Tag: Arts

THINK on THESE THINGS for October 23

THINK on THESE THINGS
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

When there’s thinking to be done, a person does well to have a little private retreat….a place where there’s no worry that any minute someone will interrupt. And the very ease of knowing that here is a little time to do nothing but just think.

Except that I must carefully direct those thoughts so never to let them roam to things that serve only to disturb. But where does one find a place these days that affords a time alone?

It doesn’t take much room to think. Some have little special places hidden from view….a hillside maybe….a sunny spot along a path….a closet not so large…..a park bench…..or they may even take a drive.

But that place that is always available to us is that place within our own selves. This is the secret place within the heart where desires are stored. And no matter what we do, where we go, thoughts are productive.

Here is where thankfulness is stored….here is where love is born….here is where the very life of life is built and rebuilt. This is our retreat when there’s thinking to be done.

________________________________

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

October 23 – Daily Feast

October 23 – Daily Feast

Opportunities abound to us every day. There is an opportunity to be sick, the opportunity to argue with someone, the opportunity to be discourteous, the opportunity to believe something that is not true. Stop thinking you have no opportunity. You have had every chance to do many things and some of them you have received. You were led astray by thinking you could not help yourself. We can help ourselves. By the words of our mouths, by what we say, how we think, what we believe, we help or break ourselves. Victory comes because we are consistent in saying we are well, we are strong, we are enormously happy.

~ They told us not to drink whiskey, yet they made it themselves and traded it to us for furs and robes. ~

PLENTY COUPS – CROW

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

“THINK on THESE THINGS” for October 22nd

“THINK on THESE THINGS”
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

The longest face and the saddest cry Always seem to come with the question why. Why did you take what belonged to me?

It has always been mine, or can’t you see That you have no rights, no right to claim,
And you did just that, you’re to blame For all my unhappiness, all of my tears.

Well, perhaps not all, part were my fears. And I suppose if I think I can also say That if I’ve lost anything, it’s really the way That I treated the things that used to be mine. I saw clouds on the days where there was really sunshine, I turned often to darkness instead of the light. I saw all of the wrong, but never the right, And in all honesty I suppose I must say If I’ve lost anything, I gave it away.

______________________________________

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

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for October 21st

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

There is an old Arabian proverb that if you pitch a lucky man in the Nile he will come up with a fish in his mouth. Just to come up would be enough for most of us, but still we do so many things – perhaps half in jest – that we have hopes will throw off the evil spirits and bring good luck to the rescue.

The tokens we carry we’ve carried from childhood, when we were careful never to step on a crack in the walk, or pick up a pin – the silly poems that fascinate children, and sometimes follow them into adulthood when the laughter is gone.

Who are the wise? Those who can rise with the sun letting yesterday go…..and feel within their hearts the gratitude of being alive…..to have the opportunity to glean from their mistakes something that will take them far over that place if ever they pass it again. They know that luck must have a “P” before it to keep them from waiting, to help them turn up something rather than waiting for something to turn up.

And yes, they are lucky who have love to give and the ability to receive it. They have faith in good. And no small amount of peace when they think not how lucky they are, but how blessed!

________________________

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

October 21 – Daily Feast

October 21 – Daily Feast

Don’t condemn yourself. Who of us have not made mistakes? No one is perfect, but we are too quick to call ourselves stupid. We have condemned ourselves for eating – even though that is what we have to do. It’s just that we eat because it is convenient, we see it, we eat it. If we can get it without having to cook it – all the better. And all the worse – because it doesn’t have in it the nutrients we need and it is gone too quickly and we are not satisfied. Laziness has overtaken our good sense. We let ourselves fall into making it easy on ourselves – and in turn we open the door to making it hard. It is a matter of choices, but not solved by self-criticism.

