Celtic Tree Lore - The Astroloty of Reed/Broom

hose born under the sign of the Reed (October 28 through November 24) are known as the Secret Keepers. They are known to dig deep inside to the real meaning of things to eventually discover the truth that is hidden beneath layers of distraction.

The Reed is one who has no problem getting to the heart of a matter to find its true core. They love a good story and be easily drawn in by gossip, scandals, legends and lore. These characteristics can also make the Reed an excellent historian, journalist, detective, or archeologist.

The Reed love people because they represent a diversity of meanings for them to interpret. The Reed have an ability to enourage people to open up and talk to them telling them things that they may not tell others. Although at times they can be a bit manipulative, they have a strong sense of truth and honor.

Reeds are practical people who enjoy making themselves useful to others. They will often be found organizing charity or other events. They love to use their hands and are not afraid to get them dirty. Others are attracted to them for their artistic abilities and their imagination.

Reed people join well with other Reeds as well as Ash or Oak signs.

Truth #2 - To Love Thyself

To love oneself… Such a simple statement yet truly something that some find difficult if not impossible. Although with such an accomplishment comes great rewards. One usually does not realize the magnitude of this until it is finally achieved. Because when one learns to truly love themselves they are open to give to others all of what they truly possess. No matter how giving one may be they cannot give their full selves to anything or one until they can give it to themselves.

This week in the continuing journey of Truth posts, we fall onto

 #2: Something you love about yourself

If this question had been asked of me some time back I am not sure if I could have answered it with the openness and honesty that I do today. I think this is mainly because I had not reached that point of truly loving myself and also I had not realized other things as well. Although these days there are many things that I “love” about myself I think the one thing that makes me smile the most is the fact that I can now be still and enjoy the small blessings that come to one on a daily basis. The little things that occur to everyone everyday yet too many times we allow them to pass us by never really realizing them for all they are.

Four years ago I was encouraged to leave my job of several years. My daughter was beginning her nursing career and I agreed to take care of my grandkids on the days that she worked her 12 hours shifts. For any of you who know anything about me you know that this probably took little if any encouragement as I love spending time with my grandkids. The time that I was allowed to share with them in the early years of their lives will forever be one of my fondest blessings. We spent days not worried about whether or not the house was tidy and spotless. A new episode of SpongeBob Squarepants was far more important. We did not have to sit still and be quiet; we sang as loud as we pleased and danced to our hearts content whenever we felt like it. Yet my favorite times would have to be the evenings before bedtime. Tucking them in with plenty of hugs and kisses; reading them one two or maybe three bedtime stories, then of course those talks in the dark about all the occurrences of the day before and pondering on all the questions that life had to offer. These many moments of bliss by far helped me to realize the need to enjoy and relish the tiny blessings of life.

Yet sooner than I would have liked, they moved and my daily routine was drastically changed again. I had grown accustomed to these little contentments that had come my way and I missed having them. I knew that I would have to find these joys in other ways. I turned to my garden. I had a great love for the out of doors and the magic that Mother Earth can give. I had been taught this love by my grandma as well as another woman in my early life named Thelma. Both instilled in me a love of the garden, whether it be flower, herbs, or vegetable. They taught me the wonders that the earth can give to one if we only but tend her.

So I turned to my own yard and began to cultivate. There is something about the smell of the earth as it is turned and the fresh soil is uncovered. Vincent always gets upset with me because I do not wear my gloves when I tend my yard yet there is just something about the feel of it against my bare skin that I do not want to miss. I am just as bad in wearing shoes. I think I would go barefoot all the time if I could get by with it. The fresh grass against ones bare feet is one of my favorite senses.

Over the last few years I have worked my yard intently learning each year something new in regards to what to grow, how to grow it and how to tend it. I have cultivated my seeds and reharvested them again the next year. I love the fact that I am planting new generations of my plants. This last summer my sunflowers were third generation and next I will plant a fourth. I have raised a small oak from what was a small sapling when we first moved here to now a young tree which towers well above my head. These simple joys are things I would not trade for anything and I am so thankful that I was given the chance to realize them and also to appreciate them… I love that I am easily pleased; that something that cost nothing can make me so happy and feel so complete. I love that I have such simple things in my life to bring me the joy that surrounds me on a daily basis. I love that my eyes and my mind as well as my heart is open so that I can see the blessings that are everywhere each day. And I love that I do not allow the petty things in life to sit too heavy on me knowing that when it all comes to an end these things usually are not that important anyway.

What do you love about yourself? Ask yourself that question and you may just be surprised with what your answer may be.

Thought to Ponder - Veteran's Day

As we express our gratitude,

we must never forget

 that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,

 but to live by them.

 ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy



Two Little Words - Thank You

There are several opinions in regards to if the war should continue or why it is actually being fought, yet I think all of us can agree on the fact that we truly appreciate the troops who give so much of themselves in order to serve our country. 

In browsing the posts this morning I came across Grandma Yellow Hair's blog - Just Between You and Me and read something that I wanted to pass on to others.  She featured a wonderful site called Lets Say Thanks  where one chooses from a collection of hand made cards from children then click a button adding your name and location and message.  With one more simple click the card is sent to someone serving overseas.

I know from  feedback from my son in law that notes, etc from home mean the world to those away.  So take a few extra moments in your day today and jump over to Lets Say Thanks and send one or two out.  Blessings