The Wild Hunt

La caza salvaje de Odín [The Wild Hunt of Odin] 1872 by Peter Nicolai Arbo

I have been pondering the coming of the Wild Hunt, as the days grow shorter, and the nights get colder, and Halloween or Samhain (pronounced Sah-win) draws close, and the vail between worlds is thin. 

The Wild Hunt is a pagan folk myth found in many different countries  The first known written reference to it was from 1127 AD in The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, one of the oldest sources of Anglo-Saxon history. It is a supernatural procession made up of riders on various creatures including horses and giant dogs racing through the night sky. 

Depending on which culture tells the story, it usually takes place on a particular day, usually at Samhain (Halloween), Midsummer's Eve or around the 12 days of Yule. 

Again, depending on who you ask, it is lead by Odin, Herne or even a goddess such as the Hulda (Northern European)ancient Goddess of birth and death or even a gathering of the more predatory beings of faerie.

The Wild Hunt is a powerful and uncontrollable, and frightening event, but sometimes it can be depicted as a magnificent parade that carries the souls of the dead to visit with loved ones (Samhain/ Day of the Dead) or lead a worrier off to the afterlife. In nature, it could be compared to a mighty, tumultuous storm. Either way it is wild, beautiful, frightening spectacular, and completely beyond mortal control.

As an eclectic pagan, I love when old mythology is incorporated in modern literature. One of my favorite series that does that quite often is Jim Butcher's Urban Fantasy series "The Dresden Files". He mentions the Wild Hunt and his interpretation in at least 3 books: Dead Beat, Proven Guilty, and Cold Days. (Check out the series on Amazon)

How do you envision the Wild Hunt? 

Male Witches...Bad Behavior...

I thought that after the intense post where I adamantly go on and on about the crucial need to keep religion and government separate, and the importance of the Bill of Rights and our freedom of religion, I thought that today, I should lighten the mood a little.

This is just a little witchy humor that I found in some of the Social Media groups. Enjoy.

Bill of Non-Rights, Religious Freedom, and American History

As a former Catholic, who now calls herself a witch, freedom of religion is PARAMOUNT in my eyes. Being Wiccan, I am tolerant of all religions, and respect all religious beliefs (so long as they do not harm me or others.) For those who didn't know, Wicca was finally recognized as a religion in 1985 by the United States under the First Amendment. (That is over 200 years after our country was founded.)

Wiccan priestess Wendy Avis at her altar in her home. Photo credit Dan Toulgoet

A friend of mine, an older lady who does not use social media, forwarded me an email today. Although I realize this is supposed to be political humor and taken in jest, the very last paragraph provoked me to want to raise my fist to the ceiling and shout!

Since replying to her e-mail will not satisfy that urge, I must post it here (and in my other various SM accounts) with my rebuttal at the end.

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The following has been attributed to Lewis Napper, a Jackson, Mississippi computer programmer. He didn't expect his essay -- a tart 11-point list of "rights" Americans don't have -- to become an Internet legend.

'We the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to  help everyone get
along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation
safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty
to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time
to ordain and establish some common sense guidelines for the terminally whiny,
guilt ridden, delusional. We hold these truths to be self evident: that a
whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of  Rights and are so dim
they require a Bill of
NON-Rights.'

ARTICLE
I:
You do not  have the right
to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth.  More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing  anything.

ARTICLE
II:
You do not have the right
to never be offended.  This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not  just you!  You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of dummies, and probably always will  be.

ARTICLE
III:
You do not have the right
to be free from harm.  If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect  the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE
IV:
You do not have the right
to free food and housing.  Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who  achieve nothing more than the creation of another  generation of professional couch potatoes.

ARTICLE
V:
You do not have the right
to free health care.  That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE
VI:
You do not have the right
to physically harm other people.  If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you get the blue juice.

ARTICLE
VII:
You do not have the right
to the possessions of others.  If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big screen color TV or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE
VIII:
You do not have the right
to a job.  All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.

ARTICLE
IX:
You do not have the right
to happiness . Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws  created by those of you who were confused by the Bill  of Rights.

ARTICLE
X:
This is
an English speaking country.  We don't care where you came from, English is our language.  Learn it and USE it!

Lastly

ARTICLE
XI:
You do not have the right
to change our country's history or heritage.  This country was founded on the belief in one true God.  And yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all; with no fear of persecution.  The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history, sorry if you are uncomfortable with it.

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I agree with very single ARTICLE listed above except the last, ARTICLE XI. And I explain why here, in a brief American History lesson:

Contrary to our "fairytale" history books, from the very beginning days of this country, religious beliefs have been used to discriminate, suppress, and even kill the foreign, the "heretics", the "unbelievers", and even the  “heathen” natives already here.

