Messages In This Digest (25 Messages)

1a.: Re: Handfasting advice

Posted by: "aprilandersoncharlotte@yahoo.com" aprilandersoncharlotte@yahoo.com aprilandersoncharlotte

Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:28 am (PDT)

Depending on where you live, and if you know any covens, there should be an ordained minister around. Check the internet also. I know an ordained minister but we live in Virginia. If you like I can give you her email, she may know someone in your area. Blessed Be!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: judd davenport <momsaidicould@yahoo.com>
Sender: 13Witches@yahoogroups.com
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:27:58
To: 13<13witches@yahoogroups.com>
Reply-To: 13Witches@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [13Witches] Handfasting advice

My partner and I are planning to do a handfasting. I would like advice on how to pick the officant.

judd
 
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1b.: Re: Handfasting advice

Posted by: "feinicsinion" arianaabbrinneall@gmail.com feinicsinion

Mon Aug 22, 2011 3:00 pm (PDT)

I have gone through this before. I suggest looking for someone who is willing to use a ceremony that you give them. Once you find someone who's willing to do that, meet with them, see how you feel around them. If your handfasting is going to be fun and they are somber, not a good match. Also, if you want a serious ceremony and they show up late to your meeting with casual apologies it's probably a bad sign. I looked for someone who took their duties very seriously but had a relaxed personality and whom I could talk with casually.

Just my suggestions but hopefully that helps.
Ariana

--- In 13Witches@yahoogroups.com, judd davenport <momsaidicould@...> wrote:
>
> My partner and I are planning to do a handfasting. I would like advice on how to pick the officant.
>
> judd

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2.: Cosmic calendar Aug 22

Posted by: "LadyHawk_Jax" ladyhawk_jax@yahoo.com ladyhawk_jax

Mon Aug 22, 2011 5:38 am (PDT)

Stay mentally clear and emotionally calm as the Sun and Venus continue in their disruptive ties with Neptune. Yesterday, Venus opposed Neptune while the Sun and Neptune formed a dicey contra-parallel. Now the roles are reversed, and the Sun is opposite Neptune (4:27PM PDT) while Venus makes the questionable contra-parallel to Neptune (11:56PM PDT).

Neptune has some fantastic qualities when it is operating in positive mode. Neptune can strengthen the creative imagination and psychic abilities, and help humans commune blissfully with the divine. However, Neptune is also a super-sensitive planet and does not always behave well when interacting with other celestial bodies via difficult sky patterns.

The Sun makes matters somewhat more difficult by forming an abrasive, 45-degree tie to Saturn (9:14AM PDT). Frustrations and delays are often the result of any contact between the Sun and ring-master Saturn. Plus - Saturn and Neptune are on the verge of making their own, tense 135-degree connection 48 hours from now on Wednesday August 24.

One ace in the hole today is the Sun in parallel to Mercury (2:08PM PDT). Along with the Moon in Gemini, the Sun offering radiant light to Mercury may signal that mind can triumph over matter, and that your logic and common sense will bring harmony and balance to key partnerships.

Love, Light and Abundant Blessings,
LadyHawk

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3.1.: Topic Tag

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 11:17 am (PDT)

Astara Moonlore, Starlitmyst321, you were tagged for Topic Tag.

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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4.1.: Cool Website of the Day

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 12:25 pm (PDT)

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Project Gutenberg Mobile Site

Project Gutenberg offers over 36,000 free ebooks to download to your PC, Kindle, Android, iOS or other portable device. Choose between ePub, Kindle, HTML and simple text formats.
We carry high quality ebooks: All our ebooks were previously published by bona fide publishers. We digitized and diligently proofed them with the help of thousands of volunteers.

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
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5.: Daily Feng Shui Tip for Aug. 22

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 12:36 pm (PDT)

Here is your Daily Feng Shui Tip by Ellen Whitehurst for Monday, August 22

You don't always have to have a shiny golden halo and an expansive pair of wings in order to be someone else's angel. In fact, on 'Be An Angel Day,' neither of those attributes are even necessary. Why not commit some random act of kindness for a complete stranger today, or even do something heavenly for someone that you know could really use the hand, um, I mean, wing. Now, if you could use a little cosmic assist and would love for those same energies to hover around you, then first locate the Helpful People area of your home or office. On a piece or white paper and in green, gold or red ink, write the names of the following Archangels in exactly the order that I am prescribing here. These names will go one atop the other starting with Michael and moving down in a columnar manner. The next name down is Raphael, then Gabriel and Souriel. Next comes Zaziel and Badakiel until we reach Suliel, the last angel. Once you've written all these angel names on that pure white paper, affix it somewhere in the Helpful People area so 'someone' can be your angel for a day. Or seven of them can work to dwarf any obstacles, challenges or negative energies coming your way while lifting you on wings of prayer. Literally.

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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6.1.: Thought for the Day

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 1:09 pm (PDT)

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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7.: (no subject)

Posted by: "Tiamat" jadeangelou2003@yahoo.ca jadeangelou2003

Mon Aug 22, 2011 6:16 pm (PDT)

<a href="http://vivcorp.info/68260.htm">http://vivcorp.info/68260.htm</a>

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8.1.: Aromatherapy Tip

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 7:12 pm (PDT)

This is a tip from one of our readers.

I always take a bottle of Lavender, Botanical name Lavendula officinalis,
with me to school.

I have found that Lavender
helps calm the children in my classroom as well as help clean the air.
I place a drop or two onto terra cotta stones placed throughout my
classroom.
I love this tip as it's a very subtle way to scent a room.
from www.aromathyme.com

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
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8.2.: Aromatherapy Tip

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:55 pm (PDT)

Don't throw away that empty bottle of essential oil or blend.

Try taking out the dropper using a fork then add a Tablespoon of any carrier
oil. Replace cap and swish it around to mix.

Let sit for a few days shaking gently daily to mix.

You'll have a nice perfume, body or bath oil. Add a few more drops of
essentials oils and carrier oil and have enough for a full body massage.

from www.aromathyme.com

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
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9.: Cat spells and charms

Posted by: "Jennifer K" momotoast@yahoo.com momotoast

Mon Aug 22, 2011 7:15 pm (PDT)

Thanks for a different take on black cats. They should not be feared or thought of as unlucky,as all witches know.
Now, if people in the media would only stop using the terms "Satanism" and "Wicca" in the same sentence, because they become linked by association in print and could not be further from each other in belief and practice (as we all know,too).
We have the power to turn negative perceptions into positive ones, and must try and do so at every opportunity.

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10a.: Re: A Carrot, an Egg, and a Cup of Coffee

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 7:15 pm (PDT)

I really needed this! Thank you!

Glad it came at the right time.

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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11.: **Tarot Tuesday**, 8/23/2011, 12:00 am

Posted by: "13Witches@yahoogroups.com" 13Witches@yahoogroups.com

Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:04 pm (PDT)

Reminder from: 13Witches Yahoo! Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/cal

**Tarot Tuesday**
Tuesday August 23, 2011
All Day
(This event repeats every week.)

Notes:
It's Tarot Tuesday. Post any questions or articles regarding Tarot or divination.

All Rights Reserved
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Yahoo! Inc.
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12.1.: Elder's Meditation of the Day

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:54 pm (PDT)

Elder's Meditation of the Day

"When you get older and you are ready, your ancestors will show up to guide you."

