witch Academy, which has been an amazing experience. Moonsong Rain and Scarlett Meadow and the other witchy wannabes there are like family - I have learnt so much... spiritually, emotionally and intellectually! My cup literally runneth over...

I also have my own page, SerendipitousZenefertiti, feel free to check it out from time. I recently created a page for Paganesque - as a means of sharing my spirit with the world. You gotta start somewhere! I have lots of great ideas for Paganesque - both the facebook page and the blog :) It will be a lot of work over the next year as I add to it - but I have a vision in mind and I will get there. This is the second time today when I have said there is a method to my madness!

I have always wanted to be a writer, though as you know, life gets in the way. I also want to be a Solicitor, so am currently studying the post grad qualifications to do that.. I love helping people.
I'm also insanely interested in Dreaming, Synchronicity, Divination, Tarot, Runes, Meditation, Candle magic, Witchy pop culture, books and the Law of Attraction... so you can expect to see some posts from me on these. I also will be developing my intuition and ability to do readings.. so we will see how that goes.

Sorry I've rambled on, I have much to say! Wish I could tell you I'm not a chatterbox in person. But I am.  This is me. ...

I am the fool - it is my current tarot archetype I am working through. it feels like a bit of a cosmic joke - but one that makes sense. The card I pulled when I started the year and a day was the Hermit - going on that solitary path, guided by light, a sage, a wise od man so to speak - beginning a journey... and now I'm the Fool, with a head full of ideas and the excitement and energy to take the next step, but need to be cautious.. but then again, I'm putting faith in the Universe. So it will be interesting which is the next card I will draw. I think I will do it on the next New Moon :)

Merry Meet everyone! Feel free to respond and give me feedback!
 <3 Zenefertiti

The picture here is from http://sporeflections.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/the-fool-archetype/

~ Dream 101 ~ Types of Dreams

Daydreams

Daydreaming is classified as a level of consciousness between sleep and wakefulness. Studies show that you have the tendency to daydream an average of 70-120 minutes a day. It occurs during waking hours when you let your imagination carry you away. As your mind begins to wander and your level of awareness decreases, you lose yourself in your imagined scenario and fantasy.

False Awakening Dreams
Have you ever thought you have waken up and gone about your daily morning routine: getting up, brushing your teeth, eating breakfast and going to work, only to wake up "again" and realize that what just happened is just a dream. That sensation is referred to as a false awakening.



Image :http://pinterest.com/pin/554013191630842510/ 



Lucid Dreams
Lucid dreams occur when you realize you are dreaming. "Wait a second. This is only a dream!" Most dreamers wake themselves up once they realize that they are dreaming. Other dreamers have cultivated the skill to remain in the lucid state of dreaming. They become an active participant in their own dreams, making decisions in their dreams and influencing the dream's outcome without awakening.

Nightmares
A nightmare is a disturbing dream that causes you to wake up feeling anxious and frightened. Nightmares may be a response to real life trauma and situations. These type of nightmares fall under a special category called Post-traumatic Stress Nightmare (PSN). Nightmares may also occur because you have ignored or refused to accept a particular life situation. Research shows that most people who have regular nightmares have a family history of psychiatric problems, are involved in a rocky relationship or have had bad drug experiences. These people may have also contemplated suicide. Nightmares are an indication of a fear that needs to be acknowledged and confronted. It is a way for the subconscious to wake up and take notice. "Pay attention!"

Recurring Dreams
Recurring dreams repeat themselves with little variation in story or theme. These dreams may be positive, but most often they are nightmarish in content. Dreams may recur because a conflict depicted in the dream remains unresolved or ignored. Once you find a resolution to the problem, your recurring dreams will cease.  

 



Sebastian Luczywo

Healing Dreams
Healing dreams serve as messages for the dreamer in regards to their health. The Ancient Greeks called these dreams "prodromic". Many dream experts believe that dreams can help in avoiding potential health problems and healing when you are ill or when you are grieving. Research shows that asthma and migraine sufferers have certain types of dreams before an attack. Your bodies are able to communicate to your mind through dreams. The dreams can "tell" you that something is not quite right with your bodies even before any physical symptoms show up. Dreams of this nature may be telling the dreamer that he or she needs to go to the dentist or doctor. If you can understand the language of dreams, your dreams will serve as an invaluable early warning system. They can help inform, advise and heal.  

