Lunar Sky

Blessed Imbolc

2012-02-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

This will be the first Imbolc in the past few years that I have not celebrated in one way or another. With as pregnant as I am and with the stresses of life, I've decided to keep my celebrations down to a simple prayer.

I associate today with the goddess, Brigid (pronounced "breed"), who is a goddess of fire (as well as creativity). I see today as a day where she can emerge, as the winter months fade away and the warmth slowly returns, she is part of the warmth and with her brings the spark of creativity. When Ireland became Catholic, Brigid became a Saint. The Feast of Candlemas honors her fire, and today, nuns have relit her sacred flame at Kildare. Tonight, I want to share a traditional Catholic prayer to Saint Brigid.

Saint Brigid
You were a woman of peace.
You brought harmony where there was conflict.
You brought light to the darkness.
You brought hope to the downcast.
May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious,
and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.
Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made.
Brigid you were a voice for the wounded and the weary.
Strengthen what is weak within us.
Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens.
May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit.
Amen

Wolf Moon Ritual

2012-01-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

Last night, during the full moon, I couldn't do anything outside like I had hoped. It had rained all day, and the temperature had dropped, leaving it quite chilly when the moon was rising on the horizon. Instead, I decided to reflect on things my mother (or mother-like figure, depending on whether or not my mother was home at the time) used to do.
I am currently sick with allergies. My face is swollen due to the cedar and plane pollen that is currently in a high count these past few days. With being 8+ months pregnant, this has caused my body to be aching in every place imaginable. So, I remembered what my mom used to do for me when I was a little girl with a nasty head cold.

She'd run a nice warm bath for me to sit in and stick a small bucket of scalding hot water with globs of menthol camphor in it and a towel over my head so I could breathe in the steam. Seeing as I'm no longer a little girl, and I have no bucket and no camphor, I bought mineral bath salt and oil from Natural Therapy specifically for cold & allergy symptoms, ran an incredibly hot bath, then sunk myself right into it. Best. bath. ever. I ended up falling asleep and stayed in the bath for a good half hour because of it. :)

Today's Devotions

2012-01-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Praises to mother goddesshail to your round form

song: (set on repeat)

Today, I focused on reading/learning about Gaia.

From Pantheon.org:

Gaia or Gaea, known as Earth or Mother Earth (the Greek common noun for "land" is ge or ga). She was an early earth goddess and it is written that Gaia was born from Chaos, the great void of emptiness within the universe, and with her came Eros. She gave birth to Pontus (the Sea) and Uranus (the Sky). This was achieved parthenogenetically (without male intervention). Other versions say that Gaia had as siblings Tartarus (the lowest part of the earth, below Hades itself) and Eros, and without a mate, gave birth to Uranus (Sky), Ourea (Mountains) and Pontus (Sea).

Gaia took as her husband Uranus, who was also her son, and their offspring included the Titans, six sons and six daughters. She gave birth to the Cyclopes and to three monsters that became known as the "Hecatonchires". The spirits of punishment known as the Erinyes were also offspring of Gaia and Uranus. The Gigantes, finally, were conceived after Uranus had been castrated by his son Cronus, and his blood fell to earth from the open wound.

To protect her children from her husband, (the Cyclopes and the Hecatoncheires, as he was fearful of their great strength), Gaia hid them all within herself. One version says that Uranus was aghast at the sight of his offspring so he hid them away in Tartarus, which are the bowels of the earth. Gaia herself found her offspring uncomfortable and at times painful, when the discomfort became to much to bear she asked her youngest son Cronus to help her. She asked him to castrate Uranus, thus severing the union between the Earth and Sky, and also to prevent more monstrous offspring. To help Cronus achieve his goal Gaia produced an adamantine sickle to serve as the weapon. Cronus hid until Uranus came to lay with Gaia and as Uranus drew near, Cronus struck with the sickle, cutting the genitalia from Uranus. Blood fell from the severed genitals and came in contact with the earth and from that union was born the Erinyes (Furies), the Giants and the Meliae (Nymphs of the manna ash trees).

After the separation of the Earth from the Sky, Gaia gave birth to other offspring, these being fathered by Pontus. Their names were the sea-god Nereus, Thaumas, Phorcys, Ceto and Eurybia. In other versions Gaia had offspring to her brother Tartarus; they were Echidna and Typhon, the latter being an enemy of Zeus. Apollo killed Typhon when he took control of the oracle at Delphi, which Gaia originally provided, and then the "Sibyl" sang the oracle in Gaia's shrine.

It was Gaia who saved Zeus from being swallowed by Cronus, after Zeus had been born, Gaia helped Rhea to wrap a stone in swaddling clothes, this was to trick Cronus in to thinking it was Zeus, because Cronus had been informed that one of his children would depose him, and so to get rid of his children he had swallowed them, Gaia's trick worked and Zeus was then taken to Crete.

Gaia being the primordial element from which all the gods originated was worshiped throughout Greece, but later she went into decline and was supplanted by other gods. In Roman mythology she was known as Tellus or Terra.

Last Year Samhain Issue

2011-10-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am testing out a new PDF host using my old circle's newsletter for Samhain of last year.

CLICK HERE FOR ISSUE

Cry It Out

2011-07-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

I forgot how much a good cry can disperse any negativity you've been holing up inside you. Today, after accidentally dropping a medium box full of shoes down a flight of stairs, I sat and I cried. I cried all of my frustrations of this stressful move and all the packing* that I've done this week. I cried because my entire body hurts from lifting and shoving and taping and moving. I cried because my husband is a jerk when he's been out in the hot sun and I have to calm myself so I don't punch him in the face. I cried because I am pregnant and am bloated and nauseous 90% of the time, and then I cried some more because I have a final paper due on Monday for class that I have barely touch because I have been so busy trying to get everything in order. I cried because I only have until Friday night to get everything down. I cried until I couldn't cry anymore. I sat on that middle landing until I was good and ready to get up, and you know what? After a while, I felt SO MUCH better.

*For those who may have missed it, I am in the process of moving from Iowa back to Texas due to the fall in the economy. I can no longer afford my house and need to be out of it by Aug 1.

Ophelia

2011-06-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Ophelia was a bride of god
A novice Carmelite
In sister cells the cloister bells
Tolled on her wedding night

Ophelia was a rebel girl
A blue stocking suffragette
Who remedied society
Between her cigarettes

Ophelia was a sweetheart
To the nation over night
Curvaceous thighs
Vivacious eyes
Love was at first sight...

Ophelia was a demigoddess
In pre war Babylon
So statuesque a silhouette
In black satin evening gowns

Ophelia was the mistress to a
Vegas gambling man
Signora Ophelia Maraschina
Mafia courtesan

Ophelia was a circus queen
The female cannonball
Projected through five flaming hoops
To wild and shocked applause...

Ophelia was a cyclone, tempest
A god damned hurricane
Your common sense
Your best defense
Lay wasted and in vain

Ophelia'd know your every woe
And pain you'd ever had
She'd sympathize
And dry your eyes
And help you to forget...

Ophelia's mind went wandering
You'd wonder where she'd gone
Through secret doors
Down corridors
She'd wander them alone
All alone...

picture credit: Ophelia by John Everette Millais

Pagan Values: Exercising Faith

2011-06-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

"However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?" -Buddha

In my free time I like to study religions. I plan to one day be clergy and be able to guide people spiritually. I'm a strong believer that if you understand their faith, you understand the person. I have come across so many flaky people in my past that I wonder if there are many of us left who actually follow our faiths, and exercise them.

I once went to a nondenominational-Protestant Christian church.The pastor, who was one of the sweetest ones I've known, always mentioned how he did not want a church full of cereal. I thought this was funny as he went to explain that he did not want any fruits, nuts or flakes condemning the testimony of the church, the works of Christ; how he prayed that one day, the community of cereal would stop being so and become true followers of Christ, exercising their faith in Him and following His example.

I've noticed a lot of my own faith be that way, too. I am mostly Wiccan. I have no tradition, and am very ecclectic since all of my training was on my own time with my own resources, or borrowing resources from libraries and friends. I studied, HARD, and had to work to not become a member of the Wiccan cereal, dubbed "fluffybunny."

Faith is not smoke and mirrors, or just a few pretty words that you memorized. Faith is waking up in the morning, seeing a new day, watching the sunset, planting a garden, playing with your children, making a meal, and seeing the beauty and the magic and the blessing in everything. "Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill, An it harm none do what ye will." -Doreen Valiente, 1964 Following the creed, the rede, and putting it into practice, daily, in everything you do. Questioning everything, including your morals.

My value is to exercise my faith, my beliefs, my love for my gods, my love for the human race, each and every single day.

My Values

2011-06-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

1. Strong belief in exercising faith
2. Open-minded
3. Ever-learning, especially about others to better understand and truly stay open-minded
4. Academic back-up. :)
5. Balance between structure and just winging it.
6. Loving all, judging none.
7. Finding the good in everything even when things seem bleak.
8. Asking permission when necessary, going ahead with it in an "emergency"

003: Daily Meditation

2011-06-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

"The only important things in life are the traces of love we leave behind."

I was very grumpy today and took out my frustrations on my children. My oldest told me that I had been mean and she felt that I didn't love her. I gave her a hug and told her that no matter how I feel, whether I am angry, sad, happy, confused, that one thing was certain; I would always love her.

Sometimes I forget to remind myself to show love. It's not enough to just tell someone you love them. Sometimes a hug, a kiss, or snuggle is what is needed. I sometimes forget to do this. With the stresses I have been feeling lately, I have forgotten to love. Deep down I always love, but I have forgotten to use it, to let it guide me, to be a part of me.

Even if I'm upset, know that I will love you past my dying day.

002: Daily Meditation

2011-06-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

"If you want to really change something, you must walk a new path"

I've come across people who think this means that one needs to change their religion, and though this may be the case for some people, it's not for the general consensus. As a personal meditation, it has nothing to do with religion but with the path I walk in life. All situations in my life are caused by the paths I walk; I need to change course to change those situations.

I've been dwelling a lot on my choices, and wondering if I am making the right ones. I have back-up plans for some, and am at a loss at others. I am taking a proactive approach to these decisions, but at times, that can be difficult. To deal with these emotional difficulties I have begun to search within and to meditate more frequently. This is the new path I walk.

001: Daily Meditation

2011-06-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

"For every step forward to gain new knowledge of hidden truths, take three steps forward to perfect your character"

I always try and better myself. Lately, I've been VERY grumpy and easily irritated with the smallest of things. My husband has been on the edge of my nerves everyday for a while now, and my patience with him is very thin. I don't know why this is; maybe I expect more understanding from him than I do others since he has been with me these past nine years. I realized that shortly afterward. I didn't pull this card until AFTER our spat, and I had done so as a means to calm me down. I expect too much of him, things that he cannot give me at my every whim. I need to perfect my character, especially in this area.

Note to self: Have less anger toward the ones you love and expect nothing.

Because Sometimes the Bible has Awesomeness

2011-05-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. --Luke 6:27-28

Because It Fits

2011-05-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. […] The chain reaction of evil — hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars — must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”

Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963

“I’m concerned about a better world. I’m concerned about justice; I’m concerned about brotherhood; I’m concerned about truth. And when one is concerned about that, he can never advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can’t establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder hate through violence. Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. Where Do We Go From Here, 1967 (fourth paragraph under 'Commitment to Nonviolence')

People may say that I am naive in agreeing with these views. Some may even go so far as to think I have never been a victim and therefore have no idea what I am talking about. My family, myself included, have been victims of rape, abuse, murder, racism and suicide. I fully understand the implications of these actions. I also understand that I never want to partake in them. Ever. I know, first hand, the pain it causes, and I wish to never cause that pain upon someone else.

I do not deny the existance of bad people. We would not know good people if we had no one to compare them to. What I wish for, however, is that more people would strive to be more understanding, more compassionate, more of a help to each other than a hindrance to civilization. In nature, there is no evil v. virtuous. It is both because nature is both cruel and kind. There is both love and scorn and both work in harmony. I am not saying that we as a people should only love and have no other emotions, I am saying that we as a people should learn to cooperate.

I will continue to love everyone, whether they cause me harm or not. I will forgive always. I will find room in my heart for compassion. And I will die knowing that I was the best human being I could possibly be.

2011-05-01T21:53:00.000-07:00
I pray for the friends and family of Osama bin Laden, if he had any, and that his restless soul is at peace in a place where there are no prejudices. I do not rejoice in the death of another human being. In fact, I apologize for the fact that this country, this world, resorts to murder as a form of justice.

Am I saying that he was a good man? Absolutely not. I quite agree that he was a terrible man. Do I think he should have been taken to trail? Yes. Do I think he should have been given the chance to live, something he himself believed we didn't deserve? Yes. Why? Because I thought we were better than that. If he had killed himself, I wouldn't have minded, but the fact that we stoop to the same level every.single.time.

I pray that one day, as a people, we can live to better understand each other even if we don't always agree. I pray that instead of using brute force, we use our minds to deal with our disagreements.

Here's to empathy.

<3 ~

2011-04-27T17:13:00.001-07:00

Never underestimate the power of faith. Even the smallest amount can get you through the day. Live, laugh, love, and laugh again. There is so much about my faith, the way it makes me feel, that I can't put into words. It's like falling in love every day or meeting someone new for the first time. I want to see the world with rose-tinted glasses on.

The weather was fantastic. I loved watching Divinity in action. Who else could bring dead things to life so beautiful? I can't wait to die just so I could live again.

<3

Ostara

2011-03-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

EVERYONE HAVE A VERY BLESSED DAY. Today is the Spring equinox, a day of equal light and darkness. Let us take today to focus on balancing our lives. ♥

For five minutes, forget about that essay you have to write for class and spend time with your parents. For five minutes, forget about that report for work and hug your children, kissing each one. For five minutes, take a break at work by hiding in the bathroom and texting your spouse that you love them. Hug a friend, a child, a loved one, and let them know you care and think about them. For five minutes, stop and think about where your life is headed and if that's where you want to be. Make the change now.

Affirmation and Mantra For Today

2011-03-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Today's Affirmation:

I am a witch.
I am at one with the Earth, the Universe, and the Divine.
Let this day be free from strife and fear.
Let only joy and love come near.
With blessings given and recieved,
I walk in peace in word and deed.

Today's Mantra:

The Goddess within,
The Goddess I know,
The One in my skin,
Her power will flow.

Brightest blessings to all.

On Being Harrassed [video post]

2011-03-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

I posted this a couple of days ago on YouTube. I have a lot of Christian friends who are awesome and don't berate me about my beliefs. We agree that we are all trying to find peace within ourselves and are worshiping the gods with whom we feel the best connected to, where we feel the love and wish to show our love to them. I just wish more people were like my friends. Did I mention they are awesome?

original video can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa85nR5GYDU&feature=channel_video_title

Year And A Day...Continued

2011-02-08T13:28:00.001-08:00

I have been posting videos on YouTube of my experience for every day in my journey. I have uploaded a few new ones. You can find them at http://youtube.com/user/ladylunaskye Go check them out, comment, subscribe! <3

How I Came to Be Wiccan [video post]

2011-02-08T12:11:00.001-08:00

Spirituality

2011-01-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday was fantastic.

My year & a day is on hold right now, only because I have been sick for the past few weeks and don't have a lot of energy to devote to my training. I am doing things here and there that are still spiritual, but not on a daily basis. I am trying to incorporate my spirituality to my mundane, so that every day is sacred to me, but I'm having difficulty due to my depression.

Sunday, after archery lesson, I went with my bestie over to her house to do a new beginnings ritual. I had a life and a death arrow with things I wanted to accomplish in different areas (work, health, relationship, money) of my life (life), and the things that had stopped me from doing so, what we learned from it and how we planned to fix it (death.) We lit a candle for new beginnings, and one for positive energy. We had thoughtful coins, the kind with a pretty picture and a saying inscribed on the back, to help guide us in our endeavors.

I'm thinking of doing this once a month, after archery, with my bestie, as well as doing a ritual on my own every Sunday morning. I think this will help me both spiritually and mentally. When I feel those areas in my life are whole, I am physically better.

New beginnings, actively taking part.

heart

2011-01-14T09:12:00.003-08:00

Come little children
I'll take thee away, into a land
of Enchantment

Come little children
the time's come to play
here in my garden
of Magic

Follow sweet children
I'll show thee the way
through all the pain and
the Sorrows

Weep not poor childlen
for life is this way
murdering beauty and
Passions

Hush now dear children
it must be this way
to weary of life and
Deceptions

Rest now my children
for soon we'll away
into the calm and
the Quiet

Come little children
I'll take thee away, into a land
of Enchantment

Come little children
the time's come to play
here in my garden
of Shadows

Here I would give credit where credit is due, but this poem has been attributed to many authors and copyright is still in debate.

o1:

2011-01-07T18:44:00.001-08:00

I see a crescent moon just above the horizon like a Cheshire cat's grin & wonder what the gods have in store for me. Will Gaia take my mothering to new depths or will Artemis test my strengths? I wonder, will Apollo & his Muses tap into my creativity and take me off into artistic adventures? Only time will tell. I ponder while the moonn begis to set & turns blood red.