~ The ground says, “The Great Spirit has placed me here to produce all the grows on me, trees and fruit. ~

YOUNG CHIEF – CAYUSE

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

WRITING SPELLS

WRITING SPELLS

Below are some steps that will help you get started when writing your own spells. Please keep in mind that this is not the only way to write your own spells. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to creating your own spells. A spell comes from your heart, not some universal law.

Your Spell’s Rough Draft

This is the construction process of a spell.

Define Purpose- Decide what it is you would like to accomplish with this spell.

Locate Correspondences- Look for various herbs, gemstones, colors, etc that correspond with the spell and look for other supplies you will need as well (e.g. working tools) .Also decide how you will use the correspondences during the spell. This could be anything from simply placing them on the alter in a given position to creating a charm or amulet.

Casting the Circle- Decide what technique you will use to open and close your circle.

Calling the Quarters / Inviting the God and Goddess- Decide what technique you will use to call the quarters (the elements) and invite the God and Goddess. (Note: this step or part of this step does not always have to be included in your spell)

Meditation- Decide on a meditation technique you would like to use during your spell.

Your Spell’s Final Draft

This is the sequence in which you may follow when casting a spell.

Set up the Alter Casting the Circle Call the Quarters and Inviting the God and Goddess Correspondences (place correspondences on the alter, light candles, etc.) Stating the Purpose (this can be done through rhyme, although it doesn’t have to) Charging the Charm/Amulet (if you choose to have a charm, this is the time to charge it) Meditate Thank the Quarters and the God and Goddess Snuff out Candles Close the Circle

-author unknown-

Spells and Spell Casting

Spells and Spell Casting

When talking about spells and spell casting you can get into some sticky situations. No other subject can cause so many divisions in the pagan community.

It seems that there are as many different ways and ethical practices as there are gods and goddesses in the universe. If you take into consideration that spells and the way you cast them is what makes them effective it begins to make perfect sense why.

In effective spell casting there are three very important ingredients that you must have, resolve, focus, and comfort.

Without resolve there can be no change, it is your commitment to an action that is the basis of a spell. You have to really want it! Without a genuine intention to effect a change you are casting magic to the wind, cluttering up an otherwise flowing universe. Spells without resolve can be detrimental undirected or worse misdirected energy is free to change unknown situations.

Make sure you really want the change you are trying to make. When you get it, it’s yours. This is where a little divination would come in handy to make sure you will be truly happy with the outcome of your spell.

Focus, direction, or meditation, how good can aim? The focus of your spell casting is as important as the resolve to make a change. If you can’t see the broad side of a barn you will not have the ability to effect a change on it. You have to be able to taste it! If you physically build a dog house, you have to have some idea what it will look like when you are done. A spell is like a dog house, if you don’t know what it’s supposed to look like when your done, you could very well end up with a failed attempt or worse. You have to belive it’s possible. If you can’t belive that something is possible it’s not. Anything is possible if you truly belive it can happen. If you belive you can make a change and you know how the change will take place and you can picture the end result of your spell, you are there.

Comfort is easy, if you can’t ethically accept the responsibility for your spell or there is something that bothers you about what you are trying to do or how you are going about it, don’t. You are the power in your spell, you are the creator and the control.

Poor comfort will mess up your focus and your resolve. Without comfort you will have a very poor spell at best.

More Hints For Successful Spellcasting

More Hints For Successful Spellcasting

Success in spellcrafting, as with any art, comes from practice and patience.
Medieval monks didn’t learn to brew world-renowned beverages overnight, nor did da Vinci create a masterpiece without making some mistakes. So, be patient with yourself in honing your magical arts and follow these suggestions to help get over the rough spots:

Bring as many of your senses into the magical procedure as possible to clarify
and delineate its purpose(s).

Always visualize your intentions in detail while you work.

Repeat spells whenever you feel the need. Each reiteration provides supportive
energy for manifestation.

Phrase the verbal component to be geared toward your specific intentions.

If you are uncomfortable with vocalizing spells, you can mentally recite them
just as effectively. Remember, thoughts are words uttered inwardly.

