Category: Daily Posts

Why Ritual 'Doesn't Happen'

Why Ritual ‘Doesn’t Happen’

Author: James Bulls

Some of the greatest insights I’ve learned in life came from my karate instructor. Among the pearls he shared with me was the guidance that, “If you intend to do something but you never actually do it, there’s a reason why.” To give you the context in which this advice was given, we were discussing the matter of congruity. Congruity is defined as, “the state or quality of being congruous; the relation or agreement between things; fitness; harmony; correspondence; consistency”1) and its opposite incongruity is defined as, “the quality or state of being incongruous; lack of congruity; unsuitableness; inconsistency; impropriety.”2)

In the dojo the matter of congruity was used to address the common issue of students who complain that their technique isn’t strong but who don’t practice their skills and drills to improve; in other words, these students’ words and actions were incongruent and as martial artists were living in a state of disharmony. Despite their words they were not practicing the rituals necessary to attain congruity with the “spirit” of karate.

When I speak of ritual, I don’t mean any specific ritual but, like I stated above, the forms and methods of religious expression practiced to come into harmony with the Divine. For Polytheists and Pagans these rituals may include song, dance, drumming, creating sacred space, calling the elements, invoking one or more deities, and spellwork. For others their rituals may include meditation, reading Tarot, casting runes, sweats, caring for the trees, channeling spirits, and prayer. For martial artists seeking self-mastery and perfection of spirit, these rituals may be attending class, practicing their katas, working on their skills and drills, and sparring. And for others their rituals may simply be doing good deeds for others, reflecting on the Sun or Moon, or recycling. Whatever set, regular practices one uses to express their religious foundations or attain unity with the Divine may be considered a ritual.

With respect to our spiritual lives and forms of religious expression, I would say that the goal is to attain congruity, or to live in agreement with the Divine and experience spiritual harmony in all that we do… and of course the question that begs to be asked is, “What forms or methods of religious expression do you practice in your path to obtain congruity with the Divine, and if you don’t observe regular practice of those forms or methods of religious expression and regret that you do not, why is that so?” In other words, “If you intend to do something but you never actually do it, there’s a reason why.”

The responses that most often comes up are that there wasn’t enough time, the right materials weren’t on hand, the practitioner didn’t have the stamina, energy, or motivation, another activity got in the way, or simply that the time and date for the ritual was forgotten or overlooked. These are all valid explanations for why an intended ritual didn’t happen, but none of them actually address the root of the issue.

People in some parts of the world are wracked by poverty and spend the majority of their day looking for clean drinking water and even a single meal, but probably all of you reading this article have a lot of free time; for you, it’s “What will I eat tonight?” but for other people in some parts of the world it’s, “Will I eat tonight?” With as much time as those of us who live in safety and prosperity have each day, there really is no reason we can’t set aside time for religious devotion.

Look at how you spend your free time: how many hours each week do you spend on the Internet? Watching TV? Shopping for yourself? Talking on the phone? Eating for pleasure? Reading Men’s Fitness, Maxim, Cosmopolitan, or a celebrity gossip rag? If these questions offend you, consider them a Zen slap calling you to the question of why ritual doesn’t happen.

The simple answer is motivation.

If you were truly motivated to perform a ritual and live congruently with your faith, you would (short of circumstances totally outside of your control) not fail to perform ritual. You would schedule your ritual and remember the date, arrange to have the time available, and ensure that you had the materials and supplies necessary to conduct the ritual. If your ritual needed to be done on a certain day and you could in no way be free of your obligations on that day, you wouldn’t take a pass on it – you would perform the ritual at the next available opportunity. And if you needed specific tools or supplies but couldn’t get them, you wouldn’t not do it – you’d adapt and find another way to conduct that ritual.

Returning to the example of the students who complain that their technique isn’t strong enough but who do not practice their skills and drills, the question may be posed to them, “Is karate the right path for you?” When you find yourself walking a true path, you will know it because you will want to walk it no matter the burning Sun, freezing sleet, torrential rain, and treacherous ground. The risks become no less and the journey as always exhausts you, but your desire to brave the challenges never diminishes. The karate students lived in incongruity – their words and actions did not exist in harmony and they did not desire to observe the rituals.

This does not mean that the students were lazy or had poor character; it simply means that they did not sincerely want to practice the rituals of karate (kata, hundreds of repetitions of single techniques, self-discipline, and hard physical training.) These students are not bad people; they are simply people who may not be walking the right path. Perhaps the rituals which call to them and which inspire them to live congruently are in gymnastics or dance? Or painting in watercolors, sculpting, and flower arranging?

If we use this example to consider Wiccans, Asatru, Druids, Pantheists, Polytheists, Pagans, Heathens, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, and many others, what might it say? If such a person on one of these paths – contrary to his or her stated desire – frequently did not practice the rituals he or she uses to live congruently with his or her beliefs and attain unity with the Divine, is it fair to say that such a person is not walking the right path? Is it fair to say that such a person would find greater satisfaction and fulfillment through the rituals of another religion? Or without any rituals at all? Or even to abandon religion completely?

That’s a question only that person could answer.

As an instructor I would never tell a student, “You’re just not cut out for this;” in time the mediocre student may become a brilliant instructor, and even a passionate black belt may neglect his skills and leave the martial path – but that is a choice each of those students will make for themselves. If a student intends to be a strong martial artist but fails to perform the rituals necessary to attain martial strength and self-discipline, there is a reason why. Such a person may be on a true path and simply needs to take his attention away from Facebook status updates, video games, and eating for pleasure; or it may in fact be that this person would simply be happier and find it easier to live congruently, practice his rituals, and attain unity with the Divine through another avenue.

But when ritual doesn’t happen it will ultimately be that student’s responsibility to ask himself, “If I intend to do something but never actually do it, is there a reason why? ” and to find that answer for himself. Who knows where the path will take him?