Here's to a new year full of surprises.

Wicca and Shamanism

2010-11-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

Today's exercise questions your recent experiences that called you along your path. In the book, a shaman is described as "a spiritual leader who serves many important functions..." such as a "priest, a mystic...a counselor, an interpreter of spirits, a healer, and a magician." It also describes the madman. The madman is the one who cannot control his otherwordly experiences and stays out of the realm of reality.

What hallmarks of a shaman describes your own experiences?
When I was eight years old I had an interesting experience with my mother while we went out shopping. We were walking down a street to a store, and I was in my habit of not actually paying attention to where we were going. I was used to listening to the sounds of my mother's footsteps, and I would follow those while I would either watch my feet or look up at the sky. While I was in the middle of transitioning between looking at the sidewalk to the clouds, something caught my eye. I saw two men across the street, one old, bent over a cane, and a young man next to him. The elderly fellow looked just like your stereotypical grandfather, slightly hunched, brown sweater, kakhi pants, and loafers. The young man, however, looked like nothing I had ever seen before. He was incredibly tall, absolutely beautiful. His hair was blond, to his shoulders, and his eyes were a dark blue-gree, the color of an ocean. His outfit was crisp, as if pressed and just picked up from the cleaners, a spotless white in complete contrast to the dingy street. His good-looks weren't what caught me, though; he was glowing. It was as if sunbeams were radiating from him in every color imaginable. The rays were in pastels, similar to having light cast upon a while through a prism on a cloudy day. He smiled at me and waved. I waved back and looked around. I suddenly saw another one, similar to him, but with different features following a woman about my mom's age at the time. As the day progressed I continued to see these glowing people, but went home feeling confused after the shopping was done. A few days later, my family and I went to the mall. While my parents and siblings talked at the table, I noticed something different. I was still seeing "extra" people, but these people were dark, as if made of shadow. They seemed to be sucking the light into them. Looking at them made my eyes hurt, the black was so intense, a black that I could never create. It was a humanoid black hole. When I finally told my mom about it, she just hugged me and told me that I was just seeing the angels and demons that surround our world all the time. No matter where we are, we have angels around us, whether they be high or fallen. Since my mother wasn't worried about it, neither was I, so I went about my days, seeing these extra people behind everyday people. As I got older, I saw fewer and fewer of them. By the time I hit my teens (and severe depression) I stopped seeing these spirit creatures completely. These days, I catch a glimpse here and there, but I only feel them. The only time I am absolutely certain is when one of my daughters tugs at my sleeve to tell me there is someone looking at me, yet when I look for them, no one is there.

This is one of many examples of my life. I have so many. One of these days I'll talk about them all, but until then, feel free to ask me about any other experience, I may post about it. :)

In what ways are you the Shaman?
Growing up a I connected with spirit creatures a lot. They ranged from fae, to the dead, to even the souls of the living. If someone is close to me, I can sense them, even if I live hours away. My family is very spiritually connected, even though we have different religions. We cannot talk for days, and yet you may get a phone call out of the blue asking if you are all right. My close friends are like that, too. "Did something happen to you that made you upset around 2 this morning?" "Oh I just slammed my entire body into the floor after tripping over a chair, and the piano stand, and then the corner of the bed. No big deal." Another way is that I feel like a healer. I'm an avid pray-er. Whenever someone asks me for healing, it seems as if I can always get the job done within the week. People come to me for advice. I'm not sure why, but they just feel like the can and should. I've had more than one friend tell me I'll be a high priestess one day. One has been saying it for ten years! But for the most part, as a leader, I love to teach, which I guess fits in that category, too.

In what ways are you the Madman?
In my severe depressive episodes, I disconnect with reality. I have a hard time staying grounded and have been known to hallucinate for long periods of time. My mind plays tricks on me and creates memories of events that never occured. Deep inside I feel like they are true, I lived them, but in all honesty, I know they never did.

Natural Sacred Energies

2010-11-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

Within us we all have a natural life force, a sacred energy that courses through our veins. The exercise for today was to get in touch with those energies. To do so I had to relax my entire body, ignoring sounds and thoughts. If thoughts came across my mind, I was to see them only with mild curiosity and notice what those thoughts would do to the muscles of my body but delve no further. Once I was fully relaxed I then channeled my life force starting at the solar plexus. Once I found it, I worked my way up to my chest, then down to my hips and legs, to the soles of my feet and the tips of my toes. I continued upward and out, to my shoulders and through my arms, to the tips of my fingers, until finally I finished by touching it through my neck, face, and head. By the end of the exercise, after about 7 minutes, I was feeling tingly all over. My whole body felt whole, and every inch of my body was humming. You know the feeling you get after a really big, good stretch? That's how I felt. My body felt great, and what pleased me was that none of it had felt cut off. The energies within me work in harmony, leaving everything in unison, making it work in ease.

I need to do this more often. :)

Mabon

2010-09-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today is Mabon. This is a time of giving thanks for the harvest.

As a holiday, the term Mabon is fairly new, but people have celebrated the autumn equinox for centuries. At the time when there is an equal amount of light and dark, we harvest our crops and prepare for winter, all the while giving thanks for that which we have.

The idea of a harvest festival is nothing new. In fact, people have celebrated it for millennia, all around the world. In ancient Greece, Oschophoria was a festival held in the fall to celebrate the harvesting of grapes for wine. In the 1700's, the Bavarians came up with Oktoberfest, which actually begins in the last week of September, and it was a time of great feasting and merriment, still in existence today. China's Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated on the night of the Harvest Moon (which also happens to be tonight!), and is a festival of honoring family unity.

Many cultures see the second harvest time of the fall equinox as a time of giving thanks. After all, it's when you figure out how well your crops did, how fat your animals have gotten, and whether or not your family will be able to eat during the coming winter.
(about.com)

I see this time as the perfect time for reflection as well as for thanksgiving. I am thankful for so many things in my life and I give thanks to the Powers The Be for being so blessed. I have a wonderful husband who supports me and takes care of me as well as be a doting father to our daughters. I am thankful that even though my children can sometimes be ornery and just downright crazy at home, they have the decency to show that we are raising right and are polite and well-behaved in public. I am thankful that even though I am currently searching for a 3rd job, the government has provided programs to assist me until I find something full time so that we are not starving and homeless. I am thankful that I am making ends meet. I am thankful for friends. I am thankful for family. I am thankful for this crazy, wild, and unpredictable life I live because in the end, it will totally be worth it.

Questioning Your Path

2010-09-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Why am I exploring the Wiccan path?
It's the one faith I have felt the most comfortable in.

What were my previous spiritual practices?
For the longest time I was pretty agnostic. I have always felt there is a higher being somwhere. Before that I was Protestant. I had been raised in Baptist and Pentecost churches but never really felt connected. I felt fear and discomfort.

Did any of these practices lead me to investigate Wicca?
No. I didn't even know that Wicca existed until someone brought Teen Witch by Silver Ravenwolf to Home Ec. class in the 8th grade (11 years ago). I only knew of 4 religions, three of them being Judeo-Christian and the last as Buddhism. The fact that there was an Occult intrigued me. So I began searching ALL faiths as a personal project, just to better understand them. Wicca was the one that most intrigued me, the one that felt the most comfortable.

What are my hopes in engaging in this path?
Connecting more with myself and the energy that surrounds me.

What are my fears in engaging in this path?
That I'll half-ass it like I do just about everything else. (I'm busy, dammit!)

How will I handle friends and family members who might not approve of my spiritual search?
You know, at this point in life I just do not have the time to care about what other people think of me. If they don't like it, it's their prerogative, but I'm not going to sit there and waste my time trying to convince them of something they don't want to hear. I don't have the energy. If they don't like it, they can move on. I'm done stressing about it.

Aside from transitioning to a new spiritual path, are there major events that impact my life at this time (for example, births, deaths, divorce, job loss, etc)?
Yes, my husband lost his job in May and we've been trying to make ends meet since. It was 4 months on Monday and today was his second job interview. I have had a couple, but I at least have two minimum wage jobs. Unfortunately they are both part-time (25 hours or less per week) and it is not enough. J's unemployment insurance isn't going to last forever and if either one of us does not get hired for a full-time paying job above 10 an hour, we are going to be struggling.

If I have major life events happening right now, is this the best time to explore a new spiritual path? Why/why not?
I'm quite sure that now is not the best time. I have a lot on my plate between homeschooling, my own education, two jobs, and job seraching. I am horribly exhausted 90% of the time. However, I feel horribly disconnected from reality and this journey is what is keeping my feet firmly planted on the ground. I like the introspection; it helps me keep my sanity.

*spend time in quite contemplation of these answers

Melting Beliefs

2010-09-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

The exercise for today involved the one from yesterday. Today I needed a candle holder, a white taper candle, and the words from yesterday. After meditating on the emotional meanings of these words I found a common theme: FEAR. FEAR is the source of the anger, confusion, and refusal of educating oneself of the meaning of the words. Fear guides the mistrust, discomfort, and misguided actions toward others. I even have fear of using the words due to the reactions others may have of them.

Taking a knitting needle (I couldn't find a pin and my witch cabinet is in the craft room), I wrote the word FEAR on my candle and burned it. The melted wax will be buried far from home, the fear of the words symbolically melted away and physically buried. I found the perfect spot at the old Christian church that is up for sale. No one will be there to disturb it.

Throughout this journey, I hope to be rid of my own fears in these words and the reactions of others due to their own fears.

Words

2010-09-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

Day Two involves words that may be uspetting to use or hear and are listed below:

Wicca; Witchcraft; Power; Ritual; Magic; Occult; Pagan; Spell; Earth-religion

What is my comfort level in using each word? (I used a scale of 1-10; with 10 being most comfotable, 1 being uncomfortable, and 5 being nuetral.)

Wicca-9; Witchcraft-6; Power-10; Ritual-10; Magic-7; Occult-5; Pagan-10; Spell-5; Earth-religion-5

How do I understand each word?
I see Wicca as not only a religion, but as a lifestyle centering itself around the energies within the universe. Witchcraft is the practice of folklore, ancient beliefs passed down from generation to generation built on culture, upbringing, and instinct. Power is how I describe energy, the universal ALL that is. Ritual is something you do every day; daily rituals, as well as seasonal rituals, to honor the mundane and the ethereal. I rarely use the word Occult. I see it as the meaning of dark mysteries and I have yet to feel that my path is a mysterious mystery. Pagan is what I define those who go down to their country beliefs and worship accordingly; the beliefs that everyone had once grown up on before the Judeo-Christian movement. I see spells as another form of prayer; sometimes convaluted prayer. :) And earth-religion is just any religion that centers around the energy, worship, restoration of the earth.

