Tag: God

The Goddess Is Alive

Goddess Comments & Graphics
THE GODDESS IS ALIVE
              
Moon shines down upon a sea of Light,
Shifting sands lay singing in the Heart of the Night.
I looked upon a scene that gripped me to the core,
White-clad maidens below were dancing on the shore.
  
Sweet sounds slipped from moon-lit throats,
Wind whipped hair abound,
Lit by the light within and without,
The Women circled ’round.
  
As I stood, water engulfed my feet,
My body swayed to your Heavenly Heart beat.
Wind and wave and fire light,
Paled in my mind Earthly delight.
  
Time slipped by me as you held your embrace,
And windblown spray covered my face.
Protected deep within your Womb,
I could feel the tender pain of Life’s bloom.
 
Candles flared high as the Dance progressed,
Deep inside with a healing touch you blessed.
All around, wind, wave and fire shouted of your life,
Your light speared deep within, soothing my strife.
 
Divine Mother, Goddess of Light,
To you I come seeking protection from the night.
Come home to shelter within your arm,
Surrounded by Love, hidden from harm.

Holy Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth,
From you we all trace our Birth.
Heavenly Goddess, light from above,
Shine down upon us, we pray for your Love.   ~Magickal Graphics~

Pagans: Loved, Yet Misunderstood

Pagans: Loved, Yet Misunderstood

Author: Davina Sullivan

“We are loved, yet misunderstood.”

Within the last few months, I have recently explained to my friends and family that I am a Pagan, and more than proud to say so. I have been asked so many questions sense then, it’s unbelievable. However, I’m glad that they asked because I’ve realized that many people in general has such a high misunderstanding, that we Pagan’s are judged unfairly. I have the opportunity to be able to help others understand and not judge us based on the word of others.

I was raised in a Baptist family, therefore, a great many of my relatives were upset, confused, hurt, or a combination of all three. My mother particularly, believed that being a Pagan was the devil’s way of tricking us into worshipping him, specifically because of the pentagram. I calmly explained to her that yes, the five-point star originated from the Pagan religion. After, that same star also became the Star of Bethlehem, which represents Jesus’ birth and carnation in the Christian religion. The bible explains this in the book of Matthews in chapter two. Lastly, Satanists took the five-point star and turned it upside down to claim as their own.

The image of the devil was the most difficult questions to answer. Even though I had explained that the image of Satan also originated from a Greek God, the Horned God named Pan. He has horns as well as hooves and carries a flute. That is where Satan’s image originated. Many didn’t want to hear my explanations or did not believe it to be so. Of course, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. I only talk of the questions that people ask.

Another explanation that was quite interesting to give was the use of magic. I was asked questions such as, “How do you do magic?” “Why do you think magic is real?” “Don’t you think that God is the only one that can bring magic?” There was one question that I found very surprising, which was, “Will you teach me to do magic?”

When I was asked how to do magic, I simply explained that magic is just channeling what is already there. You are working as one with the elements of the earth to bring the God’s and Goddesses into your heart and soul to walk together into the Divine. This also brought questions about. However, I truly believe that no one can answer what the Divine is but you, and only when you feel it.

Those that has asked me why I believe magic to be real, this was the easiest explanation of all. Every time I answer this question, I smile and reply, “Because I’ve felt it. I’ve been there. I’ve become one with magic and have become one with The Divine.” Some are confused at this point, but the answer to this specific question is something only you can answer for yourself.

Many were respectful, many horrified at my response to God being the only one that can bring magic into my life. I respect those that live by the bible and God’s word. Though, I truly feel the connection with the Pagan God’s and Goddesses. My personal Goddess, Isis, has brought a light and a great sense of fulfillment into my life. I call upon her often and the magic that I have done and experienced is unexplainable. For someone who does not believe magic to be true, it will sound like nonsense to them. Until they experience magic for themselves and can answer that same question for me, there is nothing that I could say to them about working with Earth Mother to do magic.

There was one person and one person only who asked me to teach her magic. She is a very good friend of mine. I explained a few basics of my religion, and explained to her that being a witch and learning of magic by doing your own personal studies and research is the first step. Being a witch is something to be taken very seriously and to understand every aspect of everything or any spell before attempting to actually performing one. I also explained that I have seen those dabble in black magic, and that is something that will bring you sorrow and pain in the long run. ‘An ye’ harm none, do as ye’ will.’ I most defiantly expressed how important it is to keep the Three Fold Law in mind.

The purpose for me writing this paper is to express to anyone that is willing to listen that you should always be proud of who and what you are. It has taken me 24 years to find my path because it is sometimes difficult to step away from what you are so accustomed to and be able to search for your true self.

Religion, regardless of what it may be is a big part of every one person’s life. To lie and hide from your self is the most painful lie that anyone could tell. To be a witch is hard, it is difficult, it can be stressful and it can seem almost impossible to be accepted by society at times. In today’s world, yes, we need to be in society in some way, shape or form. Just remember, we are no better, nor are we any worse than any other person that may walk this glorious earth. Paganism is rejected by many, but accepted and loved by so many more. We have support and family to help us through these times.

Today, we have the wonderful world of technology! Take advantage of it. Witchvox.com is only the start. Wiccantogether.com is a lot like a myspace.com page for Wiccans. There’s plenty of ways on the Internet, not to mention the people around you that you have no idea are even there to help you.

I cannot express enough how strongly I believe that there are many that are afraid to be their true selves because of societies opinions of our religion. Be strong, stand tall, and be proud of who you are. Please, help, love and support those who need us.

In conclusion, we are loved, yet misunderstood. This is not our fault; this is our pride. I’m more than willing to help those who are misunderstood to understand. No matter the outcome may be, I am who I am. I’m being true to myself, and that is what is most important in my opinion.

Dear Wicca, Thank You.

Dear Wicca, Thank You.

Author: Selena Rose

I began to research Wicca when I was eleven or twelve years old. I – obviously – was not extremely serious about it at that point, and the interest came and went for a year or two. I always loved the idea of the religion, but I didn’t seriously start studying until I was about thirteen. And I studied for almost a solid two years before I started to practice. I know that it was still very young and, looking back, maybe it was too young. But I don’t regret starting early because it just gave me more time to develop into the kind of spiritual person that I wanted to become.

