Distractions from the outside begin pressing into your world. Analysis is favored, reevaluating all the various factors you are dealing with. It’s a time to process information and effectively integrate your aims with the people in your immediate environment. This is a good time for organizing things. This Moon phase is suited for synthesis: coming up with a practical plan for getting from point A to point B. Adjustment is required.
Wednesday (Mercury): The conscious mind, study, travel, divination and wisdom.
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.
Moon Phase: Second Quarter
Moon Sign: Pisces
Pisces: The focus is on dreaming, nostalgia, intuition and psychic impressions. A good time for spiritual or philanthropic activities.
Moon enters Aries 9:31 pm
Aries: Good for starting things but lacks staying power. Things occur rapidly, but quickly pass. People tend to be argumentative and assertive.
Incense: Lavender
Color: White
If you have ever found yourself getting irritated or depressed for no apparent reason after spending time with certain people, the answer may be simple: you may be a sensitive, absorbing or reacting to energy from these individuals that isn’t healthy for you.
Answer these questions to see if this could be true for you, and then find out what to do about it so you don’t continue to feel depleted or irritable when you’re around these people.
1. Do you frequently feel angry, nervous, tense, or irritable around certain people?
2. Do you often feel sad, low-energy, drained, or lethargic when you are around some individuals?
3. Do you ever find yourself wanting to lie or cover-up around specific people?
4. Do you frequently find yourself folding your arms over your midsection when you are with certain people in your life?
5. Do you often feel ill-at-ease or uncomfortable with some individuals?
6. Does the mere sight of some people cause you to feel instantly defensive or angry?
7. Do you find yourself inwardly groaning when you hear a specific person’s voice on the phone?
The more questions you answered “yes” to, the more sensitive you probably are.
Most of us are unconsciously influenced by others’ energies. These energies are what they are, neither good nor bad–but some may be beneficial, and some detrimental to us. The extent to which you are affected is a sign of your sensitivity. Becoming aware of the energy-effects of interactions is a wonderful first step in becoming more conscious, and in undoing the negative effects of others’ energies on us.
If you think you are being adversely affected when you are in the company of certain people’s energy fields, here are some things you can do:
If you are around someone whose energy makes you feel drained:
1. Move away from the person.
2. Politely cut the interaction short.
3. Redirect the person’s attention.
If you find yourself feeling irritable around someone:
1. First, realize that you do not need to take this personally. Simply notice, “This is someone who makes me feel prickly.”
2. Ground yourself. This can be as simple as just placing your hands on the ground, or as complex as doing a brief relaxation and grounding exercise.
Today’s ‘Love Your Body Day’ is a national day of action to speak out in support of ads and images of women that are not offensive, harmful or disrespectful. According to reflexology (foot massage therapy) each part of your body corresponds to a spot on the soles of your feet, and by massaging your feet you can stimulate a healthy flow of Chi or good energy. Reflexology says that the toes are linked with many areas of the head. The heel, on the other hand, connects with the lower back, pelvis and sciatic nerve. By giving yourself a gentle foot massage (or having someone else do it for you), you’re giving your body a chance to balance and remove blockages. Gently press and rub the soles of your feet for a few minutes each day to reduce tension and improve your overall health. Love your body this way today and it will love you back for a whole bunch of tomorrows.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Pursuing our dreams seems like the most intelligent course of action since the surreal Pisces Moon confuses us by softening the boundaries between fact and fancy. However, fantasies slip away once enterprising Mars shifts into practical Virgo, where it stays until December 7. During this seven-week phase, it’s helpful to analyze all the options before we act. We must move forward without offending the delicate sensibilities of those around us.
No matter how scattered you feel today, it’s time to ground yourself in your daily routine. Your key planet Mars, now in earthy Virgo, encourages you to pay attention to the details of your own life; however, this tricky transit can also be rather annoying. Although you are more apt to initiate action first and work out a plan as you go along, it’s helpful to move in a methodical manner in order to lessen your frustration and increase your productivity.
Over the next several weeks you have an opportunity to express yourself in more creative ways, but there is a catch. You must treat your playful expressions as if they were part of your daily routine. This doesn’t mean you can drop your responsibilities to go off and make music or write poetry. Instead, just set aside a little time every day to focus on more artistic endeavors. What begins as a distraction gradually gains in importance over the days ahead.