How do I imagine that each word impacts othe people who are not involved with Wicca?
From my own experiences it is based on a combination of upbringing and belief that will effect the reaction of these words from others. Many people have not a clue what Wicca is, or even Pagan. As soon as you mention earth-religion and witchcraft, they automatically think of hippies or devil-worship. Some quickly jump to that conclusion regardless of proper definition. I think most of it is based in fear of the mysteries involved, the Occult, per se. Spells and magic are usually scoffed at, with the thinking attached to The Craft and Harry Potter. Most reactions are based on fear, ignorance, and just downright stupidity. I don't even want to think to far into it; it grates my nerves.

~~~~~

It is a new moon, and therefore a time of reflection.

I feel disconnected. I have so much on my plate right now that I feel as if I am watching my life as a third-party instead of actually living it. To feel more connected to everyone I have taken responsibilty for the Circle's quartly newsletter. I like that it only comes only 8 times in the course of a year, giving me plenty of time to do each issue.

Between work, school, homeschool, bills, religious practice, and life itself, I just don't know where I am heading 90% of the time.

Year and a Day

2010-09-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Attempt # 3610249857
-Or, at least, it feels that way.

I'm starting over for the umpteenth time, but this time I have Roderick's book, Wicca: a Year and a Day, to help me out. Like he says on the back cover of the book; "The path of the Witch involves the slow unveiling of the power of the earth, particularly as it manifests in our own lives. This process moves at the pace of the seasons themselves."

Exercise of the day: Sit in nature, use 5 senses to commune with Earth. Envision roots digging into the earth connecting to humans, plants, animals and objects. Analyze connections.

Experience: I feel my strongest connection with humans, or at least the essence of humans. It's not as strong in the animals, and even less in the plants, and almost nonexistant in objects. I believe the strength of this connection has to do a lot with what I can relate to. I feel the most connected with humans because I feel human. The desires, the wants, the needs, the reactions, are human, formed in society as well as nature.

As for my weakest connection, though I enjoy material things, I feel little to no connection to objects. I have no love for them. Maybe a few years ago I did, but I've gone through some experiences where I learned to go without and I realized that all objects can easily be replaced. It is life that matters the most to me, especially the lives of my children.

I really don't feel the need to be more connceted to objects. I understand the need for them - that is as far as I will allow that connection to go. I do wish my connections to plants and animals were stronger, though. I should spend more time with my pets and garden more often to ratify this problem and strengthen my connections.

Tools to gather this month:

candle holder
white taper
farmer's almanac
2 orange tapers
compass
1/4 oz of myrrh resin or powdered orris root
self-igniting charcoal
2 green tapers
1/4 oz herbal blend consisting of dried meadowsweet and powdered oak bark
indigo taper

Isaac Bonewits 1949 – 2010

2010-08-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't check my e-mail last night after I came home from work, so I didn't find this out until just now. May he rest in peace. His work was influential, his talent, strong, and will be remembered fondly.

Read the story here:

Isaac Bonewits 1949 – 2010

Day 50: My First Tarot Quiz

2010-07-22T14:47:00.000-07:00

Exam Results: 1 - Beginner's Tarot

Displayed below are the results of your exam. The correct answers have been highlighted in green.

Q1 : The artist of the Rider/Waite Tarot was:
A: William Rider
B: Arthur Edward Waite
C: Pamela Coleman Smith
D: Pamela Colman Smith
The answer you gave: Pamela Colman Smith

Q2 : The Rider/Waite Tarot was first published in:
A: 1910
B: 1901
C: 1911
D: 1900
The answer you gave: 1910

Q3 : The Golden Dawn was founded in:
A: The 1980s
B: The 1890s
C: The 1880s
D: The eighteenth century
The answer you gave: The 1880s

Q4 : The Waite/Smith deck is unusual in Golden Dawn influenced Tarots because:
A: It was created by a man and a woman
B: It has full scene illustrations throughout its Minor Arcana
C: It readily reveals the Golden Dawn's teachings
D: Because it is true to the Tarot of Marseille
The answer you gave: It has full scene illustrations throughout its Minor Arcana

Q5 : BOTA stands for:
A: Builders of the Atrium
B: Builders of the Adytum
C: Builders of the Archive
D: Builders of the Additum
The answer you gave: Builders of the Adytum

Q6 : BOTA was created by:
A: Robert Wang
B: Paul Foster Case
C: Israel Regardie
D: Jessie Burns Parke
The answer you gave: Paul Foster Case

Q7 : Before creating his Tarot deck Robert Wang discussed the Tarot with:
A: Aleister Crowley
B: Paul Foster Case
C: Israel Regardie
D: Sandra Tabatha Cicero
The answer you gave: Israel Regardie

Q8 : The artist of The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot was:
A: Robert Wang
B: Jessie Burns Parke
C: Sandra Tabatha Cicero
D: Frieda Harris
The answer you gave: Sandra Tabatha Cicero

Q9 : The artist of The BOTA Tarot was:
A: Paul Foster Case
B: Jessie Burns Parke
C: Robert Wang
D: Sandra Tabatha Cicero
The answer you gave: Jessie Burns Parke

Q10 : The artist of the Crowley Thoth Tarot was:
A: Robert Wang
B: Pamela Colman Smith
C: Aleister Crowley
D: Frieda Harris
The answer you gave: Frieda Harris

Q11 : In The Fool card the Sun is in the:
A: North West
B: North East
C: South East
D: East
The answer you gave: North East

Q12 : The Fool can be assigned to the Hebrew letter:
A: Aleph
B: Zayin
C: Beth
D: Mem
The answer you gave: Aleph

Q13 : Aleph means:
A: Ox
B: House
C: Bread
D: Bull
The answer you gave: Ox

Q14 : On his head the Fool wears:
A: A laurel wreath
B: A cap
C: A crown
D: A diadem
The answer you gave: A laurel wreath

Q15 : The Fool's red feather is the feather of the Egyptian goddess:
A: Ma'at
B: Nut
C: Hathor
D: Isis
The answer you gave: Ma'at

Q16 : Androgynous means:
A: Both male and female
B: Sexless
C: Male
D: Formless
The answer you gave: Both male and female

Q17 : The Fool carries a:
A: White rose in his right hand
B: White rose in his left hand
C: Red rose in his left hand
D: Red rose in his right hand
The answer you gave: White rose in his left hand

Q18 : The Magician has:
A: Four tools on his table
B: Three tools on his table
C: Five tools on his table
D: Two tools on his table
The answer you gave: Four tools on his table

Q19 : The Magician can be assigned to the Hebrew letter:
A: Beth
B: Mem
C: Aleph
D: Daleth
The answer you gave: Beth

Q20 : A serpent eating its tail is referred to as:
A: The Dragon
B: The Eternal One
C: The Ring
D: The Ouroboros
The answer you gave: The Ouroboros

Q21 : Hermes Trismegistus wrote:
A: The Emerald Tablet
B: The Book of Thoth
C: The Rosetta Stone
D: The Philosopher's Stone
The answer you gave: The Emerald Tablet

Q22 : Aleister Crowley wrote the maxim:
A: As above, so below
B: Love is the Law, Love under Will
C: Each to their own
D: Love is the Law
The answer you gave: Love is the Law, Love under Will

Q23 : The Fool can be attributed to the element of:
A: Earth
B: Air
C: Fire
D: Water
The answer you gave: Air

Q24 : Beth means:
A: Door
B: Home
C: House
D: Bread
The answer you gave: House

Q25 : Mercury is associated with the Egyptian god:
A: Thoth
B: Osiris
C: Typhon
D: Anubis
The answer you gave: Thoth

Common Misconceptions of Wicca

2010-07-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

This is a list that my friends and I compiled of questions people have asked us when finding out that we are witches, pagans, Wiccans, heathens, et cetera.

Misconception: We can you fly
Truth: No.
The first time I was asked this, my response was (after laughing maniacally) “ARE YOU SERIOUS? Do I look like I can fly?” I cannot even walk two feet without tripping let alone fly. Now unless you are talking about sitting in an airplane, that is a different story. Of course, I fly. I prefer Delta though anything that gets me here the cheapest without killing me first is always a plus. But actual flying, no, unless I get a pilot license and buy a helicopter. And that'll never happen. I am afraid of falling from tall heights, and get vertigo just by looking out of a second-story window.

Misconception: We sacrifice goats or other animals
Truth: No.
And even if I did, where the hell would I acquire a goat? “Oh yeah, I hide them in the basement for all my ritual needs.” I had say I do not kill chicken, but that is only a half-truth, considering I love eating the fried chicken they sell at Pizza Ranch and I do love me some dead cow over at Burger King.
Misconception: We sacrifice babies/virgins?
Truth: NO.
I DO NOT sacrifice anything. I cannot even watch horror movies without wanting to faint or vomit at a gruesome scene when there is too much blood and gore. And seriously, babies? I have three beautiful babies of my own, why would I go to kill a defenseless child in the name of religion? NO!

Misconception: We *have* to dance naked at *all* rituals
Truth: No.
As much as this makes some people very excited, the answer for that is no. Granted, I like to do certain things naked. And if it is part of my ritual, it's because of something I feel is important. However, not all rituals, or even, not all Pagans, practice in the nude, or what we call as “skyclad” (clad with the sky, if you did not get it). Not everyone is comfortable with being naked around people who are not their significant other. I like being naked, and if you do not mind me being naked, I am all for it, but most people get really awkward and uncomfortable. So again, the answer is no.

Misconception: How can you be a community if you do not have a "church"?
Truth: When I had Iris and Rose, I had a couple of people from my Circle come to visit me. Some of the nurses were devout Christians, and out of curiosity they asked if the people visiting me were a part of my “church family.” I said yes. Granted, we do not have a building that we meet at once a week and worship. We do not tithe (though we donate whenever possible and needed). But we do get together about twice a month to commune together for the Gods, whether for a specific celebration, or other Rite of Passage, et cetera. We talk constantly online about not only our religious views, but of obstacles we may have encumbered, or the most random shit you will ever find. We share a lot of our lives with one another, and in essence we are a family. Blood, sweat and tears go into our relationship in this group, and that is what makes us a church family.

Misconception: You drink blood for rituals.
Truth: No.
Have you ever tasted blood? That is not the tastiest of things. Unless you are a vampire or blood fetishist, the answer for this question is usually no. The only blood I ever drank was my own, and that was because I cut my thumb and shoved it in my mouth to make it feel better.

Misconception: You curse people?
Truth: Depends.
*I* do not curse people. Not all Pagans do. None of the SMART Pagans anyway. I do not like to mess with that. I am a big believer in the Bible scripture Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Would I like to be cursed by someone? No, so I do not do it to others.

Misconception: You are possessed by demons
Truth: No.
First, let me laugh maniacally. Second, no. This is all me. If I were possessed, I would probably act a lot more sane. Haha! Most people choose this path on their own free will. Just because this is the path we choose does not mean we are being possessed by some unseen being.

Misconception: You are against Christianity
Truth: No.
A lot of us, especially in my Circle, read the Bible and believe that the message of Jesus was good. Christ's message was about love and tolerance, as well as the message of his Father. I am not against any of my Christian brethren nor do I believe they are wrong. I believe that there are many ways to reach enlightenment and become one with Universal energy, and, for that, we must hold true to our beliefs, whether we agree with others or not.

Exam Results: 1 - Wicca Revealed

2010-06-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

Just took my Wicca 101 exam for the first, out of twelve, lesson. :) I just have to say: yay!

Displayed below are the results of your exam. The correct answers have been highlighted in green.

Q1 : Wicca can be referred to as:
A: The Craft
B: Satanism
C: The Religion
D: The Cult
The answer you gave: The Craft

Q2 : “An’ it harm none, do what thou wilt” is known as:
A: The Witch Creed
B: An old saying
C: The Wiccan Rede
D: The Witches' Bible
The answer you gave: The Wiccan Rede

Q3 : Gerald Gardner claimed he was initiated into Wicca by:
A: Dorothy Clutterbuck
B: Dafo
C: Doreen Valiente
D: Vivianne Crowley
The answer you gave: Dorothy Clutterbuck

Q4 : Which of the following did Gerald Gardner not write?
A: Witchcraft Today
B: Witchcraft for Tomorrow
C: High Magic's Aid
D: The Meaning of Witchcraft
The answer you gave: Witchcraft for Tomorrow

Q5 : Alexandrian Wicca is named after:
A: Its founder, Alex Sanders
B: Alexander the Great
C: The Emperor Alexander
D: The Library of Alexandria
The answer you gave: The Library of Alexandria

Q6 : Raymond Buckland founded:
A: Seax-Wicca
B: Cochranian Wicca
C: Faery Wicca
D: The Alexandrian Tradition
The answer you gave: Seax-Wicca

Q7 : Mary Nesnick created:
A: The Algard Tradition
B: The Alcoch Tradition
C: The Enochian Tradition
D: The Faery Tradition
The answer you gave: The Algard Tradition

Q8 : The Feri Tradition was created by:
A: Raymond and Rosemary Buckland
B: Gerald Gardner and Doreen Valiente
C: Victor and Cora Anderson
D: Aleister and Vivianne Crowley
The answer you gave: Victor and Cora Anderson

Q9 : Starhawk was initiated into:
A: The Cochranian Tradition
B: Dianic Wicca
C: Alexandrian Wicca
D: The Feri Tradition
The answer you gave: The Feri Tradition

Q10 : Starhawk is also known as:
A: Vivianne Crowley
B: Miriam Simos
C: Janet Farrar
D: Doreen Valiente
The answer you gave: Miriam Simos

Q11 : Robert Cochrane claimed:
A: Witch ancestry dating back to 1736
B: To have been initiated into Witchcraft at age 5
C: To have known Alexandrian witches
D: To have formed a coven aged 5
The answer you gave: To have been initiated into Witchcraft at age 5

Q12 : Zsuzsanna Budapest:
A: Created Dianic Wicca
B: Was a Cochranian High Priestess
C: Helped found the Feri Tradition
D: Was a friend of Gerald Gardner
The answer you gave: Created Dianic Wicca

Q13 : Some people also refer to Hedge Witches as:
A: Bramble Witches
B: Briar Witches
C: Kitchen Witches
D: House Witches
The answer you gave: Kitchen Witches

Q14 : Margaret Murray was:
A: An assistant professor of Egyptology
B: A Fellow of the Royal Society
C: The founder of the Folklore Society
D: Assistant Director of Antiquities at the British Museum
The answer you gave: An assistant professor of Egyptology

Q15 : The Witch-Cult in Western Europe, was published in:
A: The 1930s
B: The 1940s
C: The 1950s
D: The 1920s
The answer you gave: The 1920s

Q16 : Ronald Hutton wrote:
A: The God of the Witches
B: Wicca
C: A Witches’ Bible
D: The Triumph of the Moon
The answer you gave: The Triumph of the Moon

Q17 : Which of the following did Doreen Valiente not write?
A: An ABC of Witchcraft
B: Witchcraft for Tomorrow
C: Where Witchcraft Lives
D: The A-Z of Witchcraft
The answer you gave: The A-Z of Witchcraft

Q18 : The Farrars were originally:
A: Alexandrian witches
B: Gardnerian witches
C: Faery Wiccans
D: Hedge witches
The answer you gave: Alexandrian witches

Q19 : Which of the following did the Farrar’s not write?
A: Eight Sabbats for Witches
B: The Witches’ Way
C: A Witches’ Bible
D: The Spiral Dance
The answer you gave: The Spiral Dance

Q20 : The Spiral Dance is:
A: The first American book on Wicca
B: A book detailing the FeriTradition
C: The best selling book on Wicca
D: Co-written with Cora Anderson
The answer you gave: The best selling book on Wicca

Q21 : Wiccans generally:
A: Worship deity in its feminine aspect
B: Worship deity in its masculine aspect
C: Worship deity in its feminine and masculine aspects
D: Worship only a god
The answer you gave: Worship deity in its feminine and masculine aspects

Q22 : Which of the following do Wiccans not believe in?
A: Immanent deity
B: The creative polarity of the sexes
C: The power of the Moon
D: The useful nature of fixed rules and regulations in their religion
The answer you gave: The useful nature of fixed rules and regulations in their religion

Q23 : Which of these do Wiccans not do?
A: Work with seasonal and natural forces
B: Practice magic
C: Work for the good of the community
D: Practice extensive magic based on the Sun
The answer you gave: Practice extensive magic based on the Sun

Q24 : Meditation is best practiced:
A: Every now and then
B: On a regular basis
C: With background distractions
D: Under bright lights
The answer you gave: On a regular basis

Q25 : Dianic Wicca:
A: Is a feminist Wiccan Tradition
B: Is closely related to Cochranian Wicca
C: Was founded by Starhawk
D: Was founded in the British Isles
The answer you gave: Is a feminist Wiccan Tradition

Common Misconceptions of Christianity

2010-06-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Oh yes. I'm going there.

As you obviously already know, I am not Christian. I do not have any problems with Christianity as a whole. It is just a religion that is not for me. There are areas in the teachings that I do not agree with I do not feel comfortable with. If I don't feel comfortable, I'm not going to follow. That's just my own personal philosophy in everything. Again, I have no problem with the religion, it's some of the people who call themselves 'Christian' that I don't like.

Anyway, one thing that I have noticed is how people like to make comments about certain religions without actually knowing what they are talking about. It's one of those moments where I am left telling them that their stupid is showing. A lot of stupid is spewed against certain religions. Paganism is high on that list. However, Christianity is not immune either. Here is a small list I have compiled just for my own amusement.

Misconception: The Trinity is One.
Truth: Nowhere in the Bible does is state that Jesus is God and that God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus are all one being. It does mention them as a unit. But like my daughter and husband are all aspects of one family, we are not One. Throughout the New Testament Jesus is found saying, quite frequently, that he is not better than his Father. On the contrary, he always says that he is inferior to his Father. The Holy Spirit is used as a messenger for the divine. If the Trinity were in fact one, they would be called Unity, don't you think? And in Genesis, would the plural, "Let us", still be used? I think not.

Misconception: The Bible is pure fiction
Truth: Whether or not you believe in Divinity, or, in this case, Jehovah, the Bible can actually be scientific. The Bible actually reveals that the Earth is round and hangs in a void.

"He spreads out the northern [skies] over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing" -Job 26:7 (New International Version [NIV])
"He has inscribed a circle on the surface of the waters At the boundary of light and darkness" - Job 26:10 (New American Standard Bible)
"When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep" - Proverbs 8:27 (English Standard Version)
"He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers." -Isaiah 40:22 (NIV);

This is just one topic. You can even find the water cycle and the destruction of cities in the Bible.

I'm sure there are a lot more misconceptions of Christianity out there, I just can't think of any right now. These two are in the front of my mind only because they were mentioned earlier in my day.

And now you know. :)

Full Moon

2010-06-26T21:57:00.000-07:00

Today is the full moon, and so I took this time to honor the Mother and have some introspection.

I am content.
I am stressed.
I would like one more child.
Spiritually, I feel whole. I do not crave for anything in that department. I feel complete and do feel the need to go searching. I don't feel lost like I once did.

I was supposed to take my Wicca 101 test today in class, but forgot. I'll do it soon.

End of Week One

2010-06-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

It's the start of week two and I can honestly say that the past week, other than reflection, I haven't done much to focus on my spirituality.

I am currently on vacation, staying at my in-laws. My own mother just lives down the street from my mother-in-law. Mother is a nondenominational-Protestant pastor. I took my daughters to her church on Sunday and they had done the Last Supper/Holy Communion/Sacrament that day. I can honestly say that I don't like her church. The people there are nice enough, don't misunderstand, it's just the feeling of the whole institution. I felt out of place. I hadn't been there since my middle child was about 9 months old, and now, with my third child at 10 months, it may have just been the large gap in time. Then again, time doesn't really matter to me. If I feel comfortable in an area, it doesn't matter if I've been there before or if a large time has elapsed since my last visit. I will always enjoy it.

I felt horribly awkward on Sunday. I left immediately after the service was over. My daughters had had a decent time, but even they preffered going to the Latter Day Saints church and even the Jehovah's Witnesses' Kingdom Hall over my mother's church. I just did NOT like the vibe I was getting in that institution. I enjoyed seeing old friends, but I could have had a better time bumping into them at a barbeque.

