Autumn's blog: "Daily Spells"

Holiday lore: Yesterday was the Buddhist Needle Memorial. On this day, as part of the principle of endless compassion espoused by the Buddhist faith for all sentient and nonsentient beings, all the sewing needles that have been retired during the year are honored. That is, needles are brought to the shrine and pushed into a slab of tofu that rests on the second tier of a three-tiered altar. Priests sing sutras to comfort the needles and heal their injured spirits.

Friday, February 9 ~Kristin Madden~ Lovin' Feelings Spell Color of the day: Rose Incense of the day: Geranium Venus, Mercury, and the Moon are all in watery, emotional planets today. This is a day for love and good feelings. And what better way to do this than simply spray it on? To make the Lovin' Spray, add eight to ten drops of the essential oils or rose and vanilla to half a cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. (If you want to keep the spray for several months, use a dark glass bottle with a spray top.) Screw the top on tightly. Invert the bottle three times to mix the ingredients as you ask the energies of rose and vanilla to fill this water with happiness and love. Spray this on first thing in the morning and take a moment to experience the good feelings it gives you. Then take it with you for a little pick-me-up throughout the day...or share it with others.

Thursday, February 8 Job Hunting Spell ~Boudica~ Color of the day: Crimson Incense of the day: Coriander The best time to acquire a new job is in the first three months of the year, when you will find more opportunities and most likely be hired. If you are job hunting, examine your resume, polish it, and get help if you feel it is not up to standard. There are many websites that offer advice on resumes, and there are books available from the library as well. Draw a pentacle with your finger on the resumes you send out. It will bring you luck. And if a job strikes you as perfect, a few gold or yellow candles lit for the opportunity can only help. Local newspapers offer daily job opportunities. Network with friends and former workmates. A positive attitude will help you find that perfect job.

Wednesday, February 7 ~Tammy Sullivan~ Color of the day: White Incense of the day: Evergreen Banish Workday Blus Spell February is famous for cold, dreary weather that saps energy and makes the mind numb. This spell heats our productivity back up and releases the workday blues. Build a small fire in your cauldron. Wright down each symptom on separate slips of paper-for instance, "low energy" or "weariness." As you write the words, channel that emotion through your arm and onto the paper. Throw them into the fire and say: Be gone all feelings of boredom and blues. It is the glow of joy I choose. No longer will my day be too much for me: I spend my time productively. I am happy with high energy. As I speak it, so mote it be! Sprinkle blessed salt over the ashes and scatter them to the winds.