And while the majority of the Settlers were "Christians", there was certainly no RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE from the get go... the slaughter of the French Protestants by the Roman Catholic Spanish settlements in Florida in 1565.

And if the settlers of New England in the early 1600's had their way, we would all be Pilgrims and Puritans because Catholics were banned from the colonies. Quakers were hanged in Boston simply because they returned to the city to stand up for their belief.

After the revolutionary war, states formed their own laws regarding religion. In Massachusetts, for example, you could only hold public office if you were Christian, and if you were Catholic, you had to renounce the Pope's authority first. But in NY, Catholics were banned from office, and in Maryland Catholics had full civil rights but Jews did not. Several states had state-supported churches.

Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Bill of Rights guaranteed legal equality for citizens of all religions, including those of no religion. He wrote “But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." Around the same time, Patrick Henry was introducing a bill that called for state supported teachers of the Christian religion.

In argument of Mr. Henry's bill, future president James Madison wrote an essay "Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments" where he eloquently pointed out reasons why the state had no business supporting Christian instruction. One point in particular is his statement that “the Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every...man to exercise it as these may dictate. This right is in its nature an inalienable right.” This idea eventually became a fundamental piece of American political philosophy.

We can completely separate Church from State (or Religion from Country, as the case may be), in order for the Bill of Rights to be complete.

It was not until 1956 that Congress passed a joint resolution declaring the term "IN GOD WE TRUST" became the national motto of the United States The law was signed by President Eisenhower and it was added to our money in 1957.

These two actions are in direct violation of our United States Bill of Rights, and should NEVER had occurred in the first place. So, therefore, Article XI in the Bill of NON-Rights above is NULL and VOID!

#BillOfNonRights #LewisNapper

Candle Magic

The workshop for our CUUPS meeting today was about Candle Magic. Unfortunately the person who was scheduled to give the presentation was ill had to cancel at the last minute. So, we read over the notes and handouts from the presenter, and we had an impromptu discussion among ourselves.

There were two ladies who were new to the group and they were really interested in learning more about Candle Magic. I consider my self an eclectic witch, even though I studied the Correllian Wicca Tradition. And a beginner eclectic witch at that! But, it was my honor to pass along information and knowledge that I have learned along the way. It amazed me how much I never realized I knew, until these ladies started asking ME how I do my Candle Magic.

I need to post my disclaimer here! I am NOT into the stiff structure of ceremonial or ritual magic. I prefer choose bits and pieces from various paths, traditions and even other religions, and have developed my own eclectic style. I believe that magic should be PERSONAL to the practitioner. Which is why I feel I am always learning the path.

That out of the way, here is a little of what we talked about.

There are a few different reasons that I love Candle magic.

• For one, I am an Aries, a fire sign, and have always been drawn to candles, especially scented ones. 
• Second, it is easy and inexpensive to do. You don't need elaborate ceremonial items, or access to an occult store. The items needed can be purchased in your local Walmart, or grocery store.
• And thirdly, it can be practiced discretely where to most it would seem to be nothing more than a lit candle.

Q: What color candle should you use?

A: Start by deciding on what your intended outcome for the spell is. There is tons of information out there that teach color associations with different intentions. Here is just one example I found online.
(Keep in mind that different cultures and different parts of the world have different associations with different colors.)

 So, I will say it again.... What ever color FEELS RIGHT to YOU! If you feel a connection with the color blue for a money spell (which is traditionally a green or gold candle) go for it! Its YOUR MAGIC! The only thing you need to remember about choosing the candle, is it must be new, unused for anything else.

Q: How do you anoint the candle with oil and what kind of oil do you use?

A: Olive oil mixed with a few drops of essential oil will do just fine. Use a scented oil associated with your intention and outcome of the spell. You can find lots of information on this subject. Thank the gods for the INTERNET! You could use plain olive oil, or coconut oil, or some even prefer grapeseed oil. But it is still good to have a basic understanding of the various essential oils.

One of my favorite go to books is Scott Cunningham's The Complete Book of Incense, Oils and Brews.

But in the end, use whatever oil feels right to you!

For spells that are to draw something to you, rub the oil from end to middle while focusing on you intention. For banishing spells and intentions to get rid of something, rub the oil on the candle from middle out to the ends.

When anointing your candle, you should be focusing on what you want the outcome of this spell to look like.

You can also carve into the candle, a word or symbol or even several words that relate to your intention.

Ground herbs (also relating to your intention) can be rubbed into the etchings.

There really is no right or wrong way to do this.

Once you have infused your candle with your intention, set it on your altar, or table and light it. Clear your mind and "meditate" on the outcome, and know that as the candle burns it is sending your intention out to the Universe, to the Divine Creator.

I like to let my candle burn all the way down. Some people like to blow them out after they meditate, sending the smoke (air/fire) elements out to the Universe. Some say NEVER blow out your candles, they must be SNUFFED out if they need to be extinguished. AGAIN... whatever feels right to you.