Faith focus was accidently put on the back burner. I've been spending time with my family and enjoying the free time with friends. I rarely get to do that back home without my kids, so I've been enjoying my time. Maybe this week I'll do a bit of study on my refresher course.

Day Two: Reflections: Birthday

2010-06-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today marked my 24th birthday. I was bombarded with e-mails, phone calls, text messages, and other forms of electronic messaging, all wishing me a wonderful and happy birthday. It made me realize just how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life.

I spent the day with my family. Though I am obviously old enough to go to a club or bar, get drunk and party, I'm not that kind of girl. I had a few errands to run, which I did, but I enjoyed spending this time with my husband and daughters. They are special to me and having another year of my life spent with them is a blessing. Even though my children were acting like they had just snorted crack and were high on life, I liked having shared my birthday with them. Having all these people take the time, if even just a second, to wish me a happy birthday had me appreciating the time I've spent on this planet.

So my reflection for today was focused on how wonderful the people I have in my life are. Yes, they are human and have their moments of what-the-fuckery and hatefulness, but they are there for me, and I for them. I appreciate any time they give me. I know sometimes it is not always easy to take the time to just say a hello or a kind word, but the fact that someone out there does that for me makes me feel...I don't have words to express it. It's positive and priceless; that's all I can say about it.

I have been blessed by having friends who call me at midnight to say hi and wish me a great day, who message me at the end of the day to make sure that I had a great day. I have siblings who made a contest to see who wished me a happy birthday first (ready, set, SEND!) and a mother who mentioned how dumb my siblings can be. I have a mother in law who took the time to ask me if there was something special I wanted to for birthday, and a bunch of friends who not only wished me a happy birthday, but attached a fond memory to make sure I had a smile. I couldn't ask for more. Yes, my house is a mess. Yes, I still need to pack for my trip to visit family. Yes, I'm anxious and stressed. my joints hurt thanks to this humidity, and my children are bat-shit crazy, but I couldn't ask for more. I am loved and wish to love in return.

What small thing are you blessed with that you take for granted?

Day One: Reflection: Some Goals

2010-06-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

Finally! The first of the month is here! Have I mentioned that I am super excited? Can you tell?

We're going on vacation in 3 days, so I've been busy cleaning the house, packing, and making sure things are in order. I will probably continue this until Thursday when I hope everything is done. I don't want to panic at all on Friday. So today, between my shifts of schoolwork (even though I am a week ahead), dishes, and errands, I've been taking time out for a bit of reflection. I have some goals I hope to accomplish by this time next year or sooner. I've been organizing them in my head while I sit and meditate.

I am not happy with my weight. If I don't end up pregnant again, which seems to be the norm here, I hope to have lost twenty pounds. It's true that I could probably do this within a couple of months, but I'm not happy with my personal eating habits either, and that's going to take some time to change. We'll see how it's gone at the end of the year.

My marriage needs a little work, I think. It's nothing drastic, or dramatic; we're good communicators, but in times of stress, we seem to take it out on each other. I, at least, go to therapy to vent to a shrink for an hour once a month and come home feeling refreshed. I also smoke, which is a nasty habit. I hope to find other, healthier, outlets for stress. I don't want to end up bitter and grumpy. I like being perky.

I will be making a lot of adjustments, both in my life and in this house, within the next twelve months, and only a few house projects will be easy. I want this house, like my soul, to feel like sacred space. I don't care that my husband is atheist and doesn't give a damn about theology, but I do and I want to incorporate it into our lifestyle as comfortably as will be allowed. J is okay with me being religious, he just doesn't want any religion shoved down his throat.

More reflection to follow.

Alexei Kondratiev RIP

2010-05-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

Alexei Kondratiev 1949 – 2010

Word has come to us that noted Celtic scholar, linguist, and author Alexei Kondratiev passed away last night due to an apparent heart attack. His writings on Celtic religion and spirituality, which included the ground-breaking book “The Apple Branch: A Path to Celtic Ritual”, were highly influential on both Celtic-oriented Druidic groups and the nascent Celtic Reconstructionist movement. He was a passionate defender of Celtic language and culture, and regularly advocated that Pagan religions that drew from Celtic culture should immerse themselves in the living Celtic languages and communities.

In addition to his insightful writings, Kondratiev was fluent in all six extant Celtic languages, and conducted classes on the Irish language at the Irish Arts Center in New York since 1985. Kondratiev was also an officer in the Celtic League American Branch, a board member of the now-dormant group Imbas (which hosts many of his online writings), and co-led the Protean Mnemosynides Coven with his partner Len Rosenberg (Black Lotus). He even wrote a comic-book about a Druid that immersed the character within Celtic culture. His wide-ranging and influential participation in the modern Pagan movement can not be adequately measured, but suffice to say he had a huge impact on many individuals, myself included.

“The battle is not over yet. The six Celtic languages are still alive, if not well. In them are stored, as on a disk, several millennia of a people’s unique experience, waiting to be given a new dynamic expression by that generation who will dare to break the colonial shackles of fear and self-doubt. Now more than ever do we need the devil-may-care valour of the Celtic warrior. Now more than ever do we need the druidic clarity of vision, the bardic ability to draw resources from the unlimited potential of the Otherworld. We must, as they did, have the imagination to give flesh to life-giving myth, and the will to work its pattern into our existence. Time is indeed short. Everyone of us who has felt the beauty of the Celtic world-vision must act, each in our individual ways, now, before it is too late. Gwnewch rywbeth!! Do something!!”

All honor to Alexei Kondratiev, may his journey to the Otherworld reunite him with his ancestors, and provide him communion with his gods. My deepest condolences to his partner, Len, his family, friends, and co-religionists.

“For those of us who speak only English, the treasure-trove of the Celtic consciousness is still behind a locked door. But the key to unlock the door is there, within our grasp. Anyone of us can, at any moment, decide to fit the key to the lock and be on the other side.”

Original Source: http://wildhunt.org/blog/2010/05/alexei-kondratiev-1949-2010.html

Waiting

2010-05-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

Is it Tuesday yet? I am so excited to be doing this spiritual journey that O fee; I can't wait until the first of the month. But I made a commitment to START on the first of June. I just wish the days would go faster.

I think all of this excitement is really going to help me stay focused on my spiritual journey. I just hope that I stay excited throughout its entirety. I do have the bad habit of half-assing everything I do, but, like my college education, this is important to me. It is something I need to do to find balance in myself. I know not everyone needs Deity to feel whole, like my husband, but I do.

Not-so-patiently waiting.

Year and a Day

2010-05-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

Next month marks my 24th birthday as well as my 10-year anniversary in following my religious path. To commemorate this anniversary, I've decided to reattempt my year-and-a-day training. For those who are reading who have no idea what the hell I'm talking about, I'll fill you in. In Wicca, before we dedicate ourselves to our spiritual path, we go through a study and exploration process that has been labeled as year-and-a-day training. It is usually seen as the time you focus inward and study to see if this is the right religion for you. Most people suggest it should take about a year (and a day), hence the term, to fully understand your religious path. The actual time people spend will vary. The first time I did this was a little over 10 years ago, and it took me almost 2 years to complete. This time I am dedicating 53 weeks of my time.

As I mentioned before, this is not my first attempt. This isn't even my second. Almost 2 years ago I tried to reattempt my training, but quit around the 20th week because of some emotional issues. Then I had become a member of Magicka School and had enrolled in their free beginner courses. I had the elders at the school erase my previous grades so I could re-do their Wicca and Tarot classes. I'm thinking of doing my quizzes on the days of the full moon and using the time in between for study and reflection.

Day One begins Tuesday, June 1, which is also the start date for my English Comp 1 class at school. :) I have no idea how I'm going to fit this in my already busy schedule, but I will, somehow. I want to find balance in home, school, and spirituality. This is something I feel I need to do.

[Circle Times] SPREAD THE NEWS: Fort Hood Tragedy Counseling Support for Pagans

2009-11-07T14:25:00.001-08:00

Circle Sanctuary provides Counseling help for Pagans stressed by the Fort Hood Tragedy

A team of Pagan spiritual counselors has been formed by Circle Sanctuary to provide free telephone counseling support this month for Pagans, Wiccans, Druids, Heathens, Pantheists, and other Nature religion practitioners distressed by the shootings at Fort Hood in Texas this past Thursday.

Fort Hood is the largest US military installation in the nation. On Thursday afternoon, November 5, an Army psychiatrist stationed at Fort Hood went on a shooting rampage, killing 13 and wounding 30 at the base. This tragedy has shaken and stressed those at Fort Hood and in neighboring areas as well as across the country and at US military installations around the world.

More than 150 Pagans of many paths live in and around Fort Hood. Many are part of the Fort Hood Open Circle, which is sponsored by the Sacred Well Congregation. Some are connected with other groups, and some are solitary practitioners.

Circle Sanctuary formed this Pagan counseling support team as part of its services to Wiccans, Druids, Heathens, and other Pagans in the US Military. This special response team consists of sixteen Pagan leaders from across the nation who are among those doing various forms of Pagan ministry through Circle Sanctuary. The team is collaborating with other Pagan leaders in the Fort Hood area in providing help. Circle Sanctuary is offering free Pagan oriented counseling by telephone to supplement grief counseling resources at Fort Hood.

Circle Sanctuary's Fort Hood Tragedy response counseling services are for Pagans in and around Fort Hood as well as for Pagans at other US military installations and elsewhere who have been adversely impacted by the Fort Hood shootings. The counseling work being offered is specific to distress resulting from the Fort Hood shootings and will be offered throughout the month on November.

NEED HELP? CONTACT: counselingsupport@circlesanctuary.org

Please include your name, email address, phone number(s) and best days & times to call, and a brief description of how the Fort Hood shootings have stressed you. Information you share will be kept confidential by those assisting you.

TELL OTHERS: please post this notice to blogs, websites, e-lists, elsewhere to help get the word out to those in need of this support.

MORE INFO;

Info about the Fort Hood rampage & healing process:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ihGepAkECGoDagETVBMpPb3w7Y3gD9BQODMG0
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/healing/fort_hood.htm

Info about Circle Sanctuary Military Ministries
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/ministries/military/

Circle Times: Saturday, November 8, 2009

published by Circle Sanctuary
serving Pagans worldwide since 1974
http://www.circlesanctuary.org
PO Box 9, Barneveld, WI 53507 USA
(608) 924-2216
circle@circlesanctuary.org

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The Quest Continues...

2009-07-14T21:27:00.000-07:00

I had a Bible study today that just left me feeling like... what the fuck? It wasn't anything having to with the actually study, or maybe it did, I'm not very sure. But anyway, we were discussing the history of the cross. I already knew from my learnings that the cross, ranging from the Latin cross to the Celtic cross and everything in between, was of Pagan origin. And so the study today was why Jehovah would not be pleased with Christians worshiping something that originated not with him, but through the world, and something that he found accursed, etc.

I had mentioned a story about a Pagan friend who had worn a cross to school and a Christian friend telling her that she couldn't wear it because she didn't believe in Christ. One of the girls I study with asked me what I meant by Pagan, I told her that she was Wiccan and her response was "So she worships the Devil?" with this look on her face that actually just left me speechless for a second. I couldn't coherently respond to her without being rude so I just said, in this context, sure. But it left me feeling horribly uncomfortable.

Now, I am a big believer in faith. I believe that religion has its purpose in the world, and I believe that there is indeed an entity out there with phenominal cosmic power. (Pardon the Disney quote) I have experienced some things that I can't turn a blind eye at; my children are the most percious things to me and I prayed for many things with them that I did get in return. I do know that prayers are answered; when I prayed then it wasn't to Jehovah God or Jesus Christ and they were still answered.

I just can't wrap my head around being so narrow minded that religion has to be black and white, us or them. Life has never been like that for me. If there is an entity out there with this Universal power, it could be speaking to us in many ways and have just been named differently in other cultures. It could be many or one, or we could all just be part of some really fucked up dream. But one thingI know for certain is that I could never fully convert to Christianity. Not the way it's supposed to be; the way the Bible asks it to be.

I knew deep down inside that I would always be Pagan, but I had to find out the reasons and I seem to have done just that. I really care about these people and they have been wonderful to me. I have a LOT of Bible knowledge and will continue to visit with them and discuss, but in my heart I know that I just cannot be a Christian; whether it be Jehovah's Witness or some other sect, I just can't. I just can't sacrifice my peace of mind and sanity for something I can't wrap my head around. I don't agree with it, it makes me uncomfortable, and I'm the first person to tell you that I do NOT wish or want to be a hypocrite. I can't stand it, and I don't want to be something I'll detest later.

Just because they say they're right doesn't mean it is. I mean it could be right, but it could be one of many right ways. I'm just going to follow my gut on this...
Riddle me this: how can one truly worship something they don't believe exists? Granted, just because I've never seen a zebra doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but can we honestly apply that to religion?

Religious Quest

2009-06-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

There is a lot going on in life right now... My pregnancy will be done in about 6 weeks, my oldest child will be starting pre-school soon, and I'm beginning potty-training my almost-2-year-old. I haven't had much time to sit and really think about what I believe in.

Since taking a break back in March, I've realized that no matter what way I may go, I will always have Pagan tendencies. I have just seen, felt, and experience too much on that side that I have enjoyed very much and am not willing to pretend it didn't happen. It's something that I could never let go.

I've been going to Jehovah's Witness meetings every Sunday and doing a Bible study with them every Tuesday morning. I enjoy it, mainly because I love to learn and understand how people worship Deity. But even though I enjoy spending time with them, and actually agree more with their interpretation of the Bible more than any other Christian sect, it's still something that I don't see myself dedicating myself to. It's such a strict belief system. Granted, they are happy and secure in their beliefs, but it just seems so narrow in areas and I just can't make myself wrap around that.

Right now, spiritually, I'm not forcing anything and just going with the flow. I love the people at Kingdom Hall and have become friends with a few. My daughters love being there and being with them, so I know they have good souls and are wonderful people. I just think I'm going to work it my way somehow.

Taking a Break

2009-03-24T09:46:00.000-07:00

Right now I have a lot going on in my life. I'm pregnant, I have two toddlers, and suffer from depression. Even though I've been taking the proper medication and have stayed focus and everything, right now I feel so overwhelmed and lost. I'm questioning and resenting so much.

I've decided to take a step back from everything, including religion, and reassessing little by little. Sometimes that is just something that has to be done.

Week Eleven

2008-10-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

24 Oct 08 - 31 Oct 08
Days 81 through 88

Blessed Samhain! I am in a lot of physical pain right now. I made a witch costume (took 3 days!) that I was determined to wear to work today. After being on my feet for 7 hours I came home to end up trick-or-treating with my babies. I'm on the verge of tears from the pain in my feet.

My youngest had her first birthday on the 26th.

I've been taking it easy. Just waiting for the next quarter at the Pagan Campus. It starts in a couple of days -- and also in a few days are my exams for WIcca Revealed and Beginning Tarot.

Week Ten

2008-10-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

16 Oct 08 - 23 Oct 08
Days 73 through 80

After putting off my Beginning Tarot exam, I completely forgot to do it. Silly me. I didn't finally remember about it until the 21st. I missed a couple of questions so I recieved a 92%. I'm very happy with that grade. The lessons are very intense. I'd only be disappointed if my grade was below a 90.

We're finishing up in Magickal Handcrafting. I'll be getting my certificate soon. :)

Week Nine

2008-10-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

08 Oct 08 - 15 Oct 08
Days 65 through 72

Divination night with the Sage Circle is tonight at my house. I am super excited. They will be here soon and we get to play with all sorts of divintaion tools.

I have a few makeshift tools that I made. My Ouija board is from an old cardboard box that I just painted and laminated. I'm thinking of using it for my final project in my handcrafting class. We have to just write a paper on how we make a magickal tool.

On the 12th I took my first exam for Wicca Revealed. Got a 100 and have started studying lesson two. I'm very much enjoying this bit. I didn't know the Creation Myth, so there is something to add into my new information.

I need to start getting ready for tonight...

Week Eight

2008-10-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

30 Sep 08 - 07 Oct 08
Days 57 through 64

I am still thinking about last week's lesson about glass and metal. Yeah, that will never happen. Let me reiterate that I am not all graceful.

This week's lesson we learned about jewelry making. I love it. I have so many idea for talismans, amulets and charms but no way of getting the supplies right now. Every time I think of beaded work I always think of Bobbi. She has such beautiful magickal peices and you can feel so much power and love in them when you hold them.

Magickal Handcrafting is finishing up soon -- by the end of this month. Our last lesson is title Finishing Touches. I've yet to even glance at it since it has no assignment, but the Final Exam will be open soon.

So I kept getting super antsy about my Wicca Revealed class that I kept going to Magicka. I ended up joining Beginning Tarot. At least with this course the exams are every two weeks and not 28 days. Right now I'm reading the history, some popular creators and decks, and the Fool.

I'm hoping all of this learning won't make my head explode.

Week Seven

2008-09-22T20:38:00.000-07:00

22 Sep 08 - 29 Sep 08
Days 49 through 56

Mabon was spent in Omaha with my family and I just said a small thanks to the Divine for everything I have in this world. We passed a hit deer that someone had kindly moved to the side of the road and I took this as a natural symbol for the sacrifice of the Sun. The deer had been a quite mature buck so I associated him with God as we drove passed.

In Magickal Handcrafting qw are on glass and metal. The procedures and precautions needed make me know for a fact that I will not be using this crafting technique any time soon. I have drawn much blood just handsewing blankets. No sharp or acidic products for me -- thanks!

