Tips for better mood

                                                                                    1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Ditch the remote control and go outside.

3. Listen to good music.

4. Take a long relaxing shower.

Source of images: Bing.

Symbols for protection throughout history

Protective magick is probably the most basic of all types of spellwork. If you don't feel safe and secure, it's difficult to enjoy any of the pleasures of life. Since the beginning of time, humans have been creating protective signs and symbols to ward off evil and bad luck.

Would you like to learn some protective glyphs to use in your spells and amulets? Today, we'll be taking a look at nine powerful protective symbols from the Western magickal tradition. These symbols come from diverse spiritual paths including Wiccan, Norse, Judaeo-Christian, Egyptian, and others.

Just as no two words have exactly the same meaning, each magickal symbol has a slightly different energy and function. Read on to find the perfect symbol for your protective workings.

Pentacle (or Pentagram)

The pentacle, or five-pointed star, is probably best-known as a symbol of the Wiccan religion. This symbol has been passed down to modern Witches through the tradition of ceremonial magick. Wiccans and Pagans wear it as a symbol of faith, but it is also used as a protective glyph.

The pentacle's protective legacy probably began in medieval times. The five points were said to represent the five wounds of Christ. Early occultists saw the pentacle as a microcosm or representation of the human being. The pentacle's affinity with the body makes it immensely useful to the human magician. Leonardo da Vinci's "Vitruvian Man" is the most famous representation of a man's shape drawn over the pentagram.

To contemporary Pagans, the five points of the pentagram stand for the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, and Water) and the "fifth element" of Spirit. Placing Spirit at the top is a reminder that Spirit inhabits and presides over all forms of matter. The circle surrounding the star evokes both infinity and the aura or energy field that surrounds the body.

The pentacle has diverse magickal uses, including protection. The pentacle is a powerful reminder of a world in balance. Witches draw pentagrams in the air to banish or consecrate sacred space. Pentagram amulets are a popular choice for warding physical and energetic bodies.

Solar Cross

The Solar Cross is an equal-armed cross, which may also be surmounted by a circle. It is one of the oldest spiritual symbols in existence, dating back to Stone Age carvings.

The Solar Cross represents the light and movement of the sun. The sun was extremely important to early humans, both for its life-giving energy and its predictable cycles of days and seasons. Many subsequent religious symbols (including the Christian cross) are related to this simplest of drawings. Many more mytho-spiritual concepts can be found therein: The Celtic-Pagan Wheel of the Year, the Wheel card of the Tarot, the classical Sun Chariot, and the Native American Four Winds are just a few.

As a protective symbol, the Solar Cross evokes the power of the Sun God or All-Father, as well as the guardians of the Four Directions. To meditate on the cross's intersection is a powerful centering exercise.

The Solar Cross represents both balance (at its center) and infinity (at its extremities). It is a symbol of eternity that embodies themes of birth, death, and rebirth. Use the Solar Cross as a centering and calming aid when under threat. As a solar symbol, it is used to banish negativity and cast out shadows.

                                                                         Mars Sign

Named for the Roman god of war, the planet Mars is big, red, and brutal. Astrologers and alchemists developed the Mars symbol as a shorthand for the planet. In magick, it stands for all things martial: Conflict, personal power, and virility.

Mars magick includes protection spells of the more aggressive variety. Mars brings its warrior energy to curses, hexes, banishing, and counter-magick. This is not a glyph for your "white light" or "live and let live" shielding magick. Evoke Mars when you want to stick it someone that's bothering you (and make sure they think twice about doing it again).
                                                                           Hamsa

This hand-shaped amulet is popular throughout the Middle East and Africa. Hamsas are worn as jewelry and hung over walls and windows. With its all-seeing eye in the center of the palm, the Hamsa is said to ward off the Evil Eye. The open right hand represents power and blessings.

In the Middle East, the Hamsa tradition is known by Jews and Muslims alike. However, the right hand of protection can be traced as far back as the Mesopotamian cult of Ishtar. Modern Witches sometimes say that the palm stands for protection, while the fingers represent the five blessings: Love, Money, Health, Wisdom, and Power.

There are many variations of the Hamsa symbol, from simple line drawings of the five fingers to the very elaborate and stylized versions. It is a very common practice to personalize the amulet with words and symbols of power. A custom Hamsa charm can be as specific as you want it to be. Or, use it as a general charm against ill luck, jealousy, and poverty.

