Updates from the Giving Earth: Samhain Sale, Poetry, New Art and More

Giving Earth Updates & News

**  Samhain Sale  **
All Oracle & Tarot Readings on Sale, 50% Off All Original Paints, All Hand Painted Affirmation & Holiday Ornaments on Sale!

View Kandice’s Poetry!
Kandice has added a section of her poems for you to read.

~NEW~
New artwork has been created!  An entire new series of Fairy Art.  Created specifically to share the interaction with the fairy realm.  View our Gallery to see images or visit our Videos to watch a short movie about interaction with the fairies and their magical realm.

The Ministry/Officiant Services have been updated.  Many virtual blessings now offered for those across the miles.




www.GivingEarth.com

World Without Wonder

World Without Wonder

In a world without wonder.
An imagination-less society.
The trees never dance
The birds bare no song.
Mans heart is blackened.
His eyes buried deep in his skull.
Society never questions.
Not one word is said.

In a world without wonder.
A dragon no longer soars among clouds.
Books are shelved.
Enchanted realms forgotten.
Nature disregarded.
Dreams wither away.
Stars fall without a wish.
No one seems to notice.

In a world without wonder.
Dandelions never feel a breath.
A forest shows her scars.
Greed becomes our love.
Life seems less important.
Nothing is left sacred.
The hope of tomorrow dies.
No one seems to notice.

© Rev. Kandice Thompson, 2009

Oracle Message from the Fairy Realm "Higher Consciousness"

Original Drawing ~ Image copyright © Rainbow Tree (aka Kandice Thompson)

From time to time the Fairy folk feel a need to relay a message for those that are open to listening. When needed or as requested from the fairy realm, an oracle reading with the Fairies is done to receive their guidance and thoughts. I do this for myself and anyone else who wants to listen or read. Their messages always resonates with many around the globe.

The message received this reading is:
"Higher Consciousness"

You are being urged to take frequent walks in nature. Make time away from noise and stress so you may hear the voice of your higher conscious. Try quieting your life and mind a bit so your higher consciousness can become loud and clear. When we self defecate, talk aloud or put ourselves or others down in anyway, we are going directly against this voice and often find it completely voided out. Try going about your day without all the little cluttered thoughts of; who did this, where does this go, what about this, and so on. Get rid of them! Those thoughts, especially if spoke aloud clutter your mind, taking up space for your true and higher consciousness.

Your recent and soon to be dreams, thoughts and aspirations are coming from the spirit realm (meaning god/goddess/spirit/energy). For a while now you have been seeking some form of divine guidance and your higher consciousness is now beginning to answer. If you're still having a bit of trouble hearing your higher consciousness try some deep meditations for release and openness. If these don't seem to work, find that quiet time and confront the universe aloud. Know your right to higher consciousness and let the universe know that you feel ready and aware. Remember, you must make the time for a quiet mind and release and cluttered thoughts to hear the voice of higher consciousness.

Soon you will begin to receive guidance from your true self, your higher consciousness. This way of thought is one with the divine universal wisdom and energy. Allow your consciousness to listen to love and kindness rather than fear or what ifs.

The fairies ask that you take this special time at least once a week to clear your mind, walk in nature and allow the voice to guide you perfectly through all areas in your life. You deserve this. Know your life is beginning to improve by allowing your higher consciousness to guide you.

The fairies feel you should write or verbally aloud repeat the following affirmation daily:
I clearly hear and easily understand my higher consciousness and the inner voice of the divine spirit.

This message was received on September 24th, 2009

A Beautiful Mabon

The beauty of the Fall/Autumn Equinox is finally here. On September 22nd, we honor the changing seasons with the first day of fall, also known as Mabon. Mabon is one of several sacred lunar/solar events that takes place since the beginning of time as we know it. On this day we are provided with equal amounts of both night and day. Tomorrow the days will continue to become shorter and the nights will begin to grow longer and longer till we reach the Winter Solstice when the sun is reborn once more.

Mabon is a time of balance, and a good time to celebrate the stability of the hearth and home. It is the time of the autumn equinox, and the harvest is winding down. The fields are nearly empty, because the crops have been plucked and stored for the coming winter. Mabon is the mid-harvest festival, and it is when we take a few moments to honor the changing seasons, and celebrate the second harvest.

For some, it's a season to honor the darker aspects of the goddess, calling upon that which is devoid of light. For others, it's a time of thankfulness, of gratitude for the abundance we have at the season of harvest. No matter how you see it, Mabon is traditionally a time of balance. After all, it's one of the two times each year that has equal amounts of darkness and daytime.

