Tag: United States

Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?

Group or Solitary: Which Is Best For You?

Author: Bronwen Forbes

One of the biggest and most important decisions you will make as a newcomer to the Pagan path is whether to join an existing group of like-minded practitioners or go it on your own as a solitary. Of course, there will be other big decisions to make later but they are all dependent upon what you choose to do now.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will confess that I am a big advocate of finding others who a) are further along the path than you and learning all you can from them and b) are folks your gut seems to trust (more on this in a future article, I promise) . Why? Let me give you an example.

At one time my group’s holiday rituals were open to any Pagans in the area who chose to attend (if they told us they were coming in advance) . Since our group was the only one and the first one in the area for some time, we attracted a lot of people who hadn’t ever been in ritual with other Pagans, even though they’d been solitaries for years.

A solitary came to one of our rituals, speaking to anyone who would listen about her “astral fiancé.” Apparently she’d met a man on the astral plane – but never in real life – and they planned to marry just as soon as she moved to Ireland and figured out which one of several million Irishmen he was. To further hinder her search, she didn’t know what his name was. At some point in the ritual they apparently got “married” (it was Beltane, after all!) because by the end of the evening she was referring to her “astral husband.” As an occasional writer of fiction, I wish I could make up stuff this good!

Does the idea of an anonymous “astral fiancé” sound a little farfetched? It sure did to us – especially when she quit her job, moved to Ireland, and (no surprise) never found him. Last we heard she was back in the States, flat broke, and living out of her car. If this woman had had some basic non-book training and/or regular contact with a group at the beginning of her Pagan studies, she’d have known better than to delude herself to the point of homelessness.

I’m not saying that every solitary Pagan is going to end up doing something profoundly stupid, spiritually-speaking, and end up living in a car, but just as you turn to a more experienced roadster when you’re learning how to drive that car, it makes just as much sense to find someone – preferably several someones – when you’re learning the Pagan basics. The book you study in order to pass the written driver’s test is good for learning the rules of the road, but you’re not going to get your license without a lot of supervised, hands-on experience. So it is with Paganism.

On the other hand, there are times and places and personalities that are better suited for solitary work. Perhaps you live too far away from the nearest group to make regular travel for rituals and classes impossible. Or maybe the local coven or grove sets off your “icky alarm” and you’d prefer to never be in their presence again, thank you very much. Or maybe your work life is too hectic and home life is too full of the needs of small children to be able to make a commitment to a group’s calendar.

Or maybe, just maybe, you are more suited to a spiritual life of quiet, private observance and contemplation and will, in fact, go farther on your Pagan path if you travel alone. I’ve met some fine people in my life for whom this is the case; I admire their personal dedication even though I can’t emulate it.

If it’s just my husband, my child and I in the house on a holiday or full moon, we’re not likely to have a formal ritual – much like my widowed mother-in-law who will cook up a storm if a few of her children or grandchildren are expected for dinner but “just can’t be bothered” to cook if she’s just feeding herself.

So how do you know if you’re more suited for a group or a solitary practice? Ask yourself the following questions. Your answers should tell you what decision you need to make to better your chances of a satisfying spiritual future.

Is there a group nearby that I like and trust? If the answers are “yes” (Yes there is a group, yes it is nearby, yes I like them, and yes I trust them) , and they have space for you, by all means petition to join. However, if there is even one “no” (There’s a group nearby but I don’t like them and wouldn’t trust them to teach me how to walk my dog, much less take an active role in my spiritual development) , you’re much better off on your own.

Do I have the personal discipline to actively practice on my own? I freely admit that I do not. I need to commit to a group and the group calendar to actively, integrally observe even the basic holidays and moon phases. And that’s okay – I’m not the only one!

However, if you can – or would even prefer to – make a personal commitment to make small observances to the Gods at this time every day (or week, or holiday) and know you’ll keep that commitment, then I say good for you! You have at least some of what it takes to be a solitary.

