Tuesday, August 28, 2012
A Blessing for All Beings
A Blessing for All Beings
May everyone be happy and safe,
and may their hearts be filled with joy.
May all living beings live in security and in peace
beings who are frail or strong,
tall or short, big or small,
visible or not visible, near or far away,
already born or yet to be born.
May all of them dwell in perfect tranquility.
Let no one do harm to anyone.
Let no one put the life of anyone in danger.
Let no one, out of anger or ill will,
wish anyone any harm
So Mote it be!!
Found in The Journey of Hearts Poetry Collection
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
I'm here
I feel almost ashamed, for neglecting this blog. It is not as though my life is so resoundingly busy, that I can't bring my fingers to the keyboard. The truth is, I've been lazy with my pagan path, and I only have myself to blame. I need to make a promise to myself to do a better job, at being who I want to be.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Entitlement is not a virtue
I was recently, shown a link on Norse virtues. Extremely interesting read.
Today, I find that Loyalty is an increasingly hard quality to find in people. We are living in a society that praises entitlement So much so we make televisions shows, around this very characteristic. We don't say no to our children. How many 5 years olds, do you know with an iPhone? How many teenagers do you know, that have never walked to school, a day in their life?
For some reason, we are jealous when someone has more than us. So much so, we pitch tents in protest of those people. When then last time I looked around, there was absolutely no cap, on how much a person could earn in their career.
A sense of entitlement, makes it extremely difficult to be loyal to others, because it makes you look at every situation, with the question "what can I gain from this?" When some times, there is nothing to be gained, at all. I know so many people, that would stab their own grandmother in the back, if it suited them to do so.
>Finding people that would walk across fire, for those in their life, are few and far between, and that is exactly what is wrong with this world. When more people realize, they are due absolutely nothing, that is not achieved ourselves, the world would be a much better place.
Today, I find that Loyalty is an increasingly hard quality to find in people. We are living in a society that praises entitlement So much so we make televisions shows, around this very characteristic. We don't say no to our children. How many 5 years olds, do you know with an iPhone? How many teenagers do you know, that have never walked to school, a day in their life?
For some reason, we are jealous when someone has more than us. So much so, we pitch tents in protest of those people. When then last time I looked around, there was absolutely no cap, on how much a person could earn in their career.
A sense of entitlement, makes it extremely difficult to be loyal to others, because it makes you look at every situation, with the question "what can I gain from this?" When some times, there is nothing to be gained, at all. I know so many people, that would stab their own grandmother in the back, if it suited them to do so.
>Finding people that would walk across fire, for those in their life, are few and far between, and that is exactly what is wrong with this world. When more people realize, they are due absolutely nothing, that is not achieved ourselves, the world would be a much better place.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Lavender Rocks - Room Scenter
* Ingredients:
1/2 cup plain flour
1/2 cup salt
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil
2/3 cups boiling water
Food coloring, if desired
loose lavender herbs, if desired
* Directions:
In bowl, mix dry ingredients well. Add essential oil, and boiling water to dry ingredients. (Scent will be strong, but will fade slightly when dry.) For colored stones, blend in food coloring, one drop at a time until desired shade is reached. Blend ingredients, and form balls into different shape and sizes to look like stones. Allow stones to dry. Place in a pretty bowl and use to perfume any room with a magical lavender scent!
(Courtesy of Bluetail.com)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Accusing a Pagan of worshiping satan, is like accusing an atheist of worshiping god.
Stories with nonsense like this in them, make me want to scream!
Happy Samhain
I hosted a small luncheon on Sunday, to mark Samhain. Unlike most Pagans, I do not use this day, to mark the end of the year. My tradition, is to honor my ancestors and remember those that have passed from my life, recently. It is rather sentimental to me, so I usually do this alone. However, I have a friend, that has suffered great loss, in her life this year, and I invited her to join me.
We used white stones, to remember those that had left this realm. First, we placed 19 stones around the Goddess candle, to mark those who were struck down, during the Salem Witch Trials. This is something I have done, every year, since deciding to walk this pagan path. It is important to for me, to remember, the world, has not always been accepting of this path, or those that claim to walk it. We then placed a stone for each soul we wished to honour. I positioned mine silently and thought of the pets I have had to say my good-byes to. My friend, spoke the names, of each person, as she positioned her handful of stones. I felt for her, as she placed each and every one.
