Day: April 6, 2011

Daily OM for 4/6 – Stepping Stones

Stepping Stones
One Day at a Time

 Our lives are made of stepping stones, one experience after another in perfect and divine order.

The years of our life do not arrive all at once; they greet us day by day. With the descent of each setting sun, we are able to rest our heads and let the world take care of itself for a while. We may rest assured throughout the night, knowing that the dawn will bring with it a chance to meet our lives anew, donning fresh perspectives and dream-inspired hopes. The hours that follow, before we return to sleep once more, are for us to decide how we want to live and learn, laugh and grow. Our lives are sweeter and more manageable because we must experience them this way: one day at a time.

Imagine the future stretching out before you and try to notice if you feel any tension or overwhelm at the prospect of the journey still to come. Perhaps you have recently made a lifestyle change, like beginning a new diet or quitting smoking, and the idea of continuing this healthy new behavior for years seems daunting. Maybe you have started a new job or are newly married and can feel an undercurrent of anxiety about your ability to succeed. If you can shift your focus from what may happen years down the line and return it to the day that is before you right now, you may find a measure of calm and renewed confidence in your capabilities. You may also discover an inner faith that the future will take care of itself.

The way we show up for our lives today and tomorrow has an enormous affect on who we will be and what we will be experiencing years from now. If we can remain fully engaged in the day at hand, enjoying all it has to offer and putting our energy into making the most of it, we will find that we are perfectly ready and capable to handle any future when it arrives.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: On Becoming a Grandmother

Chicken Soup for the Soul: On Becoming a Grandmother

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grandmothers

BY: Terrie Todd

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.
~Welsh Proverb

I thought I was prepared. I was a mother, after all. I already knew what it meant to love someone so much it hurt. I understood the old adage that to be a parent is to walk around forever with your heart outside your body. I had written in my journal, revealing all the emotions I’d discovered tag-teaming in my heart: happiness, melancholy, anxiety, joy, anticipation, worry. I had seen the ultrasound pictures. I’d crocheted a soft, fuzzy blue blanket, patiently undoing all my bungled stitches and doing them over so it would be a perfect square. I had memorized the verses in Psalm 139 that tell how God wonderfully forms us in our mother’s womb. I had prayed for this child and for his parents daily since I learned of his existence. I had written letters to his mom and dad, assuring them how proud I was of them both, how I’d be as supportive as I knew how to be, how they would be excellent parents.

I’d prayed for myself, too. I’d wrestled with the idea that I was going to be a grandmother. Shouldn’t I be wiser first? Or sweeter? Or at the very least, a better cook? How exactly did one cram for this event? I had even admitted to myself that I would soon be sleeping with someone’s grandfather. That idea took a little getting used to, let me tell you! 

I had bragged to my friends. I had celebrated with my mother. I had gifted my daughter-in-law with maternity clothes and bought the most irresistible little stuffed puppy for the baby.

I had done all of that. I thought I was prepared.

The day he was born, I rode along with his other grandparents to the hospital to meet our mutual little descendant for the first time. We were told to wait in the hallway while the nurses finished up whatever they were doing with him and his mother in the room. While I waited, I studied the instructional posters on the walls, filled with advice for new parents. I remembered how challenging those first few days could be. Given the hospital rules, I fully expected that my first sight of my little grandson would be in his plastic baby bed and I was prepared. But when I turned around, I instantly knew that no amount of groundwork could have prepared me for that moment. Instead of the expected baby bed, I was beholding my own firstborn carrying his firstborn in his arms.

I came unglued. Part of me was carried back twenty-six years to the day I first laid eyes on my son. But those twenty-six years had passed in an instant, and here I was looking at the next generation, with the same dark skin and the same head full of thick, dark hair. He was beautiful and I was smitten. I didn’t even try to check the tears running down my cheeks as I held him in my arms and hugged his dad as tight as I could with the baby between us. What a cherished moment!

This little boy is about to turn three years old and now has a baby brother. Every day brings new adventures, new things to learn, new memories to make, and new opportunities to wonder at the marvelous work of our Creator. These little guys have taught me that sometimes stopping to watch ducks is more important than getting in out of the rain. They’ve uncovered my own impatient ways, the ones I thought I had overcome. They’ve reminded me that time spent cuddling a sleeping baby in a rocking chair trumps pretty much anything.

Most of all, I’ve come to realize that no matter how hard I tried, I could not have prepared to love someone so profusely, or to learn so much from someone so small.

