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Want to connect with experienced Witches? Come to 13 Witches! Messages In This Digest (16 Messages) Messages - 1.1.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 6:58 am (PDT) Here is on that I like and have used... I also have some simple chants if you are interessted  RITUAL FOR SAMHAIN  Place upon the altar apples, pomegranates, pumpkins, squashes and other late autumn fruits. Autumn flowers such as marigolds and chrysanthemums are fine too. Write on a piece of paper an aspect of your life which you wish to be free of: anger, a baneful habit, misplaced feelings, disease. The cauldron or some similar tool must be present before the altar as well, on a trivet or some other heat-proof surface (if the legs aren't long enough). A small,flat dish marked with an eight-spoked wheel symbol should also be there. (On a flat plate or dish, paint a large circle. Put a dot in the center of this circle and paint eight spokes radiating out from the dot to the larger circle. - A symbol of the Sabbats, a symbol of timelessness. )  Prior to the ritual, sit quietly and think of friends and loved ones who have passed away. Do not despair. Know that they have gone on to greater things.Keep firmly in mind that the physical isn't the absolute reality, and that souls never die.  Arrange the altar, light the candles and censer, and cast your circle.  Recite The Blessing Chant:  May the powers of The One, the source of all creation; all-pervasive, omnipotent, eternal; may the Goddess, the Lady of the Moon; and the God, Horned Hunter of the Sun; rulers of the elemental realms; may the powers of the stars above and the Earth below, bless this place, and this time, and I who am with You.  Invoke the Goddess and God. (in your own way) Lift one of the pomegranates and, with your freshly-washed white-handled knife, pierce the skin of the fruit. Remove several seeds and place them on the wheel-marked dish.  Raise your wand, face the altar and say:  On this night of Samhain I mark your passing, O Sun King, through the sunset into the Land of the Young. I mark also the passing of all who have gone before, and all who will go after. O Gracious Goddess, Eternal Mother, You who gives birth to the fallen, teach me to know that in the time of the greatest darkness there is the greatest light.  Taste the pomegranate seeds; burst them with your teeth and savor their sharp, bittersweet flavor. Look down at the eight-spoked symbol on the plate; the wheel of the year, the cycle of the seasons, the end and beginning of all creation.  Light a fire within the cauldron (a candle is fine). Sit before it, holding the piece of paper, gazing at its flames. Say:  Wise One of the Waning Moon, Goddess of the starry night, I create this fire within Your cauldron to transform that which is plaguing me. May the energies be reversed: From darkness, light! From bane, good! From death, birth!  Light the paper in the cauldron's flames and drop it inside. As it burns, know that your ill diminishes, lessens and finally leaves you as it is consumed within the universal fires.  If you wish, you may attempt scrying or some other form of divination,for this is a perfect time to look into the past or future. Try to recall past lives too, if you will. But leave the dead in peace. Honor them with your memories but do not call them to you. (Many Wiccans do attempt to communicate with their deceased ancestors and friends at this time... if you must do this... make sure you know how to handle the energies and only do this if you are VERY experienced. ) Release any pain and sense of loss you may feel into the cauldron's flames.  Works of magick, if necessary, may follow. Celebrate the Simple Feast. The circle is released.  .....by Scott Cunningham  Love, Light and Abundant Blessings, LadyHawk    --- On Sun, 9/19/10, ladypurehawk < ladypurehawk@ gmail.com> wrote: From: ladypurehawk < ladypurehawk@ gmail.com> Subject: [13Witches] Samhain To: 13Witches@yahoogrou ps.com Date: Sunday, September 19, 2010, 12:51 AM  MM, does anyone have a fairly simple Samhain Ritual that can be performed by a solitary? - 2.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:40 am (PDT) Harvest Festivals at the Equinox--Part 2 Celebrating the Harvest Down Under In the Southern Hemisphere the harvest season falls in March, as opposed to September. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to have to flip-flop all those Wiccan dates and holidays around when you live in the Southern Hemisphere. But as all Witches and Pagans are known to be clever and resourceful folks, I am sure you are up to the task. The following information was shared with me by Llewellyn author Catherine Wishart, a friend of mine who today lives with her family in New Mexico. Catherine is originally from New Zealand and is of Maori descent. When I first talked to her about wanting to include harvest information for folks from "down under," she told me to get out some paper and she'd fill me in on the harvest festival from her native country. The Maori are the native people of New Zealand and they celebrate the kumara harvest in March. The kumara is a tuber, not unlike a sweet potato. Their harvest festival is called the Poututerangi Ngahuru (pronounced Poo-two-tay- run-ee Nah-who-roo) . It is a harvest festival that celebrates a time of abundant food. The Maori knew when to commence with their harvest by watching for the summer star Vega. When Vega greeted them, it was time to begin the harvest. The