E-Witch

Shamanism

2011-07-11T20:28:00.001-04:00

I have been reading several books on shamanism including Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy by Mircea Eliade, Shamanism as a Spiritual Practice for Daily Life by Thomas Cowan and this book by Michael Harner, The Way of the Shaman.

I have been so engrossed with this new idea that I have to remind myself that I need to go slowly, to learn & to put in the time. But this ADD pagan has a hard time slowing down & so that is probably another good reason this path has beckoned. Life is a journey.

In a nut shell, and this is really a tiny nutshell, shamanism is a way of walking between the worlds of ordinary reality & non-ordinary reality. A true shaman ultimately journeys to help others by soul-part retrieval or the curing of illnesses. The shaman is aided in the journey by drumming and rattles. Since I do not own either, I use drumming on my ipod that is specific for shaman journey. You can chose either 15 or 30 minute journeys & either single or double drumming. You need to be in the dark or near dark & night time is best & easiest. I use eye shades, too-the kind you get on the airplane from overnight flights.

In the past a shaman was trained by other shamans, she might have gone on a lengthy quest in the dessert or woods to find her power animal. She may have fasted, taken plants or teas & other aides to journeying but in more modern times those options are no longer available or safe.

I found that reading was enough to get me started & I have now signed up for a weekend course sponsored by The Foundation for Shamanic Studies. It is a prerequisite for any further studies. I have only met one shaman & when I met her had know idea what a shaman was or did and I didn't have the sense to even ask questions. All I could think of was a medicine man dancing around a campfire, chanting and drumming. I had no idea that a middle aged woman from Virginia could train to become one.

My journeys have been successful and amazing. I did indeed find my power animal although it took several "trips" to meet him. I also discovered that a technique I have been using for years to think up new ideas & artwork was really a form of journeying. I always thought of it as my "really thinking." I stretch out with a sketchbook & "zone out." (I actually first discovered this when I had rotator cuff surgery. I would take a pain pill & then stretch out, etc. Drugs. You gotta love them. I now do this with out the pills & it works the same just may not be quite as fun. )I let my mind wander here & there & sketch or write down thoughts, ideas & pictures. The key is really letting go. When your mind wants to hop back to household chores, or garden weeding and so on, you have to stop & go back to free thought & not worry about the mundane.

I would love to know if others are on this path. Or if you have had similar experiences. Oh, one other book, that I really am enjoying is Singing the Soul Back Home by Cailin Matthews. She breaks her book into "practices" to help you pace yourself. The information regarding shamanic journeys is essentially the same but just presented a little differently according to the author's style. Eliade's book is more of a textbook & history of Shamanism than a "how to" book.

love, luna ;>D

Tarot 101 Circle from TBW

2011-03-31T13:04:00.000-04:00

/begin shameless promotion

In case anyone is interested...

Beginning on April 1st, the Tarot 101 Circle will be working through the 22 lessons in "Tarot 101: Mastering the Art of Reading the Cards" by Kim Huggens. We plan on taking it one week at a time, but participants may move at whatever speed is comfortable for them. Anyone interested in learning to read the cards and experienced readers of all levels are welcome to participate and share their knowledge!

To join, become a member the Tarot 101 Circle on the Circle of Balanced Witches. Participants will need to have a journal to do the homework in and acquire a copy of the book before the class begins (or soon after). They will also need a Tarot deck by Week 3.

/end shameless promotion

Look Mom, No Hands!

2011-03-18T12:22:00.000-04:00

Photos8.com

If you are a control freak like me, you may feel like you have to keep a tight rein on how everything happens around you. You need to know what is going on at all times. Each and every moment is closely scrutinized to make sure something productive is happening. Slowly, you give yourself over to the routine and stop really living. This is how I have spent most of my life.

When I was a Christian, the idea of “giving it all to God” and letting Him run my life really troubled me. Why the heck would the creator of the Universe give a flap what I was worried about or needed help with? How would I get everything done that I wanted to in life if someone else was in control? Needless to say, God and I decided to see other people and I eventually found myself on an Earth-based path.

Through my reading and studying of late, I came upon the most peculiar idea. What if I didn’t have to be in the driver’s seat all the time? What if I could work with the Divine / Universe to fulfill my life’s mission? Maybe the Christians weren’t so totally wrong about that after all.

My own version of co-creating with the Universe has several parts to it.

First, I write in my journal each morning. “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron presents the idea of Morning Pages to help de-clutter the mind and get in the habit of doing something for yourself each day. For me, the journal generally consists of my activities from the previous day, what I need to work on during that day, and updates on how my projects are going. Quite often, I find myself setting goals, venting pent up anger, and showing gentleness to myself in these pages. They are not meant to be shared with anyone, but allow you to get all the garbage floating around in your head onto the page.

I have also gotten into the habit of thanking the Universe for providing me the things that I need when I first notice that I need them. I learned this technique from a book that I am reviewing for Weiser Books called “I’m Spiritual, Dammit” by Jenniffer Weigel. This may seem a little strange, but acknowledging my needs and that asking for Divine assistance has led to a plethora of synchronicities of late. I suggest starting with something small, like finding something you have misplaced or finding a parking spot, and see how it works out.

The last part is beginning to treat yourself with the love and respect that you deserve. We are sometimes harder on ourselves than we are on other people, pushing ourselves to meet the unattainable standards that we have set. When we don’t meet those goals, we start abusing ourselves or shut down in defeat. This isn’t how it is supposed to be! We need to be gentle with ourselves when we fail, learn, and then move on without judgment. When we succeed, we should be our biggest cheerleader. I have found that denying myself the love that I have for me and cutting myself off from the things I need and wants does no good for me. When you start doing this, it cuts you off from the Universal flow of giving and receiving.

Now, this doesn’t mean that we can sit back and expect everything to happen for us without effort. I can’t wave my magic wand and the house clean up itself, but I may find something that I have been searching for while I am cleaning or could get a notice on my door from a cleaning service with reasonable rates. It is about working smart to get the things you need and want accomplished as opposed to avoiding work completely.

I haven’t completely given up my tight grip on the wheel yet, but I have allowed the Universe to navigate more. When you start looking, you will notice the doors to what you desire will start opening up before you. Have the courage to follow them to where they might lead and begin co-creating your life.

Giveaways Going on at The Balanced Witch

2011-03-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to give you a heads up on some phenomenal giveaways going on at my blog, The Balanced Witch.

Spring Fling Giveaway

Spring has sprung down here in SE Texas! The sparrows greet me in the morning and I can hear a chorus of frogs when I go for my walk each evening. The Earth Mother has awakened from her Winter slumber.

To celebrate this lovely weather we are having and to brighten the spirits of those still covered in snow, I have put together a giveaway!

This drawing will start with five (5) winners, each who will each receive a $10 gift certificate from Amazon.com. For each 100 entries, I will add another winner up to 10.

RedWheel / Weiser Book Giveaways

The Balanced Witch has teamed up with the fantastic Red Wheel / Weiser Books to celebrate women and reading by giving away twelve (12) female-focused books!

The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women
The 12 Secrets of Highly Successful Women
A Book of Women’s Altars
For Goddess’ Sake
Goddess Bless!
The Holy Book of Women’s Mysteries
How to Be a Goddess (Posting 3/19/2011)
The Woman’s Book of Spirit (Posting 3/19/2011)
The Triple Goddess (Posting 3/20/2011)
If Woman Ran the World Sh*t Would Get Done (Posting 3/20/2011)
Sea Priestess (Posting 3/21/2011)
Magic When You Need It (Posting 3/21/2011)

Best of luck to everyone who enters!

Harnessing Your Anger

2011-03-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

“The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil because it isn't angry enough.” ~ Bede Jarrett

Photos8.com

As with fear, most people think that anger is a terrible and destructive emotion. They may have been on the receiving end of someone else’s rage and didn’t like how it felt or were programmed that way. The truth is that it can be negative, but if wielded properly, anger can be an amazing force for good and a catalyst for positive change.

When we are children, we are conditioned to believe that anger is wrong. A young child who is expressing his displeasure by acting out is having a “temper tantrum.” The teenager trying to communicate her anger is “acting out” or “talking back.” The parent is always right and the child is left to suffer in silence, pushing their resentment deeper and creating a generation that doesn’t know how to deal with its emotions, especially anger.

“At the core of all anger is a need that is not being fulfilled.” ~ Marshall B. Rosenberg

Anger should be an indication that something is not right. It is also the GPS that will lead you to figure out what is wrong and also gives you an idea of what your personal boundaries are. Others don’t like when we have boundaries, so expect some resistance. People that have been walking all over us for years are not going to be too pleased at us asserting ourselves or telling them “no.”

Once you have figured out what the problem is that is causing your anger, brainstorm on how to change it. If it is a person, talk to them about what is causing the anger. If it is a social injustice or cause, find out how you can get involved and lend your energy to make a positive change on the issue. The worst thing that you can do is to ignore it and let it continue to boil and fester in your subconscious.

Anger is energy and it is up to you to choose what to do with it.

Do not teach your children never to be angry; teach them how to be angry. ~Lyman Abbott

What I Learned at the Sacred Space Conference

2011-03-08T14:58:00.002-05:00

I was asked to be a vendor at the Sacred Space Conference in Maryland. I have never been a vendor & I was so excited to actually be asked that I could hardly stand it. I worked with a darling young woman, Gwendolyn (her magical name is Gwendriel) and she could not have been more helpful. Anyway , since had never been a vendor I couldn't decide what to make & take or how much, how to display it, & so on. The first thing I did because I love all things girly & cute was order bags with pretty tissue! So even if I only sold one thing, it would look good. I put together an interesting, take-apart-able peg board screen thingey and made LOTS of oils, candles & cauldron splashes. I was still "making" the day before I left. I hand screenprinted some aprons with my "Spelled" logo-so that as I was selling my one thing & putting that one thing in the darling bag, I would coordinate.

I drove to the conference, about a 4-ish hour drive, listening to books on my ipod.
I got there to check in & right in front of me was this tall, young man with dreads, long woolen cape, hat, scarf & bejeweled. I am always so easily cowed, assuming that I do not measure up & certainly not in "coolness" with the young & so I got anxious, a thing that I do really well-get very anxious, very quickly.
I began to unload the car & a Gwendolyn told me that Scott, a volunteer would be glad to help me & pointed his way. Scott was my man in cape & dreads. But, reminding myself that I am 57 & a crone for goddess' sake & I was grown up & didn't need to be such an ass, I asked Scott if he would mind helping me. Okay, to shorten the already lengthy tale, Scott could not have been sweeter. He helped, we talked & it turned out he was a new knitter. I had my knitting with me & we shared. I love Scott. He stopped by my vending table after every class of the 3 day conference. He told me about the classes & what he learned & at the end of the last day we hugged & said goodbyes & agreed next year would be great at Sacred Spaces. See you there.

What I learned #1- I am a lot girlier than I realized. I always thought I was sort of a rogue, radical, can-do gal. I am all that but more, too. I LOVE tying bows. On packages, bottles & boxes. All my things that I sell have bows-rafia, hemp, suede but bows. Some with charms & cute tags.
What I learned #2-A lesson I have to learn over & over: Do NOT judge a book by its dreadlocks & cape. Those are trappings. My ribbons and bows are, too. I am nice. Scott is nice. Most of us are nice.

What I learned #3-being with a group of pagans is SO MUCH FUN! I didn't have to whisper that I was a democrat. Or a witch.
What I learned #4- There are a lot more ways to be pagan than I ever dreamed of. I met a wonderfully nice & interesting young woman whose name tag read, "Devon, Maid of Epona." She had the most marvelous divination "Pony Pennies" that she had made. She read, quit accurately, my pennies. It never occurred to me that their was anyone who was a devotee of Epona. And I met a lot of other super interesting people but Devon stuck with me. I expanded in a big way by meeting her.

What I learned #5If you want to know what a pagan does for a living do not ask them what they do. That illicits, "I follow/worship/believe....." You must ask what one does in the mundane or real world. What is your job?
The other part of this is that pagans are: bankers, teachers, librarians, monks, artists, mothers, homemakers, massage therapist, IT geeks, in the military, and everything else under the sun. I just read that the majority of pagans are well-educated, generally at the post-grad level.
What I learned #6- Being a pagan vendor is so much fun & also makes pretty good money. There seems to be a general angst among vendors about the guilt of making a profit. Isn't that silly? But I feel like that all the time. That I should charge what something costs me-exactly. No profit, no charge for my time. But I learned also that I really like coming home with wads of cash & that the ability to swipe credit cards on my iphone was the best thing I ever did. It makes it so much easier for the buyers & for me.
What I learned #7-I still miss my new vendor friends, Ruth, Kathy(& her mystery man, Shahid,) Kat & Richard, Becky & Niell(sp??), the book vendors & the monks. It was a mini-world in the vendor's room & it was wonderful.
The very last thing I learned- MARNA is not the same thing as IWANA. MARNA is an acronym for the Maryland Naturist & IWANA is a church youth group thing. One is a group of naturalists and that is not bird-watching. I am so naive, sometimes.

Learning from Fear

2011-03-03T14:19:00.001-05:00

In my honest opinion, fear gets a bad rap. We have it for a reason, but we are too petrified to look past the surface at what lies below. There is much we can learn about ourselves from it if we take the time to look.

Fear is an emotional response to something that might cause us harm. It is a way of protecting ourselves and triggers the fight or flight response in our physical being. That being said, fear is there to keep you safe.

When we grow up, we start out with a set collection of fears that have been instilled in us by our parents and other authority figures. We learn not to talk to strangers or to cross the road without looking both ways. Some of these early fears are also the result of experience, such as the fear of things that are hot after putting your hand on a car’s exhaust (which hurts, btw).

Add in a healthy dose of television and our fears increase. Now we have an irrational fear of sharks (thanks Jaws) and are worried that vampires are going to attack us when we go walking in the woods.

With the invention of the Wide World Web, the globe is shrinking and news travels faster. Instead of just being afraid of what is our own back yard, we have to worry about all the other evils in the world that are out to get us.

This is enough to leave us completely paralyzed in fear and make sure we never step outside of the house! Stop and remember – fear is a tool to keep you safe from things that would cause harm to you. You have to control the fear instead of letting it control you.

So what things can you learn from looking at your fears?

Examining your fears can help you break some of your bad habits or patterns of behavior. For instance, if you are afraid of being along, you may be clingy or invade other peoples’ space. Acknowledging this fear and owning it will help you see this pattern in your behavior. This is the first step to making a change.

Looking at your fears also helps you to decide which ones are genuine and the others that are superfluous. I fell down the stairs as a child so I have an aversion to walking up stairs, standing on chairs, and other “heights.” It wasn’t until I sat down and thought about it that I finally realized where it came from. On the other hand, my fear of spiders was the result of a coach showing us the movie “Arachnophobia” in high school health class. This makes for an interesting experience when you have a spider for an animal messenger, which has happened twice I might add.