                                                                                Eye of Horus

The Eye of Horus (or Eye of Ra) is one of the most enduring protective symbols in history. Featured in ancient Egyptian amulets and artwork, it symbolizes divine power. The All-Seeing Eye is said to protect anything it looks upon. The shapes within the Eye have are linked to sacred geometry and sacred mathematics.

Through the myths of Ra (the Sun God), the Eye represents eternal life and rebirth—hence its use in Egyptian tomb decorations. It is also popular as an amulet against evil-doers and ill-wishers.

                                                                                  Triquetra

The Triquetra (or Celtic Shield) is sometimes used as a protective symbol by Pagans and Celtic Christians. The three-cornered knot represents the Triple Goddess or Holy Trinity. As it has no beginning and no end, the interwoven knot stand for protection that cannot be broken. The circle is also a symbol of eternity.

                                                                                  Bindrune

A bindrune is a sigil composed of one or more archaic letters (runes). The bindrune combines the properties of each rune into a single symbol. Bindrunes may be created for any magickal purpose, but they are commonly used in protective charms.

The most effective bindrune is one that you assemble with intention, using your own understanding of and relationship with the runes. The bindrune's exact meaning will be known only to you. Afterward, the bindrune is worn as an amulet or incorporated into sigil magick.

The picture is an example of a protective bindrune incorporating the runes Ingwaz (harmony) and Isa (solitude). It is meant to confer a peaceful environment and inner strength upon the wearer. Also hidden within the bindrune are the shapes of Algiz (divine protection) and Othala (birthright), in case the two main runes are not enough for the job!

                                                                         Hexagram of Solomon

The six-pointed star is an important esoteric and religious symbol. It is composed of two interlaced or interlocking triangles. Ceremonial magicians know it as the Hexagram of Solomon or Seal of Solomon.

Mystical interpretations of the hexagram are many, and depend upon who is viewing it. Western occultists see a fire (upright) triangle superimposed over water (inverted triangle). This represents the spiritual fire of the aspirant reaching upwards towards heaven, while the fluid grace of God descends simultaneously. The interlocking triangles can be seen as a kind of shorthand for the Hermetic axiom, "As above, so below".

The symbol is named for the Biblical King Solomon, who was said to practice spirit evocation with the aid of a signet ring with a hexagram seal. Later, medieval occultists would seek to replicate Solomon's mastery over unruly spirits. The hexagram was said to represent the authority of God and to offer the wearer protection from evil. It is often inscribed with divine names and other symbols and words of power.

                                                                     Crossed Spears

Sometimes the best magickal symbols are the simplest. There is no mistaking the meaning of the crossed spears. A simple line drawing easily conveys the message, "Do not pass." This type of sigil is often used within folk magick traditions, where a lack of formal literacy is no obstacle to crafting powerful spells. Drawings of axes, swords, hammers, and shields may also be deployed for power and protection.

Variations of the crossed spears motif appear in many cultures and time periods, from British heraldry to the national flag of Kenya. It is also one of the eight Witches' Runes. In divination, it signifies quarrels and conflict. In magick, the Crossed Spears emblem (and its cousins) are used to put up a psychic barrier or block the actions of an adversary.

Source: https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/magickal-symbols-of-protection-1

       

How to cure a hex - Special edition

 Since curing a hex is definitely a hot potato for many people as well as for me, I decided to give it a go with another article on the subject.

 A penny for my thoughts? Since actions speak louder than words we can easily tell who`s hexing us not just by what they say but also what they do. We can recognize such people when we are glad to see the back of them no matter what. But until then it costs us an arm and a leg to stay with them, to put up with them. In a way, anyone could fall into that description. It really depends who`s barking up the wrong tree - in this case, bothering you.

 We should also know that there`s no use crying over spilled milk. And if you`ve done something wrong, tell yourself nobody`s perfect and things will get better. We all have expectations of how our life should go but it usually goes very differently than expected. Why? Because we wouldn`t cut the mustard if we stay in one place, we wouldn`t progress if things were perfect. And it`s not. Don`t take it personally, it`s just life.

 Changes first come from within. Well, at least most of the time. But changing your environment is definitely what can make us look at life from a different perspective. That`s why people go on vacation. That`s why sometimes they use country escapes. This is how they recharge their batteries. What I`m saying is, you may not suffer from a hex, you may simply need some timeout. I`m even more inclined to believe that most of the reported cases of hexes are actually people who haven`t gone very far from their homes. And it`s very bad actually. Come to think of it, everything in a large dosage is unhealthy. Staying at home for a prolonged period of time can cause you to think you`ve been hexed. But, in fact, the truth is different.