first kumara that was dug up was the same one that had been ritually planted the previous spring. The kumara was lifted from the ground originally with long poles. The word Poututerangi means "the post that lifted the sky." Pani (pronounced Pan-ee) was the goddess of this festival of the "longest and happiest month," and as the people began their harvest, they kept a lookout for a special kumara called "the canoe." Finding a canoe, which is an unusually large and boat-shaped tuber or yam, was considered a sign from their goddess Pani. Unearthing a canoe meant that the goddess had indeed responded to their invocations and had blessed the Maori with plentiful crops. After the harvest, the tubers were then stored in special pits layered with a native variety of pennyroyal. The stored tubers were only allowed to be touched by men, or women that were past menopause. Once the kumara crops were safely gathered and stored away, the Maori celebrated with harvest games, dancing, songs, and of course feasting on the kumara, which Catherine tells me are traditionally cooked in a hangi, a pit in the ground. Happy Harvest Holiday As we've seen, the celebration of the Autumn Equinox has links to the harvest Home festivals from all over the world. This holiday is considered a lesser sabbat along with the Vernal Equinox in the spring and the summer and winter solstices. I wonder if they get stuck with that label of "lesser sabbats" since their dates change from year to year? At any rate, this magickal holiday is a solar festival with many names and titles. A few of the different names you may encounter are Mabon, the Second Harvest Festival, Harvest Home, the Festival of the Vine, Cornucopia, Modron, the Feast of Avalon Equinozio di Autummo (Strega), and Alben Elfed (Caledonii). In Norse-Pagan traditions, this sabbat may be referred to as Winter Finding, and this time spans from the equinox until mid-October and the beginning of the Norse New Year. Last but not least we have Mean Fomhair (Druidic). In case you're wondering, the pronunciation for that Celtic name is Myawn Foe-wir. Try saying that three times fast. Oh, and I guess we'd better tackle another topic of debate while we're at it: how to pronounce one of the more common names for this autumn sabbat. The word Mabon may be pronounced May-bawn, Mah-boon, or May-bun. Any of those is correct. If you really want to get into a debate about pronunciation, just ask folks the correct way to say "athame."{ Lady N's Note: I pronounce it ath-a-May (accent on the last syllable).} Celebrating Autumn and the Harvest Today Today we have an incredible variety of produce available to us year-round. But it isn't hard to use your imagination and wonder what it would be like to have to rely only on what you were able to gather and hunt to hold your family through the long nights of winter. So how do we put a modern spin on a sabbat with ties to ancient Harvest Home festivals? Well, we get creative. An Autumn Equinox celebration can be a simple one with fresh fruits picked up from the market, or perhaps you have your own seasonal custom and take your family apple picking or out for a drive to see the turning foliage. Study the local harvest customs and get to know the agricultural history of your country, no matter where you live. Sure, it's always fun to learn about other harvest folklore from all over the world, but it doesn't have to end there. Remember that magick is where you find it. Study your own festivals and harvest customs that are native to your area. Let nature inspire you to look at this enchanting autumn season from a fresh magickal perspective. All you have to do is tip your face up to the bright autumn sunshine. Now open your heart and mind to all the possibilities, and prepare to learn more about the enchantment of autumn and this magickal season of harvest. by Ellen Dugan Love Each Day, Lady Nightshayde http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/ http://groups. yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews http://health. groups.yahoo. com/group/ BlackHatsAndBroo msticks/ We are a support group for Women Only. Love Each Day, Lady Nightshayde http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/ http://groups. yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews http://health. groups.yahoo. com/group/ BlackHatsAndBroo msticks/ We are a support group for Women Only. - 3.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 12:46 pm (PDT) - 4a.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:34 pm (PDT)
Okay thanks
On Sat Sep 18th, 2010 5:54 PM EDT Lady Nightshayde wrote:
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>Its been 10 yrs for me and I still don't have any mentor or sisters.
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>I'm sorry to hear that. Are there any Meetup groups in your town? Perhaps a magick shop? You could also go to The Witches Voice site, www.witchvox. com, and look for a group in your area.
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>Love Each Day,
>Lady Nightshayde
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 2:39 pm (PDT)
Samhain Info & Ritual
Samhain is the time of the third and final harvest when, in earlier
days, cattle were brought in from summer pastures. Excess livestock was slaughtered and the meat smoked or salted for winter. Samhain is a time for divination and honoring the dead, for the veil that divides the mundane and subtle realms is considered to be particularly insubstantial
on this day.
