Category: Articles

Autumnland: Pagan Path and Paradise

Autumnland: Pagan Path and Paradise

Author:

Prodigal Pagan

I’m aware that “Summerland” is an ancient and commonly held concept of the Pagan afterlife. I suppose that’s because many Pagans imagine Paradise as a land where everything is perfect: Nature in full-bloom, wildlife in abundance, beautiful weather, and so forth. However, my idea of Paradise is Autumn, not Summer.

For me, Autumn is the most beautiful, exhilarating, and fascinating season. The Earth is changing, from mature to wise, Nature’s colors fill the landscape, from the leaves on trees to the swirling pastels in late afternoon clouds, to ripened fields of grains, pumpkins, and more. Various scents seem more noticeable, including food and floral, wood and woodsmoke, minerals and soil. The heavy hand of Summer is removed; the elements are freed. Even the wind and rain smell and feel different. The colder, crisper nights make stargazing more enjoyable. And of course, there is the majestic Harvest Moon.

The summer-long stupor has ended. An impending sense of purpose reawakens. Earth is changing. Life is changing.

Autumn, of “Fall” is often regarded as winding down, slowing toward the sleep of Winter. However, there is heightened activity in the unseen realm, “behind the scenes, ” in the “Reality behind reality.”

I prefer the darker half of the year, from October to April. In fact, I would rather have six months of Autumn and no Summer at all. The Summer of 2009 was more mild than usual (where I am) . However, typical Summer here is unpleasant, hot and humid, and often stagnant air for weeks, with more pests (and pesticides) . The Fall offers more variety, as does Spring. However, Fall does not have as much threat of severe storms that Spring does. Mostly, I prefer the darker half of the year because human activity becomes slower and quieter. Or it used to, in previous generations. (Technology appears to be changing that.)

In Autumn, the Earth herself is more alive, not only with the changes, but also personality. I feel like Nature is communicating more clearly with me. I feel more “at home” in this season than any other.

Perhaps I like Autumn most because I was born on the day before Samhain. Hence, I feel a natural affinity with the season. It is a more spiritual time for me, a sacred time. I don’t engage in formal religious practices, but I become more reflective and introspective, more sensitive to spiritual and paranormal aspects of life. I try to commune with both natural and supernatural elements — or at least invite them to commune with me.

Generally, I take a mythopoetic view of life, that the divine manifests in the human, the supernatural in the natural, heaven in earth. The mythopoetic perspective often lends a surreal view of reality. I’ve been thus oriented since childhood (although I didn’t know the term “mythopoetic” until college) . However, during much of my early adulthood, while I was involved in evangelical Christianity, I tended to suppress this inclination. Doing so caused growing tension for several years, until I eventually left that religious environment. Afterward, it seemed quite natural to re-embrace the mythopoetic way.

My personality tends toward the melancholic. In Western culture, there is an ancient belief that personality types derive from four basic bodily humours. (For the melancholic, the humour is black bile. See further below.) Mine seems to correlate mostly with the element of Earth (of the four elements: earth, water, air, fire) . However, my zodiac birth sign is Scorpio, a water sign. I often dream of water and find the ocean awesome. And yet, I do seem to prefer cold and dry weather to any other combination. I don’t easily tolerate the cold and wet. For a long time I considered relocating to a warm and arid climate, but lately my subconscious (soul) seems to be telling me “cold and dry.”

And all this correlates to the mystic and/or monastic spiritual type. Interestingly, while I was in the evangelical environment, my traits tended sometimes toward the “crusader” type, but when away (and finally departed) from that environment, I have shifted back to a more mystic type. Environment and social context often draw forth varying combinations of traits and dispositions (or moods and modalities) . This can lead to imbalance and therefore tension and conflict. Often a necessary change in religious orientation occurs. The underlying, inherent spiritual type remains and restructures a person’s path. (Or gets the person back onto the right path.) That seems to indicate that we are primarily spirit-beings. And it may also mean that each individual has a spiritual type.

Some people have tried to match personality types with spiritual types, and further link them to learning styles. Still others view spiritual types as being centered in body, mind, heart, or soul. I wonder how much our personality affects our spiritual path, and vice versa. That is, the way we perceive truth, and how we approach situations and relationships, especially with deities and spiritual forces. Indeed the gods and goddesses themselves appear to have various personalities.

