Great Goddess
Mother to us all
Wrap us in Your Loving Arms
Keep us safe and warm
Comfort our hearts
And east our spirits
Shelter us in the grace
That is Your Love
And let us be
At peace with all.
So Mote It Be.
Our Divine Mother, Grant Us Peace
Tag: New Age
WHEN MAGIC DOESN’T WORK
WHEN MAGIC DOESN’T WORK
by Van Ault
Every magician has occasions in which the magic he is directing does not seem to
work. The desired result, whether internal or external, does not come into
manifestation. These occasions are opportunities for greater development in the
magical arts, and by working through the disappointment and discouragement, he can reach greater self-knowledge and technical expertise in the art.
I believe that magic always works. Magic is a tool, a reality shaper. Like any
tool, how-ever, its ability is limited to the operator’s knowledge and skill.
For an illustration, let’s use the bow and arrow. Your intention is the arrow
and your magical technique for directing that intention is the bow. You use the
bow/technique to poise, balance and guide the intention/arrow with the strength
of your arms and hands/ determination and will.
What happens when this all works together optimally? The will firmly grasps the
clear intention, balances it upon the technique, you gather your emotional and
mental force, and then fire the intention into the invisible world to be made
manifest. In its own time and way, your wish materializes.
Conversely, if you haven’t got the skill to bring all of these efforts together,
things can go askew. Your arrow can veer and stray, or it may travel a few feet
before losing power. Your bow can break, or not be strong enough to propel the
arrow. Or, you may find that you’ve got your bow and arrow ready to use, but
you haven’t got sufficient strength to manipulate it.
I offer the following meditation process for those times when it seems that your
magic doesn’t work. When you’ve tried all the techniques, when you’ve gotten no
results, when you’re wondering if any of this matters at all, the process in
this meditation can produce miracles and create a sense of completion. You can
read the script into a tape, or have a friend lead you through it.
River Of Life Meditation
Find a comfortable place where you can relax and be completely
quiet…relax…allow your thought snow to just come and go…come and go…and
take a deep breath in and hold it…(pause)…now gather up the tension in your
body, and release it as you exhale …take another deep breath, and as you
exhale, let go of anybody else’s energy or thoughts you may be carrying….and
breathe in new energy…breathe in new possibilities …and allow your body to
fill with lightness…feel it becoming lighter and lighter as you relax more
and more…relaxing deeply…going deeper…feeling very light now…so light
you could almost float away……….
And as you relax, imagine a beautiful colored mist is swirling up around you,
billowing up around you into a cushiony, soft, cloud of energy…and you are
resting completely upon this cloud…and you are safe…as you breathe in and
out, let your thoughts just come and go…relaxing more and more…and the cloud
of energy now lifts you up into the air and carries your down into your own
inner world…down between the boundaries of time and space…to a place of
timeless beauty and infinite possibilities…floating down now, going deeper and
deeper, leaving the outer world and its concerns far behind, as you drift and
float on this beautiful cloud….going further and further- ….down below you
is a rock, a giant rock…and the cloud gently and effortlessly lands upon the
rock and you step off it, as the cloud swirls back into a mist and disappears
for now…
Stand upon this rock now, and feel the strength of it under your feet…and as
you turn around, you look out upon a great river…flowing as far as you can
see…seeming to come from some infinite place…and disappearing into an
infinite place,,,a flowing, endless river of energy…this is the river of all
life waters…all of life draws upon the life-force that moves through its
steaming currents…look closely at the water…what color is it? It may look
like liquid light to you…look deeply into it, and sense the power and depth of
the river…what sound does it make as it courses through its channels?…as you
stand securely upon your rock, notice and fragrance…and bend down and cup
your hands in the living water, and splash some of it on your face…feel the
life giving force on your skin…take a sip of the water…allow the river of
life to nourish you….
Now relax a moment upon the rock…and bring into your mind the magical
intention that never seemed to go anywhere…what were you trying to
accomplish?…what was the basic intention you had?…what was the emotion
behind the intention?…feel the energy of that emotion moving onto the palms
of your hands now…feel the energy glowing… pulsating…breathe and allow
your intention that you’re still clinging to externalize…the energy of it is
now shimmering, glowing…swirling into a sphere…allow all of your desire to
flow into this sphere…and allow this sphere to appear to you however it
appears…and just observe what you see…you may see pictures or symbols
emerging within the sphere…whatever you see is fine…
When your sphere is completely filled with the last of your desire, emotion and
intention, hold it aloft…feel the power of it in you hands, a globe of power
that you can now release…and look out into the river of life…watch as its
currents of possibility flow for ever and ever, as far as you can see…and
whenever you’re ready, with as much and as little force as you need, throw the
pulsating sphere into the river…and give this intention to the life force of
this great river…watch as the sphere touches the water…and gradu-ally
disappears into the current…
Take a deep breath… as the sphere disappears the last of your intention and
emotion and desire merges with the source of all life, from which it originally
came…and leaves you…
Now complete any business here that you need to finish…take a few moments to
enjoy the flowing river of life, and know that the possibilities it nourishes
can bring miracles into you life too…
Take another deep breath, and notice the colored mist is once again swirling
around you…billowing up underneath you to form a beautiful cloud of cushiony
energy, which is lifted up into the air, with you upon it…relaxing into the
cloud you are returning the way you came…lifting up up through time and space,
coming back from the inner world… coming up… further and further…floating
and drifting back…coming back…bringing you all the way back into your body
now, into this room…brining your attention completely back into this time and
place…take a deep breath and begin to re-orient yourself to the outer
world…and when you’re ready, count to three…, and on the count of three open
your eyes, and return feeling relaxed, alert and at peace.