During our meditation, we braided three pieces of ribbon into one cord, bringing our past, present and future together as one.
Our cakes and ales was a delicious autumn stew and Mulled Apple Tea. We spent the afternoon sharing stories stories of our family, friends and pets. Sometimes those stories made us laugh, sometimes they brought a tear to our eyes and a catch to our voice. I think I can speak for my friend, when I say, we are truly blessed to have had these beloved souls in our lives, and we miss them, each and every day. We have been truly humbled by them and honoured to have had the opportunity to know them all, no matter for how long.
Blessed Samhain to you and yours.
We used white stones, to remember those that had left this realm. First, we placed 19 stones around the Goddess candle, to mark those who were struck down, during the Salem Witch Trials. This is something I have done, every year, since deciding to walk this pagan path. It is important to for me, to remember, the world, has not always been accepting of this path, or those that claim to walk it. We then placed a stone for each soul we wished to honour. I positioned mine silently and thought of the pets I have had to say my good-byes to. My friend, spoke the names, of each person, as she positioned her handful of stones. I felt for her, as she placed each and every one.
During our meditation, we braided three pieces of ribbon into one cord, bringing our past, present and future together as one.
Our cakes and ales was a delicious autumn stew and Mulled Apple Tea. We spent the afternoon sharing stories stories of our family, friends and pets. Sometimes those stories made us laugh, sometimes they brought a tear to our eyes and a catch to our voice. I think I can speak for my friend, when I say, we are truly blessed to have had these beloved souls in our lives, and we miss them, each and every day. We have been truly humbled by them and honoured to have had the opportunity to know them all, no matter for how long.
Blessed Samhain to you and yours.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I'm Still Standing
I looked today, and found it so hard to believe, the last time I made my presence known here. I wish I was coming here, to make comments of the pleasant kind, but that is not true.
Since, last we met, both of my furry babies, have crossed the rainbow bridge. To say, this has not been a good year for me, would be an understatement.
I have lived furry free, for the first time, in my adult life. For the life of me, I can not understand, why people would actually choose to do that. Pets make it worth it, to get up in the morning. They make coming home, after a long time gone, a pleasure. They are always happy to see you. They are the epitome of love and admiration.
This town, lost a young man, named Ian Jenkins, in May of this year. His motto Have A Purpose. I have been breathing for more decades than Ian, and never for one moment, realized my purpose. I knew that I should have one, as everyone should have one, however I did not know what it was. No S titled book could spell it out for me. No movie could help point me in the right direction.
Today, looking down at the face, of the newest furry member of my family, and trying to convince her, that she is safe here. I realized, what Ian realized oh so long ago. My purpose, is to give a voice and a safe harbour to those of the furry four legged kind. They give me a reason for being. They are my reason for standing.
I hope with all my hope, that each of you reading this, is still standing, and doing so, with a purpose.
Since, last we met, both of my furry babies, have crossed the rainbow bridge. To say, this has not been a good year for me, would be an understatement.
I have lived furry free, for the first time, in my adult life. For the life of me, I can not understand, why people would actually choose to do that. Pets make it worth it, to get up in the morning. They make coming home, after a long time gone, a pleasure. They are always happy to see you. They are the epitome of love and admiration.
This town, lost a young man, named Ian Jenkins, in May of this year. His motto Have A Purpose. I have been breathing for more decades than Ian, and never for one moment, realized my purpose. I knew that I should have one, as everyone should have one, however I did not know what it was. No S titled book could spell it out for me. No movie could help point me in the right direction.
Today, looking down at the face, of the newest furry member of my family, and trying to convince her, that she is safe here. I realized, what Ian realized oh so long ago. My purpose, is to give a voice and a safe harbour to those of the furry four legged kind. They give me a reason for being. They are my reason for standing.