Here are some correlations between Seasons, Elements, Qualities, Humours, Personalities, and Spiritual Centers.

Autumn: Earth: Cold and Dry: black bile: Melancholic: Soul
Winter: Water: Cold and Moist: phlegm: Phlegmatic: Mind
Spring: Air: Hot and Moist: blood: Sanguine: Heart
Summer: Fire: Hot and Dry: yellow bile: Choleric: Body

Many people who see such connections also recognize complex combinations as well. While overall dispositions may be evident, everyone is unique. Each person has perspectives, preferences, moods, and motivations that make them similar to others, yet unlike anyone else. We may share some common views and pursue some common goals, but spirituality is an aspect that cannot be pressed into a mold. Especially when it comes to Paganism, it is not one-size-fits-all.

So, I wonder how many Pagans would discover that they might prefer an afterlife or paradise other than Summerland. As far as Seasons go, Summerland would be the least appealing to me. (It would actually seem closer to hell than to heaven. Unless of course, Summerland were like Winter in Florida. That would be fine.)

It is all relative, and relevant, to whom we are as individuals. (And that goes for non-humans as well.)

Perhaps the saying is true, “You don’t choose your path; your path chooses you.”

As I grow older and continue doing soul work and now more soul-shadow work (as the shadows lengthen in life) , I find interesting correlations (and complex combinations) among the four seasons, four elements, personalities, and spiritual paths. I hope to pursue this further. For now, I defer to persons more learned and insightful. Perhaps there will be more essays on such topics. I welcome correspondence with anyone along these lines.

Somewhere mellow Jazz is lofting over pumpkin fields in cool twilight, while laughing children play among the red-golden leaves, with frolicking cats. (There must always be cats.) The moon is rising over Autumnland, and I know I’m at home.

Peace and Blessings.

————————————————-

Here are a few websites discussing the correlations mentioned above. I found these sites at random, and I do not endorse them or any other site, subject, or author associated with them. The information is rather elementary.

http://www.kheper.net/topics/typology/four_humours.html

http://ancienthistory.about.com/cs/hippocrates/a/hippocraticmeds.htm

http://www.wholeliving.com/article/whats-your-spiritual-type

The following is from a Christian point of view:
http://www.metanoia.org/martha/writing/spiritualtype.htm

This one is also from a Christian point of view:
http://www.gbod.org/education/articles.asp?item_id=12679

A Blessing for an Autumn Fire

A Blessing for an Autumn Fire

 

When the hills of my valley blaze with autumn color, I know it’s time to ready my woodstove for the winter season. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, it’s a good idea to perform a blessing ritual as you light the season’s first fire, especially if you perform fire magic. Ready the wood and ignite the fire using the flame of a white or orange candle as you recite this blessing:

Ancient fire,
Burn safely and bright.
Favor me with warmth and light.
Creator of the magical Jinn,
Welcome to my hearth again.
Outside nature dies,
And the world grows dark.
Warm me forever with your spark.

As a purifying offering, sprinkle a bit of salt on the flames. Sit by the fire and meditate or divine by the flames. Most of all enjoy

the season’s first fire.

By: James Kambos,

 

Llewellyn and GrannyMoon’s Morning Feast

Samhain Dreamtime

SAMHAIN DREAMTIME

Veils have ever been our womon symbol
to dance to mate to grieve to withdraw
our rites of passage, our transitions
to become the Goddess
of Moondark. of Croning. of Death.

What do you Dream when the Veil thins ?

do you hear the weeping of an ancient tree
or of the spider who’s lifework is lost

do you face the winds,
the tunnel between nightmares and death

do you know the agony of emotion
exploding into shards of color
do you bleed as they pierce your flesh

do you see the faces of your grandmothers
as they give Birth, as they die, as they discover
how many can you name
how many know your Name

do you dream the lives of others, blending your
self with their pain until you
must stand and Name yourself again
or be forever lost

Will you whisper to me your secrets?