* * *
As always, change any of the wording or images in this meditation if it suits
your purpose better. The important part is just to finally and completely let
go of your intention, so that the energy can be recycled in whatever form the
creative force and your own consciousness will allow. Out of this release, new
lives, new opportunities, and new magical opportunities are born!
Ecomagick
Ecomagick
The following is excerpted from an article, Making Magic For Planet Earth,
written by Selena Fox for Circle Network News (Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 )
and presented here as being of public interest to the pagan community at large.
Selena, I didn’t have time to ask your permission, I presume that by the very
nature of your writings you want them to be shared with as many people as
possible, and so they are presented here. This is submitted with this statement
and not to be edited, by Shadowstar of Boston, MA.
“There are many things that can be done in spiritual realms to help bring about
solutions to the world’s problems:
* We can kindle spiritual friendships with other lifeforms through communication with Nature Spirits, who can be teachers for us and allies in bringing about planetary healing.
* We can do daily meditations in which we creatively visualize the spiritual
body of the planet glowing with radiant healing light.
* We can organize and/or take part in ecumenical planetary prayer services and
rituals with practitioners of other spiritual paths and cultures.
* We can honor Mother Earth as an aspect of the divine in our solo and group
rituals.
* We can send Mother Earth our love and pray for planetary health each time we
visit a stone circle, sacred grove, place of power, temple, shrine or other
sacred site.
* We can do spiritual healing magic for the planet in our circles.
It is important to reinforce whatever spiritual work we do with physical action.
There are a variety of ways to do this and you should decide on at least one
approach and then carry it out. Here are a few examples:
* Recycle trash from your household, take paper, plastics, glass, aluminum cans,
and other recyclables to recycling centers.
* Recycle clothes and no longer needed household items by donating them to
charities to distribute to the needy.
* Join and actively participate in environmental action groups.
* Write government officials and urge them to take specific actions on specific
environmental issues, such as stopping all ocean dumping.
* Write letters and articles for publications about the need for environmental
preservation.
* Plant trees as part of reforestation efforts.
* Compost food scraps.
* Stop buying and using non-bio-degradable detergents.
* Boycott products from companies that are destroying the Amazon rainforest.
* Pick up cigarette butts and other non-biodegradable litter from parks and
other wilderness areas.
* Donate money to nature preserves.
* Give talks at schools, civic groups, churches and in other places in your area
about ecological issues.
* Read publications, view films, and attend presentations in order to keep
informed about ecological conditions and to learn about additional ways you can
work for planetary healing.
* Conserve electricity, water and other resources on a daily basis.
Network with others.
Total Protection Incense
Experiences We Don’t Understand
Hidden Gems
All of the events in our lives lead to other events, they are all connected.
Sometimes we have an experience that we don’t understand, but if we look deeply, or wait long enough, a reason for that experience will usually reveal itself. All the events in our lives lead to other events, and all that we have manifested in this present moment is the result of past events and experiences. We cannot easily tease apart the many threads that have been woven together to create our current reality. Experiences that don’t make sense, as well as any that we regret, are just as responsible for the good things in our lives as the experiences we do understand or label as “good.”
This is especially important to remember at times when we feel directionless or unsure of what to do. It is often at times like these that we take a job or move to a place without really knowing if it’s the right thing to do. We may ultimately end up leaving the job or the place, but often during that time we will have met someone who becomes an important friend, or we may have an experience that changes us in a profound way. When all the pieces of our life don’t quite make sense, we can remember that there may be some hidden gem of a reason that we are where we are having the experiences we are having.
It’s fun to look back on past experiences with an eye to uncovering those gems—the dreadful temporary job in a bland office building that introduced you to the love of your life; the roommate you couldn’t tolerate who gave you a book that changed your life; the time spent living in a city you didn’t like that led you into a deeper relationship with yourself. Remembering these past experiences can restore our faith in the present. Life is full of buried treasures. Chances are, you’re sitting on some right now.
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Jan. 20th is Wisdom
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
Wisdom
A very, very few of us are fortunate to be born wise. For most of us our Wisdom evolves, grows as we move through life gathering experience and knowledge. Wisdom denotes your thoughts and feelings derived from the melding of your life experiences with all that you have learned. Our Wisdom can get us through the difficult moments in our lives as well as provide the mental and spiritual tools we need to succeed.
As a daily card, Wisdom indicates a time when you should rely heavily on past experiences and knowledge attained to make important decisions in your life. This is a time where reflection and planning should guide your actions. To act rashly, on impulse at this time may well cost you in the future. Go slow, think things out, weigh all of your options carefully and then proceed.
Daily Motivator for Jan. 16th – Whatever you think
Whatever you think
If you think the whole world is against you, it might as well be true. If you think there’s a way to move successfully forward, you will find that way.
What you think about life plays a major role in the way your life unfolds. Whatever you think is going to happen will inform and influence each action you take, so that much of what you think does indeed happen.
If you think the task in front of you will be a tedious, boring chore, that’s what it will be. If you think the job will give you a unique opportunity to express yourself and create new value, it certainly will.
No matter what the reality of your life may be, you can choose exactly what to think about it. The more things you think about in a positive light, the more positive outcomes you will create.
If you generate thoughts of worry, criticism and complaint, you will end up creating even more things to worry, criticize and complain about. If you focus your thoughts on how to allow, encourage and enrich, you’ll find much more richness appearing in your life.
The thoughts you choose to think and hold are the same thoughts that influence every moment of your life. Choose wisely, and live magnificently.