I am getting super antsy for my first test in my Wicca Revealed course. I decided to look into Alexandrian tradition as I already own books by the Farrars and I don't want to search online. I'm reading The Witches' Bible and so far I am very pleased with how they are explaining everything.

Week Six

2008-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

14 Sep 08 - 21 Sep 08
Days 41-48

So on Monday I decided to join the Magicka School. Someone had mentioned the free course they gave on Wicca and how awesome it was so I had to go and check it out. The upside is that you get to go at your own pace. The downside is that the course material is truly intended for a year training and the minimum wait time allowed to pass before your first test (and future exams) is 28 days. On the positive--it forces you to actually analyze the material and take your time with it.

For the first lesson it gives you the "founding fatherss" for a lack of a better term. I have to do a research project on one of the traditions and because I'm horribly lame I chose Gardner. I thought I was just being lazy for choosing Gardner but the truth of the matter is that before I became eclectic as I am now, my main study focus was in the Gardnerian tradition.

Meh. I don't know -- maybe I'll just do Alexandrian or Seax-Wica. Though the Feri tradition is inticing. I need to re-read Starhawk.

The past two lessons in handcrafting were of sculpting and molds, and wood. I'm now thinking of creating icons for divinity from clay since that is a lot cheaper than paying $50+ for statuary. I'll probably never do anything with wood. My mother used to be an artisan and her wood carvings were wonderful but the tools scared the crap out of me. I am not very graceful -- I'd carve my hand instead.

Tomorrow is Mabon and I have nothing planned.

Week Five

2008-09-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

06 Sep 08 - 13 Sep 08
Days 33 through 40

Part 2 of Nature crafts was very interesting. This part was mainly focussed on animal - skins, feathers, etc. I really doubt I'll be working with any animal skins other than cow leather, but reading the correspondences for each animal was inspiring. Maybe I'll grab a handful of feathers and make a dream catcher?

So I re-read my past entries and just realized that I forgot to mention my night at Pagan House -- the Pagan church in Omaha. Deena picked us up and we had a healing ritual in the sanctuary. I was able to meet Rebecca who is one of our newest members. It was a very enjoyable experience but the setting made me wish I had a church closer to home. It also made me want to start my own church or group. We'll see what the future holds for that idea. I know that right now I am nowhere near qualified.

Week Four

2008-09-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

29 Aug 2008 - 05 Sep 08
Days 25 through 32

A month has officially passed -- can you believe it? I think it passed by rather quickly, which is always nice. I'm not sure if I will do an entire 366 days for my training or not. That amount of time seems daunting when I sit down and think about it.

The past lesson in handcrafting was part 1 of Nature crafts. The great thing about this lesson (other than my 100 on my assignment) is that I realized that I do a bit of nature crafts without realizing it.

Since I homeschool my daughters, for my eldest's science projects we always collect things from outside and make collages and such. If they are still pretty moist with life, I press them in the pages of a sketchbook. When I dry them out or are rocks or feathers, I put them in a plastic bag - a cleat Ziploc for display purposes.

I sing and talk to the plants when I prune or harvest them, which is very magickal. I am liking finding out that even my every day habits are just as magickal.

Week Three

2008-08-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

21 Aug 08 - 28 Aug 08
Days 17 through 24

We are learning about needle crafts in my class this week. Both my last assignment and this assignment earned me a 100%

Now I already know plenty of needle crafts, but it was a great refresher. One thing that I'm thinking of doing is a spell-infused quilt for the girls by using certain colors of fabrics and thread.

I was going to add more to this entry but my mind just shut down.

Esbats

2008-08-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Generally speaking, any ritual held at any time other than a Sabbat is an Esbat. Full
moon rituals are Esbats, however, some hold rituals on the New Moon as well. Full moon
rituals are normally held on the full moon, but on times where this is not possible, one
to two days before or after the actual phase will suffice.

There are 13 full moons in a regular year (12 in a leap-year). When a second full moon
occurs in a month, known as the Blue Moon, the power of the main moon of that month is
doubled. This list is of the Esbats and their correspondences

January - Cold or Wolf Moon - protection, confidence, strength

February - Chaste Moon - maiden goddess Brigid, fertility, strength

March - Seed Moon - new growth, seeds of success, seeds of spirituality

April - Hare Moon - fertility, renewal, wisdom

May - Faerie Moon - faerie power, wisdom, love, romance, good health

June - Honey or Mead Moon - marriage, love, romance, abundance, career, health

July - Herb Moon - strength, magical potency, herb harvest, health, success

August - Barley Moon - grain goddess, sun gods, bounty, fertility, marriage, health

September - Wine Moon - life's blood, protection, confidence, strength

October - Blood Moon - rememberance, protection, stability, resolutions

November - Snow Moon - frost faeries, hope, protection, warmth, healing

December - Oak or Long-Nights Moon - Merlin, goodwill, peace, love, protection

Below is a basic outline on performing ritual on an esbat.

-Cleanse Self and Space
-Altar Devotion
-Prayer/Salute
-Cast Cricle
-Call Quarters
-Unite Energies (if more than just self)
-Invocation -Preform work (such as prayers, healing, spells, etc.)
-Ground energy (Cakes and Ale)
-Thank Gods/Salute
-Dismiss quarters
-Release/Break Circle

Food for thought: How do you plan on honoring these sacred days? Do you believe all these celebrations are an important part of your spirituality? Why or why not?

Wheel of the Year

2008-08-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Wheel of the Year (The Eight Pagan Holidays)
The greater and lesser sabbats form an eightfold around the Wheel of the Year. We are all a part of the great design of the Universe, changing and returning to a beginning.

The Greater Sabbats
Samhain (commonly pronounced as SOW-when) - Festival celebrated on October 31. Also known as All Hallow's Eve, All Saint's Eve, Day of the Dead, Halloween, November Eve, Hallowmas, Feast of Souls, Feast of the Dead, Feast of Apples. Samhain marks the symbolic death of the Sun God and His passing into the "land of the young," where he awaits rebirth of the Mother Goddess at Yule.

Imbolc - Festival normally celebrated on February 2. Also known as Candlemas, Lupercalia, Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of the Waxing Light, Oimelc, Imbolg, Brigit's Day, Groundhog's Day. Imbolc celebrates the first stirrings of spring and the recovery of the Goddess from giving birth to the Sun God at Yule.

Beltane - Festival celebrated on April 30 and/or May 1. Also known as May Eve, Roodmas, Walpurgis Night, Cethsamhain, and has variant spellings. Beltane celebrates the symbolic union, mating, or marriage of the Goddess and God, and link in with the approaching summer months.

Lughnasadh - Festival celebrated on July 31 and/or August 1. Also known as August Eve, Lammas, Feast of Bread. Lughnasadh marks the first harvest, when the fruits of the Earth are cut and stored for the dark winter months, and when the God mysteriously weakens as the days grow shorter.

The Lesser Sabbats
Yule - On or around December 21, the winter solstice. Marks the rebirth of the Sun God from the Earth Goddess. A time of joy and celebration during the miseries of winter. The shortest day of the year

Ostara - On or around March 21, the spring equinox. Ostara marks the beginning of true, astronomical spring, when snow and ice make way for green. As such, it is a fire and fertility festival, celebrating the return of the Sun, the God and the fertility of the Earth, the Goddess.

Midsummer - On or around June 21, the summer solstices, also known as Litha. Midsummer marks the point of the year when the Sun is symbolically at the height of its powers, and so too the God. The longest day of the year.

Mabon - On or around September 21, the autumn equinox. Celebrates the second harvest. Nature is preparing for winter. Mabon is a vestige of ancient harvest festivals which, in some form or another, were once nearly universal among peoples of the Earth

On the Equinoxes, day and night are equally long; these are the days of great power in terms of universal balance. Witches view the Solstices as festive days, when the Equinoxes become days of reflection and self-examination.

Below is a general outline for procedure during a Sabbat ritual.

Cleanse Self and Space
Altar Devotion
Prayer/Salute
Caste Cricle
Call Quarters
Unite Energies (if more than just self)
Invocation
Enactment or Observance of Festival
Dance or raise energies
Ground energy (Cakes and Ale)
Thank Gods/Salute
Dismiss quarters
Release/Break Circle

Week Two

2008-08-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

13 Aug 2008 - 20 Aug 2008
Days 9 through 16

So far I'm enjoying my Magickal Handcrafting class. This week was paper crafts. I think what I liked the best is learning how to properly bind a book. I already knew how to make paper, so now with binding knowledge, I'm going to re-do my entire Book of Shadows.

I've already begun to rewrite all the basic information for Wicca (I'll do all the spells and such last) and am using markers to color code the pages. Guidelines will be in black, grey, and maybe brown. The section on love will be in pink and red; prosperity in green; healing in blues; to bring energy and confidence will be done in yellow and orange while meditations and chants will be done in purples. I don't know what colors everything else will be -- still very much up in the air.

I am liking how this craft class is really making me think about the way my magickal tools should be.

Deity

2008-08-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Helpful resouces:

Pantheon Index: http://www.web.raex.com/~obsidian/PanIndex.html
Godchecker: http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/index.php
Encyclopedia Mythica: http://www.pantheon.org

Read Mythology by Edith Hamilton (This is strictly Greek and Roman)
Read The Goddess Path by Patricia Monoghan

Week One

2008-08-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

05 Aug 2008 - 12 Aug 2008
Days 1 through 8

Most people think I must be out of my mind to be doing this. By "this" I mean my "Year and a Day" training. Now I've been a practicing Pagan for almost ten years now. I've already gone through my training. It took me almost two years to fully understand Wicca and where it stood in my life. But lately I've felt like I've reached a spiritual plateau, where everything just stopped inspiring me and my soul just flat-lined. So I decided then to start from the beginning and do a bit of a spiritual journey to test my knowledge and watch my spiritual growth.

On the 5th, I decided to join the Pagan Online Campus (http://www.thepagancampus.net/) again. I used to take some classes there (that I never quite finished) and chose to register for Magickal Handcrafting. I'm thinking the best way to actually pass something is to only take one class at a time instead of two and space out my assignment instead of waiting until the last minute.

I've already done my first lesson for the week and recieved a 100% for the assignment. This week it was about basic correspondences for color and some basic crafting knowledge. I am hoping that by the end of the class I will be able to make more professional tools and then some.

Now the course is weekly, however, the only reason I will be updating this journal weekly is because that is all the time I really have to write down my feelings. With two very small children, it becomes difficult to keep a diary, so a weekly journal should work out well.

Here's to a new beginning.

Libation

2008-08-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

In essence, libation is an offering given to the Gods. In my personal practice, I do not use wine; I do not like alcohol. So it is substituted with grape or apple juice. Sometimes liquid is not available and I offer a small meal or other offering to the Gods. Libation (as in a liquid offering) is not always needed.

Libation is an act of honoring a deity by offering a portion of wine and other liquids. In modern Witchcraft libations are usually given with wine following moon rituals. Each member pours out a small portion of wine from a chalice upon the ground as they look upward toward the moon. In some traditions remnants of the ritual meal, such as cookies, or pieces of cake, are tossed toward the moon as an additional offering. In the closing, the members perform the custom of "kissing the hand" to the moon, which involves kissing the left hand and raising it to the moon. A modern version of the older custom is "throwing a kiss" to the moon.

Source: http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/l/libation.html

Tips on Writing Your Own Conjuration

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When writing your own conjuration, take into consideration the following:

Designed in prose that is acceptable to you
Length it takes you to make the chosen number of passes
Specify or trigger an appropriate visualization from yourself
Explain precisely what the circle is going to do
May invoke quarters, ancestors, or Divinity

How to Write and Perform a Spell

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Below is a basic guidline that you can use in writing a spell

Purpose of Spell:

What exactly do you hope to achieve?
Does this contradict your beliefs?
Could this harm anyone or does it attempt to take away free will?

Date, time, and astrological phase when used:

Decide what day, lunar phase, and astrological phase will work best for this purpose.

List of ingredientes and/or supplies needed:

Decide what tools you will use. This includes your ritual tools (more about ritual tools in later lessons) and your herbs, candles, stones.

Specific Location required:

Does this spell need to take place outdoors or indoors? Will a certain location enforce a part of this spell or an element?

Deities invoked during preparation and/or use:

What deity or deities should you invoke for this spell, if any. Research the deity or deities you are connected or drawn to before using them for a spell. They may have a negative effect on your spell. When in doubt, you can always refer to the God or Goddess as a blanket deity. Not all Wiccans use specific names for deity.

Step by step instructions for preparation and/or use:

Using the Spell Outline, write your step-by-step instructions.

Results:

Did the spell work?
How long did it take to work?
Were there any unexpected results?
Did it turn out how you planned?
What did you experience while casting the spell?
What should you do differently next time?

Below is a basic outline on what to do when performing a spell

Ritual Preparation

Set everything up before you start your ritual, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting something at the last minute.

Cleanse yourself and your magickal space.

Many Wiccans take a ritual bath before any major spells or rituals. Clean your ritual space, physically & spiritually.

Cast the Circle

Call the Quarters (Invoke the Elements)

Invocation of the Divine

Cast Your Spell

Using your research, decide who should be where when (if working in a group). Using the tools you decided on, raise energy for your purpose. You may decide to chant or sing during this time. When you have raised the power needed, direct it to your purpose.

Cakes and Wine

Some people choose to have Cakes & Wine after they have closed the circle.

Thanking the Divine

Release the Quarters (Banish the Elements)

Close the Circle

Source: http://institute.touchofenchantment.com

Remember that these are only guidelines. You can tweak any of it to better suit your needs at that given time.

Spell Work

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Helpful resource:
Read: Before you Cast a Spell by Carl McColman

Food for thought:

Tree Meditation

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Get comfortable, sit with your spine straight to allow the energies to flow properly. Also for this reason don't cross arms or legs. Close your eyes. Think of the moment that you first woke up this morning, and go through the day , event by event , letting it go , until you reach the here and now.
Now you are here, relax.

Concentrate on your toes, all of your attention focused there.
Imagine a beautiful warm golden summer ocean wave, wash over your toes ,staying for the count of three and then as it draws away again , it takes all the tension from your toes with it.

Your attention is then transferred to your feet, again the wave laps at your feet for the count of three, washing away the strain.

Your Focus is now on your calves and again up washes the delicious wave to rid you of the tension stored there

As it washes to your knees, it feels lovely against your skin

Thighs, all is relaxed.

Hips, all stress is washed away.

Belly, count to three, A feeling of peace

Chest, loving energies wash over you

Shoulders and arms, and they totally relax.

Neck , the water massages the stress away

Head , gently after the count of three it calmly washes all tension away , leaving you feeling clear and relaxed.

I want you now to imagine before you a tree. It is exuding a calm and relaxed atmosphere and you feel very welcomed and relaxed. Go to your tree . Explore the leaves, what sort of tree is it?, are there leaves? what is the texture of the bark? what is the soil?

Feel yourself being welcomed by the tree. Why not hug it in greeting? sit next to the tree, with your back leaned against it , and as you do you feel let in to the aura of this tree, and accepted at a innermost level.

You feel you are at one with the tree, and you realise that you have established an awareness that allows you to transcend into the essence of its being.

Feel your roots deep in the ground, deep into Mother Earth. Seeking nutrients and water , discovering in the darkness an intimacy with the soil. Listen, you can hear the water flowing deep underground, feel the cool caressing touch of it. Drink deep the water to quench this trees thirst.

Travel up now, to the trunk of the tree. Feel the potency, the power, feel the stability. Hidden within are secrets, secrets that will endure the life of the tree. Explore the life force here and gain strength from the knowledge found here.

Travel again now , further up the tree, to the swaying branches. Fresh air, scented deliciously with the scent of leaves. sunlight is shinning upon the leaves, giving power, giving energy, nurturing it. Feel the sun also nurturing you. Feel joy at the playful wind playing amongst the leaves and twigs .Feel joy at the beauty around you.

Slowly you travel back down the tree, to the point that you entered.
Feel the link between you and the tree slowly dissipate, slowly , lovingly, dissolve. Leaving a great scenes of camaraderie and mutual respect. Bow and thank the tree, in a means that seems suitable to you.

Slowly and in your own time, become aware of your self and your surroundings. Stretch. become aware of the other people here tonight. when your ready open your eyes.

Source: http://www.wiccanway.net/sylvan12.html

After you are done, answer the following questions:

Did you have any trouble doing this exercise?

If so, what was difficult?

How did you feel before starting this exercise?

How did you feel after this exercise?

What did you experience during this exercise?

What kind of tree was it?

What season did the tree resemble? (Were there leaves? What color were they?)

Describe the tree as well as you can and explain the surroundings.

What thoughts crossed your mind during this exercise? (You do not have to answer this, but please keep track of this in your journal. You may notice patterns that you need to address).

Magick and Energy

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Helpful resources:
What is Magick:
http://www.wicca.com/celtic/wicca/magick.htm

Raising Energy:
http://www.paganspath.com/magik/raise-energy.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/on/wicca/RaisingEnergy.html

Grounding and Centering:
http://www.witchscauldron.net/cauldron/center.htm
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/6-13-2006-99111.asp
http://healing.about.com/cs/uc_directory/a/uc_groundewing3.htm

Food for thought:
What is your definition of magick?
Why do you think it is important for Wiccans to work with magickal energy?

Air Meditation

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Sit in a comfortable position where you can feel the movement of air—either outside or near an open window. Light an incense of your choice, and focus on the swirling smoke. Watch it curl into the air as you and consider the element of air. Play music if it helps you meditate, and breathe deeply. Think of the air we breathe. Think of wind and its power. Air is the element of the intellect and of communication, so consider all aspects of the mind as well. Imagine the air currents moving all around you. Do this for the length of time that it takes your incense to burn.

By: Ember
Source: http://www.llewellyn.com/free/spell.php?spellid=2280

Basic Day Correspondences

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Monday

Aspect: Female

Planet: Moon

Colors: white, silver, creams, light grays

Energies: women’s mysteries, protection, emotions, dreams, clairvoyance, home, family, medicine, female fertility, messages, theft, voyages, subconscious, healing, sisterhood, small animals and children, the feminine side of men, motherhood