Footnotes:
1, 2: [1913 Webster]

Young Adult Witches: The Generation In Between

Young Adult Witches: The Generation In Between

Author:   Soull the University Witch   

For some youth, the world of Wicca and magick in general is a rather strange and awkward world. In middle school, they hide their new-found religious interest to “different faith” parents. In high school, they may continue on that course, or flaunt it as a means of rebellion to those same parents whom they had to hide their faith from. Anyone today, from Pagan to Mundane, can read it and see it, in many forms of media. It is almost a stereotypical plot device in books, television, and movies.

But after high school comes the tricky age.

What happens when Witches enter young adulthood? Already, society demands they have the same responsibilities as an adult, and yet they have none of the experience, nor are they really treated as “adults” by the older generation. Those who have entered the world of Witches (or have been so all of their lives) , hit a rather strange crossroads that, for some, can either make or break their religious path.

Many religions have a place of social congregation, such as a church, or a synagogue. The Wiccan/Pagan religions do not, as most of the ritual and any form of ceremony and celebration can take place within the house or backyard of another Witch. Minus the large gatherings of the Sabbaths, other Witches may also practice in covens.

For young Witches, coven is a word, an almost sacred word, that holds some sort of rite of passage to it. In a way, to them, being in a coven makes you a real Witch. Of course, this is not true at all. There are many Witches who are solitary practitioners, young and old.
But is that by choice, or unfortunate circumstance?

There are several books, perhaps hundreds, written to guide the solitary practitioner. That’s far too many. Witches have the word ‘coven’ to use it, to form one, to be in one… and yet there are witches across the country, the whole world, who find their magick merely at their own altar, burning candles and tossing the ashes of their regrets into the wind. Alone.

There’s a bit of disconnect between the older generation and the new Witches who are finding this path in a strange and uncertain new century. Do they think young Witches are merely there for a thrill, or for fun? Do they not believe that the younger generation can take this path seriously?

Of course, we cannot just blame the older generation for the odd gap. Are younger Witches unwilling to sacrifice convenience for tradition? Do they take an interest in Witchcraft merely due to the media, and once they find out it takes more than a wave of wand to create and make magick work for them, do they give up?

The branches of Neopaganism are essentially a religion, even if outsiders such as ‘mundanes’ have a hard time grasping such a concept. It is a spiritual path that does not attempt to bring people into the circle though means of recruiting and “spreading the word”. It is the happenstance that those interested in the Craft find us. Other religions have people who go door-to-door to spread the word of their faith. Witches don’t do such a thing, instead preferring that people decide this path is right for them on their own.

Do all of us take it a step too far when it comes to not pressing our religion onto others? It seems more than not that instead of sharing who we are and what we do with those whom express curiosity, that we merely clam up and choose to not inform supposed outsiders. The ways of Paganism can be something that sounds outlandish to those who have never crossed ways with it before, or only have the knowledge of what the media provides. But how do we expect these new people to become kin with us if we’re unwilling to dispense information? We certainly can’t expect that everyone can merely “look it up” themselves. In an age where paper books are becoming less common and the Internet reigns, someone interested in Neopaganism can easily stumble upon false information.

For those of the younger generation, the Internet may be the only source of information they touch in this regard. For some, it’s the only way; an outing to the bookstore with a parent or guardian could end up badly if they catch them in the new age or metaphysical section, especially if the parent is unaware of their interest. It’s also rather hard to just find people whom are of the same path to speak with in regards to magickal faith. It is this generation whom will be the next High Priests and Priestesses, the metaphysical shop owners, and the authors of many books about magick-based religions. Both parties should make sure the right information is being passed down.

The age of the young adult Witch is a strange time. The Neopagan community as a whole should strive to find ways to make a smoother transition from this early Witch stage and into adulthood. Websites should reconsider the way they separate things for “adults” and “teens”. Witches in their mid to early twenties have a wide variety of interests. Some Witches may still be interested in the topics teen Witches are covering, while others many wish to partake in the more serious discussions you can find in forums for more mature Pagans. Said forums should attempt to find a way to bridge the divide, such as adding a “young adult section” (which could also be handy for teens who wish to move on from the discussions found on younger forums) .

There are plenty of books that offer introductory advice on solitary practice for teenagers, such as Silver Ravenwolf’s Teen Witch and Confessions of a Teenage Witch: Celebrating the Wiccan Life by Gwinevere Rain. However, very rarely can I find something that reaches for an age beyond the teenager years, but not quite into true adulthood.

By implementing a few simple changes, or even supporting and promoting websites, books, workshops, and events geared towards a younger crowd of adult Witches, we can ensure a smoother transition, and perhaps even increased openings for change in the Wiccan community. Like all religions, more people are turning to the path of the Old Ways, and there is a strong potential for growth within this age range.

If both sides are able to set aside generational and cultural differences, there is room for plenty of improvement… and change.

You Don't Always Need Magick

You Don’t Always Need Magick

Author:   Luna 

Many modern people find their way to Wicca and many other Pagan paths through an interest in magick. My only assumption for why that is would be that there is some sort of inherent appeal in magick. Perhaps it’s the thrill of being able to bring about change in one’s life, or discovering and being able to do things originally deemed impossible. Of course, it might just be the media’s portrayal of various forms of magick, even if you’re aware that throwing fireballs around without exerting any energy is pretty much impossible. While it might not be what keeps us walking the paths we walk, it is certainly an important aspect in our lives for those who choose to work it.

That said, there is an important lesson for beginners to learn should they wish to pass beyond the “dabbler stage.” And no, I’m not going to go on a long-winded speech on the ethical side of magick. While ethics are no less important than they were before you started reading this, they’ve been addressed countless times already. I don’t believe I need to restate them here. Nope, today’s lesson, should you care to hear me out on this, is about deciding when magick is appropriate in various circumstances. To do so, I’d like to give two recent examples from my own life (and, by recent, I’m talking within two or three weeks of writing this) involving protection magick.