To the Celts, this was the Feast of the Dead and the Night of the Wild Hunt. Samhain marked the Celtic New Year and was the most important of the festivals. As with other festivals, Samhain is not constrained by the artificial midnight to midnight divisions of modern conception, and it is usually considered as starting at sundown on October 31st and ending at sundown on November 1st. Thus much of the celebration of Samhain does occur at the most appropriate time: Halloween.
The Christian tradition treats Samhain as a Festival of the Dead too,
with the souls of departed saints remembered on 1st November (All
Saints' Day), and those of the non-canonized dead the following day (All Souls' Day). The Church established All Saints' Day in the seventh century when the Pantheon in Rome was consecrated as the Church of the Blessed Virgin and All Martyrs, recasting both the Festival of the Dead and the Temple to All Gods in terms of Christian theology.
Samhain is a time to look back to the past and forward to the future. It is beneficial to reflect on those you have known and the experiences you have shared, as well as to take the time to view the possibilities ahead of you. Samhain is a profound time of the year, offering the opportunity of understanding.
Ritual Preparations
Since spirits and faeries run free today, you may wish to take extra
precautions in protecting your home and sacred space. Clean the floors with basil-steeped water to wash away any negativity from the old year. Hang gorse near your windows or doorway, and cast white beans around the circle to banish both ghosts and bad luck.
Gather pictures of, or memorabilia from, people in your life who have passed over, and put these in the sacred space at the western point. For the three other points you will need a knife or scissors, a candle, and a symbol of transformation.
Carve a pair of back and white candles to represent what you want to release and gather for the new year, respectively. Also find a crystal to use for scrying, (quartz and obsidian are two good choices), have self-lighting charcoal for the brazier (or cauldron), and write messages on pieces of paper for your loved ones who have passed over (one piece of paper for each individual you wish to contact).
The Altar
Cover the altar in a black or orange cloth. Decorate it with traditional Halloween touches, such as an iron cauldron, bats, owls, brooms, and skeletons. Add a pomegranate to represent the cycle of
life-death-rebirth at one side of the brazier; place your messages to
loved ones on the other. Put the black and white candles at opposite sides of the table's surface.
Invocation
Begin the ritual when it is totally dark outside. This invocation begins with a prayer that opens the way for the spirits of beloved friends and ancestors to join you:
"Lady and Lord, pull aside the veil; the edge of time where all things begin and end. open a gateway to my loved ones that they may join me in this rite."
Cast the circle starting in the West, the region where several cultures believe afterlife abides.
West ~ "I, ______come into the circle of Water, a circle of might, to
sing of my family on this holy night." Place a familial token on the
western point to welcome those spirits."
North ~ "I come to the circle of Earth, the circle of peace, so
wandering spirits may be released. Place a knife or pair of scissors
here to symbolize the freeing of ties." (Some spirits linger in the
Earth plane because they feel compelled to watch over loved ones.)
East ~ "I come into the circle of Air, a circle of change. Let the old
be transformed, by spirit rearranged. Leave an emblem here of what you plan to transform in the ritual using the black and white candles."
South ~ "I come into the circle of Fire, a circle of song, as the light
grows shorter, and night grows long. Extinguish a candle at this point of the circle to represent the season's darkness."
Center ~ "I come into the circle of the Ancients, a circle of light, and
welcome familial spirits, this All Souls' Night."
Light a central candle, any color you choose, to represent the Spirit's presence.
Meditation and Visualization
Hallows is a time for remembering, and for journeying into our own
subconscious. This sojourn unlocks the keys for integrating our past,
and handling the present more effectively.
For this meditation, sit with the crystal you have chosen and close your eyes. Think of one person, now deceased, whom you would trust as a guide, and ask silently for his or her guidance.
Breathe deeply and slowly. Feel the energy of the crystal in your hand. For now, let it sit idly here, lending its insightful power to the
mediation process. If it helps, lie on the floor with the crystal
resting on your Third Eye while you meditate.
Envision all those friends and family members who have passed over in a circle around you, linking hands. Let their love become a magic sphere that holds you in this place between worlds. As you feel this protective, caring energy grow, the crystal will begin to get warm. When this happens, open your eyes and take the crystal in hand.
Think now of one question that has been nagging you. Direct that
question into the crystal. Look at the surface of the stone, and let
your gaze become naturally blurry. Watch for images to appear. You may see literal portraits, symbols, or clouds in response to your question. Portraits and symbols have to be interpreted by you. Generally bright or white clouds in moving up or to the right are good omens, while those appearing dark, or moving down and to the left are negative portents.