Tree: Willow

Tuesday

Aspect: Male

Planet: Mars

Colors: reds, some oranges

Energies: courage, revenge, power over enemies, higher education, endurance, violence, fast action, surgery, breaking away of negative spells, matrimony, war, prison, hunting, politics and physical competitions, leadership, lust, any blood healing

Tree: Holly

Wednesday

Aspect: Male

Planet: Mercury

Colors: yellows, grays, violets, opalescent colors

Energies: mental clarity, communications, writing, strategy, divination, young people, knowledge, business negotiations, teaching, additions, reason, debt, fear, loss, self-improvements and healings, perceptions, groups, travel

Tree: Hazel

Thursday

Aspect: Male

Planet: Jupiter

Colors: royal purple, royal blue

Energies: luck, growth, expansion, generosity, male fertility, older men, masculine side of female, legal matters, health, honor, wealth, clothing, desires, men’s professions, spiritual attainment

Tree: Oak

Friday

Aspect: Female

Planet: Venus

Colors: pink, aqua, greens, pastels

Energies: love and pleasure, peace, romance, marriage, attraction, friendships, gentleness, ease, music, partnerships, art, sexual matters, affairs of the heart, physical beauty, scents and perfumes, social activities, women’s problems, protection, affairs

Tree: Apple

Saturday

Aspect: Female

Planet: Saturn

Colors: black, dark purples, dark grays, indigo

Energies: obstacles to overcome, a block, spirit communication, meditation, life, freedom, self-discipline, protection, limitations to give or break, locating lost items and people, the elderly, endings, deaths, the destroying of diseases and pests, constricting and those constricting you, psychic defense

Tree: Alder

Sunday

Aspect: Male

Planet: Sun

Colors: oranges, yellows, golds, white

Energies: health, leadership, healing, prosperity, self-knowledge, happiness, ego, hope, joy, strength, individuality, authority figures, fatherhood, husbands, protection, power, spirituality, promotions, fortune

Tree: Birch

Basic Color Correspondences

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Black: meditation rituals, hex work, uncrossing rituals and spells to banish evil spirits and negative forces, rest, hidden matters, stops gossiping and meddling, and for any work invoking the Crone. Also for divination and protection.

Blue: magick that involves honor, loyalty, peace, tranquility, truth, wisdom, protection during sleep, astral projection and spells to induce prophetic dreams. Good for water magick as well.

Brown: spells to locate lost objects, improve powers of concentration and telepathy, and for protection of familiars and household pets. This is also used for grounding, stability, friendship, and earth magick.

Gold: spells that attract the power of cosmic influences, and rituals to honor solar deities. Also for attraction and prosperity.

Green: spells involving fertility, success, good luck, prosperity, money, rejuvenation and ambition, and rituals to counteract greed and jealousy, also for abundance, faith, and maturity. Can also be used for earth magick.

Grey: spells to neutralize negative influences. Glamouries.

Orange: spells to stimulate energy and motivation, kinship, kindness, warmth, work, career, gain, and opportunity.

Pink: love spells and rituals involving friendship or femininity.

Purple: spirituality, psychic manifestations, healing, and spells involving power, success, independence, and household protection.

Red: fertility rites, aphrodisiacs, passionate love, and spells involving sexual passion, health, physical strength, revenge, anger, willpower, courage, and magnetism. Also for fire magick.

Silver: spells and rituals to remove negativity, encourage stability, and attract the influence of the Goddess. Also for psychism, money, and moon magick.

White: consecration rituals, meditation, divinization, exorcism, and spells that involve healing, clairvoyance, truth, peace, spiritual strength, and lunar energy. You may also use white to substitute any color.

Yellow: spells involving confidence, attraction, intellect, healing, persuasion, communication, and air magick.

I am very aware that there are many more colors out there, but this is just a very small list of colors that I've compiled that are commonly used.

Moon Magick Correspondences

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Waxing Moon - the time from the New Moon through the first quarter to the Full Moon is the proper time to perform healing rituals, positive magick, and spells that increase love, good luck, and growth of any kind, sexual desire, and wealth.

Full Moon – the period of the Full Moon increases the powers of extrasensory perception, and is the proper time to perform lunar Goddess invocations, fertility rituals, transformations, spirit conjurations, and spells that increase psychic abilities and prophetic dreams. According to ancient European folklore, the power of the Full Moon can also magically transform man into beast and vice versa.

Waning Moon - the time from the Full Moon through the last quarter to the New Moon is the proper time to perform destructive magick and spells that remove curses, hexes, jinxes, end bad relationships, reverse love spells and aphrodisiacs break bad habits and unhealthy addictions, undo negative influences, and decrease fever and pain.

New Moon – the period of the New Moon, when the moon is dark or black, is the time for rest and attainment of desires. It is the best time to prepare for the new wishes and to form your requests very seriously. Take a break and give yourself a rest.

Moon in Aires – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve authority, leadership, willpower, warfare, and spiritual conversions of rebirth. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the face, head, or brain. Candle colors: red, crimson, scarlet, burgundy. Metal: iron. Elemental: salamander

Moon in Taurus – is the ideal time to practice all forms of love magick, and to cast spells that involve real estate, material acquisitions and money. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the throat, neck, or ears. Candle colors: all shades of green, turquoise, and pink. Metal: copper. Elemental: gnome

Moon in Gemini – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve communication, change of residence, writing, public relations, activities, and travel. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the shoulders, arms, hands, or lungs. Candle colors: mauve. Metal: mercury. Elemental: sylph

Moon in Cancer – is the ideal time to perform rituals honoring lunar deities, and to cast spells that involve the home and all aspects of domestic life. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the chest or stomach. Candle colors: silver, grey, white. Metal: silver. Elemental: undine

Moon in Leo – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve authority, power over others, courage, fertility, and childbirth. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for the ailments of the upper back, spine, or heart. Candle colors: gold, yellow, orange. Metal: gold. Elemental: salamander

Moon in Virgo – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve employment, intellectual matters, health, and dietary concerns. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the intestines or nervous system. Candle colors: navy blue, rust orange. Metal: mercury. Elemental: gnome

Moon in Libra – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve artistic work, justice, court cases, partnerships and unions, mental stimulation, and karmic, spiritual, or emotional balance. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the lower back or kidneys. Candle colors: royal blue. Metal: copper. Elemental: sylph

Moon in Scorpio – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve sexual matters, power, psychic growth, secrets, and fundamental transformations. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the reproductive organs. Candle colors: red, black. Metal: iron. Elemental: undine

Moon in Sagittarius – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve horses, travel, publications, legal matters, sports activities, and truth. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the liver, thighs, or hips. Candle colors: purple, dark blue. Metal: tin. Elemental: salamander

Moon in Capricorn – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve organization, ambition, recognition, career, and political matters. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the knees, bones, teeth, or skin. Candle colors: black, dark brown. Metal: lead. Elemental: gnome.

Moon in Aquarius – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve science, freedom, creative expression, problem-solving, extrasensory abilities, friendship, and the breaking of bad habits or unhealthy addictions. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the calves, ankles, or blood. Candle colors: light blue. Metal: uranium. Elemental: sylph

Moon in Pisces – is the ideal time to cast spells that involve dream work, clairvoyance, telepathy, music, and the creative arts. It is also the proper lunar phase in which to perform healing rituals for ailments of the feet or lymph glands. Candle colors: aquamarine, lavender. Metal: tin. Elemental: undine

All spells and rituals that involve the element of earth (such as Gaia-healing) should be performed when the moon is positioned in one of the three astrological earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Those that involve the element of fire should be performed when the moon is positioned in one of the three astrological fire signs: Aires, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Those that involve the element of air should be performed when the moon is positioned in one of the three astrological air signs: Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

Those that involve the element of water should be performed when the moon is positioned in one of the three astrological water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Earth and Sky Meditation

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There must be a balance of earth and sky energy in each of us. Both are essential to our lives. Attuning to earth keeps us grounded and secure. Connecting to sky reminds us to dream and wish. Go outside on a bright, sunny day. Choose a firm spot to stand on. Make sure you can see the sky. Stand with your legs spread apart in a V shape. Make sure your footing is secure. Raise your arms outstretched in a V toward the sky. The V shape is symbolic of opening up to receive energy. When ready, say:

I am balanced between earth and sky. I walk with my feet on the ground. (Look at your feet planted on the earth.)
I walk with my head in the clouds.
(Look above at the joyful clouds.)
I am balanced between earth and sky. So mote it be!

The Tools

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Athame (pronounced AH-tha-meh) - This is the magickal ritual knife used to direct personal power. The handle is usually of a dark color to absorb energies and temporarily store it. It is not used for physical cutting but instead used to direct energy. It is a masculine tool and is represented by the Fire element.

Bolline- This is simply a working knife that is used for physical cuttings such as herbs or flowers, or to mark candles, or anything else that is to be used magickally. The handle is usually white to separate itself from the athame.

Censer- This is simply an incense burner. It can be any shape - from the swinging thuribles of the Catholic Church to a simple seashell. You can make one with a bowl or cup half filled with salt or sand. The salt absorbs the heat and prevents the bowl from cracking. Incense sticks can be pushed into the salt or cones can be placed on its surface. In ceremonial magick, spirits are sometimes commanded to appear in the smoke. The Gods can usually be seen in the smoke. The censer is a masculine tool and is represented by the Air element.

Cauldron- This is a symbol of the Goddess. It also symbolizes Water, reincarnation, immortality, and inspiration. Though it is normally used as a focal point for rituals, such as burning a fire within or holding flowers, it may be used for cooking and potion making.

Cup- Also known as the chalice, the cup is simply a cauldron with a handle. The cup symbolizes the Goddess and the element of Water. Though you can use it to hold water for ritual, it can be used to hold the ritual drink if any.

Pentacle- This is usually a flat piece of brass, gold, silver, wood, etc. inscribed with a pentagram, the interlaced five-point star. It represents Earth and is a tool used to place charms, amulets, or other objects to be blessed or consecrated. It is an old symbol of protection and is sometimes used to evoke the Gods.

Wand- This is an instrument of invocation and is represented by Air. It is used to call upon the Gods and sometimes used to direct energy, draw a circle on the ground, or stir brew in a cauldron. Any straight stick will do as long as you are comfortable with it.

Besom- This is a magick broom used to sweep the area before ritual. The sweeping is more than physical - the besom doesn't even have to touch the ground. It is used to sweep out any astral build up and/or negative energy and purifies the area. Because of its cleansing properties it is a feminine tool and is represented by the element of Water.

Bell- This is a feminine symbol used to call up the Goddess during ritual. It is also rung to ward off evil spells and spirits or to evoke good energies.

For consecration of your ritual tools (making the tools sacred for magickal use), use this website as an idea for what to do: http://fullmoon-magic.com/consecration.html

Food for thought: Why do you think it is important to consecrate your tools before use?

The Altar

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Depending on the altar's size, shape, and what you're going to use it for decides on how you should set it up. If it is a permanent altar, you should always have a symbol of the Goddess and God at the center when it is not being used. If your altar has an alternate use - such as a coffee table, you should always put everything away in a safe and sacred place for you. Nothing that is not being used for ritual, or that you do not find sacred, should ever be placed on the altar.

If working with a circular surface, it is better to set up your altar according to the four corners and their corresponding elements. Each tool, as well as the images or symbols to be used for the God and Goddess should be placed accordingly.

(click to enlarge)

If your altar is rectangular or square, the easiest method is by placing the Goddess to the left, the God to the right, and aligning the tools in a way where the symbolism matches.

(click to enlarge)

You may use an altar cloth if you so desire. However, always remember that the altar is what YOU make it. These are just examples and you can make small changes that best suit you.

As an example, I took a picture of my altar using the rectangular altar diagram.

(click to enlarge)

Symbols

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Helpful Resource: http://www.freewebs.com/wiccanforesttemple/symbols.htm

These are a few symbols that Wiccans use, whether for their BOS, or for personal use in rituals and spells.

(click on image for larger view)

Maintaining Focus

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This exercise will help you develop your focus and concentration.

First, choose an everyday object for your meditation. This can be a pencil, a glass, or anything else lying around your house. Once you have your object, find a comfortable position, keeping the object visible. Close your eyes, spending a few moments becoming aware of your breathing. After a bit, open your eyes and focus on the object. Observe your mind’s attempts to distract your attention. Whenever you notice your attention drifting, gently return your focus to the object. Continue doing this exercise for two or three minutes.

With practice, you will be able to increase the length of this meditation as your mental discipline improves. When you have completed this exercise, journal about the things you became distracted by. You do not have to tell what distracted you, but please keep track. You will notice patterns that you need to address.

This exercise is from 1001 Meditations - How to discover peace of mind by Mike George. This exercise is worth 25 points.

Invoking Elements and Elementals

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There are several different ways of invoking the elements from the four cardinal points. This is a very simple, basic one that I use.

Hail to the East, the Sylphs, the Air
Positive forces I call you in
Hail to the South, the Salamanders, the Fire
Positive forces I call you in
Hail to the West, the Undines, the Water
Positive forces I call you in
Hail to the North, the Gnomes, the Earth
Positive forces I call you in

Release
To the North, the Gnomes, the Earth
Fare thee well, I send you home
To the West, the Undines, the Water
Fare thee well, I send you home
To the South, the Salamanders, the Fire
Fare thee well, I send you home
To the East, the Sylphs, the Air
Fare thee well, I send you home

In Prefect Love and Perfect Trust
Hail and Farewell

Helpful Tips for Invoking the Elements (and doing other Magickal Work)

Say the quarter call, invocation, or circle casting slowly
When working with quarters, remember you are dealing with a portal or passageway to other worlds of some kind.
Visualize what is to be coming through or guarding any quarter while casting your circle, invoking deity, or aspecting deity.
Feel, with your sixth sense (or other senses), what is happening around you
If you are participating in a group and you have been given the job of a quarter, you are responsible for that quarter from the time you open it to the time you close it.
If you are working alone, you’ve got your hands full.
All energies/quarters must be closed/dismissed precisely in the manner they were called:
- Summoned: dismissed and thank
- Stirred: farewell in peace and safety and thank
- Called: hail and farewell and thank
All workings with both Divine energies and those of other planes should be done in perfect love and perfect trust.
All workings should have a goal.
Our purest intentions are those in which we succeed the best,
A working Witch does not mind summoning, stirring, or calling power, but is not driven by the guest of power for itself.
A working Witch carries no delusions, either of self, intentions, or others.
A working Witch does not seek to control unlimited minions, either human or astral.

Elementals

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Elementals are nature spirits that are called upon to aid in magick.

Gnomes - Earth, North. Givers of material gain and stability. The rulers of the forest. Seen as "little people", like brownies or pygmies, or green light. Protectors of outdoor circles and groves.

Sylphs - Air, East. Givers of wishes, knowledge, and dreams. The rulers of weather. Envisioned as "faeries" or angels, or white light. Protectors of magickal applications. Delicate beings with beautiful wings.

Salamanders - Fire, South. Givers of passion and creativity. The rulers of fields and fire or blue flame. Envisioned as dragons or lizards or red-orange lights. Protectors of hearth, home, and business.

Undines - Water, West. Givers of love and friendship. Envisioned as mer-people, sirens, or pink or pale blue lights. Rulers of all water. Protectors of the gates of death and karma.

When using elementals, the pentacle employs control over them. The pentagram (usually with one point up) is an interlocking five pointed star. Each point of the pentagram stands for an element. Earth is located at the lower left hand corner; Fire is the lower right hand corner, Water, the upper right hand corner, and Air on the Upper left hand corner, with the uppermost point representing the Divine. The circle signifies the melding of all the elements through the work of humankind and indicates the universal mystery of oneness.

An upside-down pentacle represents chaos and is rarely used.

Elements

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An important factor when working your desires is the use of the four major elements. These are the basic components that make up life itself. Each one has their own individual energies, vibrations, and direction.

Magick is in the mind and these elements are used to make the will, the desire, and a concrete manifestation in the world. When properly understood and aligned with all the other tools, they will aid in providing a tremendous force to your desires.

Fire: represents passion, enthusiasm, desire and courage, force, lust, fertility and virility, initiative and rejuvenation. It represents both light and heat. The light of intelligence and the fire of courage to follow it. A low fire person is usually cold, slow to act, without enthusiasm for life or themselves. A high fire person is bold, dramatic and passionate in all areas in their self; however, this person must be careful as fire can destroy everything in its path. Fire magick can bring on the new, courage and passion, and destroy the old.

Feeling: dry heat

Season: Summer

Direction: South / Energy

Symbol: athame/sword, candle and burner

Colors: reds, oranges, golds

Moon phase: 2nd quarter

Time of day: High noon

A type of fire magick is Bonfire Magick, which usually involves burning something such as an herb or flower, or a piece of paper of petition of which you have written your desire. It is used for banishing, ridding, or destroying negative influences in your life.

Another is Candle Magick, a simple, easy, and useful method in bringing about your desires. A color for the candle is chosen and can also include the correct scent in relation to your desire and lit sometimes for up to seven days. This form of fire magick is usually for any type of desire.