Your Rune For April 6th is Naudhiz

Your Rune For Today
Naudhiz

Naudhiz may foretell needs unmet and friction in relationships. You may be in a time where you should be very careful in whatever endeavor you take on. Also it may be that you are about to learn some of life’s hard lessons and come out the other side of this period a stronger being.

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for 4/6

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for Everyone:

31: Mutual Attraction

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

Hexagram 31
 
General Meaning: The attraction of yin and yang is the powerful and fundamental force. The image of this hexagram is that of the attraction between a man and a woman in the courtship stage. In response to the magnetic attraction between them, the masculine principle (the creative, outgoing) seizes the initiative and submits to the feminine (the receptive, sensitive). When the assertive is able to defer to the receptive, and when the receptive accepts responsibility and exercises quiet leadership, an exciting and profitable union is the result. This brings good fortune, for all success depends upon the magnetic effect of mutual attraction.

Consistency is important in matters of mutual attraction, for this is what separates courtship from seduction.

If you are by nature an instigator, it is good to take the initiative. But you need to remain sensitive, and highly principled, and avoid the temptation to be manipulative. Let the power of mutual attraction pull you along. If you are the receptive one, keep your mind innocent and free of pride, so that you may remain open to good advice or helpful assistance. When your influence arises from innocence, an even more powerful magnetic force is at work for you.

Remaining open to the forces of attraction brings good fortune. Closing yourself to them heralds the dying of the soul. Learn to yield to the natural tugs and pulls of the heart.

Your Daily Number for April 6th: 6

Your Daily Number: 6

Family matters take center stage today. It’s possible that you’ll receive some good news from an old friend. Give of yourself today; it’s quite possible that a younger person will seek you out for help or advice.

Fast Facts

About the Number 6

Theme: Family and Social Responsibility, Service, Healing
Astro Association: Gemini
Tarot Association: Lovers

Today’s Tarot Card for 4/6

Today’s Tarot Card for Everyone:

The Star

This Tarot Deck: Celestial

General Meaning: What has traditionally been known as the Star card is about reconnecting one’s Soul with the Divine — the transcending of personality, family, community and reputation. It has to do ultimately with the freedom to be one’s Self. The Soul is responding to celestial influences — forces that can provide the personality with a stronger sense of purpose. The Star card helps us to remember our exalted origins and our attraction to a Higher Union.

This card could also be called the “Celestial Mandate” — that which refers us back to our reason for being, our mission in this lifetime. The Star reminds us that, in a sense, we are agents of Divine Will in our day-to-day lives. If we let go of the idea that we are supposed to be in control, we can more easily notice and appreciate the synchronicities that are nudging us along. In this way, we become more conscious of the invisible Helping Hand, and we better understand our place within — and value to — the larger Cosmos

Daily Horoscopes for 4/6

 

General Daily Horoscope

 

Today’s determined Taurus Moon gives us the single-mindedness needed to accomplish our goals. However, the Moon’s harsh aspects with Uranus, Mars and Pluto indicate that we will meet major challenges along the way. Still, the two largest objects in our solar system — the Sun and Jupiter — conjoin to expand our vision and show us the brighter side of life. It’s up to each of us to balance unrestrained optimism with the practicalities of the day.

 

Aries Horoscope
Aries Horoscope (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

The super-active Aries energy is over the top today and exuberant Jupiter’s conjunction with the Sun in your sign gives you something to celebrate. Although it’s the middle of the workweek, you might not be able to concentrate on your job responsibilities. You would rather spend your time lost in creative self-expression than finishing up what should have been done yesterday. As usual, your key to happiness depends on finding a middle ground between feeling free and meeting your obligations.

 

 

Taurus Horoscope
Taurus Horoscope (Apr 20 – May 20)

It’s difficult for you to be satisfied with what you currently have because your imagination is so active that you see unlimited possibilities everywhere you turn. What makes this harder to manage today is that you cannot necessarily distinguish between the way things are and how they could be. Your fantasies are important now as long as you don’t let them get the upper hand. Dream about the future, but remember that you must live in the present.

 

Gemini Horoscope
Gemini Horoscope (May 21 – Jun 20)

Although it’s healthy to think your friends are worthy of great things, it’s also important to be realistic. You may be expecting too much from social interactions in general today, which could lead to later disappointment. Expressing your hopes gives others a sense of what motivates you these days. But don’t expect anyone else to share your enthusiasm for your pet projects. If something rocks your world, go for it. Don’t wait for anyone else to champion your cause.