A Witch’s Thoughts on Halloween

A WITCH’S THOUGHTS ON HALLOWEEN

Most people celebrate Halloween as a children’s holiday of candy and costumes. However, I will be celebrating tonight as Samhain (“Sow-wen”), the Celtic New Year the night for remembering loved ones past and looking toward the future. For I am a Neo-pagan, a follower of the Old Religion, a Wiccan.  I am a Witch.

There are probably as many definitions of Wicca as there are practitioners of the Craft–one of the joys of this path is that there is no “one, true way”; intuition is as valuable as teaching.  This then is my personal definition of what Wicca is to me.

First, what Wicca is not is devil-worship.  Wiccans don’t believe in an entity of all-evil.  (I personally don’t believe in evil per se; all evil is simply a perversion orexcess of something that is good when present in a proper balance.)

Wicca is a religion based on experience of Deity as male and female.  It is
pantheistic–seeing all things as part of God/dess, and seeing the Earth Herself as a living organism of whom we are part.  It is also a religion of immanence–seeing God/dess present in each of us and in the world around us, not “out there somewhere” but part of daily life.

Wiccans celebrate eight major holidays, or sabbats–the beginning and midpoint of each season.  We also celebrate the phases of the moon:  some only celebrate the full moon while others celebrate full, waxing, and new moons.Each of these rituals helps keep us in touch with Nature.  These celebrations are in small groups usually called circles, covens, or groves and are usually led by a Priestess, and often a Priest.  Some groups share duties and avoid titles.

Wicca is also a “Craft”.  We practice magic through chants, visualizations and
spells, all to focus our will on something we want to happen.  We believe that
everything we do, good or ill, comes back to us tripled, which is why we don’t
“hex” or “curse” anyone.  We also believe that many psychic talents are real and simply haven’t been studied enough by science to be catalogued as such.

Wiccans for the most part accept reincarnation, not as dogma to be believed, but as fact based on personal experience.  Many of us remember past lives.  As one who has studied science, I know that every atom of my body once was part of something else, and I am continually losing atoms that become part of others. Knowing this, it makes sense that my soul also is “recycled”.

Wicca is a positive philosophy.  The only “law” is ‘An it harm none, do as ye will”: Enjoy life to its fullest, and remember to help everyone else enjoy it as well.Wiccans don’t preach; Wiccans don’t evangelize.  Everyone has to find his/her own path, and we welcome the diversity this brings.

So tonight, when you dress up as a “wicked witch”, know that there are “good
witches” celebrating as well.  Know that I and thousands like me throughout the world are celebrating the cycles of life through the dance of the Lord and the Lady, trying to make this world we all share a little brighter through our cauldron fires in the darkness.  Know we are not out to convert you; know we mean you no harm.  All we ask for is under-standing, tolerance, and the freedom to practice as we choose.

Blessed Be,

Cecylyna Brightsword

Quiz of the Day – How Cluttered is Your Home?

How Cluttered is Your Home?

by Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine

1. When it comes to spending time in your home, you …

a) Use all of the rooms. Aside from the occasional mess, your house is comfortable, and you enjoy being there.
b) Use most of the rooms with the exception of a few you either can’t get to because the entrance is blocked or you don’t like hanging out in because of how much stuff is there.
c) Use only a few rooms. Overall, you don’t really like spending time at home, and in many rooms, there’s too much stuff to move around safely.

2. On a scale of one to 10, how would you rate the cleanliness of your home?

a) 8 to 10. It’s pretty clean most of the time; a friend could come over unexpectedly and wouldn’t be shocked at the mess. b) 5 to 7. It’s in a constant state of needing a good cleaning, with garbage cans often overflowing, some mildew in the bathroom or kitchen, and tolerable–but not pleasant–odors.
c) 0 to 4. There’s excessive dust, consistently dirty kitchen and bathroom counters, laundry throughout the house, and a constant unpleasant odor.

3. A “good cleaning” means…

a) Going through boxes, bags, and piles of stuff that are in my way, tossing what I don’t need, and putting what I want to hold on to in its designated space.
b) Rounding up boxes, bags, and piles of stuff that are in my way, and shoving everything into a designated “junk” room, which I always promise to tackle soon.
c) My house needs much more than a good cleaning, so I just do the bare minimum, like changing my sheets every so often and wiping down the kitchen counters.