So let’s start with the first scenario. I’ve already been working at a summer camp for a couple weeks, the same camp that has been my summer job for the last five years. Now, while counselors aren’t allowed to keep food in the cabins (kids can’t have it either, and we don’t want to attract pests) , we are allowed to keep food in the offices and in our staff fridge in the kitchen. Now, I usually kept my stash in the office, most of it sealed up in a watertight, airtight box. Whatever I couldn’t fit in the box, I kept in a plastic bag near my stuff on the desk. However, one morning I came into the office, ostensibly to get stuff ready for class, and discovered an entire unopened package of Oreo cookies missing. Well, you can imagine how upset I was. I asked around the office and even reported it to the assistant dean of the camp, a very nice man I could trust with basically anything. He was as upset as I was, suggested to me that I label my stuff and inform him if anything else went missing, and told me that, if we found the person, they’d be fired on the spot (as someone had been stealing other people’s food as well) .

After labeling my stuff, I then went about the rest of my day (which included an all-camp dance party in the evening—I had so much fun) . When I went back to the office later that evening, the other package of Oreo cookies, which had been opened and labeled, had been cleaned of all but five cookies, even though I was pretty sure I hadn’t eaten that many. After mentioning again to the assistant dean (who promised he keep an eye out for the thief) , I decided enough was enough. Making sure to choose a time when no one else was around the office, I took two stones. One was a holey stone, which has natural protective properties, and the other was a natural piece of quartz I’d found around the camp. With these two stones, I put up a protection spell not only to protect my belongings but also to illuminate the identity of the thief (though not to harm him or scare him) . Once that was done, I hid the stones in a broken electronic toy shark, set that on top of my box and walked away.

Before I get to what happened after I cast the protection spell, let’s set up scenario number two. This happened much later on in the session, close to the end of the camp for the summer, and it happened back at my cabin. On the last night before all the kids went home, a few of my girls approached me and another counselor. They had overheard rumors of one of the boys’ cabins planning pranks on our cabin that night. Now, this wasn’t too much of a surprise to us. The cabin in question had gone a little crazy with pranks that last week, which went from stealing our shoes off the front porch and hiding them in three different places around the camp to breaking into our cabin in the middle of the night and drawing with toothpaste around the toilets (I was kind of annoyed with the fact that I hadn’t managed to hear them break into our cabin) . While the girls had gotten back at them in a less invasive or destructive way (leaving tampons painted with red nail polish on the doorstep) , they were still concerned that the guys were going to go all out that night. In fact, they described the guys’ mentality as “Hey! We’re going home tomorrow. They can’t punish us!” Yeah, you can imagine how concerned we were.

However, in spite of that concern for the girls, I wasn’t sure protection magick was the best answer to this situation. I mean, this wasn’t just my stuff we were talking about. This was my entire cabin, campers and counselors alike. While I’m sure they would’ve appreciated the sentiment (they seemed to like me a lot and knew I had their safety and best interests in mind) , it would’ve been too much of a hassle to get permission from all the girls and the counselors to work a little protection magick. Plus, I can’t see too many of them being okay with the fact that one of their counselors were a Witch. On top of that, it had been a long day, and I had just recently gotten sick. I had enough materials to work another spell (I had lots of holey stones that I’d collected from the rocky paths around the camp) , but, physically, mentally, and emotionally, I was not in a good enough state to be working magick. So what did I do? I instead acted on a suggestion the girls gave me: to sleep in our front hallway near the door to prevent access to unwanted intruders.

So how did everything work out in each scenario? Well, in the first scenario, two things happened. First, the assistant dean bought me a new package of Oreos to replace the ones that had been stolen (such a sweet guy, I can’t remember how many times I thanked him) , and no more of my food was stolen. Second (and more importantly) , one of the other counselors began acting strangely, and some of the other counselors began to talk about recent changes in him. I’d even seen him run out into a terrible storm during a tornado watch with no rain coat, then just stand out there letting out a Tarzan yell. That freaked me out. After hearing how clingy he’d been with one of the other counselors and hearing some of the things he’d done and said to her, I let the assistant dean know. After that, more people began to speak up about his behavior, and the dean and the assistant dean confronted him about it. While I’m not sure exactly what happened between them, I know that he had decided, with suggestion for the dean and assistant dean, to return home and seek help. From what I heard later, it turns out that he had not only been stressed about entering college that fall but had also gotten into marijuana, which, according to my mom, gives you the munchies after the high. And, seeing that he didn’t have his own food stash in the office and my stuff was closest to the door, my guess is he was the thief as well. At any rate, after he left, my stuff was left alone.

But his story doesn’t end sadly, and it brings up what resulted from the second scenario. After a late night spontaneous dance party suggested by the dean to get the kids too tired to play pranks, I set up my sleeping bag out in the front hallway, close enough to the front door that anyone trying to get to the girls’ rooms would have to, quite literally, go through me. Later on, another of our counselors joined me in the hallway, a good friend of mine whom I cared about deeply. We spent the time until we both fell asleep quietly chatting about what had happened over the previous week, how we had enjoyed this cabin much more than our previous cabin (not to say we didn’t love our previous cabin too, but spending two weeks with twenty-five girls between the ages of seven and fourteen can drive you crazy—my room in that cabin was actually dubbed the “madhouse” by the girls I shared it with) , and what we planned to do after we went home.

However, it was during this time that I found out about the counselor who had left. My friend had been probably the closest to that counselor while he was going through the worst of his issues at camp and was the only person I knew of who still maintained contact with him. She let me know that he was doing a lot better, had managed to get help from his parents and some doctors and was drug free. According to the texts she received from him, he was grateful that things unfolded the way they had and that he was getting the help he needed. And, quite honestly, I am too. For everything that he went through, I couldn’t have picked a better ending. I also couldn’t have picked a better ending for the night I spent sleeping in the hallway. No one tried any pranks, and, aside from being woken up at around 7 to make room for the girls leaving early on the bus and crashing on the couch, the only person to sneak past me was one of our cabins counselors who was trying her best not to wake the rest of us up (we joked about her being a ninja) .

