Solitude is considered one of the plagues of modern society. Although we have more and more devices to help us communicate, people feel more and more alone. But solitude has nothing to do with isolation. While being isolated may be difficult, you can always work on your personal development.

You need to see the difference between isolation and solitude to understand how you can be isolated but not feel alone, and learn a lot about yourself in the process.
Feeling Isolated Is Terrible

Isolation is a negative concept because people have no choice in the matter.

There are various reasons why someone might be isolated, all of which make up the fabric of life: mourning, divorce, death of a loved one, job loss, burnout, etc.

People sometimes find themselves isolated without realizing it. They don’t talk to anyone except the sales-people at the stores where they shop. We live in an individualistic society, and most of us are concerned only about ourselves and our own problems, and forget about what’s happening around us.

Think about it. If you know anyone in this kind of situation, you should reach out to them. In a way you need to tame them. How? By talking to them and offering to do things that, for them, could be a lifesaver. They’ll be extremely thankful and, who knows? Maybe they’ll be able to repay you in kind one day.

If you feel isolated, take small steps to change your situation. I know it’s hard, especially if you’ve been alone for a long time. What you need to do is regain your self-confidence. The best way to do that is to set challenges for yourself. You need to get out and talk to people. Talk about a TV program you liked to your baker, what the weekend weather’s supposed to be like to your butcher, about all the tomatoes you planted to the flower vendor, or even about the dog next door. It doesn't really matter what the subject is, as long as you communicate with your neighbors, your acquaintances, your family and friends, and the people you deal with every day. Call someone you haven’t spoken to for a long time, a family member like a cousin or an aunt. Or call an old friend just to say hello and aks how things are going.

You’ll see, taking the first step is the hardest and most important part. After that, it’ll be easy as more and more people start thinking about you.

The “Path of Solitude” Is A Blessing

My concept of the “path of solitude” is radically different from the way being alone is usually seen. A person who chooses the “path of solitude” makes a personal commitment, and doesn’t feel forced in any way.

The “path of solitude” is possible no matter where you live. You don’t need to escape like a hermit to some distant cave or desert. You can practice this ultimate spiritual path under any circumstances, no matter where you are.

The “path of solitude” will endow you with great control over your emotions, especially in extreme situations (death, separation, loss, etc.). It will also help you determine who you really are, and what you should really be doing with your abilities.


Clear Out What’s Around You

You can practice the “path of solitude” in the middle of a city if you choose, but the best thing is to be in a quiet place, where you can empty your mind without being distracted by outside sources.

Emptying your mind means being as relaxed as possible, and focusing your attention on a single point, without letting yourself become distracted by anything whatsoever, whether it’s something you see or smell, a noise you hear, something you remember, etc.

If you practice at home, the ideal thing would be to find a room that’s empty of objects. If that’s not possible, sit facing the wall, or stare at an image you’ve pinned up at eye level, like a mandala, a symbol, a drawing of a deity, etc.

Total Isolation

If you live in the city or share your life with someone, you’ll need to find a way to be absolutely alone, both physically and mentally, for at least half an hour a day, and longer if possible. Practice when no one else is around, or at least when things are at their calmest. If you live in town, your main enemy will be noise.

The best thing is to practice late at night, when the noise has calmed down, and everyone else is asleep.


Empty Yourself Inside and Out

The essential principle of the “path of solitude” is not having any distractions and coming face-to-face with yourself. You need to put yourself in a situation where you can’t escape, either physically or mentally, and are forced to contemplate only yourself.

Unfortunately, the society we live in has no lack of distractions, including modern communication devices, opportunities to get out and enjoy a show, music or food. In fact, with everything that’s going on, we hardly have time left over to dig deep inside ourselves for answers.

Finding reasons to blame someone else for our mistakes is human nature. What doesn’t come naturally is assuming our responsibilities, and questioning our existence.

Look Into The Mirror of Your Self

If you practice the “path of solitude” by emptying your mind, not only will you avoid sources of distraction, you’ll stop putting off for later what you can accomplish right now.

When you’re face to face with yourself (sometimes after a difficult period of disorientation, since you’ll have nothing and no one else to focus on and blame) you can’t help but look into the mirror of your own being.

Only then will you really see yourself as you are, and start work on developing your qualities, and, if you’re courageous enough, transforming your faults.

Don’t be afraid of practicing the “path of solitude” on a regular basis. Not only is it easy, it’s also economical!   http://tara-mediun.com

”You can’t resolve your problems with the
same kind of thinking you used to create them!”
Albert Einstein  

The afflicted Moon in Capricorn at the start of the week can reveal any ruts that keep you safe and stuck. Wednesday’s Full Moon in Aquarius is all about sharing your originality and enjoying friendly gatherings.

This weekend, Moon in dreamy Pisces favors activities that inspire your imagination—at least until Sunday night, when Moon in fiery Aries takes over. Best days for socializing: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday  

Lughnasadh (pronounced 'loo-nus-uh) means the commemoration of Lugh.  Lughnasadh August 1, marks the beginning of the grain harvest.

Lughnasadh also known as Lammas and August Eve is the first Festival of Harvest.