You’re usually open to receiving input wherever it comes from. However, you must be selective now that Mars in Virgo tells you to utilize only the most reliable data. Be careful about what you say and be sure to reference your sources if you are quoting someone else. And, most importantly, consider the overall usefulness of whatever you intend to do — before doing it.
Surround yourself with your best friends and don’t be afraid to lose yourself into the spontaneous activities of the day. And although you must still be discreet about what you say, it’s probably better to share what you’re feeling today than keeping it bottled up any longer. It will actually feel good to be a part of any communication process when you are in the company of people you can trust
This is a time for you Lions to do things in a very basic and practical manner. It’s essential to focus on building your own self-worth, both financially and psychologically. However, your fires of inspiration may be dying down today as Mars leaves lively Leo to enter efficient Virgo. It’s not the end of the road, but rather a transition into a time when considered actions have more impact than the obvious and noisy ones.
Your energy level skyrockets now, giving you more oomph, zest and pizzazz in everything you do. Your adrenaline shoots through your system as Mars rushes into your sign for a seven-week visit. But because you are burning somewhat hotter than usual, you could come across as more aggressive than others expect. If you aren’t watchful, this can lead to petty ego disputes or conflicts. Focus on putting the power of Mars to work toward accomplishing your goals.
Your energy may be hidden from others, but it runs deep over these next few weeks and this can present some problems. You might not be able to express your anger directly, so others can’t tell what’s really going on for you. You tend to avoid direct confrontations more than usual now; you could even feel like going on a retreat. Don’t let your ego run the show, for your happiness doesn’t depend upon recognition. Do the hard work behind the scenes and get ready for what comes next.
You receive much-needed support from your friends now, allowing you to focus your attention on what is important rather than being distracted by the noise of circumstances. Don’t take your eyes off your goals, for your long-term success depends upon consistent concentration at this time. Keep moving in the same direction, for even if it seems as if you’re not gaining ground, you really are.
You might feel like your ambitious plans are being thwarted as aggressive Mars begins his seven-week tour of duty in detail-oriented Virgo. However, don’t take any setback too personally. This transit is less about you than it is about the conflict between expansive Sagittarius and concentrated Virgo — the classic “big” versus “little” dilemma. Your frustration may rise, but if you can hold back your horses while attending to the details, success will be yours.
You’re entering into a highly focused phase when your ability to diligently apply yourself at work is at its peak. Even if you don’t have one specific task you must finish, you’re now able to get more things done. The danger is that you can become so enamored with your work that you lose track of the lighter side of your life. Set aside time for plain old fun; you’ll actually accomplish more if you do.
This is an intense period as you delve into the mysteries of your emotions. These might not be familiar energies to you and you may resist the journey if other people’s agendas conflict with yours. There really isn’t much you can do about these annoyances except to keep them in your awareness. Your discomfort will likely pass without ill effect, unless you make it into something bigger than necessary. Don’t push these experiences away, the treasures you encounter now make your life richer.
You have more reason than ever to sort out your relationship tangles. It’s easier to cooperate with others now, especially if you are working toward a common goal. But don’t try to do it alone, even if there is an interpersonal conflict brewing. If you do find yourself in a disagreement today, make sure it isn’t just a silly misunderstanding. Working out the surface differences enables you to meet on common ground.
Distractions from the outside begin pressing into your world. Analysis is favored, reevaluating all the various factors you are dealing with. It’s a time to process information and effectively integrate your aims with the people in your immediate environment. This is a good time for organizing things. This Moon phase is suited for synthesis: coming up with a practical plan for getting from point A to point B. Adjustment is required.
Faith is the Dark Moon
Unseen in the night
We know it is present
Yet long for the light
Faith is the Wind
That whispers around us
We cannot touch it
And must take it on trust
Faith is the soft Voice
Of the Goddess of Old
Who warms us in the Winter
And wards off the cold
Let my heart feel the warmth
Let my soul hear Her voice
Let me find faith in the darkness
And my Spirit rejoice.