When I was sixteen I developed Anorexia Nervosa. During the year and a half battle, I dropped over twenty pounds, yo-yoed between weights, dealt with depression, anxiety, and a number of other “issues”. Twenty pounds is not nearly as serious as it could have become, I know. I got lucky that it didn’t get worse. Physically, I was not that ill. The illness was completely and entirely mental. I was dealing with self-hatred, feeling worthless, like I was created wrong.

Over the December holidays, I was shopping for gifts with my family. We celebrate a very secular Christmas and I celebrate Yule in my own ways on my own. I was seventeen at this point, a senior in high school. I decided to buy myself a Yule gift while I was at Borders and headed back to the religion section of the store.

There were a few titles I was familiar with but never purchased, a few I owned. I ran my hands over the spines, trying to get some kind of idea of what to purchase. My body and mind stopped on a thin, black binding. I bought the book and took it home. Literally, that night, my life changed.

The book was The Circle Within by Dianne Sylvan. If you’ve ever read it, you should realize how beautiful it was to me. It opened my eyes to parts of Wicca and Witchcraft that I never knew existed and somehow, I wanted them in my life. I can’t point out a specific passage that changed everything. It was everything at once. I finished the book in less than twenty-four hours. And I started my own journey toward recovery of my eating disorder.

Yes, one book did all that. I brought that book to school. I underlined and starred passages that I needed to remember. I kept it in my mind all the time as I tried to work my way up to a semi-normal number of calories a day. And it worked. I ended up purchasing Sylvan’s other book, The Body Sacred. That was probably one of the greatest purchases of my life, as well. I kind of owe everything to her. After that, I began to read more about the spirituality of Wicca, and created my own bond with the God and Goddess that was one of the most beautiful feelings I have ever felt in my life. I felt genuine and I felt new.

For several months, I was deep into my spirituality and practice. For that summer I worked at a very Zen coffee house where incense was always burning and Bob Marley was constantly on the sound system. Everything was organic and healthy and I felt extremely at peace for a whole summer as I prepared to go away to college. I had a wonderful therapist helping me with my “launching phase” who helped me heal my relationship with my mother (that was always a troubling spot for me) . I was in the good place in my life. And I went away to college and my life did a tailspin again.

In college, I gained a good eight or ten pounds. I didn’t really mind too much at first. I was okay. I just started to go to the gym a little more often and I paid more attention to what I was eating. It’s difficult in the dining hall because you don’t exactly know what you’re getting on your plate. Around October, I noticed one of my roommates acting strange. I noticed classic symptoms of Anorexia in her. I saw myself. She was dropping weight like crazy, sleeping way too often, spending hours at the gym and becoming very secluded. It took me two times of addressing the situation to her to get her to fess up.

Meanwhile, I retreated back into my old bad habits, turning to Anorexia as a crutch when I was stressed out about school, friends, or relationships. In just about a month I dropped over ten pounds. I lost all the weight I gained when I arrived, and then some. I was becoming happier with my body, but worse about my soul. I knew that what I was doing was wrong, but I couldn’t stop it. I was afraid to lose it. I had just started talking to a guy that I seriously liked and he liked me and I wanted to be lovely.

During this year I also stopped practicing Wicca. I still considered it my religion, but I was not as active as I could have been. I would pray once in a while to try and figure out my life, but it was difficult to keep focused on it. A few days ago, things changed again.

I opened up to one of my friends about my eating disorder. She then told me that she had similar problems, only on the Bulimia side. She had been in and out of treatment and offered to help me any way she could. I told her that I didn’t want help right now. And I lost two more pounds the next day. Losing weight made me feel secure, but it also scared me. I felt a bit out of control when the number kept dropping lower, lower. I was starting to get very worried and unhappy. I would go on drinking binges because I knew that it would make me weight less in the morning. (FYI – NOT a reason to have a drink, especially if you’re underage. I do NOT condone drinking to excess.) I had become reckless. I was scared. I had a breakdown in the shower after going to the gym one day and asked myself – when will I be happy? When will I become complete again? I thought it was about the number, but there was another voice in my head telling me that there was something more out there for me. I had to learn that I was more than my eating disorder.

Somewhere along the way, I tried to eat a little more. Mostly it was to appease everyone else who was worried: my friends, my sister, and somewhere deep in me, myself. Then my second roommate found a great website with a ton of yoga and some meditation. I had completely stopped doing yoga and meditating and I needed that. So I decided to try again and be serious about it. I also pulled out my good ‘ol Dianne Sylvan book again. I wanted to get back to the girl I used to be. I was happiest when I was greeting Divinity each morning and saying goodnight before bed. I was happiest when I could sit outside for hours just staring at the trees and feeling the Earth breathe beneath me. I was happiest when I could fully be myself, in my own skin. Every time a Sabbat comes around, I remember how this religion is Me. Because I always miss celebrating one to the fullest extent that I can because of the completeness that celebration always brings to me.

The beauty of Wicca is seeing the beauty in everything and feeling the magic pulse within yourself and all around you. If I’m not living, I can’t feel that. If I’m not being alive to the greatest extent that I can, there is no point. We are all a part of the Divine. The Divine is not ugly, or fat, or useless. And through learning this, I have to learn to respect myself.

If you’re struggling in any of the same ways that I did – I am feeling your pain. It is a meal-to-meal struggle. And that’s sad because food is one of the most magical pieces of art in the entire world. But it is possible to survive, and spirituality can help. It is not the only tool; you have to want to get better. I was not sure that I wanted to get better, and then I realized that not only did I want to – I needed to. In order to feel the beauty of the world around us, we have to be alive. I’m used to being completely dead inside because of this disease and for the last few days I’ve felt alive. Not completely – but much more than I have in a while.

Recovery is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. And now I’m doing it for the second time. It is damn scary and I’m afraid for every day. Yet I continue to try. Some days are worse than others, but I still keep on, and I hope to continue to keep on until I have a healthy relationship with food again.

Do something scary and live. Because I firmly believe that it is worth it. Especially as Pagans, we have the ability to see the world in a way that not everyone can. We have different ways of appreciating the unbelievable qualities all around us. So appreciate it, and live. It’s what I’m trying to do.