 But we shouldn`t really count our chickens before the eggs have hatched. It could really be a hex. In this case, I suggest, you try out my advice nonetheless and then if things are looking the same - consult with a professional or hire a priest even.

 Doing renovations in your home is another smart way to change your environment without having to move or go somewhere else for a long time. Renovations usually include getting rid of old useless items and cleaning your space, not just changing your wall color. This purging of old items is extremely healthy. Only if you`ve done something like this before, you know how rewarding and therapeutic the process is. It`s worth both your time and energy.

 Now, let`s discuss some of the symptoms and unpleasant things you may be experiencing that make you believe you`ve been hexed. Everything new you start fails. It seems like most of your days are bad luck days. You start losing a lot of money. You may even become broke.

 What to do? First of all, refrain from sharing your plans in advance. If something has yet to happen and still hasn`t - don`t announce it in front of the whole world. Don`t do it even in front of your friends. Happiness likes silence. Keep your plans secret. Second of all, don`t assume you necessary have to change everything around you and this will help you. Sometimes little and meaningful changes are enough to make a great difference. Third of all, get rid of all the items in your home that are considered unlucky. For example, the cacti plant indoors is considered very unlucky and is not suitable in your home. You can further read on the Internet about which items are considered unlucky and thus remove them. I`m sure that when you do remove them and when you do the rest recommendations as well, things will start to get better.   

Diet plan to lose weight

                                                                   1. Moderate coffee intake. No more than 2 cups a day.

                                                                        2. No bread and other doughy foods.
                        

                                                                                                    3. Salads.

4. Fewer carbohydrates.

5. Less sugar in any form.

6. Lean proteins.

7. No red meats. 

Carotenes and heart disease

Just as with cancer is with heart disease: people who eat beta-carotene-rich foods definitely have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. One of the main studies of women, for example, shows that those who eat more beta-carotene foods reduce the risk of heart attack by 22 percent compared to those who take small amounts. In addition, people who supply themselves with a lot of beta-carotene with food are even better when it comes to stroke - they get it 40 percent less. A study of older people shows that the higher the intake of beta-carotene from food, the lower the risk of getting a heart attack. But taking beta-carotene supplements does not give you the same protection. In the physical health study, for example, people who take beta-carotene supplements do not have a lower risk of heart disease than those who do not take them. What does that tell us? You need all the carotenoids, not just beta-carotene. And the best way to get them is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables. If you want to take supplements, take mixed carotenoids. Source: "Vitamin A" - by Dr. Alan Pressman and Sheila Buff

A quick reference about diseases and recommended dietary supplements - Part 1

Health problem-                                                                         Supplement


Acne                                                                                              Zinc


Allergies                                                                                         Vitamin C
                                                                                                       Quercetin


Anemia                                                                                          Cobalamin
                                                                                                       Iron


Arthritis                                                                                           ASU
                                                                                                       Hondroitin
                                                                                                       Devil`s claw
                                                                                                       Codliver oil
                                                                                                       Glucosamine
                                                                                                       MSM
                                                                                                       S-adenosylmethionine

Asthma                                                                                          Magnesium
                                                                                                       Quercetin
                                                                                                       Vitamin C
                                                                                                       Piridoxin

Infertility                                                                                       Vitamin C
                                                                                                       Vitamin E
                                                                                                       Zinc

Insomnia                                                                                       Melatonin
                                                                                                      Tryptophan

Tips to manage money better

1. Don`t get emotions in the way of dealing with money. Refrain from emotional buys. Simply avoid buying things on a whim. Carefully consider every buy. Don`t buy anything that you actually don`t need. 

2. Save your time and energy, not just your money. Yes, that`s right. Sometimes it is cheaper to call a taxi. It really depends on how busy you are. In any case, make your calculations well.

3. Be discrete about your finances. Just like happiness - money likes silence. Be ready to go great lengths (sometimes) in order to avoid talking about it. The less other people are involved in your personal finances, the better. 

4. Always have money aside no one else knows about. It will be harder to save your money if your friends who are big on spending money know you have money aside. It doesn`t mean you hate them for it. It means you are a responsible grown-up human being.

5. Always go after the quality and not after quantity when buying something. It the long run, it really is cheaper and more convenient.