After you receive your answer, whisper your thanks to the spirits who watched over you, and to the stone. Make notes of the experience you had in your ritual journal.
The Ritual
Stand before your altar, saying:
"I welcome the Old Ones, I offer hospitality to kindly guiding spirits
in this sacred space. Those of you who chose to join me here, I beg a boon. Into these fires I place message for people close to my heart."
Place the pieces of paper on which you've written your messages to
departed loved ones into the cauldron of fire.
"Impart these words gently to ______(fill in with the names of those you wish to contact). Carry the smoke of love and memories with you into the next world when you return."
This is a good point in the ritual to look over old scrap books and
revel in positive memories. Allow tears to flow freely, along with
laughter as part of the circle of life.
Next, light the black candle saying,
"Death is a part of life. Today_____ (fill in whatever you've chosen to release) dies within me. This is not a loss, but a liberating change that I welcome and accept."
If possible, dance the circle counterclockwise at this point to release
negativity. Keep moving until you feel finished casting the shadows from your life.
Light the white candle, saying,
"From death to the old ways comes life anew. I light the candle of _____ (fill in with a characteristic you hope to gain) that it may always shine in my heart." Dance, or walk, the circle clockwise to draw positive energy, and bring light to the darkness.
Other Activities
If you can take a trip to the graves of family or friends later, it's
traditional to leave soul cakes there as an offering to the spirits of
the departed. At home, leave out sweet cream for the Fey so they don't cause mischief.
Some people hold a séance tonight, or attempt other forms of divination such as pendulum work. If you hold a séance, please make sure that an experienced medium controls the attempt. There are many spirits wandering Earth, and you don't want to accidentally reach the wrong one!
Pendulum divination is actually fairly easy to try. You'll need a length of cotton or wool string that's as long as your elbow-to-fingertip measurement, plus a little extra. Thread the needle, wedding band, or other evenly weighted object onto this. Put the elbow of your strong hand on the table, with the pendulum hanging down from between your pointer finger and thumb. Steady the pendulum, then think of a yes or no
question. Clockwise or up-and-down movement is a positive answer,
counterclockwise or left-and-right movement indicates a negative answer.
Closing the Circle
Put away the tokens you've placed at each quarter point as you recite this dismissal. Note that the progression of the closing gives the attending spirits time to leave before the veil is closed again.
South
"I release the circle of song,
the circle of Fire.
The way is opened by a cleansing pyre."
East
"I release the circle of change,
the circle of Air.
The way is new, but the magick is there."
North
"I release the circle of peace,
the circle of Earth.
The way is fertile for spirits rebirth."
West
"I release the circle of Water,
the circle of might.
The way is ready; spirits take flight!"
Center
"I release the circle of the Ancients,
the circle of light.
The way is closed, this holy night."
Closing prayer (optional)
Lady and Lord, I have released, sown, and reaped...now it is time to
rest. Bring peace to my spirit, to all those souls here gathered, and to this place until we meet here again. So mote it be.
Post Ritual Foods
Traditionally, animals enjoy the food first today, in thankfulness for
the gift of sustenance many of them offer. After that, try cultural
foods f favorite edibles of the departed people honored in your
ritual.
Don't let the leftover pumpkin go to waste either; make pie or bread as a protective food. Also consider dark foods, such as rye or pumpernickel bread. Pork and apples are both customary foods for the dead, and beans are also a good choice -they grow counterclockwise!
Source Unknown
Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde
You never know how much you know until you know how much you'll never know.