So what was the point of these two stories? Well, remember how I started out by mentioning that not all situations call for some kind of magick? I could’ve used protection spells in both those scenarios, but I didn’t. I didn’t need to. They were two completely different situations that needed to be resolved in two different ways, yet both stories have happy endings.

Probably one of the biggest traps that novice Witches and Wiccans can and sometimes do fall into (speaking from personal experience, and I’m sure many of you can relate to this) is thinking that every situation can be resolved with some sort of spell. While magick definitely carries its own sort of charm (pun intended) and can certainly be effective in any situation, not every situation needs magick to be resolved happily. The protection spell I used in the first scenario was something I did because I felt I had exhausted all other options. I never intended for the outcome of it (and I only asked to illuminate the thief’s identity, not to mess with him or scare him off) , but the fact that the thief ended up getting help for some of his own issues brings a little more warmth to my heart. In the second scenario, I was in no shape to work any spells and I still had options at my disposal, one that was even asked for by some of my campers. And, as you guys read, everything still turned out okay (aside from being sore from sleeping on the floor, but I can live with that if it means my girls feel safe and secure) .

So, the lesson for today: there is nothing preventing you from using magick to help out in any situation, but you should carefully consider whether or not magick would be the best option. Take into consideration every factor you can think of and everyone involved, including others and you. People might not want the spell worked, and their wishes could affect the outcome. Look at your own condition. If you’re working magick when you’re sick, angry, depressed or in any way not feeling your best, chances are that will affect your magick. Magick is a wonderful aspect of life, but not every situation calls for magick. You’ll know when one does.

You Do Not Represent Me

You Do Not Represent Me

Author:   Crick   

You know folks, I am getting pretty fed up with individuals and groups claiming to represent all of paganism. To begin with what is it that such entities are supposed to represent? The current reality of the pagan community is a massive chat group spread across the Internet. An electronic format where anyone can jump on and make whatever claims they desire in regards to their alleged pagan heritage. It is a format where folks can claim to be this or that, you know, the High Lord of the coven of Bologna. The only requirement is that they read two Cunningham books. It is a format where folks will sprout words like “Love and Light”, words that resonate the slogans of the old hippie days from the 60’s.

But as soon as someone disagrees with one of these folks, oh my, one has never encountered such diatribes as that which comes out of the mouths of these folks.

Is this the pagan community that such folks proclaim to represent?

The majority of individuals and/or groups that claim to represent the pagan community come from a Wiccan background. That is understandable. There were some well-documented “Witch Wars” that exploded between Gardner and European witches such as John Cochrane. The issue that set these battles off were that Gardner wanted publicity and the majority of the pagan community at that time, did not desire such publicity. This penchant of desiring publicity has become a tenet of Wicca and is practiced to this very day. It is what it is.

But getting back on topic, such folks do not represent the pagan community. That is an ego biscuit that is holding back any true and valid development of a genuine pagan community. For example, I have been involved in my understanding of witchcraft since 1960. Over the years we have expanded into a clan that consists of covens in several states. And yet if one asks one of these self-proclaimed representatives of paganism, what is it that we believe in and how do we practice… they could not provide an answer. How do you proclaim to represent that which you have no clue of?

The point is that such claims of representation are nothing more than an extension of the mythos that was created with the advent of the Internet. In other words, a misrepresentation of the realities of what the current pagan community is.

At one point in history– and for a very extended period of time — paganism consisted of folks who actually sought enlightenment, though this was done within the mists. Folks would gather in small covens, or in some instances, depending on the path chosen, they gathered in elite groups of folks of like mind, who represented no one but themselves. The Golden Dawn is a good example of such a group. They did not claim to be witches but rather Ceremonial magicians. In short, folks did not pretend to be something simply because it sounded cool. But then they did not have to contend with the electronic media that modern pagans seem to savor so much.

Instead, the folks that belonged to these covens and/or such groups as the Golden Dawn concentrated on developing their latent abilities and honing their thirst for the answers to the mysteries of life and in extension the mystical arts… unlike today, where those of European descent and primarily former Christians, sit on the Internet and expend more energy coming up with cool sounding names and enumerating their alleged ranks and abilities, then they do in actual seeking. Why pretend to represent an entire spectrum of paganism when one has but a superficial understanding of one’s own path? And why extend the Christian concept of being the “only true religion” by assuming that all pagans follow a religion? Which is another misnomer of those who claim to represent all pagans. How can those who follow a religion such as Wicca, even remotely represent those who have shed the yoke of dogma and who instead follow a spiritual path. And one is not the same as the other.

In such pagan religions such as Wicca, one has a set of tenets (dogma) that defines the belief system. And it is all good. But those of us who follow Traditional witchcraft have no such set of tenets. We seek out that which works for the individual and thus dogma, which is intended for the masses, would have little chance of working in such a mindset. And again, it is all good. No one path is better than the next. It is what works for the individual that determines the best path for that person.

And so what do we do to move beyond the roadblock that the Internet has created for the desire to develop a valid pagan community?

Well, one suggestion would be for such misleading claims of representation to cease and desist. In all reality, you represent no one but yourself and your particular groups. You don’t represent the Voudon or the Santeria, or Traditional witches or Druids or what have you. And if you are truly interested in contributing to developing a valid pagan community, gain control of your massive egos and concentrate on genuine communication between the various groups that actually represent paganism.

For those of you who are Internet pagans, I would suggest that you stop trying to impress faceless folks on the Internet with your self proclaimed prowess in the mystical arts and actually turn your attention to honing such latent abilities.

Prior to Neo Paganism, the mystical arts consisted of an enlightened community of divergent groups and individuals. Can you say that we are still that enlightened community today?