Ways to Celebrate Mabon:

• Show/Feel Gratitude ~ Sit down and make a gratitude list. Write down things that you are thankful for. An attitude of gratefulness helps bring more abundance our way -- what are things you're glad you have in your life? Maybe it's the small things, like "I'm glad I have warm running water" or "I'm glad my car is running." Maybe it's something bigger, like "I'm thankful I have a warm home and food to eat" or "I'm thankful people love me even when I'm cranky or spinning." Keep your list some place you can see it, and add to it when the mood strikes you.

• Honor the Darkness ~ Without darkness, there is no light. Without night, there can be no day. Despite a basic human need to overlook the dark, there are many positive aspects to embracing the dark side, if it's just for a short time. Celebrate a ritual that honors that aspect of the Goddess which we may not always find comforting or appealing, but which we must always be willing to acknowledge. Call upon the gods and goddesses of the dark night, and ask for their blessings this time of year.

• Autumn Cleansing ~ As autumn rolls in, we know we'll be spending more time indoors in just a few months. Take some time to do a fall version of spring cleaning. Physically clean your home from top to bottom, and then do a ritual smudging. Use sage or sweetgrass as you go through your home and bless each room. This ritual should be done to your aura as well.

Rainbow Tree's Mabon Balancing Meditation & Ritual

You will need:
1 glass bowl of water
1 white candle & 1 black candle (same size & height)

Do a basic circle casting and quarter calling before you begin this ritual. Place a protective cone or pyramid of purple energy over yourself. Know you are always safe in any magical work you are doing that is done with love and gratitude.

Place the bowl of water directly in front of you. On the left place the white candle and on the right side of the bowl place the black candle. Light each candle and say "Thank you" aloud to honor the element of fire. Repeat to honor the element of air when you blow the match out or the flame from the lighter is extinguished.

Repeat the following aloud:
God & Goddess of the divine, bring to me the balance of the season.
Tonight I dance in the dark shadows of our earth.
I honor the darkness for without it we can never have the light.
I thank you for the abundance of the season,
the flesh of the fruits and the warmth the sun brought us.
I know now is the time to honor the balance in all things.
For we can not feel love until we experience rage.
We could never understand peace if greed or chaos stayed away.
If we never experienced sorrow, we may never know true joy.
Without the darkness of night, there would be no light of day.
Without death, we might not value life and hold it so precious.
It is in the sacred balance that we find our serenity.
Allow my spirit to see and feel the balance of this universe.
Bring to me the light and dark divine.
Show me the ways of old on this sacred sabot.
I thank you and the ancestors that be.
As above, it is below.
So mote it be.

A Witch's Kitchen: Mid Summer Harvesting

garden pickings from August 24th, 2009

One of the features I mentioned early on in my blog was the 'Witch's Kitchen'. These posts consist of actual recipes I use and/or created. To read previous posts like this, simply search "Witch's Kitchen" in the search box at the top left of my blog page.

A Kitchen Witch can never have too many spices, herbs and recipes for all sorts of dishes! No matter what I am cooking I am aware of the properties from the herbs, oils and others items I use. Every dish I cook is blessed and thanked and of course has a little magical quality to it, not to mention an overall quality for health as well.

All ingredients are non GMO'd (genetically modified or engineered) and/or certified organic to maintain my current state of health becasue of severe sensitivities. All ingredients were either purchased locally, at the Whole Foods Market or grown fresh from our organic garden.

The following recipes are geared around the harvest of midsummer or summers end.

Tomato Herb Salad
10-15 Large heirloom tomatoes ('ugly' ones with multi colors work best)
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp dried Basil
2 tsp Sea Salt
2 tsp Rosemary
1 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Cilantro
1/4 tsp minced Garlic
1 medium onion

At each end of tomato cut the core or stem out approx. 1/4 inch deep. Slice tomatoes like an apple with at least 8 or more slices per tomato. Half the slices or quarter them for smaller bites. Slice onion in rings then into quarters. In large bowl place tomatoes, onions and pour over the oil and vinegar. Stir items well and until completely covered. In a small dish combine herbs and salt until well blended. Toss over tomato and onion mixture and still well. Let sit a minimal of 8 or more hours in the fridge before serving. This allows the flavors to really seep in. Still well before serving. **Note: Follow this same recipe, dice all ingredients and serve over warm toasted bread, top with grated parmigiana cheese.