- 6.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 3:26 pm (PDT) - 7a.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:02 pm (PDT) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Sept. 19) - Better catch Jupiter this week in the night sky. It won't be that big or bright again until 2022. Jupiter will pass 368 million miles from Earth late Monday, its closest approach since 1963. You can see it low in the east around dusk. Around midnight, it will be directly overhead. That's because Earth will be passing between Jupiter and the sun, into the wee hours of Tuesday. NASA / AP The planet Jupiter will pass 368 million miles from Earth late Monday, its closest approach since 1963. The solar system's largest planet already appears as an incredibly bright star - three times brighter than the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. The only thing brighter in the night sky right now is our moon. Binoculars and telescopes will dramatically improve the view as Jupiter, along with its many moons, rises in the east as the sun sets. "Jupiter is so bright right now, you don't need a sky map to find it," said Tony Phillips, a California astronomer under contract with NASA. "You just walk outside and see it. It's so eye-catching, there it is." Phillips has never seen Jupiter so bright. "To an experienced observer, the difference is notable," he said Friday. Coincidentally, Uranus also will make a close approach the same night. It will appear close to Jupiter but harder to see with the naked eye. Through a telescope, it will shine like an emerald-colored disk less than one degree from Jupiter. Sponsored Links Jupiter comes relatively close to Earth about every 12 years. In 1999, it passed slightly farther away. What's rare this time is Uranus making a close appearance at the same time, Phillips said. He called it "a once-in-a-lifetime event." While seen right next to Jupiter through a telescope, Uranus actually will be 1.7 billion miles from Earth on Monday night. Phillips urges stargazers not to give up if it's cloudy Monday night. Jupiter will remain relatively close for many weeks, he noted, providing good viewing opportunities for some time. And for those who are early risers instead of night owls, Jupiter will be visible setting in the west just before sunrise. http://www.aolnews. com/science/ article/jupiter- to-make-closest- approach- to-earth- since-1963/ 19639653 Love Each Day, Lady Nightshayde http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/ http://groups. yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews http://health. groups.yahoo. com/group/ BlackHatsAndBroo msticks/ We are a support group for Women Only. - 7b.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:17 pm (PDT) Thanks for sharing this! Love your astronomy posts Love, Light and Abundant Blessings, LadyHawk    --- On Sun, 9/19/10, Lady Nightshayde < LadyNightshayde9@ aol.com> wrote: From: Lady Nightshayde < LadyNightshayde9@ aol.com> Subject: [13Witches] Jupiter Making Closest Approach to Earth in 47 Years To: 13Witches@yahoogrou ps.com, whisperingwitches@ yahoogroups. com, JazmynTara@aol. com, timcox80@gmail. com, sassigirl21@ hotmail.com Date: Sunday, September 19, 2010, 7:02 PM  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Sept. 19) - Better catch Jupiter this week in the night sky. It won't be that big or bright again until 2022. Jupiter will pass 368 million miles from Earth late Monday, its closest approach since 1963. You can see it low in the east around dusk. Around midnight, it will be directly overhead. That's because Earth will be passing between Jupiter and the sun, into the wee hours of Tuesday. NASA / AP The planet Jupiter will pass 368 million miles from Earth late Monday, its closest approach since 1963.The solar system's largest planet already appears as an incredibly bright star - three times brighter than the brightest star in the sky, Sirius. The only thing brighter in the night sky right now is our moon. Binoculars and telescopes will dramatically improve the view as Jupiter, along with its many moons, rises in the east as the sun sets. "Jupiter is so bright right now, you don't need a sky map to find it," said Tony Phillips, a California astronomer under contract with NASA. "You just walk outside and see it. It's so eye-catching, there it is." Phillips has never seen Jupiter so bright. "To an experienced observer, the difference is notable," he said Friday. Coincidentally, Uranus also will make a close approach the same night. It will appear close to Jupiter but harder to see with the naked eye. Through a telescope, it will shine like an emerald-colored disk less than one degree from Jupiter. Sponsored Links Jupiter comes relatively close to Earth about every 12 years. In 1999, it passed slightly farther away. What's rare this time is Uranus making a close appearance at the same time, Phillips said. He called it "a once-in-a-lifetime event." While seen right next to Jupiter through a telescope, Uranus actually will be 1.7 billion miles from Earth on Monday night. Phillips urges stargazers not to give up if it's cloudy Monday night. Jupiter will remain relatively close for many weeks, he noted, providing good viewing opportunities for some time. And for those who are early risers instead of night owls, Jupiter will be visible setting in the west just before sunrise. http://www.aolnews. com/science/ article/jupiter- to-make-closest- approach- to-earth- since-1963/ 19639653 Love Each Day, Lady Nightshayde http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/ http://groups. yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews  http://health. groups.yahoo. com/group/ BlackHatsAndBroo msticks/ We are a support group for Women Only. - 7c.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:53 pm (PDT) - 8.1.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 4:07 pm (PDT) Thanks! Actually I'd just like to figure out where to buy a candle around here! --- En date de : Ven, 17.9.10, Stacy < kjunprncez@sbcgloba l.net> a écrit : De : Stacy < kjunprncez@sbcgloba l.net> Objet : Re: Rép. : [13Witches] Greetings À : 13Witches@yahoogrou ps.com Date: vendredi 17 septembre 2010 20 h 57  Welcome to the group, Aramande. I'm from southeast Texas (Port Arthur) so I'm a little bit up the coast from you. There are some Meetup groups around the Bay area. There's even one here. You said you were desperate for fellow believers and you might give one of those groups a look-see. Blessings, Stacy - 9a.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 5:46 pm (PDT)
Merry meet, All. My name is Rose, I'm 62, I live in rural upstate New York. I follow an eclectic path focusing on the Craft, but including wiccan, pagan, and shamanic influences.
