Messages In This Digest (23 Messages)

1a.: Re: The Magical Bully

Posted by: "Sidhe Wolf" sidhefaolchu@gmail.com mikisidhewolf

Mon May 9, 2011 5:24 am (PDT)

Jay,

Don't give up on your parents. Sometimes wisdom and understanding take a
long time to 'brew'. I was raised by someone abusive and only when she
reached her 80's, did she admit to me that she wished she would have done
things differently. Maybe she felt it before but couldn't admit it, or
maybe it took that long for her to 'mellow', but at least I had closure.
Had I written her off forever we would both have taken the pain, anger, and
grief of separation to our respective deathbeds. I will be eternally
grateful that I left the door open, as well as that she entered the opening.

BB,
Miki

On 8 May 2011 19:03, Jay <bareshark1975@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> As I read the article, I come to an uncomfortable conclusion. The worst
> bullies I ever knew were both my parents. My father was the more obvious,
> making my childhood hell until my mom, my sister, and I moved out when I was
> 18. My mother was more emotionally abusive, demeaning my dreams and only
> giving support to the goals that matched her vision of what she wanted me to
> be (they did NOT include magic, as you can guess). Things finally snapped
> three Christmases ago and, though we never say it out loud, whatever good
> things our relationship once had are gone. I still talk to her. I still
> reach out. But she has all but given up on me, it feels like.
>
> I knew plenty of bullies growing up, but, in terms of poisoning the well of
> what I could have been, they were always the worst...and still are.
>
> Jay
>
>
>

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (23)

2.: Fw: DailyOM: Ascension

Posted by: "Beth Patterson" purrrpaws4444@yahoo.com purrrpaws4444

Mon May 9, 2011 10:51 am (PDT)

Today's DailyOM brought to you by:

May 9, 2011
Ascension
Spiritualizing the Planet

As we ascend, we gain consciousness of the more subtle aspects of our being and begin to connect with all that is.

We are one with the cosmos whether we realize it or not. Realizing it, though, quickens our spiritual energy and allows us access to higher realms. In those higher realms lies the awareness that we are more than just finite physical beings living one life in one place at one point in time. Connecting with this awareness is to awaken to the truth and take a step forward, and upward, on our soul's journey. This upward movement is known as ascension because the more we remember who we are and embody that truth, the higher our energy vibrates; we ascend up the scale from the gross physical plane to the subtle spiritual plane. As we ascend, we gain consciousness of the more subtle aspects of our being, with the ultimate outcome being a complete identification with the light body, an experience of unification with the cosmos.

As you look around you, you will see that many people are not even interested in these ideas. Others are open and paying attention. Still others have devoted their lives to deepening their understanding of the truth. All these people are on the path of ascension, but they will ascend at different rates. Each soul chooses its own path. The more devoted a person is to remembering and being guided by spirit, the more quickly the soul will ascend. These people are at the forefront of an important process of raising the energetic vibration of the whole planet. The earth, made of the same energy we are, is undergoing this shift along with us. This evolutionary process, while seemingly chaotic at times, is as natural as the process that unfolds a flower from a seed and we are all part of it.

It shouldn't be forgotten that the earth too is on her own ascension path as she is sentient. The best way to support this process in yourself and in the world is simply to relax and be open to its unfolding. Listen to your inner guidance, and let it guide you to the path that brings your heart the most joy.

Top 10 DailyOM Courses:
1. Make Yourself a Money Magnet
2. 21 Day Yoga Body!
3. Learn the Spiritual Art of Aromatherapy
4. The Spiritual Message of the Kogi Mamos
5. Master the Path of the Peaceful Warrior
6. Overcoming Self-Sabotage
7. Heal Your Money Karma
8. Find True Love in 27 Days
9. Release Obstacles: Embrace Freedom
10. Experience the Power of Gemstones

New Courses | All Courses

What do you think?
Discuss this article and share your opinion
Want more DailyOM?
Register for your free email, or browse all articles

Share the OM:

Email this to a friend

Printable version

Save in My DailyOM

Discuss this article

Deal of the Day:

Connecting Cards
$5.94 Buy Now
$15.95 (63% off!)
(Price for 48 hours only)
On-line Courses:

21 Day Yoga Body!
by Sadie Nardini

Make Yourself a Money Magnet
by Ellen Whitehurst

From the Library:
Expand This Moment: Focused Meditations to Quiet Your Mind, Brighten Your Mood, and Set Yourself Free
by John Selby
More DailyOM:
On-line Courses Soul Readings Today's Horoscopes Shop the Marketplace Join the Community