Eliminate, substitute, or augment any prop/focal you desire.

Be certain to maintain the congruity of meaning.

Use the timing as a guideline, not as an edict. Any time is the right time for
magic!

Make notes of your successes and failures. These memos will prove immensely
helpful in the future.

It is not necessary to use all the props and focals listed in devising your
spell. In fact, trying to do so would probably make the spell unmanageable
(unless you have three hands). Choose only those items that intimately sym-
bolize your goals, and that you feel are necessary to the spell’s construction.

The Witches Magick for October 21st – Letting Go Of The Past

magick21

Letting Go Of The Past

Items You Will Need:

White or black candle

Bowl of water

Cloth

Sometimes our pasts can hold us back from moving forward into our futures or keep us from enjoying our present. This spell is intended to help you let go of yesterday so you can move on.

Light the candle, then wash your hands (a symbol of washing way the past) and dry them on the towel. Then say the spell:

“I pledge this day to do my best
To put the past behind me
Walking straight with head held high
So fortune’s favor finds me.”
 
“Yesterday is gone and done
Tomorrow lies before me
I will not let myself be found
By history’s faded story.”
 
“No longer looking toward the past
Except for lessons learned
I’m moving toward the future now
And all that I have earned.”

So Mote It Be.

Celebrating Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Feast of St. Ursula and Her 11,000 Virgins

October 21st

Feast of St. Ursula and Her 11,000 Virgins

St. Ursula is believed to have been a British princess who fled with her maiden companions to avoid an unwanted marriage. The Huns captured and martyred St. Ursula and her maidens at Cologne, where a cathedral was raised in their honor. The virgin company, whose number was greatly overstated from 11 to 11,000 by medieval folklore, are the patrons of girls’ schools.

Monday Blessings To All My Dear Family & Friends!

Shout buzzah and merry meet
As each new day I gladly greet
Clap my hands and move my feet
Enjoy the dance of life!
Revel in the rising sun
Love my darlings, every one
Rejoice at each new battle won.
Enjoy the dance of life!
 
Eschew the shadows of the light
Laugh in childish delight
Eat with pleasure every bite
Enjoy the dance of life!
 
Strive each day to be your best
See the humor in each jest
Embrace the joy and screw the rest
Enjoy the dance of life!

October 20 – Daily Feast

October 20 – Daily Feast

Every person’s privilege is to stand on tiptoe and take a look over the edge. What is the edge? A place where fear lurks and no one dares to get too close. Many a dream has taken us up to the edge and with quaking knees to look over the immense distance between what could be and what is reality. Most people end it right there and refuse to be scared any longer. Change is here. We can fall over the edge or we can believe in something greater than the tangible. Let go of the weak and impossible and stand in the Light that never goes out.

~ Let him be just and deal kindly with my people. ~

DEATTLE – DWAMISH CHIEF

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

Home Protection Prayer To The Morrighan

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Home Protection prayer to The Morrighan

Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Protect this land from those who would trespass upon it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Guard this land and all those who dwell within it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Watch over this land and all contained upon it!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
Goddess of battle, great goddess of the land,
She who is the Washer at the Ford, Mistress of Ravens,
And Keeper of the Shield,
We call upon you for protection.
Trespassers beware! The great Morrighan stands guard,
And she shall unleash her displeasure upon you.
Let it be known that this land falls under her protection,
And to do harm to any within it
Is to invite her wrath.
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!
We honor and thank you this day!
Hail Morrighan! Hail Morrighan!

