Thursday, September 29, 2016

TO EVERYONE---PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR INITIALS WHEN ASKING QUESTIONS!!!~~~

This is Ms .Q,

I am once again getting people asking me questions but they are posting to me as Anonymous.

This causes problems for me.  Serious problems.

Because I can have 10 or more people post as Anonymous under the same heading and it could be nearly the same question.

THAT IS WHY IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO AT LEAST PUT THE INITIALS OF YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME.

I am not asking for your full name only initials so I can credit the right answer to the right person.

IF THIS KEEPS UP I WILL STOP ANSWERING QUESTIONS!!!

As you can see this is getting me very frustrated, so here it is----IF YOU POST AS ANONYMOUS I WILL NOT---REPEAT NOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION.  

Don't even bother to beg!   

Put your Initals at the beginning of your question like for example "Dear Ms. Q,  this is FC....." then continue with your question.

If I don't see intials I won't reply to your question.   I'm old, I'm tired, and I have medical problems, so PLEASE make life a little easier on me.

Thank You,

Bright Blessings,
Ms. Q



Friday, September 23, 2016

St. Expedite Part 2 How to petition and pray to St. Expedite~~~~~



“Dear Ms.Q,
Thank you for your post about St. Expedite, but  how do you  petition him the right way?  Is there only one way, are there other ways?  How do you do the novena’s?

~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Readers,

I’ve received a number of inquiries about how to petition and pray to him, what sort of offerings and then when things are successful how to “Thank Him”.

There are a number of ways to petition St. Expeditus aka St. Expedite,  so if it seems I’m repeating myself from my first post please bear with me,  I am also going to make a few corrections as well as to show how to honor him when your petition or request is granted.

In my first post about St. Expedite I described how he came about, his known history, and how he generally functions.

So how to petition him?

 There are several ways but the most simplest and basic is to get a picture of him (you can print one off the internet) and a red candle in a glass container(unless it’s for money or to get money returned to you then use a green candle), you can buy plain red (or Green) candles in glass containers in a drug store or in a super market, I find them in Walgreens, CVS, Target and Wal-mart.

You can also buy a St. Expedite candle at a Botanica/metaphysical/occult shop although I have seen them here in the US at Wal-Mart, you just never know where he’ll turn up.   A lot of people prefer to use a candle dedicated to this Saint.

Now some people have an altar dedicated to Saint Expedite in which they always keep a glass of water and red flowers on it and with a statue of this saint, then when they need to call on him they get and start burning a candle to him and praying and making dedicated offerings.

Usually Wednesday is the best day to work with Saint Expedite but I’ve also read that Thursday is the best day, but if it is something that you are desperate about then another day will work.   You have to remember don't bother asking him to harm another, he is a soldier and will take none of that nonsense also it might backfire on you if you do ask for harm.

He doesn't have to help if he doesn't want to, so always be polite and respectful when you ask for his help.   Choose to ask him to help with only one favor or problem don’t overload him, and when you petition him make an offering as well.

It’s best to use a red candle when asking this Saint for assistance.  He also likes offerings of red flowers, now I have read that some cultures (mostly Latino) offer marigolds at the time of the request and then offer red flowers when receiving his help to thank this Saint.  You could do this but red flowers are always good.

Now I have seen candles to him in yellow so if you cannot find a red candle you could substitute a yellow one, but do have red flowers as an offering. 

First to set up your altar to St. Expedite should be triangle in shape as you lay out using either a picture, holy card of statue the candle and a glass of water when you call upon him.  If you have access to a metaphysical shop or Botanica then purchase a St. Expedite candle, preferably in red, although they do have multicolored ones and ones in green and yellow (I’ll explain those later) ---but focus on getting a red candle that burns in a glass container they call them 7-day candles ---just as a side note typically they do burn for 7 days but sometimes the burn faster or slower.

I remember that Mrs. Washington had a triangle shaped table (not very big) set up in a corner of her work room (that’s what she called it)  it was a room in the back of her house where she kept her special working stuff and her “tables” (altars)

But you don’t necessarily have to have a triangle shaped table, a square one will do, covered with a white cloth,   place the candle to the back, then more forward to your left a glass of water, and on the right either a statue or picture of St. Expedite, this layout is in the shape of a triangle with the candle at the top point of the triangle.

To petition, write your request on a piece of plain brown paper usually torn (Not Cut) from a brown paper bag, if you have parchment that works just as well but it’s a bit expensive, that should be placed under the candle.

You can dress the candle in oil if you wish, by doing that you are infusing it with your energy, for a glass container candle push a few holes at the top using either a steel knitting needle or an unused nail, I prefer an old fashioned square nail myself that I keep in my cabinet next to my altar, but a round top one will do, put into the holes your oil (do not drown the wick). 