— Ralph Marston
The Cauldron of Kerridwen Potion
The Cauldron of Kerridwen Potion
Wolf Moon
Containing the magickal potion of inspiration, the Cauldron of Kerridwen was kept at either Caer Sidhe or the Corona Borealis. Three drop of this magick potion would confer wisdom on any who had the courage to drink it. In mythology, nine maidens guarded the brew, making it a task worthy of Hercules or Zena to procure the potion. Thankfully, you don’t have to go to that extreme because you can make your own using the following instructions.
For this spell, you will need a clear quartz crystal and a chalice filled with spring water.
Begin by clearing and programming your clear quartz crystal. Place the crystal in your power hand, while at the same time placing the middle finger and thumb of your other hand on the bottom and top of the crystal. In your mind’s eye imagine a clear mountain stream running through the crystal, washing it clean of all energy. Use the Vogel Pulsed-Breath technique to charge the crystal, only this time imprint the image of the clear mountain stream instead of the moon into the stone. Pulse your breath into the crystal filling the stone with the image in in your mind. Repeat the process three times for best results.
Repeat the process, only this time imagine all the creative things you want to put into the crystal. Bring them all together into one image and then use your breath to pulse the image into the crystal. Do this three times to make sure the crystal is thoroughly programmed.
Place the crystal in the cup of spring water, and leave it there overnight. In the morning, place the potion in an enclosed jar, and use sparingly, three drops at a time, for filling yourself and everyone around you with creative energy.
Your Animal Spirit for Jan. 14 is Green Man
Your Animal Spirit for Today
January 14, 2014
Green Man
Green Man peers out of the foliage to remind you that not all of life’s mysteries have logical solutions. Be open to magical opportunities, spirit allies, and unconventional paths. Get out into the wilderness, ground yourself in meditation, and listen for Green Man’s wisdom. You may just catch sight of him eyeing you in his leafy camouflage.
Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 10
Elder’s Meditation of the Day – January 10
“We cannot escape remembering the important things that have happened, and we cannot escape the awareness of the important things that have not happened.”
–Ralph Salisbury, CHEROKEE
There is a Master Plan. There are Natural Laws that run the universe. Everything on the earth has a purpose. Change is constant. That which is built is constantly being destroyed. That which is loose is being used to build new things. Nothing can be destroyed, only rearranged. Change will happen and every setback is only temporary. In other words, the Creator is in charge. We are not in charge. He designed the universe. He runs the universe and He will change what needs to be changed. As humans, it is easier for us to participate in all of this if we are spiritual. We need to be tuned in. Therefore, God gave us the spiritual concept of acceptance. When things change, we can change ourselves through the principle of acceptance.
Great Spirit, let me live today in acceptance of Your will. Today let us do it Your way.
A Shaman Perspective
A Shaman Perspective
Author: Crick
Have you ever found yourself walking on a single thread across the abyss of your mind?
And then falling off into the depths of your spirit?
This is a common event for a shaman.
For the most part, those who hear the calling of the wounded healer will have experienced a near-death experience at some point in their lives. I personally believe that such an experience ignites a deep insatiable curiosity to seek out answers not readily available within the mundane world.
As a student of shamanism, a journey that began in 1999, I also believe that many of the Great Mysteries of life reside within the depths of our being. It is this belief that lends itself to seeking out the answers to such mysteries through deep and personal introspection.
In essence, a shaman is a spiritual healer. But before one can begin to heal others, you must first attempt to heal yourself. And since such a healing is never a complete success, the term ‘wounded healer’ comes into play.
During this healing process of the individual spirit, one must be prepared to undergo a complete change in personality. Ones emotional and mental outlook will be altered for life. During this journey inward you will be expected to embrace your Shadow Self.
Carl Jung, a noted psychologist once said, “That when an inner situation is not made conscious, it happens outside as fate. That is to say, when the individual remains undivided and does not become conscious of his inner opposite, the world must perforce act out the conflict and are torn into opposing halves.”
So it is with those who follow the path of the shaman. The shadow self is a collection of feelings, thoughts and experiences that are dark and negative and are stored deep within the psyche.
To become a spiritual healer, one must be willing to take a perilous journey inwards. And once there, to have the courage to face the shadow self and to come to understand and to embrace it. This lends itself to a balance within the soul.
When we try to balance the scales too far one way or the other then physical, emotional and mental illness are the result. A shaman learns to harness the dark energy projected by the shadow self and to balance it with the light energy that is projected by the ego or conscious state.
In order to do a healing, a shaman will follow a single thread of energy back into the abyss to see what is at the other end. Once there they can see what caused the problem to begin with and begin the healing process.
I would like to point out that one of the side effects of traveling the path of the Shaman is that it tends to make one extremely honest with oneself and those around them. Some folks may think that this is a very positive result. However it is not always so. We live in a society where subterfuge and dishonesty are the norm.
For instance how many of you have grown up with the adage “if you can’t say something nice to someone, then don’t say nothing at all”? This may seem like good advice but in all honesty (grin) it takes away from the polarity of life. Life is not all sugar and cream and to better appreciate life and indeed to grow spiritually we must be aware of this fact.
This brings us back to the lessons of how to balance the Shadow self.
There are many tools available to one who follows the path of the shaman. One of these is called a Soul Retrieval. This is where it is believed that due to a traumatic experience of either a physical and/or emotional event, which a part of the soul has broken away and is floating around either in this realm or perhaps in an alternate realm. The departure of this piece of the soul can once again lead to physical, emotional and/or mental deficiencies.
And so either the Shaman or in some cases the patient, seeks out and attempts to encourage the missing piece to return. I say, “encourage” because we cannot force the missing piece to return. The events that caused this event to occur must be addressed as part of the over all treatment.