 

 

Prophetic Dreams
Prophetic dreams, also referred to as precognitive or psychic dreams, are dreams that seemingly foretell the future. One rational theory to explain this phenomenon is that your dreaming mind is able to piece together bits of information and observation that you may normally overlook or that you do not seriously consider. In other words, your unconscious mind knows what is coming before you consciously piece together the same information.

Signal Dreams
Signal dreams help you how to solve problems or make decisions in your waking life.  

 Epic Dreams
Epic dreams (also referred to as Great Dreams, Cosmic Dreams or Numinous Dreams) are so huge, so compelling, and so vivid that you cannot ignore them. The details of such dreams remain with you for years, as if you just dreamt it last night. These dreams possess much beauty and contain many archetypal symbology. When you wake up from such a dream, you feel that you have discovered something profound or amazing about yourself or about the world. It feels like a life-changing experience.   

 

Dominique Appia "Entre les Trous de la Memoire"

Progressive Dreams
Progressive dreams occur when you have a sequence of dreams that continue over a period of nights. The dream continues where you left off the previous night. Such dreams are problem-solving dreams and help to explore different options and various approaches to a problem, situation or relationship.

Mutual Dreams
Mutual dreams are described as such when two people have the same dream. Mutual dreams may be planned, meaning that two people actively work toward achieving one dream scenario or goal. It is a way to improve communication and build trust. Mutual dreams can also be spontaneous. You find out that a friend, a significant other, faraway relative, or someone has had the same dream on the same night as you. Not much study has gone into the phenomenon of mutual dreams, but there is a very strong bond that exists between these two people. 

 

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From http://www.dreammoods.com/dreaminformation/dreamtypes/ (its a cut n paste job!)

 

~ Dreaming with Crystals ~

 

If you want to have clearer dreams, messages from the your higher source or dream guides, or work with a particular crystal to become more in tune with its energies, place a crystal under your pillow while you are sleeping.

 

 

Before you go to bed, hold the crystal in your left hand (which connects to your subconscious) and ask it to bring you dreams that will help you discover your higher path in life or that clarify whatever issue is most at hand in your life. If you are confused about a work situation, ask  your spirit guides to bring you a dream that will clarify the path of highest good. If you are worried about disagreements with a loved one, ask for a dream that will clarify the best direction to take for harmony with your loved one. 

Image from: http://favim.com/image/489705/

For guidance on really pressing emotional, spiritual and material situations, ask for clarity and insight from your spirit, angel or animal guides; the stone will act as a conduit to bring their higher wisdoms to you. Good crystals to use are clear quartz, amethyst, azurite, sodalite, moldavite, and zincite.




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Information taken from http://www.energy-healing-info.com/crystal-healing-dreams.html - though I've added and re-worked the text a bit...

Lakshmi - Hindu Goddess of Abundance and Properity

On the 11 April, I found the Prosperity Project featuring a Lakshmi mantra. I knew nothing about Lakshmi.... :) This is what I wrote on Serendipitous Zenefertiti...

 

I'm broke. I will get through this... the New Moon is a great time for rituals for abundance - not just in monetary form, but the abundance of the universe.

While googling abundance I found the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi - the Goddess of Prosperity and Abundance. The rital is to repeat 108 times, at sunrise, the following chant for 40 days.

"Om Shrim Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha"
... (pron- Om -Shreem-Maha-Luck-shmee-yay-namaha)

Translation:
“Om and salutations to She who provides abundance.”

Affirmations: “I am abundance,” “I live in an abundant universe,” "I have everything I need."

I'm going to try it.
And please, if I have it wrong, let me know. I don't know the first thing about a lot of things... and my mind is fairly open. The last thing I want to do is offend the Goddess Lakshmi!  

29 May 2013
I have been doing this for a couple of weeks now - still going for a few more. It has become my morning ritual, and I feel like I am noticing more of the abundance and prosperity the universe is bestowing upon me

I light a candle each for the Goddess and God, and then a green one for Lakshmi. I visualise some big bills being paid and smile and try my best to feel gratitude and happiness.. not easy when the kids are screaming in the other room!