You can purchase the oil, but if you like to do your own crafting I have here several recipes for St. Expedite Oil.  Each is specific:

St. Expedite Oil: #1  General (Red or Yellow)
In a base of pure olive oil  add  honeysuckle oil, a pinch of allspice, , a couple bits shaved off from a High John the conqueror root, sandalwood oil, amber oil with the oils I suggest 9 drops of each into a base of olive oil that is 27 drops.

St. Expedite Oil #2 for financial/money  (for this purchase a Green Expedite Candle)
In an olive oil base add oils of : frankincense  and myrrh, patchouli oil , vanilla, rose oil, a pinch of gold glitter (mostly for financial needs) and a bit of red food coloring  again 27 drops of olive oil  and 9 drops of the rest.

St. Expedite Oil #3   For money and/or protection
To a base of Olive oil add, Cinnamon, roses either petals or oil, mulling spices, mint, a dragons blood, and copal resin mix, these are mostly solid items, have it marinate in the olive oil for 9 days before use.

Now depending upon your particular situation there are several opening petition prayers  I have them listed here:

PRAYER TO ST EXPEDITE:  (For House and Home)
I come before you saint expedite to remedy economic problems in our work and home
and ask for your powerful support.  St Expedite, please protect our income, that we may obtain sufficient money for necessities and tranquility and joy will reign in our house
By your grace blessed spirit (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you) we request and pray we will achieve our desire
and we will give thanks for your glorious intercession. Amen

FOR FINANCIAL (MONEY)

I call forth the Power and the presence of St. Expedite in my time of financial trouble. I offer my body, heart, mind and soul upon your altar of light. I have faith and trust and complete confidence that you will be my strength in this time of need. Quickly come to my assistance.
Bring to me ____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)
My financial need is urgent. Be my Light and Guide in this situation so that I may live with peace, love, prosperity and abundance and in the Praise of God.
Amen.

FOR QUICK HELP:
Saint Expedite, you lay in rest.
I come to you and ask that this wish be granted.
 (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)
Expedite now what I ask of you.
Expedite now what I want of you, this very second.
Don't waste another day.
Grant me what I ask for.
I know your power, I know you because of your work.
I know you can help me.
Do this for me and I will spread your name with love and honor so that it will be invoked again and again.
Expedite this wish with speed, love, honor, and goodness.
Glory to you, Saint Expedite!
Amen.   (with this one if granted then you must put an ad in the paper, saying he helped you---you don’t have to include your name)

FOR QUICK ACTION:
Saint Expedite,
Noble Roman youth, martyr,
You who quickly brings things to pass,
You who never delays, I come to you in need:
 (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)
Do this for me, Saint Expedite, and when it is accomplished,
I will as rapidly reply with an offering to you.
(State your vow or promise and be sure to keep it)
Be quick, Saint Expedite!
Grant my wish before your candle burns out, and I will glorify your name.
Amen.

TO END PROCRASTINATION:

St. Expedite witness of Faith to the point of martyrdom, in exercise of Good, you make tomorrow today.
You live in the fast time of the last minute, always projecting yourself toward the future.
Expedite and give strength to the heart of the man who doesn't look back and who doesn't postpone.
Amen

FOR DESPERATE CAUSES:
My Saint Expedite of urgent and just causes, please intercede for me with Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Succor me in this hour of affliction and despair, my Saint Expedite. You who are a Holy warrior, You who are the Saint of the afflicted, You who are the Saint of the desperate, you who are the Saint of urgent causes, Protect me, Help me, Give me Strength, Courage and Serenity.

Hear my plea. ____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)

My Saint Expedite, help me to prevail through these difficult hours, protect me from all those who want to harm me, respond to my plea with urgency. Bring me back to the state of peace and tranquility, my Saint Expedite. I will be grateful to you for the rest of my life and I will speak your name to all those who have faith.
(Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering when your desire is granted.)
Amen.
(Say one Our Father, one Holy Mary, and make the sign of the cross. If you don’t know these prayers they can be found on the internet)

(Be sure to provide the offering you promised if Saint Expedite grants your petition)

FOR INTERCESSION AND PROTECTION:
Here are three Short Prayers to Saint Expedite

May the intercession of the glorious Martyr, St. Expedite, recommend us, O my God, to Thy goodness, in order that his protection may obtain for us what our own merits are powerless to do.
Amen

We supplicate Thee Lord, to inspire, by Thy grace all our thoughts and actions. That thou being their principle, we may by the intercession of St. Expedite, be conducted with courage, fidelity and promptitude, at the time proper and favorable, and come to a good and happy end. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Amen

St. Expedite honored by the gratitude of those who have invoked thee at the last hour and for pressing cases. We pray thee to obtain from the all-powerful goodness of God, by the intercession of Mary Immaculate, today, or such a day the grace we solicit with all submission to the Divine Will.
Amen

NOVENA to St. Expeditus

Use in Urgent Cases

If it is possible, recite this Novena before the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Saint Expeditus suffered a lot during the time of Diocletian. Call on him always as our advocate by the side of our Blessed Virgin.