Before you answer, look at the Internet and take note of all of the daily squabbles that take place over non-issues. Look at all of the pathetic grudges that have originated on the Internet due to something as minor as someone disagreeing with someone. Really? Really?

And look at how some of these petty grudges have been held for long periods of time by some folks. Talk about ego biscuits generated via the Internet. And so here is a challenge for everyone reading this: Get out and meet other folks who follow a pagan path in person at least once a month. And don’t just meet the same folks each month, but mix it up. Reach out to Wiccans, Voudon, Native Americans, Druids, Traditional Witches, Heathens and so forth. And keep in mind that you represent no one but yourself and your particular group. Keep an open mind and seek out genuine understanding of what other folks believe in.

Let’s move beyond the Internet mythos that so misconstrues the reality. Are you up to the challenge or is it easier for you to continue to engage in Internet fantasy?

*Joke Alert* *Joke Alert* Mail Order Witchcraft

Last time, I posted this I caught all types of grief. No one realized it was a joke. That’s why all the “alerts!”

Mail Order Witchcraft

National Enquirer runs my advertisements Even though last week the revoked my license Hexes and Love Spells, for $9.95 It’s this kind of garbage that keeps me alive

(Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot)

I’ll sell you crosses and religious icons I buy them wholesale, I get them in Taiwan Copy my spells from off bathroom walls Write them in Latin, my fans are enthralled

Mail Order Witchcraft, it’s a living, and I’m doing well I claim tax exemption because of a religion and then I just sell, sell, sell

)O( )O( )O( )O( )O(

Crowley’s the author of my favorite spell For summoning demons up out of Hell Wasn’t poetic, I changed it a pinch… Last one to use it has not been seen since

(Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot)

I’ve written a book about spells and their uses Catching familiars in spell-woven nooses Changing your husband into a small pup It’s all quite authentic, I made it all up

Mail Order Witchcraft, it’s a living, and writing is not hard I’ve written booklets and pamphlets and novels, I’m thinking of greeting cards

)O( )O( )O( )O( )O(

I’m quite advanced, I’ve even made Elder Though at the seminar they made us swelter Took me three days but I got my degree For a nominal fee you can get yours from me

(Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot, Doot-Doot-Doot)

My Wiccan acquaintances cause a sensation Claiming that I’ve ruined their reputation I think that’s nonsense, just jealous I fear What I learned in three days has taken them years

Mail Order Witchcraft, it’s a living, my clientele is large I’ll accept cash, money order or Visa, I even take Master Charge

Quiz of the Day: What does your dog's breed say about you?

What Does My Dog’s Breed Say About Me?

In my book It’s a Dog’s Life … but It’s Your Carpet,  I admit,  I make some pretty huge generalizations about breeds and pet  owners. Granted,  they’re my own opinions, but if you really wanted to  know what your  veterinarian thinks of you when you walk in the door with  your breed of dog,  read on!

Labrador Retriever

Dedicated, outdoorsy, loyal, and generally a good person to be around. Shops  at Wal…….. Drives a Subaru.

Chihuahua

May bite. The dog too.

Greyhound

Kind, mild mannered. Has neurotic tendencies. Gentle. Laid back. Drinks  bottled water. Often looks like the dog.

Miniature Poodle

Usually owned by a sweet, old, white-haired person.

Terrier

Potential to be a loyal, family-oriented person. Can be snarky and have an  east-coast attitude.

Golden Retriever

Family oriented and generally a good person to be around. Has two or three  human babies.

Miniature Schnauzer

Family oriented. Owned by older adults. Shops at LL Bean and Lands’ End.  Drives a Volvo.

Yorkshire Terrier

Likes to carry a YSL or Gucci purse, often with their pet in it. Enjoys the  high life. Drinks wine, not beer.

Rottweiler

Bad ass. Loyal. Protective. Doesn’t want to be screwed with.

Maltese

Either wants to have a child or have grandchildren. Loves to nurture   and  carry loved ones in arms. Very well dressed. Likes pink bows.

Beagle

Family oriented. High tolerance level for baying.

Bernese Mountain

Financially secure. Educated. Shops at REI, Best Buy, and Nordstroms.

****

What? Don’t believe me? What do you think? Does your breed represent you?

And yes, I purposely skipped stereotyping us American pit bull terrier  dog  owners. But as a veterinary student once said to me: “Dr. Lee … you  look just  like your dog.”

Daily Feng Shui News for Sept. 29th – 'National Coffee Day'

On ‘National Coffee Day’ I thought that I’d share what magically delicious traditions have to say about this beverage. Mystical thought says that drinking small amounts of coffee or tea stimulate the mind and energize the body. So the next time you sip, make that your clear intention and turn your coffee break into a conscious and sacred experience.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Animal Spirit for September 29th is Wolf

Your Animal Spirit for Today
September 29, 2013

Wolf

Wolf can survive either as a loner or as part of a pack, and he howls to remind you that you have to balance the needs of others with the needs of the self. If you’re giving yourself away to your own detriment, you are living in opposition to Wolf medicine. Return to balance—and begin feeding your emotions, your mind, and your body.

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Sept. 29th is The Hawk

Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today

The Hawk

High flying and courageous Hawk uses his sharp vision to see all aspects of the world below him in minute detail. He is gifted at taking in all he sees and quickly creating a powerful plan of action. The Hawk suggests that while a broad view of the situation should be taken, the details cannot be overlooked. The Hawk calls for authoritative action based upon a thorough understanding of the circumstances.

As a daily card, The Hawk indicates your vision may be too limited from your current vantage point. You should step back far enough from the situation to see the “big picture.” Then study the details and act commandingly on what you have learned.