I hope with all my hope, that each of you reading this, is still standing, and doing so, with a purpose.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A Gift To Remember Forever
For as long as I can remember, Christmas was my favorite time of year. There was actually a joke, in my family, that I would require a house built around Christmas. Not built on December 25th, rather architecturely designed and planned around Christmas. A cozy fireplace in every room, with mantels deep enough to display my ever growing Nutcracker collection, Nativity Scene, and cherished crystal Candlesticks. Gleaming Oak staircase, to twist garland around. A grand foyer, with a cathedral ceilings, to glorious display a Rockefeller Center sized evergreen. My cards were addressed as I watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. My family tree was put up after the town's annual Santa Claus parade. Literally, right after. For many years, while living on main street, I would invite guest to view the parade, out the front window, then trim the tree afterward.
One year, not too long ago, all of that changed for me, and I can actually pinpoint the moment that it did. Picture me, in the living room Christmas morn, sipping orange juice, and opening gifts with my spouse of almost 2 decades. Actually, he was opening the gifts, and he had purchased nothing at all for me. His eyes filled with tears as he tore open his treasures and he uttered to me, how behind he was with things, because work was hit and miss, but after he returned to work, he would give me a Christmas gift I would remember for the rest of my life.
He was true to his word, in the first week of January, a stranger knocked at my door, to present me a package. Not just any package, he was there to serve me with divorce papers. Looked down at the envelope in my hand, and seeing the words Merry Christmas in an ever so familiar hand writing, those words, that season and everything I had once held so near and dear to me, instantly lost all meaning.
I don't celebrate Christmas, anymore As a matter of fact, it was years before I could even bring myself to putting up a tree again. Even then when I did, it was the neighbours that did the deed, as I could barely bring myself to look at the ornaments. Soon after, I sold everything, without even going through the boxes. I am not sure if that gift that I will remember the rest of my life, was a catalyst to me becoming Pagan or not, but I am sure it helped, as I wanted to be anything at all, but that Christmas loving woman, wearing tacky Christmas garb and sipping bitter tasting orange juice, in a living room full stuff that had absolutely nothing at all, to do with what the spirit of the season.
Everything I do, on this path, is about as opposite and far removed from that woman, as can possibly be. I don't even own a tree anymore, much less put one up. There is no special wardrobe, no mantel, and no orange juice sipping, gift ripping sessions. All of those things, have gone with the wind, and yet there is more spirit now than ever before. In December, I light candles and burn them bright. I fill my room with love and light, and hold hands with those I cherish, in the hopes that my spark will fill others, with spirit as well. I sit up all night long to welcome the winter sun and enjoy the warmth it brings to my life. In December, and every month that follows, I try, bring harm to none, with memories of crocodile tears and words filled with willful disrespect, lingering closely in my mind. Hoping with all my hope, I never in my entire life, make someone feel for one second, how his words will make me feel, for the rest of my life. As this path is important to me, and I now know, what Shakespeare meant when he said "Love all, trust a few, and do harm to none".
One year, not too long ago, all of that changed for me, and I can actually pinpoint the moment that it did. Picture me, in the living room Christmas morn, sipping orange juice, and opening gifts with my spouse of almost 2 decades. Actually, he was opening the gifts, and he had purchased nothing at all for me. His eyes filled with tears as he tore open his treasures and he uttered to me, how behind he was with things, because work was hit and miss, but after he returned to work, he would give me a Christmas gift I would remember for the rest of my life.
He was true to his word, in the first week of January, a stranger knocked at my door, to present me a package. Not just any package, he was there to serve me with divorce papers. Looked down at the envelope in my hand, and seeing the words Merry Christmas in an ever so familiar hand writing, those words, that season and everything I had once held so near and dear to me, instantly lost all meaning.
I don't celebrate Christmas, anymore As a matter of fact, it was years before I could even bring myself to putting up a tree again. Even then when I did, it was the neighbours that did the deed, as I could barely bring myself to look at the ornaments. Soon after, I sold everything, without even going through the boxes. I am not sure if that gift that I will remember the rest of my life, was a catalyst to me becoming Pagan or not, but I am sure it helped, as I wanted to be anything at all, but that Christmas loving woman, wearing tacky Christmas garb and sipping bitter tasting orange juice, in a living room full stuff that had absolutely nothing at all, to do with what the spirit of the season.