I think putting these positive vibes out there is working - Im getting extra shifts at work, more payments from elsewhere and when we had $1 left till payday, and I was starting to worry about bread and petrol, my partner had a very small win on lotto (which is heaps till payday).

 

A great thing is, it takes 3 - 4 weeks to make a habit.. and now I am in the habit of waking up and sitting at my altar and honouring the Universe.. There are many mantras, meditations and the like that are open to me now. I used to tell myself it was too hard with the kids running around outside my bedroom door, but I am lucky they leave me alone for the most part :)

So it just goes to show, how powerful hope and positive thinking is. Even if all these things were going to happen anyway, they are still gifts from the Universe, only now, my eyes are open to them!
 

~ Dreaming 102 ~ Remembering and Recording your dreams



http://www.luciddreamtonighthowto.com/

In the beginning you may not remember anything, only fragments or an impression. Write it down anyway, even if all you write was that the dream was good or bad. It can be frustrating, or disheartening. Don’t be disillusioned…. the more you try to remember you dreams in the morning, the easier it will start to flow.

Start each day by writing what happened, or any words, images, people or feelings that come to mind. Sometimes during the day the dreams will come back to you in fragments, because something happens to remind you of something in your dream.

The following are some tips to ‘Catch your dreams’ – these are from Conscious Dreaming by Robert Moss. (Publisher Three Rivers Press, New York: 1996).
 

(c) h.koppdelaney

1. Clearly State Your Intention to yourself before going to bed.

For the more experienced, you can ask a question too. “I want to remember my dreams tonight”or“I ask for the guidance of the dream source” You can write your intention or question on a piece of paper and put it beside your bed or under your pillow. 

 

2.  Have your tools ready. Have your notepad, pen, paper, or even a tape recorder if you decide to use one next to your bed, ready for when you wake up in the morning.

3. Give yourself time to bring your dreams back.

If you are lucky, you can laze around in bed for 5 minutes, letting your dreams come back to you. You may not remember them at first. Write down whatever images are coming to mind. Try and wake naturally, if you have to use an alarm, it’s better not to use a radio – because then you are swamped with the outside world straight away. If you are new to dream work, you might want to try starting on the weekend.

Image: Dream Mirror, Dreams can come true by Hannah2Cyrus

4. Give yourself space

Try and record your dreams before you get out of bed. You may need to creep to the bathroom so you don’t disturb anyone! This is important when you wake up during the night from a dream… quickly write some words down before you fall back asleep.

5. Write your dreams down straight away

 

They really are fleeting, so you are better off writing them down before you think of anything else. More often than not if you go back to sleep thinking you will remember in the morning, you won’t! If you are pressed for time, or it is the middle of the night, even a few trigger words will help.

      

6. Start with trigger words

Places, names, numbers, objects, anything you remember. Often these will trigger memories of other dream sequences or help you remember more of your dream later.                                                                                   



http://irenelatham.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/writing-goals-vs-writing-dreams.html

7. Don’t censor your dreams.

 



Capture your dream as you remember it. Don’t edit, don’t leave anything out. Everything is relevant – even if it seems mundane, weird or trivial. It might not mean something now, but probably will later. Your dream source can be frank and confronting – but don’t stifle it!

 

 

 

8. Don’t interpret

 

It is sending you messages in ways you can understand. Your dream journal is a private book, meaningful to you and no one else’s business. Keep it away from prying eyes. Others may not like or understand its’ contents, but you shouldn’t censor it out of fear. Embrace it out of love!

9. Pay attention to your feelings.

When writing your dream, write it in the present tense, and write how you feel. This will give you a clue to how to interpret your dreams. Strong feelings indicate a sense of urgency. Pay attention to physical sensations too. Your guides could be trying to tell you something.

10. If you wake with no dream memories, relax.
You could try rolling around in bed for a bit. Some dreams come back when you are lying in the same position! Fancy That!