An example may be that one was sexually abused as a child and a piece of the soul broke away. The trauma associated with the abuse must be addressed as part of the Soul Retrieval or the missing piece may refuse to return to its original place within the soul.
An alternative to this practice is called energy extraction. Sometimes a profound experience will leave a residue of energy within our soul that is not in tune with the rest of our spirit. A shaman performing an extraction will connect with their spirit guides or their animal totems and isolate and then remove the opposing energy. This operation allows for ones spiritual balance to return and thus lends to a healthier life both physically and spiritually.
Another tool or experience used by the Shaman is the Vision quest. This is a very personal experience where one seeks out a vision that is specific to the individual. This seeking is done through a variety of methods such as fasting, ingestion of certain herbs, physical deprivation, mental/emotional preparation and so forth.
During my first Vision quest, the spirit of my second son who had passed at birth appeared in a very vivid way. But he appeared as the age he would have been had he still been living within this realm. I won’t go into details of course, but the experience had a profound effect on my thoughts and emotions. I have never had such a lucid connection as I did during that quest. My personal understanding of what we know as life and death was expanded beyond my wildest dreams. As already mentioned, a Vision quest is a very unique and personal experience and will be so for each individual who undergoes such a trial.
Of course the path of the Shaman is not for everyone, even less so then the path of Witchcraft being open to all who seek it. But for those few who are able to withstand and indeed embrace the rigors of such a life, well, there is little that I can say, for you already aware of the spiritual rewards that await you within the abyss.
Amongst these gifts is the ability to connect with the spirits of plants and animals. Such ability is invaluable to one who seeks to become a spiritual healer. For many lessons are learned through such connections. A belief in animism is a basic tenet of shamanism.
There is also the ability to travel the threads of life to alternate realms. Within these realms one encounters wise teachers who are willing to impart their wisdom to such a seeker as a shaman.
There is much, much more to walking the path of the wounded healer, but I hope that this brief look into such an exciting path may inspire someone to seek what may be the path for him or herself.
Blessings
Crick
Pagan Parenting: Combating the Violence of the World Today
Pagan Parenting: Combating the Violence of the World Today
Author: Crystal Blanton
There are violence, crime, pain, drugs and death all around us. It has become a part of society and we have begun the process of normalizing it into our everyday world.
The video games, music videos and songs that depict violence are just unbelievable. So, if you are anything like me, as a parent there is a certain amount of anxiety you carry when thinking of your kids in the “real” world.
You may be thinking, “What does this have to do with Paganism?” Well, it has everything to do with paganism and living a spiritual path. We, as adults, know we make different and make better decisions when we are rooted in a spiritual path. Why do we automatically assume that kids are so different from us?
Granted, children don’t have the life skills and experiences we do. Children do not have the critical thinking skills some adults have, and notice I did say some.
Children are learning how to operate in the world with every passing moment. Sometimes, in the world of an adult where things seem to move so fast, we forget the true path of a kid and that path is all about learning the life skills to live and make decisions. More often than not, it is about learning to recognize choices and make better choices.
With those thoughts at the forefront of our minds, let’s go back and revisit the original thought. As humans, children and adults alike, we make different and better decisions when we are rooted in a spiritual path.
So by putting that concept into the proper perspective, the time for action is now.
The time is now to teach our children responsibility and accountability, not by preaching but by example. Remember, attraction rather than promotion and we can always show better than we can “tell”.
The time is now for spiritual knowledge. Broaden their minds; kids can never have too much knowledge or understanding of the world that is beyond this world.
The time is now to teach our kids structure. We cannot pretend that our kids will automatically understand that the world is based on rules, some real and some invisible. If we don’t provide our kids structure, how will they learn how to exist in the world?
The time is now to teach our kids to respect life and everything in it. They must begin the long process of understanding that we are connected to everything and everything is connected to us. Understanding this principle helps to take away the false illusion that we are not affecting others, the world or ourselves with our attentions.
The time is now to teach our kids how to think. Children are accustomed to reacting to life instead of thinking things through and evaluating consequences. This is a skill many adults didn’t learn and they are still suffering the effects of bad choices made in the past and in the present.
The time is now to have open and honest communication with our children about life.
We think we can save our kids from the reality of the world but, when our kids don’t get the answers from us, they are looking from the answers from others. And sometimes the places our kids look for answers is the last place we would wish.
The time is now to teach our kids that they create their own reality. Kids often immediately think life is horrible or unfair when things don’t go their way. We all need to understand life is hard but I chose how I am going to deal with it or what feelings I am going to accept or adopt. How I chose to look at life will dictate how I feel about my life. There are people who have much less in life than I do and they wake up happy in the morning because they actually opened their eyes to another day. Wow, what a harsh realization at how many of us are self-centered and don’t appreciate our blessings. Guess what? We pass that along to our kids.
The time is now to teach our kids that we cannot control other people’s thoughts or actions. We just have to learn to live in spite of the outside world. The building of coping and life skills through spiritual foundation can be invaluable to a child, especially since most children feel like their power resides in the choices of others
With all of that in mind, again let’s look at the mission of this article. We cannot actually remove our children from the violence in the world today because, no matter how far away we move, and violence is a part of our everyday life. But we can give our kids the tools to understand life in a way that doesn’t promote violence and destruction.
Let’s stop acting like it is ok that our kids are exposed to senseless violence in movies and TV. I am not promoting censorship but our attitudes will help dictate how our children see these things. If we were acting like it is ok or “cool” then why wouldn’t we think our kids would think the same thing?