I hope this answered some of the questions. There are many wonderful books on the subject of Candle Magic and I encourage you to check them out, and maybe add a favorite or two to your collection. Just remember, in the end, all magic comes from our Higher Spirit though our heart. Make it personal!

Fehu Rune Zentangle Meditaiton

For today's Rune Zentagle Meditation, I pulled the Rune, Fehu.

Fehu i s the rune of possessions won or earned, income, luck, abundance. It symbolizes financial strength in the present or near future. Pulling this rune, emphasis and supports my insights from yesterday.

Berkano Rune Zentagle

Interesting little story. Yesterday, I started doing Zentangle with my daily rune meditation. I had decided to keep a separate journal as I tangled my way through all 25 runes (I use the black rune in my Runemal... some people do not.) Due to the winter storm, I didn't get to the store to buy a journal/notebook, so I had to make due with what I had.

I found an old notebook that had been a than you gift for a "job well done" when I was an executive assistant. It was actually quite fancy. It had a hard cover, and thick lined pages, with a stretchy band that connected to the back that you pulled over the front to keep it closed. The problem was a big gaudy logo, and the department name in gold letters across the front of it.

I quickly flipped through it and it was empty. So, being the creative person that I am, I created a cover of white card stock that I glued over the front and around the sides. (I plan to eventually paint something nice on it.)

So I had my new journal. I pulled my rune Berkano. This is the Rune of Growth (both mental and physical personal growth) and Rebirth. It is the promise of new beginnings and the light of spring. (It also can mean the prospering of an enterprise or venture, but that was not what I was focusing on in my meditation.)

I was very pleased with the results, and posted my Zentangle on my blog here, and on my Facebook page.

Then pasted it into the first page of my new journal. I wrote a few lines that came to me while I was meditating/tangling, and then turned the page...

Apparently I had missed 3 pages that I had previously written in this notebook. But that wasn't the most interesting part.

The pages that I had written were 2 Rune casts from 6 years ago almost to the day when my husband and I were going through some very difficult circumstances. The economic crash hit hard, and we were in mountains of financial troubles. These readings were done at a point in my life when we had hit rock bottom. We were both unemployed and our home had been foreclosed after more than a year of jumping through hoops to get the bank to work with us.

We were exhausted and defeated and our only option was a plea for help from family. So, we moved cross country to a town I hadn't lived in for almost 20 years, and was completely unfamiliar to my husband, and thew ourselves at the mercy of a relative who had built up so much wealth over the last 50 years, that he didn't even acknowledge there was a recession.

Without going into the gory details, our only this person blamed our situation on our laziness, lack of financial planning, and irresponsibility - which was certainly not true - but, it really did a number on our self esteem.

It took a long time to claw our way out again. Along the way we fought "demons" who wanted to keep us down, and were befriended by some wonderful "guardian angels" who encouraged us to keep going.

Drawing Berkano at this exact day, tells me that we are heading for a new beginning of financial grown, and a new chapter of marriage. Starting this journal reminded me of how far we have come in 6 years, and how bright our future is becoming.

Rune Zentangle Meditation

A just over a week ago, I was invited to a Zentangle Workshop that a friend of mine was giving. I didn't know much about it. I heard the word before, but that was about it.

She explained that it was a form of meditative art. I thought... "Cool, I'm an artist, and I like to meditate. Let's do this!"

I had no idea it would be this addicting!

So, fast forward a week. I just presented my workshop on making your own set of Viking Runes. One of the things I like to do is pull a rune, read its meaning/interpretation from my favorite Rune Book, and meditate on how what I read relates to me and my present situation.

[Side Note]
In case you are wondering, my favorite Rune book is The Book Of Runes by Ralph Blum. I've had mine for many years, but you can get the 25th Anniversary Edition on Amazon.

Today I couldn't decide if I wanted to do a Zentagle square or pull a Rune for my morning meditation. Then, I thought, why should I have to choose. And I combined the two techniques!

My first (of many) Rune Zentagle Meditation projects is Berkano, Growth and Rebirth.

Viking Rune Workshop

Wow, what an exciting day! Today was my day to give a workshop on creating a rune set.

I was extremely nervous about speaking in public... who am I kidding? I have extreme glossophobia...(Fear of public speaking)! It was small group of about 14 people, but to me, the whole world was watching. Thank you, Scott, Nikki, Doug, Sallie, for giving me the encouragement to face my fear.

Runes and rune casting is something I get great pleasure from. To be able to share that with others was such a wonderful feeling that, it was almost fun to be the presenter.

In addition to making their own set of runes, the group learned a brief history of the Rune Alphabet, they heard the story of how the Norse God, Odin acquired the Knowledge of the Runes, and the tradition of Rune mal (casting the runes).