Each day say this Act of Contrition (this must be said each day before you pray to St. Expeditus):

My LORD Jesus Christ, Father of endless charity, I am heartily sorry for my sins. Grant me, therefore, pardon of my sins and the grace I ask of You thru the merits of the sorrows of Your loving Mother and the virtues of Your martyr, Saint Expeditus.

Then say the Prayer assigned for each day to Saint Expeditus(see each day)

After saying that prayer say this Concluding Prayer:

Oh Saint Expeditus, my protector, in you I place my hope that my petitions may be granted if they are for my own good. Please ask Our Lord, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, for the forgiveness of my sins, and the grace to change my life, particularly the grace ... (mention here the particular grace or petition desired) and I promise to follow your examples and will propagate this devotion to you.

FIRST DAY

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the lively faith which was granted you by God, I ask you to awaken the same faith in my heart, that I may also believe wholeheartedly that there is God, but most particularly that I may be saved from sinning against Him.

Then say Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity then the concluding prayer.

Concluding Prayer for Each Day  say this prayer:

Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my words but graciously hear and grant my prayer. Amen.

Then say One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows.
You say these prayers before and after the ones that is the specified dedicated prayer for each day or hour to St. Expedite

SECOND DAY
My Lord Jesus Christ ...

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expedius, through the evitable hope given you by God, pray that those of little belief may be penetrated by some rays of hope so that they also receive eternal things; please pray that ardent hope in God be also given me and hold me steadfast in the midst of sufferings.

Three Our Fathers then the concluding prayer as said above.

THIRD DAY
My Lord Jesus Christ ...
O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the endless love which Our Lord planted in your heart, please remove from mine all the shackles tied by worldliness, that without them I may love only God in all eternity. Amen.
Three Our Fathers then the concluding prayer.

FOURTH DAY
My Lord Jesus Christ ...
O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, who knew fully well the teaching of the Divine Teacher to carry the cross and follow Him, ask Him for the graces I need that I may fight my own passions.
Three Our Fathers then the concluding prayer.

FIFTH DAY
My Lord Jesus Christ ...
O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the bountiful graces you received from Heaven that you may conserve all your virtues, grant also that I may get rid of all the feelings that block my way to Heaven.
Three Our Fathers then the concluding prayer.

SIXTH DAY
My Lord Jesus Christ ...
O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the sufferings and humiliations which you received for the love of God, grant me also this grace which is very pleasing to God, and free me from anger and hardness of heart which is the stumbling block of my soul.
Three Our Fathers then the concluding prayer.

SEVENTH DAY
My Lord Jesus Christ ...
O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, you know that prayer is the golden key that will open the Kingdom of Heaven, teach me to pray in a manner which is desirable to Our Lord and to His Heart, that I may live only for Him, that I may die only for Him, and that I may pray only to Him in all eternity.
Three Our Fathers then the concluding prayer.

EIGHTH DAY
My Lord Jesus Christ ...
O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the clean desire that reigned in all your feelings, word and actions, please let them guide me also in my endless search for the glory of God and the good of my fellowmen.
Three Our Fathers then the concluding prayer.

NINTH DAY
My Lord Jesus Christ ...
O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, who was so much loved by the Queen of Heaven, that to you nothing was denied, ask her, please my advocate, that through the sufferings of her Divine Son and her own sorrows, I may receive this day the grace I ask of you; but above all the grace to die first before I commit any mortal sin. Amen.
Three Our Fathers then the concluding prayer.

I have known people to do this Novena for 9 days as well as for a shorten version for 9 hours, that is for one day say each prayer on the hour you cannot skip an hour, so set aside a day and inform family and friends you will not be in touch with anyone.

Now I’ve known the ladies in Granny’s group to put as offerings, red flowers on his altar, and a slice of pound cake, and in some cases 5 pennies, and once it’s been granted any promise you make, such as collecting money for a charity, working in a church food kitchen during the holidays, repairing a damaged or broken friendship with a friend or relation, and you must keep your promise or it won’t be granted.

After the candle in the glass container burns out, clean it out and put fresh red flowers in it and fill it with the water you offer to the Saint.  