Ask yourself what things are you lenient with that you should tighten up on and what things should you give more freedoms? What are you teaching your children when you are not mentally and spiritually present?
Sit with yourself and a piece of paper and think of some of the discussion topics that you feel you need to start opening the lines of communication around, and then just start. Start talking about the values of your faith and what is means to them. Talk about almost anything to help forge the connection between you as the parent and the supporter of spiritual development. Don’t get stuck on how to do this or what to say. Sometimes it isn’t about the how but just to do. And don’t forget to incorporate spirituality into almost everything.
Just imagine if all parents started doing the same.
Blessed Be!!
The Witches Magick for January 2nd – Second Sight Spell
Second Sight Spell
Goal: To increase psychic abilities.
Items Needed:
Purple candle Piece of amethyst.Be careful what you ask for-psychic abilities can be a mixed blessing. If you want to work on expanding yours, go slowly and don’t forget to use protective shields. A good familiar can help ground you while you do psychic work if you ask nicely. This spell was originally published in, “Circle, Coven & Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice,” as “Spell to Open the Inner Eye.”
Perform this spell under the full moon–outside, if possible. Light the candle and hold the amethyst up to your third eye (between your eyebrows and up a bit).
“Moon, moon, burning bright Help me hone my inner sight Make my vision clear and true Show me what I need to do Whether cards or stones of old Show me what I need to know Guide my heart and guide my hand Help me see and understand. So Mote It Be.Try to stay open to any messages you might get through your second sight. Be particularly alert to dreams and portents.
Images You See While Scrying, What Do They Mean?
Images You See While Scrying, What Do They Mean?
Reading symbols (archetypes) is subjective at best. When interpreting symbols, use your psychic abilities to get more information. You can also use a Dream Book or a book that details symbols and archetypes to get further clarification of the images you see. As consciousness is evolving, so too are the meanings of most symbols. Try to view them as holograms.
List of Symbols
ACORN – at the top means success and gain: At the bottom means good health.
AIRCRAFT – journey; if broken means danger of accident; can also mean a rise in position
ANCHOR – cross, Jesus, at top rest, stability, constancy; at bottom means clouded, inconstancy
APPLE – computer, knowledge, achievement
AXE – difficulties; if at top overcoming of difficulties
BABY – something new, pregnancy
BALL – completion, variable fortunes
BELL – harmonics, creation, spiritual, unexpected news
BIRDS – ascension, good news, bird headed beings
BOAT – lifepath, (note size and speed of boat), and visit from a friend, protection
BOOK – you will find your answer by something written, if open it’s good news; if closed you need to investigate something
BUTTERFLY – transition, transformation, Butterfly Effect
CANDLE – sacred light, creational flame, help from others
CAT – deceit, a false friend, Cat Headed Beings
CELEBRITIES – To see the face of a celebrity, may link to that person’s destiny or the initials of their names
CHAIN – DNA, engagement, a wedding, chain link, karma
CHAIR – a guest
CIRCLE – success, completion
CLOCK – alchemy of time and consciousness, better health
COIN – change in financial status
CROSS – protection, sacrifice
CUP – reward, bloodlines
DAGGER – warning, danger from self or others, power
DOG – friend, Sirius, celestial connotation, Egyptian god, Anubis
DOOR – opening (to something new) or closing (old issues and relations), spiritual (portal)
DUCK – money coming, a man named Bill, ‘ducks in a row’
EGG – good omen, creation, new beginnings, sacred geometry
ELEPHANT – wisdom, strength, luck, Ganesh, trunk up indicates overcoming obstacles
ENVELOPE – message coming, positive or negative
EYE – creation – open (awakening) – closed (something not seen)
FAN – hand held (pleats) – rotary (4, time divination, numerology)
FEATHER – ascension
FENCE – limitations, minor setbacks, not permanent
FINGER – which finger, pointing in what direction,pointing to god
FIRE – sacred flame, at top achievement; at bottom danger of haste
FISH – Jesus, Creation – Vesica Pisces, Amphibious Gods, good fortune, Christ Consciousness, return of the soul to higher frequency or god
FLAG – denotes nationality
FLY – domestic annoyance
FORK – speak with false tongue, false flattery
FORKED LINE – decision
FRUIT – fruitful, prosperity (depends on the fruit which goes to seeds and planting something new)
GATE – opportunity, future success, ancient civilization, portal, doorway
GLOW – enlightenment
GOAT – be careful of enemies
GUN – anger, sex
HAMMER – hard work needed, getting a point across
HAND – of god, creation, if open means friendship; if closed means an argument
HARP – creational harmonics, love, harmony
HAT – head, consciousness, improvement
HAWK – Horus, jealousy
HEART – chakra, pleasure, love, trust, compassion
HORSE – if galloping means good news; if just the head means a lover or nebula, new
HORSESHOE – good luck, attraction, Earth’s magnetics, Omega or Leo, closure
HOURGLASS – time running out, need to decide something, synchronicity, illusion, creation
HOUSE – security, change, success
ICEBERG – danger, planetary meltdown, ice age, consciousness frozen in Time
INSECT – depends which one
JEWELS – DNA, Pearls, Diamonds, Star Tetrahedron, sacred geometry, gifts
KANGAROO – harmony at home
KITE – wishes coming true, flying free
KNIFE – broken friendship, hidden enemy
LADDER – promotion, a rise or fall in life, DNA
LAMP – turned on means enlightenment, at the top means a feast; at the side means secrets revealed; at the bottom means postponement
LEAF – new life
LINES – if straight means progress; if wavy means uncertain path
LION – Leo, Omega, Closure, influential friends, strength, Zoroaster
LOCK – obstacles if closed – new information unfolding if open, lock and key are phallic symbols of creation
