Again we are moving into the "Holiday" Season. Here in the United States, it starts with Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas, and ends with New Year's day. It is a ritual that we follow year in and year out.

As I grow older, I often find myself thinking, "Didn't we just do this last year?" It has become somewhat tedious for this old bird. I long ago gave up Halloween as many of you found out with last month's article. Now, there is Thanksgiving. I do celebrate Thanksgiving. I find that it is one of the few holidays that have meaning for me. Granted, I no longer have the luxury of fixing a large family meal. My mother doesn't eat much and I live with hubby and friend who really don't care. The rest of my family are in Oklahoma, mucho miles from here.

This year, I am ordering the full Monty meal from Marie Calendar's. I won't have to baste a drumstick nor peel a spud. I like that. Normally, I would opt for restaurant, but with mom, that is problematic. It takes an hour to get her dressed and downstairs, then into the car. Too much work. Plus, her eating habits have become increasingly bizarre. So it's turkey at home from Marie. Yum.

The beauty and raw energy of the California coast cannot be beat in my opinion. I took these photos on a camping trip at Big Sur. Sit back and relax, let the waves wash away your cares and the tall trees lift you to heaven. The music is by Allen Burns from his CD Dancing to the Edge of the Universe. Look at the Community Pages for more info.

Wicca is a Peaceful Practice from the Dawn of our Existence

Practitioners of the "old ways" throughout the ages and all over the world have been called by many names, such as Incantrix, Lamia, Saga, Maga, Malefica, Sortelega, Strix, Venefica, Strega, Janana, witch, Wiccan, and sorceress or sorcerer. By whichever name, "the craft" is as old as humankind itself.

What can I say about The Messenger? It is an amazing place. It is a resource and outlet for writers and readers alike. Our goal is to offer open-minded, inspirational, educational, and entertaining articles, columns, and videos. 

We are also a resource for finding out about people, places, services, and products available for those interested in living their lives in the best way possible. We are careful with who we accept for advertising, writing, and contributing to The Messenger.  

The Messenger is owned by Metastudies Institute. The Messenger is our way of giving back to the community and providing a platform for writers, poets, and videographers to share their ideas, experiences, and expertise. The Messenger holds a vast library for living harmoniously with head and heart.

Whether you are an established writer or a never-before-published newbie, your work can find a place in The Messenger. Visit our Writer's Guidelines to find out more about how your voice can be heard on The Messenger.

As Editors, Allen and I are continuing to fine tune and expand The Messenger to have the best of the best included for you. 

Our readership is growing by leaps and bounds. We are thrilled at the response and are striving to get the name of The Messenger out to more and more places.

Fourteen years ago, Joann Turner had a good idea. Against all odds, she put her heart and soul into it. Publishing, printing, and distributing in a wide area around California. Now, we are online and can speak to the world. How exciting is that? 

If you are looking to advertise yourself or your business, write for us, have your book, CD or video reviewed by us, or publish on The Messenger, we want you. You deserve the best, and we think that is us.

Live, Love, Laugh,

Anita Burns

Editor

September is here and soon it will be the Fall Equinox. This is the transitional time of the year when the Sun changes direction and the seasons move from Summer to Fall in the Northern Hemisphere and from Winter to Spring in the rest of the world. For many, it is celebrated as a time to look at how they can use the transitional and transformational energy of the equinox to live better and make positive changes.

In our upcoming retreat at Joshua Tree, we will be addressing turning points and using ancient ritual with the Fall Equinox to spur us into focus and empowerment for lasting positive change for ourselves and the world.

Music by Allen Burns from Dancing to the Edge of the Universe.

Thank goodness for flowers. Without them, life would be so dreary. People think that Southern California doesn't have seasons. I disagree. When spring comes, the land explodes with color and fragrance.

I took these photos over several years of spring visits to gardens and botanical gardens. Looking at them again, I want to be there now!

Enjoy!

These are some of the photos I took plus a few favorites from elsewhere. I used to take my camera to the Houston Zoo early in the morning and set up in the reptile house. I have more snake photos but they are on old film slides and I have to scan them, clean them up from years of grime, then retouch in PS. When I do that I will add more photos. I love snakes, beautiful, exotic, dangerous.

Tarot Professional Home Study Tarot Course
Written and Taught by Anita Burns, a 40-year professional in Tarot Studies

As a Tarot Professional, read for yourself and others to get answers about critical decisions, overcome confusing times, get the raw, truthful guidance you need to move forward more confidently.  Look into the past to find the basis for what's happening today to be better prepared for tomorrow. 

More clearly read the future to be forewarned and prepared for changes and new cycles. The Tarot pulls from your highest guidance to give you the answers that aren't available to our conscious, confused mind. 

READ MORE . . .

Change your Life! Learn Astrology

Home Study Certification Astrology Course
from Anita Burns & MetaStudies Institute

You can't blame everything in life on Mercury retrograde. The truth is that Mercury retrograde has very little effect by itself. How it interacts with the rest of your planets tells you exactly what to watch out for.

Astrology is the best life roadmap you can have. 

It gives you true guidance, insight, and reliable advice on the best choices to make for health, love, business, family, and wealth. 

READ MORE . . .