Everything I do, on this path, is about as opposite and far removed from that woman, as can possibly be. I don't even own a tree anymore, much less put one up. There is no special wardrobe, no mantel, and no orange juice sipping, gift ripping sessions. All of those things, have gone with the wind, and yet there is more spirit now than ever before. In December, I light candles and burn them bright. I fill my room with love and light, and hold hands with those I cherish, in the hopes that my spark will fill others, with spirit as well. I sit up all night long to welcome the winter sun and enjoy the warmth it brings to my life. In December, and every month that follows, I try, bring harm to none, with memories of crocodile tears and words filled with willful disrespect, lingering closely in my mind. Hoping with all my hope, I never in my entire life, make someone feel for one second, how his words will make me feel, for the rest of my life. As this path is important to me, and I now know, what Shakespeare meant when he said "Love all, trust a few, and do harm to none".
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
NANOWRIMO Update
For those of you wondering, I did not even come close to 50k in NANOWRIMO. I might have, if I didn't change my mind part way through, and take on an entirely different direction.
I started writing a fictional story about a wayward wizard. Then after about a week, I hit a wall and I lost interest in writing completely. After not writing a single word for about 8 days, another topic hit me in a dream. I wrote my fingers off, trying to get the words out, on the second topic, wrote more with that, than I did the other, but still hit a wall, again. The second wall, was not a writers block, it was an emotional wall, because the words just got too hard to type.
So, needless to say, I did not complete my NANOWRIMO but hope the few that I was cheering on, did.
I started writing a fictional story about a wayward wizard. Then after about a week, I hit a wall and I lost interest in writing completely. After not writing a single word for about 8 days, another topic hit me in a dream. I wrote my fingers off, trying to get the words out, on the second topic, wrote more with that, than I did the other, but still hit a wall, again. The second wall, was not a writers block, it was an emotional wall, because the words just got too hard to type.
So, needless to say, I did not complete my NANOWRIMO but hope the few that I was cheering on, did.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Samhain
I didn't do a full ritual, but with two passings in the family this year, I felt I must do something. So, I set an altar and read the following.
Hail to Our God and Goddess
We send you blessing along with a hug
May this special night be filled with love
We welcome spirits and ancestors this night
As we celebrate surrounded by light
We remember the sad times and the blessings too
As the wheel ever turns, make it sacred to you
A blessed Samhain to one and to all
Old or young, short or tall
May love and blessings be sent to thee
As it is writ
So mote it be.
Hail to Our God and Goddess
We send you blessing along with a hug
May this special night be filled with love
We welcome spirits and ancestors this night
As we celebrate surrounded by light
We remember the sad times and the blessings too
As the wheel ever turns, make it sacred to you
A blessed Samhain to one and to all
Old or young, short or tall
May love and blessings be sent to thee
As it is writ
So mote it be.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Lost and Unbalanced
I have been feeling rather lost and unbalanced lately. It happens to me, every now and again. So, in an attempt to give myself a purpose, for the next bit anywho, I have done something I've been meaning to do for some time.
Anyone else out there participate in NANOWRIMO?!?!
Anyone else out there participate in NANOWRIMO?!?!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Power Of Music
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a very strong love/hate relationship with music. There were times, growing up, that the only way my folks knew I was home, was when they heard music coming from my bedroom. I would lock myself away for hours on end, doing nothing, but listening to music. It does have a hold on me, still to this day, and I don't think that I understand why.
Most of the time, what I gather from a song, is not at all the intention of the person writing it. Take the song Beth, by Kiss for instance, a powerful ballad about a musician on the road, and a loved one longing for his return. Hearing that song growing up, made me cry and it was sort of a let down, to learn, there never really was a Beth, it was just a song.
Recently, I had the privilege, to take in some live music with a friend. During the set intermission, the modern jukebox began to play Creep, by Radiohead, and I instantly got a lump in my throat. I turned to my friend, and admitted the song chocked me up, as there have been many times, when I was that person, sitting in front of someone wishing I was special enough to be noticed.
Wearing this black hat, really doesn't make my draw to music any different. I have to admit tho, I have found very few Pagan Artists tolerable. Instead, during candle magick or times when I need to get grounded, I usually put on nature sounds. At least, I know for sure that nature is real, and I am not attracted to a song about a sandwich.