4. On a scale of one to 10, how would you rate your ability to get rid of stuff you don’t use anymore?

a) 8 to 10. It feels good to ditch or donate items that I don’t need.
b) 5 to 7. I have a hard time letting go of most things. My attitude: “You never know when you’ll need it again.”
c) 0 to 4. I won’t get rid of my stuff. I’d rather hold on to something for years than let it go, even if it’s just going to collect dust in the basement.

5. The stuff in my home…

a) Serves a purpose (for the most part, anyway). Each room in my house has a function, and I use most of the things I own.
b) Needs major organization. I often can’t find things when I need them because I have too much stuff, much of which I don’t use.
c) Creates a constant source of stress and anxiety for me. I’ve got so much stuff that I can’t use or find most of it when I need it, and it’s affecting my health and the way I interact with people.

If you answered mostly “a”

Your household is considered standard when it comes to clutter. Sure, your home gets messy every now and then, but it never gets so out of control that you need help getting a handle on it.

If you answered mostly “b”

Your household likely requires the help of professional organizers. You might be able to tackle your clutter issues on your own, but professional help could give you the jump-start you need. Your clutter is keeping you from being your happiest, healthiest self–but simple steps can help you get on a better track.

If you answered mostly “c”
Your household may require more than a professional organizer. Seeking help, including a professional organizer as well as a psychologist, is probably necessary. Psychological, medical, or financial issues are likely involved in your clutteredness, and tackling larger issues that clue you in to why you have so much stuff will give you the skills and knowledge you need to do something about it.

Adapted from the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. For more information, visit nsgcd.org.

 

Decluttering 101: 5 steps to get started from “organizing doc” Ronit Zweig, PsyD

1. Toss the trash. Do a walk-through of your entire home, and throw out all of the garbage, even if you do no other cleaning. You’ll be amazed how much that can help.

2. Tackle what you can see first. Don’t worry about organizing closets and drawers right away; focus on countertops, desks, and chairs.

3. Figure out what you need and use. Do another walk-through, and gather items you haven’t used in six months or more. Toss what’s broken or donate what still works. If you can’t quite bring yourself to do that yet, put the items in a box and store the box somewhere of the way but not completely out of sight. “This way, it’ll remain just annoying enough for a rainy-day activity,” says Zweig.

4. Set up organizing systems. For example, if the area near your front door is a dumping ground, create a “station” with baskets for various items, such as shoes and mail. If your “stuff” is organized by category, it’ll be easier to bring some order to it later.

5. Take baby steps. You might not be able to see a huge change in the way your home looks right away, so remind yourself that every little bit counts. It’ll help you keep a positive attitude.

 

October 3 – Daily Feast

October 3 – Daily Feast

The first crystal clear morning after days of blue mist is like music after a long silence. Even the cool air does not dampen the spirits of domestic animals and those that live in the woods. A young bobcat in prime coat wanders along the rock ledges in full view but unaware of interested eyes. No doubt he hunts for field mice and that explains why the barn cats have stayed so close to home. We have not felt the extremes of oncoming winter, but time will insure it. Meantime, adjust, adjust. Don’t be taken by surprise. Prepare for change and the unexpected within change.

~ Our people possessed remarkable powers of concentration…..and I sometimes fancy that such nearness to nature…..keeps [us] in touch with unseen powers. ~

CHARLES EASTMAN, PHYSICIAN – SANTEE DAKOTA

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

“THINK on THESE THINGS” for October 2

“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Aim high, even though it seems at the moment you’ll never reach that cherished dream. It is your duty to lift yourself above mediocrity. And if you’re afraid your dream will sound foolish, then don’t talk about it, work for it.

Some dreams have gossamer wings, too fragile to discuss. We can be so zealous about our plans that we talk away the mystery and lose interest in the things we’ve begun. Zeal can burn itself out in one, quick, bright flame, or it can be nurtured into strength that is the basis for greatness.

If dreams have substance, then they may well come true. And if they are in line with the law of good, then there will be someone who wants to help. To have the desire to do something that will benefit others, the desire to serve, is to have a dream with solid possibilities.