We used glass "dots" and paint pens to make our Runes, explaining that traditionally they were made out of small stones, twigs, animal bone, or antler.

I know there are some very strict traditionalists out there who will disagree with me, but I feel that your Runes are personal to YOU, and they can be made from whatever you have available or feel the urge to create a set from.

I have a few different sets, smooth river stone, cats eye crystal, and a set made from polymer clay. I even heard of people making a quick set from pieces of cardboard when the need arose. So, have fun with it.

We also played a "game" with our new sets where each person was asked to pull one rune from their bag, while thinking about the workshop. Most of the runes have several meanings. I had them read the interpretation of their rune from a handout and asked them how they thought that was related to our group.

It was thrilling to hear their insights and how spot-on many of their intuitions were. A few that stood out are Berchta and Anzuz.

Among other things, Berchta indicates personal growth and the prospering of a new venture. This was drawn by person new to our CUUPS group.

Anzuz represents the God Odin, who according to the legend, brought the Runes and their meaning back form the fathomless depths of Urd. I would have been shocked if that one DIDN'T show itself.

I will never say I like public speaking, but it was fun, and I met some wonderful and interesting people. I hope everyone that attended had a most excellent time!

Yule Blessings

As the holiday season passes in a blink, I scramble to finish all my Yule crafts, purchase last minute stocking stuffers, get out my holiday cards, and decorate our home. It is always a wonderfully hectic time of year.

I give thanks that I live here, in the U.S. in the 21st century and I am free to celebrate the winter solstice however I chose. I have to chuckle a little. The decorated tree, the pine wreath, the candles and lights, even carols for "figgy pudding"... ALL pagan traditions that were adapted into the Christmas holiday celebrations. And yet all over the social media people are making a stink about who says or does not say "Merry Christmas" vs "Happy Holidays".

I was raised Catholic, but it has been many, many years since I turned 18 and as a legal adult, I could chose a spiritual path other than that of my parents. I am wiccan, I practice magic and study witchcraft, although I have not "come out of the broom closet" to everyone in my social circles. I have friends and family who are Christian of various denominations. I have acquaintances who are Jewish. I have friends who belong to Science of the Mind Church, and some, I don't really know what church they belong to. It never came up in conversation. So, when I hear, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa or even Namaste, I don't argue about what they said! I know in my heart that they are happy to be celebrating their holiday, and wishing me happiness celebrating mine. Isn't that what the season is all about?

That being said, I am still joyous that my husband and I found a little slice of belonging here in the Bible Belt of all places, when we were introduced to members of the local Unitarian Universalist Church, and then to members of CUUPS (Covenant of the Unitarian Universalist Pagans) and from there, several other pockets of Wicca, Pagan, Heathen groups. I found many great like-minded people with whom I can celebrate Yule.

I am also very excited for the upcoming CUUPS Dirty Santa party (similar to a Yankee swap or a White Elephant where gifts can be stolen or traded). Handmade gifts, I am told, get thieved the most, and are the most fun to give. SO... even though I probably should not share this before the party, I just can't help it.

Ever since I got my Silhouette cutting machine last Spring, I have been wanting to try glass etching. I designed the stencil myself in the the Silhouette software. This was the second try. The first plate I did, the image was off center, and there was one tiny triangle that got etched by mistake. That's OK. I'll keep the practice one. This one came out perfect. I think I will even add some sweet goodies and make it an edible gift on a beautiful plate.

I said there were two... My husband asked if I could make something for him to gift. Soooo, I also made a cute Grinch tree ornament. I also made a few extra to post for sale on my Etsy store, but I made one special for the Dirty Santa/Krampus Switcheroo.

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday season, no matter what you are celebrating.

Blessed Be, and Happy Yule!

Kitchen Witchery

One of the most enjoyable events that my husband and I attended, was a Kitchen Witchery gathering that was held at the Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (HVUUC), and sponsored by The Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans (CUUPs).

Photo from italianfoodforever.com

Kelly (I wish I remembered her last name) was our "Sous Chef". She lead our group of about 10 people in preparing veggie lasagna from scratch. (Including the noodles!) Kelly brought the necessary ingredients and each participant was asked to bring something to add to the mix, or a side dish. Several "gardeners" of the group, brought fresh herbs, and fresh garden zucchini and tomatoes that we added to the sauce. YUM!

I don't have the gift of a green thumb, so, even though my famous "garbage" salad was made with grocery store lettuce, peepers, cucumbers, mushrooms, black olives, green olives, it was still a huge success.

We each took turns rolling out the dough, and/or mixing the sauce and cheese mixtures. During the prep and cooking we socialized, and discussed the magical properties of each of the ingredients.

And then we all sat down together and enjoyed the food that we prepared. I think our quick-paced society has forgotten this experience of spending time with each other, preparing and sharing a meal. It was absolutely amazing.