Home | Gift Shop | My DailyOM | Marketplace | Community | Archives | Share The OM | Contact Us
Subscribe | Change Email | User Settings | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Gift Shop FAQ | Advertising Info
Make DailyOM Your Homepage | Link To Us | Publish DailyOM On Your Website
© 2004-2011 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission
Artwork by Wang Chang-Ming

Beth
Blessed, Mystical, Magickal Cats
&
Curious, Creative, Clever Bunnies

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)

3a.: Fw: Daily Ray of Hope

Posted by: "Beth Patterson" purrrpaws4444@yahoo.com purrrpaws4444

Mon May 9, 2011 10:52 am (PDT)

View as web page | Tell a friend
Not you? Sign up here.

Photo Credit: Louise Pratt
Location: Columbia River Gorge, OR
A hard fall means a high bounce ... if you're made of the right material.

-- Unknown

Want to see your image in the Daily Ray of Hope? Join the Daily Ray of Hope Group on Flickr.

Sierra Club
85 2nd St. San Francisco, CA 94105
daily.ray.hope@sierraclub.org

Update My Profile | Unsubscribe |
Manage My Email Preferences

Connect with the Sierra Club:

Like us on Facebook for daily updates

Follow us on twitter

Sign up for the Insider for the latest news

Make your voice heard in our Action Center

Beth
Blessed, Mystical, Magickal Cats
&
Curious, Creative, Clever Bunnies

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (25)

4a.: Website of the Day

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

Mon May 9, 2011 11:15 am (PDT)

The Breast Cancer Site

needs visitors! 'Your click on the "Fund Free Mammograms" button [the pink window in the middle of the page] helps fund free mammograms, paid for by site sponsors whose ads appear after you click.' This important diagnostic service is provided through the efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation to under-privileged women 'whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited.' It takes less than a minute to go to the site. Please make this important click part of your daily routine and ask ten friends to do the same. Your click will help fight breast cancer! There is also a Breast Cancer News section where important happenings are posted; not only can you help fund mammograms, you can educate yourself in the process.

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (21)

5.: The 10 Most Inspiring Harry Potter Moments

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

Mon May 9, 2011 11:35 am (PDT)

The 10 Most Inspiring Harry Potter Moments
Harry Discovers He's a Wizard

We've all known at one time or another what it feels like to lack purpose. If we weren't created for a reason, if there isn't a unique and special purpose to our lives, then the only response is despair. Harry certainly lives that type of existence at the beginning of the first book: unloved, abused, and forced to sleep underneath the stairs, his future appears to be one of grim meaninglessness. Which makes the moment when Hagrid bends down and tells him that he's actually wizard, and the resulting wonder upon his young face, all the more poignant.

Ron's Return

In much of the final book, Harry, Ron, and Hermoine are on the run, discouraged, and angry with one another. A particularly nasty spat leads to the severing of their small company, with Ron leaving in anger. The following months are, perhaps, the darkest time for Harry in the entirety of the series. But just as all seems lost, when Harry is about to die beneath the surface of a frozen pond, Ron appears, thrusts his hand into the water, and pulls his friend to safety.

Dobby the Elf

Dobby the house elf lived a tortured existence enslaved to an evil wizard until Harry freed him. He then became an eccentric yet deeply loyal ally to Harry and his friends. So loyal, in fact, that he was willing to give his very life for them. While escaping the grasp of Voldemort's deatheaters in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," Dobby took a knife in the center of his chest that was meant for Harry. His last words as he died in Harry's arms were, "Harry… Potter." His grave was marked with the epitaph, "Here lies Dobby, a free elf."

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

Dumbledore's Army

When the prim, slimy Dolores Umbridge refused to teach her students any useful techniques to combat the evil of the wizarding world, Harry and his friends formed Dumbledore's Army in response. Members of the D.A would go on to participate in every major conflict with Voldemort and his followers, some of them ultimately perishing in the process.

Fighting the Basilisk

At the end of "The Chamber of Secrets" Harry faces his most formidable foe yet: an enormous snake-like Basilisk that can kill its victims with a single look. Standing over the petrified body of his friend, Ginny Weasley, Harry drew the legendary sword of Godric Gryffindor and slew the evil creature, foreshadowing another climactic confrontation he would have.