Pumpkin Curry Soup
6 cups of fresh pumpkin (or canned pumpkin puree)
2 cups organic milk
2 tsp Curry powder
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp cinnamon

In a saucepan add pumpkin and milk and place over medium heat. Stir the two till completely mixed. Begin to add the remaining ingredients. Continue to heat till on the verge of boiling, but do not boil. Turn burner on simmer, cover and allow to cook for approx. 20 minutes. Tastes great with bread & butter. Try serving it chilled on a hot sumer day.


Tasty Cukes
3 to 4 large cucumbers sliced
1/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black cracked peppercorns
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 small onion sliced

In a container place all ingredients, cover with lid and shake/mix well. Best served after they have sat overnight. Serve chilled. Add tomato slices for different flavor.

Fresh Corn Salsa
1 dozen sweet corn (cooked)
1 small onion (minced)
1 Tbsp Cilantro
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cracked black pepper
1/4 tsp chili powder

With a knife, slice the corn off the cob. Place cobs in your compost bin or set aside of farm animals, etc. Take the corn and add it a bowl, add remaining ingredients and stir well. Let sit 4 to 8 hours before serving for best results. Eat with tortilla chips or add to tacos or other dishes as a side.


Stuffed Apples
4 to 6 Ripe Red Apples (Organic Red Delicious work well)
16 to 20 slices of organic multi-grain bread (1 large loaf)
2 cups organic milk
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp celery seed
1/4 tsp sage
1/8 tsp thyme
1/8 tsp rosemary

With a sharp knife or apple corer, core the apples. Scoop a small amount of the apples insides out (about 4 Tbsp per apple). Place these aside in large bowl. Place the apples in a baking dish with the bottoms down. In your large bowl add the bread. I suggest tearing the bread into pieces before doing this. Add the milk slowly while you squeeze the milk into the bread with clean hands. Add herbs in the same manner to ensure they mix properly in the bread. When all ingredients are completely mixed, evenly stuff each apple. Push the mixture firmly into the core area of the apples. Place foil over apples and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for another 15 to 30 minutes.


These recipes and my other blessings & rituals would be a great addition to your Book of Shadows!

Oracle Message from the Fairy Realm "Celebrating Bodily Movement"

Original Drawing ~ Image copyright © Rainbow Tree (aka Kandice Thompson)

From time to time the Fairy folk feel a need to relay a message for those that are open to listening. When needed or as requested from the fairy realm, an oracle reading with the Fairies is done to receive their guidance and thoughts. I do this for myself and anyone else who wants to listen or read. Their messages always resonates with many around the globe.

The message received this reading is:
"Celebrating Bodily Movement"

There is a part of you that craves to do more. Your physical self, your body are craving to be released! When you were a child most likely you twirled about, spun around or made yourself dizzy. You did this all becasue your body suddenly craved the movement and you instantly reacted upon it. So why is it now that you are suppressing your body movement? Maybe your inner ballerina or tap dancer is screaming to break out and bust a move. Maybe your legs are restless and they crave to go jogging or to peddle a bike. Could it be your arms want to dig holes to plant, or maybe just dig simply for the digging enjoyment or to seek a buried treasure.

Your physical self has a mind of its own. The fairies connect their realm with our body movements and consider them part of the same kingdom. What happens when we honor the cravings of our physical self is that we open another of our senses. Ask your physical self what it desires, then release it with your body movements. If your childhood inner ballerina needs to come out, let her twirl through the living room and continue it to outside or even while you are cooking. Tip toe, twirl, spin your arms about. Feel the emotional release when you give your body the physical cravings. Don't limit yourself or say you 'can't' do it. The possibility to heal ones self exist, but it is within you. Answer the calls and cravings, know you can perform the movements your body desires.

Pay attention to your body. It may want a simple walk in nature, a dance to a song, perhaps yoga lessons are in order. Your physical self might even be desiring movements of a sexual nature. These are considered the most sacred, yet we as humans forget the energy that can be raised by the most euphoric experience possible.

The fairies feel you should write or verbally aloud repeat the following affirmation daily:
I graciously acknowledge the needs of my physical body and know the importance of paying attention to my body's desires.

This message was received on August 25th, 2009

August News & Updates ~ Life, Love and Home

I know it's been a while since I posted my last blog. The Weekly Lunar Readings have been behind along with some of the other usual posts. I do promise to resume most of everything shortly. I apologize for the delay in any explanations of the lack of postings.