The aims, then, must be deserving as to become duties. It falls to certain individuals to develop a gift and to use it in helping other people. As German philosopher Immanuel Kant has written, “What are the aims which are at the same time duties? They are the perfecting of ourselves and the happiness of others.”

*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*<<<=-=>>>*

Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet:

 

http://www.hifler.com
Click Here to Buy her books at Amazon.com

Elder’s Meditation of the Day
By White Bison, Inc., an American Indian-owned nonprofit organization. Order their many products from their web site: http://www.whitebison.org

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – October 2

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – October 2

“Laughter – that is something very sacred especially for us Indians.”

–John (Fire) Lame Deer, ROSEBUD LAKOTA

Laughter is mental, laughter is emotional, laughter is physical and laughter is spiritual. Laughter helps us find balance. If we get too angry, laughter will turn that emotion in a balanced direction. If we have a mental picture of someone who is too strong, laughter will help ease the tension. If the body is stressed, laughter will release natural relaxants into our muscles and our nervous system. Laughter often changes our attitude. We need to lighten up and laugh more.

Great Spirit, teach me to laugh.

October 2 – Daily Feast

October 2 – Daily Feast

Sweet fragrance of the land, herbs and roots and medicines long lost to the general populace, are nonetheless as present as they always have been. We have been so taken with miracle cures, these things have been put away as folklore and not dependable. The simple people at one time had no other alternative – so runs the present-day popular notion. Hard-fought battles over who is to pay for the miracle medicines – and we are grateful for most of them – may turn a venturesome soul back to the soil and back to those things that heal a mind and body without being asked for proof of insurance. But one other thing far too ignored is the power of prayer. No Indian is remiss in blessing his body and soul and spirit because he knows they work together. His prayer is not now and again but regular and potent.

~ The lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too. ~

LUTHER STANDING BEAR – LAKOTA

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler

Daily Motivator for October 2 – Live with confidence

Live with confidence

In you, there is goodness. Be confident in that goodness.

In you, there is life. Have confidence in that life.

You have the very real ability to do great things. With your goodness, with  your life, through your purpose you can make a difference.

Choose to have the confidence to truly make the world a better place. Choose  to express the goodness that’s within you by fulfilling your best possibilities.

Be a leader who leads by positive example. Express your love for life with  confidence, grace, humility, gratitude and original creativity.

Life is beautiful and unlimited in its possibilities, and you have life in  this very moment. Live with the confidence of knowing how good you have it and  how much more beautiful you can make it be.

— Ralph Marston

Daily Motivator

Daily OM for October 2 – Intention and Intuition

Intention and Intuition

The Purpose of an Altar

byMadisyn Taylor

The purpose of having an altar in your home can be as simple as reminding you to take time for serenity each day.

If you didn’t grow up with an altar in your home, having an altar now may seem like an exotic and unattainable idea. Yet having an altar does not have to be complicated or difficult, nor does it need to be based on a religion or a set of ideas that don’t seem to relate to you. An altar can be a simple, personal expression of what you want to focus on right now. You do not have to build anything or take up a lot of space. You do not have to buy anything new or follow a complex set of instructions to create your altar. All you have to do is have a general understanding of what an altar is and the willingness to allow yourself access to this wonderful, ancient tool of transformation.

At its most essential, an altar is simply a raised structure that serves as a resting place for meaningful objects. It focuses the eye and provides a place for contemplation and, if so desired, ritual. All of these elements can be quite simple. One idea for a simple altar is a pot with a bulb planted in it, set on a box. This altar to growth can act as a reminder to you that all living things bloom in their time. A simple ritual might be to write down dreams you would like to see come to fruition on scraps of paper. You might place these scraps of paper in the box, or under the flowerpot, or in an envelope you prop against the pot. As the flower grows, so will your dreams.

If you look around your home, you may find that you have already created altarlike arrangements without even really thinking about it; this is something we humans do quite naturally. A candle, a decorative box, and a vase of flowers are just a few of the common household objects that lend themselves naturally to the creation of an altar. Simply add intention and intuition, and you have created your first altar. Remember that it isn’t necessarily about the objects you place at your altar—it is the time you spend with it daily, taking the time to be with it for your sacred time.