Life Lessons – How To Live Your Life Without Regrets

Nature Comments & Graphics 

How to Live Your Life Without Regrets

By Phylameana lila Desy

Everyone has made poor choices or done something in their past that could possibly be labeled as “regrettable.” But, think about it. The fact that you are now able to look back and realize that a mistake or mis-step occurred means you have learned a valuable lesson. Some of my choices may have landed me in unpleasant circumstances, but experiencing these things certainly built my current character. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those character-building situations. Mistakes are stepping stones to an evolving life. No need for you to sink into regret or despair — keep your chin up.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: now and forever

Here’s How:

  1. Acknowledge a mistake has been made – It is easy to play the blame game, pointing fingers at someone else or circumstances as to why you have stumbled or why your life is difficult. Taking personal ownership that your past actions resulted in bringing about your current reality is the first step to moving past regrets and moving toward a brighter future.
  2. Make amends – If your past actions or words have harmed another person an apology may be in order. Or not, apologies can be tricky. Judge for yourself if an apology will help matters or only drudge up old wounds better left alone. But, definitely forgive yourself! Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. Continually berating yourself for past actions is self-defeating. Would you kick a dog while it was laying down? Of course not. Please don’t do this to yourself. Righting a wrong is not always feasible. If you feel badly about a past action you’ve taken that cannot be righted, forgive yourself, and let it go.
  3. Do-overs – Sometimes feelings of regret arise not from our past actions, but from our non-actions. Have you ever regretted not taking a vacation, staying stuck in a dead-end job, not attending college… or whatever? It may be too late to reverse those decisions, but you still have options. Some colleges offer free classes for seniors. You might not have the time, money, or physical endurance to travel, but you can rent movies or attend travelog showings about the regions you wish to learn more about. New opportunities are available around every corner if you just open your heart and follow your dreams.
  4. Be grateful – The most valuable lessons learned in life often come from the mistakes we make. It may take a walk down a dark alley to see clearly. Embrace your follies, feel gratitude for getting past the worst episodes and eventually finding your way along a less-cluttered path.
  5. Be careful not to repeat the same mistake – A skinned-knee teaches a small child not to run so fast. Slow-down. If you are repeatedly faced with similar difficulties over and over again, this is a sure bet that you have not learned the lessons these situations are trying to teach. Opportunity will surface only after you take responsibility for faulty actions taken and change your current and future behaviors accordingly.
  6. Be watchful of future knee-jerk reactions – This is probably the toughest step, not reacting negatively to situations or the people who tend to push your buttons. We don’t always have control over the things life tosses in front of us, but we do control our reactions. Stay calm. Introduce stress-management into your daily life. Meditation helps clear and focus the mind. Therapeutic play will help balance work-related stresses.
  7. Looking deeper inside – Re-evaluate the direction your life is taking. Have you accepted that your past mistakes are just that — in the past? Focus on today. Become aware of your future goals and desires. Setting clear intentions will help clear the path so that your life progresses with a freer heart and increased happiness. The best is yet to come! Believe it. 

Tips:

  1. Remember, nobody is perfect. Including yourself!
  2. Forgiveness is golden.
  3. Live for today. Yesterday was then.

 
~Magickal Graphics~

Happy Thanksgiving dear friends!

Thanksgiving Comments & Graphics

I wish each and everyone of you a very Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving! May you spend it with your loved ones whether they be family or friends. Let us not forget what today is all about, whether we are Pagan or Not! It doesn’t hurt Pagans, Wiccans, Witches and the like to stop and take time to be thankful. I know I very seldom get sentimental and most of all I don’t like to reveal to others that I do have a soft side. I guess I always like to seem in control of my emotions but there are even times when seasoned old witches let their emotions out. Ooops! I am not that old just emotional. It started this morning in the kitchen, with my wildcat Razzy. She put her paws up on my calf and I leaned down to rub her. I started talking to her telling her, she didn’t know how much she had to be thankful for this year. Then it hit me, I am the thankful one. I am so thankful that the Goddess brought her and her family to me. I am so grateful that I saved her and she will have a good home the rest of her life. I will love her and cherish her each year. I am also thankful for my older wildcat, Stinker, my little Pomeranian princess Kiki. Then I stopped to think about my family. I am so thankful for my two wonderful, beautiful and healthy children. I am thankful that my son has two healthy and beautiful daughters. I am thankful for my daughter and that the Goddess finally found a man to put up with her. I have a lot to be thankful for. 

I have to stop and think back though. At one time, I loved another man besides my husband. My husband and I were separated and I had known this man for years. He asked me out and we started seeing each other. We started making plans for the future. He loved my two children and my son he was crazy about. He had made plans to take him hunting and fishing and do all the things his father never had time to do with him. We had talked about moving into together. How life would be. But for some strange twist of fate my husband came by to visit the kids one evening. That evening, my husband took me out to the patio and we sit and talked. We talked about how things weren’t really that bad between us. I should let you know at this time why we were separated, I had caught him having an affair on me. Why? I didn’t know I had always tried to be the perfect wife, mother, housekeeper, witch, heck I was even PTA President! I guess I got caught up in being too perfect. He had fallen for a woman totally my opposite. He came to the house one day to drop the kids off some money and he had told me, “I had better sit down.” I couldn’t imagine what it was but he told me I was right and he was living with another woman. He wanted to tell me before I found out about her from someone else. Everything I had thought was true, I cried and cried. I thought my world had ended. I got up and slapped the holy shit out of him and told him to get out of the house. That is when I fell right straight into the arms of this other man. I guess he was my crutch. He loved me and I knew it. The first night, we went out. He took me to his parents’ house and then to his grandmother’s house. All of them told me, that they were glad to finally meet me. They had heard so much about me. But back to the night my husband came over and fate took such a straight twist. We got to laughing and crying together. We had a deep love and I couldn’t deny that. I went back to my comfort zone. I took my husband back. My husband came right out and told me that he didn’t know how to tell the other woman he was coming back home. He said he had left her crying in a motel room. And that if there was anyway possible that he was going to try to work things out with me. He said he had to go back and tell her and get his stuff. He even asked me if I wanted to go. I told him that probably wouldn’t be a good idea. I didn’t talk to the man I was seeing for two or three days because hubby was back home. The man knew where I was working and what time I came in each day. So he decided he would surprise me one day and stop by with his new motorcycle for me and him to go for a ride. I didn’t know he was there I had taken a couple of days off and hubby and I stopped in for a minute to see how things where going. On the stool, waiting for me, was the other man. I could see the look in his eyes when we walked in. He got up and left. He tore out on the motorcycle so quick, my hubby asked me what his problem was. I said I didn’t know. Part of me was crushed when he left on that motorcycle. But I knew where I belonged with my family. The next night the other man was killed in a motorcycle wreck. He was at a bar drinking, left the bar doing about 100 mph and hit a parked van head on. When I found out what happened I nearly died myself. I can say I was starting to fall in love with him or perhaps it was just neediless. But I had never had to do anything more difficult in my life than grieve in silence. Everytime I was alone I would break down and cry. I still cry to this day about it. For the longest time, I blamed myself for his death. I had friends tell me, that I had to stop doing that. But I believe with the help of the Goddess, I know that didn’t actually cause his death and I shouldn’t blame myself anymore. I didn’t make him pick up those drinks. I am sure like I, he was feeling heart-broken. But he didn’t need to get drunk, there were other ways of coping. I found them and he should have too. I miss him and if I had known that was what he was going to do, I would have found a way to stop. Where is this all going?  He showed me a part of life that I only thought I wanted. My path wasn’t meant to be with him. He showed me how to love deeper, appreciate every moment we have in this life because the next might be our last. I have alot to be thankful for just by knowing this man. 