-- Joe Coyhis, STOCKBRIDGE-MUNSEE

Many of us, when we are young, spend a portion of our lives in learning. Unfortunately, some of us spend this time learning the hard way. When we are young we sometimes think we know everything. Sometimes we do foolish things. As we get a little older, we realize we don't know anything. This is when we become teachable. There is a saying that goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. We usually aren't teachable unless we are ready. The ancestors are waiting and willing to help. When we are ready, many beautiful teachers start to come into our lives. Then we really start to grow and mature. We are ready for the spiritual lesson.

Creator, help me to become ready and teachable.
from www.whitebison.org

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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13.1.: Today's Quote

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:55 pm (PDT)

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
Gandhi

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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14a.: Connect to Earth and Sky Spell

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:57 pm (PDT)

Connect to Earth and Sky Spell

There must be a balance of earth and sky energy in each of us. Both are essential to our lives. Attuning to earth keeps us grounded and secure. Connecting to sky reminds us to dream and wish. Go outside on a bright, sunny day. Choose a firm spot to stand on. Make sure you can see the sky. Stand with your legs spread apart in a V shape. Make sure your footing is secure. Raise your arms outstretched in a V toward the sky. The V shape is symbolic of opening up to receive energy. When ready, say:

I am balanced between earth and sky. I walk with my feet on the ground. (Look at your feet planted on the earth.)
I walk with my head in the clouds.
(Look above at the joyful clouds.)
I am balanced between earth and sky. So mote it be!

Enjoy this balanced feeling.

By: Olivia O'Meir

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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15a.: The Art of Creating and Using Tarot Spreads

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 8:57 pm (PDT)

The Art of Creating and Using Tarot Spreads
New Worlds Isse: NW051
By: James Ricklef

I can still remember doing my first Tarot reading. I had just bought a Tarot deck, and after carefully studying the little white book that came with it, I figured I was ready to do a reading for myself. But although the question I had in mind was a simple one, that reading took hours to do. You see, the only spread I knew was the Celtic Cross, which was briefly described in that little book, and I was overwhelmed by it. The ten-card Celtic Cross is an excellent spread, but it's complex and it's not always the best one for a reading, as I soon found out.

Fortunately, I quickly discovered that there were books filled with other Tarot spreads; ones specifically tailored for a variety of uses. But as I tried my hand at some of those spreads, I hit a wall of frustration. Those books presented a great many spreads, but typically they offered very little explanation of them--generally just a simple diagram and a short phrase for each card position.

But then I was struck with a bold idea: maybe I could create my own spreads! I don't know which muse whispered that bit of inspiration in my ear, but it was quite a blessing. First I revised the spreads I had read about, adjusting and redefining them to suit my needs, and then I began to create my own spreads from scratch. As I did so, I discovered that I had a much better understanding of these spreads, and my readings improved as a result.

Years later when I started teaching Tarot classes, I found that although I had created my own spreads with gleeful abandon, many of my students were reluctant to do so. Some didn't know how, others lacked confidence and quite a few had the mistaken impression that Tarot spreads spring fully formed from some arcane or mystical source, like Athena from Zeus's brow. But the truth is that most spreads have evolved within the Tarot community, changing and developing through the years as they circulate by word-of-mouth. Of course, a new spread can also blossom from within the heart and soul of an individual Tarot reader, and such a spread usually proves quite valuable to the person who created it.

So this was the path that inspired me to write a book about Tarot spreads that would address two separate, but complementary concerns: to show how to create spreads and to present a thorough explanation of a variety of other valuable spreads. The result is my book, Tarot: Get the Whole Story. It discusses numerous ways to create Tarot spreads that suit your specific needs and fit your unique style of reading, and I think you will find them quite easy-to-use. In addition, this book is a guide to many useful Tarot spreads (which I have described in much greater detail than is typical in books about Tarot spreads) and my intention was to make these explanations entertaining as well as instructive.

Like my previous book, Tarot Tells the Tale, this new one demonstrates the use of each spread through sample readings for well-known fictional characters and historical figures, which makes it easy to understand the context for each of them. In addition, it discusses the process by which each spread was created (which will further clarify how to design your own spreads), and introduces other spreads that are variations of the ones for which a sample reading is provided.

My sincere hope is that you will find Tarot: Get the Whole Story to be an enjoyable experience, as well as an informative one.

Blessed Be,

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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16a.: Wiccan Agreements--Part 1

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:54 pm (PDT)

Wiccan Agreements--Part 1

I am not Moses. I have not stood before a burning bush. I have not received from a jealous god Ten Commandments written in stone.

However, sitting in the stone circle outside my house, with a balefire burning on the night after the Summer Solstice, I considered the lack of acceptance among the general populace and the Christian faith of our Wiccan ways and beliefs. Even though most of the beliefs Christians hold dear are rooted in Pagan antiquity, and the same could be said for most of the major religions, they do not accept our religion.

And I wondered if those of us who follow the old ways, be they that of the Craft, Druids, Isians, and so forth, are unconsciously creating this reality simply through our choices, behaviors, and actions. More so, are we creating every aspect of our lives through our choices--in effect as an active part of evolution, which in some ways makes each of us god-like. And I began to consider the rules that we say we live by and whether or not we truly abode them.

Our gods and goddesses would never command of us, but we do have "agreements." Regardless of what we call them, they are more than just good ideas to live by, they are the laws by which we govern our actions.

The Wiccan canon can be summarized in this rede:

Bide the Wiccan Rede ye must,
In perfect love, in perfect trust,
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill,
And ye harm none, do what thou will.
Live ye must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give.
And wary one should always be
To ever mind the rule of three.

As a practicing Pagan, influenced so heavily by the Wiccan and Druid beliefs, I must first consider how my thoughts and my deeds affect me, my immediate world, and the larger world around me. This is part of the self-examination we all take before acting upon the realms of the Mighty Ones. What are my intentions and am I advancing those intentions in a manner conducive to the outcome desired and within the laws of my faith?The act of setting an intention can be related to the fight between good and evil or, more to the point, between blessedness and the profane. There is no good or evil, at least not in our belief system; however, there are blessed acts and profane acts. These would be the acts that are in line with the natural order and those that are not, respectively.

I believe this is why the Rule of Three exists: it is part of the natural order. As we set out intentions and influence those around us, we are creating in that moment the energy we will receive back from the people we encounter. If we act blessedly and make choices on the side of righteousness, we will influence others to do the same and that is what we will receive from them in the future: an evolutionary act. The Rule of Three is a by-product of evolution.

We are a part of evolution, we create our future, therefore, we are god-like. Of course, Pagans have always felt close to their gods and goddesses; they are our friends, our brothers and sisters, and, at times, our uncles and aunts who look after us and foster us.

Choice promotes evolution. Intention influences attitudes, attitudes affect choices, a series of choices creates direction, direction creates outcomes, outcomes influence other choices and other people's intentions, which in turn affects their attitudes, choices, direction, outcomes, and still other people's intentions. Over time, the influence of one's original intention spreads across humanity with decreasing effectiveness as it reaches further and further, like a drop of water in a pond, sending ripples in all directions toward the shoreline. The first ripple, the one closest to the impact of the drop, is the tallest and strongest and has the most influence on the surrounding water molecules. As the ripples spread toward the edge of the pond. they flatten out, until they disappear.

Setting an intention and following the direction created by the intention influences the people that we come in contact with daily. And those people influence others, and they others, and so on, until the originating influence is diminished. This gradually reduced effect is counteracted by repetition.