I would encourage all of you to organize for your own groups. The camaraderie and fellowship that is felt simply by cooking and sharing a meal is absolutely incredible. 

This weekend, was the 2015-16 CUUPs planning meeting, and I suggested that we do a similar event this year. So, in October, we are planning a Kitchen Witchery - STONE SOUP!

I have no doubts that it will be just as successful as our lasagna  dinner. Now to find a copy of the book.....

Bon Appetit!



 

Blue Moon

Did you know that tonight will be the Second Full Moon in July (2015)? That's a BLUE MOON. 

I previously wrote about full moon magic and blue moon magic here.

Although the "Blue Moon" is a fairly new concept since there couldn't be two full moons in one month before the use of the Gregorian Calendar, because before then, the months were counted by the full moon cycles. 

However, magically speaking, the full moon brings light and clarity to the darkness of night. And the Blue Moon expresses a RARE and SPECIAL occasion. So, whatever you are planning for your full moon ritual, this one should be something monumental. 

The Blue Moon energy is special, and is always an ideal time for powerful spells. It is also the perfect time to make some BIG, "once in a blue moon" wishes and send them out to the universe. Use this time to charge your tools, crystals and talismans for an extra super charge of moon energy.

Whatever you choose to do for this magical time, make it memorable and spectacular.

Blessed Be!

                  

Charge of the Goddess

This is an adaptation of Charge of the Star Goddess by Starhawk: Listen to the words of the Great Mother, Who of old was called Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Diana, Arionrhod, Brigid, and by many other names:

Celtic Mother Goddess Brigid Statue

designed by artist, Maxine Miller

Whenever you have need of anything,
once a month, and better it be when the moon is full,
you shall assemble in some secret place
and adore the spirit of Me Who is Queen of all the Wise.

You shall be free from slavery,
and as a sign that you be free
you shall be naked in your rites.

Sing, feast, dance, make music and love,
all in My Presence, for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit
and Mine also is joy on earth.

For My law is love is unto all beings.
Mine is the secret that opens the door of youth,
and Mine is the cup of wine of life that is the cauldron of Cerridwen,
that is the holy grail of immortality.

I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal,
and beyond death I give peace and freedom and reunion
with those that have gone before.

Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for behold,
I am the Mother of all things and
My love is poured out upon the earth.

Hear the words of the Star Goddess,
the dust of Whose feet are the hosts of Heaven,
whose body encircles the universe:

I Who am the beauty of the green earth
and the white moon among the stars
and the mysteries of the waters,

I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me.
For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe.
From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return.

Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices,
for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.

Let there be beauty and strength,
power and compassion,
honor and humility,
mirth and reverence within you.

And you who seek to know Me,
know that the seeking and yearning will avail you not,
unless you know the Mystery:
for if that which you seek,
you find not within yourself,
you will never find it without.

For behold, I have been with you from the beginning,
and I am That which is attained at the end of desire.

Petition Magic & Other Prayers

I recently attended a class - actually it is the first class in a monthly series, to help me get back on my Spiritual path and to the basics of wicca. (If anyone is interested it is being presented by Rev. Edward Christian at the Atlantis store in Johnson City, TN.)

Being a sole practitioner for many years, I read hundreds of books from various traditions, and in those books there were tons of contradictions in even the most rudimentary things like casting a circle, or creating your altar space. This class is designed to sweep away all the BS, and get down to the nuts and bolts of wicca. Once you have them, then YOU can make your own determination of what you would like to add to make your magical experience personal to YOU.

Anyway, I thought I would share some of the ideas that I took away with me from this first class.

Did you know that Petition Magic is just a witchy word for Prayers? Yup! I know many people who do not like using the word "Pray", instead they will say, "I'll send you healing energy" or "I'll light a candle..." Guess what! That is praying!

Prayers can be formal, such as the famous "Charge of the Goddess" by Starhawk, a feminist Neopagan writer (born Miriam Simos, 1951). I included it in a separate post.

Some other forms of Petition Magic, prayers, that might be familiar to you are:

• writing your prayer (or spell) on paper and then setting it on fire
• writing your prayer in wet sand and let the waves take it out to sea
• writing your wish in bird seed, and let the animals and birds carry it away

I have used the fire ritual many times, but only because that was what "the book" said to do, but they all have one thing in common: Writing down what is in your heart, (bringing your prayer into the physical realm, and allowing them to be carried away, either by the elements such as the first two, fire or water, or by the animals as in the last one.

By doing these things with purity of heart - speaking from the heart - you are developing a relationship with the Divine. 

One of my questions was, which Divine do I pray to? Hecate? Isis? Athena? Brigid? or maybe one of the gods? Zeus? Thoth? Thor?