Elder’s Meditation of the Day – October 14
“Each soul must meet the morning sun, the new sweet earth and the Great Silence alone!”
–Ohiyesa (Dr. Charles A. Eastman), SANTEE SIOUX
The most important thing we can do during the course of the day is pray in the morning. There is a special time in the morning that has great power. This is the exact time the sun is rising. During the rising of the sun, everything on the Earth is waking up. Animals, plants, birds and humans will be blessed at the rising of the sun. This is a special time to help us prepare for the day. During this time we ask the Creator to bless our day. We ask Him to guide us, to protect us and to give us courage to overcome the day’s obstacles. Doing this everyday will give us knowledge of God’s will for us.
Grandfather, Grandmother, guide my path. Let my thinking be guided by You.
Categorizing Aura colors and types. How to see and classify them.
ORANGE: Sensuality, physical pleasure, emotional self-expression, creativity, lacking reason, lacking self-discipline, health, vitality.
YELLOW: Mental alertness, analytical thought, happiness, optimism, child-like, ego driven, thinking at expense of feeling.
GREEN: Healing, peace, nurturing, new growth, fear, need for security, jealousy and envy, balance.
BLUE: Verbal communication, freethinking, relating to structure and organization, emphasis on business, male energies, sadness, possibilities.
PURPLE: Wisdom, authoritative, female energies, matriarchal, sense of superiority, controlling, imagination, intuition.
BROWN: Grounded, down to earth, practical, male energies, invalidating, emphasizing body and denying spirit, feeling worth-less.
BLACK: Issues relating to death, hatred, lack of forgiveness, unresolved karma, dark intentions, shadow games, needing self compassion.
PINK: Self-love, tenderness, female energies, emphasis on physical appearances, ‘nice’ and not being ‘real’.
WHITE (CLOUDY): New Age or religious energy, lacking consciousness, a cover-up, denial, being ‘good’ at expense of being ‘whole’.
WHITE (CLEAR LIGHT): Very high spiritual vibration, divine inspiration, seeing spiritual big picture, compassionate.
GOLD: High spiritual vibration, integrity, respect, freedom, clear-seeing, integrating spirit and body, one with spirit.
Aura shapes:
The Fuzzy Aura
Lack of clear personal boundaries, tendency to take on other people’s work or problems. Issues with defining healthy personal boundaries and incapable of saying ‘no’ to others. Unconscious believing ‘if you want people to like you, it’s not okay to set boundaries’.
The Aura Wall
A defensive attempt to define personal boundaries. Putting up psychic walls and blocking out others to feel safe. Tendency to assert will through resistance and judgement.
Spiky Aura
Feeling threatened and ready for conflict. Deeply wounded. Usually a history of some form of abuse. Reactive. When a person has this kind of aura stance, they will often hurt other people–even those who may be trying to help.
Neutral Aura
Clear sense of Self. Able to define healthy boundaries with others. Takes self responsibility. Owns personal space without needing to fight or defend. Empowered to respond neutrally.
Aura sizes:
Large Aura
A large aura might demonstrate an intent to control or dominate others. Large auras can also indicate spreading ones self too thin and taking too much responsibility from others. When aura is spread out wide, it is easy to lose touch with Inner Self and become overly focused on things outside ones self.
Small Aura
A small, withdrawn aura often indicates fear on some level. Trying to hide, hoping they won’t attract attention. May be holding back energy until a feeling of safety to release energy to flow. When aura is pulled in tight,it is easy to lose ones sense of Self, as it shuts down the healthy flow of energy through your system.
Absent: Energy Out of Body
If one is unhappy with their life, or have been deeply wounded on some level, they may have a tendency to unconsciously “check-out” and be out of body, so to speak. While out of ones self, person can temporarily avoid facing any pain or problems. Eventually, spirit and body will need to deal with these issues. If one continues to keep their energy above their body, the end result is being absent, rather than present, for your life. Consciously leaving the body once in a while, however, is not generally a problem.
Healthy, Balanced Aura Size
A healthy balanced aura extends about an arm’s length around the body. With it, one can be aware of others and the world around them without losing sense of Self. Having an aura at arm’s length enables a person to being present, and allows for a healthy, balanced flow of energy.