Another is Sun Magick. Using the sun in our wishes is a beautiful way in which to enhance new beginnings in love, health, work and home, awaken subtle powers and aid in attraction desires. It is also a good way to attune to the God.

Air: represents mental activity, thoughts, reason and intellect, memory, knowledge, persuasion, birth and friendship, freedom, clarification and expression. A low air person seems without any direction and unable to define nor visualize any future and cannot reason out the alternatives and objectives. A high air person is at ease in complex situations and can sit and think things through, and can carry through with decisions.

Feeling: moist heat

Season: Spring

Direction: East / Mental

Symbol: wand or the smoke of incense

Colors: white, light blues and yellows

Moon phase: 1st quarter

Time of day: dawn

Different types of air magick include visualizations. An important tool in any magick work, it makes the events happen. For this type, it is important that all the other factors such as color, time, moon phase, et cetera, are all in balance, and to have all the other tools working, such as incense and candle burning, or even the right tea or wine to drink in the background. This is because you need to "fix" or ground" the images or ideas you are using in your visualizations.

As our thoughts are extremely powerful, as are our words. Words can put together in such a way as to form spells, or used in channeling your power. Words give rise to our desires and released upon the winds for attainment. Created and repeated with intensity and concentration is a powerful magick in itself. You do not have to be an accomplished linguist to accomplish this; just a simple sentence will do. It creates an atmosphere of concentrated awareness and strength. It can be used in moments of stress or fear, and will create the magick itself. It does not have to be said aloud; say them to yourself if need or want be.

Another air magick is mirror magick. It can help in overcoming inner problems and also help with difficult personal decisions. It uses both the word and visualization forms in its use and can also aid in being able to visualize a future event. This is sometimes used as a scrying tool in which you are able to "see" possible future events and outcomes.

Water: the symbol of emotions. Water imbibes all life forms and in us we flow with the tide of our feelings. It involves intuition, insight, conception and pregnancy, fertility, the womb, health, beauty, and divination. A low water person outwardly would appear as a cold and calculating individual, one who is indifferent and unresponsive. On the other hand, a high water person may seem as though at the slightest touch the well is opened and can be over-emotional and over-dramatic in all areas of life. A good balance of water here is needed to keep the flow running smoothly.

Feeling: moist cold

Season: Autumn

Direction: West / Emotion

Symbol: cup/chalice, broom, or cauldron

Colors: blue, light grays, sea greens, and white

Moon phase: Full

Time of day: dusk

Some water magick can involve the beach and its sand, shells, animals, and seawater. This is especially good for love spells and also when you need to "get a grip" or clarify your own emotions. The use of shells in the practice is widely used. These can hold appropriate herbs or be used as a symbol of water magick.

One old tradition is using that of well water. A lot of gems and stones are exposed to this for a period of time and used at night during a full moon or waxing phase for water magick. Be careful, though, to know your stones as some do not react well in water for long periods of time. This type of water magick can give you insights to how others think of you, what others are doing and how well they are, and to find the truth within yourself.

Water spells can involve the use of scrying bowls. This is a bowl of clear or colored water in which you are able to "see" the future and future events or outcomes or get a clear direction on decisions. This is widely used in certain meditations and visualizations.

Earth: Finally we come to the element of Earth, the source and provider of all needs. It represents sensations, decay, patience, balance, stability, strength, health, warmth and comfort, animals and animal instincts, farming and physical labor.

Feeling: Dry cold

Season: Winter

Direction: North / Balance

Symbol: pentacle, grains, or a stone

Colors: browns, black, purples, and dark greens

Moon phase: 4th quarter

Time of day: Midnight

A high earth person seems a practical sort and quiet "down to earth; a hard worker, stable and good provider. However, they can be a little too stubborn sometimes. A low earth person can seem confused, insecure and alone, unable to feel wanted and their work may be affected.

Earth magick can involve the use of herbs and plants. Using the correct herb to help attain your desire along with the other tools can be very effective. Burying things and making some offerings to the earth such as planting trees is also a form of earth magick. Using your gems or crystals and burying them in the earth under the appropriate tree while making your wish is also effective.

Another type which is considered earth magick is any type of routine. Anything you do on a regular basis can be used as a magickal vehicle. While performing something you do at the same time everyday (like brush your teeth or shower), prepare yourself and use this period for clarity on a subject, figure the best course of action in a situation, or to find just where you are in the course of your life.

Journey Meditation

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This journey meditation requires you to visualize yourself in a peaceful place. This can be a place you have been, want to go, or a place you make up. The purpose of this exercise is to "escape" from your daily life and all your stress for a short period.

To get started, find a comfortable position. If you plan to picture yourself on a beach (or something similar), you may wish to sit against a comfortable surface or lie down. Once you are comfortable, take a few deep breaths. Concentrate on your breathing. Each breath is becoming deeper and deeper. Your body is becoming light and you feel carefree.

Now picture your peaceful place. Visualize every detail you can. Is it bright and colorful or muted and tranquil? What do you see? Try to use your other senses and pay attention to everything you experience.

If your mind starts to drift, just concentrate on surroundings (your peaceful place) and promise to deal with everything after you have finished meditating. After about five to fifteen minutes, take a few cleansing breathes and let go of the visualization. When you feel focused on your physical surroundings, take a few minutes to journal anything you felt and experienced. Describe your visualization in as many details as possible.

Sacred Space and Circle Casting

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The Universe is sacred space. In essence, all life and all places are sacred

Sacred space is an area, whether tangible or intangible, where people meet in perfect love and perfect trust. Such a space would be the environment of an open circle or a study group where there is balance and harmony.

Sacred space is where you live, where the Witch is sacred.

To create sacred space, you need a quite and comfortable place to work in. First, grab your besom (ritual broom) and use it to clean out any dust and astral build-up in the area. If you do not have a ritual broom, that is okay. Just make sure that the area you are working in is clean and tidy. If you wish to disperse any negative energy, you can do so by ringing a bell, chimes, or banging pots and pans together. Yelling can also help.

To cast a circle you simply envision it around you. The circle is a sphere constructed of personal power in which rituals are usually enacted. The term refers to the circle that marks the sphere's penetration of the ground, for it extends both above and below it. It is created through visualization and magick. You first lay out markers at the four cardinal points in your work area; N, S, E and W. These can be symbols, candles, or stones. Next, beginning at the East and working your way clockwise, you direct energy in an elliptical motion to surround yourself and the area. You can use a wand or athame to direct the energy by holding it out above or in front of you, or by simply drawing it in the ground if you are casting the circle outside.

To release the circle you do so backward--starting at the N and working your way counterclockwise; envisioning the energy being sucked back into the tool. You can use the simple phrase of "The circle is open but unbroken" or any chant to help with this

Here are some qualities that should be expected in the Witch before they enter the magickal circle:

Reliability
Responsibility
Cheerfulness
Honesty
Trustworthiness
Loyalty
Humanitarianism
Consideration
Respect for authority
Can keep a secret
Resourcefulness
Devotion to divinity

Now we know that no one is perfect and therefore could have many of these qualities missing. However, we should keep in mind to do the best we can and be the best we can be.

There are several methods used to cast and close a circle. This is just the method that I use.

Whenever you need to leave a circle, whether its to use the bathroom or to take an important phone call from a loved one overseas, use your athame, wand, or hand if none are available and "cut" a doorway. To cut a doorway you simply do so as if drawing it in the air. You may also visualize a door in the circle opening, walk through it, and visualize it closing behind you. What ever method works best for you is fine.

Food for thought: What is the main purpose of a protective circle and a magick circle and why should you do your work in sacred space?

Visualization Excercises

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Shielding
Shielding is very important for magickal works AND in your everyday life. You should shield yourself from any negative energy first thing in the morning and reinforce this when you go into stressful situations. You will notice that when you are around certain places and people, you will feel as if you lost all of your energy suddenly. Shielding will help prevent this.

One that I use is envisioning myself closing curtains around my body.

Start off by sitting in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and envision curtains opened and flowing around you, a lot like they have in hospital rooms between beds. If this is a bit hard to imagine, try and picture it as sitting in a curtained canopy bed. You slowly take the curtains and drag them around the curtain rod so that they are closed snugly around you, blocking out any negative energy. Think of the curtains as a mesh mosquito net. The negative energy being the mosquitos. Take as long as you need to fully close your "curtains".

If you start feeling sluggish during the day, close your eyes and re-close the curtains if you need to.

There are many different shielding techniques. Choose what works best for you. I recommend trying each of them and others that you may find. A good article that I have found: http://www.psipog.net/art-common-shields.html

Protective Light
This technique uses a ball of white light for protection.

First, find a comfortable position. Close your eyes and visualize a ball of white light above your head. Feel the love and protection radiating from this light. Mentally stretch this ball of light to encompass your entire body. As you surround yourself with this protective, loving light, feel the energy from the body of light filling your body.

Continue stretching the ball of light until your entire body is surrounded. Concentrate on the feeling of the energy within yourself and the energy of the light. Stretch the ball of light so you have a bubble of light around yourself (about 3-6 feet).

If you start feeling low or drained throughout the day, close your eyes and reinforce if you need to.

Meditation Excercise

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Start by finding a comfortable position. Keep your back straight (not rigid).

Pay attention to your breathing for a minute, keeping it steady and even. Now, notice any tension in your body. You are going to release all of this tension, starting with your head. Feel the tension moving down and out of your head. Once your head feels light, move to your neck. Make sure you push the tension down, so parts that have already been addressed stay light.

Concentrate on removing all tension from your neck and shoulders. Your muscles will feel soft. Work on your arms next, pushing the tension out of your fingertips. You can do both arms at the same time, or one at a time.

Now, work on your chest and stomach. All the tension is draining towards your legs. Your head, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, and stomach are very light and soft. Keep working your way down your body until the only remaining tension is in your feet. Now, you are going to picture the tension moving out of the soles of your feet into the ground/floor. If you are laying down, the tension is being released through your heels into the ground/bed/floor.

Enjoy the light feelings your body is experiencing. Pay attention to how your breathing is changing and how you feel. After a few minutes, slowly start to get up.

Meditation and Visualization

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Meditation is an important and useful tool to use when working with magick. It helps keeps us focused and relaxed and can help us and inspire us. To find out more on the history and the benefits of meditation go to: http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Spring05/Luft/index.htm

According to Webster.com, Visualization is the formation of mental visual images. Visualization is something we all use. Every time we daydream or mentally “picture” something, we are using visualization. Whenever we are seeing something that is not directly in front of us, we are visualizing it. Even though we all visualize, some people have trouble focusing their thoughts on certain visualization.

Visualization can be a very useful tool, in our day-to-day lives and in our magickal workings. We can use these mental images to direct energy in spells, healing, and in many more ways. You can use visualization before an important meeting, before a job interview, before meeting with a real estate agent, or anything else you feel is important. The more detailed and focused you are during your visualization sessions, the stronger, more effective your results will be. Before important or stressful occasions, I recommend you use visualization several times to increase your desired effect.

Food for thought: What benefits do you hope to receive from practicing meditation and visualization on a regular basis?

Ethics and Morals

2008-07-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

Helpful Resource: www.waningmoon.com/ethics/index.shtml

Food for thought: What is the purpose of the Rede and all these resources? How can you apply it to every day life? How do you interpret the Law of Return (rule of three)? Do you believe it affects the three planes of existence (mental, physical, spiritual)? What do you believe happens to use when we die? Do you believe in Heaven and Hell, why or why not? Are our actions held accountable? Do you believe it is necessary to ask permission to do spells to another? (Consider binding and healing spells)

Principles of Belief

2008-07-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

These Principles of Belief were set down in 1974 by The Council of American Witches. Witches of all traditions had gathered to come to decisions on these principles, which most Witches and Wiccans follow.

We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the moon and the seasonal quarters and cross quarters.

We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility towards our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance, offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

We acknowledge a depth of power, far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary, it is sometimes called "supernatural" but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity-as masculine and feminine-and that this same creative Power lives in all people and functions, through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sexuality as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of Life and as one of the sources of energies, used in Magickal practice and religious worship.

We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes, etc. and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions, the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of them selves, in leadership.

We see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it-a-world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.

Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch-but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself, if that makes life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others and in Harmony with Nature.

We acknowledge that is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and to our personal role, within it.

Our only animosity towards Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practices and belief.

As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present, and our future.

We do not accept the concept of "absolute evil," nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil" as defined by Christian Tradition. We do not seek power through suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived by denial to another.

We work within Nature, for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

Goals of a Witch

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The 13 Goals of a Witch were written by Scott Cunningham and are usually learned and achieved when on a constant learning path within Wicca.

Know yourself

Know your craft

Learn

Apply knowledge with wisdom

Achieve balance

Keep your words in good order

Keep your thoughts in good order

Celebrate life

Attune with the cycles of the earth

Breathe and eat correctly

Exercise the body

Meditate

Honor the Goddess and God

Witches' Pyramid

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To Know
To Dare
To Will
To be Silent

To know means that we constantly search for truth and are strong in our beliefs. To dare means that we are not afraid of the unknown and that we dare to be different and to learn as much as we can. To will means that we concentrate on being the best we can be. To Be Silent means that we know pure thought has great power. If we tell others about our magic, especially those who don’t believe as we do and want to cause problems, it can suck at our strength.

Wiccan Rede & Witches' Creed

2008-07-09T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Rede in its best known form as the "eight words" couplet was first publicly recorded in a speech by Doreen Valiente in 1964. In 1974 a complete twenty-six line poem entitled "The Wiccan Rede" was published in the neo-Pagan magazine Earth Religion News. Each line contained a rhymed couplet laid out as a single line, the last line being the familiar "short rede" couplet beginning "Eight words...".

This poem was shortly followed by another, slightly different, version, entitled the "Rede Of The Wiccae," which was published in Green Egg magazine by Lady Gwen Thompson. She ascribed it to her grandmother Adriana Porter, and claimed that the earlier published text was distorted from "its original form." The poem has since been very widely circulated and has appeared in other versions and layouts, with additional or variant passages. It is commonly known as the "Long Rede".

The Witches' Creed

by Doreen Valiente

Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny’s pathway, that now we bring forth in the light.

Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air,
by hidden Quintessence we know them, and we will keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring,
We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat, returns, and the Witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candelas dancing, on May Eve and old Halloween

When daytime and nighttime are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array,
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.

The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man
each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.

When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies, in the land of shades of that hour.

Our world has no right to know it and the world beyond will tell naught,
the oldest of Gods are invoked there; the great work of Magic is wrought.

For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine,
and two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces divine.

And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.

Eight words the Witches Rede fulfill:
If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!

The Rede of the Wiccae

By Lady Gwen Thompson

Bide within the Law you must,

In perfect Love and perfect Trust.

Live you must and let to live,

Fairly take and fairly give.

For tread the Circle thrice about

To keep unwelcome spirits out.

To bind the spell well every time,

Let the spell be said in rhyme.

Light of eye and soft of touch,

Speak you little, listen much.

Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,

Let love and light be our guides again.

Deosil go by the waxing moon,

Chanting out the joyful tune.

Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,

And the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.

When the Lady's moon is new,

Kiss the hand to Her times two.

When the moon rides at Her peak

Then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale,

Lock the door and trim the sail.