Another use of your fears is to fuel your creativity. In author Holly Lisle’s How To Think Sideways: Career Survival School For Writers we learned to use our fears as part of our works of fiction to give it added emotion and intensity. If you are scared of aliens, have your hero face off against them or your heroine come to terms with being one. The possibilities are endless.

Here is a little exercise that Holly taught us to come up with a list of our fears called clustering. Put the word "fear," "Things I fear...," or something similar in the middle of the page and begin to build a network of concepts and ideas from the center point.

This is a cluster that I created last week in about ten minutes. After I scanned and looked at it again, I saw some stuff was missing so make sure to give yourself enough time. I recommend working for about ten minutes, taking a break, and then working for another ten or until you feel like you are done.

So spend some time shining a light into the dark recesses of your psyche and examine your fears. Like with everything else on this path, get rid of the things that are not serving you or causing unwarranted drama. Get to know yourself better and stop allowing fear to rule you because you are in control.

Has Spring Sprung?

2011-02-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

Although spring is still a good three weeks away, signs of it are beginning to appear everywhere. For many it was a hard winter. Old man winter came early and stayed a bit more than some may have wished him too.

Now slowly mother earth is thawing out. Even before the signs began to emerge and one was able to see the signs of the coming warmth, deep into the ground she was, already fast at work preparing for what was to come. Seeds that had been planted earlier in the autumn months of last year began to open and prepare for their climb up and out towards the coming spring.

The animals who often know well before man, begin to venture out a bit more, knowing that the winter is once again departing and the playful warmth of spring is soon to come forth. The mad ritual dances have begun and soon the signs of young life will be seen. The scout bees have left their colonies and started to seek a good area to feed when they are ready to travel more. On the warmer days one can hear them buzzing about in an attempt to keep warm.

Even the bull frogs who had dug themselves deep into the mud for the winter have started to emerge and sit on the bank when the sun is out and shinning. They bask in what little warmth they can find as it is still cool in the morning and evening time.

Yes spring is still some time off yet the signs are gaining strength every day. Soon once again the newnes that only spring can bring will be evident all around.

2011-02-26T14:37:00.000-05:00

The naked earth is warm with spring.

With green grass and bursting trees

she leans to the sun's kiss glorying

and quivers in the sunny breeze.

~Julian Grenfell

2011-02-03T19:09:00.002-05:00

Blessed Imbolc

The Bluebird of Happiness

2011-01-24T14:31:00.000-05:00

And when he sings to you,

Though you're deep in blue,

You will see a ray of light creep through,

And so remember this, life is no abyss,

Somewhere there's a bluebird of happiness.

Life is sweet, tender and complete,

when you find the bluebird of happiness.

- Bluebird of Happiness,

lyrics by Edward Heyman & Harry Parr Davies, 1934

Last week I was blessed with a new feathered friend. A wonderful reminder of the coming of spring only 8 weeks away. Read more about my adventure at My New Houseguest

The World of Religion

2011-01-10T14:45:00.000-05:00

I plucked this from Pagan Prattle & thought it was funny. But sometimes I use poor judgement....

Wishing on the Moon for the New Year

2011-01-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the New Moon of January is one of the most powerful moons to wish on throughout the year? It will fall on Tuesday January 4th, so now would be a good time to start thinking about what you would like to manifest in the Springtime. Each month's full moon has different names according to different cultures. The January Moon is called "The Full Wolf Moon" according to various Native American tribes. So, family, communication, traveling, nurturing, teaching are just some aspects related to wolves which might be a good base to think about when you make a wish. I like what Waverly Fitzgerald from "School of the Seasons" says about wishing;

"To be good at wishing, practice wishing as you would any skill. Wish with no concern for reality. Too often our friends, our relatives or our inner
critics try to restrict our wishes by pointing out that they’re impractical or impossible. This is a space where you can wish away, free from any constraints."

So, in other word's let your imaginations take you where you want to go. I know some people who have created specific rituals just for wishing. She suggests that you can divide your wishes for different areas of your life and then if you'd like to journal them to see how they are manifested throughout the year. These are some of the different categories she's thought of;

SPIRITUALITY

CAREER

RELATIONSHIPS

HEALTH

FAMILY

LEISURE

Being an animal lover, I will make wishes for animals and nature and the earth in general. And of course I would include my two beloved cats for the "family" wish.

You can create a wish page on your blog if you have one and if you don't know about Jamie Ridler and her Wishcasting Wednesday's be sure to check that out. She provides wish "prompts" every Wednesday that you can post about on your blog if you "wish" and then visit other blogs to support them for their Wednesday Wishes. Jamie also holds a Full Moon Dreamboard event which is run virtually and costs nothing to you. Or if you live in or near the Toronto area, she also runs a Full Moon Dreamboard circle which I would love to attend if I lived closer.

So, these are some ways that I'm starting off my magickal work for the New Year. Do you have any rituals or ways to wish? I'd love to hear about them.

Wishing you a year full of beauty and blessings. And thank you all for being such loyal and wonderful readers of eWitch.

(All Graphics, except the "Full Moon Dreamboard" one are from the website "Magickal Graphics.")

The Goddess is beaming!

2010-12-20T09:46:00.002-05:00

My husband reminded me that this is the first time since around since 1378 that there has been a lunar eclipse on Yule. Magically, a lunar eclipse is the time when the sun, the moon & the earth are in perfect alignment with the earth sitting in the middle. The winter solstice reminds us of the Lord of the Hunt, with darkness abundant & the sun far away. A full moon is of course the goddess in full array.
When we have this kind of magical event with a full moon, a lunar eclipse and Yule we have a time of wonderful magic.

This is the perfect time to focus on masculine magic as well as feminine, the power of the sun & the wisdom of the moon. It really is a time of such stupendous power that anything goes.

May the blessings of the goddess

& the power of the god

beam down on you as we enjoy this magikal time.

May your dreams take wing, your energy soar

& your magic be beautiful.

Fall Asleep Counting Your Blessings

2010-12-14T09:58:00.001-05:00

Once again, I have raced through the Yule season as if running a race. The finish line being the 25th when presents are exchanged. I have zoomed along so rapidly that I have forgotten why this is such a wonderful time of year on so many levels.
I was raised Christian and for followers of Christ, Christmas is birth, hope, salvation. It is a time of new beginnings, peace & love. I am a witch now & yet we pagans celebrate something quite similar. After all peace & love covers all objections, doesn't it?
At Yule the Oak King & Holly King struggle for dominion with the Oak King winning. He must win so that the wheel of the year turns slowly to warmth & birth & away from cold, dark & death. For us Yule is a time of celebration, as we recognize the ever turning seasons. The Yule log crackles(even if it is a gas log) and feasting, drinking & generally merry-making abounds. We feel loving towards many & peaceful towards all.

And yet, we forget all this so easily as we dash around decorating, buying, wrapping. I was watching "White Christmas" the other evening. I love that movie. Bing Crosby was sing to Rosemary Clooney, "I fall asleep counting my blessings." That is going to be my vow this year. I am going to count my blessings every evening lest I forget how blessed I truly am: a wonderful husband, three great sons & their friends & girlfriends, a Goddess & God that watch over me, good health, money enough, Mahjong friends, Happy Hour friends, Meals on Wheels friends, food, love, my beautiful eWitch sisters, my shop & Spelled friends, good health and the myriad of other blessings.

May the Goddess bless all of you with the richness of life, time to enjoy it & a closer presence to Her.

May It Be

2010-11-29T21:53:00.000-05:00

There are some songs that warm you to the soul and give a gift of message that is rare. From the first time I heard this song it brought that feeling to me. I am sure many of you have heard it many times yet I'd like to share it once more.

Blessings

The Mourning Moon

2010-11-20T19:11:00.000-05:00

Sunday, November 21st

Take some time and enjoy the Full Moon of November.

The Full Moon is currently in Taurus and offers a perfect opportunity for any magic one may want to conjour involving love, property or finances.

The Full Moon also offers an excellent time to plant any flower bulbs that you may be wanting to get into the ground if you haven't already.

For water charged with with the power of the Full Moon, place a jug of fresh spring water out under the light of the full moon.

This is excellent for washing or annointing anything you wish to fill with the magic of the Full Moon

A Knock on the Door

2010-11-06T12:59:00.002-04:00

I'm sure a lot of you have seen this video, but I wanted to share it with those who haven't seen it. I never get tired of watching it and Duirwaigh Studios who created this has some whimsical and beautiful treasures to look on at their site. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

YouTube - A Knock at the Door - 2nd Edition
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

A Pagan Partnership

2010-11-05T12:17:00.001-04:00

Throughout the month of November, the women of eWitch and I will be sharing articles and anecdotes about our personal relationships and how they are impacted by our spirituality. Since getting back into writing, I have wanted to broach this subject, but have never found the time. I look forward to reading what our other eWitches have to say about their own relationships.

The perfect place for me to start discussing this topic is with my own marriage. Mr. Sparrow (aka Danzig) and I have been married for four years. We have no children at this time.

Danzig is a third generation American. His great-grandparents came to the United States from Poland and brought their beliefs with them. While they openly practiced Catholicism, they practiced Witchcraft from their home country in secret. Danzig had the pleasure of learning from his great-grandmother before she passed away.

I was raised in a Protestant family that has been in America for generations. My lineage can be traced mostly back to Norway (yay Vikings!) on my Dad’s side, but I have some family that originated in Wales and Germany. Religion was not consistently a big deal in our home growing up unless my Grandmother, who is Baptist, was around. I was programmed from a young age that Witchcraft was Evil and that anyone not saved by Jesus Christ was going to Hell. Oh, how far I have come!

When I met Danzig in 2004, I was coming out of what turned out to be the darkest time of my life. I was furious at everyone, especially myself. I didn’t know what to believe and had pretty much shunned Christianity. There was a gaping hole in my heart that begged to be filled.

Little by little, Danzig introduced me to his Earth-based path. I soaked the information up like a sponge, quickly beginning my own research into the various practices and paths. He taught me how to meditate, how to cast a circle, and the basics of protection magick. He is the one who laid the foundation for my future as a Pagan and Witch.

That being said, I have a unique and wonderful spiritual relationship with Deity that includes my husband. We each have our own path, but are respectful of the other’s beliefs and work together to honor the Divine.

Next week I will share some ideas of how couples can practice their spirituality together and grow closer in doing so. Be sure to stop by my blog, The Balanced Witch, to check out the “366 Days of Magick” that is going on all this year. I also have a giveaway going on now!

In Rememberance - All Souls Day

2010-11-02T15:06:00.000-04:00

All Souls

A THIN moon faints in the sky o'erhead,

And dumb in the churchyard lie the dead.

Walk we not, Sweet, by garden ways,

Where the late rose hangs and the phlox delays,

But forth of the gate and down the road,

Past the church and the yews, to their dim abode.

For it's turn of the year and All Souls' night,

When the dead can hear and the dead have sight.

Fear not that sound like wind in the trees:

It is only their call that comes on the breeze;

Fear not the shudder that seems to pass:

It is only the tread of their feet on the grass;

Fear not the drip of the bough as you stoop:

It is only the touch of their hands that grope -

For the year's on the turn, and it's All Souls' night,

When the dead can yearn and the dead can smite.

And where should a man bring his sweet to woo

But here, where such hundreds were lovers too?

Where lie the dead lips that thirst to kiss,

The empty hands that their fellows miss,

Where the maid and her lover, from sere to green,

Sleep bed by bed, with the worm between?

For it's turn of the year and All Souls' night,

When the dead can hear and the dead have sight.

And now that they rise and walk in the cold,

Let us warm their blood and give youth to the old.

Let them see us and hear us, and say: 'Ah, thus

In the prime of the year it went with us!'

Till their lips drawn close, and so long unkist,

Forget they are mist that mingles with mist!

For the year's on the turn, and it's All Souls' night,

When the dead can burn and the dead can smite.

Till they say, as they hear us - poor dead, poor dead! -

'Just an hour of this, and our age-long bed -

Just a thrill of the old remembered pains

To kindle a flame in our frozen veins,

Just a touch, and a sight, and a floating apart,

As the chill of dawn strikes each phantom heart -

For it's turn of the year and All Souls' night,

When the dead can hear, and the dead have sight.'

And where should the living feel alive

But here in this wan white humming hive,

As the moon wastes down, and the dawn turns cold,

And one by one they creep back to the fold?

And where should a man hold his mate and say:

'One more, one more, ere we go their way'?

For the year's on the turn, and it's All Souls' night,

When the living can learn by the churchyard light.

And how should we break faith who have seen

Those dead lips plight with the mist between,

And how forget, who have seen how soon

They lie thus chambered and cold to the moon?

How scorn, how hate, how strive, we too,

Who must do so soon as those others do?

For it's All Souls' night, and break of the day,

And behold, with the light the dead are away. . . .

Edith Wharton

Resolutions for a New Year

2010-11-01T16:33:00.000-04:00

I hope that each of you and your families had a wonderful Halloween and a blessed Samhain. Saturday was spent at the zoo and hanging out with friends. On Sunday, we stuck close to home. I managed to get some last-minute homework done and snuck in some Halloween artwork. Mr. Sparrow did a good smudging on our new apartment and some protection work. Overall, it was a busy, but enjoyable weekend.

As Samhain is known as the Witch’s New Year, my family makes resolutions for the coming magickal year at that time. We usually write these resolutions down on paper and burn them. This releases our intentions into the Universe.

My major resolution for this year is to take a trip back to the basics. Since I have been sitting on the precipice of my 3rd Degree initiation, I have been feeling more spiritually blah than ever. I’m not sure if it is because I am coming to an end of my “official” training or confusion about where to go from here, but I need something to regain focus.

Another resolution of mine for the year is to write a little every day. I have wanted to be a professional writer for a while and do quite a bit of it between blogging and writing articles, but it has not been a focus. Since I began writing somewhat regularly, I have noticed that it is coming easier to me and that I am able to convey my thoughts much more clearly. I have dreams of writing a Pagan romance and want to be able to make those a reality one day.

In an effort to fulfill both of these resolutions (and because I am a project-aholic) the “366 Days of Magic” was born on my blog, The Balanced Witch. For the next 366 days, there will be a new post on my blog each day about the basics of Earth-based spirituality and magickal practice. I just posted the first day and am excited about the next 365!

Did anyone else make any resolutions?

Have you seen this?