 

The Pagan Journey

 

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’ for October 18th

‘THINK on THESE THINGS’
By Joyce Sequichie Hifler

I don’t know what time it is, It may be very late,
But I have dreams to dream and thoughts to think that simply cannot wait.
I don’t know what the weather is, it may be sun or snow.
But in these books and at this time are things I need to know.
I’m not so sure that I’m alone, or if there’s someone there;
It would be nice to hear a voice, for there is much to share.
I don’t need to know your faults, they may not be for me.
No critic enters in this place, nor do my faults they see,
For only One Pure Being knows the time, or shows through your dear face,
Only the One Presence fills our hearts to share this quiet place

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

Your Daily MahJong Tile for October 18th is Wan 5

Your Daily MahJong Tile
October 18, 2013

Wan 5
Symbol: House
The House tile represents a building in which you spend much time. If your reading is positive it may well be that this building has the important function providing you with a stable environment in which you are comfortable. If the reading is negative it may represent a structure in which you are stressed and uncomfortable.

Celebrating Other Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Crabapple Fair

magick89

October 18th

Crabapple Fair

Held annually in Egremont since it was chartered in 1267, the Crabapple Fair is one of Britain’s oldest festivals. It is famous for a number of traditions, including the distribution of free crabapples from a lorry that tours the village soon after noon. In recent years, common eating apples have been thrown to the crowds instead of the formerly used wild crabs.

The fair begins at dawn, when a 30-foot-high greased pole is erected in the main street of town. In the past, the prize for anyone who could scale the pole (which is impossible without the help of a human ladder) was half a sheep’s carcass at the top. Today, climbers work for a pound note instead. Other morning activities include children’s games, a scrimmage for coppers, and street races.

In the afternoon, there are more games, wrestling and terrier racing. The most unique events take place in the evening. The first competition is a pipe-smoking contest to see who can keep a pipe burning longest without relighting. There is a contest for the best sentimental and best hunting songs. The main attraction is the World Champion Gurning Competition. This odd (and very old) competition involves putting one’s head through a horse collar and making the most grotesque face possible. The championship is usually won by the individual who can take out his teeth and curl his lower lip upwards touching the nose.

Invocation of Being


Witchy Comments & Graphics

Invocation of Being

Long have we wandered and been apart from her shores.
Long have we flown on unseeing wings.

The eagle soars high on boundless feeling.
Long have we felt the groundless without root, or presence.
Long have we been valiant in the name of love.
Long have we allowed nameless fears to limit our possibilities.

The forest continues it’s endless cycle of ages.
Long have we felt alone in expectant solitude.
Long have we danced our own lives to the dream of wisdom
to the unbearable void of ourselves.

The tide washes evenly on deserted shores.
Forever we are one. Forever we ignite out being in the elemental fire of our spirit.

The golden age dweller.
The playful sprite.
The hooded wanderer.
The tortured seeker.

The power of being is ours to hold.
The beauty of now is here for the taking.
Forever and tonight,
we bathe in the majesty of wonder.

Author Unknown

Good Morning, Good Morning, My Precious Family!

Good Morning, Good Morning, My Precious Family! How is your day going so far? I hope fine. You know when the chips are down, I can always turn to you for hope. I told you yesterday that the raffle so far was a flop. Our light bill needed to be paid and we didn’t have any money to do so. I opened up our PayPal account this morning and I couldn’t believe it. The donations, donations and donations. You are the most wonderful family I could ever wish for. After receiving all the wonderful donations (which will go into the raffle), I did some figuring. Look out when I get the pen and paper out, lol! We are still $50.00 short. So if you have been eyeballing any of the items up for the Raffle this month, make that donation. You have a great chance at some super items this time and besides you will be helping us out greatly. The ones that have already donated, I can never thank you enough. I know I say it and say it but you truly do mean the world to me.

You know what I would love to do, is start a donor/supporter’s wall of the WOTC. I want to because some of you have supported us from the very beginning and you are hidden in the shadows. I want people to know you and see who you are because I love each one of you so much. But I am scared to because I know some do not do it for recognition. They do it because they truly believe in us and want to see our work continue.  I don’t know if these supporters would want to be known or not. So if you have an opinion on this, please let me know. I don’t want to do anything to embarrass anyone but I believe the supporters of the WOTC need some kind of recognition. Please let me know supporters how you feel about this.