LOOP – loops of time and creation, avoid impulsive actions, slinky effect
MASK – something hidden
MOUNTAIN – obstacles or a specific area
MOUSE – theft, computer
MUSHROOM – at top means journey or moving to the country; near bottom means rapid growth; if reversed means frustration, psychedelics
NAIL – injustice, unfairness
NECKLACE – DNA, complete, admirers; if broken means danger of losing a lover
NEEDLE – recognition, admiration, sewing, eye, weaving
OAK – health, long life, tree of life
OCTOPUS – danger, 8, infinity
OSTRICH – travel, not seeking a truth
OWL – gossip, scandal, aliens owl symbology
PALM TREE – success, honor, place were they grow
PARASOL – open (you will glean insightful information), closed (something hidden), raining (water symbology of creation)
PARROT – repeating something, a twin, a journey, people talking and saying nothing
PIG – greed
PURSE – at top means profit; at bottom means lose
QUESTION MARK – need for caution
RABBIT – need for bravery, time and illusion, Alice in Wonderland
RAKE – watch details, planting seeks, reap what you sow
RAVEN – bad news, death that leads to new beginnings
RING – phone call, coming full circle, near the top means marriage or the offer of marriage; at bottom means long engagement; if broken means engagement broken off
ROSE – Rose bloodline, creation, flower of life, love, may be accompanied by a fragrance in the room
SAW – interference, tear apart, something viewed
SCALE – legal issues; if balanced means just result; if unbalanced means unjust result
SCISSORS – quarrels, possibly separation
SHEEP – good fortune
SHELL – good news, nautilus, golden ratio, sea of creation
SHOE – sole/soul, condition of shoe is important, transformation
SNAKE – DNA, wisdom, or if the snake is attacking, an enemy
SPIDER – weaving together
STAR – health and happiness, hope, heavens, Isis and other goddesses, female energies,
SUN – happiness, success, power
SWORD – arguments
TABLE – social gatherings, UFO platform, outside the box
TENT – travel, cover, hidden truth
THIMBLE – changes at home
TORTOISE – criticism, usually beneficial, slow moving, Turtle Island (Earth)
TREE – improvements, of life, creation, book of life, your life path
TRIANGLE – something unexpected, 3 in a relationship, pyramids, 3, third dimension
URN – wealth and happiness
VASE – a friend needs help
VOLCANO – harmful emotions
WAGON – a wedding, wagon wheels (wheels within wheels)
WASP – romantic problems
WATERFALL – prosperity
WHEAT – abundance
WHEEL – if complete means good fortune; if broken means disappointment
WINGS – messages, winged beings
WOLF – jealousy
YOKE – domination
ZEBRA – adventure, especially overseas, black and white
Source:Crystalinks.com
Your Rune For December 31 is Laguz
Your Rune For Today
Laguz
Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.
Daily OM for December 30th – Owning Your Tendencies
Owning Your Tendencies
Understanding All Sides
Looking at only one side of our life can make us blind to the many other ways of looking at our situation.
Whenever we examine our lives, we examine them from a particular side or angle. Most of us tend to favor one side over the others. For example, we may tend to look at things from an emotional perspective rather than a financial perspective, or we may prefer to think in terms of details rather than the big picture, or vice versa. To a certain degree, this is not a problem, and these tendencies add color to our individual personalities. However, they can also make us one-sided, blind to the many other ways of looking at our situation. Even if we have decided that we are most happy when we focus on one particular side of things, it is always worth exploring the other sides. When we do, we become well rounded, more understanding of other viewpoints, and even more solid in our own.
Perhaps you are a person who tends to see your life in terms of your spiritual well-being. As a result, other concerns such as financial comfort or social standing may not be prominent in your mind as you make decisions. However, taking just a moment to consider those angles will help you in several ways. One, it will enable you to see more clearly what your priorities are and how they influence your life situation. Two, it will enhance your sense of confidence, because you will see your situation from all sides, even as you choose one. And three, it will help you communicate with others about who you are and what you are doing, because you will come from a place of understanding that your own biases and tendencies are unique as are theirs.
Most of us instinctively come at things from a particular angle, and in many cases this is the right way for us. Still, understanding the other angles only strengthens us. When we look at our lives from all sides, we shed light on the big picture, giving ourselves access to many points of view and highlighting more clearly the one we have chosen to take.
Yuletide Thoughts, Life and Death
Yuletide Thoughts, Life and Death
Author: Crick
Many a silvery moon has risen over the years as this old witch contemplates the lessons, which pertain to one’s spiritual endeavors. As the face of our sacred mother, casts her ancient glow over those who wisely embrace her. The mysteries of life silently unfold. As I stand before her loving gaze, thoughts of spiritual quests rise within my mind. Knowledge gained is but a threshold for answers yet to be met.
And so as a witch I find myself walking the edges of life like the thin blades of grass wavering back and forth in a quiet and forgotten glen. For one whom embraces the old ways, a way of life that has survived the hand of man, there will always are more questions than answers. Witchcraft is not the creation of humankind, but rather the mystical tools awaiting those who seek them out.
Magic is the energy that fuels the perception that one draws from their experiences in this realm. But how does one define the parameters of magic in a way that serves as a path of understanding and more importantly as a catalyst of desire to seek out those questions that heighten ones awareness of self and of one’s place along the road of spirituality?