Sparing Wormtail

Peter Pettigrew, aka Wormtail, was the pathetic vermin responsible for betraying Harry Potter's parents to Voldemort. If anyone would have been justified in exacting revenge against him, it would have been Harry. Yet when Pettigrew was about to be executed by Sirius and Lupin, Harry intervened on his behalf, sparing his life. It might be the single most undeserved act of mercy in the entire series and a powerful indicator of Harry's deep character.

Wizard's Chess

Near the end of the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," Harry, Ron, and Hermoine were faced with a difficult decision. An enormous Wizard's chessboard stood between them and their goal, but one of them would need to sacrifice themselves in order to pass. Ron, despite the protests of his friends, placed himself in harm's way so that Harry could win the game.

Harry Escapes Voldemort

The climax of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" was the first real indication of how serious the books had become. Harry's friend, Cedric Diggory, lies dead at his feet and Voldemort stands before the young wizard, ready to end his life once and for all. As their wands clash, the spirits of Harry's parents appear to grant him courage. "You've been so brave," his mother says to him. It's a deeply touching moment, revealing how much Harry has had to sacrifice and hinting at how much more will be expected of him.

Expecto Patronum

Near the end of the third book, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," Dementors, the soul-sucking (literally) jailers of Azkaban prison, are closing in on Harry and his uncle, Sirius Black, his only living relative. At the last moment Harry casts a Patrounus Charm, a powerful force of overwhelming positive energy, that scatters the Dementors like cockroaches. It is one of the most thrilling moments of the series and an inspiring display of good triumphing over evil.

Harry's Parents' Sacrifice

One of the most inspiring moments in Harry Potter is one that is only mentioned and never seen. Having heard the prophecy that says Harry will destroy him one day, Voldemort steals into his house in an attempt to execute him before he can grow into a real threat. Harry's parents throw themselves in harm's way and pay the ultimate price for it. Their sacrifice was not in vain, however, as Voldemort's curse aimed at Harry backfires, nearly destroying the evil wizard in the process. When Harry asks Dumbledore what protected him, the wise wizard simply says, "Love, Harry. Love."

Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Movies/Harry-Potter/The-10-Most-Inspiring-Harry-Potter-Moments.aspx?p=11#ixzz1LsihvDiV

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)

6.: **Tarot Tuesday**, 5/10/2011, 12:00 am

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

Mon May 9, 2011 7:56 pm (PDT)

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

**Tarot Tuesday**
Tuesday May 10, 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
Copyright � 2011
Yahoo! Inc.
http://www.yahoo.com

Privacy Policy:
http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy/us

Terms of Service:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)

7.1.: Thought for the Day

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:33 pm (PDT)

Part of being sane is being a little bit crazy.

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (211)

8a.: Cat and Dog Familiars

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:39 pm (PDT)

Cat and Dog Familiars

If a black cat or dog takes up unbidden residence at your door, good fortune will follow!
Cats
Witches and familiars, especially the cat, have long been associated. The similarities between the two are numerous, the strongest being resourcefulness and independence. Regardless of gender, both are called "she". Both have also enjoyed a long history of being deified and maligned in many cultures. Not every cat is a candidate for a familiar and not all witches like cats. There are those times, though, when a witch meets a cat and the magick is so strong the two definitely belong together. Bonding instantly is magickal, however, the relationship must grow with love and respect. It is well known that cats see very well in the dark. Their eyes reflect light which enables them to get a double dose of the available light. A cat can alert you to the presence of another human, animal or bird in the dark. There are rituals to strengthen this psychic bond.

Here, from an eighteenth century Book of Shadows, are instructions for the training of the cat to occult use:
"To be performed every evening, at the same time, in the same place....Adapt the cat to sit close by you, facing in the same direction you face which shall be the place where the moon will rise. Stroke gently but firmly with love in your hands until its purrs and your breathing are heard as one sound. Now you and the cat possess the same will, your eyes will see as its eyes see, and your thoughts will travel together. The time has come to work spells and cast enchantments for power is doubled through the agency of your familiar." Witches All, Grosset & Dunlap, 1977