So this Thanksgiving when I look back on the years, I have a lot to be thankful for. My family, my friends, people who I have lost over the years. Some I wish who could be alive now and see me and her grandchildren. But I know that those who have gone on are with the Goddess waiting. I am thankful for the Goddess and all the good things in life she has given me. I am thankful for all the readers of this blog. I am thankful for the friends I have made through it.

All in all, I believe this is going to be the best Thanksgiving for me. I realize what I have and what I have lost, I realize I will never take a moment of life for granted and I will live each moment to the fullest. I am thankful for the life the Goddess has given me and the Path that She has shown me. 

Remember the Goddess in your Thanksgiving this year! Remember my family and I, as I will be thinking about each and everyone of you this year! 

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to each and everyone of you,
Love, 

Lady Abyss

 Magickal Graphics

1 Day To Go! Yahoo! 1 Day To Go! Sorry, I Mean Happy Wednesday All!

COUNTDOWN TO TURKEY DAY CONTINUES! 

1 DAY TO GO!

I don’t know, do we really want to mess with this guy above, lol! 

Happy Wednesday All!

 

Wednesday Is Ruled By Mercury 

The day of Woden, whose name is also pronounced Odin, a Norse God of poetry, resourcefulness and all things mystical. Attune with these energies this day and you find Odin’s power will be with you. Other correspondences for Wednesday are:

Ruling Planet: Mercury

Rituals: Career

Element: Air

Colour: Orange

Number: 0

Spirits Everywhere

Spirits Everywhere

We are shining in the morning
Spirits ev’ry where
Do you see us in the morning?
Spirits ev’ry where
Do not fear, the ancient ones are calling,
Do not fear, the ancient ones are here.

We are whispering in the evening
Spirits ev’ry where
Do you hear us in the evening?
Spirits ev’ry where
Do not fear, the ancient ones are calling,
Do not fear, the ancient ones are here.

We are standing right beside you
Spirits ev’ry where
Do you feel that we could guide you?
Spirits ev’ry where
Do not fear, the ancient ones are calling,
Do not fear, the ancient ones are here.

We are dancing on the water
Spirits ev’ry where
In the earth and air and fire
Spirits ev’ry where
Do not fear, the ancient ones are calling,
Do not fear, the ancient ones are here.

(c)1995 Ann O’Brien

Shielding Method 1: Pagan Grid of Protection

Shielding Method 1: Pagan Grid of Protection

Author: Nita

I want to share a protection method for those who practice a religion that is not oriented towards angels. I hope this will be a big help for people who are learning how to shield themselves from harmful energies and vibrations.

I have felt that many people who begin in magic pick up what others think, and do not understand their abilities and talents. The most difficult talent is being an empath where others feelings are sent to you. Many people have problems because they do not know the difference between their emotions and others.

I hope this shielding method helps everyone to keep balanced, centered and grounded. Blessed Be.

Arianhod, Goddess of Heaven, I ask that you send a grid of energy that nothing harmful may pass. May I be defended from the East, in the realm of air by your beauty and might. May this day go well with no slander, communication problems, misunderstandings, quarrels or arguments. May your mighty shield deflect all energies of air meant to harm me or cause discord and may I be sealed and contained from all harm through the element of air. Let me be protected in my body, mind, and soul. May all the positive spirits, Gods, Goddesses of air and the east bring the positive effects of wisdom, thought, and communications to be glorified this day in service to the light and goodness of life.

Lugh, God of the light, may your innovations, defense, and fiery nature defend me from all harm through the element of fire and the direction of the South. I ask that a grid of energy be sent to me so I will be protected from all accidents, war, terrorism, acts of violence or cruelty, May all energies of fire meant to harm me or cause discord, hatred and jealousy be deflected by your mighty shield of energy and may you add this grid around the grid of air so I may be protected from all combinations of fire, and air this day. May I also be protected from all harm through the direction of east and south or any combination of those directions and elements. Let me be protected in my body, mind and higher self. May all the positive spirits, Gods, and Goddesses of the south and east bring the positive effects of fire and air to be glorified this day in service to the light and goodness of life.

Morrigan, Lady of the Lake, may you send an invincible grid of the element of water to surround the elemental shields and grids of air and earth. May nothing use the emotions, thoughts, fears, and upset that can be sent through the element of water and west against me. May no combinations of air, fire, and water harm me or influence me negatively in any way.

May no harm come through the directions of East, South, and West or any combinations of these directions and elements. May I be protected in my body, mind and soul. May all of the positive sprits, Gods, Goddesses of Air, fire and water bring the positive effects of these elements to be glorified this day in service to the light and goodness of life.

Danu, Mother Goddess of all, may I be shielded from all harm from the North and through the element of earth by your might and loving protection being sent to me in an invincible grid of protection that goes around the grids of air, fire and water. May it protect me from all harm through the elements of air, fire, water and earth. May no single element or combination of elements be able to harm me in any fashion.