Am I willing to ask for help or a reality check from time to time? I don’t think it ever occurred to our above-mentioned Beltane guest to ask anyone online or in person if she was deluding herself or if her astral experiences were real. When my husband was first starting to study Paganism, he made a point of seeking out community elders and experienced practitioners at local Pagan festivals and asking them questions. Even though these good folk weren’t his formal teachers, they were more than happy to answer him.

If you join a group, your High Priest or High Priestess will provide help and reality checks – that’s their job. If you choose to go solitary, you should consider attending a nearby gathering, Pagan Pride Day, or workshop at a Pagan store once in a while just to touch base with the rest of the community. I’d hate for you to drop everything and move to Ireland if it’s all in your head.

Ultimately, only you can choose whether to join a group or strike out on your own at the beginning of your Pagan life. Only you know your geographical, work, family, and personal circumstances that will all factor into the decision.

Whichever way you choose, I wish you all the best. In some ways, we are all alone – the Path is different for each person who walks it; in other ways we are all part of this wonderful, awe-inspiring, sprawling Pagan community.

Crone’s Corner – WILDCRAFTING

Crone’s Corner – WILDCRAFTING

November brings on thoughts of mushroom hunting, gathering walnuts and digging medicinal roots. In my wandering

along the creek and surrounding areas, I have located two walnut trees. The nuts are easy to gather but it
will take some time to clean off the black outer casing. I soak the nuts for a short time and then begin scrubbing with a stiff
brush. You don’t want to soak walnuts for a long time as water will absorb through the shells and possibly spoil the meat inside.
I dry them thoroughly in a mesh bag (such as onions come in) by the woodstove. Walnuts are a good source of protein and
shelling them can be a great family pastime.

Digging up medicinal roots such as Echinacea and Oregon Grape is best done in the fall after the plants are dormant. Echinacea
is grown in the garden. The root systems are somewhat fine though they can be rather large in older plants. It’s best to
harvest plants that are 3 years old as they have reached their maximum potency. Clean the dirt off thoroughly then layer loosely
on paper in an open box to dry or you can chop them into small pieces, put in a jar, and cover with 100 proof Vodka to make your
own tincture. Keep covered and shake daily for 2-3 weeks. Then strain and save for use.

Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub that grows very prolifically and is quite common. It’s coarse red and green leaves are very
similar to Holly and I have used them in Christmas greenery displays. Oregon Grape’s medicinal qualities are much the same
as Goldenseal and can be substituted as such. Wild Goldenseal is becoming increasingly hard to find and becoming an endangered species so using Oregon Grape instead can help to let the species repopulate.

Oregon Grape’s roots are very woody. I suggest you use it right away. Long ago I harvested some, dried it and stored it away.
They became rock hard pieces of wood. Use Oregon Grape the same as you would Goldenseal, for infections, as a blood purifier,
liver conditions, and skin diseases.

Both Echinacea and Oregon Grape can be grown and harvested as cash crops.

By Tony Frohnauer www.nfbotanicals.com (c)2002

Divining Love (Snow Moon)

Divining Love

(Snow Moon)
 
This spell utilizes the ancient art of dowsing to answer your questions regarding love.
 
You will need two seventeen-inch lengths of wire and two five-inch hollow tubes. Copper wire works best with copper tubing as the holders. If nothing else, you can use metal coat hangers and straws.

Bend the wires into “L” shapes, with the long arm being twelve inches and the short arm five inches. The holders go around the short end. The wire should move freely around in the holder.

Hold the wire rods in each hand, outward from your waist, and take a deep breath in and out and say:

May the Goddess bless these divining rods as a true and clear oracle.
 
Now think of a question regarding love and state it aloud three times. The rods should start parallel to one another. As you ask your question, watch what the rods do. If they open up, it’s a positive answer to your question. If they cross one another, it’s a negative response to your question.