Cats can be finicky. They also adapt, though they may not like the changes. So if you are a first-time cat friend here are some tips to aid you in your new friendship:
• Cat likes her food served in the same place and preferably at the same time each day.
• Prepare a comfortable resting area for Cat using a box or basket with a pillow or blanket tucked inside. Mint tucked under the bedding helps deter fleas and ticks.
• Cat is very fussy about being clean and will lick her coat many times a day. The fur accumulates in her intestines and creates hairballs which can make her ill. So brush Cat often.
• If you place a collar on Cat, be certain it is expandable. If the collar gets caught on something, Cat could choke. With an expandable collar, she can slip out easily.
• Cat will eat meat. Loves it. She needs other nutrients, however. So choose a good quality canned food and dry food to supplement her diet. Always keep a bowl of fresh water available to her. Watch her for she can easily become a Fat Cat.
• Cat does not like being followed. She will investigate any new premises until she feels comfortable that it's safe.
• Cat will have at least three names and one is her secret. Sound familiar?
• If Cat lives indoors either provide a Cat Door for easy access to the outdoors or a kitty litter box that's always in the same place. The litter box must be emptied about every day to keep her and you happy. Another indoor cat must is a scratching post or your furniture will be her target.
• Last but definitely not least - every once in a while Cat loves a little catnip to roll in and chew. Fresh from your garden is perfection. Dried will do.

Dogs

My neighbor's dog just barked as if to say, "Remember me!"
Dogs, too, aside from being man's best friend, have journeyed with the Gods and are wonderful familiars. The Goddess, Artemis often traveled with a hound at her side. Although not as finicky as Cat, Dog is protective and loving and giving. Unlike Cat, however, Dog comes in all sizes - small, large and XL.
• Dog's rest area needs to be comfortable and large enough for his size. If he doesn't mind, the mint will work here, too.
• Brush, brush, brush. Dog will always be your friend. Also check for ticks, fleas and other problems
• Dog also appreciates something to chew. I suggest something other than your shoes or table legs.
• Dog needs exercise so plan to walk Dog everyday or allow him to romp in an enclosed yard. A Dog door should come with the yard.
• Dog's diet is important. He'll eat most anything and that's the problem. Choose healthy dog food and treats to keep him happy.
• Identifying collars are slowly being taken over by tattoos these days. You'll need one for a leash if you walk Dog.
• Dog is a devoted and lifelong friend. Treat him like one.
• The spell above can also be used for Dog.

The following is a true story and will altar any misconceptions that cats are the only familiars.

"One night my significant other and I were leaving a neighborhood restaurant. Home was four blocks away so we decided to walk. It was late, around midnight. We had walked a block from the restaurant and were three blocks from our home, when a car filled with cruising, drinking, rough characters slowed down on the street beside us. They began to taunt us. We turned to head back to the restaurant. The harassment continued. They drove the car closer to us and stopped, doors open. It was unnerving to say the least. Just as the men stepped from the car, all the while threatening us, a large blond dog appeared out of the darkness and began circling us, with menacing teeth growling and snarling. The men jumped back into the car, closing the doors behind them, and sped away.
We decided to continue towards home. Much to our delight, our new animal friend continued with us, circling us as we walked. The car returned, once, then disappeared for good. When we had reached the corner, three houses from our own home, we stopped. As we watched from where we stood, the dog continued on, walked up our driveway and sat on the steps at the front door. Neither of us had ever seen the dog before that night.
We hurried into the kitchen and emptied our leftovers onto a china plate and filled a bowl with fresh water. As I opened the door, the scene on the steps stopped me cold. The dog was still sitting there, though now he was flanked on either side by our two housemates, Haiku, the maincoon cat and Gypsy, the stray.
I placed the filled plate and bowl of water on the step in front of the dog and thanked him with all sincerity. He ate and drank, turned to look at us and then walking slowly, disapppeared into the night. My thoughts at that moment were, 'Charmed, I'm sure!'"
ttp://www.amagickgarden.com/pages/wrpages/wrfamiliars.html

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (2)

9a.: Wilderness Magic

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:41 pm (PDT)

Wilderness Magic

There is a wonderful passage in one of the old epics of King Arthur.
It says that whenever the knights began their quest for the grail, they
plunged straight into the wilderness where the woods are thickest.

Clever knights. They knew where to find the magic.

But then perhaps they were not so clever. After all, don't most of
our European fairy tales begin in much the same way? The tree
spirit, the elvish helper, the old Witch, or the magic fountain--all are
discovered when the heroine or hero of the story wanders away from
the well-ordered village, the peaceful town, the easy and well-marked path,
and enters the wildness. Perhaps it was simply common knowledge back then
that the primal chaos of trees, rocks, and water was the most potent
magical energy source available.