Aura positions:
Aura at Front
Getting ahead of ones self and moving energy out into the future, often an aura will move out in front of a persons body. This can be the result of stress and anxiety. In turn, it can also create stress and anxiety. Might do this temporarily if in a hurry. Doing this on a regular basis can lead to posture problems and health issues. On a spiritual level, it can indicate living for the future rather than honoring the present.
Aura at Back
If one is dwelling on the past, the energy of ones aura will move out behind the body. Often this is the result of unhealed issues from the past or fear of the future. This can prevent people from moving forward in life resulting in further depression. It can also lead to posture problems. On a spiritual level, it can indicate making the past more powerful than present.
Aura meditation:
Sit in a meditative position and visualize a while or silver light starting to form in your legs and going up, until it covers your whole body. Once surround in this veil of light, envision the light growing brighter and stronger, clinging close to your body. One it’s at its strongest, release it, let it surround ones body to protect you through the day. Keep this in mind throughout the day, keep doing this daily until one feels their aura’s clean and strong.
‘In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue,’ or so goes that famous little ditty. But if you captain your own sailing ship on this ‘Columbus Day’ you just might have a lot more to celebrate. According to Feng Shui, the sailing ship brings wealth from both wind and water. This tradition advises positioning a small replica of a sailing ship by the front entryway facing into your house in order to welcome treasures untold. Speaking of loot, fill your ship with faux gold or crystals that resemble precious gems and you’ll soon be flooded with fortune, prosperity and luck.
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
The purpose of a spell is to manifest something you need or desire. That need or desire (or both) compose your intention. When you cast a spell, your intent is as vital to your success as your beliefs. Focusing attention on what you want puts energy behind your objective, enabling your mind to consciously create the circumstances you desire.
“A spell involves words and actions chosen to achieve a certain goal or desire, and is driven by the will of the person performing it. Words, symbols, and tools are combined to produce a ritual. Power is raised and directed out to the Universe to do its work.”
— Debbie Michaud, The Healing Traditions & Spiritual Practices of Wicca
As you design a spell, ask yourself a few basic questions. What is your reason for doing a spell? What outcome are you seeking? How passionately do you want what you’re trying to achieve or accomplish? Are you ready and willing to accept the outcome?
Be very clear and specific when asking for what you want. Remember the old saying “Be careful what you wish for.” Ambiguous statements tend to yield confusing and sometimes unwanted results. Bear in mind that just like a computer, spells do what you tell them to do. So if you perform a spell to find a perfect companion and get a wonderful dog, your magick certainly has manifested — exactly as you asked but not exactly as you’d hoped. Spells always take the easiest and most direct route to manifestation, so if you don’t state exactly what you intend, the outcomes can be interesting — to say the least.
It’s not necessary to envision how all the events leading up to the outcome will unfold. However, you must be able to clearly imagine the end result you seek. In fact, seeing from the end is essential. Hold firmly to your vision of the outcome you desire and trust that it will manifest.
Multitasking has become the norm in our busy modern world, but it’s not the best way to do magick. When your attention is diffused in several directions, its creative power becomes dissipated.
Limit a spell to a single objective or desire. Don’t design a spell to find the perfect partner and improve your finances (although if you attract a wealthy partner, both goals might be accomplished simultaneously). If you want to create more than one condition, cast a different spell for each intention, preferably on a different day. Some magicians suggest waiting until one spell has manifested before doing another. By focusing on a single goal and putting all your energy behind that objective, you improve your chances of bringing your goal to fruition and avoid confusion.
In Old English, the word spell meant “story or narrative.” The noun form referred to a recitation or the act of speaking aloud. The verb spellen meant “to read something letter by letter.” Spoken spells were probably the earliest form of spell-casting, dating back to a time when few people could read or write.
Verbal spells, also called charms, make use of the power of sound and vibration. The word charm comes from a Latin term carmen, which means “incantation.” Many spoken spells rhyme or have a distinct rhythm in their delivery, making it easier for the witch to commit them to memory. Recitation and repetition have the additional benefit of forming impressions in the brain, providing a channel for your thoughts to flow through to manifest your intention.