Your Horoscopes for Sunday, September 29th

Our thoughts are drawn into deeper places as we search for hidden meanings beneath what is apparent. We lose objectivity as Mercury shifts into magnetic Scorpio, intensifying perceptions. Meanwhile, the Moon prances into proud Leo at 3:57 am EDT to lift our spirits. The contrast between the fiery Leo Moon and the watery Scorpio Mercury creates a dilemma. Life runs more smoothly, yet we’re still concerned with the underlying emotional dynamics

Aries Horoscope

(Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Your words gain power today because nearly everything you express is connected to unspoken feelings. However, your mental prowess requires you to be careful so you don’t misuse your ability to influence what someone else is thinking. Selfish intentions may generate unnecessary problems which can be avoided if you consider others in your process. Speak your truth without harboring any hidden agendas.

Taurus Horoscope

(Apr 20 – May 20)

You are ready to pursue a difficult discussion about old relationship issues now that Mercury is visiting your 7th House of Partners. The dynamics for this conversation have been brewing over the past few weeks, and you finally realize how important it is to talk about the situation. Although the energy is already moving into a new phase, don’t say more than is required just yet. Taking the discussion to the next level makes sense only after you give your feelings time to settle before putting them out in the open.

Gemini Horoscope

(May 21 – Jun 20)

Your powers of concentration continue to improve, but you need to set necessary boundaries with close friends and partners to keep on track. However, you are more open now to following others if it looks like they are having fun, but this isn’t the best use of your time today. Instead of taking the course of least resistance, narrow your mental focus to establish a deeper connection. Defining your limits requires courage but can also sustain the growth of an important relationship.

Cancer Horoscope

(Jun 21 – Jul 22)

You may be eager to demonstrate what you have to offer now, especially within the context of romantic or creative endeavors. However, this isn’t about casual flirtation. You are playing for keeps, whether you are working on a project, producing an artistic masterpiece or looking for love. You can increase your chances for success by holding back just enough to feel safe and secure. Once you are ready to take a risk, apply your sense of purpose and go for it.

Leo Horoscope

(Jul 23 – Aug 22)

It feels as if things are about to go your way now that the Moon is back in your playful sign. Although unprocessed feelings may be bugging you, you’re still eager to go out and have a good time. Perhaps you are secretly concerned about a power struggle that is unfolding with a family member. Remember, it’s crucial to get the issues out in the open so there will be fewer surprises in the days ahead.

Virgo Horoscope

(Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Use your renowned analytical abilities to discern what are the most essential things to do today. If you don’t make concrete plans, you are likely to waste a lot of energy following the wrong path, even if you have an enjoyable time doing it. Don’t spread yourself too thin or you will regret it later on. Your greatest challenge now is to separate your grandiose visions from what you can actually pull off.

Libra Horoscope

(Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Familiar territory gives way to unfamiliar ground as Mercury, the Winged Messenger, leaves your sign. You might have been developing an idea over these past few weeks, and although it still seems valuable, your attitude is starting to shift. Traveling this path is tricky because you become less objective as you grow more passionate about your life. However, there’s no need to justify your current decisions; trust your intuition and move on.

Scorpio Horoscope

(Oct 23 – Nov 21)

You’re plugged in and can listen more carefully now as you separate out the most significant ideas from the fluff. Cerebral Mercury is hanging out in your sign for an extended stay due to its upcoming retrograde turn on October 21, deeply affecting all aspects of communication and making you less interested than ever in meaningless chatter. Ask nicely for the intimacy you seek and you might actually receive it.

Sagittarius Horoscope

(Nov 22 – Dec 21)

The atmosphere is buzzing with waves of energy and you feel the optimistic balloons lifting you into the boundless sky of potential. Simultaneously, however, you are also aware of another layer of feelings that is more complicated. Although acknowledging these emotions could quickly bring you back to the ground, don’t let your fears prevent you from taking a little risk. Just make sure to bring along a parachute to ease your fall just in case.

Capricorn Horoscope

(Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Your social world is growing more complex now that Mercury is visiting your 11th House of Friends. You might even be feeling an emotional undercurrent at work and it’s difficult to know exactly what’s going on. However, your concerns aren’t just coming from within; even your most ardent supporters are reminding you to be careful today. Pay attention; their advice may help you successfully navigate the changes ahead.

Aquarius Horoscope

(Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Dynamics are shifting at work today, and it may take a while to sort out the mixed cosmic messages and choose a path that makes the most sense in the long run. Use the remainder of this weekend to consider all your options. Talk to others about the potential problems you see in the near future. A little extra planning now — even if it makes you uncomfortable to wait — can better prepare you for the intensity that’s just around the corner.

Pisces Horoscope

(Feb 19 – Mar 20)

It’s tempting to lose yourself in your fantasies, yet you’re quite capable of bringing yourself back down to earth when required. Your dreams are extremely powerful now and you could use them to map out your next moves. Instead of relying on your imagination as an escape, create an inner landscape that matches your goals. Your colorful visualizations can pave the road for your ambitious journey ahead.

Daily Cosmic Calendar for Sunday, September 29th

The cosmos is exceedingly busy right now as the Moon in Cancer squares off with Mercury in Libra (12:31AM) — starting a very brief void lunar cycle that ends at 12:58AM when the Moon enters Leo. The Moon in the fifth sign of the zodiac helps you retain the innocence of childhood, and points you in the direction of fun and games as ways to spend this last Sunday in September.  However, some psychic storm clouds gather as Pallas squares Saturn (3:41AM) while Mercury enters Scorpio (4:39AM) for an extended stay — until December 4 — due to Mercury’s eventual three-week retrograde cycle from October 21 to November 10. Rest, sleep or take a good-sized time-out from work or chores to avoid mental or physical exhaustion.  A quartet of favorable alignments can bolster your spirits as Venus makes an inspirational, 72-degree tie with Vesta (7:48AM), Vesta trines Pluto (11:15AM), the Sun parallels Chiron (11:46AM), and the Moon makes a supportive, 60-degree contact with the Sun (2:44PM). Thus, for many hours today, tuning into your investment and healing needs makes total sense.   The monthly Moon-Pallas union in Leo (9:21PM) is also a tremendous gift as it can assist you as a superb problem-solver and strategist. Just 29 minutes later, Pallas forms a 150-degree connection with Chiron (9:50PM). With some adjustment of your thoughts and attitudes, this somewhat off-kilter sky pattern can amplify your skills as a problem-solver, mentor, and agent for higher levels of healing.  Venus parallel to Pluto (10:28PM) functions either as a warning to be extra careful in romance and business affairs or to engage in these areas with enthusiasm. However, if you choose the latter path, keep aware that Venus in touch with underworld-ruling Pluto may carry hidden, invisible forces that can eventually be more discordant than enhancing.  Note to readers: All times are calculated for Pacific Daylight Time. Be sure to adjust all times according to your own local time so the alignments noted above will be exact for your location.