Your Daily Number for November 27th: 8

You’re ambitious today, and this is good for business. You may engage in work planning, and be looked upon as a source of authority. On the personal front, healing in relationships is possible. You’re a person of influence today, and you may be the recipient of promising news. A lack of care for detail is something of which to be aware.

Fast Facts

About the Number 8

Theme: Power, Responsibility, Good Judgment, Financial Rewards
Astro Association: Leo
Tarot Association: Strength

Daily Motivator for November 25th – Run with it

Run with it

Let your life come fully and positively to life. You are here on this glorious day, so make the very most of it.

You have passions and interests, so pursue them. You have dreams and desires, so get busy and fulfill them.

You have unique perspectives and opinions, so express them. A magnificent, fascinating universe surrounds you, so experience it.

There are people about whom you care deeply. So give them your time, your attention, your love and fellowship.

You’ve already experienced yesterday, so don’t live it again today. This is a day to bring new and interesting and meaningful substance into your life.

On this very day you have the priceless opportunity to live. Take that opportunity, right now, and run with it as far and as high as you possibly can.

— Ralph Marston

The Daily Motivator

This Thanksgiving Thank A Farmer

This Thanksgiving Thank A Farmer

  • posted by Judi Gerber

As I do every year at this time, I am writing about something that may seem obvious, but that we often take for granted: the connection between Thanksgiving and farming. Whether you are a vegan or a meat lover, the holiday is all about food. As we sit down at the table with the ones we love and count the things that we are thankful for, take time to acknowledge and thank the people who grew that food; our farmers.

While many of us grow a large percentage of our own food, most of us don’t grow it all, or depending on our climate, can’t grow it and we turn to local farmers. And if we didn’t’ have local farmers, whether urban or rural, we would have no fresh, local food.

As I have also written about often, not only is this week, Thanksgiving Week, it is also National Farm City-Week (November 18 – November 24, 2011). It’s a week designed by the National Farm City Council to highlight the important roles that urban and rural partnerships play in food and fiber production and to enhance the links between farm families and urban residents. Since 1955, the President of the United States has annually proclaimed the week leading to and including Thanksgiving Day as National Farm-City Week.

Many people, especially those who grow their own food may think that agriculture doesn’t directly affect them. But, this is simply not true. From the time you crawl out of the cotton sheets on your bed in the morning, until you brush your teeth at night, agriculture is there. And, if we want a sustainable, local system of agriculture, then we must do all we can to help support and protect it.

First, educate yourself on farm issues, learn all about legislation and policy. A good starting point is to familiarize yourself with the Farm Bill. Also check out the issues and actions that are the focus of family farm organizations like Farm Aid and American Farmland Trust. Both of these groups work solely for the purpose of keeping family farmers on the land.

Whenever possible, buy directly from farmers. Even those of us living in urban areas can shop at a local farmers’ market or join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Buying from farmers not only helps them keep farming, but it helps keep the dollars in the local economy. You can also look for locally grown produce and other foods when shopping at the supermarket. Look for “Buy Local” or “Locally Grown” signs showing that the food was made in your region or at least, your state. If you don’t see them where you shop, then ask for them to buy local products, ask where your food is grown, and ask them to change their buying habits.

Use social media to thank our farmers, to spread the word and encourage others to thank them as well. Are you on Twitter? Then, send out a message with #ThankAFarmer hashtag in it. Or, share links to Farm Aid or other farm organizations on your Facebook wall and encourage others to do the same.

Judi Gerber is a University of California Master Gardener with a certificate in Horticultural Therapy. She writes about sustainable farming, local foods, and organic gardening for multiple magazines. Her book Farming in Torrance and the South Bay was released in September 2008.

Myths About Turkeys

Myths About Turkeys

  • posted by Megan Zehnder

Benjamin Franklin, who considered the turkey to be “more respectable” than the eagle, argued the turkey should be the treasured national bird. Somewhere down the line, the turkey took a fall in many American minds to become nothing but a standard meal. Over 280 million turkeys are killed each year for humans in the U.S. alone. Factory farms have altered domestic turkeys so much to meet consumer demand, that many people don’t even connect them with their wild cousins.