2010-11-01T09:54:00.000-04:00

This is not what we usually post but my son sent this via email. See the story here at Fox News. The New York Times wrote about it, too.
Here is the blurb about the label on The Lost Abbey Web site:

The Story on the Label
Whether you’re a wonder healer, a caller of spirits or a lover of black magic, they will find you. And on that day, they will boil your blood, singe your skin and make a point to burn your soul to the ground. From that lonely stake, you’ll be left to contemplate your life of spell casting, obscure texts and a world operated between the shadows of night and day.

Convicted of a dark art, the crowd will gather to watch as they raze your earthen existence. An intolerable pain is the cross you’ll bear that day as you are removed from this righteous world. No one will summon the courage to save you in fear of their life. It sucks. But such is the life of a witch. In honor of your fleeting existence, we brewed Witch’s Wit. A light and refreshing wheat beer, it’s exactly the sort of thing you might expect to find being passed around the center of town on witch burning day. Say hello to the Prince of Darkness for us.

About the Label Art

From Tomme:

When I imagined this beer, I thought of two perspectives that would make for the best story. The first story could have been told from the Point of View of our Witch (or Heroine depending on the story). Ultimately, I think I like not knowing her story is better. How she got there is a big part of the mystery.
I became more fixated on the guilt of the crowd. There would surely have been people (the faceless souls) who could have/ would have wanted to help. There also would have been some righteous people smug with satisfaction knowing another “witch” leaving their world.
The Point of View for this back story label is about that smugness and righteousness in light of a horrific atrocity against mankind. It’s written in a modified 3rd person Omniscient Point of View (partly a member of the crowd and my own voice). I knew that most people wouldn’t spend the time delving into the mystery of the piece I wrote but at the same time, I wanted a voice of reason (or counter reason) to be present for this beer. Specifically, we knew this to be a thought provoking original art piece.

I cannot think why anyone would believe that to put artwork of someone burning at the stake would be a good idea. It is offensive as well as creepy. Maybe they could put a picture of someone on the rack? Or going into the iron maiden?

Samhain Night ~Loreena McKennitt~

2010-10-31T16:59:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't know Loreena McKennitt's work, she happens to have one of the most beautiful and soulful voices I've ever heard. Every time I hear one of her songs, I'm put into a trance. Below are the song lyrics from one of my favorite songs by her called, "Samain Night."

When the moon upon a cloud cast night
hung above the tree tops' height

You sang me of some distant past
that made my heart beat strong and past
Now I know I'm home at last.

You offered me an eagles wing
that to the sun I might soar and sing

And if I heard the owl's cry
into the forest I would fly
And in its darkness find you by

And so our love's not a simple thing
Nor our truths unwavering

But like the Moon's pull on the tide
Our fingers touch, our hearts collide
I'll be a moons breath by your side

Below is the video of this song by Mckennitt so that you can enjoy hear this gorgeous and haunting song. May each of you have a Samain full of moonlight, mystery and magick.

YouTube - Loreena McKennitt - Samain Night
- Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.

A Fresh Look at Female Archetypes

2010-10-29T12:11:00.000-04:00

Any woman who has picked up a book about the Goddess or taken a 101 class has been taught that the three female archetypes are the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. This idea, the Triple Goddess, is delicately pounded into our heads from the beginning of our training. Even thought times have changed and we are living longer than our ancestors, modern traditions cling tight to this model for explaining the stages of a woman’s life.

I politely disagree on just the three and offer up an additional two phases…

Maiden

The Maiden archetype is generally depicted in white with long, flowing blond hair. She is running through a meadow, communing with the animals, and basking in the glow of nature. She is innocent, not aware of the ways of the world. She is just coming into her own and at peace with herself.

How many teenagers these days are like that?

In my mind, a Maiden falls in the birth to preteen age group. She exhibits the youthful innocence that has come to be expected of the archetype and has not yet become worn down or jaded against the expectations of society.

Warrior

I was introduced to the concept of the Warrior phase while working on my degree studies through the Family Wiccan Traditions International (which has since disbanded). Since I always felt that there was a huge gap between the Maiden and Mother, I quickly folded the Warrior into my own life and belief system.

The Warrior represents women from their teens until somewhere in their mid-twenties. She is on a quest to discover who she is and what she wants out of her life. She is learning when to take a stand, fighting fiercely for something she believes in. She is also learning when to compromise. She may or may not be in a relationship, but understands that her needs and happiness come first.

Mother

The standard image of the Mother is a woman who is with child or one who is holding a small child in her arms. She has long dark hair and wears red, for the blood that she has shed. She is the nurturer, guide, and protector for those to come.

To me, the Mother does not have to actually have children. She not only nurtures her children (and pets), but herself, her significant other (if she has one), family, friends, and her career. She is fiercely protective of the ones she loves and guides the younger generations with a gentle, but firm hand. She is represented by women in their late twenties until early forties.

Queen

I always felt that there was another gap between the Mother and Crone, but never knew what to call that particular phase. In the SageWoman Magazine issue 74, entitled Visions of the Goddess: Queen, I found what I had been seeking in an article called “Why We Need the Queen.”

The Queen presides over the woman in their late forties until their late fifties to early sixties. If she has children, they are grown and beginning their own lives. They are wiser, still have “it,” and pretty much have life figured out. They are living out their dreams, taking risks, and doing what they want to do when they want to.

Crone

Cloaked in a veil of darkness, the Crone breathes wisdom into the younger generations. She has lived a long, full life and retains her blood each month. She has done her duties and now is her time of rest. Her light still shines, but is dimmed by experience.

With women living longer than ever and more active in their older years (my grandmother is still feisty at 87), the entire image of the crone has changed. She still clings to her youth (especially if there are grandchildren) and serves as a Matron and respected elder of the family. She pursues her hobbies, may still work, and keeps busy doing things she loves. She has learned from experience and applies the wisdom she has acquired, not making the same mistakes anymore. She is loved and celebrated by all, sought out for council, and living on her terms.

So there they are - my five female archetypes.

Nanny Ogg-the fun one of the bunch & I want to be just like her

2010-10-27T10:14:00.002-04:00

I want to be happy & fun like Nanny(Gytha) Ogg, who is the "mother" of the MMC witches in Terry Pratchett's Discworld.. I am moving there as soon as I can find it on the map. Nanny Ogg is round, a smoker & drinker, is sex-obsessed, wears striped stockings & red boots. She knows ALL the verses to the Hedgehog Song, not just the chorus:

The spines on his back are too sharp for a man

They'll give you a pain in the worst place they can

The result I think you'll find will appall:

The hedgehog can never be buggered at all!

She has many great reasons to be very happy, she makes her own Scumble. Scumble is made from apples, well mainly apples. It melts spoons & must be drunk by the thimbleful. Nanny's daughter-in-laws, their numbers are legion, clean her house. Daily. Nanny is a very good witch & is Granny Weatherwax's best friend. Nanny Ogg can play her banjo while she rides her broom. She plays a mean hand of "Cripple Mister Onion," she is a betting woman & she wins most of the time. (You can buy your own deck here, at The Fat Pack Playing Card Company.) I have one.

Everyone loves Nanny Ogg. She is happy, honest a lot of the time, has a ton of kids & grandkids who also love her & she sometimes wears one of those kitchen aprons that look like a Merry Widow bustier. She is the subject of the Mona Ogg, both I and II(smiling, well grinning really. Maybe a leer..) She also knows all the words to, A Wizard's Staff has a Knob on the End. Another venerable pub song in Discworld.

O, the wizard's staff had a knob on the end.
It does! It does!
O, the wizard's staff has a knob on the end.
It does!
O, the wizard's staff has a knob on the end
And the wizard's staff is the wizard's friend.
It is! It is!

Really, the very best thing about Nanny is that she is what she is & makes no apologies. She is a witch. She loves men, has had a number of husbands & is quite risque. She drinks, smokes & sings dopey pub songs-even though she has a VERY bad singing voice and she is F-U-N!

Well, I can now recognize the theme in my October posts: Just be yourself. All the characters/witches I have written about are fictional & different as night & day & I love & admire them all. They are the women I want to be like, in all their guises. Well, dang. Maybe I will just be me.

My Most Embarrassing Halloween Yet...

2010-10-25T20:48:00.001-04:00

I know most of you have been having fun with Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween with the Haunted Blog Tours, the Guest Posts and yes, the giveaways!

Well, tomorrow my number is up, it's my turn to be the hostess with the mostest ; ) for the Haunted Blog Tour. I'm going to be telling everyone about "the costume of death" I was forced to wear by my mother. Why am I going to be posting about this? Probably, because I'm a glutton for punishment. Really though, I think it's a funny story, now that I'm an adult (mostly) and I hope you'll get at least a smile out of it. I'm also having another small giveaway.

So, I hope you come visit my blog tomorrow as well as reading the guest blogger post (which have been really well-written) and entering the "official" giveaways at Mrs. B's.

Also, don't forget to go see Mother Moon's blog and enter for a wickedly cool giveaway.

A Walk with Those Passed

2010-10-25T10:59:00.000-04:00

St. James Cemetary - South of Avon

The year slowly meanders its way to All Hallows Eve many of us have or will take the time to remember those who have passed before us. There are many traditions that some use to honor this time and ritual. Some set an extra place for those gone before at the table on the eve of October 31st. Some hold a special time of rememberance and place pictures and other items that resemble their loved ones.

Myself I enjoy visiting the cemetary. I have always been amazed at the stories behind each headstone marker. Although I do frequent my family and friends on occasion it is this time of year when I just go visiting. There have been some over the years that I have grown attached to and wonder about the story behind them. Jackie Moon and the children that surround her is a good example of this.

Higates Cemetary In London

Yet today I am keeping with my love for the beautiful art that can be found as one walks through so many cemetaries. I would like to share some photos of some of my favorites. I have not visited each one yet their beauty is amazing.

New Orleans Cemetary

There is a peace that comes to one when they stroll through a cemetary.

Bonaventure Cemetary - Savannah GA

I am sure that there are places where a restless soul may reside and the aura may not be as settled as most.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

Yet for the most part it is calm and serene.

Albany Rural Cemetary

The love can be seen in many of the monuments that have been placed in honor of those passed.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

Such detail put into some as if to place a watcher next to their loved one for safe keeping.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

The children are what move me most

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

So many passed at such tendar ages.

Bonaventure - Savannah GA

This week take a few moments to remember those who have passed before us. Reflect on the gifts they gave you as well as the ones they still give. And if you have some free time on a beautiful October day, consider taking a stroll through your nearest cemetary. You may be surprised what inspiration you might receive.

Blessings

Tea Under a Halloween Moon Blog Party!

2010-10-22T23:35:00.001-04:00

I hope I'll see everyone tomorrow at the "Tea Party Under a Halloween Moon" blog party hosed by Anna from "The Frosted Petunias" Blog. If you attended the "Practical Magic" blog party then you know how fantastic this party tomorrow will be. If you've never been to a blog party, be sure to check out all the blogs on Anna's blog and then you can visit and see all the wonderful ways magick is going to be celebrated. I'll be having a giveaway on my blog, "The Year of the Cats," so please stop by to drink some magickal concoctions as we visit some family members who are just dying to meet you. Oh, wait, I forgot, they're already dead... I invited a dear friend of mine to put us all in the mood. See you tomorrow.

YouTube - Madame Leota Composite
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Pumpkin Pie and Parlor Games

2010-10-22T03:00:00.003-04:00

One of the many fun activities of times of old was the hiding of charms in foods as a means of divination. With Samhain being upon us who hasn’t thought of the wonderful aroma and tastes of a pumpkin pie. The following is an old parlor game often played during Samhain.

Choose your favorite recipe for pumpkin pie and prepare. After the pie is cooked but before you add the whip cream cut the pie into eight slices. Into two of the slices hide a ring. Into two other slices hide a coin. Into two other slices hide a marble. Leave two of the slices with nothing in them.

Before you invite your guests to partake of this parlor fun, be sure and advise them of the possibility of the objects in the pie they are about to eat as to prevent any choking mishaps. Serve the pie to each one and advise the recipients of the possibility of the items enclosed.

If one finds a ring, marital bliss is theirs. If they discover a coin, wealth is said to be in their near future. If they find a marble; the coming year will be cold and lonely for them. If they get no treat in their pie, their future is sure to be filled with uncertainty and many concerns.

For a little more Halloween fun visit my personal blog Mother Moon and check out my Samhain Giveaway.

To Those Who were Condemned in the Burning Times

2010-10-21T18:58:00.003-04:00

With a grim fascination, we modern day witches and pagans look back into the tortured history of the past and The Burning Times. I was fortunate to have a mother who not only was a witch, but studied in depth the history of Witchcraft and the times when no one was safe from accusations which could lead to torture or death. In grade school and beyond I always felt a lack of strong knowledge from my teachers when they talked about the Salem Witch Trials. We learned about the young girls who were "inflicted" by witchcraft, Tituba, the slave who was the first to "confess" of practicing witchcraft, and a few more "educational" bits that were scattered to us like seed for the birds. I'm not blaming the teachers at all. Teachers are told they have to talk about "x" subject with "y" factors and if they resist the system, then they are often fired. My brother is an English high-school teacher and I have gained great respect for the art of teaching.

But, back to the Burning Times, this year I decided I wanted to learn more about the background and history that lay hidden waiting to be discovered. Here are a just a few "facts" (I say this with a grain of salt) that I have found interesting or meaningful.

A conflict between the people who lived in the West (farmers) part of Salem versus the people from the East (businessmen and store owners) part of Salem was so strong that the accusations of witchcraft became a weapon of choice. Historians believe that this was one of the flames that lit the match leading to the witch-hysteria.

In Colonial America, people were hanged for being a witch, not burned at the stake as many people still erroneously believe. However, in Europe, those who were proven guilty of being a witch were killed by burning.
- Giles Corey, a prosperous farmer and honorable church-member was accused of being a wizard and refused to confess to any guilt. In order to force a confession out of him, Corey was placed between stone weights over the course of two days. "After two days, Giles was asked three times to plead innocent or guilty to witchcraft. Each time he replied, "More weight." More and more rocks were piled on him. Three mouthfuls of bread and water were fed to the old man during his many hours of pain. Finally, Giles Corey cried out "More weight!" and died." (Giles Corey. (2010) from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giles_Corey)
- Tituba was an Indian woman, not (as commonly believed) an African slave. She was originally from an Arawak village in South America, where she was captured as a child, taken to Barbados as a captive, and sold into slavery. It was in Barbados that her life first became entangled with that of Reverend Samuel Parris. She was likely between the age of 12 and 17 when she came into the Parris household. She was most likely purchased by Parris from one of his business associates, or given to settle a debt. Parris, at the time, was an unmarried merchant, leading to speculation that Tituba may have served as his concubine. (Doug Linder. (2010) THE SALEM WITCHCRAFT TRIALS: A biographical sketch of Tituba from http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/salem/asa_tit.htm)
Graphic from: www.geminimoon.net
There is so much history to still learn and recover from the times that we'll never completely know the truth about the "why's" and "wherefore's." I don't think though, that these historical facts are as important as remembering and honoring all of those who were condemned because of fear and envy. If you build a Samhain altar, now is a good time to place a token or a symbol to represent those who came before and ask for their blessings as the veil thins and the doors of communication now open.