When everyone is moving in the same direction, with the same intention and the same goals, amazing things can be accomplished. These amazing accomplishments affect a greater percentage of humanity than an individual effort, but an individual still has an affect. Evolution is a slow process of change on a global scale.

Setting intention begins with an idea. This idea is then nurtured into an ideal, whereupon a ritual is conceived and acted out to manifest this ideal into the world--to manipulate the future--to evolve. Ritual is our version of prayer; it's another method of talking to our goddesses, gods, and our higher selves. When the energy of many is unified into any form of prayer toward a common goal, that goal stands a much better chance of being achieved. Prayer works, in all its forms.

So are we Pagans really so unlike our Christian brothers and sisters in our different faiths and our adherence to them? A certain commonality seems to exist in the laws by which we live our faiths. And, for all of our judgments, fears, and disfavor directed at the Christian's faith, and for theirs at us, I'm not sure that we bind ourselves to our faith any more or less than they do.

There must be reasons for our not accepting the Christian faith and for the Christian faith not accepting us. The light of common sense and logic should revel these reasons to be more substantial than emotion and tradition, more vital than a lack of self-worth manifesting as envy, more material than egocentric self-inflation through judgment, or more enlightened than just plain fear. Maybe the answer is in the rules of our two faiths.

Deconstructing our Agreements

"In perfect love, in perfect trust" is one of the greatest ideals ever uttered from humankind's lips, and yet, is this ideal attainable in our community? It is an ideal to be strived for and worked toward; and, like most mysteries, a topic to meditate upon, but until every member finds their higher self and adopts an attitude of living in the moment, it is not attainable.

"And ye harm none, do what thou will" is the supreme of our laws,the highest of our ideals, that which sets the standard and shapes the rest. These eight words hold a monumental edict, and yet they are still open to interpretation, mostly due to the words "harm" and "none." Harm can be extended to include mental, physical, and spiritual injury, and it can be expanded to include financial injury, or any act that results in injury to one's interests over time. These injuries can be made knowingly or unknowingly, with thoughts of malice or justice. And then there is the other word: none. Who or what does "none" include? Many would say that "none" includes both human and beast, others would say "none" means all forms of life, and still others might suggest "none" simply includes living humankind. For the purpose of this thesis, we will assume that "harm" refers to an intentional or preconceived act that causes injury, trauma, damage, or impairment in a physical or mental way, and "none" will be assumed to mean humankind. Otherwise, the ramifications of these arguments will be so wide-ranging that we could never work our way through them.

"Live ye must and let to live" is more than the obvious. Though, "Live ye must" also refers to living a full life and "let to live, refers to living in the moment, without fear deterring one's choices, without future-tripping or past-dwelling.

"Fairly take and fairly give" is as much about self-care and dealing fairly with our inner emotional selves, as it is about fair dealings with others.

"And wary one should always be, to ever mind the Rule of Three" reaffirms the measure of justice that is the Rule of Three, which brings all my actions back to me threefold. And more than just actions and deeds, it is the intent of the action or deed. That which ye sow once, ye shall thrice reap.

Deconstructing the Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments are written and organized a bit differently by the various factions abiding by the rules. What follows is the orthodox version.

1. I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.
3. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of your God.
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8 You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

In comparing these commandments to the Wiccan Rede, we first have to eliminate the commandments that are based in the jealousy that the Christian God freely admits to holding. Therefore, the first three have got to go. After that, the remaining commandments have some meaning.

"Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." This could be as easily written, remember the sabbats and keep them holy. The difference here being: Our Pagan version of holy means to honor rather than to somberly acknowledge.

"Honor your father and mother." This says to the Pagan, one should honor Father Sky and Mother Earth, the God and the Goddess, the masculine and the feminine, or any of the many pairings we recognize.

"You shall not murder." This is limited to acts against persons by use of the word murder, but it falls under the overarching "And ye harm none, do what thou will" and also "Live ye must and let to live." The idea of murder can be expanded to an emotional or spiritual level as well.

"You shall not commit adultery." Although Pagans honor the sexual union, we also honor each other. A married person indulging in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse is generally a malicious act when viewed from the point of view of the spouse. "And ye harm none, do what thou will." Adultery would be argued as harmful to some, including the participants.

"You shall not steal." Stealing was originally a reference to kidnapping. Regardless, stealing a person or stealing a person's possessions is harmful and therefore against our rede.

"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." The word neighbor could be limited to the people in one's community, but was likely written to include all mankind. Many Pagans revere the knightly ways of old, including the knight's mandate: Speak the truth even if it means your death. Accordingly, the rede offers: Fairly take and fairly give. Fairness means truthfulness.

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife." Coveting would fall under the rede as, "Live ye must and let to live," in a broader sense. If one spends their life wishing it to be different, they will be creating a life without joy. Also, "perfect love" will exclude such desires.
by Danny Pharr

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
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17a.: Wiccan Agreements--Part 2

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:56 pm (PDT)

Wiccan Agreements--Part 2

Thus far in our examination, there is little difference between the Wiccan Rede and the Christian commandments, except for the jealousy of their god. And the rede is broader in scope than the commandments, making the rede more difficult to fulfill. Maybe there are differences between the Pagan ways and the Christian's seven virtues and deadly sins.

The seven deadly sins all have one thing in common--they interfere with a person's ability to be close to the Divine, keeping one instead connected to the earthly realm. They also have this same affect in common with every act that is not blessedly intended.

The seven deadly sins and the seven virtues also seem to fall within the bounds of our faith. The sins seem to be examples of the commandments, and the virtues seem to be examples of how we live while expelling sin. The Wiccan Rede gives us ideals to achieve: no rules, no punishments, only acknowledging the natural order of things. And yet, the differences between our faiths seem minimal.

"Pride" is the mother of all sins. Pride empowers the other sins. Pride, also known as Vanity, is acknowledging one's abilities or achievements to such an excessive degree that Grace has no foothold. "Prudence" is a virtue that stands in the face of pride. These fall within the "Fairly take and fairly give" act of the rede. Pride negates fairness, and prudence promotes it.

"Envy" is the excessive wanting of that which belongs to another, be it societal status, material wealth, innate ability, physical attributes, or any other jealousy. It is easy to see how pride could spawn envy. I do find it contradictory that a jealous god would command his followers to avoid jealousy, but that may be a topic for another day. Justice is the virtue that best contradicts envy. According to Plato, a just individual is someone who is governed by reason rather than passion or ambition. Again, "Fairly take and fairly give" applies here.

"Gluttony" is extraordinary consumption beyond what the body actually needs to thrive, thus depriving the body of the prosperity of life. "Live ye must and let to live" is the Wiccan response to gluttony. Yes, we must eat to live, but must moderate eating to let ourselves live to the maximum. Temperance is the Christian virtue opposing gluttony--all things in moderation.

"Lust" is an unreasonable hunger for physical pleasures. This usually refers to sex, but, can be applied to any physical pleasure. "Faith" is the virtuous counterpoint to lust. In one's faith the spirit is elevated and can turn away from the physical wants of the body. Sex is a part of the natural order and therefore welcomed in the Pagan faith. And sex is not the problem; it is the excessive wanting that is at issue. Lust is much like greed and gluttony and would be acted upon equally by our ideals.

"Wrath" is the opposite of "Hope," but curiously wrath and hope are manifested from the same source, which is fear. Wrath is the inordinate feelings of anger or hatred, coupled with a desire for revenge. Anger is generally manifested by fear or one or many future possibilities, such as embarrassment, pain, death, loss, etc. Hope is desire that something better will occur if one perseveres. Hope is also based in fear, the fear that the present situation is the best it will ever be. "In perfect love, in perfect trust" resolves the issues of wrath and hope.