May I be freed of poverty, problems through metal and wood, inertia, and any other harm that links to the negative powers of the earth and the north. May all of the positive spirits, Gods, Goddesses, bring the positive effects of the elements of air, fire, water, and earth to be glorified this day in service to the light and Goodness of Life.

I ask that this grid be sealed by all the Gods and Goddess with an impenetrable energy shield so that no harm may come to me in any way. Be it simple energies of life or others emotions, harmful magic, or evil spirits, ghosts, hexes, curses or harm. Nothing shall past these shields. Nothing may use the energies of spirit, life, or elements against me. The Gods and Goddesses protect me and keep me safe this day and every day.

Face each direction and say:

Arianhod seal the grids completely from the East and the element of Air.
Lugh seal the grids completely from the direction of South and the element of fire.
Morrigan seal the grids completely from the direction of West and the element of water.
Danu seal the grids completely from the direction of North and the element of Earth.

Say this shielding spell every day. It will keep you safe and help you to build your energies and have a permanently strong shield of safety and protection.

You may substitute any Gods or Goddesses from any practice with these Gods and Goddesses. This method will seal the elements and directions that should keep you safe and well.

I know the basics for any grid of protection using the elements and the directions is to pick God’s and Goddesses that correspond to those directions and abilities. Ones of Earth for earth, water for water, air for air, and fire for fire. You then can assign them to the directions or find if they are present or known to defend a certain element or direction.

It means that any pantheon of Gods or Goddesses can be used for these methods. The sealing of the directions and elements is useful in most forms of magic. It will contain and seal off the direction the person who is sending the negative magic is living in or doing their magic in a certain area.

The elements are important because all of them cover every method that can be used to harm others. Earth is the elements of spell casting equipment. Air is the element of the spoken word and spirit connections. Fire is the light of the fire or candle. Water is any liquids or oils. So all of the elements combined to seal the person and protect them are very powerful. It can also be used on vehicles, houses, and places of business to protect everything that needs to be protected from harm.

I always encourage people to improvise and add in sentences or variations that fit their needs. Inspiration is important but always write down what you said and what you do. It is the only way to be sure that your method worked and to verify the results.

Lady A’s Ritual of the Day for Nov. 17th: RITUAL TO BECOME A WITCH

RITUAL TO BECOME A WITCH


*Do it once you know what you have learned the basics and are most sure*
 
1. Set up your temporary altar and quarter points. The quarters can be stones or candles but stones have the advantage of not blowing out if there’s a breeze.
2.Cast a circle of protection
3. Undress-remove all jewelry. watches, etc., and put into a bag with your purse and other items that are easily lost.
4.Consecrate the circle.
5.Summon the guardians with these words, and don’t forget to pause to visualize the element for yourself dedication:
 
“Guardians of the North, sacred spirit of the Earth. Into the stillness of your cold dar womb shall you except my death, the death of my former self. I shall bid you hail and welcome.
Guardians of the East, sacred spirits of the air. As the sun rises in the east so shall you guide my rebirth into my new life as a witch. I bid you hail and welcome.
 
Guardians of the South, sacred spirits of Fire. you shall be my protector as I go forth from here along my new path. I bid you hail and welcome.
 
Guardians of the West, sacred spirits of Water. Cleanse my spirit and keep it ever pure from now and into the future.”
 
6. Now for your symbolic death:
Lie on the floor on your back. you can lie with your head to the altar(North) if you wish to be close to the God and Goddess or to the East if the principle of rebirth is more important to you.
 
Recite the words again:
 
“I am entering the stillness before creation
I am entering the ground of the God and Goddess
May my body be still
May my mind be peaceful
May by heart be ready”
 
7. Now be at peace; feel the peace of the Goddess flow into you. Feel yourself merge with the cold earth beneath you. Chant this slowly and quietly:
 
“Hecate, Cernunnos,
Dark Mother and Father take me in
Hecate, Cernunnos
Let me be reborn.”
Keep chanting until you feel yourself melting into the Goddess.
 
8. When you feel the time is right get up and begin to walk around the circle chanting the God and Goddess chant:
 
“We all come from the God and Goddess,
And to them we shall return,
Like a drop of rain,
Flowing to the ocean.”
 
Walk gradually faster and chant faster round and round the circle. Faster and faster until you get dizzy. Don’t stop even then. After a while you’ll get tired, but don’t stop. Go on the same time again until you drop exhausted to the floor. Why? Because chanting and dancing raise power.
9. Lay again on your back as you regain your breath. As soon as you have your breath back stand in front of the altar and anoint yourself thus:
 
Dip a finger in the oil and mark a cross on the left breast (male or female) then on the right breast then just above the pubic hair. This is the sigil of the first degree, the downward pointing triangle. Say:
 
“I anoint myself priest/ess of the old religion, and I take the name (speak your magical name quietly)”
 
Then say:
 
“I (real name) in the presence of the forces of the Universe and the Divine, do of my own free will and mind most solemnly swear that I will ever abide by the religion and science of the Craft of the Wise.
I shall neither harm my fellow humans with the secrets that I learn nor shall I flaunt my beliefs or powers before them.
From this day on I shall be reborn as (magical name) and shall honor, respect and cherish the oath I have taken.”
 
10. Kneel up in front of the altar. Pour a little wine into the goblet and place it at the front of the altar. Now take your athame and holding it with both hands, pointing down and arms outstretched plunge the blade into the wine.
Say:
 
“As the cup is to the female so the blade is to the male.”
“And so conjoined bring blessedness.”
 
11. Now say to yourself:
 
” I am reborn. I am a Witch. I am a priest/ess”
 
Rise to your feet and say as loud as is safe bearing in mind that sound travels “I AM A WITCH!”
 
12. Now consecrate the wine and cakes as you have already learned. Take some wine and eat a cake. Close the circle and dismiss the quarters, remembering to thank them. Get dressed and eat and drink some more and remember to keep some back for the libation which you make on the very site of your self initiation before you leave.

Wishing You and Yours A Very Beautiful Thursday!

Days Of The Week Comments I’m back, lol! I bet you didn’t notice, did ya’? I must apologize for yesterday. I had some type of stomach bug. I still have it today but I at least feel like standing and sitting up. My stomach yesterday hurt so bad all I could do is lay down and run to the bathroom. I guess it is a virus going around. All I know is I am still sick and I hate to be sick. So I am very sorry about yesterday but I hope you understand.  