Also be sure to check out this excellent post from eWitch's Mother Moon to learn more about the whole Witch Trials, I love it!

Below is a half-hour documentary which I feel is really well made about The Burning Times. Blessings to you all.

Salem Witch Hunt (films) - explore - cultural and educational films and photos
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Onion Shortcake And Thanks

2010-10-20T10:50:00.004-04:00

During the season of Samhain is a good time to contemplate what we have reaped. It is good time to reflect all the goodness that has come to us. It is a good time to reflect on the obstacles that we have overcome in the previous year. It is a good time to think back on the desires we had and how we have manifested them in our lives.

As we gather on Samhain as friends and or family such reflection can be shared. Gathering around the fire during the coolness of evening and as the sun set on the previous year is an excellent time to share with one another. Working in a clockwise fashion around the circle ask each to share what they are grateful for. A fresh homemade loaf of bread passed around at the same time allowing each one to break a piece off as they share is symbolic of allowing this gift be become part of one’s whole being.

It is always helpful to share with others yet if some feel uncomfortable allow them to write down their thanks or to silently think their thought. Below is a recipe for Onion Shortcake. A simple recipe to prepare and also to share with the gathering.

Onion Shortcake

2 cups flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 ½ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons shortening

2/3 cups milk

2 teaspoons butter

2 ½ cup sliced onions

1 egg

½ cup light cream

Preheat oven to 400. Sift flour and baking powder with ½ teaspoon of the salt. Cut in the shortening. Add the milk and knead the dough lightly. Flatten into a greased 8 by 8 inch dish.

Melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the onions until golden. I like to combine red and white for an added color. Let the onions cool then spread them over the dough.

Beat the egg, cream, and the remaining salt. Pour over the onions. Sprinkle with paprika and poppy seeds. Bake 15 to 20 minutes.

I want to be street smart (AND gorgeous..oops! too late) like Rachel Marianna Morgan

2010-10-19T12:57:00.000-04:00

I do not know how many of you read Kim Harrison's, The Hollows series but they feature a modern, younger witch named Rachel Mariana Morgan, known by Rachel. She is so talented as witch but also brave, daring & bold. She of course gets in a lot of trouble. What she does for a living is be a detective in her own little firm that includes her room mate Ivy, a living vampire & a pixie named Jenks who lives in their garden with his with and pixie kids.
She has numerous fairly steamy romances with various & sundry males including vampires & other supernaturals although, like James Bond, if you are the current paramour you may get killed or at least attacked. Everybody seems to want a piece of Rachel. She is not an easy person to date, but she is a very easy person to like.

What I like best about Rachel is that she knows who & what she is. She knows how powerful her magic is & she knows how to use it and she never backs down. I am a never back down person, too but for me, it is purposeless. If someone tells me I cannot or should not do something, it's the thrown gauntlet. I am the gal who has to touch the paint right by the "Wet Pint" sign. So I end up doing a lot of stupid, bonehead things. I am like Rachel who is there for her friends: to fight, cast spells or just stand up for them or by them. She is definitely a risk taker(NOT me,chicken little) & will stand up to the wealthy & powerful men(not me either, the coward) that seem to pop up in her life. She is fearless (generally) & wears cool black, leather boots. Ivy helps dress her-she has more money & better taste but also lusts after Rachel so that is a problem, too as Rachel is hetero not even bi. Well I am hetero, too & think I will stick with that in the next life. I really like men.
I cannot go back in time & relive my youth but in my next life, I am going to be a stronger young woman, firmer in my convictions. I want to have convictions when I am young not just drift along my life like a dandelion puff, landing here, there, everywhere. Of course, I was a teen in the late 60's and all that that implies. Drifting was pretty fun back then!
But when I come back things will be different. I will have goals, purpose, pick a great career, be gorgeous & wear black leather boots. Hunh.

Sorry, sorry, sorry. I am late as usual. The title: WWGWD?**

2010-10-15T14:03:00.001-04:00

On the topic of witch craft learned from fictional characters, I press on. In the absence of any witch mentors locally & since I moved to witchcraft via a fictional book, it shouldn't seem odd that my teachers would not be real, either.
When in doubt about a course of action I ask myself, **"What would Granny Weatherwax do?" Granny Weatherwax is the crone of a group of three, sometimes two & sometimes four, witches that live in Discworld. Discworld is a world in the multiverse that is a flat disc carried by four huge elephants that in turn stand on the back of a gigantic turtle named the Great A'tuin. The world is flat. The witches live in the Ramtop Mountains. They each have their own little cottage, a shack more like, especially Granny's.

Granny is an extraordinary witch who knows that the hard part about magic is NOT using it. Granny is sensible, solves her problem's & everyone elses, too, by using her head, "thinkology" in her terms. She doesn't approve of shiny wiccan jewelry or fancy witch terms instead she views herself as he local wise woman nurse/midwife. She does what others won't & she stands up for those who cannot. She lives thriftily since witches do not get paid except in kind: chickens, old boots & worn out sheets to roll for bandages. She helps people. But not by spell casting but by changing bandages, visiting the elderly & infirm & by doing what is right. She is my beacon. When I want to sit and gossip nastily I think, WWGWD? & because if you have to ask, you already know the right answer, then I do it. I think most of us have someone in our lives like Granny, be it real or divine or made-up. Someone you turn to get level again. Someone who epitomizes the woman or man you want to be.Someone who can help you become the person you know lurks deep inside, hidden under the layers of fluff & stuff. So, does it matter whether the guide is real or not? Why would it?

Some favorite quotes on the nature of Granny Weatherwax~

from Wyrd Sisters:
"'Tis not right, a woman going into such places by herself," Granny nodded. She thoroughly approved of such sentiments so long as there was, of course, no suggestion that they applied to her.

Witches are not by nature gregarious, at least with other witches, and they certainly don't have leaders. Granny Weatherwax was the most highly regarded of the leaders they didn't have.

She had never mastered the talent for apologizing, but she appreciated it in other people.

from Witches Abroad:
..Granny Weatherwax, who had walked nightly without fear in the bandit-haunted forests of the mountains all her life in the certain knowledge that the darkness held nothing more terrible than she was...

Granny Weatherwax disapproved of magic for domestic purposes, but she was annoyed. She also wanted her tea. She threw a couple of logs into the fireplace and glared at them until they burst into flame out of sheer embarrassment.

from Lords and Ladies:
"Blessings be upon this house," said Granny Weatherwax. In much the same tone of voice have people said, 'Eat hot lead, Kincaid.'

".......you stupid man!"
"I do happen to be king, you know," said Verence reproachfully.
"You stupid king, your majesty."
"Thank you."

"Inspiring Witches" Blog Party Tomorrow!

2010-10-12T23:15:00.001-04:00

If you haven't heard about the "Inspiring Witches" blog party that Willow over at "A College Witch's Experience" is hosting, be sure to stop by and check out all the blogs that are entered. I know all of the bloggers that are going to post and am really looking forward to hearing about their magickal inspirations. Over on my blog "The Year of the Cats", I'll be having a giveaway, so if you feel like flying by and saying "hi," I'd love to see you.

I want to be Juniper from Dies The Fire

2010-10-07T10:16:00.000-04:00

My husband & I read a trilogy by S.M. Stirling & not to give anything away, calamity of unknown cause & epic proportions happens to Earth an a handful of people are left to pull it all back together.

One of the main characters is a folk singer & wiccan priestess , Juniper MacKenzie & her deaf daughter, Eiler. Through out the series but especially in book one, the author would throw out little bits of information about the goddess, wiccan life & Juni's coven. As I read, I remember thinking, "I want to know more. I want to be more." The more I read about Juniper & Eiler and their lifestyle, especially when the world as they knew it fell to pieces, the more I was pulled toward wicca. The thoughtful choices she made, the strong kind of woman that she was made me realize that there really was a big hole in my life. A spiritual void & a life creed were just not there.

I was raised in a fairly liberal Christian home but church was just what you did on Sunday mornings. Christianity never really took hold in my heart. At any rate with fictional witch Juniper MacKenzie as my hero, I read everything I could get my hands on about wicca, witchcraft & the pagan path.

And really it was about as simple as that. There were some difficult moments of truth. The "what if" moment. You know, "what if I am wrong?" (and end up in hell or worse?) The time when I really did say & really knew it, that Jesus was a man, a good man, and a prophet but not my ticket to the ever after was a lot like stepping off a cliff of unknown height. But I jumped & landed on my feet.

I like a spiritual path that compels me to be good NOW. Not to stock pile it so I can go to heaven. I like being nice because it is the right way to behave. The Rede & the Law of Three are more compelling to me than the Golden Rule ever was. And you have to admit that women have really gotten the short end of the stick in most religions, right? And that is is. A fictional witch pulled me along with her to the witch life.

Blessed October

2010-10-04T15:15:00.000-04:00

October gave a party;

the leaves by hundreds came -

The Chesnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

and leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

and everything was grand.

Miss Weather led the dancing

Professor Wind the band.

-George Cooper-

The Magic and Passion of Chocolate

2010-10-03T18:42:00.010-04:00

When I'm feeling really ghoulish, which has been a major theme in my life lately, there's one thing that helps me get through the hell. A very magical ingredient called....Chocolate!

Everyone has their own preference for how they like chocolate; milk, white, dark, bittersweet..Me, personally, I'm a dark chocolate witch! I like it spicy, biting, and decadent as it can be. And we really know that the reason that adults buy chocolate candy on Halloween is NOT for the darling little trick or treaters. It's for us! I mean, come on...Didn't you always dig through your Halloween bag looking for the best chocolate candy? I did. Forget the lollipops, smarties, etc...I wanted the real stuff. I wanted to win the golden ticket that would gain me entrance in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I never liked either of the movie versions, they just didn't capture the seductive quality chocolate has for me.

The Aztecs and the Mayans knew what they were doing. The Aztec ruler Montezuma reportedly drank up to 50 cups of chocolate each day so that he could keep his harem of 600 women happy. And I bet he succeeded! To spend the night in a Mayan brothel, one had to hand over a handful of cacao beans. And then there was one of my favorite characters in history who also had a passion for women and chocolate...Casanova. He preferred chocolate over champagne. Smart man!

Kitchen Witch's know that chocolate has certain magickal powers and use it with great care and love. I have two favorite movies that blend chocolate and magic together. The first is "Like Water, for Chocolate." The book is also full of wonderful recipes (not all with chocolate though). There's love, jealousy, passion, and beauty. Perfect for indulging oneself in both chocolate and fantasy. The second chocolate movie (which also happens to me one on my top 5 movie list) is "Chocolat" with the delicious Johnny Depp and the ethereal Juliette Binoche. Chocolate in this movie represents all that is sensual, feminine and powerful. Naturally, there were those who repressed their hunger for this aphrodisiac and suffered for it. Aphrodite, who I believe is the Goddess of Chocolate wreaks havoc on those who forbid themselves of their chocolate fantasies.

The Seventeenth-Century church officials believed that those who "indulged" themselves with chocolate were the minions of the devil. If I lived back then, my soul would have been in perilous danger. If I ended up in hell, so be it, as long as I could burn with chocolate.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite chocolate recipes that I fell in love with after seeing the movie, "Chocolat."

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: 3 oz. Mexican Chocolate (which most Latino markets carry or if you can't reach one, you can substitute bittersweet chocolate tempered with a few dashes of cinnamon and just a small touch of sugar. Not too much sweetness because that's the beauty of this drink).

3 cups of milk or water

A dusting of cinnamon on top

Chop the chocolate in a blender or grate by hand. Bring the milk to a boil in a small sauce pan. Pour the hot milk over the chocolate. Using a whisk, hand mixer or blender, whisk the milk with passion until the chocolate melts and the milk is frothy.

Sprinkle with the cinnamon and drink immediately.

If this doesn't warm up your heart and body, then I don't know what would. So, do you like chocolate? Do you have a favorite chocolate candy or recipe? I'd love to know them...from one sinner to another.

Everything I learned about being a "real" witch, I learned from fiction.

2010-10-03T10:44:00.000-04:00

Hey ya'll and happy October. Fall is my favorite time of year. I think a lot of people love Fall the best. We at eWitch discussed writing something once a day in the blog & at first I thought, that I didn't have anything to say, at least not everyday or every few days, and CERTAINLY not anything very important, but now I do. I have had an epiphany.
I have realized that all the really important witch lessons I have learned have come from novels with witches as the main character.
And not to put too fine a point on it, I have real A LOT of books about wicca, wiccan life, paganism & so on, both technical & historical. My ongoing theme this month is about that. I cannot spend anytime today about it other than to declare my intentions but I will be here all month prattling on.

Preview: How I became a witch. "Dies The Fire" by S.M. Stirling.

Psssst... What To Know A Secret

2010-10-02T10:18:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to let all our readers know that currently a simply wonderful giveaway is taking place. Mrs. B's 31 days of Halloween is currently underway. Yes, I know that it is the 2nd but there are still 30 days (counting today) to get in on all the fun that will take place. There is a wonderful giveaway (sometimes more) every day and also Haunted Blog tours as well as a variety of guest bloggers. A little bit for everyone.

Today's giveaways are a perfect example of the great things that one will have the chance to win through out the month of October.

First there is a lovely Samhain themed goddess doll made my none other than Nydia over at Bringing Up Salamanders. I can say from experience that her work is wonderful and the patience and love she puts into it are well apparent.

Next a Book entitled "Weisers Field Guide to Witches" it looks to be a wonderful find.

And lastly a wonderful goodie basket by none other than October Farm. Any of you who have been to her blog know that her gifts are full of wonderful treats and are a bounty unto itself.

So take the time to slip over to Mrs. B's and join in on all the fun. I can assure you that you will be glad you did.

Farewell and Thank You for Coming

2010-09-25T18:00:00.002-04:00

Sometimes in life we are so blessed to have found that special friend/sister who is as much us as we are ourselves. They cry our tears, they giggle our joys.

They are with us always even when they are absent.

They are willing to share whatever is needed.

They are willing to give whatever we ask.

May you find such a friend/sister.

May you experience the true sisterhood that only two women can share.

Thank you for joining us for our Practical Magic Blog Party.

You are always welcomed to come again.

blessings
For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Bring the Book, Bring the Bird

2010-09-25T14:22:00.001-04:00

The very best Book of Shadows of all times!

A recipe for Centipede Juice

One of the first pages from the dark half of the Book of Shadows. To get to that part, the book is flipped and opened from the opposite end. This is where they get the spell to keep Jimmy from "rising!"