Myth: Turkeys are so dumb they look up in the rain and drown.

The rumor that turkeys are so dumb they will look up in the rain and drown is false. Contrary to common belief, animal researchers say turkeys are both intelligent and sociable animals. According to Farm Sanctuary, people tend to justify eating food-animals by saying they are dumb, and therefore less worthy of compassion.

Myth: Turkeys are too dumb to know how to reproduce on their own.

To meet the large consumer demand, commercial turkeys have been bred to be twice the size of what they would be in the wild. According to United Poultry Concerns, “If a 7-pound human baby grew as fast as baby turkeys are forced to grow, the human baby would weight 1500 pounds at 18 weeks old.” Because of their unnatural size, factory-farmed turkeys physically cannot reproduce naturally, so the industry relies on artificial insemination.

Myth: Turkeys can’t feel pain.

Turkeys raised in factory farms endure painful toe and beak mutilations. Since they typically live in an area that’s less than 3-square-feet, they endure psychological stress that leads them to attack other turkeys. To deter damage to other birds, their beaks and toes are burned off without anesthetic. In the wild, turkeys are social and nurturing beings.

Ways to Help a Turkey

1. Sponsor a turkey! Donate 30 dollars to Farm Sanctuary and you can get a certificate with a picture and details about a turkey you helped save.

2. Have a bird-free Thanksgiving! There are so many delicious vegetarian and vegan recipes out there. Here are some to get you started:

Roasted Pumpkin Cheese Fondue
Cornbread Stuffed Pumpkin With Greens and Walnuts
Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

3. If you have the space, adopt a turkey. Fill out this application and provide a loving home for a turkey.

Start a new tradition this Thanksgiving and make a turkey friend.

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 23

Arriving mere hours before a day that encourages being saucy with them, ‘Eat A Cranberry Day’ couldn’t come at a better time. Native to North America, cranberries were enjoyed as a culinary staple by Native American people a long time before they bogged down Pilgrim menus. According to lore, cranberries fall under the ‘protective’ foods umbrella and should be eaten when you’re feeling low, as it was believed that eating cranberries can raise your spirits. You are also advised to eat this tart and sweet berry whenever you feel like you’re absorbing negative energies from those around you. You can even gift that powerful protection to loved ones by giving away a little Thanksgiving Day party favor. Simply mix dried corn, cranberries, apples, grapes and pomegranates into your turkey stuffing and serve up some savvy protection. Or you can wrap these ingredients up in a gift pouch for a prosperous swag bag. Either way, this combination of ingredients has long been believed to bring protection, peace and prosperity, things to be truly grateful for on any given day!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Zen Meditation for November 23

New Age Comments & Graphics
Meditation Hall

Clear the land, thatch the rush for roof,
All around cherish the empty, the pure.
Mountain blossoms fall by a secluded door,
Within, one who has forgotten the world’s schemings.
Concern with existence needs no possession,
Comprehending the void does not wait upon reason.
All things are of conditions born,
Profound is the silence in the midst of clamor.
A person’s mind is very much the same;
A bird in flight, leaving no tracks behind.

– Liu Tsung-yuan (773-819)

 
~Magickal Graphics~

Healing Lesson of the Day – Criticism Bites!

Criticism Bites!

Healing Lesson of the Day – November 23

By Phylameana lila Desy

Criticism has its place, but it is important to know when criticism is constructive and when it is hurtful.

Words of wisdom I learned from my mother: If you can’t say something nice… SHUT UP! Okay, so those were not the exact words my mom used. I’m sure her instructive admonition for me was much kinder and friendlier, perhaps more like: If you can’t say something nice, please don’t say anything at all.

Sadly, all too often it is easier to point out a person’s flaws than it is to give that person a compliment. Criticism is sometimes the result of a self-esteem deficiency. Subconsciously, a person often might feel that criticizing someone else can boost his or her own feelings of superiority, but this is patently false, as I will explain.