"Avarice," or greed, is offset by "Charity." Avarice is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called "covetousness." Charity, of course, is the act of freely giving of oneself of one's possessions. "Fairly take and fairly give."

"Sloth," in its most common usage, is the avoidance of physical work. although it can also be defined as the refusal to put one's talents into use, or, basically, laziness. Sloth originally was conceived as sadness because of one's refusal to accept the joys of their god by having an apathetic spirituality creating discontent. "Fortitude" is mental strength that promotes endurance. Applying fortitude to a situation helps by removing obstacles from one's journey. This virtue is often the savior of the hero, drawing from it his will to go on in the fact of fear. "In perfect love, in perfect trust" is the Pagan answer to Sloth, and the correspondent to Fortitude.

Once again we see that there is very little difference between the Christian mandates and the Pagan ideals, except, perhaps, in the manner they are presented and in the manner in which followers are encouraged to adopt the practices. We truly do seem to be more alike than we are different. We want the same things, have similar spiritual goals, but are motivated differently. The difference appears to be choice.

Choice is always present.
We always have choice in everything we do. To assume or believe otherwise makes us victims. Sometimes our choices aren't what we would prefer, but we always have choice, even in the worst cases. The metaphor might be choosing to die standing or to die kneeling.

Christians choose whether or not to follow decrees with very specific limitations on behavior, and torturous consequences for themselves and their progeny and heirs for not behaving; Pagans choose whether or not to live in a manner of constant choice between blessedness or profanity and to accept the triple consequences of either path for themselves and, ultimately, humanity. As we have already shown, every individual action affects the future and therefore evolution, so faith's followers are manifesting the future in their choices. Christians seem to have less personal responsibility as they are theoretically following fairly rigid rules that are intended to create a utopian afterlife; whereas, Pagans have great personal responsibility as their daily choices are paradisiacal in their evolutionary nature.

I believe we have affirmatively answered the question of creating our own reality. We have also come to the conclusion that Christians and Pagans are basically the same in the canonic tenets of their faiths.

All that remains is to decide if our lack of acceptance by the Christian faith is of our creation, and the truthful answer to that question is: "It doesn't matter." We already know that we create every part of our life experience. So, of course we create or own lack of acceptance. But what is really most important here is not that we manifest our future, but, without regard for the past, what future we manifest. In other words, are we truly living our faith and striving to achieve the ideals set forth in the Wiccan Rede.

Many will argue that this whole treatise is based on a desire to be accepted by the Christians that makes us victims, expecting something from someone else, and that this is a false desire. Overall, Pagans do not care if they are accepted by anyone, that we are outside of normal society, that we have our own ways. And to this argument, I agree, mostly. However, acceptance, in this discussion, is more about community than it is ego. We are a communal people, not just Pagans, but people in general, and we seek community is our various ways, and a functional community is based on the similarities of the members.

The final question, do we actually live our faith? The answer has to be "no." But because the Wiccan faith is based on a set of ideals that are for the most part unattainable at this point in our evolution, degrees of attainment must be considered. The pre-Christian Celts, some of our magical ancestors, included, as part of their dogma this tenet: "It's the journey, not the destination."

When considering the journey, a life path, all one can do is to take each step, minute by minute, day by day, and do what one is capable of doing. Every day that we strive to embody the ideals of our faith is a day that we are closer to our Goddesses and Gods, and after all, that is the point: bring together the realm of the Mighty Ones and the realm of the mundane, in each of us daily. In that way, we will have achieved paradise on earth.

The solution to acceptance by those of the Christian faith, more importantly, acceptance in the world at large, and even more importantly still, acceptance of everyone by everyone, is living our faith. Students of theology often find that the major religions have similar goals for human behavior and similar moral boundaries. Assuming this to be true, and if everyone lived their faith, if everyone was a shining example of a "good person," a person of blessed intentions and actions, we would all find that we are basically good, blessed, moral people, respecting one another. In this utopian place, only joy and happiness would exist. Choose to be happy.

If the Wiccan Rede is rewritten per our redefined terms and in modern language, it might look like this:

Do whatever you choose, as long as
you don't knowingly or intentionally
cause physical or mental injury, trauma,
damage, or impairment
to any other living human.

Even with this limited definition, to bide this law, one must be ever vigilant not to adversely affect the life of another in any negative way, including while plainly taking care of oneself.

by Danny Pharr

Danny Pharr is an author and a master firewalk instructor. He founded WIngs of Fire Seminars to provide individuals with a safe environment to discover and engage in life-changing experiences. His first book, The Moon and Everyday Living was published in 2000.

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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18a.: The Compact Witch: Crafting Rituals in Small Spaces

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:57 pm (PDT)

The Compact Witch: Crafting Rituals in Small Spaces

You love living in the city, but the only apartment you can afford is tiny, or you have to share it with three other people. You don't have nine feet in which to draw a circle, unless your bed is in the middle. What's a Witch to do?

One answer is to start thinking small, and a good starting point to remember that the most important part of being a Witch is what's going on inside your head and heart. A Witch doesn't need space as much as time and attention. All the tools in the world won't make up for a lack of focus.

The circle does not have to be drawn by physically walking around the room. While it's often easier to visualize a circle when you have actually walked the boundaries, you don't have to physically move through the space each time. (It might help if you walk the boundary of the circle once, very deliberately.) If you have a roommate, do this when they are out and don't intrude on their space. It's better the circle is more of an oval than to extend it past your personal area. Since you may have to move furniture to set up ritual space, portable items, like futons and folding chairs, are a plus under these circumstances.

The altar can be a small folding table, the kind just large enough for a dinner plate. Use small versions of the usual tools--a pocket-knife as an athame, a doll's goblet as chalice. A small stone--perhaps a small semiprecious stone--can symbolize earth. One advantage of working small is that a small gem is more affordable than a large one. If you wish to use salt to symbolize earth, see if you can find an old-fashioned salt dish. Small candles, such as birthday candles, have the advantage of burning quickly (concentrating the whole time a candle is lighted is far easier with a tiny candle). For statues of the Goddess and the God, figures etched in stones or meant for jewelry, work quite well. If nothing if fragile, put your altar components in an altar cloth for storage. Otherwise, store everything in the same box or drawer when you aren't working magic.

The top of a dresser or bureau can also be used for altar space. Store the items you might usually have on top of your dresser in a drawer, and put the Goddess statue and tools on top if you have the privacy to leave it out all the time. If you can, use a drawer exclusively for your ritual storage, or use a divider if your dresser drawers are large. Small hanging shelves can be used to hold your witchcraft materials. One Witch I know has a set of four shelves hanging on the wall that hold the items for fire, water, earth, and air.

To cut down on the amount of storage you need, find one or two types of incense and use those for all your rituals. Use votive candles, instead of pillar candles or tapers. Votives are also safer in a small space as the container limits the flame. A sword is impractical to cast the circle in a small space, souse a small knife, or even better, a wand or a feather--anything that you can use to direct energy. You may have to do without quarter candles, since they can be a hazard in a cramped space. Pictures on the walls to symbolize the directions can work quite nicely. For south, use a picture of a fire or volcano; for water, use a picture of the ocean or a waterfall.