Daily OM

Prayer of Protection to Gaia

Goddess Comments & Graphics Prayer of Protection to Gaia

A prayer of protection I write this hour
to keep me from harm’s way.
For all ill-will be turned and
securely kept at bay.

Gaia herself, my protector be,
stands between me and all strife
and cups inside her faithful hands
the essence of my life.

Gaia, Great Gaia, calm my heart
and create in it anew.
Circle me with your motherness
as only you can do.

Before you there was nothing
then the earth began!
Keep me safe I ask you please
until I pray again.

Blessed I be this day

by Sabrina

~Magickal Graphics~

Look, Up In The Sky, The Menu, Look Its Super Menu!

Well I am actually sleepy now. So I am getting ready to go to bed. I wanted to drop you a note real quick and let you know something. Since we divided up the Daily Posts up by time zones, we didn’t want you to have to dig for yours. So I added 2 new categories to the menu at the top of the page. You will see U.S. Horoscopes, etc., & Other Zone Horoscopes, etc.. Whichever applies to you, simply click there and hey, there’s your daily’s. I got to thinking about it and I knew it would be a mess, if you had to dig and hunt through all the posts. So this way, just click the tab at the top of the page and there is everything. Spells, witchcraft, wicca and other subjects will be put in their categories and show up in the main page. In other words, those subjects won’t be divided into time zones, lol!

I hope you enjoy this new feature. And all you people down under, I want to hear from you!!!!

Have a great day! I will see you later on this day.

Is Fall Sapping Your Energy? 5 Tips to “Fall” Back On

Is Fall Sapping Your Energy? 5 Tips to “Fall” Back On

By Debbie Mandel, Intent.com

The winds of seasonal change are blowing. There is plenty of orange going around from falling leaves out here in the East to carved pumpkins and mums on  doorsteps. In color therapy, orange is the hue of cheerfulness. Therefore I expect to be greeted with sunny dispositions; instead I hear a few mumbled words  and observe allergic eyes, sluggish gaits and stuffy noses.

Fall compels you to take stock of your home, garden, school curriculum and work. You note what is depleted and what areas require innovation. While change  is stimulating, it can be stressful because for awhile you live in ambiguity to see if things will work out. Instead of rigorously following the tracks you  have carefully mapped out, try not to lose track of living in the moment. Nature is a great teacher. Let nature take you on a walk to be present-alive and  alert-to what is meaningful in life.

To power up:

* Fall back on the things that bring you simple pleasures like laughter, massage, well-prepared hearty food, music, art, good  friends-including people and pets.

* Don’t fall down, fall up! Become a work in progress. And if others ask you questions that make you feel small and unimportant, tell  them that you are still under construction.

* Rake the leaves, fall on the pile and show your true colors. Even if you have been hurt in the past, the more you open your heart  and�reveal your inner child, the lighter and happier you will feel.

* Build an identity totem pole on your desk. What small objects fortify your spirit? On my desk I have a photo of a bee on a rose, a  smooth river rock and an aloe plant- it could be horizontal.

* Find physical exercises which energize your mind. If you have to develop a difficult project at work, walk uphill to mirror your climb  to the summit. If you cannot release a sad situation, then play catch with a friend using a basketball or-for greater intensity-a weighted medicine ball.  Imagine when you throw the ball off your chest, you let go of the negativity. When you catch the ball, you catch the abundance of life.

Regarding those fall allergies, keep yourself in balance to minimize the little stressors that cause that tipping point. If you don’t feel better,  consult your doctor for medication.

Spell of the Day for Sept. 27: The Gimme Gumption Spell

Witchy Comments The Gimme Gumption Spell

Materials:

1 reversible candle, black on white (Alternatively, color a white candle completely with a black permanent marker.)

1 shot glass filled with rum bourbon, scotch or vodka (Substitute a shot glass of water flavored with rum extract, if you like.)

Since this is a war of sorts–and Mars energy is essential for any type of successful battle–plan to perform this spell on a Tuesday on either the Full or New Moon. Fill the glass and light the candle, then place the glass directly in front of you. Ground and center in your normal fashion; then say something like.