This is a personal question with as many answers as there are pagans who seek to examine such goals within themselves. For me personally, such musings often wander to the ancient questions of life and death. As a witch I see the two events as forming an intertwining polarity of awareness and mystery, each concept and indeed reality, dependent upon the other. And indeed, as mysteries of life tend to be, any answer offered over the centuries are simply musings based upon the experiences of but one half of this spiritual conundrum.
As the migration of human beings travel through the tendrils of life, many are the religions, which have sprung up along the way, which claim to have the answers to such a profound mystery. But are they simply casting their eyes towards a limited source of light while the darkness that they fear stands at the ready just beyond their willingness to face such eternal unknowns? The fear of such darkness is based not upon any perceptible knowledge of that which awaits each of us regardless of personal belief, but rather upon a primordial lapse in the consciousness of our spirit. Can it be that the quest for spiritual growth has been stymied by the roadblock of ignorance and fear and has thus fallen to the wayside of spiritual quests by such folks?
The advent of Yule brings forth a telling of the God who has traversed both sides of the mysteries of life and death and then once again unto life as we know it. The divine mother, who stands deeply aware over all aspects of existence at all levels, awaits his return with a sure knowledge that he will re-appear. For she is the progenitor of the mysteries that serve as the challenges that we as individuals need to experience in order to draw closer to her whom we adore. Of course I use the term “mother” as an adjectival in order to provide form to that spiritual aspect in which I personally subscribe to. There are of course many descriptions which can be used to describe that entity which opens the gates to life but which in turn limits our understanding of what is just on the other side of the door.
And yet there are many rays of light that may serve to give us a glimpse into that which we perceive as the darkness or unknown in our annals of awareness.
For instance one may ponder, is life and death the only avenues available to understand the tenets of the mysteries of life. Or do we simply lack the inquisitiveness and individual courage to seek out these pinpoints of light that may well be emanating from the dark? For instance, many pagans and indeed those of other spiritual paths are adept at astral projecting. But where is it that that one projects their spirit to? Apparently we are not projecting into some physical vestige of this life and so are we projecting into locations found within the realm of death? Or perhaps we are projecting into realities that are totally unconnected to either our awareness of life or the hidden destinies of death?
Pagans are also adept at connecting with spirits who travel back and forth through the veil. And so I wonder, what forms our sense of fear in relation to death, a sense of dread, which these denizens seem to lack? Or do they convey a similar sense of fear when they travel to this side of the veil? And if so, why do we consistently seek them out, though we fear to extend our spiritual selves to their side of the realm?
When I think of life and death, I often wonder if such a cloak of darkness in relation to our limited awareness was intentionally erected. What better way than to test our spiritual resolve and to test the temerity of our belief in a supreme entity. And what better way to measure our desire to accept the challenges involved in our spiritual ascension, though in all reality we have no choice in the outcome of such a Chautauqua. Each of us will eventually be brought to the threshold and once there, cast through into even greater mysteries then perhaps that which we face within our current awareness.
Of course I do not seek to turn the handle to the door of death until it is my turn to do so. But the lessons of Yule triumphs over any unfounded fears that I may have incurred from the ignorance of our species while engaged within this realm. As a witch, I trust in a sacred knowledge that initiated the first step along a long and arduous journey back to the bosom of what I perceive as the sacred giver of life and knowledge at all spiritual levels.
I see death as a continuance of this forbidden knowledge. A knowledge that is hidden only from those who lack the courage to grasp those bits and pieces of wisdom, while in this realm, that eventually will reveal the true and beautiful tapestry of spiritual accomplishment. These are my thoughts about the lessons that Yule brings forth.
May you each have a very enlightening and spiritual Yule experience and may you find your own answers in regards to Yule and the experiences that it offers…
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Dec. 11th is The Tree
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Tree
The Tree symbolizes spiritual health and growth. The healthy tree is rooted in a rich, nurturing medium, has a strong trunk from which leaf laden branches fan out to capture the sun’s energy. The Tree represents a healthy spirit entrenched in experience and strengthened by wisdom. It is a spirit that is happy with itself, but continues reaching to become even wiser, more complete, happier, stronger. While The Tree represents a strong and independent spirit, it is also a life-force that owes much of its strength and growth to being surrounded by other healthy spirits.
As a daily card, The Tree denotes a time when your spiritual self is especially powerful and open for further growth. Now is a time for you to seek out streams of wisdom and knowledge that you can not only draw from but contribute to as well. Don’t disregard sources that seem improbable, as they often produce the most profound revelations and spiritual expansion.
Becoming a Witch
Becoming a Witch
by Morgaine
© Morgaine 2001.
This article may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, providing that this original copyright notice stays in place at all times.
I am often asked how one becomes a witch. Do you find someone who is a witch and they make you one? Or are you a witch just by saying you are? Can you make yourself a witch?
The process of becoming a witch doesn’t happen overnight. It is a life change, a new path upon the journey of your life. It takes consideration, study and work. If you have previously followed a mainstream religion, you may have things that take time to let go, and new things that take time to absorb. I have heard many people say it is often hard, coming from a life of Christianity, to feel comfortable praying to the Goddess. All new things take time, but if you are serious upon this path, you will find your way. The Gods call their own home to them.
No matter how you have came about finding the Old Religion, here you are. So where do you go? To the book store. For a novice, books are like the air you breathe. You must have them, or access to them in some way. If you cannot afford, or do not feel safe having books on the Craft, the internet is the next best place.
In both books and on the internet you will find a wealth of knowledge that will help guide you upon your new path. Of course, as with anything else, there is good information and bad information. Avoid any kind of book, or internet site, that speaks of controlling another person in any way, harming them, doing love spells on a specific person, or tells you to chant in latin, even though you have no idea what you are saying (yes, I have seen sites like that). These books/sites will not fulfill your need for knowledge in the Craft and will only serve to confuse you.