If you don't have an understanding roommate, be polite, and look for another place to live if you can. You can also search for places other than your home to do rituals. A study carrel at school might work if it has no windows and a door that locks. Bring in what tools you need in a backpack, and do your rituals quickly and quietly under these circumstances. Make sure you remove all traces of the ritual. Under this circumstance, don't use candles or incense.

Better yet, look for a park or other green space to perform rituals. The best Full Moon rituals are done outside facing the Full Moon, weather permitting, of course. This is also the best solution for group work if no one has a large indoor space. You can have room to move around more freely outside, but find out the rules of the place in advance, so you don't stay past closing and get into trouble.

If a lack of privacy is part of your limits, remember that in times past, some Witches had to disguise all their tools. A Witch's athame was stored in the kitchen with other knives, for example, and the chalice might be a particularly beautiful goblet. Use only items that you would normally have in your living space. As with rituals held outdoors,learn to either keep your voice low or not say anything out loud.

For a while, my work was literally in the closet. I lived in a one-room apartment and had very little space, but it had two small closets. One closet housed my altar, which rested on an orange crate. When I wanted to do a ritual, I opened the closet door; when I was finished, I closed it. This kept my ritual regalia apart from my mundane stuff and meant I didn't have to worry about a casual visitor knowing I was a Witch.

Most Witches end their rituals with cakes and wine. This does not have to be taken literally. Cookies or mini-muffins work well for "cakes," and "wine" can be any beverage that seems right to you. If you aren't supposed to have alcohol, whether it be for legal or health reasons, fruit juice or spring water is fine. It is a good idea to eat something at the end of the ritual to help you ground.

Remember that the magic happens inside of you, so don't be held back by the limits of your living quarters. Being able to work Witchcraft under less than ideal conditions can be good practice, and it's not the tools that make the Witch, but the Witch that brings the tools to life.
by Magenta Griffith

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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19a.: Make a Dark Banishing Powder

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:58 pm (PDT)

Making a Dark Banishing Powder

There is always something we can banish from our lives to help us
function as more complete spiritual beings. Whether itâ€™s a harmful
habit, attitude, situation, or illness, itâ€™s inevitable that something
is almost always keeping us from metaphysical growth. For this reason,
itâ€™s good to keep on hand a banishing potion or powder to use whenever
the need arises. Magic can assist in banishing harmful things from our
lives when used alongside necessary physical care and intelligent
choice-making.

To create a banishing powder, pulverize, grind, and mix
together any combination of the following: sulfur, snake skin, dead
bugs, black pepper, white salt, black salt, red pepper, snail shells,
graveyard dirt, anvil powder, black sand, iron, mullein, sage, and
â€œfieryâ€ herbs. Keep the powder in a jar and store covered in black
fabric in order to keep energies contained.
source unknown

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
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20a.: Spiritual Guidance--26 Principles of Life

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:59 pm (PDT)

Spiritual Guidance - 26 Principles of Life

1. All Are Related
There is a Native American saying, which translates roughly to "All
are Related". Everything in the universe is part of The Great Spirit,
from a rock, to a plant, to a fish, to a human. The spirit flows between and within
us all, and is the building block of everything. Since we are all part of the
same whole, we should treat the rest of the whole as if it is part of us,
i.e. With compassion and love. We are all part of the Great Spirit, just like
all the different leaves on a tree are still part of the tree.

2. The Energy Flow
The universe is composed of energy. This energy flows between
everything, us and within us all. When we have internal blocks, the energy fails to
flow correctly, causing illness, lethargy and other symptoms. This energy
can be directed consciously, we can see it, and feel it. How we feel affects
our energy levels; negativity drains energy, positivity creates energy.

3. We Are Beings of Both Spirit and Flesh
We are spirits, but at the same time, we are creatures of the flesh.
We inhabit both worlds simultaneously, even though we are often unaware
of it. We should not shun the flesh for spirit or vice versa. Both are equally
important. We have to walk with one foot in each of these worlds, and pay them
both attention. Neglecting either world causes distress in the other.

4. No One Entity is Superior to Another
No one being or creature is any better or greater than another. We
are all the same. We are all on different paths and have different levels of
understanding, but that does not make any one of us better than
another. Humans are not masters of nature, nor the animals and plants. They are our
companions, and co-inhabitants of this planet. We are not superior to them, nor do we
own? them. We should treat them all with respect.

5. Belief Creates
How we perceive the universe is shaped by our beliefs. If we believe
we are in a hurry, then everyone else appears to be going slow. Through
belief and positive thought, we can create virtually anything. We should believe
in our abilities and ourselves, and we will succeed. We can combine the
power of belief with that of visualization to bring anything into reality.

6. Intuition
Inside of us, a voice speaks and guides us. It is our intuition. We
can choose to ignore it or to listen to it. Once we are in tune with our
intuition and start to listen to it, we will be guided and will find that we
can? achieve more than we thought possible. We will begin to realize that the
Great Spirit works through us - often in mysterious ways, but always to our
benefit - in the long term.

7. The Higher Purpose
Everything that happens is for a reason and for the greater good. We
have to learn to look at events in our lives from more than just the normal
human perspective. We must see them from the perspective of the Great
Spirit and to look at what good will come from these events. This is the old maxim
of "is the glass half full or half empty". We can look at events badly, half
empty, and our reaction will be worse. However, should we look at events
better, i.e. Half full, then we are more positive, which means our energy is
higher, and our reaction will be better.

8. There are No Ordinary Moments
The past only exists in our memory. The future only exists as our
expectation. The only time that really exists is NOW. It is a
precious moment and we should treat every single moment as special and live it to the full. By being in the present, we have presence. To live in the now the conscious
mind should be quiet and you must focus totally on what you are doing, not what
you are going to be doing next week, or what you are going to have for
lunch.

9. There are No Limits
The only limits we have are those we place upon ourselves, or others
place upon us. To this end, we should avoid being put in a pigeonhole and
labeled by others. If someone views a dog as being vicious, then it is more
likely to be vicious. We should hold no expectations of others, and let them
be themselves, just as we should be ourselves.

10. Action not Reaction
If we are tickled, our reaction is to laugh. We should be at a state
where we do not react in a situation, but act. Reaction is unconscious,
whereas Action is conscious. We should not let past influences affect our
actions, e.g., if we were once bitten by a dog, when we next meet a dog, we should
not let the past bite affect how we act towards it. There are times to act, as
well as times to be still. By living in the present and having control of
the conscious mind, we can better direct our action.

11. Positivity Rules
Negative thoughts attract negative events and drain our energy.
Positive thoughts attract positive events and increase our energy. To this
end, we should look at our thoughts and the events which happen to us in a positive
light, realizing negative thoughts for what they are and releasing them.

12. Posture, Pose & Breathing
Energy flows through the body, as it flows through all things. If
the posture and pose are bad, the energy can not flow cleanly and causes
blockages, which manifest as pain or illness. We breathe in energy from the
world around us. Therefore, our breaths should be deep and full, coming from the
bottom of the belly, and not the chest. This enables us to maximize our energy.
Deep breathing helps relax us. When we are stressed, angry or afraid our
breathing? changes and becomes shallow and faster. By consciously controlling
our breathing and keeping it deep and even, we can release the stress, anger or
fear, enabling us to act consciously in the situation.

13. Everything in Balance
The Universe exists in a state of balance, as should we. We can do
anything we wish, but should always do it to moderation, never to excess.
Should we do things to excess, then they can become addictive, which drains energy
and may become negative. Being balanced allows us to act better in
situations. If we are sat on the fence, so to speak, we can jump off either way should
we desire to.