Current Moon Phase for Sept. 29th – Last Quarter

Last Quarter Moon

(waning/34% illumination)

The time of reaping is at hand. There is a feeling of completion infused into the atmosphere during the Last Quarter Moon. The opportunity opens to recognize how far you’ve come in various parts of your life. This is not a good time for new beginnings, but rather a reflective period suited to evaluating how you have been using your time and what has been accomplished. Issues of authority may arise. This Moon phase supports taking responsibility for actively tying up the loose ends of projects that are already underway.

The Witches Correspondences for September 29th

Witchy Comments & Graphics

The Witches Correspondences for September 29th

Magickal Intentions: Growth, Advancements, Enlightenment, Rational Thought, Exorcism, Healing, Prosperity, Hope, Exorcism, Money
Incense: Lemon, Frankincense
Planet: Sun
Sign: Leo
Angel: Michael
Colors: Gold, Yellow, Orange and White
Herbs/Plants: Marigold, Heliotrope, Sunflower, Buttercup, Cedar, Beech, Oak
Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Tiger’s Eye, Amber, Clear Quartz and Red Agate
Oil: (Sun) Cedar, Frankincense, Neroli, Rosemary

The first day of the week is ruled by the Sun. It is an excellent time to work efforts involving business partnerships, work promotions, business ventures, and professional success. Spells where friendships, mental or physical health, or bringing joy back into life are an issue work well on this day, too.

Good Sunday Morning My Beloved Family & Friends!

Witchy Comments & Graphics
I hope everyone is having a very Blessed Sunday Morning. It is rather rainy and dreary here today. But we need the rain so I won’t complain.  I got up this morning took my medicine and went back to sleep. I had the TV on when I fell asleep. I woke up to something that made me say, “Thank The Goddess Alive, I am a Witch!” The TV has a church broadcasting on it. The preacher was preaching his hell and brimstone passages as usual.

You ever truly want to be thankful that you are a Witch, Wiccan, Druid or any other Pagan tradition, watch a televised preacher. I am not being nasty or mean, I am being truthful. They fascinate me. They are either preaching their fire and brimstone or wanting money. After listening for a minute or two, I always change the channel. But in those few minutes, I am ever so grateful for our Divine Mother. I am not going to say we don’t have rules and Laws that we don’t have to live by cause we do. But nothing like I learned going to church every Sunday when I was little and what I hear on the TV now. In case I shocked some of you, I grew up in a family with two religious beliefs, one Baptist (my father) the other Witchcraft (my mother).  I guess listening to the Baptist when I was growing up and now today, their story never changes. But our religion is constantly changing. We continuously are learning and growing. We are taught everything about the Universe and most of all the Goddess’ Divine Love.

There is a big difference between the two religions that I can see now. I know the other Religions say their Gods are ever loving. But unfortunately where is the truth in that. Christianity happens to be one of the most bloodiest religions there ever was. Has our Goddess ever asked us to kill anyone in Her Divine name? No. All She has asked is that we find the power within us. The power She gave to  us.  Yes, she gave us power. Power to find, harness and use for the goodness of mankind. Can any other religion say that? I don’t think so. They talk of miracles. Growing up, I never saw any. But with the Goddess, She has given us the power to make our own miracles occur. We can perform magick beyond anyone’s belief. All we have to do with our Holy Mother is just ask and it is done. Thank Goddess, SHE IS ALIVE!!!!

I have always been respectful of other religions. In turn, I expect them to be respectful of my own religion. Tell someone you are a Witch. Go ahead and see what happens. I know. They immediately think you are a Heathren. You don’t have a God or Goddess, you don’t believe in anything. They must save you immediately. If not, you are going straight to hell. If nothing else comes out of this site, I want the world to know that Witchcraft is a religion. We have an almighty Goddess that we worship. She is very much alive.  She grants us the power to do the things necessary in life. She grants us power for the betterment of mankind. Our Goddess is alive. No matter who wants to say all other Gods are dead. This is a lie.  I can feel my Divine Mother all around me. She gives me the words to put on this blog for you to read. She loves each and everyone of us without threatens of hell’s fire and damnation. She loves us because we are Her children. She cares for us in our darkest hour and our finest moments. She is the All.

Witchcraft is one of the most popular and fastest growing Religion in the states. Why? Because people are starting to understand the truth about the Craft. They are starting to come to know the Goddess.  How real She truly is. How all you have to do each day is look around you and you will see Her. She is in everything, every where and every place you look. Her Love for us overflows. People are tired of the mainstream religions. They are looking for something new. They turn to Witchcraft as if it is something new. I hate to burst their bubble but Witchcraft is the oldest religion known. It has not always been known as a religion but thanks to us, people are starting to recognize it that way. We have had I don’t how many come over to our religion in the past month. Just in a month’s time, now! The ones I have talked too are worried about our Religion not having a Divine Being. I want to put your mind to ease, once and for all. We have a Divine Goddess and a God. We are not a Godless religion. We have a Divine Mother. In fact, I consider myself very lucky. I have three Mothers. I have maternal Mother who has passed on, then I have my Deity and I have my Goddess. What  other religion can say that?