Rev. Edward's answer was Work with the Divine in a way that makes sense to you. It is perfectly acceptable to call upon the "Lord and Lady" or the "God and Goddess". He also said that, because we live in America and it is a melting pot of cultures, we are not limited to cultural Deities. In other words, I do not have to chose Brigid simply because I am part Irish. Nor is my husband limited to Norse gods and goddesses because of his ancestry. We can choose! 

A good way to do that is to research the different mythologies, and choose a god or goddess who has the qualities that you wish to have but perhaps are lacking. And write a prayer - preferably with rhyme and rhythm - repeat it over and over. This will usually bring you into an altered state of mind, which is where you want to be for your magical works. Like the chants from monks. 

One of the easiest ways to reach this state of mind is with 4/4/4 breathing, It was developed by the Golden Down out of western psychology. 

Sit up straight with you feet flat on the floor, and your hands placed just above your knee caps on each leg.

Close your eyes and focus them on the "Third Eye" spot, just above where your eyebrows would meet at your nose. Put your tongue to the roof of your mouth, behind your front teeth, and then slide it back until you feel a flat ridge. Rev. Robert did not name this spot, but I have heard it called The Bagha technique.

Now, practice rhythmic breathing at the count of 4.

• breath in to the count of 4
• hold it to the count of 4
• exhale to the count of 4 
• repeat 

The exercise that we did for this class was a guided meditation. Rev Edward walked us though a grounding and clearing meditation where we imagined roots growing out from the bottom of our feet, through the floor, and the basement, into the earth, deep into the earth's mantel. Then we envisioned the empowering earth energy being sucked into those roots and up into us, pushing all the negative/toxic/sludge out of us and then we brushed it off of our body and imagined that it was absorbed by the earth and neutralized.

After that clearing exercise, while still 4/4/4 breathing, he asked us to picture our living room in our head making it as "real" as we could, visualizing every detail. 

Then he counted us awake from 5. 

It was a pretty intense experience. Even for someone like myself, who has done some meditation work before.

Apparently this is the state of mind that we should be in when we do our MAGIC! 

I hope you got a little insight out of this post, and I will post more as I attend each class. 

Blessed Be.

Smudging May Actually Purify the Air of Harmful Bacteria

I thought I would share this information with my readers.

Smudging is the ancient practice of burning herbs that are believed to have cleansing or healing properties during rituals.

I smudge with white sage, sometimes its a mix of that and lavender or sweet grass. I smudge our home, at least once a year. Usually during spring cleaning. I also smudge to cleanse any new magical tools, stones or crystals.

I visualize the smoke binding any "negative energy" that has attached itself to whatever it is I am smudging, and then carrying it away in the wind/air.

This article from the GreenMedInfo suggests that the practice of smudging may actually purify the air of harmful bacteria. Read the whole story here:  www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/killer-germs-obliterated-medicinal-smoke-smudging-study-reveals

It is alwas\ys interesting to find out that long forgotten practitioners of magic my have known more about "science" than we give them credit for.

Moon Magic, Full Moon Oil, and Blue Moon Magic

The Full moon last night got me thinking about moon magic.

When working with the Moon, a simple rule of thumb is to use the New Moon to begin projects, attract money, help relationships, and aid in health problems, bring new ideas and new opportunity. It marks a personal turning point or time to let go of whatever is not working for us anymore in our lives. Bad or unhealthy habits, regrets or fears or even people and things that hold us back! This is the time to let go.

Use the Full Moon to bring energy to projects already started. Spells cast during a full moon are used to accomplish goals, charge magical tools, empowering. It is a time to take action on whatever rituals and spells you invoked during the New Moon phases. 

Uses of Full Moon Oils vary with beliefs and spiritual practices. It is mainly used in any magic workings, rituals or spells that harness or emphasize the magical power of this phase of the full moon.

Here are some of the uses:

• Wear as a Body Perfume to increase and deepen your psychic powers during a Full Moon 
• Honoring the Mother Goddess 
• Anoint candles 
• Add a few drops into a Ritual Bath when preparing for Ritual 
• Anoint members as they enter Circle
• Anytime you feel like you need the moons energy

Here is a very simple recipe for Full Moon Oil

½ ounce of almond oil
13 drops of sandalwood oil
9 drops of vanilla essential oil
3 drops of jasmine essential oil
1 drop of rose essential oil

Mix these together in a clear glass container before the evening of the full moon. Set the container outside under the full moon.

If you are like me and cannot leave it outside, either due to nosy neighbors, thieving local dogs, cats or raccoons, or maybe you live in an apartment complex…. Whatever the reason, don't worry. It will work just as well if you charge by leaving it on a windowsill overnight during the full moon.

Blue moon magic is a very modern concept. The term Blue Moon has come to mean, "Something that happens very infrequently" and is defined as the second full moon in any calendar month.