Thursday Is Ruled By Jupiter

  Named after the Norse Thunder God Thor, Thursday is a great time for rituals and magick focused on strength, devotion, and commitment. Other correspondences for Thursday are: 

Planet: Jupiter 

Rituals: Money, Legal and Religious matters. 

Element: Earth 

Colour: Blue 

Number: 4 
Magickal Graphics

Using Your Fire Dish

Using Your Fire Dish

A fire dish is ideal for any seasonal or personal rite of passage for which traditionally a bonfire was lit. Sometimes you can have a bonfire or remove turf and make a fire pit with bricks, but this is not always possible, especially near sacred ground.

A fire dish is wonderful for unifying those sharing a rite, whether a coven, friends or family.

When you are not travelling, keep your fire dish to the south of the outdoor altar as a powerful representation of the fire element and to attract fire spirits and faeries. You can cover it when not in use or during inclement weather.

Sprinkle incense or herbs directly on to the burning wood to make personal empowerments and to raise or release power during a spell.

Burn wishes scratched on the inside of bark with a small knife or burn dead leaves and twigs to represent banishing what is redundant in your life.

Use your fire dish as a focus for chanting and dancing and as an added bonus for supplying light and warmth during a ritual.

Make sure the fire dish is not too full to avoid the danger of tipping over or getting too hot. Keep water nearby to extinguish an over-zealous fire.

Some woods like juniper and cedar spit; ash and pine are excellent as is oak although some people will not burn the latter. Sandalwood smells fabulous if you can get it; you can sometimes buy small sandalwood logs in bags from a hardware store. You can mix the woods.

Practice before your first ritual with your fire dish so you know how to light a good but not ferocious fire. When everyone had an open fire in the living room, this was daily practice. Nowadays, unless you were a Scout or Girl Guide or belong to a coven, you may not have been taught the art. Follow the instructions on a pack of firelighters or ask an older relative for a lesson.

Daily OM for November 15th – Your Comfort Zone

Your Comfort Zone
Create a Soft Place to Land

Create a soft place to land in your home a refuge from the stress of the day.

Our day-to-day demands can quickly take their toll on our well-being if we are not vigilant about caring for ourselves as best we can. One way we can ensure that we have an opportunity to relax and recuperate each day is to create a soft place to land when we arrive home. This landing pad, whether it is an entire room or merely a small corner of a larger area, can provide us with a safe and comforting refuge in which we can decompress and recover from the day’s stresses. There, we are enveloped in feelings of security that transcend other issues that may be unfolding in our homes. Our landing pads also act as way stations that enable us to shift our attention away from our outer-world concerns and back to our inner-world needs.

To create a soft place to land in your home, begin by scouting potential locations. Or perhaps your entire home is your landing pad in which case you may only need to declutter. Your habits can often provide you with insight into the perfect spot, as there may be an area of your home you gravitate to naturally when you are in need of comfort. Any space in which you find it easy to let go of stress and anxiety can become your landing pad. A basement or attic, spare room, or unused storage area, furnished with items that soothe you, can give you the privacy you need to unwind. If you appreciate the elements, you may find that spending time in a section of your garden or outdoor patio helps you release the day’s tensions. Preparing these spaces can be as easy as replacing clutter with a small selection of beautiful objects that put you in a relaxed frame of mind. Remember to consider noise and activity levels while choosing the site of your landing pad. If you know that ordinary human commotion will distract you from your purpose, look for a secluded spot.

The soft place to land that you create should inspire within you the mantra, “I can breath here. I can relax here. I know I am safe here.” When you return to your home after braving worldly rigors, you will feel a subtle yet tranquil shift occur inside of you as you settle in to this most personal of retreats and feel centered once again.

Happy, Happy, Happy Tuesday, dear friends!

Days Of The Week Comments Well my dearies, I have a horrible confession to make…..I have turned into a gamer, lol! When I worked, I had my own office. I would get bored and I ran across this great site with every kind of game on it you could imagine. Well I quit work and I figured I would play it at home. The site went down to make improvements and basically give it a complete overhaul. So it is back up and I have been playing like a wild woman, lol! My husband has never wanted to look at my blog. He was involved in my old MSN group. When MSN closed them down, I don’t know what happened to him but he said he didn’t want anything else to do with anything I did online. So last night, he came in here and he thought I was working on the blog. He said, “Oh, is that your blog, I would love to see it!” Well you can guess what the wild woman was really doing. I was playing mah jong on this gaming site. He got interested and wanted the addy for it. I told him and apparently he went and signed up. I had this person that kept showing up playing against me every time. I mean every time this person was there. His ID was “neighbor,” and that just struck me funny. Well after about 5 games of me whipping his butt. He came in here and was bitching about this girl who kept beating the crap out of him. He even asked me if I had ever played her. I liked to have died laughing but I kept a straight face and said, “No! never!” He left the room still mouthing to himself about this girl who he couldn’t beat. The girl he couldn’t beat wasn’t a girl at all, in fact she was a “WILD WOMAN!” LMAO! Of course, I won’t never tell him!

 

Tuesday Is Ruled By Mars

Named after the God Tiw, this day is perfect for works relating to justice, strength and physical well-being. Other correspondences for Tuesday are:

Planet: Mars

Rituals: Overcoming enmity, developing courage and protection.

Element: Fire

Colour: Red

Number: 5

Magickal Graphics

Dark Goddesses, Not So Dark: Understanding Hecate

Dark Goddesses, Not So Dark: Understanding Hecate

Author: Hecates Moon0013

There are many Goddesses who are considered “Dark Gods/Goddesses and who tend to be misunderstood or seen as “evil.” A few examples are Hecate, the Morrigan, Anubis, Poseidon and quite a few more, I’d wager as well. In my case, the “Dark Goddess” is my Patroness, Hecate. She has indeed a long history, and has been known in Her many different aspects, such as the three-faced crone, Goddess of Magic, Queen of the Night, Goddess of the Crossroads, and more. One culture supposedly offered dogs as a sacrifice to her out of honor and respect. (Although I personally don’t find that necessary to ever do myself!) In others, they offered feasts and left offerings at the crossroads.

The goddess Hecate is indeed widely known as a Dark Goddess and is associated with the darkness… But what exactly makes many people consider darkness as ‘evil’? Honestly, I see Her more as a mother figure. She looks after those who work with her.