11. Put out the welcome mat
If you still can’t remember your dreams, try writing down what you are thinking and feeling- your thoughts and sensations are part of a dream hangover. If you write something down, you’re essentially putting out a welcome mat for your dream source to respond to your willingness to listen. Some women dream in cycles attuned with their menstrual cycle – with heightened dream recall or blacks during “that time of the month”.

12. Always do something with your dreams.
Keeping a dream journal is the first step. Sharing dream experiences with a partner, friend or group can be very enlightening and entertaining – especially when you do dream work or lucid dreaming together! ( I have never done this, but it sounds awesome)

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~ The Dream Dictionary ~

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You can also start creating your very own dream dictionary.... it's simple! I started mine with one of those old fashioned index style books - you know, the ones with the tabs for each letter. You may need to get a larger one though - an A4 sized book would be good.

You can buy them anywhere (I think! Its been a while since I bought one!) .. and cover it yourself, make it more personal. Another idea is an A4 binder, with tab inserts for each letter... then you could make an A4 page for each dream symbol - which would be easier to add to as you go along... this is a good idea. Think I will do that again!

Dream interpretation books are great - really handy -  but we all have different dream experiences, and symbols will mean different things to each of us, depending on how lives, environment and how we perceive and understand the conscious and unconscious world around us :)

Check out this Dream Dictionary to get ideas on what particular dream symbols could mean to you.

So get yourself ANOTHER book! Or folder :) And keep it near your dream journal - and explore those symbols that keep coming up :)

http://alomfejto-jovendomondo.network.hu/kepek/alomkepek_festmenyek/alomkep-010

~ Paganesque Dream Series ~ Dreaming 101 ~

In your dreams...  The Dream Journal

You don't need to be a dream expert to start analysing your dreams, delving into your own inner mysteries... all you need is paper and a pen :)

Start tomorrow. The next day.. as soon as you wake up (easier for some than others!). Write down anything you remember from your dreams the night before. Even if they are only fragments... you will find that the more you do it, the easier it will be to remember.

http://palnk.deviantart.com/art/Dreams-Dreams-145627115

As you write, use the present tense. Use the date from the day before and give your dream a title. This can be very interesting when you read through the index you write at the back of the book! Also try writing on every second page, so that you can scribble notes that you find relevant to your dream, on the same 'page'.

You can use any type of book you want to write your dream journal. I use one that is lined on one side and blank on the other. The blank page is good for drawing pictures, dream maps, dreamscapes and random scribble as you read, re read and read your dreams again. You are also better off writing in your journal - its more personal than a computer program.

In the back of the book, you should start an index, with the date (of the night you had the dream), the Dream Title, and the pages it is on - which means you will need to number your pages!

Frankie Lynn Emporium

The benefits of a dream journal:
 * It helps you to recall and remember your dreams
 * You can find patterns in your dreams - and will start to notice particular dreamscapes
 * It will help you make your own dream dictionary
 * Can be used for inspiration - for creative writing - stories, poetry.. even spells!
 * You might find answers to those peculiar Deja Vu situations
 * Could also provide examples or clues to dream divination (Now when/where did I dream that before?)


Tips on using your Dream Journal

1. Choose the right book – write your dreams on the right page (or even pages) of the book and keep the other side (odd pages) for drawing maps, notes and associations.

2. Keep your journal private – in a safe place under lock and key! You need to feel free to write whatever you want in there

3. Make a date with your journal – closest to first thing in the morning is the best, while your dream is still fresh.

4. Date your reports – the exact time you wake up could be significant to world events, friends dreams or situations inspired by synchronicity.

5. Give your dreams titles – use the first thing that comes to mind – can provide interesting perspectives on the dream, and allows you to watch for running themes.

6. Note your feelings and immediate sensations or associations – if you think a dream is about someone in particular, but they do not appear in the dream, write that down! It may make more sense later. Also take note of significant events or what occupied your mind the day before – your dream might have been a clue of what was to come or an answer to a problem

7. Index your dreams – this helps you find that dream quickly and also helps to track running themes, or when certain dreams are likely to occur.

8. Note recurring themes and locales – are you always visiting the same places in your


Image found : http://www.fotolog.com/
chikilin_eaaa/51337407/

dreams (Dreamscapes) or doing the same thing in your dreams.. eg catching a train or flying?