Before the conversion to the Gregorian calendar in the late 1500's, the months were counted by the moon. So, this definition of a Blue Moon would not have existed before then. A lunar year was 13 full moons. A lunar month is approximately 29.5 days. Therefore two full moons in any given Gregorian calendar month happen every 2 ½ years or so. But the moon does not actually turn or appear BLUE.

So, because much of the modern wicca and pagan beliefs today have many of their roots in earth/season changes that follow the moon phases and not the 12 Month Calendar, there really is no formal significance attached to the blue moon. But that doesn't mean that it isn't significant for you!

Some modern practices hold special ceremonies, and others only perform initiations at the time of a blue moon. You can certainly treat it as an especially magical time if you wish.

The Law of Attraction and Letting Go

Good morning, folks. I was going through my email earlier and I came across a newsletter that I subscribe to, from www.InternationalLiving.com.  (I don't live overseas, but...maybe...someday. Besides, I just love the wonderful travel stories, including this one that I want to share with you today.)

It brings to mind something my husband had said a while back when we were discussing the Law of Attraction and our "Dream Boards/Dream Journals. His idea was that the more specific and detailed a request to the Universe was, the better. 

He even has down exactly HOW his intentions will come to him. 

While it is true that you need to be detailed and specific when telling the Universe what it is that you want, you also need to leave some wiggle room for the Divine to shine through and bring you your desires in the fastest way possible. 

AND ... Sometimes, what we didn't expect is WAY BETTER than what we asked for. 

Maybe the people we meet on our unexpected detour, have a Dream Journal of their own, and maybe WE are exactly what THEY need at the moment. Maybe the delay is something you BOTH NEED.

So, here is Barbara Winter's story about keeping positive, even when plans don't go our way, and the gift that "letting go", brings.  

Travel Experiences That You Don't Expect 

By Barbara Winter 

One of the things I love most about traveling is that it can be a metaphor for other parts of our life. Outside of familiar surroundings, we are apt to be more alert, more conscious. In such situations we frequently gain new skills—like learning how we respond to unexpected delays and distractions.

It was a discovery I made after spending 10 days with my siblings in Lucca, Italy. 

I planned to take a train to Venice, spend a bonus afternoon in my favorite city, and fly home the next day. 

That plan began to unravel when I went to purchase my train ticket and discovered that a 24-hour strike was planned for exactly the time I wanted to travel. After making numerous calls to find an alternative option, I was assured that some trains would be running. What I wasn't told was that I'd be making a five-hour side trip to Bologna. 

That little surprise didn't arrive until we'd gotten off the train in Bologna. Realizing that there was nothing I could do about the change in plans, I decided to look for the gift in the delay. Although, I suspected I was being naively optimistic. Nevertheless, I attached myself to the Del Prado family from the Philippines who were traveling with their five children. 

Wing, the mother, was not handling the delay well so I invited her to have a cappuccino with me. When I told her about my efforts to encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment, she lit up. 

 "You're talking about me," she exclaimed. 

She was excited to tell me about her business selling handmade children's clothing. Her husband, she said, was also an entrepreneur, running their ranch. Their eldest son, Ramon, was an animator who was about to have his first film shown on television back home. 

While getting to know this entrepreneurial family was great fun, the other thing that was obvious was how kind they were to one another. That same kindness was extended to me and when we finally parted company at the train station in Venice, we were all on the verge of tears. "Thank you for making our trip so pleasant," said Mr. Del Prado. "We will always think of you as, Auntie Barbara." 

As I walked off in the darkness to my hotel, I immediately noticed the sidewalks were covered with water. Raised platforms had been brought in to make walking possible. 

When I got to the hotel, I was told there had been such a storm all day that it looked like a hurricane was coming. Had I arrived at the time I wanted to, I'd have gotten drenched and been confined to my hotel room for the afternoon. 

Meeting the Del Prados was a lot more fun. 

When things aren't happening as rapidly as you'd like, start looking for the gift in the delay.

Right now, you may be putting plans in place for your overseas move. Is success arriving more slowly than you expected? Are you tempted to abandon your great idea? 

Perhaps you need to slow down a minute, let go a lot, and take another look. Maybe you need time to develop skills for handling new levels of success with grace. 

Or maybe your ideas are a bit ahead of the market and it needs time to catch up to your vision. Or possibly what looks like a delay is actually an opportunity to discover something even better than you'd planned. 

There's always a gift if you look for it.  

Editor's note: Barbara will be speaking at our Fund Your Life Overseas Conference in Phoenix this year. Mark the date in your diary...12-14 November 2015

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Developing My Intuition with a Pendulum

We all have Intuition. It is just that some people use theirs better than others. I'm sure you have heard the expressions "Listen to your GUT" or "Gut Feeling". That refers to the 6th sense that EVERYONE has but doesn't always listen to.