Is She associated with the dark? Answer: Yes! However, She is not the darkness, but rather the light that guides people through the darkness. She watches over us all, and, in fact, helps nurture us. She is also not afraid to act. She, Hecate, Protects those that follow her like any other Goddess. Furthermore if you ask for her help, she will help and then ask simply “What’s next?” She finds ways to help Her adherents to grow both inside and out.

At this point, I would like to clear up a few misconceptions. First of all She, Hecate, is often portrayed as a Goddess Who is not fond of males, but favors female. This however is not true. As I know from personal experience, She will work with both.

Also it is thought that She is against love and marriage. However there is documentation that is not the case. She actually is all right with marriage, though She is strict on how it happens. She will not condone any form of sexual contact unless it is mutually acceptable between the two partners. She considers marriage and dating as normal things; marriage and childbirth, she considers “sacred things.”

One of the symbols that represent Her, in my opinion, is the Torch. Hecate, as I have said before, leads us through the hard times… through our anguish, through our grief, and She is there to comfort us, to warm us, and to guide us with Her light. Hecate herself is ‘The Torch’. She is the light within the eternal Darkness. One thing for sure, Hecate has seen me through many dark times, and has also helped me to learn more about myself… by helping me through those rough times she has shown me that, though sometimes life in itself can be scary, if we acknowledge it and learn to embrace ourselves for what might come, and learn to look through it, we will find ourselves at last in peace. We are able to walk through the fires, so to speak, of life and still be standing tall as we overcome the negative situations that we face.

When my first struggle with faith happened, Hecate was there. When I grieved over the loss of good friends and family, Hecate was there… When I felt lost, alone, and questioned Wicca, and religion itself, She was there. Hecate, at all of my crossroads, has brought people to help me in my time of need, and I have been brought in turn to help others in their times of need. If anything, Hecate has taught me that everyone is afraid, but we have to move on. Hecate also has taught me time and time again, that when you act with compassion, things in general are better for everyone.

I once struggled with Wicca. I had gotten myself to the point where I felt abandoned, and that I would never be able to feel energy or work with the Craft again. It was so bad, I questioned my sanity, wondering, is this even real?” Am I not supposed to be a part of this religion? Have the Gods and Goddesses abandoned me in my time of need? Why else could this possibly be happening? I prayed to Hecate to please watch over me and to help me overcome.

I eventually came across a group of people who helped me with my problem. I was looking for a group to work with and learn from in hopes I could find some clarity. I ended up finding a group, and though things did not work out for me with the group, I made some amazing friends. The people in it taught me a lot about myself, and other things as well. To this day, my ability to feel energy is not the same as it used to be, nor is my level of energy, but it is better. Not only that, but I have gained more confidence in myself.

I owe Hecate a lot. As odd as it might sound to some of you, I feel, to an extent, that I owe Hecate my life. She also taught me a valuable lesson: just because people are helpful does not mean that mistakes are not made. I learned to expect both good and bad from people and that we are all capable of both. No matter how good we are, or how bad we are, we are still capable of both. Because of this insight, I tend to look for the good in a negative situation. For there is always something, good and/or positive that can come out of any situation. The real trick is to find it in things and in people.

Now, most people are wondering, “Aren’t Dark Goddesses vengeful?” I feel the best answer for this is: What God or Goddess can’t be vengeful? In truth, they all can be. Hecate is literally a Mother Goddess. She is the ‘Okay. Done. What’s next?’ sort of Goddess. She is only vengeful to those who would harm Her charges, or rather those that She works with if someone would Harm them.

Hecate is able to give us so much knowledge, and teach us so much, that condemning Her without even getting to truly know Her I feel is a sad thing indeed. Furthermore, she teaches us that if we learn to accept the bad things in life, we become better… for Hecate carries the key to unlock that which we keep hidden. and once we discover ourselves, and accept things as they really are, we feel relieved. She helps us not only to see, but helps us to understand things in the ‘rawness of it all’.

I write this near the time of Samhain. For me, this holiday represents Hecate very well as she is also associated with the dead. One of my favorite characteristics of Hecate is that She teaches us to respect those who have come before us. As a Goddess of the crossroads, She makes the holiday even more meaningful. Samhain is the time when we are supposed to remember those who have helped pave our way. As the Goddess of the crossroads, Hecate compels us to reflect not only over what we have done or should have done, but also to remember that while we have gone through so much, it could have been worse. We are more blessed than we realize.

Hecate is more than just a simple Goddess. Hecate is my Mother, who protects me and nurtures me as I go through life. Hecate is my Patroness whom I am grateful to. I know that She is always there willing to help me, if ever I ask. Hecate is so misunderstood that, honestly, it saddens me a bit. If anything working with Hecate has truly been a blessing. I don’t think I would have been able to do, let alone get through, a lot of the things I have if not for her help, and for that I will always be eternally grateful.

Knowing that, as the sun sets, She is all around me at night is a comfort in so many ways. At night time, She is all around me, protecting me, and watching over me…and I know that when I am at the next crossroad, at some future turning point in my life, She will be there waiting for me, always more than willing to help me through the next hurdle. And so, I will continue to worship and work with Her, for She is not ‘the darkness that is evil’, but is, in fact, a guiding Light and a help for those who feel lost. And if you call to Her, Hecate will be there to help guide you through the rough times as well.

May Hecate bless you, and watch over you always!
Blessed Be!


Footnotes:
Understanding the Warrior Goddess by the author: Stephanie Woodfield

To Cause Physical Weakness

To Cause Physical Weakness

A very ancient spell for causing physical weakness in someone who has wronged you is to take a new knife and cut a lemon into quarters. While you cut, concentrate on the injury done to you and whisper:

“As the fibers of this fruit fall asunder, so too
the bands of (your enemy’s name) strength.”

The object of the spell will immediately feel a cutting pain in his heart and a general weakness throughout his body.

Banishing Magick

Banishing Magick

  
Banishing magick removes or returns any negativity, psychic attack or physical threats to you, your home or loved ones. It can be the next stage on from binding magick and may sometimes be necessary if a wrongdoer continues to pose a threat even after binding. So, for example, if binding the drug pusher didn’t work and teenagers were still being dragged into the drug pusher’s web, banishing might be the next stage.