My daughter Destiny started her first day of school in the 7th & 8th grade today. This is one of the main reasons for little to no postings here at the blog. Time seems to run short most days. I find myself wanting to be here but searching for the time or proper moment to take a break and start writing. Now that school has resumed and we've completely moved in and settled down at our new location, things will begin to be brighter.

Though we are only renters here at the old farm house I grew up in, I find myself wanting to plant and tend to it as if it were my for-ever home. Tom & I know we will have to relocate sometime, but for now this old place keeps the memory of childhood days. Some days
here are harder than others. It's never been the same since Dad passed away this February so very unexpectedly. I have many fond memories of Mushroom 'hunting', walking through the woods with dad, being out in the garden and above all else, sitting with him on the front porch watching the storms roll in across the field. I was never afraid of the lighting or the big rumbles. I had my big strong daddy there to protect me and that's all I felt I needed. There are two men in my life that I love more than anything, one of them is my husband, the other my beloved father. Now it is just Tom and he does what he can to fill dads shoes around the property. He's strong like dad, comforting when needed but oh so gentle. Tom and my dad shared many qualities. Tom looked to my dad as his very own father. They were closer than most son/dad relationships. I don't think there will ever be a day that I don't miss my dad. It gets easier yes, but I will always miss him. That is where the sadness comes from now, simply missing him.

The organic garden is rather blah this year. No one, including myself had the heart to keep up with it as much as we should have. There is always next year though. My mother, whom I love dearly will be moving away in the upcoming months. She has met a new love and has chosen to relocate the two or more hours away from all of us. I've accepted it, don't like, most likely never will like it. Speaking of her moving so far away of course. I'll admit that it will always be hard to see her with her new guy, he's not Dad after all. Her guy is nice and I'm sure he'll be a wonderful addition to the family. I only hate the rawness of missing my dad and at times must remind myself he is dead when I see her and the new guy smooching. I'll take seeing her happy though any day over her depression of losing dad. Still, I don't like the 2+ hour difference there will be. I've also realized I am not my moms best friend any longer. After dad died, so did a part of mom. That was the main part I knew of her and it is no longer there. Our relationship has changed dramatically. I only hope the phone calls actually happen that are promised. I know how it is now with most of the family and lack of communication on all behalf's. I guess thats my biggest fear with her move. Fear is not something I am going to feed so I shall give it as little thought as possible.

Things are looking up for Tom and his business. I'm trilled he is only 3 miles from home, working for himself and feeling happy. He has a new sense of pride about him and I love that. Word has already gotten out that he is back in town with a small custom auto body shop of his own. I keep his www.CustomOhio.com website up and running and do all his emails from time to time. I don't mind helping him out, especially when I see how much he appreciates it!

Tom and I will officially be married for 10 years this Friday, August 21st. The time has just flown by! I really can't believe we were wed ten years ago. We are more in love with each than we could ever imagine. If anything we love each other more now than we ever thought possible 10 years ago. We are both blessed to have each other and the gifts we give emotionally. Tom is my husband, my lover, companion, bet friend and of course my man slave. Yes, he knows I call him my man slave. It's all good though becasue I'm his goddess. ;-)

Tonight Tom & I go to get new glasses, or at least order them. We both haven't had a new prescription in over 8 years. To say we are over due for an eye exam and glasses doesn't even begin to cover it. We are both crossing our fingers that we can use our same frames and save some major money doing so. Frames are so expensive and I'd prefer to not spend the money and keep the ones I have already.

On a new note, I did get a new tattoo for our 10th anniversary. Check out my Facebook pictures on my profile: www.Facebook.com/RainbowTree Self designed shooting star on my forearm. It represents the Leonid meteor showers that Destiny was born under in November. Below it I already had konji symbols that said "Daughter Destiny Twilight". This was a wonderful addition to that and my arm! I've always been attracted to the tribal like qualities of most tattoos. I find them addictive and plan to have more on my canvas of a body.

Tomorrow is a New Moon! Be sure to check out my archives for New Moon spells, magic, chants and rituals! A new moon is the perfect time to plant rooted items in the ground. Trees especially do best when planted under or right before a New Moon. For the last new moon I planted a Maple Tree sapling that we brought with us from our old home. It is doing quite well... despite the nibble from deer.