Charms are a simple, no-frills sort of magick, considered by some people as a “low” form of spellcraft (as opposed to the highly ritualized magick performed by ceremonial magicians). Originally, verbal spells probably dealt with mundane matters rather than exalted ones. Prayers, however, also fall into the category of spoken spells. Don’t be misled by their lack of complexity; verbal spells can be quite powerful and fast-acting
On ‘World Egg Day’ this might be just the information you need to change your luck and your life. Feng Shui says that you can shift a spate of bad luck to good simply by keeping a raw egg on your bed stand for three consecutive nights. After the third night dispose of it anywhere outside of your living space. If the shell of the egg cracks during these three days, dispose of the egg and start over again. The theory here is that the egg is absorbing negativity while cleansing your space. After three days you should be feeling sunny side up!
By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com
Friday (Venus): Love, friendship, reconciliation and beauty.
Waxing Moon
The Waxing Moon is the ideal time for magick to draw things toward you.
Moon Sign: Capricorn
Capricorn: Develops strong structure. Focus on traditions, responsibilities and obligations. A good time to set boundaries and rules.
Moon Phase: Second Quarter 2:02 pm
Incense: Alder
Color: Rose
Life can often leave you feeling stuck or trapped in an undesirable position. Yet no matter how confining your situation may be, there is always a positive way forward.
Even though your options may be very limited, you do still have some powerful choices. Even in a difficult, highly challenging situation, there are real and present possibilities for great improvement.
The first thing to do is to refuse to see yourself as a victim. By taking full responsibility for your situation, you give yourself the power to change it for the better.
Next, instead of fretting about the way things are, develop a clear and compelling vision of how you want your life to be. Somewhere within the realm of possibility is a realistic goal that will make things much better for you.
Find that goal, focus on it, refine it, and make it so desirable that you cannot help but move toward it. Fill your awareness with your vision of a positive outcome, working enthusiastically and relentlessly to find and follow the way.
You’ve spent your entire life making things happen. Take control of the energy of your intention, and get yourself where you choose to be.
— Ralph Marston
A Quick Solitary Quarter Call
(when you’re in a hurry! lol)
I welcome the East–bring your winds here,
Blow away doubt, confusion, and fear!
I welcome the South–let your fire glow,
Let desire and passion of life through me flow!
I welcome the West–let your healing rain,
Wash away negative feelings and pain!
I welcome the North–bring stability,
Strength and balance here to me!
The Quarters are called and the circle’s cast,
To raise the power and send it fast,
And when my sacred work is done,
Bless the magick that I’ve begun!
***AutumnRose***
We are enthusiastic about life and are ready to take more risks now, especially if we believe that an opportunity could lead to a memorable experience. We can feel the positive energy from today’s inspirational Sagittarius Moon, even if we’re still dealing with the consequences of yesterday’s challenges. However, impulsive behavior might take us on a detour as we approach tomorrow’s stressful square between beautiful Venus and foggy Neptune.
Although you’re feeling confident about a recent decision, your newly rediscovered optimism could make your energy a little too much to handle. Others may quickly grow tired of hearing your exaggerated tales about your amazing life. Temper your excitement with a strong dose of compassion for others. Scaling back your enthusiasm just a little bit creates a harmonious environment that inspires healthier relationships.
You’re not very shy about your desire to deepen the level of emotional commitment with a very close friend or intimate partner today. Although your straightforward approach may be startling at first, others might be receptive to your ideas once they adjust to your style of direct communication. Being aware of someone’s boundaries doesn’t come easily to you now, but demonstrating respect builds stronger trust in the relationship. Be brave and authentic: take a chance and express what’s in your heart.
You might not be so quick to head off on your own today, since the idea of working with a buddy sounds quite appealing. The Moon’s presence in your 7th House of Relationships shifts the energy away from your personal needs, making you more conscious of what others are thinking. Keep in mind that your discrimination skills may be lacking, so exercise extra caution when choosing who you connect with now, professionally or romantically. You don’t have to follow every whim to be happy.
It’s exhilarating to think you can power your way through your chores today and still have enough time left over to unwind with some friends. Unfortunately, you could underestimate how long it takes to accomplish your work. Make certain that you allow plenty of extra time, for if you leave a task unfinished, you may not be able to relax fully, just knowing there is more to do. Managing your calendar wisely improves your efficiency and increases your chances for fun.