14. Intent is Action
You can intend to do anything, and your intent is important.
However, unless the intent is followed with action, then the intent is nothing. As
an example. I may intend to get fit, but spend all my time sat in front
of the TV eating pizza and drinking cola. I have my intention, but my actions
do not confirm or create the intention. Therefore, if you intend something,
do it, don't just talk about it. Action turns knowledge into wisdom.

15. Freedom of Choice
We all have free will, and can choose to do anything we wish. There
is no situation where we do not have choice. It may appear that we do not,
but there are always options, if we have the courage and strength to take them.
We just have to have the courage of conviction to make the decisions.

16. Change Happens
Change is continuous and is always happening around us. We cannot
actually perceive change, but can see the end result of it. Change is not a
bad thing nor is it to be feared. Through change we can grow and go forwards.

17. Taking Responsibility
Our actions cause a reaction - it is a law of nature. We have to be
aware of our actions and take responsibility for them and for the
consequences of them. It is no good doing something and then saying you did not mean
to do it. Had you not meant to do it, you would not have done it. By taking
responsibility for our actions, so we can take back our power and
freedom to choose. We have to accept that no one will live for us, and that sometimes our actions will cause others, or ourselves, a measure of discomfort. Remember
though, that discomfort is one way of helping us grow and to show us where
changes need to be made.

18. One Step at a Time
To get to any goal, break it down into a number of small steps. If
you have many small successes, then this will lead to a big success. If you
aim for a big success straight off, you may fail. Remember that a journey
towards any destination starts with a single step, and then a second and a third,
and as many as required until you reach that destination. Remember to reward
and praise yourself for your successes, however small they are. By
acknowledging them, you increase your power and will to succeed, strengthening your
belief in yourself.

19. Judgement
We have no right to judge another for their words, thoughts or
deeds. They have the freedom of choice to do as they please and act as they wish,
just as we do. We are in no position to judge anyone, as we are imperfect
ourselves. It is easily done, for example, you see a big man with tattoo's, a
skinhead and wearing leather, and the automatic assumption is that he is
trouble. He may be a florist for all we know. This colors our judgement of people
and changes how we act towards them. By having no preconceptions of
other people, we can interact better with them, and perhaps make a new friend.

20. Integrity
Integrity is all about how we act when no one is looking. We must
live to our own standards and should not judge others by them. This is about
living in line with our highest vision despite urges to the contrary.

21. Air Your Doubts
By airing your doubts, fears, and worries, by looking at them and
seeing them for what they are, so you can conquer them and rid yourself of
them forever. By refusing to confront them, so they gain power over you,
and become even more deeply rooted. After you realize what they are - release them.

22. Failure
It is very rare for us to fail. We only ever choose to stop trying.
That is us exercising our free will. We can stop trying any time we wish,
but those that succeed never stop until they get to their goal. Success often
does? not come easy, and does require work and effort from us. You will find
that most 'overnight successes' have been working hard for that success for
many years. Failure is not something to be feared or worried about, because we
can never fail! Everything we do, no matter whether we view it as a success or
failure is a valuable lesson for us to learn. By looking at a perceived
failure as a valuable lesson, it no longer feels as bad. The only true failure is
not learning the lessons our mistakes teach us.

23. The Ongoing Journey
Our journey of exploration through life never, ever stops. The
destination is not the reward or the goal. The journey to the destination is the
goal itself.

24. Don't Mind
If we take an objective view of our mind, then we can see that lots
of thoughts drift through it, many of which we are unaware of. A sad,
angry or fearful thought may drift up from the sub-conscious and change how we
feel for no apparent reason. We must take control of the mind through tools such
as meditation, and become aware of these thoughts and realize them for
what they are. Then, we can let them go and stay relaxed and centered. By
consciously focusing on our breathing, and keeping it deep and even, we can help
to release these negative thoughts.

25. Emotions
Emotions come and go. They flow through us all the time, often
without us even realizing. Many of us do not express our emotions because we
feel we have to "Be manly" or "Be responsible" or "Be cool". When we feel the
negative emotions, we can feel our bodies tense. If we do not express these
emotions when we feel them, the tension is stored within our bodies. Having
emotions is not to be feared and should be celebrated. When you feel an emotion -
express it! If you are happy - smile and laugh, if you are sad cry.
Expressing your emotions releases the tension they give, and helps you live more
fully in the here and now. Once you have expressed an emotion, it is gone and will
not return with the same force for that situation. If we refuse to
express them and store the emotions up, then, like damming a fast river, eventually
the water level will rise too high if we do not provide it with an outlet.

26. Play
As children, we play exuberantly. We have fun, enjoy ourselves and
have lots of energy. Then something happens, we grow up, and we no longer play
believing that adults have to be adult and they don't play. Playing
is one of our greatest sources of pleasure. It takes many forms, from sport to
games to laughing and joking with friends. Playing increases our energy and
makes us more positive. It makes those around us more positive and generally lifts
the spirits? of all involved. There are times to be serious, yes, but
there are times to play too, and that is what we must not forget.

Author unknown to me

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

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21a.: Putting the Earth Back in Earth Faith

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:02 pm (PDT)

Putting the 'Earth' Back in Earth Faith: Simple Ideas for the Modern Pagan

I awoke this morning to the sound of cracking wood and machinery. I knew
that the property on the edge of my neighborhood had been sold to the developers
of a new strip mall, but it just didn't seem real until I saw the "corpses"
of trees just beyond my backyard. The trees run along the edge of a cornfield
that was always a lovely reminder of the changing seasons and the part of my
faith's roots that lies in the cycles of early agriculture. The previous
autumn's harvest would be the last. As I looked around my yard, at everything
blooming on this lovely spring morning, and the woodland carnage beyond, it got
me thinking about our Great Mother Earth.

Can I Really Make A Difference?

It's easy for us sometimes as modern Pagans to get so caught up in everyday
living that we let the big picture get put aside. We may grab coffee in a
Styrofoam cup instead of a refillable one, or toss the can in the trash instead
of the recycle bin. Most of us have jobs, families, deadlines, and mortgages.
As we bustle through our everyday lives, sometimes it's just easy to go for
convenience and forget, dare I say it, the basis of our faith: Reverence for
The Great Mother Earth. In much the way a child may take for granted their
mother and the care she offers unconditionally, we also sometimes forget our
Great Mother, and all she gives us. Now, if you realize that you have done this
from time to time, don't beat yourself up over it: Just decide to make a
change. Even little things can make a difference. We must make a conscious effort
to not only remember The Mother Earth and honor Her in spirit, but in deeds.
If we ask so much of Her and offer nothing in return except our prayers and
hopes, she will eventually wear out, and who will care for us then?

There are so many ways that we can honor Her in deed as much as we do in
thought; it's not that hard in our modern society. Clearly recycling any items
that we can is a good start, as well as purchasing items that have been
recycled. Carpooling, especially with the gas prices being so high, can help the
Mother and us as well. Trying to use reusable items instead of disposable: For
instance, bringing a nice cup from home to the office for coffee instead of
using Styrofoam ones that you toss every day. Over a whole year that really
adds up!

We also should remember that the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Writing letters
to our heads of government and big corporations to let them know that the
environment is an important issue to us can give the Great Mother a voice where
she needs it. Let the powers that be know that our votes and our buying
power can be affected by the environmental policies they address. She speaks to
us, so we have to bring her message to those people who can make the big
difference. We are her voice, we are her hands, and we are her heart. She needs us
just as much as we need Her.