When it burns out, fill the jar candle with the water and red flowers to thank him for his help.  Pound cake is the traditional offering to thank Saint Expedite.  Be sure to buy or make a nice fresh one, and give him the first slice from the loaf, its best to  slice a good size piece from the middle.  When the flowers and cake are no longer fresh and nice, you may put them outside, leave the remains of the cake for passing critters and compost the flowers or allow them to return to the earth. Do not place offerings in the trash, it would be disrespectful.   Of the 5 pennies, put them into a jar for money to donate to a charity.   In some cases, I’ve known people to leave the 5 pennies in front of a picture of St. Expedite and allow it to build up each time he is petitioned until it's good to put in the offering basket during mass (convert the pennies into paper money) 

The other thing that Saint Expedite appreciates in return for his quick favors is a public thank you.  You can post a thanks on social media, take out an ad in the newspaper, that kind of thing, much like St. Jude.  Whatever you do, make sure that you let the Saint know what you plan to do in thanks for his favor at the time you ask, and then be sure to follow through with your end of the bargain.  If you don't, you can lose all you gained and then some.  Roman soldiers must be paid their due.

This is a lot to remember so I recommend that anyone who wants to from time to time petition this saint, print out this post and add it to your book of workings so you’ll have it to refer to.

Bright Blessings,
Ms. Q




Thursday, September 22, 2016

Thoughts on the Fall Equinox~~~



Hello Everyone, This is Ms. Q,

I really don’t have anything of great wisdom to impart today except (depending upon where you live and in what hemisphere)  Today for where I live is the first Day of Autumn, or the Fall Equinox, where for a period of time things are in balance, the hours of day and night are the same (or at least close to the same).

For Wiccans it’s called Mabon and they will be doing their Harvest rituals to celebrate this day or for those of you who are 12 hours ahead of me, you may have already celebrated it.

But for me it is a day of Changes, the air changes, the seasons change and when that happens the “Wheel of Fortune” spins again.  

For those of you who are not familiar with Tarot the card, Wheel of Fortune, is part of the major arcana of the deck.

In terms of rituals I don’t do much except to call my family and ask when are they coming to pick the ripe apples off of my two trees,  and that is when we plan a family get together,  and this is the kind of day for get-togethers.

The children bring their friends and I tell “fortunes” with a kiddie tarot deck that has silly cats and ghosts and skeletons and witches --- yes it is a children’s tarot deck.

But for the adults I bring out the serious deck, my aging Rider-Waite deck.

But for now I wanted to see what this day and this reading is going to say for everyone, so I did a one card reading for the Fall Equinox and of all things I drew The Wheel of Fortune.

The Wheel of Fortune's Meaning is about Change · Destiny · Good luck · Life cycles · New direction: The path of destiny. Karma on a grand scale. An unexpected turn of good fortune. A link in the chain of events. Success, luck, and happiness. 

 Symbolic of life's cycles, the Wheel of Fortune speaks to good beginnings. Most likely, we will find the events foretold to be positive, but, being aspects of luck, they may also be beyond ones control and influence.  Because of that it would be best to tend those things you can control with care, and learn not to agonize over the ones you cannot.

The Wheel of Fortune stands for luck, changes, and a new direction in one’s life. While it also shows ups and downs, the overall feel of the card is a positive one indicating changes for the better and good fortune.  But do remember, we have to work at it.

This card is reflecting the changes of the seasons as well, for it to be drawn on the Fall Equinox.  

It means that Changes are coming, they can be good changes for us or life lessons.   And they are beneficial for us as well,   we just need to remember that we can only control those things that are within our ability to control and just be aware there are things outside our control, But even when outside our control we can go with the flow and work with it, adapt to it, adjust to it.

By doing that it makes us flexible to the changes that are happening, by doing that we can stay on top of things, and be aware of what can be done to make things better.

It’s like a game of Chess,  we make a move, our opponent makes a move, but when our opponent makes a move we must look ten steps or moves, ahead to see what our options are and be prepared for different contingencies, by doing that we will avoid most (but not all) problems.  Yes some problems will happen, but if we apply the same theory we can adapt around them.  

But the changes that are happening now and in the future 90 percent of the time will be good for us, even if we don’t see it right away.    And those that are difficult for us, that we feel is not good for us, they are life lessons that the Devine Presence says we must learn.   We need to go through that fire to make us stronger and more aware of the deviousness of other people, the heart-ache or to learn that all things change if we are to grow in mind, heart and spirit.  

 So for today let’s go and see what happens with the changes brought by The Wheel of Fortune.

Bright Blessings,
Ms. Q