You’re ready to kick up your heels and have a great time today, even if you haven’t fully met your obligations. Unfulfilled responsibilities don’t have to prevent you from having a memorable experience. You might be so excited in the moment that you’re ready to do whatever is necessary to enjoy yourself. If you must leave some chores undone, at least let others know that you are cutting out early and remember to come back and finish up tomorrow. Play now, work later.
If you are working too hard, it’s time to start claiming your slice of the fun. But the Moon is in your 4th House of Roots, suggesting it might be nice to hide out at home instead of going out to play. You may even end up undertaking a simple domestic project or, perhaps, inviting a friend over to share some quality conversation. Home is where the heart is.
Controlling your restlessness is complicated today as the exuberant Sagittarius Moon visits your 3rd House of Short Trips. You might even make an extra run to the store or head out to the park during lunchtime just to get out of the house or escape from work. Don’t be too self-critical if you haven’t made much progress by the end of the day. If you’re having trouble concentrating now, it’s probably smart to just call it quits and pick up the pieces tomorrow.
You might be riding high on positive emotions today and feeling confident enough to spend a bit of money on something special. You may have suddenly grown more optimistic about your income potential, allowing you to justify a luxury purchase now. However, it’s still smarter to wait and see how you’re feeling in a few days before making a large expenditure that you could later regret. Sometimes the best things in life really are free.
You are more in touch with your own vulnerability now, since the receptive Moon is hanging out in your sign all day. However, you’re still likely to take an emotional gamble today and reveal your feelings to someone special. But just telling people about your needs or fears is only one part of the equation. Real intimacy has two sides, so make sure to leave room for the other person to share his or her heart, too.
Normally, it doesn’t make sense to keep your optimism to yourself, and yet it may be the most socially astute thing you can do now. You might think your overconfidence could offend someone and you want to avoid any trouble today as you rally support for an idea of yours. Thankfully, your diplomatic skills are currently polished enough to take you far if you trust your instincts and do whatever you believe is best.
Your vivid imagination is running on overdrive now and it’s exciting to share your dreams with like-minded people. The Moon is traveling through your 11th House of Groups, prodding you to surround yourself with supportive friends and associates. With just a little extra effort today, you can create exactly the kind of congenial atmosphere you crave. A party might be the perfect venue to find the camaraderie you now want, but a smaller and more intimate gathering could work just as well. It’s the connections you make and not the places that matter.
Passionately defending your social values or political beliefs can be quite empowering today, whether it’s at work, home or in your community. Keep in mind that fulfilling your responsibilities in the present moment is more important than daydreaming about unrealistic possibilities. Nevertheless, your unique perspective inspires others, so there’s no need to hold back now when sharing your visions about the future. Seize the day by being the creative leader that everyone wants to follow.
Elder’s Meditation of the Day – October 8
“I think there was a big mistake made (when) people separated religion and the government. That was one of the big mistakes that was made, because when they did that, then they removed the Creator from their life – or at least from half to three-quarters of their life.”
–Tom Porter, MOHAWK
The Elders tell us that every thing the Creator made is interconnected. Nothing can be separated. The Elders say we should pray before we do anything. We should ask the Creator, what do You want us to do? We are put on the Earth to do the will of God. If we run our governments, communities, families or ourselves without the spiritual we are doomed to failure.
My Creator, guide my life to include the spiritual in everything I do.
MEDITATION TECHNIQUES
Where is Our Connection With Our Bodies and The Earth?
Author: Aarisa
Where is our connection with our bodies and the Earth, in ritual and in our lives?
It is my belief that we profess a religion that follows the Mother and Father, the Earth and Surrounding Energies, yet I seem to so often see such a disconnection. Connection with our bodies, the Mother Earth, the Seasons, even the rituals we perform seem to get put on the back burner, hidden behind flashy ritual items, robes, and vehement vows of our faith.