Make It Magick

How can we ask the spirits of nature to help us with our magickal workings
if we offer nothing in return? I'm sure they appreciated the wine we pour on
the ground or the cakes we leave, but wouldn't an effort, even a small effort,
to preserve the environment that sustains the nature spirits be equally, if
not more appreciated?

Why not add magickal intent every time you drop something in the recycle
bin, or reuse that butter dish as Tupperware, or wait an hour to go the grocery
store so you can pick up the kids at the same time, thus saving gas. By
simply acknowledging that your actions are part of your faith, it becomes not a
chore, but a spiritual act. A simple charm may help enforce the idea, something
like:

"In this I act to honor you,
My Mother Earth, my faith is true."

Then intend that the energy that is saved by your actions will go to heal
the earth.

How about physically healing the earth? What I mean is, getting some dirt
under your nails on your next day off, and planting some life back into the
earth! Gardening is a great way to balance some of the damage done to our
planet. The more growing places on our earth, the better. The more trees we plant,
the better off our air is, and our good vibes as well. There are a lot of
good books on Magickal Gardening out there; pick one up and see where it takes
you.

A Spell To Heal The Earth

You will notice that I have saved this for last. That is because the spell,
without backing it up with mundane acts of kindness to our Earth, becomes
merely a hollow act.

Set up your circle outside if you can, but inside will do just fine. You
will need:
* One small, cheap quartz crystal - either a point or tumbled is fine
* Healing incense - rosemary or sandalwood work nicely
* A small brown or green candle - white is an all purpose substitute
* Healing oil - rosemary or a blend
* A garden spade
Cast your circle and call in the elements as you normally do. Anoint the
candle with healing oil and carve healing symbols on it if you wish. Place the
crystal at the base of the candle. Focus on the healing power coming from the
candle and incense, and feel it filling the circle. Repeat the following
incantation several times until you feel the power strongly...

"I call upon the Universal Power
that flows through everything.
My Earth, my Mother is in need,
I bring to her this healing deed.
By warming sun and cooling breeze,
to ancient mountains, towering trees,
to mysterious oceans pulled by the moon,
to fertile soil from which life blooms.
I send to her loving energy,
healing power, so mote it be!"

Channel the power you have raised into the crystal, as you visualize the
earth healed and whole. Feel the visualization pulsating inside the crystal,
filling it, the way an entire oak is contained inside a tiny acorn. Close your
circle as you normally do, then take the crystal to a place outside that you
will remember, but that won't be disturbed. Bury the crystal in the ground.
The crystal is an offering and should not be retrieved, but the spell may be
repeated later if you feel it is necessary. Raise the power as before, but
charge a chalice of water or wine instead, then pour it over the place where the
crystal is buried.

Being True To Your Faith

Either right before or after doing the previous ritual would be a great time
to haul that bag of cans off to the recycling center, or write a letter to
your Congressman. Remember, not only right thoughts, but right action. We can
all find ways to better live in harmony with our planet.

Now, don't get me wrong: I am not about to give up my car and refrigerator
and go live off the land and eat berries and roots. As much as the idea of it
might appeal - and on a certain level it does - I have accepted the fact that
I am indeed a modern Pagan. If I didn't, I would not be in my comfortable
home writing this essay on my computer to post on the Internet, would I? And if
you weren't a modern Pagan, you wouldn't be reading it! I know that machines
had to tear trees down so that I could have my home and the land it is on.
But I can make an effort to take care of the resources that the Earth has
provided me with, to replace what I can, and to not take more than I need. I do
want to do my part to give back to the Mother Earth all that she has given me.
Maybe with a little faith, I can even find a way to give a little more.

ABOUT...

Mickie Mueller
Location: O'Fallon, Missouri
Website: http://www.mickiemuellerart.com_

Bio: Mickie Mueller follows an earth-based spiritual path, and is an
ordained minister with ULC. She is a Reiki Master/Teacher in the Usui Shiki Royoho
Tradition. She has just completed artwork for The Well Worn Path divination
kit created by authors Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor. Mickie's spiritual
artwork has appeared internationally on magazine covers and can be seen on
her online art galleries.

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhisperingWitches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MagickalMeals/
http://groups.yahoo/group/NightshaydesNews

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22a.: How to Create a Daily Plan of Study

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:02 pm (PDT)

How To Create a Daily Plan of Study
By Patti Wigington, About.com Guide

For many Pagans and Wiccans, it's hard to find the time to dedicate to your spiritual growth. After all, you've got a job, kids, a lifeâ€¦ who has time to read, right? Well, the fact is that you've got the same 24 hours in your day as everyone else. It's up to you to decide how to spend it. If your spiritual growth is truly important to you, you'll prioritize things so that you'll have the time you need to learn and study. Many people find that by setting up a daily plan of study, they can develop good habits that help them make time for their spiritual education. Here are some tips on how to do this.

What Should I Read?
People learn in a variety of different ways, and everyone has a different method that they prefer to use. It's important to decide whether you want to read a variety of books all at once, or whether or not you prefer to focus on one book at a time. If you're not sure where to start, consider something off of the Beginner's Reading List. You should also read What Makes a Book Worth Reading? If you're someone who has trouble paying attention to more than one thing at a time, it's a good idea to just focus on one book rather than several. Once you're done with it, move on to the next.
Obviously, many people get information on Paganism and Wicca from the Internet. If you want to use an Internet resource as part of your daily course of study, be careful -- it's easy to start playing with your MySpace page instead, or clicking on links that take you away from your main objective. Next thing you know, you've played seventeen games of Scrabble, but you haven't learned a darn thing about Wicca and your half hour of study time has passed. If you're going to read Internet material, print it out ahead of time and stick it in your Book of Shadows. That way you can read it offline, without distractions.
Where and When Should I Study?
Are there certain times of day that are better for you? If you're going to study regularly, try to make it at the same time each day. Some people think better in the morning, when they're fresh. Think about which time of day works best for you. Also, determine how much time you can devote to studying each day. Got a half hour free? Great! Plan on not answering the phone, watching television, or doing laundry during that half hour. It's also important to decide where to study. Designate one place to be your regular study area.
Some people can relax better with music. Go ahead and set the atmosphere with a CD of your favorite tunes, or light some incense to help you get into the right frame of mind for daily spiritual study.
Should I Write Stuff Down?
Journaling can be a spiritual enterprise in itself. Write down your thoughts and ideas on what you've just read, or the meditation you've just completed. You'll be able to go back later on -- six months, a year, or two years from now -- and see how much you've grown as a person. It's also a good way to keep track of things you want to read more about later -- if a book mentions a particular theory or event that interests you, you can make a note of it and then go back when you've finished the book to see if you understand the idea, or whether you need more studying.
Journaling also allows you to be accountable to yourself. If you've decided to make a commitment to studying each day, you're more likely to do so if you have to keep track of it on paper. If you stop doing it, you're not letting anyone down but yourself. If something comes up that prevents you from doing your daily study, that's fine -- but remember, you'll want to make it up later on.
What If I Want to Meditate Too?
Decide whether you'd like your study period to include meditation. If you do, then you'll need to add a little bit of time into your designated study period. Once you've finished your reading for the day, meditate quietly, pray to whichever gods may call to you, or simply sing out whatever words pop into your head. If you find that meditation isn't something you can pay attention to for long, skip it for now, and try adding it in again later.
I Don't Know If I Can Do This!
Remember that if you're going to study and learn and grow on your Pagan path, it's a commitment you're making to yourself. If you stop doing it, you're not letting anyone down but yourself. Treat yourself with the same respect you would treat other people, and keep the commitment that you've made. If something comes up that prevents you from doing your daily study, that's fine -- but remember, you'll want to make it up later on.
How Flexible Should This Be?
If you start to realize that the book you're reading just isn't that interesting, or that you stink at meditation, then consider changing things around a little. Life is too short to read boring books -- find another one on the same topic, and read that instead. If you can't meditate for twenty minutes because it makes you sleepy, then try closing your eyes and doing some deep breathing for five minutes instead. Be willing to adapt to potential obstacles, and you'll get a lot more out of your experience. If you refuse to be flexible, you'll just get frustrated and give up.
Should I Find a Study Group?
Finally, think about studying with other people. It's a great way to get new ideas, and to get fresh perspectives on things that you might not have considered. If there's no study group near you for people interested in Wicca or Paganism, think about starting one of your own.

