LIBRA: "I BALANCE"
2nd Decan Influence: "POISE"

October 3rd - October 12th

Poise is certainly an attribute of Balance.  Even our language suggests it, for when one is balanced we say he is well-poised.  In our consideration of wisdom we define poise as ease and dignity of manner.  

A poised person appears to be at ease. Under whatever circumstances he is subjected to, he is relaxed and dignified.  As people respond to what they encounter in others, he thus helps them to feel at ease and grants them their dignity also.  

This is a delightful influence we encounter during the “fixed” decan of Libra.  Let us gracefully express ourselves as we Walk in Balance!

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For more on the lessons of LIBRA see: http://druidcraft.us/astrology.htm
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Today we enter the middle 10-days of Libra and find ourselves influenced to find Balance in yet another way.  First we learn to find Balance with good judgment by comparing two things and coming to a wise decision about them.   Next we learn to balance our emotions, for when one is emotionally balanced we say he is well-poised.  Poise is defined as ease and dignity of manner.

I remember my mother telling me when I was growing up that the reason she sent me to ballet lessons was because young ladies needed to have poise and grace in their movements.  Learning to move by copying the ballet instructor’s steps, deliberately mimicking her style and grace, gave me the confidence I needed as an awkward teenager.  This instruction became important in the development of my self-confidence, because a poised person at least appears to be at ease.

“Act as if, and you shall become.”
~ Father Eli Gatoga (1916-1983) Cherokee Medicine Man and Grand Master of the Druidic Craft of the Wise – The American Rite

Under whatever circumstances I came across as I went through junior high school I could more easily remember to move through the situation relaxed and dignified, poised and confident, if I only remembered to walk with the grace and beauty I learned from my ballet teacher.  It was a good reminder for me, back then.  As a result, I learned to flow through situations with which I otherwise would have had trouble.

Today, I recognize that there is more to poise than the mere appearance of grace.  To be truly relaxed and dignified, my poise must come from a much deeper place within my being.

POISE: QUESTIONS Of The DECAN

Where does poise come from?  Does it come from self-confidence alone?  Does it come from learning to walk in balance?  Is it part of centering myself in source energy?  Will I find it in the core of my being?

It’s worth thinking about…

During the month of Libra, we are influenced to Walk in Balance.  Mentally, this refers to emotional equilibrium. This is so desirable that we refer to the sound individual with the comment that he is a well-balanced person.  
 
We are so anxious to keep things in balance at this time of year that sometimes we become hung-up right on dead center, unable to make a decision.  So how can we progress with our decision making?  By learning to use Good Judgment, of course.
 
Comparing two things to come to a wise decision about them is Good Judgment. We all feel this need for well-balanced decision-making.

Magically, in order to move forward to achieve a goal, we first must decide on exactly what that goal is.  What are you working on right now?  Are you having trouble deciding?

Those who haven't mastered this aspect of Libra’s influence, however, are seen sitting endlessly on the fence, unable to decide.

Have you asked all the right questions? Do you have enough information to make the right choice?

It’s worth thinking about…

Venus is the Ruler of Libra, and we feel her influence throughout the month of Libra.  Venus tells us that “Love conquers All!”  She is the muse who inspires the artist and poet within each of us.  She reminds us that where there is love there is beauty.    

There is nothing more beautiful than love expressed between those who adore each other.

"Why is it that people get married?  Because we need a witness to our lives.  There’s a billion people on the planet.  What does any one life really mean?  But in a marriage, you’re promising to care about everything…  the good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things,  All of it… all the time, every day.  You’re saying “Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it.  Your life will not go unwitnessed - because I will be your witness.”
~ Wife in the movie, "Shall We Dance?" 2004

No matter what else may be going on in my life, when I come home to the love in my household, nothing else matters.  My home is my sanctuary, a place free from the stress of the world, where I feel loved just for being who I am.

I find that special look of love so comforting to see when it's reflected back to me.  How important that is to my well-being!  Love certainly does conquer all!

A sanctuary where there is freedom from stress is necessary for magical practice.  We know this from the Law of Attraction.  What goes around comes back around.  If we have stress and tension in our thoughts during the practice of magic then that is what we will get back.

What is your home-life like?  Is it a place you enjoy being?  Is your home a place where you can relax?  Is it a place of calmness and serenity?  Do you have time for yourself?  Would you describe your home as your sanctuary?

Do you find a way, everyday, to tell your spouse, or your special friend those magic words: “I love you!”  Do you find ways to express that love in deeds?  Do you make time for hugging in an embrace that says, “ahhh… I’m where I belong, and all’s right with my world.”

If you have children, you probably already know that they will emulate the love you show for your spouse or significant other, in their own relationships.  

“Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.”
~ Robert Fulghum

“Research has shown a child who sees his mother mistreated is more damaged than if the child, himself, is abused.”
~ Steven Stosny

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”
~ Theodore Hesburgh

How much love do you show your ‘significant other’ day to day?

Is your relationship an example you will be delighted to see reflected in the actions of your children?

It’s worth thinking about…

I’ve recently been asked to explain the difference between the practices of the Druids and the Wicca, however, this information is available in part on my web-site: http://www.druidcraft.us/druid_wicca_indian.htm

I thought this topic appropriate to discuss in a non-judgmental way as all Paths lead us back to our Source.  It is for each of us to find the path that feels the best.

The Druidic Craft of the Wise is a true "Occult" study.  Occult means "hidden", and where better to hide our connection to Occult knowledge but deep within the core of our being.  The Druidic Craft is an inner journey that is unique for each student, and so not much is written about the journey after it has begun, because what occurs is highly personal.  We are taught that the source of ALL power and wisdom lies deep within ourselves, and the more we peel off the outer layers of ego and false beliefs the more the beauty of that inner light shines through.  As we learn to vibrate in harmony with our Source Energy, the more easily do our desires manifest.

We learn to focus this source energy upon our goals in practice mental magic, which can be done any where at any time in any place and needs no other paraphernalia than the focus of thought.  The more we practice the “Druidic Daily Discipline”, the more our Mental Teachers can teach us awareness and whisper their secrets to us which we find revealed in mysterious ways during our waking hours.  The practice of Magic, then, also brings us wisdom, as we learn to communicate in the Mental World.  The insights, visions and revelations are a "high" like no other, and it keeps us returning to our meditations for more.

I often wonder if the attainment of our goals is a reward we receive for visiting The Great Mystery, because while we are there many insights are given to us which are realized during our waking reality and teach us Wisdom.  Therefore, the more we practice the 3 Keys of Mental Magic, the more Wisdom we are given in the process.  It seems that many think that the practice of magical ceremonies is ALL THERE IS to magic. 

If that is the case, then in my humble opinion I feel you are missing the most beautiful part!

What do you get out of YOUR magical practice?

It’s worth thinking about…