The spell that got Jimmy-or so they thought

See how feathers and other odds and ends are tucked into the book?

Their version of the Love Potions

My version! If you will leave me your email either on this page or send it to marionwilhelm at gmail dot com, I will send you your very own copy as a pdf.

My Blood, Your Blood, Our Blood

2010-09-25T12:00:00.004-04:00

How far would you go for someone?

How bare would you make yourself
to those you may be trying to hide from;

In order to help someone who means the most to you?

The power and understanding of women for one another
(whether alike or different)
if far greater than we may allow.

Sometimes we need only to be the first one to take the first step.

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Amas Veritas-Gillian Style

2010-09-25T09:37:00.000-04:00

Gillian: Hello, Sister-Witches, with my sister Sally here in tow for good luck, I'm going to tell you about the latest spell I cast for love and passion...I know that my sister is happily married (BORING!) but hey, she's happy and so are my nieces and that's what counts. But for me, I'm still single and I have to first make sure he pleases me where it matters most, so...

Sally: Wait a minute Gilly, you cast around last time for passion and look who that landed you with..A certain Cowboy Vampire that thank the Goddess is banished from our lives so be careful what you wish for this time...

Gilly: I know, I know! Everyone knows about my past, let's not go there sister-dearest. Can I please tell everyone about how to start? (Sally nods with her head to go on.) Well, I love to work with tarot cards which I learned from our aunts who in my opinion are the Queens of Magick. I first bathe myself in pure rose oil from Bulgaria on a Friday night with full and beautiful moon. You see, Friday was originally dedicated to the goddess, Freyja and so naturally I want to beckon and bedazzle men with her beauty.

Sally: Uh, back to Bulgaria? Wasn't "he" from Bulgaria? Why don't you just be practical and use roses from the garden?

Gilly: Because YOU'RE the practical one and sometimes you need more than just "practical" when it comes to love! (Sally shakes her head in exasperation and sighs.) O.k. I choose four tarot cards and lay them on my altar. I have special candles that usually Sally or the Aunts have made ( I have no patience for stuff like that) thatI've anointed them with jasmine oil to give that extra sparkle...The first card I choose (and I do mean choose and not leave to fate, I want to know what I'm getting into) is the past and the lessons I've learned and what I want to let go of.

Sally: Amen to that!

Gillian: Thank you Sally, will you please not interrupt me anymore? Otherwise everyone will think that you're being incredibly bossy (which you are) and make me look like I don't know what I'm doing, but I do! And this is MY spell after all...So, as you all know, I haven't had the best of luck with men. I want to leave all that ugly heart-wrenching stuff behind me. So, that's my first card. Remember of course, you have to pick what best represents your past and the lessons you've learned, which hopefully aren't the same as mine. Then I lay the second card left of my past card, which shows who and where I am now in my life. I choose the "High Priestess" card as you can see, because I finally feel that I've come into my full power with my magick and wisdom.

Sally rolls her eyes.

Gillian: Don't think I didn't see that Sally! Then I choose my immediate future that I want to see manifested..(don't you just love that word? I choose a card that represents the type of man I want. Someone, who can buy me pretty things, is king of his own realm and someone I can go to when the storms outside erupt and will gently hold me in his arms. Yeah, Sally, I knew that last part would make you smile...So, I choose the King of Pentacles. I used to go for the Knight or King of Wands, since I liked his fire so much, but as I've said, I've matured...Besides those men were always broke and forget that!

And then finally I choose the last card which represents our future together...I don't want to rush and get the ball and chain yet, like SOME people...So, I choose the Lovers card...You lay each card to the left of the following one. So, this is my last card...

Sally: GILLIAN! NOT the best "Lovers" card for you!

Gillian: I'm only teasing, Sally, actually that's the card I chose before I met..."him." So, this is the card I choose now. It doesn't have the Disney type ending, but to me and for you sister-witches, you need to choose a card that represents the kind of love that you want...And so this is my final card.

I then leave the cards on my altar and light the candles for a full moon cycle or two if the Goddess is being fickle and then I let my dreams drift off into the air and know that when the time is right, (although I'd rather it be now than later) I'll meet my King. Oh and I take my cards off my altar when I'm done and with the candle wax remains, I go to the ocean and throw them into the sea because I've been taught that water represents emotion and love. As your wishes move with the tides, so your love comes closer to you...

Sally: Are you going to tell them, not to perform this during a Mercury Retrograde or the whole spell can go completely backwards? Remember you performed this last during a retrograde and look who you ended up with!

Gillian: I KNOW Sally, I know, but thank you for mentioning that to everyone so they don't have a disastrous love affair (even though he was SO dreamy at the beginning).

And there you have it sister-witches a love spell Gillian style! Please do let us know what happens with you. We both are here if you have any questions or if you have any spells that have worked for you, I know I'd love to hear them!

For more magical posts; please visit here and see all the wonder and beauty when there's "Practical Magic" to be found!

Bad Boys - What You Gonna Do

2010-09-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

Why is it that we always seem to be intrigued by the dark bad boys?

Doesn't it always seem that eventually we grow to regret it?

But still for those brief moments,
when we are in ignorant bliss.......

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

To Love or Not to Love - Is That The Question

2010-09-25T06:00:00.012-04:00

Who among us never dreamt of love when we were young? How many times did you sit and dream about the one you would someday fall helplessly in love with? How many times was your heart broke into a million tiny slivers when that love was lost or found to be not what you expected. I think we can all relate in some way or the other.

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Those We call Sister... Those We Call Friend

2010-09-25T00:00:00.005-04:00

The connection between those we call sister and/or friend is a fierce bond. We can feel each others sorrow and dance to each others joys.

Today take a moment to drop a note to someone who holds that place in your heart and let them know the blessings they have brought your way.

For others who are also participating in The Practical Magic Blog Party go to

http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Let the Party Begin

2010-09-24T12:34:00.002-04:00

There is no better way to get a party started then with a good margarita..Join us throughout the weekend as we celebrate that movie we all love "Practical Magic".

For others who are also celebrating go to http://pmblogparty.blogspot.com/

Mabon Blessings

2010-09-23T14:55:00.000-04:00

As autumn returns once again with all its blessings,

and day and night are briefly,

but perfectly,

balanced at the equinox,

May we take a few moments to be reminded

of the precious fraility of

human life

as well as the precious gifts bestowed upon us

by the life that encircles us each day.

The wonders and beauties of Mother Nature

and all other creatures,

trees and plants,

waters and winds.

May we strive to make wise choices

in how and what we reap as well as what we sow.

As the earth's days shorten,

may we be blessed with beautiful Indian Summer days.

As the coolness comes,

may the gathering of those preparing for winter ahead

be prosperous and plentiful.

And as we also prepare for the coming inward journey

of the coming months,

may we find an increasing compassion and tolerance

in our hearts and minds for those in need.

-Mother Moon-

A New Giveaway and a New Blog...

2010-09-17T14:02:00.002-04:00

I am really excited about this giveaway and I hope you will be too! As you all know my incredible eWitch sisters had amazing giveaways and now it is my turn. I am starting a brand new blog, well, actually two; but this giveaway pertains to the one that has started. The name of the blog is "The Year of the Cats" and that should give you some clue about what the main theme of the blog will be about...I'm not going to go into huge detail about the giveaway, but to give you a taste, here are the items that I'm offering...

I go into much more detail about each of the items on my blog post here, so if you're interested in this giveaway, please do go check out why I'm holding this giveaway and learn more about it. But, as you can see, there are four (five if you want the stand the Goddess stature is sitting on) for the winner. The Gaia/Earth Mother Statue, a book I've blogged about here on eWitch ; a beautiful candle (and another candle will be substituted for those women who have stopped menstruation or haven't yet begun); and a White Sage smudge stick.

To enter you can do the following and the more you do, the higher the chances that you'll win obviously:

1) If you're not a follower here at eWitch, become one.
2) Become a follower over at my new blog .
3) Write a post about it on your blog if you have one.
The winner will be chosen and announced on September 24; a week from now.

If you're entering; please leave a comment telling me how you're going to be entering and if you do write a blog post, please leave a link to it so we can all enjoy it.

I think whomever wins will be really surprised and happy with the Giveaway.

May the Goddess Fortuna Bless each of you!

My Childhood Visitors

2010-09-14T12:03:00.001-04:00

I was a quiet child growing up. Without going into great details I would have to say I was one of those “forgotten children”. It seemed that everyone else was busy with something or someone else. I was the youngest of four children, and the sister who was born a mere 14 months before me was diagnosed with major health issues from day one. Not only did she have heart issues which eventually caused open heart surgery she was also predicted to not live past her 3rd year of life. I am happy to report that she is alive and kicking still on the verge of celebrating her 50th birthday this month.(Fall Equinox to be exact) She will more than likely live way past the rest of us. Ah, the marvels of modern medicine.

Yet that is not the pathway that I wish to take with this posting. Since I was born quite soon after her birth and she still required frequent trips to the doctor and hospital for multiple surgeries that she would have during the first few years of her life, I did not partake in the usual baby mother time. As I grew older this continued as I was quite healthy and a quiet timid child. I was perfectly happy with my multitude of cats that occupied my time on the farm. I did not need the companionship of my much older brother or sister, nor did they wish to give it to me.

In retrospect although this time of my life (through my 4th year) had moments that would terrify me and the lack of what some would consider the basic nurturing that most children received; it was also a time of some of the most memorable moments of my childhood. I slept in a baby bed in the old farm house in a room just off from the kitchen. A window was near my bed and I remember being able to see the moon from it. A dresser was positioned next to my bed and each evening a baby bottle would be sat atop it for me to have access to through the night.

Although I know I was only four years old the memories of this time are quite vivid in my mind. In fact some of them are more vivid then memories from later on in my childhood, yet that is what repression does to you. One evening that I remember with clarity was an occasion after I went to bed and awoke later in the night. As I went to the dresser to retrieve my bottle I could not reach it. I remember trying yet to no avail.

Suddenly a woman came through the door of my bedroom and was walking towards me. She wore all white and her hair hung around her shoulders. She came towards me as if floating and a glow like shimmer surrounded her. She never spoke a work yet it was as if I could understand what she spoke to me. As she came closer she handed the out of reach bottle to me. She stood by my bed until I must have fallen asleep as the next thing I recall was morning.

Another instance was not realized until much later in my life. I had lived with the memories of late night talks around the kitchen sink while sitting on the kitchen cabinet, my feet sitting in the sink. As I sat and gazed out the window at the night sky and all its wonder I remember being told stories of the moon and all her glory. In retrospect it seemed that at most times this occurred when the moon was full. A woman stood at the sink, She would share her stories and knowledge with me as well as another girl who stood beside her.

For years I assumed that this woman and other girl were my mother and older sister. I did not think much about it until once when I asked my sister about it. She had no idea what I was talking about so I dismissed her recollection as the fact that it was probably not her who shared in the late night stories. Later I brought the subject up with my mother who responded in a similar manner as my sister. She did not know anything of what I was speaking of.

She continued to tell me that although she did not ever remember sitting with me in the kitchen conveying stories she did remember finding me on several occasions asleep on the kitchen cabinet in the mornings. She also added that I should know better than to think I would be allowed to sit on the cabinet with my feet in the kitchen sink.

After this revelation I wondered for sometime who the woman was. Who told me the many stories of the moon and warned me of specific places on the farm not to go? Was it the woman who also assisted me that evening with my bottle on the dresser? I am not sure if I will ever know yet I do feel that I was being watched over.

One occasion when I relayed this story to my granddaughter then at a tender age of 6 she looked square at me and said in a child’s matter of fact manner, it was your angel GG. I think she was right.

How to make a winner or at least the winner of this Give Away!

2010-09-12T16:58:00.000-04:00

Gently fold the names into small bits...

When all folded, admire all the names & the work that the contestants did to get all their entries: Twitter,link, follow...

Put them into a clean cauldron to mix..

Stir well with a wand...

Ta dah! faerwillow is the winner!

The prize is Scott Cunningham's Book of Shadows. Thank you ALL for entering. I know all we at eWitch really appreciate the support. Goddess bless us every one!

In Honor of 9/11

2010-09-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

Great joys make us love the world. Great sadnesses make us understand the world.
~Kent Nerburn~

I saw this wonderful 9/11 tribute video over on a great blog I just discovered; "Never Growing Old" and wanted to share it with all of you on this day that no one will ever forget...

And The Winner Is....

2010-09-09T09:03:00.001-04:00

I will be honest and say that I am not too fond of number generators as a method of choosing a winner for my giveaways. I know that it is fast and easy and of course fair yet I like to write each name down and place them all in a bucket then rumage my hand down inside it until I am led to the one who is destined to win. Of course this is what I done this morning to choose the winner for the Guilded Tarot giveaway.

And the winner is...............

Tracy Deluca @ Witch Path to Take

Congrats Tracy!! Send me your shipping info and I will send your package of goodies out asap. I already have them all wrapped up and ready to go. Until next time folks.

Blessings to you and yours and thank all of you for commenting.

Tarot - The Cards of Triumphs

2010-09-08T10:51:00.000-04:00

The actual origin of the tarot is unclear to say the least. It has been lost in the fog and legends of distant past. As in all issues where solid facts are scarce there are many views and much debate.

Originally it was a card game for the elite and eccentric. Lavishly hand painted cards were designed to be used in the courts of kings and nobles. Carte Da Trionfi or the Cards of Triumphs as they were known was the deck of choice. The introduction of the game seems to date back to the second half of the thirteenth century. It is still debated as to what the actual origin of the game was yet most believe it to be Arab.

The first complete deck (at least believed by some) is the Italian Vis-Contideck dating back to the 1400s. It is thought that the deck was created after the wedding of Philip and Mary Maria of Savoy, daughter of Amadeus VIII. The intricacy of each card is exquisite and hard to believe that they retained themselves after so many years. This deck has been reproduced somewhat and can still be obtained in replication.

After some time, thought to be in the early 1500, the cards began to be known as tarochhi or tarock and later tarot. The standard deck numbers seventy eight. There are four standard suits with 14 representations in each suit. Much like the standard card deck of club, spades, hearts, and diamonds, the tarot deck is made up of wands/staves, cups, swords, and pentacles/coins. This is known as the minor arcana. Twenty two trump cards make up the major arcana. Examples of these cards are the fool, the world, strength, the sun, the lovers, and so on. The card game of triumphs is still played in Europe to this day yet it seems that we Americans tend to lean more to the use of the tarot for divination.