Now I am the most non-judgmental person I know, but I do make observations. At a recent Public Full Moon Ceremony that I attended, I found myself wanting after it was all said and done. The disconnection with the energy of our bodies and the rituals was obvious. Every one there, from the young children handing out seedlings to the ritual performers, all seemed very unhealthy. They read the ritual off in broken words from a paper, with no heart in it. When it came time for Cakes and Ale, they served Graham Cracker Bears and Hi C Fruit Punch.
So, lets start our conversation with the connection with our bodies, and the planet.
The junk foods and soft drinks that so many Pagans take home and chow down are detrimental to not only their bodies but also to our Mother. Way more than just what such a diet does to our bodies, the negative effects on the earth, from the way the foods were produced to the plastic packing they are served or sold in, are anything but ‘nature based.’ Everything that we put in our bodies affects us, and if our bodies cannot be healthy, how can we connect with ourselves, let alone with the Earth and our Community?
Who can call themselves a follower of the old ways when they get up, eat their McDonalds breakfast, come home and turn on the T.V and sit on the couch until they get up, put on their crushed velvet robes and perform a ritual, trying to connect with energies that don’t they incorporate into the rest of their lives? My like-minded friends have a joke about RC Cola and Moon Pies for Cakes and Ale but, my Gods, it happens so much. *
I certainly don’t feel a connection to ‘earth’ after eating junk food, do you? I certainly don’t think that eating food produced in ways that harm our Mother, and in its consumption harms us as well, is cohesive to our Earth-Based Religion. I’m not saying that everyone needs to be a health and exercise nut, but being a little more consciousness towards how we treat our bodies and the planet can be more powerful than any showy ritual.
Every holiday for us is about connecting with the seasons and the energies around us. We then take lessons from that and expand them. But let’s get back to the core… connecting with the seasons and the energies around us. (And that perhaps goes a bit deeper than eating hot dogs and hamburgers during Summer Solstice after reading from a printed-out ritual piece.) ‘Seasonal food’ does not mean food that America chooses to push out of a factory from any place at any particular time of year. It means what naturally grows in our/your local area at that particular time of year.
Our planet is in peril. The chemicals we are leaking into the world and that are in our food cause cancer, obesity, diabetes, and many other ailments. They are also killing the Earth. How can continuing to ‘live’ off of those things be cohesive to our religion? The very corn we eat now is being grown with pesticides already in them! The energies around us, those that we create, are so out of whack that I fail to see how we can make any real world change just by going through the motions of a ritual?
Lets move on to the reading part. I’ll admit that I have read off a ritual before. I was not happy with the results, and vowed thereafter to spend time not just memorizing, but knowing the ritual, and meditating on its meaning, connecting with the energies. When just reading off something, one does not grasp the meaning and depth of the words. There is then, no connection or creation of energy, and the ritual, in my opinion, is for naught. And really, how valid can a Priest or Priestess look when they read emotionlessly from a printed-out ritual?
Who here has gone to ritual where everything was read off of a piece of paper? How did it feel to you? Do you feel like the participants connected? Do you feel like you connected? If you did, then great! If you’re like me and like most people whom I talk to, then you felt as if the ritual was missing a key piece. That saddens me. I don’t want to go to ritual worrying whether or not the performing Coven will actually raise a Cone Of Power. Every person who is involved in the Craft should know his/her Craft, and know himself or herself, and therefore, know the energies!
So what has happened to our connection? The most powerful rituals are those connected with taking care of our planet and ourselves… the two things that we get most of our energy from. Wait…don’t we also get our energy from the people around us? Why, yes! We do! So what about their energy? Well, if they take care of themselves and the earth, then they are more connected, most likely. So there is more positive energy to draw upon!
Therefore, if we do the same, then we are making ourselves healthy, positive, connected avenues of energy for those that are around us! In conclusion, I say please…
TAKE CARE of yourself and our Mother!
CONNECT with yourself and our Mother!
HEAL yourself and our Mother!
CREATE good energy for yourself and our Mother!
Blessed Be!
Footnotes:
*PS- This is not a hate note for those who are “overweight”. It is about caring about your health. I know plenty of people who aren’t “skinny” but eat healthy.
The Origin of Magick
Author: Crick
Have you ever wondered about the origins of magick?
By magick I am not referring to the stage tricks employed by various entertainers for our amusement, but rather the energy which numerous cultures and belief systems have tapped into in order to manifest their various objectives.