Most of the time, what I gather from a song, is not at all the intention of the person writing it. Take the song Beth, by Kiss for instance, a powerful ballad about a musician on the road, and a loved one longing for his return. Hearing that song growing up, made me cry and it was sort of a let down, to learn, there never really was a Beth, it was just a song.
Recently, I had the privilege, to take in some live music with a friend. During the set intermission, the modern jukebox began to play Creep, by Radiohead, and I instantly got a lump in my throat. I turned to my friend, and admitted the song chocked me up, as there have been many times, when I was that person, sitting in front of someone wishing I was special enough to be noticed.
Wearing this black hat, really doesn't make my draw to music any different. I have to admit tho, I have found very few Pagan Artists tolerable. Instead, during candle magick or times when I need to get grounded, I usually put on nature sounds. At least, I know for sure that nature is real, and I am not attracted to a song about a sandwich.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Mabon 2010
Happy Fall Ya'll. Tonight, here in my broom closet, I conducted an Apple Ritual. I would have liked very much to do this ritual last night. However, I didn't have any apples until today.
This is the first time, since I picked up my broom, that I have set a working altar on my own. I hope it was pleasing to the ancients and the gods that watched over me.
I played ocean sounds, and burned Sandalwood Incense throughout. There was even circle casting. A first for me as well. I wonder if it matters that the critters were inside the circle when I was casting it? I think not, they are nothing but full of love, and love is always welcome.
I hope the goddess has blessed your family with a bountiful harvest that will last through the coming winter.
This is the first time, since I picked up my broom, that I have set a working altar on my own. I hope it was pleasing to the ancients and the gods that watched over me.
I played ocean sounds, and burned Sandalwood Incense throughout. There was even circle casting. A first for me as well. I wonder if it matters that the critters were inside the circle when I was casting it? I think not, they are nothing but full of love, and love is always welcome.
I hope the goddess has blessed your family with a bountiful harvest that will last through the coming winter.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Grab Me!
Not much of a post today, just wanted to let you know, I finally figured out how to add a button! HUZZAH! I'm so excited for me! Small things amuse me!
I do hope you grab me.
I do hope you grab me.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Hardly worth the paper it's printed on.
There is an article circling facebook, that is raising a lot of stink.
I am not at all outraged, for the media using the word witch, in this article. In my opinion, he pretended to have powers that he did not really have, and was charged accordingly, as far as I can see. I am however outraged at the number of seemingly intelligent people, that are jumping on the bandwagon, to offer finanacial assists to this crook for his judicial procedings, all stating religious prosecution.
This case, hardly comes close to the burning times, and in my opinion does not deserve the sensationalism that it has gained. I read the small article and saw a man that was arrested for fraud. What I conclude, is this man, stated he was a witch and led people to believe he could therefore twist the fates and make things happen, and charged money for doing just that.
Well surprise surprise ......... that is fraud and the man deserves to be charged for that. It is absolutely no different than the televangelists that pretended to have the ability to do good, and took millions from believers.
Witches should be outraged by this article! However, not because the reported mentioned the word witchcraft in order to sell more papers. Newp! Witches should be outraged that there are people like this man out there giving us a bad name!
I am not at all outraged, for the media using the word witch, in this article. In my opinion, he pretended to have powers that he did not really have, and was charged accordingly, as far as I can see. I am however outraged at the number of seemingly intelligent people, that are jumping on the bandwagon, to offer finanacial assists to this crook for his judicial procedings, all stating religious prosecution.
This case, hardly comes close to the burning times, and in my opinion does not deserve the sensationalism that it has gained. I read the small article and saw a man that was arrested for fraud. What I conclude, is this man, stated he was a witch and led people to believe he could therefore twist the fates and make things happen, and charged money for doing just that.
Well surprise surprise ......... that is fraud and the man deserves to be charged for that. It is absolutely no different than the televangelists that pretended to have the ability to do good, and took millions from believers.
Witches should be outraged by this article! However, not because the reported mentioned the word witchcraft in order to sell more papers. Newp! Witches should be outraged that there are people like this man out there giving us a bad name!
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