Confrontation is not my foe.

It’s not an opponent; it causes no woe.

It is my friend now and as such.

It straightens out the cause of much

Confused and wrongful accusation.

Misunderstanding and misinformation

It soothes out wrinkles while it mends

Relationships that might otherwise end.

It no longer makes me sick.

For now I’ve finally learned the trick:

That anger plays no part; instead,

Resolution weaves its threads.

That said I now infuse my gutsy gumption

This liquid for my own consumption.

At this point, think about what gumption and courage means to you, then hold the glass aloft, and blow the candle that thought across the liquid  to infuse and charge it. Place the glass in front of the candle and continue, saying something like:

And before this candle, it is placed.

So its energies will interlace

With my infusion to bring it power

As it burns by minute and by hour.

To banish worries, woes and fears,

To banish nervous shakes and tears,

And bring forth the courage that I need

To defend myself with grace and speed.

The gumption asked for now is wonk

As I will, so be it done.

When the candle extinguishes itself, drink the liquid, feel the courage flow through your body and make a firm resolve  never to be stopped on again.

References:

Spell from Excerpt Obtained From:

“Utterly Wicked”

Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions

By Dorothy Morrison

 ~Magickal Graphics~

Living The Life of The Witch – Decision, Decision, Decision!

Witchy Comments=

TO CURSE OR NOT TO CURSE: THAT IS THE QUESTION

Over the course of your magickal practice, this is a question that’s eventually going to pop up. So, maybe some exploration is in order:  Just exactly what warrants a curse and what doesn’t?

The fact that Joe got the job you wanted probably doesn’t warrant anything other than crossing off that place of employment and sending out resumes to the next ten on your list. And if you want to work a little magick to get one of those positions, so be it.

But what if the situation isn’t that simple? What if the job in question was an inner company promotion, and you happen to know that Joe willfully sabotaged you? Maybe he took credit for some of your work–work that may have either qualified you for the position or caused the department head to take special notice of your application. Perhaps he even lied about you, saying that you were difficult to work with, that you weren’t a team player, or that you had an attitude problem. Is that any reason to curse him?

Maybe. Maybe not. It just depends on the circumstances. And to come to a rational decision, you’re going to have to look at the whole picture.

First, review the job description again, and really scrutinize the duties involved. If they’re vague, Joe may have done you a favor, even if unwittingly. It might be that the job in question would take up more time than you’re willing to give: time that would be best enjoyed somewhere else or even spent with your family. It could also be that the extra money involved is not worth what it’s going to take to earn it. And if either is likely, then curses should be the furthest thing from your mind. In fact, you should probably think seriously about sending Joe a congratulatory gift.

But what if neither of those scenarios is true? What if Joe simply set out to ruin your reputation with the company—a company you’ve given your all to—and is now doing his dead level best to get you fired?

While none of that is good by any stretch of the imagination. I’m not sure such action truly deserves a curse either. Why? Because you definitely have other options. You could work magick to protect your job. You could work magick to shed light on Joe’s behavior and show him to all concerned for the jackass that he really is. And if you’re suddenly feeling magnanimous–which is doubtful at this point–you could even go so far as to work magick so that Joe find a position more to his liking outside of the company. Any of those options will take care of the situation nicely–and without the need of a curse.

But now, let’s change the scenario a bit. Let’s say that you’ve been the victim of Joe’s sexual harassment for a very long time and that the promotion was your ticket out of that mess. Let’s say that when he found out you’d decided to apply for the job, he not only lead you to believe that the problems with him would get much worse than you ever dreamed if you went through with it, but he promised to ruin you with the company. That’s not all. He also promised to personally squelch any chance of your getting alternative employment in the area. You’ve already seen how he works, so there’s no doubt he can make good on all of this.

Now do you have good reason for a curse? You bet you do.

Of course, if you’d just turned Joe in to his superiors when he made his first lascivious move–if you’d decided to fight instead of flee back then–he wouldn’t be in any position to bother you. In fact, he probably wouldn’t even still be with the company. You could have avoided this whole mess, you might be sitting pretty in your new corner office, and there would be no reason for any sort of magick at all.