This universal gift is known by many different names depending on which culture/belief system one looks at. It may be known simply as magick, prayers, miracles, life force, juju, karma and so forth.
For the purpose of this article it will be referred to as energy.
Have you ever wondered if such energy was a latent presence here on earth prior to the arrival of humankind? Residing here as an ancient primordial force, which was patiently waiting for sentient beings to discover its presence and purpose.
And if it was here prior to the arrival of human beings, did it serve an active purpose in the shaping of life and/or the creation of events that allowed for said life to begin? Was this primordial energy an essence that was introduced by Deity by way of a direct involvement with what we know as life? Or was it a side effect that formed as a result of actions taken by Deity during the course of said activities?
Or perhaps it is a development that manifested itself with the advent of humans? Could it be that the life force that we know as spirit introduced this energy into the life process in order to provide us with opportunities to expand our spiritual awareness and/or connection with alternate realms?
And if this is the case, why do you suppose that such a tool for growth and/or communication is so under utilized?
I say this because in society today, folks tend to become less connected with the world around them and more absorbed with the part of the self that is influenced by the individual ego.
And if this is a tool for growth and communication, why is it that those folks who actually use this energy for this purpose are spurned and looked upon with suspicion and in many cases with outright disdain by others in society? Witchcraft in essence, embodies the concepts and principals in the use of such energy.
And yet the word “witch” brings out and runs the gauntlet of emotions and perceptions of humanity as a whole. And depending on which side of the fence one stands, a witch is either an evil and vile creature or a person who is in touch with and resonates with the universal energies of which magick is a major part of.
Where does this fear of the unknown come from?
Was the ego installed into our souls as a balance to such a powerful tool? Has the balance shifted too far to one side of our souls?
As humans we readily employ magick in our various endeavors, but do we really understand its origins and what exactly is that we are using as a tool? Could the ego be a safety mechanism that has been allowed for whatever reasons, to exceed its purpose?
In some cultures, magick known as prayers is used as a means of communication with Deity. Does magick have but one specific intended use? And if so, are all other uses of such energy but an abuse of its original intended use?
Within these same cultures, when an event that is normally beyond the capacity of mere mortals, occurs, it is called a miracle.
Are these so called miracles really but a form of the same energy that others would call magick? Can we as humans in fact manifest these miracles by employing this energy? Or should such manifestations be the sole province of deity?
And while we are on the subject, does this energy have a shelf life?
Does it become stronger with use, opening even more avenues of discovery and power as one venture along the path, or does it weaken from non-use and/or the cultural disbelief in such a power?
Or is it simply a neutral tool offered by the powers to be, with many different attachments waiting to be realized by humanity.
Regardless of what name we call this energy or by what concept we use to identify with it, this gift has surpassed all boundaries of cultural, religious and societal beliefs. It is found in all aspects and fiber of this existence that we call life. It is a dominant force, often in a passive way, in basically everything that we do as humans. As such we may most likely only achieve but a peripheral understanding of such a complicated and diverse force.
Perhaps one day when we become as one with deity, a more comprehensive understanding of such a gift will be made known to us. But until such a revelation is proffered by the powers that be, we should always strive to understand as much as we are able to in order to effectively use such energy in a way that is both constructive and meaningful to our personal lives and not only our personal lives but to those around us as well.
As members of a diverse community, we have a responsibility to contribute to the health and well being of our community. Because of the diversity of society, there will always be divergent views as to what this energy is or in how it is to be used. But at the end of the day, how we use such energy is still an individual decision.
There are certain pagans, in particular Wiccans, who believe that whatever energy is sent out will return to the originator threefold.
As a traditional witch, I personally am not so sure that such a transfer is so cut and dry, but in general such a concept is a good yardstick or learning curve to adhere to.
I personally do not consider myself a master for I do not believe in such a being outside of deity. Rather I am a student of life with lots of questions. For without such questions there are no answers.
And quite frankly I don’t have answers to many of the questions that I have asked here. What few answers I may have are based upon my personal life experiences.
As pagans we are each individual and thus should answer such questions as they pertain to each person in regards to ones own beliefs and practices…
Witches Of The Craft® 
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