Now this is a 180 degree turn around, I will try to be short and brief. There was a comment in the back that I think needs to be addressed publicly. I had never thought of it till now and actually the comment did make sense. The comment was in regards to new people getting burned out on so much information to learn. I can understand that. It is overwhelming when you first come to the Craft. But you do not have to learn everything overnight. You have a year and a day to learn it.  When you start your new Path, the Goddess will help you and guide you. She will reveal new information when She knows you are ready. In the Craft, you never stop learning. Even as long as I have been in it, I still learn. All of us do. Witchcraft is a very beautiful religion that you have to experience for yourself. We aren’t pushing the Craft down anyone’s throat. We are just providing the information for all to learn. For those who seek or those who are just curious, we are here.

I think what bothers me most was the “feeling overwhelmed at the very beginning.”  At the very beginning? I believe you need to truly search your soul and see if you are on the right Path. Do some meditation and connect with your inner being. Make sure the Craft is right for you. The year and a day, I mentioned earlier, is to give you time to decide if you want to be in the Craft. If you want to follow our beliefs, our practices, and our Goddess. Please take a piece of advice and do some meditating. After you meditate and you see the Craft is right for you. Then pray to the Goddess to guide you on your new Path. She will answer.

In the Craft, you are never alone. Our Gods and Goddesses never desert us. All we have to do is call and They are there. Remember that as you start your new Religion. Also remember if you need any help, we are here for you.

Got to run for now. Thank you all again.

Luv & Hugs,

Lady A

Let’s Get Crafty – Making a Smudging Stick

Making a Smudging Stick

Be aware of any dangerous chemical reactions or allergies to the plants being used. If you intend to burn a plant in a smudge stick do your research into the plant first to ensure that what you are burning is not dangerous to your health. Always find out if you are allergic first, and have another person on hand or ready to help you if something goes wrong. Call 911 or the appropriate telephone number if a dangerous condition occurs.

Always be careful of how you burn your smudge stick, ensuring that you do not burn yourself. Always use proper fire preventative measures; place burning objects within or upon the appropriate fire burning apparatus. Be aware that holding the smudge stick within your hands can result in burning your hands.

When wrapping the bundle, you should be careful to wrap tightly enough to hold the stems and leaves in place, but not to cut them.

Humidity is a factor in dry time, ensure that your bundle has dried fully before attempting to burn it.

Ensure that there is no mold/mildew growth upon your bundle before burning it.

~Ingredients~

  • Herb(s) appropriate for the smudging
  • String that will safely burn, such as jute line or cotton string

~Process~

  1. Select your fresh herb from the plant (unless you can get long stems of plants elsewhere).
  2. Cut the plant according to size. Plants which are more leafy should be cut in smaller sections, and those that are less leafy can be cut in larger sections.
  3. Cut the string to a good length, such as five to six feet.
  4. Place the pieces according to like, stems to stems and leafs to leafs.
  5. Wrap string around the base, leaving a few inches of string loose.
  6. Wrap up from stems to leafs, then back again in a crisscross pattern.
  7. After returning to the base, tie the few inches from before to the end of your string.
  8. Trim if necessary to give a uniform look.
  9. Place your bundle in a place where it shall dry.

The Witches Magick for Oct. 16th – Improve The Quality of Life

goth114

To Improve The Quality of Your Life Spell

Items You Will Need:

White candle

Vase of flowers (any kind)

This spell is best done on the Full Moon. Put the flowers on your altar as an offering to the Goddess, light the candle and speak from the heart:

Great Goddess, bless me
Shine your loving light upon me
And help me to improve my life.
 
May I grow and blossom
May I be surrounded by love and friendship
May I be gifted with good fortune
May I do my best for myself and others
May I appreciate what I have
And may I make the most of any opportunities
That you send my way.
 
Great Goddess, bless me
Shine your loving light upon me
And help me to improve my life.
 

So Mote It Be