When the Wind blows from the East,

Expect the new and set the feast.

When the wind comes from the South,

Love will kiss you on the mouth.

When the wind whispers from the West,

All hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go,

Burn them fast and burn them slow.

Birch in the fire goes

To represent what the Lady knows.

Oak in the forest towers with might,

In the fire it brings the God's insight.

Rowan is a tree of power

Causing life and magick to flower.

Willows at the waterside stand

Ready to help us to the Summerland.

Hawthorn is burned to purify

And to draw faerie to your eye.

Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning

Adds its strength to the bright fire burning.

White are the flowers of Apple tree

That brings us fruits of fertility.

Grapes grow upon the vine

Giving us both joy and wine.

Fir does mark the evergreen

To represent immortality seen.

Elder is the Lady's tree

Burn it not or cursed you'll be.

Four times the Major Sabbats mark

In the light and in the dark.

As the old year starts to wane

The new begins, it's now Samhain.

When the time for Imbolc shows

Watch for flowers through the snows.

When the wheel begins to turn

Soon the Beltane fires will burn.

As the wheel turns to Lamas night

Power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall

Use the Sun to mark them all.

When the wheel has turned to Yule

Light the log the Horned One rules.

In the spring, when night equals day

Time for Ostara to come our way.

When the Sun has reached its height

Time for Oak and Holly to fight.

Harvesting comes to one and all

When the Autumn Equinox does fall.

Heed the flower, bush, and tree

By the Lady blessed you'll be.

Where the rippling waters go

Cast a stone, the truth you'll know.

When you have and hold a need,

Harken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend

Or be counted as his friend.

Merry Meet and Merry Part

Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Three-fold Laws you should

Three times bad and three times good.

When misfortune is enow

Wear the star upon your brow.

Be true in love this you must do

Unless your love is false to you.

These Eight words the Rede fulfill:

"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

Definition and History of Wicca

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Helpful Resources:

Read: Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler (pgs 41-93)
www.wicca.timerift.net/wicca101/index.shtml#1
www.ladybridget.com/w/whatwic.html
www.ladybridget.com/w/wbelief.html

Food for thought: What does Wicca and being Wiccan mean to you?

What is Wicca?

2008-07-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Author: Rhaevyn Sunrise

Many people do a double-take when I tell them I'm Wiccan. They are often expecting a person who dresses in black clothes, has a feline familiar, lives in the big, cob-webby Victorian-style house at the end of the road, and who makes various bubbling potions out of eye of newt and toe of frog. Actually, the media has something to do with that kind of image. The media likes to portray Wiccans and Witches as either gothic, black-clad, vengeful Christian-haters or else as flakey, Val-speaking ("Like oohmmmm....or some junk"), nose-twitching, New Age Psychic Hotline operators. While the above may be based in some fact (from the shallow end of the pool of information out there), there is much more to Wicca than crystal-ball gazing and pentagrams.

Wicca is legally recognized by the United States of America as a full religion (since 1985) and is granted the same benefits as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hindu, etc. Like any other religion, Wicca identifies the supernatural in the form of a deity and has set holidays with rituals for each.

Wicca is also a part of the broader Neo-Pagan movement. (Pagan, in this sense coming from the late Latin meaning "country dweller"...one who did not follow the main belief system found in the cities because city dwellers did not have to rely on the seasonal cycles to grow their own food.) Neo-Pagans attempt to follow the Old Ways...traditions held in Pre-Christian Europe, Egypt, and America. The Old Ways are nature-based, centering mostly on the old harvest and fertility cycles. Wiccans find this important because they feel these cycles of life, the Moon, the Sun, and The Earth bring pagan followers closer to nature. Many pagans also feel it is important to bring nature back into the forefront of life, fixing the drift from nature that came about with mono-theistic religions and science.

The words "Wicca" and "Witch" has the same root ("wicca"-masculine form and "wicce"-feminine form) meaning either "wise one" or "to bend." People who fit into the "wise one" category in history were often the healers, scholars, and early astronomers. The more likely meaning, however, is "to bend," meaning that Witches bend particular forces in order to have the desired results. In what is known to Craft circles as "The Burning Times" the meaning became distorted. Since the healers were the only ones who knew the medicines and herbs, they were accused of witchcraft while faith-healing of the Roman Catholic Church became the accepted cure. From there, the image of a witch became the green-skinned, wart-nosed hag to promote fear.

Today more and more Wiccans are "coming out of the broom closet" as more people urge the protection of religious freedom. Wiccans are very active in this part of the US Constitution, not only to protect their own rights to practice their beliefs, but also to protect the rights of all: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and all others. Wiccans do not believe their way is the "Only" way, but merely a path to reach the same goal.

The Wiccan way includes the understanding of nature and the divine. The divine being the One spirit, manifested in the Goddess and the God, and present in all things. Wiccans celebrate all cycles of life and learn through correspondence with the divine and nature, discussion with others of all beliefs systems, and through personal introspection. Wicca is not a quick fix! While Wiccans may do spells, these are based on healing, love, harmony, and protection. The main law of Wicca is "An' it harm none, do what ye will," meaning that one should live life, but mind to NEVER harm anything or anyone (including one's self). The rewards/consequences of one's actions are found in the Three-Fold Law in which "What energy is given out is returned threefold." In other words, if you do well, good energy returns, multiplied by three. If you do wrong, you will have the negative energy returned to you.

Source: www.thepagancampus.net

A VERY Basic History of Wicca

2008-07-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Author: Jon "Athrawon"

Wicca is a religion.

There ya go, you were wondering what Wicca was and what is all about… Oh, I forgot that one…

Wicca is a religion… that worships the divine in all things with a particular focus on nature…

So there ya go again… So the only question is…

Did ya hear about the Zen Wiccan?

They worship the tree that is not there.

Wicca is a modern religion, began by Gerald Gardner in the mid last-century, and is loosely based upon the practices of the old Pagan beliefs and religions of antiquity.

There is plenty to read about Gerald Gardner (http://www.geraldgardner.com/index/main.shtml) and much speculation behind whether he actually was a member of the New Forest Coven and an associate of “Old Dorothy” Clutterbuck. In her book, The Rebirth of Witchcraft, Doreen Valiente investigates Gerald Gardner, his claims and his history.

Now you may ask, who is this Doreen Valiente? Go ahead, ask it…

Doreen Valiente was Gerald Gardner’s first high priestess of this new religion he began. She affirms much of the information that is attributed to Gardner, including the existence of “Old Dorothy.” She also goes on to state she recognized much of the things Gardner used in his rituals, such as “The Charge,” which she recognized as being partly from Aleister Crowley’s Book of the Law as well as Leland’s Aradia. She also disproves many things Gardner claimed and even pointed out that his original Book of Shadows was written, in a large part, in the hand of Aleister Crowley.

With all of the disproving she did, she also confirmed many things and even states, referring to Gardner’s alleged educational background for which she disproved, “Gerald was certainly a merry old devil; but if the ‘MA’ stood for ‘Magical Adept’, he had more right to that title than anyone else I have ever met.”

Gerald Gardner had many students and these students went out and started new covens and groups. One of the most closely related traditions is Alexandrian Wicca, formed by Alex and Maxine Sanders in the 1960s. Other traditions include Dianic (two branches), Seax, Georgian, British Traditionist, and many others. The most common tradition is known as Eclectic, which borrows from whatever tradition it wants or other religious practice and incorporates it into their own practice. Many times these ‘eclectic” traditions end up being a regular one that many may recognize.

Read through the resources provided and fill that brain of your up. Take all information that says it is gospel and judge by the information it provides. Folks that link to other resources as justifying their argument, check out those resources before believing everything. You will find that there is a lot of stuff, especially in Paganism, that is simply a repeat of someone else who does not know anything either.

Source: www.thepagancampus.net

What Wiccans Do and Do Not Believe

2008-07-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Before I continue I would like to state that the following is a generalization of what MANY (read: NOT ALL) Wiccans believe. Some have different views in their practice, and these are their personal views that they are entitled to have. Again, this a general view on what the MAJORITY believe in. -Real Wiccans (from my personal practice and experience) do not hurt people physically, mentally, spiritually, or magically. We have taken an oath to help people. We follow the Wiccan Rede which is "An it harm none, do what ye will." Which I like to say as "Do whatever the hell you want, as long as you don't hurt anyone."

-Most wiccans, (not all, b/c [in my opinion] they're dumb) do not do illegal drugs. We take medicines, yes, but if it's breaking the law, well, you know the drill. Our bodies are a source of power, so hurting it is hurting that power. For example, I do not smoke pot, but I take antidepressants to help me stay sane. If you're saving your energy for crack cocaine, then we have a problem. ;)

-We believe in karma, so we do not practice any "dark" magic. Now, truthfully, there is no real "black" or "white" magic. It is what we create with our negativity or positivity. Again, this falls under the "harm none" rule. We have the little poem that says "What you give out comes back to thee, so ever mind the rule of three."

-We do not eat or boil babies. We love babies. I am a mother of two. I love my babies very much. I would not like them harmed or any other children harmed. -We do not kill animals, people, or anything else. We love and honor animals and have pets of our own.

-We don't get together and have massive orgies and force people to have sex with strangers or do strange initiations where you have to do it with someone, or walk on burning coals or anything like that.

-We do not use or drink blood from people or animals in rituals.

-We can't make things fly, change shape or color, or have any type of spiffy power that is shown in Hollywood movies.

-We do not worship the Christian Devil, or Satan. We don't believe in Satan or anything similar. We understand that there are negative forces out there, but to give it a name, just gives it more power against you.

-We do not believe in Hell. We believe that we are responsible for our own actions and that we will pay for it. If the lessons of this life have not been learned by the time we pass on, we have the choice to reincarnate and try again. if we dont reincarnate, I believe that we either stay behind as spirits if we're stubborn, or pass on and become a part of the Universal energy.

-We do not brainwash people or try and force them to join us. We do not try and "convert." We are not a cult. Now, just like in every religion, there are crazies. Unfortunately, those crazy people are the ones who get put on TV and give us a bad name.

-We do not always work magic. Some pray, or are just too busy, or do something to help the environment, etc.

-We do not cast spells that control someone. It is against the "harm none rule."

-We do believe in God. Our view is that God is a universal force of energy and we split that into the Lord and Lady as aspects of that energy. We give it a masculine, feminine quality to help in connecting to it.

-We try and respect all other religions. (This sometimes gets a little hard to do when people disrespect us.) But in time, it gets a little easier to just ignore and move on.

-We believe that we are all one with the world and are all just trying to connect to the Divine (God).

Your Personal Book of Shadows

2008-07-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

The purpose of your Book of Shadows is for it to be a place to record all of your magickal workings and information.

A good formating can make things easier to find. Here is an outline of how you can organize your Book of Shadows.

Dedication-

The date (or date range) you started this BOS
A book blessing/dedication

Rules & Beliefs

Spiritual Goals -

Short term
Long term
Dates accomplished

Altar Diagram

Correspondences -

Moon
Colors
Days
Hours
Planets
Herbs
Incense & Oils
Etc.

Deity Information -

Organise by pantheon

Tools -

purpose
consecration

Spells & Charms

Recipes

Rituals

Here is some food for thought: Why do you keep a Book of Shadows? A lot of covens and/or traditions do not allow their members and practitioners to share their BOS, would you? If so, who and why or why not?

WTF?

2007-08-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

2008 won't come soon enough...

Rev. Barry Lynn Demands Presidential Apology

On Tuesday, August 28, following an address to the American Legion's
national convention in Reno, Nevada, President George W. Bush met with
northern Nevada family members of soldiers who have perished in combat.

Roberta Stewart, a Wiccan whose husband, Sgt. Patrick Stewart, was killed
in combat in the war in Afghanistan, was not invited.

"I'm upset that I wasn't invited," Roberta said of the meeting. "I think it
is because of my faith. I feel like I've been discriminated against again."

In 2006, Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) sued the
US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in federal court representing
Roberta Stewart; her church, Circle Sanctuary; and others. AU argued that
the VA's refusal to recognize the pentacle as a symbol of faith violated
the religious liberty rights of Wiccan service members and their families
and subverted the separation of church and state.

Earlier this year, the VA settled the lawsuit and finally added the
pentacle to its list of religious symbols that are permitted on the
gravestones it issues to honor deceased veterans.

"I had hoped that with this settlement, that finally the Executive branch
of the federal government was giving equal treatment to Wiccan veterans and
their families. However, it seems that the White House is still not doing
this, and I find the exclusion of Roberta Stewart from this meeting
appalling," said Rev. Selena Fox, senior minister of Circle Sanctuary.
Sgt. Stewart's VA-issued gravestone with pentacle was dedicated on Memorial
Day at the church's national cemetery near Barneveld, Wisconsin.

The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United, also
condemned Bush's snub of Stewart. "The president should issue an apology
to Roberta Stewart," Lynn said. "She stood courageously for religious
freedom for all soldiers, and the president was wrong to treat her so
shabbily."

During the litigation, AU attorneys unearthed evidence that the VA's
refusal to recognize the pentacle may have been motivated by bias toward
the Wiccan faith.

It appeared that the VA did not want to recognize the faith, which
President Bush has publicly derided in the past.

Lynn said the president's snub of Roberta Stewart smacked of retaliation
for her public and successful stand against the administration policy.

"President Bush seems to be continuing a pattern of hostility toward the
Wiccan faith," he said. "That's an outrage. America is a nation of great
religious diversity, and all public officials, especially the president,
have an obligation to serve all of the people. Our Constitution mandates
equal treatment of all faiths."

2007-02-03T00:45:00.000-08:00

Moon Phase: 3rd in Leo (enters Virgo @ 0934 EST)
Planet: Saturn
Colour: Brown

The tortoise figures in both Chinese and Japanese culture as a symbol of longevity and divination

Imbolc

2007-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Moon Phase: 2nd in Leo (Full Moon @ 0045 EST) (Mercury enters Pisces @ 0420 EST)
Planet: Venus
Colour: Purple

Festival of Brigid and the element of fire, this sabbat is celebrated with bonfires, candles, and blazing cauldrons. A cross-quarter day, Imbolc was originally an Irish celebration, which may have merged with Candlemas. All things sacred to Brigid and the growing light of the lengthening days have added power to this day. The celebrations also had conservative aspects, as winter supplies dwindled and preparations for the coming spring planting were just beginning. Feasting is neither extravagant nor frivolous.
It is a time of water scrying and making offerings to the sacred waters for the new lives growing within their mothers' bellies. Mystical visions and creative inspirations come through easily at Imbolc. The blessings of Brigid are upon all who honor Her with sacred healing fire on this day.
The Goddess Brigid is the patroness of bards, poets, smiths, and healers, favoring them with Her gifts, skills, and wisdom--the bard and poet, the sparks of inspiration and imagination; the smith, the spark of the glowing forger; and the healer, the spark of energy balance and restoration.

Quickening Moon

2007-02-01T01:45:00.000-08:00

Moon phase: 2nd in Cancer (enters Leo @ 0014 EST)
Planet: Jupiter
Colour: White

The Full Moon in February falls on Imbolc (tomorrow), an ancient festival of light honouring the sacred Mother. Tap into the power surge of two magical days in one. Candles feature prominently into this holiday as do the seasonal symbols: snow and ice as well as flowers like white snowdrops and purple crocus. The full moon at Imbolc is a time of purification and illumination--a perfect occasion to purge old habits and start fresh.
This indoor ritual requires a white and purple candle, a bowl, and a cup of snow or chopped ice. Place the candles on either side of the bowl, light them and then repeat the spell:

This is the Sabbat of Imbolc, and the Moon is round,
I cast away old habits, never more to be found.
This melting ice/snow represents the things I release,
Goddess bless me in this season of light and peace.

Once the snow/ice melts, pour it down the drain. Then brush off your hands and say goodbye to those bad habits and hello to new possibilities.

A Cone of Power Charm

2007-01-28T02:00:00.000-08:00

Moon Phase: 2nd in Gemini
Planet: Sun
Colour: Amber

Since the cone is one of the most ancient and magical of all symbols, here is a simple charm you can create to invoke the mystical energy of the cone.
Upon a sheet of clean white paper, draw a triangle with three equal sides. Beneath the base of the triangle write the name of the ancient Mother Goddess, Astarte. She was considered a warrior and a creator. The cone was one of her sacred symbols.
Within the triangle write your wish. When you feel the time is right--next week, next month, or next year--burn your wish in a ritual of fire. And, like the cone of power, may your wish soar to the Heavens. So mote it be.

2007-01-27T00:16:00.000-08:00

Moon Phase: 2nd in Taurus (enters Gemini @ 1210 EST; Venus enters Pisces @ 2232 EST)
Planet: Saturn
Colour: Indigo

2007-01-26T01:14:00.000-08:00

Moon Phase: 2nd in Taurus
Planet: Venus
Colour: Coral

Lunar Sky

Blessed Imbolc

Wolf Moon Ritual

Today's Devotions

Last Year Samhain Issue

Cry It Out

Ophelia

Pagan Values: Exercising Faith

My Values

003: Daily Meditation

002: Daily Meditation

001: Daily Meditation

Because Sometimes the Bible has Awesomeness

Because It Fits

<3 ~

Ostara

Affirmation and Mantra For Today

On Being Harrassed [video post]

Year And A Day...Continued

How I Came to Be Wiccan [video post]

Spirituality

*heart*

o1:

Wicca and Shamanism

Natural Sacred Energies

Mabon

Questioning Your Path

Melting Beliefs

Words

Year and a Day

Isaac Bonewits 1949 – 2010

Isaac Bonewits 1949 – 2010

Day 50: My First Tarot Quiz

Exam Results: 1 - Beginner's Tarot

Common Misconceptions of Wicca

Exam Results: 1 - Wicca Revealed

Just took my Wicca 101 exam for the first, out of twelve, lesson. :) I just have to say: yay!

Common Misconceptions of Christianity

Full Moon

End of Week One

Day Two: Reflections: Birthday

Day One: Reflection: Some Goals

Alexei Kondratiev RIP

Waiting

Year and a Day

[Circle Times] SPREAD THE NEWS: Fort Hood Tragedy Counseling Support for Pagans

The Quest Continues...

Religious Quest

Taking a Break

Week Eleven

Week Ten

Week Nine

Week Eight

Week Seven

Week Six

Week Five

Week Four

Week Three

Esbats

Wheel of the Year

Week Two

Deity

Week One

Libation

Tips on Writing Your Own Conjuration

How to Write and Perform a Spell

Spell Work

Tree Meditation

Magick and Energy

Air Meditation

Basic Day Correspondences

Basic Color Correspondences

Moon Magick Correspondences

Earth and Sky Meditation

The Tools

The Altar

Symbols

Maintaining Focus

Invoking Elements and Elementals

Elementals

heart