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/recommendedreading/a/DailyStudying.htm

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhisperingWitches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MagickalMeals/
http://groups.yahoo/group/NightshaydesNews

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23a.: The Swifting of Energy

Posted by: "Lady Nightshayde" LadyNightshayde9@aol.com nightshayde99

Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:04 pm (PDT)

The Swifting of Energy

I remember my early days in the craft like they were yesterday they were fabulous days filled with an awesome sort of wonder I doubt I shall ever experience again. There was so much to learn, and so much to explore. Lessons waited behind every corner.

I can only hope that my teachers remember those days with equal fondness, for they definitely had their hands full. You see, students who exhibit such a rabid hunger for knowledge tend to be very focused. And while this characteristic is crucial to successful magic, it can also result in pointed questions--the likes of which tend to pop out at the most inopportune times--and the tenacity of a bulldog when the answers either seem lightweight or don't suit. In my case, though, this characteristic was also peppered with a hefty dose of sass. And as such, it's a wonder that my teachers didn't just throw up their hands in despair and run screaming from the room.

Fortunately for me, though, they didn't. They just kept teaching me, even when I stretched their patience to the max. And that being the case, I learned some very valuable lessons--things like perfect love, perfect trust, and the threefold law. I learned about deities and ritual, and other things too numerous to mention. But the most valuable thing I learned was something just as basic to the craft as the Lord and Lady, and something that no practitioner can do without. That thing was a thorough understanding of energy.

To start with, everything--whether it's a doll, or a stone, or a building in your neighborhood--is made entirely of energy. And as magical practitioners all we do is move and direct that substance. It's pretty basic stuff which most of us already know.
But here are a few other facts about energy. First, energy is just that. It's energy. There's nothing "good" or "bad" about it. It's not dark or light, positive or negative. It's simply a living, breathing force that vibrates to unlimited form and shape.

That isn't to say, however, that all energies feel the same. They don't. But it has nothing to do with the energy itself. Instead, it's the practitioner directing the energy who flavors the way it feels.

A better way to explain this might be to take a look at the pixels in a computer graphic. They are only dots of color. But when an artist moves them together in a particular order, an image forms. The pixels themselves have no control over whether the image is dreadful and gloomy or bright and cheerful. They are, after all, just dots of color. It is the artist who brings the image to light--and evokes the desired feeling from those who view it--by moving and directing the pixels in a certain fashion. The same is true of energy and the practitioner.

The other important thing to understand about energy is that it never really goes away. It never dissolves. It never dissipates. In fact, energy is probably the only thing in this world that is truly boundless and everlasting. And that being the case, it only changes shape and form.

Having learned this early on, you can imaging my reaction when someone else's teacher announced that negative energy should always be returned to the sender. I was stunned. Bewildered. And more than a little appalled. In fact, try as I might, I just couldn't keep my mouth shut.

"But that's just an effort in futility," I blurted out, "and it's certainly not going to fix the problem!"

It was the teacher's turn to be stunned, bewildered, and more than a little appalled.

"And just why not?" she retorted.

"Because if both practitioners have their shields in place, all this is going to do is cause a game of psychic volleyball. The energy's just going to bounce back and forth until someone gets tired. And we can only hope that "someone" is the practitioner who sent the energy in the first place."

The teacher's annoyance had not given way to interest, and she inquired about the solution.

I explained my belief that all energy--regardless of how it feels--is a gift. It's the very substance from which everything is created. And that being the case, it should never be sent back. Instead, it should be grabbed up, moved and directed, formed and shaped into something entirely different--something wonderful, something that could be used for personal benefit.

A smile crossed the teacher's lips, and then she began to laugh out loud. She wasn't laughing at the solution, though. Instead, it was the irony of the situation. To take someone's ill will and transform it into something personally beneficial was just plain wicked--and she didn't mind telling me so.

Of course, I laughed, too. But we both agreed that it was the perfect solution: no harm came to the sender, the transformed energy couldn't hurt anyone, and the recipient got what they wanted. Best of all, there was no violation of the Rede, so the threefold law didn't come into play. Everyone was safe. Everyone was happy. And all because the energy was used instead of returned.

That said, please think twice before returning any sort of energy to its sender. Instead, try the following instructions to shape it, form it, and use it for something wonderful. Doing otherwise only deprives you of some of the strongest magic available--magic that could, perhaps, even make the world a better place to live.

You'll need:
1 black candle
1 brown candle
1 white candle
Table salt
Metal cookie sheet
Paper and pen

Place the cookie sheet horizontally on a flat surface. Beginning at the center left-hand side of the cookie sheet, arrange the candles--first black, then brown, then white--so that they form a horizontal line. Then, using the salt, draw a horizontal line from the white candle to a point approximately three-quarters of the way to the right-hand edge of the pan. Draw an arrow tip with the salt at the end of the line, then draw a salt circle around the arrow tip to encase it.

Write your desire on the paper. This can be anything--money, a new job, love, protection, good health, religious tolerance, etc.--as long as it's for something for which you nave a need. Fold the paper into thirds, then into thirds again, and place it inside the salt circle.

Ground and center.

Light the black candle and focus on all the nasty energy coming your way. See the harm it's done, the trouble it's caused, and feel your own misery. Then name the candle for negativity.

Light the brown candle. See the energy begin to transform into something neutral, and feel the heaviness of negativity and your personal burdens lighten. Name the candle for transformation.

Light the white candle. See the energy transformation process as complete. There is nothing left but clear, bright, pure energy now--energy which you can use to manifest your desire. Name the candle for pure energy.

With your eyes, follow the salt line from the candle to the circle and focus on the paper with your intention. Visualization is very important here, for you not only need to see your desires coming to fruition, but be able to feel them as if they've already manifested. In the case of money, for example, you might see the entire room filling with hundred-dollar bills--not just so you can wade through them, but right up to your neck so you can swim in them--then feel what it's like to dive headfirst into all that cash. Smell it. Hear it rustle. Taste the bill that just touched your lips. Memorize the way it feels in your hand. You get the idea.

When the candles extinguish themselves, light the paper and leave it in the salt circle until it burns to ash. Bury the salt, ashes, and any leftover wax outdoors.
by Dorothy Morrison

The light of a hundred stars cannot equal the light of the Moon.

Love Each Day,
Lady Nightshayde

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/13Witches/
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luni, 22 august 2011

[13Witches] Digest Number 7538

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