I use tarot, I garden organically, and am looking to learn more ways of making my everyday life as a witch more magickal and more Craft-conscious.
Blessed Be,
Rose - 9b.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 6:38 pm (PDT) Merry meet, All. My name is Rose, I'm 62, I live in rural upstate New York. I follow an eclectic path focusing on the Craft, but including wiccan, pagan, and shamanic influences. Merry meet and welcome to our group Rose. Love Each Day, Lady Nightshayde http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/ http://groups. yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews http://health. groups.yahoo. com/group/ BlackHatsAndBroo msticks/ We are a support group for Women Only. - 10a.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 6:31 pm (PDT) Meditation This is a much touted area of the occult. There are many meditation techniques, and many claims made for the benefits of meditation. Basically, meditation has two functions relaxation, and perhaps, improved concentration. There are two main types... 1) concentration meditation (focusing), 2) insight meditation (mindfullness) . Most kinds of meditation are the concentrative type. One simply focuses his attention upon a single physical object (such as a candle flame); upon a sensation (such as that felt while walking or breathing); upon an emotion (such as reverence or love); upon a mantra spoken aloud or even silently; or upon a visualization (as in chakra meditation, see below)...Concentrat ion meditation is, simply put, a form of self hypnosis. A mantra (or mantrum) is one or more words or syllables which are repeated often chanted aloud...A simple yet powerful mantra is to vibrate the mystical word 'OM'. This mantra has long been associated in India with the godhead/unity. Use it to aid in tuning into universal vibrations which promote feelings of harmony, peace, and well being. Use it before magick ritual to 'get into the mood' and afterward to 'dismiss the forces'. You vibrate a mantra by saying it slowly aloud in a lower pitched voice than your normal speech, and a more or less constant pitch as well. Let the sound fade at the end of the mantra. A powerful one such as 'OM' will seem to vibrate the air around you. It should be vocalized for 5 10 seconds and repeated a number of times with a few seconds rest between each vocalization. Chanting of mantras may cause slight dizziness from hyperventilation. The other main type of meditaiton insight meditation is the analysis of thoughts and feelings in such a way as to cause realization of the subjectivity and illusion of experience. This is done in a effort to attain trancendental awareness. Such statements as, 'This body is not me', fall under this category. Buddhist meditations are usually of this type. There is a special type of concentrative meditation which we will call 'Chakra meditation'. This is basically Kundalini yoga the practice of causing psychic energy (kundalini) to flow up sushumna, energizing the various chakras along the way. The practice, considered dangerous by some, will produce definite physiological sensations and psychological effects if continued long enough. It should not be attempted by epileptics or persons with an unstable mental or physical condition, or with heart disease. Certain drugs and medications, such as those used to treat epilepsy may retard progress. Although the technique is very simple, it may eventually produce powerful results. Results may at first appear hours after the practice during sleep. As each chakra is energized by this practice, it is said to add occult powers (sidhis), until at last the crown chakra is reached, and with it, full enlightenment is attained. Sometimes kundalini awakens all by itself. To practice this chakra meditation, you simply concentrate on the chakras, beginning with the root chakra, and moving progressively up, as you visualize psychic energy from the root chakra traveling up shushumna and vivifying each higher chakra. As we mentioned the chakras have certain properties associated with them, so that this type of visualization may 'raise consciousness' , promote astral projection, and other things once you have reached ajna and eventually the crown chakra. You might typically meditate in this fashion for 15 minutes to a half hour a day. It might help to practice some hatha yoga or other physical exercise in an effort to make the spinal cord 'more flexible'. Diet may also affect the process. The technique is also similar to the Tibetan 'Tummo' meditation. The rise of kundalini is sometimes experienced as a 'vibration' or buzzing, as light, or as heat. Author Unattributed Added Tuesday, March 04, 1997 This was originally posted on the list by Fran. Love Each Day, Lady Nightshayde http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/ http://groups. yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews http://health. groups.yahoo. com/group/ BlackHatsAndBroo msticks/ We are a support group for Women Only. - 11.