But for those of you that are new and scared that you might have made the wrong decision about switching Religions.  Rested assured you didn’t. The Craft is the most beautiful Religion you will ever know. The ones that worry about Witchcraft being a Godless religion, who do you think put that interest in your heart? Who do you think is calling you to this religion? It is our Divine Mother who has done these things. She is the Universe. She is pure Love. All you have to do is open up your heart to Her. Let Her Love fill your heart, your body and your very soul. You will never know such a Love as Hers. I know I haven’t and the others here haven’t either. I believe there is only one thing left to say……..

“Thank The Goddess Alive, I am a Witch!”

Good Saturday Afternoon! It's been a bit, hasn't it?

I must apologize for being off the net so long. It is totally my fault and I apologize. Forgive me? The last day we were even on the internet I can’t remember (which is terrible). I know that day we left very abruptly. Again I apologize.

It started out a very peaceful morning. I had my favorite two familiars with me, Kiki and Razzy. I know most people have one but what the heck! One (Kiki) senses the spirits that aren’t suppose to be here. Razzy will climb up on my shoulders and wrap herself around my neck (it is like having a thirty pound weigh hanging around your neck) when the spirit is a harmful one. I had watched poor Kiki till I was about ready to put her out of my misery. But Razzy made no attempt to protect me. So I decided everything had to stop immediately. So we went off the net, at the drop of my pointy hat, lol!

Since I already knew there was a spirit here. The next logically thing to do was to find out who it was. Was it a lost soul looking for help crossing over or a family member that had come back to pester me? I gathered up all my stuff and went to a very quiet and isolated part of the building. Along with me came Kiki and Razzy. Both of them took their places, which really amazed me about Razzy. She had never been around when I used the Ouija Board. But she knew exactly where she belonged. With one on one side and the other on the other side, I started my ritual for using the Board. I always make sure I am very well protected. I have the incense, the candles and most of all I call upon the Goddess for Her Divine protection.

When I first started the session, nothing would come forward. In a more firmer tone, I called to the spirit to come forth. This time it did. I ask the spirit if I knew it, the answer was yes. I had caught a faint smell of perfume. So I asked the spirit, if it was my sister. The answer again, yes. I will explain this part later. I asked the spirit if at the time of her death was she angry with me, the answer was yes. This hurt me very deeply. I asked the spirit if it would tell me why it was angry with me. The answer was no.  I told the spirit she was no longer welcomed in my home.  Never, ever return to my presence again. Then I closed the gateway.

When I emerged from the room, everyone must have known I was upset. I wouldn’t talk to any of them. I told them there was one last thing I had to do, cleanse the house. Which I did, every nook and cranny I could find, I cleansed. While I was cleansing, I was also thinking about the spirit being angry with me. I never did anything to my sister while she was alive. You have to keep in mind my sister was 22 years older than myself. So we weren’t that close.

I promised I would explain something to you and now I will. No one knows this except close, very close family. My family, the one I created. I don’t remember what day of the week it was but I do remember it was in the afternoon. I got a phone call from my sister’s mother-in-law. She called to tell me that if I wanted to see my sister alive then I might want to get over there. Hospice had been called in. I got in my car and rushed to my sister’s side. At the time, I didn’t know it but she had been sick for six months. No phone call or nothing telling me she was dying. At the end the cancer went to her brain and she didn’t even recognize me. I remember the night she passed very well. I was in here on the computer. The windows were open. A sudden gust of wind came from out of no where. It blew all my papers off the desk. Then it engulfed me. I can still remember being lifted out of my chair and my hair lifting up. I knew my sister had passed. I guess from the time I found out she was dying. I spent almost every moment of those two weeks I could with her. But the real kick in the gut and what I have walked around feeling so numb about came at the funeral. Her ex-husband wanted to know if my sister and I were in an argument or something. I said no and asked him why. He told me, my sister had known for the past six months she was dying. He tried every way in the world to get her to call me but she wouldn’t. He wanted to know why. I told him I honestly didn’t know.

I have walked around with that guilt of not knowing since her death which has been almost six years now. I will be honest. I had always hoped for a very joyous and cheerful reunion with my sister. I had always wanted to contact her on the Board. But my heart was broken all over again.  Then apparently my mother must have entered the pictured or someone did. All of a sudden all the good things I had done for my sister. She had no right to be mad at me. I hadn’t been the perfect sister but nor was I the evil one. I believe she deliberately did what she did. By not calling, by not letting me know she was dying on purpose. My father always told me she hated me. I use to think what a horrible thing to say. You see I wasn’t suppose to have happened but I did. My mother was pregnant with me the same time my sister was pregnant with her first child. My father told me, at the time they were both pregnant, my sister hated my mother and hated me even more. He told me comments she would make about the unborn child in her mother’s stomach. I couldn’t believe a blood relative could be that cruel but I see know I was wrong.

I found out a lot about myself the other day in just a few hours.  I learned I have been carrying around guilt (which was my sister’s intent to start with) for years. I learned that was her final knife she put in my back. If I had not did what I did, I would have walked around with that guilty and not knowing till the day I died. I know she had been here before but what made that day so special. What moved me to finally take action? I believe my Divine Mother got tired of me carrying around needless guilt and I was ready for the truth. I could handle the truth finally.

You see it is like I was telling you the other day. The Goddess reveals to us all things in time. But only She knows the time we can handle them.  Thank you, dear Mother, thank you!

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Sept. 25: 'Family Day'

Today is called ‘Family Day — A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Kids.’ Even if your kids have flown the coop, you can still cosmically connect with them. Simply play some music in the ‘Children’ area of your living space (center or middle of the right-hand wall). Or you can ring a bell to activate the energies of this space as well. If you like, you can light a white candle in honor of the kids too. Activating the energies of this area will trigger timely blessings to be sent their way, whether you’re breaking bread with them tonight or not.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.comDaily