I would like to get a new Message from the Fairies out to all of you this week. There are some important things they would like to share in the upcoming days. I love interacting with the fairy folk that were here when I was a child. I still remember then as they remember me. The spring fed creek and deep woods here offer them many comforts that they don't have else where. All and all the sprites are quite happy here. I was told these woods were once large enough to house a family or two of unicorns, I doubt they remain with some of the building that has gone on. They are such sensitive creatures and I do hope to one day see one scurrying through the woods or lapping up a drink of fresh water from the creek.

I'm still in the works for getting a new camera. A photographer without a camera.... there is something wrong with that picture. It does bother me not being able to snap a shot here and there. Soon enough I hope. :-) In the mean time I have posted my gallery of internationally & nationally nominated photography on my self created website: www.GivingEarth.com I recently added a small collection of my original poetry. Help yourself to reading any of my poems at my website.

My love goes out to you and all of yours. I miss my blog and those of you that read it and often leave comments. I look forward to being on here more in the upcoming weeks. Till then stay in the light, be life and love as if tomorrow never existed.

Namaste,
Kandice
~ Rainbow Tree ~

Weekly Lunar Reading with Magical Attributes: August 5th - 12th

Moon Phase:
Full Moon


Moon's Place
Aquarius
(moon enters Pisces on Friday, August 7th)


Lunar Reading:

Your personal freedom is quite important to yourself as it should be. Maybe you're feeling held down by others or even your own past choices. If there is need for change in your life, now is the time to cut the ropes holding you down. Your individuality is essential in creating who you are, don't let anyone including yourself suppress that.

There is a good chance you have been feeling rebellious in your normal activities or duties. Most likely this is do to you wanting some form of change in your current lifestyle and situations. This could be something small from giving up a bad habit, to kicking out the inconsiderate roommate. It could be even bigger like selling your home or moving from your current geographical location. What ever the change is, its obvious that you are in need of some!

Listen to your gut instincts this week and always. The more you begin to really listen and flow those inner feelings, the more you will notice a balance in your life. Focus on your dreams as they may hold a psychic impression. Be nostalgic for the next week or two. Place yourself in a time of teenage or childhood memories that made you happy. Bring back your imagination and let it soar into stories to share with younger generations.

For the Magic Doers & Light Workers:

The moon is currently full. Now is the best time to charge any of your magical and light working devices, including yourself! One night this week created a sacred salt circle. This is done with sea salt, a bowl and yourself. Outside where you can see the moon, take your bowl filled with sea salt and sprinkle it in a circle that surrounds you. Make sure the circle of salt is heavy enough that you can physically see the circle. Stand in this protected circle. Call out each direction (North, East, South & West). Thank the directions and the elements they provide. Visualize yourself glowing with the same intensity as the full moon. Connect your aura to hers as she is part of you and all universal creations. Please search or view my Full Moon Blessings/Rituals for more chants, blessings and of course activities for a full moon.


Your Mission for this week:

Connect with your own blood. Sometimes friends, boyfriends, lovers, coworkers and other people need to be placed on hold for a while. It's nothing personal, and maybe you need to let them know that. Your family always comes first, they are there with you, they are bound to you throughout eternity. As humans we tend to find ourselves only giving one person, entity or situation all of our focus and attention. Even though you may be happy, you may also be hurting the ones who truly love you without judgment. Find a balance with your family and your new friend, lover or coworker. Give each their own time, separate from the other. This will create a feeling of 'no one is less special' than the other. It simply hurts many when the ones they love the most move on and seemingly forget or no longer feel it necessary to take time to make an effort is showing them they still care. Find the balance that works for everyone, not just you and your new friend or situation. Don't let the others fade off into the background, for they might not be there when you want then to come back.

This week could make or break some major relationships and situations in your life. Be careful and consider all facts, actions and feelings on everyones behalf.

Feel free to come back to the blog and post how you spent your day. Share your happenings with fellow readers. :-)

Weekly Lunar Reading & Magical Attributes: July 22nd - 28th

Moon Phase:

New Moon
Waxing ~ First Quarter
Full Moon on August 5th


Moon's Place
Leo
(moon enters Virgo on Friday, July 25th)


Lunar Reading:

There are times we must remind ourselves that certain feelings or emotions will pass. This applies physically, spiritually and mentally to our lives as a whole. When we are down it is good to think of the things we love and bring us happiness. If you are not content with your current situation, then it is up to you to change it. You have the power to replace your 'bad' feelings and emotions with good ones. If you feel hurt, betrayed or disappointed, replace those feelings with gratitude, love and joy. It may seem hard to do this at first, but that is only because you feel programed to focus on the drama or situation at hand. Let it go, know it will work its self out.