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 6:37 pm (PDT) Grounding, Centering and Shielding Protection for Energy Workers When one embarks on spiritual work, the importance of staying grounded and centered -- and being shielded from unwanted energy -- becomes absolutely necessary. By "this work," I mean those who are involved in Reiki, Shamanism and other energy, vibrational, alternative and complementary medicine. When we raise our vibrational level, it's easier to "connect" with the Divine, to see our life purpose, to be guided by our inner wisdom and outside sources of inspiration, but we also become much more susceptible to being "blown away" by others with raw, unconscious energy, both by individuals who may be focusing on negativity or in group situations. That makes grounding, centering and shielding of utmost importance if we want to stay on the spiritual path, not be confused or become misguided or to lose our connection with the authentic self and higher guidance. Not to be indelicate, but what I tell my clients and students is to frequently throughout the day "put your butt on a rock." I'm a Sagittarius (with Aquarius rising!) so I have a natural tendency as a fire sign to "go off" mentally and emotionally anyway. So, I have to ground and center often. Following my own advice, I try to put my butt on a rock at minimum four times a day. Even in intense work settings, we are allowed "breaks," so when taking a "break," find a place where there are trees and rocks or at least stone or concrete in contact with the Earth. Lean against a tree, rock or wall, making sure your base chakra (butt) is in firm contact. While doing this, take three deep breaths, breathing in the Sun energy through your nostrils and releasing your breath (energy) consciously toward the Earth, so that your Life Force can be recycled not only physically but energetically (through intent). This completes the cycle of life, or Sacred Hoop of Life, that connects all beings to the Earthly Mother, and it will clear you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. A word on breathing: Most of us in the West don't breathe properly. That may sound odd, but in Western medicine, the way babies are birthed provides a shock to the newborn, where oxygen is abruptly sucked into the lungs, which burns from having a life atmosphere of oxygen and nutrients provided by the mother without pain. Breathe deeply from the Hara. As a result of our birthing, and later conditioning, we breathe shallowly, from the chest. We should breathe deeply from the Hara (the source of our spiritual bodies). Or, in layman's terms, we should learn to breathe from the gut. A number of modalities teach breathing, from Holotropic Breathwork to rebirthing to Drunvalo Mechizedek's Flower of Life workshops. Grounding and breathing will get you centered. If you cannot find a rock or tree or solid wall in contact with the Earth, I tell clients and students that you can still connect with Earth energy through intent alone, by "breathing through your feet." To do this, do as above, but stand still and quiet, taking deep breaths (Sun & Earth) but feeling the Earth energy coming up through your feet, spreading up through your body and extending out through your limbs, to finger tips. Imagine yourself as a giant tree, taking in Earth energy through your "roots" (feet) and extending out to the farthest "branches" (fingertips) and beyond, swirling through your merkaba, or energy body, through space and time into other dimensions. Feel this Earth energy centering you and going out into all directions. Some people tell me that they love to hug trees and roll in the grass and feel the Earth energy -- and that's truly wonderful. But you do not have to do that in order to have an essential connection with the Earth, nor do you have to be barefooted. You can wear tennis shoes, any kind of rubber-soled shoes. You can even be high in a skyscraper or flying in an airplane. How is this possible? Easy. Earth energy is all around us; Life Force energy (Ki) is all around is. It is only our mental blocks or blinders that keep us from feeling this energy or using it in our mind/body systems. Consider: When you are high in a skyscraper or flying at 30,000 feet, what keeps your feet on the floor or your butt in the seat? Gravity, right? What is gravity? Earth energy!!! All is energy. We can open our minds to allow integration of what we need or we can use our minds to create blocks, barriers and limits to growth. "Yes, but . . ." is probably the greatest barrier to spiritual growth. Why create a mental mountain? Don't use "buts," use your "butt!" Planting Your Butt on a Rock To access and use Earth energy wherever you may be, you have only to focus your being on bringing that energy into your mind/body system, through breathing and intent, as described above. Imagine a tendril or thread going from your base chakra going deep into the Earth, connecting you, anchoring you. The reason I tell people to "put your butt on a rock" is not so much because rocks are essential, but because it's a physical activity that people can understand -- even me. If I get in the habit, which I do, of putting my butt on a rock throughout the day, even if I'm totally scattered and mentally confused, I can understand that activity. Once on the rock, and breathing, my centeredness returns. No matter what situation you find yourself in during the day, remember to breathe. It sounds simple. But people often forget, allowing the central nervous system to put them on autopilot. But in times of stress, when you feel out of control, frightened or overwhelmed, no matter what unconsciousness you may be feeling, keep that in the back of your mind: Remember to Breathe! That will lead you to centeredness and will open the door for Earth energy to ground you. The purpose of being grounded and centered is to make you present, truly present, "in" the moment. When you are present, you can think clearly and act, not react. You cannot control the future; you cannot control the past. But "in" the moment, you can do whatever you set your mind to do and by thinking clearly, being grounded and centered, whatever is needful will appear. The importance of grounding was brought to me recently through Dreamwork. As you advance through various initiations spiritually (whether you are aware of them or not), you will find that you are working on others constantly. With Reiki, your Reiki