There have been a multitude of decks designed over the years. I think I can be safe when saying that a deck to fit absolutely anyone could be found if one was to look hard enough. The most commonly known is the Rider Waite deck at least in the English speaking countries. It was originally produced in December of 1909. Academic mystic A.E.Waite was instrumental in the instructional book and bares at least half of the name of the deck. The other half is the Rider Publishing Company. Illustrator and artist Pamela Colman Smith was commissioned by Waite to lend her talents to the creation of the visual aspect of each interpretation. Simplistic is a word often used by many to describe this deck yet it has withstood the test of time and become one if not the most popular deck.

Among the many modern artist today that have had a hand in creating the elaborate and colorful modern decks we see is Ciro Marchetti. His use of broad imagination and brilliance of color has made his decks one of the most admired today. His first deck, The Guilded Tarot released in 2004, is a perfect example of this. Transporting one to a realm of knights and fair maidens the imagery is breathtaking. Among his other decks are the Legacy tarot and his Tarot of Dreams. As tried and true as some are to the Rider Waite, there are others who prefer the opportunity to derive their intuition from a deck that lends itself to a larger variety of imagery and messages.

The deck which I prefer most is neither of the ones mentioned above. I will be honest and say that I have a few decks in my possession. I have always been one who enjoys the different interpretation that each new deck seems to offer. There are those decks that honestly do nothing for me yet there are those who swear by their use and gift which they give. Likewise I am sure that some of the decks I enjoy are equally viewed the same.

My favorite deck is the Druidcraft deck which was created and designed by Stephanie and Philip Carr-Gomm of the Order of the Bards, Ovates and Druids in England. Released in 2005 it combines my likes and interests perfectly. A combination of nature based spiritualism of the druid life coupled with pagan beliefs makes this deck a perfect fit. As is in many modern decks there are some cards (especially in the Major arcana) with different names or references. An example of this is the card pictured above (The Lady). The four suits, although the same, have a deeper representation bringing about a more nature based message.

In closing, just a brief reminder that tomorrow I will be drawing the winner of the Guilded Tarot Deck by Marchetti. You can enter for a chance to win by clicking the link. Blessings

"H" is for "Hobbit" In Particular: Mr. Bilbo Baggins

2010-09-07T22:13:00.000-04:00

Every week at "ABC Wednesdays" people post about the letter of the week...This week, we were to post about the letter "H". I chose "Hobbit" because I loved the book so much. Wasn't so crazy about the animated movie version, but I loved the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy (of course the books too!) by Peter Jackson. I also know that a movie of "The Hobbit" is going to be coming out in the near future hopefully. Anway, I thought you might enjoy my "Hobbit" post.

is for "Hobbit."

I would like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine that lives in another land very far away from most us called, "Middle Earth." Here is a map of it .

It's an odd place full of creatures most of you have probably never heard of. There are Dwarves, Eagles, (not your ordinary one's mind you), beautiful Elves, Ents; ancient trees that walk and talk, mortal men and women and my favorite people: Hobbits also known as "Halflings" to the locals.

I was introduced to one of these Hobbits when I was eleven years old and given a book, called "The Hobbit" by a man named J.R.R. Tolkien who had spent quite a while in Middle Earth and befriended my Hobbit friend; Mr. Bilbo Baggins.

Here is an image of him, although in person, he is much more colorful, wonderfully quirky and magickal than this image can portray. I hope you do get to meet him in person of if you can't and are interested in his story, please read the above mentioned book, "The Hobbit."

When I told Mr. Baggins I was participating in a blog with the letters of the alphabet featured on a blog. Of course he had no idea what a blog or computer so I had to explain as best as I could what they both were. He was quite intrigued as he had never seen one but was excited that maybe someday he would "meet" one of them, (his own words) so he could tell them about his memoir he was writing. I told him I couldn't imagine a better representative for the letter "H" and so he was gracious enough to sit down for an interview for you, the dear readers.
Mr. Baggins grew up and lived in a very small town called "The Shire". Here is an image of The Shire
. It is a beautiful town, full of darling little houses where other Hobbits live, including Mr. Baggins nephew, Frodo who many of you have probably seen along with Bilbo in the movie trilogy based on Tolkiens books movies called "Lord of the Rings." The Hobbits haven't seen these movies as they don't venture from The Shire as they're not particularly fond of adventures and are quite afraid of another race of beings that I haven't mentioned, called "The Orcs". The Orcs are enemies of the Hobbits and are evil. They were once men who fell under the rule of the most dreaded one of all, Sauron. I won't go into much about him because he also frightens me and Bilbo wouldn't approve of my talking about him.

So, on with the interview.

Me: Mr. Baggins, may I call you Bilbo? Would you mind telling me a little about yourself and your background?

Bilbo: Why of course dear child, you can certainly call me Bilbo if I may refer to you as "Wendy". (There we had settled the formal matters.) I was born in this shire raised with my parents; Bungo Baggins and Belladonna Took. We are quite a hardy race and and remain quite close to our families all our lives. You see none of the other races, perhaps besides the Elves (mentioning the Elves, he had this dreamy, far-away smile on his face) understand what matters to us. Family, good grog, celebrations and books of course which is how I met my esteemed friend and confidante Mr. Tolkien, a wonderful chap by the way.

The name "Hobbits" comes from "the word "Holbytla" which translates "hole-dweller" in Old English," (Hobbit. (2010) Retrieved September 06, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobbit).

At this point he rose out of his chair to fetch the tea he was making for the both of us. I asked him what the tea was made of and he chuckled, "an old family recipe my dear. Hops, good for the a constitution, Linden flowers for taste, and Lavender for it's medicinal qualities. And of course wild bee honey who live in juniper bushes and make the most delicious honey!" And indeed, the tea was the most lovely tea I had ever drank.

Mr. Baggins sat down with a fire gently blazing in the fireplace and we both listened a minute to the rain pattering on his windows. "It's so beautiful here!" I sighed. I knew he and the other Hobbits took a lot of pride in their land. "Oh, but we have had many threats and forces try to kill us all and ravage the land for their evil purposes" He shuddered here and I knew of course he was referring to he Orcs.

If you're brave enough you can look at this picture of the Orc's but I warn you they're quite scary to look at, much less think of.

I noticed he kept fingering a ring that was from his vest picket that had some type of inscriptions on them that I had never seen before. I asked him if he minded telling me about this ring, because it had such an unusual glow and quality about it. At this he lowered his voice quite dramatically and told me that once long ago there were two of his kind, fishing, "Smeagol" and his best friend "Deagol". Deagol was pulled into the water by a huge carp and when he emerged from the murky water had something glistening in his hand. This was "the ring", one of many;

Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

Apparently, these rings had a certain power that could be used for good or evil.

Bilbo went on to tell me that Smeagol seeing this ring, wanted it so bad, he begged his friend, Deagol for it and when Deagol wouldn't hand it to him, Smeagol turned into this dark creature, Gollum and killed his friend. You'll have to read the book to find out how Bilbo outwitted Gollum and took the ring and what happens on his journey.

I could tell Bilbo was getting a bit weary and knowing Hobbits like I do, knew that a daily nap was important for their welfare. So, I thanked Mr. Baggins for the tea, the company and his graciousness for the interview. And then I left Middle Earth where I rushed immediately back to my own realm and here you see the what transpired.

The book, "The Hobbit" I read at least once a year along with the sequels where the adventure is focused on Bilbo's nephew Frodo. Bilbo of course is still a major character along with a wizard I eventually will be introduced to by the name of Gandalf the Good. I do hope you'll read Mr. Tolkiens and lose yourself in them as I have. I guarantee you wont' be disappointed and will come to love Mr. Baggins and his family as much as I have. There are also quite a few other books written by J.R.R. Tolkien that I recommend equally.

Here's a preview of the movie "The Hobbit" soon to be released.

YouTube - Hobbit 2009 Trailer (real)
.

"Autumn Bliss" Print and Pendant Winner

2010-09-06T12:28:00.000-04:00

And the winner is...

Wicked!!

Please send me an email with your address and we will get the print and pendant shipped your way :)

Kaleidoscopes - The Coming of Fall

2010-09-05T09:12:00.000-04:00

Fiery colors begin their yearly conquest on the hills,

propelled by autumn winds.

Fall is the Artist.

Animal Crossing: Wild World 2005

Dancing with Myself during Mercury Retrograde

2010-09-04T15:56:00.002-04:00

I'm blaming Mercury for EVERYTHING going wrong in my life right now! How dare he go retrograde! I just started a new friendship over the internet and the conversations have been full of stormy misunderstandings and confusing awkward conversations. I sit down to try and post for my blogs and chaotic nonsense pours out. So please forgive me and blame Mercury/Hermes if this post is flying all over the place.

My computer who normally cooperates with me and is only a year old has frozen up on me so many times, I might as well be blogging in the North Pole...Knock on wood, the bank with it's "sophisticated" computer systems haven't YET pulled any stunts with my bank account.
And I'm not the only one out there who is suffering at the sluggishness of Mercury, I'm hearing all types of stories! Sigh...What's a mortal to do?

Oh, you say you don't know what I'm talking about? Mercury? Isn't that a chemical substance? What does "retrograde" mean and why is this effecting people? Well, let me first go for the mythical aspect of Mercury since I love mythology so much. Mercury was originally known as "Hermes" he only became Mercury when the Romans overtook the Greek pantheon and changed all the deities names, (must have been happening during a Mercury Retrograde period.) Hermes/Mercury, is the god of tricksters, thieves, communication, travel and electricity which of course effects computers. So, now to the science aspect of it all, dear T.D.R. (who prefers science over Myth and magic ; )

A planet is described as retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. According to modern science, this traditional concept arises in the illusory planetary motion created by the orbital rotation of the earth with relation to other planets in our solar system. It's a bit like traveling on the road watching another car beside you: when the other car slows down, or you speed up, it looks as though the other car is moving backwards. Planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way due to this cosmic shadow-play.

Rob Tillett. (2010) Mercury Retrograde: Astrology on the Web. Retrieved September 04, 2010, from http://www.astrologycom.com/mercret.html

Personally, when it comes to Mercury Retrograde, I don't pay much attention to how the planets are lining up, I'm just trying not to go crazy on this earthly realm.

All the Greek/Roman deities "ruled or governed" different people according to the date and time they were born, which is mainly how astrology originally came to be based on astronomical movements. Mercury rules Gemini's and Virgo's.

Now, Mercury Retrograde effects everyone in some form or another, but those of us who have either Gemini or Mercury planets in our astrological charts really have "fun" during this retrograde period. A person's "Sun" sign is what generic astrology is based upon, the typical horoscope you read in the newspaper or magazines. But we have many more planets than just the Sun, that make their presence known when we're born. I won't go into all the planets and their significance now as that would be a book, rather than just a blog post, but maybe I'll do a series on that.

See? I can't even seem to stay on track posting now which is difficult enough without Mercury being in retrograde. My sun "sign" is Libra, which means usually, I aim for balance, equanimity, fairness, etc...However, my Moon sign which by the way is (about the hidden life inside of us, how we express our feminine aspects and our relationships with our Mother and how that plays out) is in VIRGO. The planet that was "ascending" also known as the "rising" planet on the date and time of my birth is VIRGO, double whammy! Your rising or "ascendant" planet is where your growth occurs in your outer life, it's the "movie preview" of what lays ahead.

Not to mention that when Mercury Retrograde does his backwards dance he always chooses an astrological sign for a partner. Well, guess what, Mercury Retrograde happens to be dancing with Virgo right now. So, for all of you who have their sun sign in Gemini and Virgo, (or happen to have those planets in big time places of your horoscope chart), well, buckle your seat-belts because this has been a really bumpy road since August 20th and will continue to be until Sept. 12.

We all feel the retro. shadow a few weeks before the actual retrograde itself and the wonderful effects linger a week or so after he finally decides to fly forward in his winged sandals. We usually have Mercury turn Retrograde three times a year, but in 2010 he turns retro four times a year, lucky us.

I know for a lot of you this is just too far to believe and you think I'm too superstitious or kooky and that's o.k. I have friends and family members who are as logical as you can get, dismiss any type of myth and magic and yet when Mercury Retro happens, I always love to hear their stories of mishaps and chaos. Remember, Mercury/Hermes is the God of tricksters, so I take delight in harmless pranks and chaos.

So, what are we mortals to do when Mercury flips us all out or off for that matter? Anything that starts with the letters "RE", which of course relates to REtrograde. This is a time for relaxing, rewinding, rehearsing, reorganizing, releasing and on and on, you get it...You can't fight the gods, so you might as well, not join them, but be in sync with them as much as possible.

My biggest aim is to relax because I'm already tense and anxious as it is. Oh yeah, and I blogged about Hermes/Mercury being the only god who can visit the underworld and safely come back to the living, well, I call him my Bipolar Messenger as I've also blogged about having Bipolar Disorder II. So you can really imagine my poor friends and family when one minute I'm spinning around them literally or metaphorically like Tigger and then the next minute I'm pulling my Eeyore act. Fortunately, my new friend that I mentioned above is extremely patient and kind with me even though he thinks this whole way of looking at life is a bit loony.

Even I have to laugh at my being bipolar and I guess I can thank Hermes/Mercury for that because believe it or not, there are gifts I receive during the slower times that Eeyore brings as well as the blessings of being able to move forward and dance like Tigger.

So, don't curse yourselves out, or others, if life is throwing you some fast ones. It always helps to light a yellow candle (as the color yellow is associated with Mercury/Hermes) and ask him how to be patient and move with as much grace as possible.

I'm still not letting him off the hook though and he owes me big time!!!
Hang in there, we only have a little over a week to go and then life will return to some sort of order until Yule/Christmas time (December 10-December 30). Fa la la la and all that nonsense!

Does or has Mercury Retro. effected you in anyway? And what do you do during the "RE" time?

Witch Way Out Maze

2010-09-03T19:35:00.000-04:00

Something fun!

Magical Twilight Realms and Timeless Wisdom - A Giveaway

2010-09-01T05:00:00.005-04:00

Myths, fairy tales, and legends of times past have always been something that has held a special place in my heart of hearts. Who hasn’t in some form or another lost themselves into this genre and/or belief? Tarot likewise is a practice all its own. An insight into what is and what could be. A rendering of intuitive messages given to us from beyond.

I invite you to enter into a place that is between fantasy and reality. A magical twilight realm of timeless wisdom coupled with ageless symbols and archetypal themes. I speak of the Gilded Tarot. Renowned tarot artist Ciro Machetti uses the traditional structure of the Rider Waite tarot yet in his own mannerism creates a deeply rich colorful translation that is all his own. It is a world of fair maidens, knights and kings It is a place where one can find the wisdom of a mystic sage as well as the strength and beauty of the reigning queen.

Today’s giveaway is a chance to do just that. The winner will receive the Gilded Tarot deck along with the Gilded Tarot companion book by Barbara Moore. Also included is a handmade tarot bag of silver and purple.