It was orginally celebrated by the ancient Druids as Lughnasadh to pay homage to Lugh, the Celtic sun god.  In other pre-Christian Pagan cultures, Lammas was celebrated as a festival of bread and as a day to honor the death of the Sacred King.

On Lammas, homemade breads and berry pies are traditionally baked and eaten in honor of the harvest.

The making of corn dollies (small figures fashioned from braided straw) is another old Lammas custom.  The corn dollies (or kin babies, as they are sometimes called) are placed on the Sabbat altar to symbolize the Mother Goddess of the harvest.  it is customary on Lammas to make (or buy) a new corn dolly and then burn the old one from the past year for good luck.  (Wicca, Candle, Magick Gerina Dunwich)

Lughnasadh marks the last heyday of the Sun God.  Beneath the Barley Moon and Summer stars we, too, enjoy the expiring passion of the season.  Robert Burns tells us, it is "happy night" that he spends in the cornfields with his love.  (Celebrate the Earth - A Year of Holidays in the Pagan Tradition  Laurie Cabot with Jean Mills)

Throughout Britain ans Ireland, Christianity notwithstanding, the may Eve greenwood love making which so shocked the Puritans found its cheerful echo not only among the bilberries but in the Lammas (Lughnasadh) cornfields; on which the theme, if you like songs at your Sabbats, Robert Burns's It was upon Lammas Night-  ( The Witches Bible)

Robert Burns It was Upon a Lammas Night  

It was upon a Lammas night,
     When the corn rigs are bonie,
Beneath the moon's unclouded light,
     I held awa to Annie,
The time flew by, wi' tentless heed,
     Till 'tween the late and early,
Wi' sma' persuasion she agreed,
     To see me thro' the barley.  

The sky was blue, the wind was still,
     The moon was shining clearly,
I set her down, wi' right good will,
     Amang the rigs o' barley
I ken't her heart was a' my ain,
     I lov'd her most sincerely,
I kiss'd her owre and owre again,
     Amang the rigs o' barley  

I I loc'd her in my fond embrace,
     Her heart was beating rarely,
My blessings on that happy place,
     Amang the rigs o' barley!
But by that moon and stars so bright,
     That shone that hour so clearly!
She ay shall bless that happy night,
     Amang the rigs o' barley.  

I hae been blythe wi' Comrades dear,
     I hae been merry drinking,
I hae been joufu' gath'rin gear,
     I hae been happy thinking
But a' the pleasures e'er I saw,
     Tho' three times doubl'd fairly,
That happy night was worth the a'
     Amang the rigs o' barley.  

Corn rigs an' barley rigs,
     An' corn rigs are bonie,
I'll ne'er forget that happy night,
     Amang the rigs wi' Annie.

Spiritscope:

Today sets the stage for your own happiness. Remember that the mind can be the place for your own heaven of hell. So... it is all under your control. Much of the life you live is of your own choosing.  It is all in your attitude and the fullness of your heart.

Do you look at the sunrise and put on a wide smile, or let out an aggravated sigh? 

It is an important choice, probably the most essential way to start the day. This initial impression of the morning the first thing you do when you open your eye lids what will determine the path of your day, perhaps even your entire life.

May you have a peaceful day :)

Planets' energies gradually grow stronger as they move closer into exact alignments, and as major transits approach, you begin to feel the effects days -- or even months -- before the actual event. So, if your world's been feeling topsy-turvy the last few days, you can blame Mars, Pluto and Uranus for moving closer into alignment!  

Right now, Pluto and Uranus continue to square each other, and with Mars moving into that same sector, a certain amount of warring energy is definitely at work. Mars first squares Pluto on July 17 before opposing Uranus on July 19. Mars and Pluto will leave you feeling trapped, and power plays will likely ensue. The best thing you can do throughout all this is remain on your guard while reminding yourself that you -- and only you -- control your own life!  

As hotheaded Mars moves on to disruptive Uranus on July 19, expect electrical problems, computer glitches and mishaps of all kinds. You may also find that your self-esteem suffers at this time ... and that any kind of tough facade will only make matters worse.  

So, how do you survive these difficult transits? It may sound cliche, but simply remembering to breathe will work wonders!

Fortunately, the universe hasn't completely forgotten how to have fun! The mood on July 17 will be eased somewhat thanks to a Mars-Jupiter alignment that brings good fortune, as well as an ideal opportunity to start in on a new project.

Meanwhile, the new Moon in Cancer on July 19 reminds you how important a harmonious domestic life can be when it comes to calming the rest of your hectic world.

Thursday’s new moon brings a breath of fresh air!  

Sincerely,   http://www.astrology.com 

Friday the 13th can be a very auspicious day, and you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to cross paths with success. That’s because on this day the astral currents are particularly active.

In the world of clairvoyance, Friday the 13th is a very beneficial day, charged with positive vibrations. With that in mind, I’m going to reveal a very simple and effective procedure that will accelerate the progress you make towards attaining the life of your dreams.