As with binding, though you can’t banish a person, you can banish their bad influence from your life or that of a loved one, so you might put a dead branch on top a hill and for each dead leaf say:
 
“May his harmful influence be banished from the lives of those your (or indeed all vulnerable) people.”
 
Leave the branch as the wind strips the leaves away so the influence would hopefully decline.
 
In fact, this is a real case. Being a nasty character, the drug pusher was not affected by the binding, though the particular teenager involved, whose mother was helped, did inexplicably, she said, suddenly stop going to the clubs.
 
A week after the banishing spell the drug pusher was forced to leave the neighborhood as he had fallen foul of a local gang for selling them impure drugs. No one has taken his place at the club.
 
Because banishing magick in the protective context is stronger than binding magick and you are tackling what may be bad vibes head on, it should be used sparingly on both people and situations.

However, it can be used very positively. You can cast banishing spells to get rid of sorrow, sadness, pain and sickness, bad habits or the negative effects of people who make you unhappy.
 
Banishing magick can also help you to end in your own mind the ties of a destructive relationship, especially if you have been betrayed or badly treated but blame yourself or cannot let go. Sometimes we need the impetus of a spell if we are to walk away or get over the old sad scenes that run round and round in our heads and stop us from moving on.

For this kind of banishing, place a beeswax candle on a metal tray. Then hold a natural fabric cord or a long reed grass taut, an end in each hand, over the flame. As you burn the center of the cord till it breaks, say:
 
“I cut the cords that bind me (or another person you are doing the spell for) to (name the destructive person or bad habit, for example smoking or binge eating).”
 
You may need to repeat this spell many times using shorter cords or reeds. Bury the burned cords or reeds when they are not longer required.
 
You can also use banishing magick to protect yourself from harm by returning any ill wishes, spite, malice, gossip, curses or hexes to the sender without adding any bad feelings of your own. Under the threefold law, what ill wishes send out they get bad three times as strongly. Simply say:
 
“I return what is yours. Send it not again.”
 
As you speak, hold your hand palm outwards, finger splayed into the wind.

Binding Magick

Binding Magick 

 
Binding magick is sometimes considered a difficult area for white witches because of the issues of the infringement of freewill. It is an area where careful and honest heart searching is needed to be sure your magick is for the highest cause and with the purest intent.
 
Some binding magick is straightforward. If you were going on a long journey, you could bind a small child to you temporarily so that he or she would not get lost or wander off, as the child is not old enough to take responsibility for him or herself.
 
But what if you know a drug dealer is peddling in a place your teenager insists on visiting in spite of your warnings. Can you morally bind the drug pusher from harming your child without overriding their freewill or that of your teenager? Some witches would argue the drug pusher is potentially threatening a lot of teenagers and not just your own and so could not be left to spread his poison.
 
It is possible with care to carry out positive and protective spells to bind such adverse behavior, so that the drug peddler is not able to approach your child with the intent of doing harm.
 
You could bind your teenager, who after all is still young and vulnerable, from buying substances that will cause harm. You could add an attracting spell for your teenager to find some new friends who spend their time in less dangerous settings and also to strengthen your teenager’s natural moral standards.
 
Binding spells often involve the use of images or figures, such as dolls or ones made from beeswax or clay that you bind up with ribbons or cords (of course you do not harm the image). You would then gently wrap the figure in soft cloth and put it in a safe place until the specified time for the binding spell is through.
 
If there is not a set time, binding spells generally have to be recast monthly with new figures. The old doll should be returned to its element: to the earth if made of an earth substance: clay or wax should be rolled into a ball.
 
Since the drug pusher and teenager need to kept apart you could put the drug pusher figure with blessings into the freezer compartment and wrap your child’s image in a drawer. You could also, if you felt it morally right, create another figure to represent other unspecified teenagers in danger and wrap that separately but safely with your child’s figure well away from the drug pusher doll.

What Is The Difference Between A Spell and A Ritual

What Is The Difference Between A Spell and A Ritual

 
 
In practice the terms “spell” and “ritual” are used interchangeably in magick and throughout used as a umbrella term for magickal working.
 
A spell tends to be a less formal kind of magick, usually cast for a specific purpose or need, for example to protect a named traveller (maybe yourself or a family member) on a particular journey or trip for a specified length of time. The energies are raised and then released so they will bounce back to activate the purpose of the spell which has been represented by a symbol of that journey. This physical focus of the spell might in natural magick be a feather or some chopped fennel herbs to symbolize travel.
 
In contrast a ritual is based on a more general or long-lasting focus. A ritual may be carried out at specified times, for example the first day of spring or to celebrate the birth of a baby. A ritual, even in natural magick, follows a more structured format.
 
What is more, whereas a spell builds up to a climax and release of energy, the ritual may release energy more evenly throughout the weeks and months ahead.

Dragons In Alchemy

Dragons In Alchemy

In alchemy, the dragon was considered to be matter, metal and the physical body. Often mentioned in conjunction with the dragon was the dragon’s sister: spirit, metallic mercury, and the soul. Ancient alchemy used the picture of a dragon or winged serpent as one of its many secret symbols. A common symbol of spiritual alchemical work was the dragon or serpent holding its tail in its mouth, an unending circle of eternity. Near this circled dragon was written the Greek motto “en to pan,” or “all is one.” The fabled Philosopher’s Stone of alchemy was also considered the One Which Is All. This Stone was closely connected in ancient writings with the Great Work of alchemy; the Great work simply means humankind becoming God, or merging with the Supreme Creative Forces within, thus completing the cycle of human growth by returning to the Source.

Jung wrote that the alchemists considered the winged dragon as female, the wingless dragons as male. Jung also considered water in dreams and analysis as unconscious spirit or the water dragon of Tao. This water dragon of Tao symbolized the yang embraced in the yin, or balanced growth in spirit. In Chinese Taoist symbolism, the dragon was seen as ‘the Way,” the bringer of eternal changes. Often in was depicted as guardian of the Flaming Pearl, or spiritual perfection. Joseph Campbell also speaks of the winged dragon or serpent as being the balance between Earth and Spirit. To the Chinese, the dragon was a potent symbol of luck and power. Silver dragon amulets were worn to help gain these qualities.

“Dancing with Dragons”

D. J. Conway