All you have to do to be considered in the drawing is to leave a comment and be a follower of Ewitch. The drawing will be open through September 8th with the winner being drawn on September 9th. Good luck to all of you!!

Tuesday Give Away! Scott Cunningham's Book of Shadows

2010-08-31T08:03:00.002-04:00

This is a book themed give away to go with our Tuesday book reviews. Up for grabs is a brand new copy of Cunningham's Book of Shadows, The Path of an American Traditionalist.

"Wiccan readers will treasure this blast from the past as one final word from the revered teacher."—Library Journal

Llewellyn is pleased to present a new Scott Cunningham book—a long-lost Book of Shadows. Recently discovered in a battered manila envelope, this previously unpublished manuscript was penned by Scott in the early 1980s. This rare book includes original spells, rituals, and invocations and an herbal grimoire. Featured in the design are Scott’s actual hand-drawn signs, symbols, and runes.

More than ten years after his passing, Scott Cunningham is still an iconic and highly regarded figure in the magical community. His books on Wicca are considered classics, and his writings continue to inspire and inform those new to the Craft.

The drawing for this giveaway will occur on Sunday September 12th, around noonish. I will be out of town the previous week so you get some extra time to win! All entries must be dated before noon on September 12th.

You will receive one entry for :
1. Being a follower of the eWitch blog & let us know by posting a comment.
2. Checking out luna's etsy store, www.SpelledWithaW.com and tell us which goodie you yearn to own.
3. Retweeting or blogging about this giveaway. Be sure & come back here & post about it, leaving a link .

Happy blogging & good luck, ya'll & lots of love from luna!

"Autumn Bliss" Print and Pendant from Sparrow

2010-08-30T10:03:00.001-04:00

"Autumn Bliss" by Angelique Mroczka

Winner of this giveaway will receive:

1 - 8 x 10 inch print of "Autumn Bliss" from Angelique Art Studios
1 - 1 x 2 inch glass pendant of "Autumn Bliss" from Angelique Art Studios

Drawing for this giveaway will occur on Monday, September 6th around 9 am CST. Entries (comments to this post) must be dated before that time.

You will receive one entry for each:

Be a follower of the eWitch blog (post a comment to let us know you are a follower).
Check out the Angelique Art Studios gallery and let us know which picture is your favorite (post comment on this post).
Retweet or blog about this giveaway (provide Twitter name or link to post in comment).

Good luck everyone!!

eWitch is Giving Back!

2010-08-30T09:46:00.001-04:00

Can you feel the magic of Autumn in the air? The witches of eWitch can!

This week we have three giveaways for our dedicated readers and friends!!

A Question about Psychic Gifts

2010-08-29T10:08:00.000-04:00

As we draw closer to Samhain (and not wanting to gloss over Maybon, but I will come back to that on a different post) I have been wondering about my own psychic gifts & if I really have them. I have weird one concerning parking spaces & bar stools. When I need one, a spot opens up. A close-in parking space in a jam packed lot, or someone pulls out just when I need a space. Sometimes three barstools on a corner which is the best because then 3 people can chat, nearly face to face just like at a table but almost always, just when we need a place to sit while we wait for a table to be ready so that we can eat, someone will pay their bar bill & I will get their stool. My sister Lee calls it "Marion's Parking Space JuJu." It happens so regularly now that I actually believe in it & see it as a thing that I unknowingly attract. And that is my question. HOW do we tap into those gifts? Is there a way to get to them with purpose rather than waiting for them to happen?

The other day I was thinking about a casual friend of mine from the time when I lived in Winston-Salem. A woman I never correspond with & have not seen in 20 years. We were two of a dozen, glazed, Krispy Kreme donuts dancing to,"Hungry Eyes" in a musical that the Junior League put on. I guess that would bind a person, wouldn't it? Anyway, two days later, I got an email from my friend. She had found me on facebook. So, I know that somewhere out there, cosmic forces are at work, but HOW do I get to them?
I would love to hear how other people use their gifts. How they tap into them, is there a way to control them or strengthen them? How about it fellow bloggers?

Thought for the Day - Adversity

2010-08-28T10:01:00.000-04:00

Darkness serves a purpose...

It shows us there is redemption through chaos

- Brendan Fraser -

The Daughter of Demeter

2010-08-27T15:57:00.001-04:00

Fall is a bittersweet time for me. It was right before my birthday in October, that my mother told me she had an incurable form of cancer and had a few months to live. I didn't know how to handle the news and so as I often do I turned to mythology to help me through life. I don't think anyone is ever prepared for a parent dying or their death, even if they've been ill for quite a while. The mythical Goddess Persephone "She who Destroys the Light" came to gather me and to descend into the Underworld with her.

Persephone (usually pronounced /pərˈsɛfəni) was the young beautiful daughter of the Goddess of the Grain and Earth, Demeter. Actually her first name before she became Persephone was Kore; meaning "young maiden." Like every mother-daughter relationship, they had their differences; but also a love of enduring strength.. One day, Kore was out with her friends on a beautiful Spring day gathering flowers. Hades, the King of the Underworld, ruler of the Dead had his eye on Kore for some time and knew that her mother would never consent to the marriage of them. So, with his great chariot of ghostly black horses, he ripped a hole through the underworld and abducted her down into the his realm. Kore cried out to her mother, which Demeter heard but she came too late to rescue her.
Only a few gods were allowed to enter the underworld then return to the world of the living. One of them was Hermes, the god of communication, travel, messenger for Zeus. When Demeter found out about Kore's abduction and was told there was no way to save her, she mourned so greatly that all the flowers, plants, and wheat that was of vital importance withered and died. Zeus, knew that this couldn't continue and so send Hermes down to see if he could bring Kore back to her mother. This is the part where the myth of Persephone differ. Some say, she was brutally raped by Hades and was forced to be his queen, some say she met the Crone-Goddess Hekate, and learned magick and prophecy from her. While others believe, she grew to love Hades and saw that the dead needed a queen ruling next to the king.

Hades was so in love with Persephone he seduced her with a fruit which we know as the Pomegranate. Persephone who had never seen such a fruit, ate six of its seeds. She didn't know that anyone who ate or drank anything in the Underworld wouldn't be able to leave. When Hermes went to the underworld and found out about Persephone eating the Pomegranate seeds, he had to tell Zeus. Zeus knew to both appease his brother Hades and Persephone's mother Demeter, a compromise had to be found. It was decided then that for each of the seeds Persephone ate, there would be three months of Fall and Winter and three months of Spring and Summer. When Spring returned, Persephone would be able to return to her mother.

As I was watching my mother dying, I was forced to go into my own underworld of grief and depression. My mother was not able to communicate with me what she was feeling partly because of how sick she was and also there was always a lack of an honest, open and loving communication between us. I knew that I would never be able to fix and repair the relationship I so wanted but never had with her. A mother daughter relationship is one of the most complex relationships a woman will ever have. Every woman is either a mother or a daughter and even if the mother is the most positive and loving mother there is, there will still be wounds to heal. I was blessed enough to have a therapist who was this wise, gray-haired, older woman who walked me through the dying process of my mother as Hekate mentored Persephone. It was also at this time, I started to seriously study tarot cards which opened up a whole new world for me of prophecy and magick. I wasn't consciously following the myth of Demeter and Persephone, the myth was living through me though.
My mother passed into the Summerland in January, a day of rain and freezing cold winds. The Banshees were singing their song of death while I was in the middle of a "celebration" that my mother had requested when she died instead of a funeral. She asked to be cremated and then those who loved her, remember her through stories they had experienced with her. I was surprised at how many people, especially younger women showed up. My mother was able to nurture, support and love these other women for some reason in a way that she wasn't able to do with me. I didn't envy them, I was just surprised at the number of my "sisters" my mother had created, like Demeter's harvest. I had now become the Queen of the Underworld and knew it was time to learn and enter depression as consciously as possible for my own sake and my son's as well. Did I do it gracefully? Hell no, pardon the bad pun. But I did learn and am still learning how to become at peace with the spirit of my mother and the path of depression.
In Spring time all of my mother's roses would burst forth with these magnificent blooms emitting a heady perfume, I would think of her then ever after that . For like Demeter, she loved to garden and would spend hours quietly and peacefully while I had no interest ever in gardening. Now when Spring comes, I greet my mother back into my life, with one of the rose bushes, I transplanted from her house to mine. A mother's love no matter how damaging still bears a gift of beauty if you can find it. Do you get along with your mother or if she has died; what was your relationship like? If you have daughters, do you see your own mother now inside of you? I'm always interested in hearing about mother-daughter relationships.

Yarrow - The Herb of the Virgin

2010-08-25T08:40:00.001-04:00

The following is an excerpt taken from the book “Earth Magic” by Claire Nahmad

Yarrow is call the herb of the Virgin because it is woman’s herb and a witch’s herb, rich in its efficacious power in magic and incantations. Look for yarrow in the wild and carry its seeds. You will find it flowering in the early summer, in the meadows and the pastures , and on farmers’ land lying fallow. Its leaves are of a dark gray-greenish hue, like curling feathers of lace, and if you crush them gently, their aroma will rise and suggest to your senses the twilight magic of nature under a full moon and the deep olive green of the forces of life as they move in majesty through the earth. These things the witches knew of old, and any wort-cunning or spellmaking that allied itself with the powers of darkness they knew they could ward off with this mystic her of the Virgin.

The flowers of the yarrow, which continue into September and even beyond (if the autumn brings a Saint’s Summer or Indian Summer), are little things, white but washed with a tinge of pink or delicate lilac. They grow in umbels, clustered like tiddy daisies. They have a sharp scent that foxes are said to like.

The yarrow needs a hot sunny spot, and it likes a well drained, dry soil. You may gather its leaves and its flowers all summer long but if you wish to dry the herb, take what you need of it in the early summer. If you hear that a wedding is to take place give a sprig of the Virgin’s herb to the bride, for it is lucky for both. It will bring her seven years of married happiness and if you bless the herb with a witch’s charm, her blissful years will number seven times seven.

Make a tisane, and minister it for chills, colds, fever, twinges in the ear, eczema, diarrhea, and headaches. An ointment from its leaves and flowers (you must use both in the tisane also) will heal wounds. Take the yarrow tea as a tonic for debility or convalescence. It will soothe measles, chicken pox, small pox, Bright’s desease, and diabetes. It will cleanse and soothe the stomach and take away indigestion and palpitations.

Women particularly should drink an infusion of the yarrow from time to time to keep them free from feminine troubles. It will steady or encourage the menstrual flow as needed…..

Yarrow is a Venus herb. Like the Virgin, it is full of grace and a cure for all ills. Use it to bring great blessing and potency to your magic and spells. Yarrow is the emblem of mother love, and in the Language of lovers it says, “Be comforted, for love is the salve of all sorrows.”

I normally do not like to cut and paste others words yet I have recently discovered the works of Claire Nahmad and have found her wisdom to be boundless. A woman from the old country and taught in the old ways handed down through generations.

Quotes About Books

2010-08-24T09:23:00.000-04:00

A good book should leave you... slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it. ~William Styron, interview, Writers at Work, 1958

If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991

I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book. ~Groucho Marx

A book must be an ice-axe to break the seas frozen inside our soul. ~Franz Kafka

To choose a good book, look in an inquisitor’s prohibited list. ~John Aikin

Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled "This could change your life." ~Helen Exley

When you reread a classic you do not see more in the book than you did before; you see more in you than was there before. ~Clifton Fadiman

He who lends a book is an idiot. He who returns the book is more of an idiot. ~Arabic Proverb

The best of a book is not the thought which it contains, but the thought which it suggests; just as the charm of music dwells not in the tones but in the echoes of our hearts. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Discussion Question: Favorite Book Formats

2010-08-24T08:57:00.001-04:00

What is your favorite format for the books you read? Hardback, paperback, ebook, audio book?

I recently started moving my fiction over to the ebook format, since they have a higher turnover rate in my collection and I am impatient with waiting to purchase the next ones in a series. With my metaphysical library, which currently consists of 3 shelves, I like to have them easily available for reference.

Two of my hobbies are collecting hardback books of series that I love and collecting signed editions. I have half the books in Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series and three of the Harry Potter books. Need to complete those collections. The crown jewel in my collection is a hardback and signed copy of Sherrilyn Kenyon's "Archeron."

Comment and share with us your favorite book formats!

A Thought to Ponder

2010-08-21T21:41:00.000-04:00

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,

but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

Maria Robinson

Depression and Dionysus

2010-08-21T15:57:00.003-04:00

I bring ye wine from above,  From the vats of the storied sun;  For every one of yer love,  And life for every one.  Ye shall dance on hill and level;  Ye shall sing in hollow and height  In the festal mystical revel,  The rapturous Bacchanal rite!

My magickal life changed after I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder II over twelve years ago. Up until that time, it was so easy for me to feel these Dionysian highs simply when I went outside to breathe.
For those of you who don't know who Dionysus was; he was the Greek God of wine, grapes, theater, and fertility. He had female worshippers (maenad's) throw themselves into blissful madness, reveling in song, worship and ecstasy. Dionysus brought me the gift of warmth, creativity, passion and a sensuality that magnetically drew people to me. Every color sparkled in nature and I didn't need any chemical substance to feel so good, so high.
That all stopped when my mother died and I knew that I had to do something more than attending counseling. I was going to end up either dead or locked away in a mental facility if I didn't change. I had a five year old son at the time, which I think was the biggest reason for me to seek out help. I went to therapist I had previously seen and described the trouble I was in. He asked me if I considered ever taking an anti-depressant and I looked at him like he just told me I had leprosy. While all this chaos was going on, I was attending a graduate school for a masters degree in counseling psychology. And the major train of thought for people who were depressed was find a good counselor; meditate or be on a spiritual path to turn to when a "dark night of the soul" happened. Hey, I was a follower of Dionysus the God of pleasure, I didn't need any other spiritual path than that, thank you very much.

The rocks and trees are yours,  And the waters under the hill,  By the might of that which endures,  The holy heaven of will!  I kindle a flame like a torrent  To rush from star to star;  Your hair as a comet’s torrent,  Ye shall see things as they are!  