There is a lot of love in the air. I mean this literally in every way possible. Your mind is a powerful tool and you get to choose how you portray and see things. You also get to choose how you react and how your reaction may affect others or the planet as a whole. What a great gift the Universe gave to us! If you can tap into and be part of this enormous energy called love, then the possibilities in your life become limitless. Don't live in fear of tomorrow or the 'what ifs' of today. Live and love all creation, including yourself.

For the Magic Doers & Light Workers:

You ability to receive and accept energy is limitless. The universe offers us the greatest gifts in life. Do you humbly accept them and know they are always there, or do you live in fear of the things you don't have and you worry on how you are going to get them? What you resist, simply persists! Don't give thought to the don't wants and what ifs. They don't exist anymore! Whether you ask the universe, god, the fairies or what ever your belief might be, to carry away the things you resist, do so in a manner of knowing they are already gone. Visualize, dream, meditate and know you are healed, you are wealthy, the world is beautiful, filled with love and gratitude. Feel the peacefulness of every single living organism coexisting as one. This is your magical work during the next week and during this new moon. Deep visualizations, affirming the wonderful things about a healthy planet with an abundance of food for all. Incorporate any of your magical devices, grid work and prayers into this affirmative manifestation.


Your Mission for this week:


Anything planted now is sure to grow. I speak both literally and of course metaphorically. The perfect time to plant any type of tree or deep rooted perennial plant is during a New Moon and 3 days after. Not only are we currently under a new moon, there was a total solar eclipse half way across the globe. The biggest and longest solar eclipse we will ever see in our personal lifetime on this planet, a whopping 14 minutes. The Asian countries were very fortunate to see and experience such a sacred event.

Make sure your tree or other deep rooted plant is given plenty of water and well tended to. Offer your plant love and thanks, both aloud and mentally. The affects of positive affirmations on both plant life and human life are miraculous! See my Abundant Garden Blessing & Ritual for other ideas.

Feel free to come back to the blog and post how you spent your day. Share your happenings with fellow readers. :-)

**Limited time sale on select Tarot & Oracle Readings! New Text/Emailed version available!
www.GivingEarth.com Sale ends July 31st, 2009.

Celestial and Astronomical Events of Note

Late July & all of August Events from the Universe!

 July 22 - New Moon **During this time you are bound to see some shooting stars in the blackened night sky with both the Aquarid and Perseid Meteor Showers going on.

 July 22 - Total Solar Eclipse. The path of totality will begin in central India and move east through Nepal and China where it will end in the central Pacific Ocean. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout most of eastern Asia and Hawaii. **This rare eclipse will last almost 14 solid minutes. Any magical/light work done now will be extremely powerful!

 July 28, 29 - Southern Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The Delta Aquarids usually produce about 20 meteors per hour at their peak. The shower will peak this year on July 28 & 29.

August 1st - One of the Eight Sabbats. The Old Celtic name for this festival is Lughnassadh. It is the Festival of the First Fruits, and is the first of the 3 harvests. This festival also marks the change of the Threefold Goddess energies from that of Mother to Crone.

 August 5 - Full Moon ** search my archives for several Full Moon blessings, chants, rituals and meditations.

 August 6 - Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of the Americas, Europe, Africa, and western Asia.

 August 10 - September 4 - Saturn Without Rings. The rings of the planet Saturn will be tilted edge-on to the Earth, making them impossible to see. Viewing Saturn with a telescope will reveal the planet without its famous rings. This rare phenomenon only occurs every 14 to 15 years.

 August 12, 13 - Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at their peak. This year's peak occurs on August 13 & 14, but you may be able to see some meteors any time from July 23 - August 22. The waxing gibbous moon will provide some interference in the evening, but after it sets, the morning hours should provide some spectacular viewing opportunities. The radiant point for this shower will be in the constellation Perseus. Look to the northeast after midnight.
** During the New Moon of July, the meteor showers will be very viewable with little moon light. Though this is not the peek, the darkness/void of the moon will offer a substantial view.

 August 14 - Jupiter at Opposition. The giant planet will be at its closest approach to Earth. This is the best time to view and photograph Jupiter and its moons.

 August 17 - Neptune at Opposition. The blue planet will be at its closest approach to Earth. This is the best time to view Neptune, although it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes.

 August 20 - New Moon

**Limited time sale on select Tarot & Oracle Readings! New Text/Emailed version available!
www.GivingEarth.com Sale ends July 31st, 2009.