It really isn't "Magic". It is our subconscious mind connecting with or our Higher Self. Some call this the collective unconscious, or the Divine. It is the part of ourselves that "just know"what is best for us, help us make the best decisions, and ultimately guide us on our Life's Path".

The point is that you must be able to access that part of subconscious mind. (Some use meditation and I'll write about that in a later post.) I have found that using a pendulum is a quick and reliable way to access our intuition.

Both my husband and I are working on listening to our Divine Intuition much more than we do....

Using a pendulum is not about asking for the winning lotto numbers, it is about accessing that inner voice that instinctively knows the answer to what is best for your greater good.

I have a few pendulums. My very first one was a fishing weight on a heavy thread. I have bought others since then, some were crystals and stones on chains. I have one that opens so I can put "tiny treasures" in it to make it "more receptive to my energy". But my favorite one is my simple metal one on a metal chain and I have gotten spectacularly accurate results with it. So, I have been using it more and more recently, since we both decided to focus on developing this part of ourselves.

But, it doesn't matter how much you paid for your pendulum. A cheap fishing weight on a string, works just as well as an expensive jewel-encrusted crystal on a gold chain. You can even use an existing piece of jewelry if you like. A wedding band on a chain for instance, was traditionally used as a pendulum to determine the sex of an unborn baby by holding it over the mothers belly-bulge.

The most difficult part for me is asking the correct questions to get the most accurate answers. So, I researched and found a wonderful book that has been a wonderful help with this. Here is the book that I bought on Amazon...."Ask the Right Questions" by Maggie and Nigel Percy.

The key is BALANCE. Use it as a tool to get in touch with your inner Divine. Don't use your pendulum as a crutch for blindly making important/hard decisions. Always listen to your inner voice. If the you are getting an answer that doesn't feel right, rephrase the question, or ask yourself why it doesn't feel right. You might be surprised at the answers you give yourself.  

Welcome! May Day, Beltane 2015

Today is May 1st. What a wonderful day to start my new blog, "My Magic Circle". May Day (Beltane) has been celebrated by pagans for many centuries. Welcome Spring and Sunshine! This is the time of new beginnings!

Yesterday, Google's logo announced the celebration of Labour Day (or International Worker's Day). Here in the U.S. we celebrate Labor Day in September, so I had to look up the reason for the logo design. Apparently it is a day to commemorate trade union and labor movements of the late 1800's. It falls on May Day each year. 

Mayday originated in Pagan Europe and it was a holiday for the working class, and a festive holy day celebrating the first spring planting. 

The ancient Celts and Saxons celebrated May 1st as Beltane. The Celtic god of the sun was Bel. So, translated Beltane means "day of sun fire". For them, the day started at sunset, so the feasting, games, and celebrating started at sundown on April 30th. It was the end of winter and the return of the sun and fertility of the soil. It was a celebration of the season by lighting fires, dancing and singing.

These May Eve celebrations were eventually outlawed by the Catholic Church, but was still celebrated up until the 1700's. (mostly by peasants and villagers in small towns where the Church had little influence.) 

"While good church going folk would shy away from joining in the celebrations, those less afraid of papal authority would don animal masks and various costumes, not unlike our modern Halloween. The revelers, lead by the Goddess of the Hunt; Diana (sometimes played by a pagan-priest in women's clothing) and the Horned God; Herne, would travel up the hill shouting, chanting and singing, while blowing hunting horns. This night became known in Europe as Walpurgisnacht, or night of the witches."

From The Origins and Traditions of Mayday by Eugene W. Plawiuk.

The Celts celebrated Beltane throughout the middle ages with a similar god and goddess of the hunt, but as European peasants became more agricultural and less hunter/gatherer, so did their god and goddess. Diana became Queen of the May, representing the cycle of the fields, and Herne became the Green Man (or in some cultures, Robin Goodfellow - a predecessor of Robin Hood) representing the woods and the hunt. In later celebrations, a young woman was chosen from the village to represent the May Queen, ruling over the crops until harvest.

Photo Credit: Pete Ashton https://www.flickr.com/photos/peteashton/

The Maypole is a myriad of male and female symbols representing the God and Goddess. The pole itself is a phallic symbol. The wreath at the top represents the female vagina, and as the ribbons wind around the pole, the wreath lowers, representing the Divine Sexual Union of God and Goddess. The pole itself was a fir tree with its branches stripped (all but the very top). The custom of dancing around it was an ancient fertility rite, for young girls and women. Usually the Yule tree was saved and used as the Maypole. The wreath was created from greenery and the first blooms of the season.

As with many of the Pagan traditions and celebrations, the Christian church adopted them and integrated them into their own doctrine in order to win over converts from the 'Old Religion'. And so they became Saint Days.

The May Queen became a celebration of the Virgin Mary. Many cultures, especially in Europe, still celebrate May Day with the election of a May Queen, and dancing around a May Pole.