While playing the would’ve should’ve-could be game is normally a complete waste of time, it definitely bears some thought here. For one thing, we need to learn from our mistakes. But perhaps more importantly, this sort of self-examination helps us to figure out what else is necessary to keep us from ever having to curse someone again. And if often takes some mighty deep digging to get to the root of the problem and yank it from our lives forever.

So why didn’t you report Joe’s inappropriate behavior when he first got out of line? Chances are, you were afraid. But since precisely what you were afraid of holds the key here, that’s what we need examine. Was it that you thought reporting him wouldn’t solve the problem and that his superiors wouldn’t take you seriously? Were you afraid that Joe would twist things around in such a way that you’d lose your job? Or were you simply afraid of that sick feeling that makes your stomach churn every time you’re faced with confrontation?

Since such is usually the case when folks won’t stand up for themselves, I’m betting on the latter. And for all practical purposes, let’s say I’m right. What you need now–before you even think of performing that curse– is something to keep you from ever being in that position again. You need some gumption.

Dorothy Morrison has given “The Gimme Gumption Spell” to go along with this article. The spell will following right behind this article.

References:

Excerpt from:

“Utterly Wicked”
Curses, Hexes & Other Unsavory Notions
By Dorothy Morrison
 

~Magickal Graphics~

“THINK on THESE THINGS” for September 25

“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

So often it is difficult to know where the line lies between kindness and domineering. It doesn’t sound as if the two could possibly ever mix, but sometimes in our watchfulness over those we care about we’re inclined to thin it is a kind of goodness when it actually becomes domineering.

It is often the best and kindest thing to let others think for themselves. Even though the helpfulness is a love, it can be smothering to the ones who want to breathe freely, even of their own problems.

Concern can turn to possessiveness in the space of a moment and do it do subtly it is almost impossible to comprehend. All individuals have the right to make their own mistakes and also the undeniable right to correct those mistakes. It makes help appreciated when it comes and then help is recognized as help and not as ownership.

If we were all told what to do, it would relieve us of the burden of the responsibility of thinking, planning, or making decisions. Out lives would be literally free of care. And there are those among us who love to direct the traffic of other people’s lives. But have you noticed how detestable it is to them to have the smallest suggestion made concerning their own? What a display of vanity!

There are always sycophants, or “apple polishers,” if you will, who fawn and flatter the vanity. But to have one’s vanity built to great heights is not always an act of love, but more often subtle scorn.

Love is the only force against vanity. Love does not wish to command, but only to serve. If love cannot tell the truth it does not speak. Vanity separates, love joins. Love does not ask that another take the responsibility, but it asks only the strength to bear it.

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Available online! ‘Cherokee Feast of Days’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler.

Visit her web site to purchase the wonderful books by Joyce as gifts for yourself or for loved ones……and also for those who don’t have access to the Internet:

 

http://www.hifler.com
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Elder’s Meditation of the Day
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Elder’s Meditation of the Day – September 24

Elder’s Meditation of the Day – September 24

“Touch not the poisonous firewater that makes wise men turn to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.”

–Tecumseh, SHAWNEE

It’s not an accident that firewater is also called spirits. Firewater affects our judgments. The Great Spirit created a set of laws and principles by which we are to live our lives. When we have problems we should pray and ask for the wisdom of these laws. If instead we turn to liquor, our judgment will be affected. It is the decision and choice made under the influence of booze that causes us to be fools. We need to learn to lean on prayer and not on the spirits of alcohol.

Great Spirit, teach me to pray. Let not one drop of liquor touch my lips today.

September 24 – Daily Feast

September 24 – Daily Feast

When we have a genuine interest in something we seldom lack the energy to do it. Hour after hour thought and energy flow into the routine and weariness has no part. There will surely be some necessary work that will not excite us – but we can refuse to be dull and slow of mind and spirit. How many times we have nearly given up because we could not see creativity or color. And then a change would come – a different view and energy would flow in and the misery would be forgotten. Energy can only flow when it is connected to a live circuit. Our work is to stay connected.

~ I am not talking anything badly or angrily, but simply the truth. ~

SATANTA – KIOWA

‘A Cherokee Feast of Days, Volume II’ by Joyce Sequichie Hifler