Something clicked though after my therapist suggested medications and I agreed because I was so scared of what might happen to me. My first medication was Prozac and I have to say it changed my life. I still was in dark, deep waters, but I no longer stayed in bed all day, cursing everything around me, inattentive to my son who desperately needed me and promising myself that if life didn't get better, I would consider another "alternative".
I hadn't been diagnosed yet for Bipolar disorder so I was just sailing on, spending literally thousands of dollars a week on clothes, cosmetics, vacations and of course toys for my son. My grandmother and mother both had left in their wills, an inheritance for me, which was a pretty nice amount of money. Along with the spending sprees; I fell in and out of "love" so quickly it would make your head spin. After breaking up with someone, I couldn't understand why the men were angry and confused. I just thought something was wrong with THEM, it was never my fault that I lost interest so quickly.
When I was finally diagnosed five years after the initial diagnosis of having clinical depression, I really had no idea what the difference between having depression or bipolar disorder was. Once I started taking medications specifically for bipolar disorder, my life changed and I became a little more solid and had less suicidal thoughts. I also was able to be there for my son as I wanted to be all along but couldn't. However, I noticed my creativity started to dull. I wasn't staying up all night, writing poetry or hymns of love which left me sleepless and exhausted. Shopping no longer brought me the pleasure it once did. I had to fill that void of pleasure that shopping once brought me and it was then I discovered Yoga. My love life came to a halt because I no longer could feel the erotic passions I previously indulged in. I knew though I no longer had to just survive and maybe could actually start to thrive instead.
As much as I loved my pre-medication Dionysian days, I always knew I would crash into this horrible place of depression after mania and I had no way to stop it. You see the Maenad's in ancient Greek times would throw themselves into such a frenzy they would kill, dismember and sacrifice animals for the love of Dionysus. I felt that cold shadow pass me many times, although I never killed, dismembered or certainly never sacrificed any animals. I just was killing myself over and over unconsciously with a scary insanity.
I've been through so many medications since then and I'm still trying to find that right combination of meds. which will help with better functionality and happiness. I know I'll never have a day that is 100% perfect, but my Psychiatric Medical Physician who I trust implictly told me that I can expect to have at least 90% days. If a person who has Bipolar Disorder takes the wrong medication or an incorrect dosage of an anti-depressant or a similar drug, it can cause either extreme mania or a suicidal depression. So, it's extremely important for those who have depression or bipolar disorder to find a trust-worthy and knowledgeable physician for the best medical care as well as a
Which brings me to and how I work with "magick" and walk on a healthy spiritual path. I am able to still write and now even blog, but I know I'll never be able to obtain those creative highs I once had. I still miss those Dionysian "highs" but I feel more so peaceful and grounded. Instead of finding pagan festivals to lose myself in, I go to a Yoga class or gather with others who walk a similar spiritual path. I still enjoy the Pagan world and will always be a pagan, but the burning sun I used to worship has dimmed and been hushed. I have voluntarily chosen not to be in a romantic relationship for the last few years. I'm only now ready to enter a romantic relationship when I find the right person because I know now I won't leave him "bewitched, bothered and bewildered" (sorry for the bad pun).

I lift the mask of matter;  I open the heart of man;  For I am of force to shatter,  The cast that hideth -Pan!  Your loves shall lap up slaughter,  And dabbled with roses of blood  Each desperate darling daughter  Shall swim in the fervid flood.  I bring ye laughter and tears,  The kisses that foam and bleed,  The joys of a million years,  The flowers that bear no seed.  My life is bitter and sterile,  Its flame is a wandering star.

I really wrote this post to hopefully tell those of you who have a mental disorder of any type, seek help now! There is nothing to feel ashamed about. And yes, the side-effects of medications can be harsh and painful, but the alternative is worse. A life of pure pleasure will in the end leave you burned out and possibly broke, ill or other something much worse. A life of just darkness and depression will deprive you of the beauty and joy that is available. And for those of you who know someone who has a mental illness, please be understanding and compassionate with them. They're not acting out or falling into depression on purpose. "Snapping" out of it, is like asking a fish to stop swimming. It's a chemical illness, just like diabetes and needs to be treated as such. Qualified doctor's and therapists are out there, as well as a lot of good information and resources. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is an excellent place to start.

Ye shall pass in pleasure and peril  Across the mystic bar  That is set for wrath and weeping  Against the children of earth;  But ye in singing and sleeping  Shall pass in measure and mirth!  I lift my wand and wave you  Through hill to hill of delight :  My rosy rivers lave you  In innermost lustral light..  

Dionysus hasn't completely deserted me; he just knows I'm not going to be one of those Manaed's who blindly follow him with the seductive power he has. If you have any questions, thoughts, or simply want to connect with me; I'd love to hear them. Blessings for all of you.

I lead you, lord of the maze,  In the darkness free of the sun;
In spite of the spite that is day’s  We are wed, we are wild, we are one.

(Poem" Dionysus" by Aleister Crowley)

Odysseus and Ithaca

2010-08-18T10:20:00.001-04:00

I am a sucker for mythology, esp. Greek/Roman Mythology and this last weekend I watched the modern movie "Clash of the Titans" with Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort, oh...wrong movie, I mean, Hades. Ever since I heard Neeson as Zeus saying "Release the Kraken!" in this really rich, low-tonal voice, I've been walking around my house saying that over and over just because I love how he said it. My cats run under the bed every time I'm play acting Zeus. And yes, I know about hubris and how the Gods don't like our egos to get too narcissistic or else we're doomed to all sorts of trouble. Please know, I'm addressing the archetypal Gods/Goddesses here.

I know a lot of people scoff at mythology and say they have as much substance as a fairy-tale or nursery rhyme does, but they're missing the point. Fairy tales and myths teach us about who we are, where we came from and where we may possibly end up. The whole spiel from the bible about how God created "man" in "his" likeness, well, in the Greek mythical realm, it's really the opposite. The Greek Gods and Goddesses don't have the untouchable, holier than thou quality that many major religions seem to be stuck on. Their issues are OUR issues that we each play out as actors on a stage as Shakespeare said, (thinking of you, Jeff!).

I'm just talking about the Greek realm in this post as every polytheistic culture has different deities and myths.

Please know, I'm also not trying to make fun of or demean any Christian belief system. We all know Jesus was a pagan anyway, whooops!

Back to "Clash of the Titans"; the movie, well, I wasn't expecting a lot so I ended actually being entertained. "We were amused" as one English Queen was known for saying. Hades, poor Hades, he always gets a bad wrap because he's king of the Underworld and happened to abduct a young virginal maiden, Persephone to be his woman. Give the guy a break already.

What draws me to the deities is not their literal meaning or presence in the world but the historical facts and symbolism that has been attached to them. It's fascinating! The History Channel has a really well-done series about various gods/goddesses', creatures, places, etc...and on one show Odysseus; the famous or rather infamous hero from Homer's "Odyssey" and "The Iliad" was the subject. The show brought forth a lot of evidence from respected sources showing that the magical island of Ithaca where Odysseus ruled to be an actual place. One of my eWitch sisters mentioned she might perhaps post about her desire to go to Greece and I hope she does; because I love to hear what archetypal, mythological and historical places people are drawn to.

Anyway, you might have noticed I like to share certain poems I stumble upon. I can't write poetry very well, but when I come across a poem that really moves me, I just want to share it with everyone I know. The poem I'll be ending the post with is very old and beloved. Whenever I reread it, I get it on a deeper level. It's a very meaningful poem to me and I hope you receive something out of it as well. What inspired this post really comes from a certain goddess-witch I know named "Debra" over at "She Who Seeks". She's posting about her experiences with Standing Stones in the U.K. and I love hearing about the stories, myths, and her own personal experiences she's had along the way. With Debra and the Olympians in mind, here is the poem I so love;

"Ithaka"

When you set out for Ithaka
ask that your way be long,
full of adventure, full of instruction.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon - do not fear them:
such as these you will never find
as long as your thought is lofty, as long as a rare
emotion touch your spirit and your body.
The Laistrygonians and the Cyclops,
angry Poseidon - you will not meet them
unless you carry them in your soul,
unless your soul raise them up before you.

Ask that your way be long.
At many a Summer dawn to enter
with what gratitude, what joy -
ports seen for the first time;
to stop at Phoenician trading centres,
and to buy good merchandise,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensuous perfumes of every kind,
sensuous perfumes as lavishly as you can;
to visit many Egyptian cities,
to gather stores of knowledge from the learned.

Have Ithaka always in your mind.
Your arrival there is what you are destined for.
But don't in the least hurry the journey.
Better it last for years,
so that when you reach the island you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting Ithaka to give you wealth.
Ithaka gave you a splendid journey.
Without her you would not have set out.
She hasn't anything else to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaka hasn't deceived you.
So wise you have become, of such experience,
that already you'll have understood what these Ithakas mean.

~Constantine P Cavafy~

The Witch Trials - An Example of Man's Ignorance

2010-08-17T18:07:00.000-04:00

I have often been amazed at the ignorance of man sometimes. His need to explain everything in accordance with himself despite the fact that there are times when such explanations may cause harm and at times even death to another.

One of the best examples of this in my opinion is the example of the witch hunts which took place between the 14th and 18th century. The actual witch trials originated in France in 1324 and later made their way through central Europe and eventually to America. It was thought that there were those who were a threat to the Christian religion. Of course if you were considered to not be a Christian of course then you had to be a worshiper of Satan. This comparison quickly labeled one as a witch.

Although the actual witch trials themselves did not begin until the 14th century what many would consider the cause for them would begin much earlier between 700 and 1500. At this time witchcraft and sorcery were quite common and used freely by many. One was not considered to be odd if a chant or herb was used as a method of healing or affirmation of an act. Magic and miracles were commonplace. Fairies were believed to dance in the light of the full moon and no one thought twice about such a thing.

The Roman Catholic Church however thought differently. They divided magic into two areas. Natural magic which was acceptable as it was viewed as merely recognizing the powers which God had given to nature. And demonic magic, which was considered bad and coupled with demonology, divination, and necromancy. There were also a group of women during this time who largely frowned upon by the church. They were the women who worshiped the goddess Diana. Such women were said to meet together during the evening hours at which time they would claim to ride upon beasts led by Diana herself.

For some time although it was frowned upon such differences were tolerated until the time of the 14th century when the church began to feel as if there were factions which could be of some threat to their existence as well as their influence. The church began to seek out and persecute three major groups; The Jews, the heretics, and the lepers. Occasionally small groups who were considered "deviant" such as homosexuals were also tossed into this mix. It soon became a belief that such groups were attempting to destroy the church from the inside and something had to be done to stop such an action. It was even believed that the Black Death, which killed a large percentage of Europe's population was caused by the church's so called enemies.

It was at the time of Pope John XXII when the tables turned completely. John XXII authorised the Inquisition which sole purpose was to seek out heresy and punish those who practiced such acts. This also included the act of witchcraft. Hence the witch trials had begun.

The first official witch trial occurred in southern Ireland . A French bishop, Richard Ledrede, feel out of grace with a local family of importance. Although he had been stationed in this parish since 1317, it was not until 1324, that he eventually accused the family's senior member, Alice Kyteter, of performing witchcraft. He received his evidence by whipping one of her servants to the point that he claimed that she had met with a group of eight women and four men during the night. During this time they denounced the Christian faith and cut up living animals then scattered them at specific crossroads as offerings. Alice fled to England to escape sentencing and the bishop was later excommunicated from the church. Ireland would not see another trial for several centuries. Shows you what centuries of strong Celtic lore and beliefs will keep from you.

The peak of the Witch trials occurred during 1580 to 1630 and were mostly held in Europe. Some of the more known are the Trier Witch Trials (1581-1593), Fulda Witch Trials (1603-1606) and Bamberg Witch Trials (1626-1631).

One would ask themselves why would one admit to being a witch? To answer this you would have to know the manner in which was used to extract information from those who were accused. The thumbscrew or pilliwinks was one of the methods in which a confession could easily be achieved. It was a simple device into which ones fingers would be inserted. A small turn of the screw and slowly ones fingers would be crushed. There were also versions which could be used on ones toes, elbows and knees.

Besides torture there were other methods of verifying if one was guilty of the crimes they were accused of. Certain proofs could be used as valid evidence against one. Some examples are as follows:

A diabolical mark - Usually a mole or birthmark

Relationships with others who had been accused and found guilty of witchcraft

Participation in the Sabbaths (this one would get many of us)

Not to cry under torture

To be afraid during the questioning (which really seems to contradict the previous one)

To cause said harm to someone which could only have done via sorcery

And so on... you get the picture... almost anything they wanted to claim.

Most of those who were accused of witchcraft were women. 75 to 80% of those accused across Europe and North America were females. While non of those who condemned witchcraft at this time also stood up and condemned being a women, there were others who did. An example: In the Mallenus Malifcarum, Sprenger and Kramer stated

All wickedness is but little to a wickedness of a woman...

What else is woman but a foe to friendship, an inescapable punishment,

a necessary evil, a natural temptation, a desirable calamity, a domestic danger,

a delectable detriment, an evil of nature, painted with fair colors.

How sad that man at this time choose to blame woman for all his weakness. Saying that it was her and all she was that led him to do the things he knew were wrong. Such an easy escape. Such ignorance.

The most common form of punishment was death. That is if the accused had not already passed during their inquisitions and trials. The most common method of death was that of burning one at the stake. Hanging was also a method which was widely used yet in many cases if one was hanged they were later burned also. Drowning was used on some occasions yet not as often. There were several accused who would pass via drowning yet it was not because they had been found guilty. Dunking over and over into a pool of deep water was also a method thought to verify whether or not one was truly a witch or not.

As for the number of those whose lives were taken during this time of ignorance and folly this varies greatly. The number is as low as 35,000 to as high as 9 million. Historians have bantered back and forth about this for centuries. However in my opinion, considering that this adventure went on for over 400 years, it is hard for me to believe that the number would be a low one. There were some deaths which were recorded yet there were many which were not. We will never know that number exact of all whose lives were taken without reason. All the lore and family tradition which was lost because someone did not believe as they did. There were many who were accused and found guilty. From simple folk to those of stature, to even those in the church itself. Such sadness for such ignorance.

Ignorence is a quality that is inherit to man and I am sure that there will be more examples of him at his finest. I wish for the day when we finally can be happy with ourselves and not so bent on persecuting those who are different from us. Will that day ever come? I hope so, I truly hope so

Change Your Life, One Word at a Time

2010-08-16T10:54:00.000-04:00

What are you doing to change your life this November?

Four years ago, I would have just had a dumb stare if someone had asked me that question. Now I know that there is a massive writing competition that can "literally" change your life in just 4 weeks - National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

Just like those Army commercials, at the end of the month you are a lean, mean, writing machine. Most importantly you have done something for yourself - you are a novelist.

So any of you who have been putting off that novel until you are wiser or "have more time", this is your chance! Take the plunge and sign up for National Novel Writing Month.

http://www.nanowrimo.org

Throughout the month of October, we will be preparing for this event at the Pagan NaNoWriMo-er's Ning. Learn more about characterization, plotting, and setting. We will be sharing tips for getting you out of the way of your writing and making the most of your time. Chat with other budding novelists as well as the ole' pros. We want to help you meet your goal!

http://paganwriters.ning.com/

p.s. - Your Muse will love you and your Inner Critic will be angry about the sock in his mouth

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