energy will turn on at odd times, your hands will grow warm -- you may never know if you are working on self or others, giving healing energy to those around you or at great distances, perhaps even in other planes and dimensions of time and space. Grounding, Centering and Shielding You also will find yourself doing work in Dreamwork, that is, in nightly dreaming. A few nights ago, I was with my Reiki guides this way working with a woman who had "blocks" in her aura, thought forms that were preventing her from enjoying the blessings that were raining down upon her. She appeared as a luminous egg as beautiful golden drops fell from the sky; but she could receive none of them for the dark forms blocking them in her aura. I started to clear away the dark forms and my guides said, "No. Work on her feet." Sure enough, as soon as I began working on her feet, opening her connection to Earth energy, the dark thought forms melted away, transmuted by the Earth energy flowing into her aural body, disappearing like morning fog in sunshine, and the blessings were allowed to stream down upon her, to be reflected in her daily life where she could perceive them. My guide took me to a place where they showed me the Tree of Life -- the energetic source of all being. It was radiant in white light, dazzling, towering to the heavens. But my guides pointed for me to look below. There, I saw that the Tree of Life is as tall as it is deep, a perfect mirror above and below. Just as the branches reach to infinity, so do its roots run deep. In the center is balance. That is where we belong. We each are a Tree of Life. Our roots much reach deep, so that our striving can soar. The deeper we go, the higher we can reach. This leads to shielding. In group situations, especially stressful or chaotic ones, no matter how finely we have raised our vibrational level individually, we can "take on" unwanted energy, become confused, even attract negative thought forms in our auras that can lodge there and create conflict in our lives, even illness (dis-ease). This is especially true for people who have past-life "holes" in their auras where unwanted energy, thought forms, or spiritual intrusions can lodge. None of us is immune, as even with regular energy work, we can be distracted, allowing unwanted energy to enter. So, whenever I go into group situations (a perfect example is Wal-Mart!), I make sure and shield beforehand and while there. Shielding Through Intent Shielding is quite simple; it's harder to remember to do it. Shielding is done through intent. Imagine yourself surrounded by a blue egg of light or it can be white light; whatever feels comfortable to you. Some people visualize wearing a cloak or coat of mirrors, so that whatever energy is sent their way is reflected; only personal energy and Divine (crown chakra) and Earth energy are allowed within this "egg." Shielding is particularly important for anyone who does energy healing work with others. It's not an "insult" to the person being helped, but protects you from "taking on" any issues (unwanted energy) of the client and protects them from the same. Since the "shield" is clear or permeable, allowing healing energy to pass through, the work is done without impediment. Consider it only a "strainer" of unwanted energetic debris. And, always, when finishing energy work, be sure to "seal" the client's aura, and ask the Creator to remove any "debris" or "footprints" from both the client and yourself, to be returned where they belong or transmuted for positive good. Whenever we are going through emotional shifts, as the current Earth changes are causing through our entrainment with the Earth and Sun, we can be distracted or vulnerable to having our personal energy field disrupted or "taking on" unwanted energy. It is important to remember to be grounded, to be centered, and to shield in group situations or when faced with situations where our energetic systems may be at risk. If you do not act with discernment in this way, keeping your being impeccable, coyote is always waiting to play a trick on you and teach you the lesson being the spiritual warrior you must be in order to grow, develop, advance. All our lessons are built upon the other; if we do not keep our energetic bodies intact, we run the risk of having the rug pulled out from under us until we can reconstruct and rebuild our vibrational level to where we want it to be: advancing and progressing. Stay protected, stay grounded, keep centered. Remember: Butt & Gut: Put your butt on a rock and breathe! Aho. by Jim Ewing About this Contributor: Jim Ewing is a Registered Karuna ReikiÆ Master/Teacher and Shamanic Healer who lives in Lena, Ms. Love Each Day, Lady Nightshayde http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/Whispering Witches/ http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/MagickalMe als/ http://groups. yahoo/group/ NightshaydesNews http://health. groups.yahoo. com/group/ BlackHatsAndBroo msticks/ We are a support group for Women Only. - 12.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:14 pm (PDT) - 13.
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Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:57 pm (PDT) Reminder from: 13Witches Yahoo! Group http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/13Witches/ cal **Share A Spell Day** Monday September 20, 2010 All Day (This event repeats every week.) Notes: It's Share A Spell Monday! Please share a spell with fellow list members. All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Inc. http://www.yahoo. com Privacy Policy: http://privacy. yahoo.com/ privacy/us Terms of Service: http://docs. yahoo.com/ info/terms/
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