Oprah's farewell a lesson in gratitude

I was never a regular watcher of the Oprah Show - I would occasionally catch a part of it now and then and watch when she had a guest that interested me. But I have long admired her and caught the very end of the very last show today.

Teary-eyed, she said farewell with grace and with gratitude for her fans, her life, and God. I've admired her beliefs in the Law of Attraction, meditation and gratitude. It's so easy for us to get distracted from the good in our lives - and forget to be grateful for it. Struggling to make our lives work, we forget that there is a universe out there that supports and nurtures us. Watching Oprah's final shows reminded me of how amazing the universe does work. What miracles can happen if we persevere and be true to ourselves.

How many thousands of other people have been in the same situation as the young Oprah - in small towns, with people telling them they cannot do what they want, with abuse, with everything possible to keep them down and keep them from achieving their dreams. It's the rare Oprah's that make it due to their own hard work and belief in themselves. And the rare examples can remind and inspire us of all we can be - if we only believe, stay focused on working towards our goals - and let the universe help us along the way.

Listening to the Universe...even the things you don't want it to say

I had an interesting conversation with a customer earlier. He had a bad job situation and ended up forced to resign due to one person he had issues with for more than a year. He called looking for ideas for candles and oils he could use to help get the job back. But after talking for a bit, I got the impression that perhaps that wasn't the best idea. Maybe the universe was telling him it was time to move on.

Sometimes we get stuck - in a job, a relationship, situation, or just a mindset. When we are in it, it's hard to see any other way. No options. We just keep trying to work within it digging ourselves deeper into the mire. Until the universe, Gods, a good friend or sometimes even a stranger kicks us in the butt to get us out of it...which often just confirms that feeling we had but did't want to admit. It is time for us to move on.

A lot of times, getting out means taking a step back...which no one likes to do and perhaps is one of the big things that keeps us stuck. Collecting unemployment, ending a relationship, moving back in with parents or borrowing money from them is never a fun thing. But that step back can make it easier for you to see the big picture - make it easier to realize you are stuck and have to make a change.

If you practice any form of divination, you might try doing a reading on the situation. Ideally though, have a third party do a reading for you as it will be more objective. It's easy for us to see what we want to see.

And if you practice The Craft, don't get stuck on doing a spell that will keep you stuck. If you truly feel that is your best choice for now, be sure to include a clause that you will keep yourself open to all possibilities. But consider working towards new options, drawing towards you that which you need for your greatest good. Meditate or pray on what you really want and how to move towards it.

Here's to that kick in the butt!

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Happy Beltaine - Reflections of the Day

It's May 1. Beltaine. A time to celebrate fertility and the growth around us - of the Earth, of children, or ourselves.

Traditionally, Beltaine or May Day was a celebration of the union of the God and Goddess - of the Earth and Sky. It was often celebrated with bonfires and May Poles, dances, picnics and revelry. Often bonfires were lite the night before or on May Day Eve to burn away the old with a dance around the May pole the next morning to ring in the new.

May Poles represent the penis of the Earth or God and the ribbons from the top of it are his divine emanations spilling upon the land and it's people to fertilize and bring new life to all.  This to me, makes the Earth more in line with the Egyptian view of it being male (the God Geb), though most Pagan traditions consider the Earth female - Mother Earth or Gaia. The pole could be seen as reaching into the heavens for Nuit - the Egyptian sky Goddess and mother of the Gods. Though it could also be seen as One God renewing him/herself and in many other ways.

Whatever your tradition, Beltaine is a day to celebrate the God and Goddess joining in marriage and love - and is a traditional day for handfasting (marriage). It's a time to celebrate the loved ones in your life, to appreciate your children (and children in general) for the unbounded possibilities they hold for the future. To plant seeds that will grow throughout the warm, summer months and blossom into flowers or food.

It's also a great time to reflect on the seeds you want to metaphorically sew in your business or life. What changes do you want to blossom in the coming months? What plans to you want to see bloom? Celebrate today as a day of opportunities, new birth and joy. Let failures or set backs go and focus on the brightness of what is to come.

If you have the space to erect a real May pole, dance around it and let go in joy. If you cannot, make a small one for your altar - decorate it with ribbons and flowers and know that the God and Goddess are present in your life bringing their energy to whatever you want the future to hold.

Enjoy the day!