 

 

Cancer Horoscope
Cancer Horoscope (June 21 – Jul 22)

The good news you receive on the job today may not be totally unexpected, but it still can be quite exciting, nonetheless. Naturally, you will have hard work to do as you follow up on your end of the deal, but the most demanding tasks may already be done. Trust your hunches; you know what’s coming next. Just don’t get lazy until everything is really finished.

 

 

Leo Horoscope
Leo Horoscope (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

It’s hard not to get excited today about some upcoming event or getaway. However, if you are planning to travel, don’t let your enthusiasm get the best of you. It’s wonderful to be jazzed about going somewhere, but grandiose thinking could turn a realistic idea into a journey of the imagination. If you truly want to go on a meaningful adventure, avoid the temptations of bigger, better and more.

 

 

Virgo Horoscope
Virgo Horoscope (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Although you might feel safer when navigating solo in rational realms, impulsive thoughts could quickly pull you into deeper emotional waters today. But instead of feeling vulnerable, your reaction now is to swing into action and do something about your current situation. Don’t try to oversimplify things too quickly, for there’s much for you to learn while exploring the exquisite complexities of relationships.

 

Libra Horoscope
Libra Horoscope (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Your interactions with others today can open a new window of opportunity. You may want to question the significance of this sudden turn of events, but logical analysis won’t necessarily tell you what you need to know now. Stay open to your current experience without trying to classify it. Even if your first impulse is to retreat, save your final judgment until the excitement of the moment has worn off.

 

 

Scorpio Horoscope
Scorpio Horoscope (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Forget about your old habits and assumptions that have been holding you back. There’s no need to process the same things you’ve been working on for such a long time. It’s time to look ahead today, set a new course and begin doing exactly what will get you to your chosen destination. But don’t try to do too much all at once. For now, it’s all about big visions and little steps.

 

 

Sagittarius Horoscope
Sagittarius Horoscope (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Your key planet Jupiter aligns with the Sun today in an annual event that indicates even more expansion and growth for you Archers. However, this year the conjunction activates your 5th House of Spontaneity, which is already crowded from an overload of planetary visitors. The bottom line is that your heightened sense of urgency about nearly everything in your life can provoke you to act without thinking about the consequences. Be smart and keep your eyes on the distant horizon.

 

 

Capricorn Horoscope
Capricorn Horoscope (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

There are significant rumblings that are rattling your inner world now. Fortunately, you are being given glimpses of how your life could be if you redirect some of your career ambitions toward your personal life. Although this may be as straightforward as starting a home remodeling project, it could be a more subtle reminder that emotional growth is just as important to your overall happiness as professional success.

 

Aquarius Horoscope
Aquarius Horoscope (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Although this could be a very upbeat day, you might need to recognize the fact that you have too much information flooding your brain now. On a practical level, it’s crazy just trying to keep up with everything that’s going on. But the deeper lesson today is that more data doesn’t necessary mean more knowledge. Instead of accumulating unnecessary facts, apply what you already know and see what happens.

 

Pisces Horoscope
Pisces Horoscope (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

There is a direct relationship today between feeling confident about yourself and wanting to buy something that reminds you of these good times. However, you would be wise to keep your credit cards in your wallet now because the excessive Sun-Jupiter conjunction in your 2nd House of Money could tempt you to spend more than you have on something you don’t really need. Remember, self-esteem is not about material possessions; it’s really about what’s in your heart.

Mild Energy Tonic for Fatigue

This is an excellent tonic for travelers or those recuperating from chronic illness or surgery.

1   tablespoon Siberian ginseng root

1   tablespoon ho shou wu (foti)

1   codonopsis dang shen root

2   slices (or 2 tablespoons ground root) astragalus yellow vetch

1   tablespoon suma root (optional)

Simmer all in 2 cups of water, covered, for 1 1/2 hours, or tincture in brandy to cover for 1 month. Drink 1/2 cup of tea daily or dilute a teaspoon of tincture in boiled water. It is safe for elderly folks and children in half doses. For elderly folks, drink 1/4 cup of tea twice daily. Children over 10 years old may drink 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of diluted tea daily for 1 to 2 weeks of the month. If suma and Siberian ginseng are not available as roots, use a tablespoon of dried herbs or buy a tincture (an alcoholic tincture of these roots is often available in health food stores) and add a few drops to your tea.