Does it Hurt to Say Something Nice?

When someone says to you “Would it hurt for you to say something nice?” you might honestly be able to answer “Yes, as a matter of fact, it sort of does.” This may be true because, oftentimes, people who are the most critical of others are the same people who, on the flip side, are probably the ones who are the most uncomfortable when given compliments.

Oddly enough, some people respond more positively when a criticism is directed at them than when they are given a compliment. How people who are challenged with low self esteem respond to compliments and criticisms can be a possible clue as to why criticism is so rampant in today’s society.

How Do You Respond to Being Complimented?

Do you accept compliments graciously or do you promptly reject them? Or perhaps shrug compliments off as if they are unimportant?

Examples:

Compliment 1:“What a pretty dress you are wearing.”

  • Denial response:“What, this old thing?”
  • Accepting response: “Thank you! I’m glad you noticed, it is one of my favorite outfits.”

Compliment 2:“You did a great job on that project.”

  • Denial response:“Anyone could have done as well as I did.”
  • Accepting response: “Thank you so much. I feel really satisfied that I was able to use my creative ideas to get the end result that I did.”

Are You More Accepting of Critical Barbs than Kind Remarks?

You might also want to think about your responses to criticisms. Are you more accepting of criticism than your are of compliments? Although we may reject criticisms outwardly, we often accept them internally. Are criticisms eating up your insides?

Not all criticisms are obvious. Sometimes there are those backhanded comments we hear that are intended to be caring, but can come across more often as an insult, such as: “You sure look tired. Are you getting enough sleep at night?” In so few words, someone just implied that you don’t look so good and has made the judgement that perhaps you aren’t taking proper care of yourself. OUCH! (And you thought you put yourself together just fine that morning and even had a perfect night’s rest. DOUBLE OUCH!!)

Be Kind to Others

Start making a conscious effort to choose your words carefully before you speak. Say kind words. When speaking to others, squelch any words that convey critical thoughts or judgments.

Offering constructive criticism to someone has its place. Only give it whenever it is requested or if it is truly required, such as when a parent is teaching a child, or an employer needs an employee to meet certain job requirements. Remember: Unasked for advice is really a form of criticism, so be careful when you offer advice.

In most circumstances, criticism is regarded as a “put down” that hurts both the criticizer as well as the target of the criticism. You don’t want to be on either end of those hurtful words.

Say Something Nice About Yourself in Response to Compliments and Criticisms

Notice what your normal responses are to the criticisms and compliments when given. Change any negative responses into positive responses. Very soon you will begin feeling happier and become prouder of the person you are!

As soon as you have learned to like yourself, you will become less critical of others. And when you feel good about yourself, it will become second nature for you to “say something nice” to others, as my mom always tried to teach me.

Have a great day! Accept others as they are with less criticism and extend more praise whenever you can.

Today’s Affirmation for Wednesday, Nov. 23

Days Of The Week Comments=

Just for Today, I know that I am moving in the direction that is best for me. I follow my own path and do not question where it will lead. I have complete faith the path I follow will lead me to where I am suppose to go. I thank my higher power for the wisdom and insight to show me this path and the ability to follow this path without fear. Today and every day, I am grateful!
from Robin Wallace

~Magickal Graphics~

To Completely Immobilize a Victim

To Completely Immobilize a Victim

Ingredients:

  • (1) Small Glass Bottle
  • Piece of Paper, 1″ x 3″
  • Water

Directions:

Proceed as in the previous spell, but fill the bottle only 3/4 of the way up with water, and place it in the freezer instead of in the refrigerator. This will completely immobilize your victim and make it difficult for him to accomplish anything. You may wish to thaw your victim periodically if you do not wish to run his life completely into the ground.