Once you have read a variety of books and feel called to this path, the next step is to find a teacher. If you have access to a teacher, in my opinion this is the best course of action. A teacher or a coven can often be found if there is a new age book store in your community. Also, the Witches Voice is a site that offers networking in every state. It has grown extremely large over the past few years and is a valuable resource in the Craft community. All of my coven members have found me on the Witches Voice.
Having a mentor can offer so much to you when you are beginning. There will be things you come across that you have a hard time understanding and need clarification. If you have a teacher, they are just a phone call or email away. If you do not, you must try to decifer things on your own, and may not come to the correct end on them. If you do not have a teacher, again, the internet is the next best place to look.
If you are only looking for a ‘how to’ on casting spells, then the Craft is not for you. Witchcraft is a serious spiritual path, in which magick is performed, but is secondary to the religion itself. I would suggest you look to ceremonial magick for that.
A couple of things need to be said about beginning this path, in light of recent attitudes about the Craft. Here lately it seems that you have a people who, after reading a few books, feel as if they can call themselves a master of the Art. They throw on a title like Lady/Lord, or HP/s, add some black clothes, a pentacle the size of a hubcap, and they are ready to go. This is not what the Craft is about. If you have spent years following a particular path, have worked hard for the spiritual lessons that have been presented to you, and through this have attained the title and rank, then by all means use it. But think of how you would feel if, after all that, you have a newbie with 6 months and 5 books unde their belt walking about calling themselves Lady Starry Ski or Lord Thunderbutt. It is very offensive. Just like your parents told you when you were growing up (or maybe you still are) ‘don’t rush things, it will all come to you in the end, and be sweeter for the waiting’. This is true with the Craft. Using titles, putting on airs, and in general acting high and mighty are not going to make you any more spiritual. And that is what this path is about. What it will do is alienate you from people whom you may actually want to meet and get to know!
All of this being said the way to become a witch is through study and dedication. Gather all of the information you can. Find the best teacher possible. Read whatever you can get your hands on. Go outside in nature and commune with the Goddess and God. Listen to the trees and the wind and the rush of the water, for this is the witch’s world.
Let’s Talk Witch – Sanctifying the Temple of the Body
Let’s Talk Witch – Sanctifying the Temple of the Body
Of all the spaces that surround us, of all the blessings we send out into the world, of all the things we honor and consider sacred, it is often our own bodies that are most in need of honor and celebration. Considered by many to be the vehicle through which our soul experiences the physical world, our bodies are indeed worthy of recognition as the spiritual temples they are. Too frequently we focus on our perceived physical imperfections, forget the miracle of the body’s ability to heal itself when we are ailing, or take for grannted the fragile balance our bodies need to sustain us, instead choosing to abuse ourselves with excess, deprive ourselves of adequate sleep or nourishing food, and engage in other physically and psychologically damaging behaviors.
For women especially, how we carry ourselves and think about our body is incredibly emotionally charged. We are constantly being bombarded with messages telling us how we are suppose to look and what we are supposed to wear. Women’s bodies have been objectified by a culture that has also programmed us to believe they are objects of sin and shame. Reclaiming the sacred nature of our physical form is a service both to our selves and to our sisters—it is a rejection of the old paradigm and a reframing of how women think about themselves on their own terms.
There is a Hermetic Axiom that states: “As above, so below. As within, so without.” One treatment and reverence for our body both reflects upon, and is a reflection of, the spirit that dwells within. How can you bring a sense of the sacred to your physical self? Perhaps you can incorporate a daily routine of self-anointing with oils you have blessed for this purpose and chosen to consciously eat wholesome foods to power your body-temple. Indulge in sacred spa days and pamper yourself with a luxurious bath scented with herbs and flowers that stimulate the essence of the Divine within. Wear colors and styles that reflect your personality and make you feel beautiful, rather than feeling like a slave to the trends of fashion. Adorn yourself with stones and symbolic jewelry that serve as reminders of your holy nature. And, perhaps most importantly, support other women in cultivating a sense of the self as sacred: discourage self-deprecating remarks, do not engage in disempowering body behaviors, and praise your sisters and brothers as the beautiful and perfect being they are.
While it’s useful and beneficial to create a physical sacred space, such as a hearth or garden, creating sacred space within yourself may be the best thing you can do for your spirit.
Excerpt from:
Making Space Sacred Author Jhenah Telyndru Llewellyn’s 2012 Witches CompanionYour Ancient Symbol Card for Nov. 15th is The Journey
Your Ancient Symbol Card for Today
The Journey
While physical travel may be involved, The Journey represents an individual’s spiritual trek from one point to another. The Journey is represented by a sailboat gliding across an open sea. Like those traversing the ocean The Journey requires that we move off the firm ground of our present state and strike out for a new destination. The trip itself may well be full of adventure and challenges. There may be times when we lose sight of where we came from and possibly not even know where we’re going. Storms may crop up without warning. Diversions may slow our progress to our destination down. While it’s good to have an idea of where you want to go, it’s equally important to remember that often it’s the getting there and not the destination that is the most rewarding. To take such a spiritual voyage takes courage and conviction that direction in which your are moving is right for you.
As a daily card, The Journey indicates a time in which you are likely to derive insight and spiritual growth by moving off your everyday path. Although the time span is short, this movement may have a profound and enduring effect on your life. Indeed you may be on the verge of experiencing a revelation, or enjoying a period of self actualization. Be open to new paths and you may well end up with some very positive changes in your life.
Witches Of The Craft® 
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