9. Log correspondences between dreams and waking events – go back through your journals every once in a while and see if your dreams are foreshadowing future events. You could add clippings, letters or mementos to your journal.

10. Note overlaps between your dreams and those of other people. Your dream might hold the key to the interpretation of someone else’s. You may even identify interactive dreams you share with someone or a common dreamscape.

11. Have fun! Decorate your journal. Love your Journal. Add drawings, pictures, photos, postcards and sayings or poetry that evoke dreams or reflect your moods. Track your dreams with dream dictionaries of symbols. You could try using your dreams to write stories, or try recasting them as poetry. Don’t let your inner critics stop you while you do this  




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Wild Witch Academy

Hello!

I have been busy this last 6 months, and never here. All my blogs have suffered! I've been trying to be all things.. to myself, but also to all people. Doesn't quite work, but that has never stopped me before.

I wanted to write a quick note about The Wild Witch Academy. If there was anything ever clearly serendipitous in my life, there was this group of wonderful people I fell into a clique with. When I finished Uni in November last year, I was all set to write my epic novel (I have a great idea!) so I was doing some planning on the characters and plot lines and decided that one of them would be a witch. I'm not sure what happened next, but I ended up in an online Witch School - for a year and a day. That is what they call the tradtional period of time it takes to learn and study the Path, and to become an initiate. That's how I understand it anyway.

This Witch School had good intentions. There were a group of teachers who would give us daily lessons, we would complete assignments and learn the beginning of all there is to know. Unfortunately this school had over 800 students and on the first day spectacularly imploded. The drama was fantastic. I left after a couple of weeks cos it was just too much. There was paranoia, controlling people and guilt trips. Secrecy and planning. This was not what I wanted.

The awesome thing that came out of this group was my study group -  where more than 20 people from across the globe fell into a synchronous excitement of learning and finding our own paths to spirituality. It was truely bizarre.

So that is how I found Moonsong Rain. She is the founder of Wild Witch. I cannot describe her adequately on paper. She is a mentor to me, and a friend. A sister. A confidant. No matter what happens, we will always have Wild Witch.

Along with Scarlett Meadow, her 'twinny', Moonsong has created the Wild Witch Academy. It is through this Academy that I have grown spiritually and exponentially on my own path over the last 6 months. I'm still somewhat in the Broom Closet.. hard to believe, I know. But I feel like my soul has remembered a part of itself, my soul has again become connected with the Universe, and even though I have my ups and downs I accept that my soul is here to enjoy them.

I started out thinking, "Oh I'm going to be a Wiccan".. but the ritual stuff is not really for me at this point. I easily feel like a Pagan - an earth loving, nature worshipping and (now) tree hugging spirituality in tune with the Universal Energies that abound. Well that's how I see it. I've read and read and read as much as I can.. I'm ready to share here because I feel confident that I am starting to get the idea.

There are so many online schools teaching the principles of Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism in general. My first advice would be to read everything on the topic you can get your hands on. There are free schools and paid schools. What is right for one person is not as right for another. Follow your instincts.

Wild Witch Academy is not free, but as far as online courses go, I think it's cheap. I've sampled some of the other free ones, and I believe Wild Witch is better. I'm allowed to! Check it out if you want to :) The link is http://www.wildwitchacademy.com. You can also find out more about the Academy by checking out Wild Witch or The Wild Witch Academy.

I am a new admin on the FB/WildWitch page... a community education site that provides information on Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism. I will not share what other's have posted there, but I will share the posts I write on here - so you can have a collection of the stuff I have studied. Being an admin has really motivated me to make summaries of stuff and find out stuff and like stuff and stuff ;p I hope you like what you see. Feel free to give us feedback.

Ok, I've rambled enough for now. Happy reading!

Hi!

Thanks for visiting :)

I have big plans for this blog, and at the moment, not much time to fulfil them :) Don't despair, I will post on my FB/SerendipitousZenefertiti when I have updated this blog.

You can check out my other blog, which has a bit more on it :)

The Confessions of Zenefertiti

And now for a message... From Zenefertiti Treehugger xxxxxxxxxxx