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 17th

It’s the ‘Great American Smokeout’ today and if you’re one of the millions of smokers who are taking steps to quit, you might want to put this next Feng Shui idea to quit addiction in your proverbial pipe. This modality says that addictions such as smoking can be effectively addressed by using a specific space inside the main floor of your home. First, you need to find a photo of youreslf at a time in your life when you were not a smoker. That picture can be from when you were two months old or twenty-two years later, as long as the image reflects you in a happy state of mind and not yet smoking. You then need to place that photo in a wooden frame. Next, locate the Family/Friends area of the main floor of your living space and position this picture there. Place a lamp or even a green candle somewhere close by. If you can install a light of some sort, you will need to illuminate that image for at least three hours a day for 49 days straight. If you’re using a candle, make sure it’s green. Some Feng Shui purists says that only a green Buddha candle will work it’s anti-addiction magic for this cure. Either way, the only thing you should be lighting up for the next 49 days is that old photo of you. Soon enough, you’ll be smoke free and feeling fine. At least that’s the promise. But I can safely say that people have used this stop smoking cure to great success, so I am happy to share this information with confidence!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Thursday, November 17th is a good day for…..

Witchy Comments & Graphics
 November 17th
Dry Fruits and Vegetables, Cut Hair to Retard Growth, Mow to Retard Growth, Dig Post Holes, Pick Apples and Pears, Quit Smoking, Perform Demolition, Wash Wooden Floors, Paint, Start Diet to Lose Weight, Ask for Loan, Entertain Friends, Host a Party

~Magickal Graphics~

Special Kitty of the Day for November 15th

Lily, the Cat of the Day
Name: Lily
 Age: Five weeks old
Gender: Female
 Kind: Tuxedo
Home: Washington Court House, Ohio, USA
This is our new family addition Lily! We got her at just four weeks old when she needed a home, and she is already taken over the home! She is as cute and cuddly as can be! She of course stole our hearts right away! Did you see the almost-heart-shaped mark around her little pink nose?

She’s very curious interested in everything! She is very sweet! Our dogs are shy but gentle around her. They want more attention now that we got Lily, so they don’t feel left out. But everyone so far gets along fine! Welcome Home Lily! We Love you!

Lily, the Cat of the Day

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 15th

Today’s ‘I Love to Write Day’ is one after my own heart, and I’m sure that after you see the excellent results achieved from using today’s advice, you’ll love to write, too! All you need to do is take pen in hand (this cure must be done by your own hand with a red ink pen) and write a letter. But not just any letter. You’re going to address this letter to your Higher Power, your teachers, masters, gurus, angels and saints. In short, you’ll address this letter to all of the blessed beings you might normally petition in prayer. Then you will ask, in high detail, for whatever it is that you want. Spell it out, literally and figuratively. Once done, put that piece away in a sacred space for at least the next 49 days, but not before re-reading the contents and telling each of those words you just wrote how much you love them. Pour pink light from your heart onto that paper and thank each word for making your dreams come true. In whatever form or fashion it takes for you, express a profound sense of gratitude for this easy opportunity to have a wish come to pass. Gratitude, and then acting ‘as if’ are critical components to having your concerns addressed. But once you write this letter, those concerns will indeed be addressed and the return to the sender will be more than worth the effort!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Today’s I Ching Hexagram for November 15th is 30: Clinging Like Fire

30: Clinging Like Fire

Hexagram 30

General Meaning: Flames cling to their source of fuel in order to keep the fire burning. Likewise, in the human world, emotional attachment results from everything that radiates light or warmth is dependent upon something else. Through these dependencies we can see that all things are related, each thing to the other. Awareness of your own dependency on others is the key that unlocks the door to your true place in the world. No woman is an island.

Fire is also a symbol of liberation — sending out crackling molecules that fly away from home. Paradoxically, by clinging to what is balanced and true, we gain inner freedom.

Given perseverance on your part, this hexagram indicates success. In spite of challenges, cling to what is luminous in yourself, in others, and in life itself, never forsaking your belief in what is right. When events seem foreboding, or people seem oppressive, remember the good that has been and is yet to be. Holding to this idea is to cling to the power of the light and love within you.