Time is too short to stifle your desires. Don’t think small, think big and eliminate your limitations. Doing big things doesn’t require any more energy or time than restraining yourself from doing ordinary things. Think big and big things will happen to you. Think small, and your life will stagnate.   Predictions made during this period are highly charged with the positive energy of Luck, and rarely contain bad news. In contrast to some traditions, which claim Friday the 13th is negative, the predictions I make on this special day are always filled with good tidings in the areas of money, Love, Luck and health.

A Great Concentration of Astral Energy

There are always strong concentrations of astral energy in the Higher Vibratory Spheres on Friday the 13th. These periods trigger huge events, and it’s up to you to profit from them by adopting the right attitude.

You should start generating positive thoughts, especially about a problem you’re preoccupied with, a few days beforehand, whether it concerns Love, money, health, Luck, or your career.

To do, that isolate yourself in a quiet place for 30 to 60 minutes, somewhere you know you won’t be disturbed. Shut your phone off, and don’t make any appointments for the hour or two before and after you practice. Make sure you’re protected from prying eyes. If you practice during the day, try to do it when the sun is at its highest point, or close to it. If you can feel the sun’s rays and heat on your skin, all the better.  

Ceremony For Day Or Night

You could also practice around midnight, but you should stop when the clock reaches the midnight hour. That means you should start around 23:00 hrs, a time when the nocturnal energy is most favorable.

Wear loose-fitting clothing you feel comfortable in. Be sure not to constrict your stomach so you can breathe properly.

Try to perform the ceremony at least three hours after you eat, and don’t drink any alcohol.

Get as comfortable as you can, either sitting down or stretched out on your back (which is probably best if you practice at night).

Don’t worry if you fall asleep. Slipping into sleep just means you’ll get a good night’s reparative rest.

Generating Positive Ideas

It’s best to be physically and mentally relaxed when you begin the ceremony, free of stress at least for the moment. Otherwise, actually performing the ceremony will relax you.

Make sure there’s no tension in your back, arms, shoulders and legs. Close your eyes.

Concentrate on your problem, the one that’s been preoccuppying you most lately. As soon as you start thinking about it, you’re going to tense up.

That’s normal, especially if it’s been preventing you from leading the life you want. As long as it’s not resolved, it will create a mental block that will prevent you from evolving.

Visualize all the disadvantages the problem brings you. Don’t be afraid to visualize them, because they’ll be powerless during the favorable periods around Friday the 13th, which last for about 2 weeks.

Even if thinking about the problem makes you uncomfortable, you must go through this phase. If you keep on denying it or running away from it, you’ll end up a loser in the story of your life.

Become The Master of Your Problem

I’ll say it again: even if your problem is a huge hindrance in your daily life, don’t be afraid to visualize it. It won’t have any power over you during these favorable periods, especially if you perform the ceremony of dissolution and transformation described below.

First examine all the negative aspects of the problem, then invoke the Higher Forces and ask them to help you.

Visualize the Higher Forces as white and/or golden waves descending from above, washing away all the negativity connected to your problem. The negative gray or black currents in you are gradually dissolved by the Positive Universal Energy of Light.

I recommend doing this exercise 4 days in a row during the 2 weeks surrounding Friday the 13th. Practice it for 15 minutes the first day, and increase the time by 5 minutes on each successive day. What you need to do is resolutely concentrate on finding a solution to your problem, and visualize it happening.

Friday the 13th: Vibratory Housecleaning

The astral vibrations are at their highest concentration on Friday the 13th. Visualize your problem as dark energy, and then see it consumed by the white and golden rays descending from above, until its vibrations disappear altogether. Then work on dissolving your problem on a material level.

For that to happen, you’ll need to adopt the right behavior, and start putting it into practice right after you complete the ceremony (or the next morning if you do it at night).

Solving your problem on a vibratory level and then emitting negative thoughts about it later on won’t make it disappear.

Starting on or around Friday the 13th, and right up to the end of the month at midnight, you’ll need to emit as many positive thoughts as possible about resolving your problem and dematerializing it in your day-to-day life.

The Ritual I just described is very effective, and will yield excellent results if you do it regularly, whenever Friday the 13th comes around.   Your devoted friend, Medium Tara http://Tara-medium.com

Mystic - from the Greek mystikos or "intiated person."  A believer in mysticism.
 
Mysticism - the belief in intuitive spiritual revelation the objective of which is union with the divine.  This mystical union is achieved through intuition, faith, ecstasy, or sudden insight rather than through rational thought. 

Mysticism is sometimes considered a more passive approach to the divine, as opposed to magic, which is more active.  True theurgist must be both mystic and magician.  

The Magician - It represents the union and balance of the elemental powers controlled by the mind.  The Magician, is reflected in the Intellect which stores, gathers up knowledge and pours it into the House of Life.


Theurgy - "God-worker" A magician.  One who preforms Theurgy.  

Theurgy - Greek word meaning "God-working."  Magic used for personal growth, spiritual evelution, and for becoming closer to the Divine.  The type of magic advocated by thr Golden Dawn.  

Magic - deprived from the Greek mageia the science and religion of the priests of Zoroaster.  The art of causing change to occur in one's environment and one's consciousness. 

Willpower, imagination, intention, and te use of symbols and correspondences play a major role in this art.