In many, if not most, magical and folk traditions, the world is the
body of the Earth Mother herself. It is no wonder, then, that the
trees who constitute her beautiful hair and the rocks which constitute her
strong bones are the source of so much magic. Whoever we may be, of
whatever cultural origin, all our ancestors were tribal at one time or
another, and hence they all lived close to the magic. Wherever we live now,
wilderness is generally not that far away--perhaps in the closest state park or
forest area. And there are many ways you can touch the magic of the
wilderness for yourself.

First, like most traditional peoples the world over, pre-Christian
Europeans seem to have believed that the center of shamanic power lay
in our midsection--between the lower diaphragm and the middle belly. Once
you are in the woods, focus your attention on this spot on your body. Don't
worry too much about its exact location, it's a little different for
everyone. Your body will find it for you if you simply focus on
seeking a primal source of internal energy. Keep your awareness, there, as if
it is the actual center of your being.

Once you have done this, you will find that the paths of energy in
the Earth itself just seem to pull you along. When you're really
focused, you will be aware of zones of power in the Earth. When you've
found such a place of power, there are a number of things you can do.

First, you can work with the rocks. Most rocks, whether tiny stones
or great boulders, have a "soft spot" somewhere which allows you to
enter into them in the spirit. Use your intuition, eyes, and sense of touch to
find the spot. Then, meditatively, go inside. Many people report seeing
visions of long ago--the very past of the Earth itself. The whole record of
Mother Earth's experience is stored inside her bones, the rocks.

If there is a stream or a lake, you have a wonderful place to get rid
of some of your emotional baggage. In European folk songs, sad
lovers are always sitting by the banks of a lake or river. Why? Because it is
believed that water purifies our sexual selves and washes away
negativity. Give your sorrows to the water, and meditatively feel them slip
away from you forever.

If there are plenty of trees, you may be able to locate the one
that "likes" you. I'm not joking. Place your back against a tree so
it can feel your aura. If it likes you, you will know. You can become
one with the tree. Feel its essence go into your center of power. Then
open your eyes. If you are lucky, you will be able to see the world through
the tree's eyes. Believe me, when this works it's better than any psychedelic.

Finally, you can simply dance. That's right. There's no particular
reason to sit still in a place of power. You might as well just
dance, moving to your own inner music and the music of the Sun and the
wind. The rocks and trees will enjoy it.
by Kenneth Johnson,
copyright 2001

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (14)

10a.: Parthegenia

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:43 pm (PDT)

Parthegenia

Whisper her name three times and you'll have that unsettling retrieval sensation: Where have I heard that before? I'm certain I have. Parthegenia.

Don't check your Edith Hamilton. And no, she doesn't show up even as a footnote in The Goddesses in Every Woman. Don't bother to look.

In ancient times Parthegenia was banished, like some immortal Romeo, to an unidentified cave on Mount Olympus. The others in that clique swore never to utter her name--to ex her out of the Grecian heavenly host.

The Goddess of Asexual reproduction (among other powers), banished? Seems unlikely. Why would the Olympians, who thrive on backbiting and bickering, cast out lovely Parthegenia, that primo example of divine womanliness. That mons Venus, begging to be mounted; those breasts, ripe for nurturing; those lips of love, ever so capable of breeding and birthing.

Jealousy wasn't the cause, I assure you; that crowd thrives on jealousy. It's one of those petty human emotions they suffer along with their unearthly powers; the tension that's kept the celestial soap opera going on all of these ages. But there lies the rub, too, for our cast-aside goddess: Fear, the garden variety human sort, that's what made the other holinesses try to suppress Parthegenia. It would throw the whole male/female dynamic out of whack if one was as self-sufficient as Parthegenia, the reasoning went at the hearing in the Temple to Dionysius. The decision was unanimous: she couldn't stay. Even her name had to be expunged from myths and legends.

You can see why the dodgy male gods like Zeus and the envious female goddesses like Hera (the uncertain demigods and goddesses never uttered a word) put her in some Olympian witness protection program to make her disappear, make her apocryphal at best, obliterate her from all the Greek plays at the very least. For centuries, audiences have known someone was missing from The Trojan Women; we couldn't quite unlock the memory cell to figure out the problem...

Cast out by Hera, who made no bones about loving sex and hating beautiful females; and Zeus, who'd take any form to get his goodies off. Even Athena and Aphrodite wouldn't speak her part, though they couldn't speak against her, either.

How could Parthegenia reproduce by herself? So independent, so self-aware, so UN-needy? Imagine the unrest such self-sufficiency could cause on Olympus, not to mention among mortals. Nope, she had to go.

But they didn't factor in one of her other everlasting traits, stubbornness; she will not be erased from our collective memory. From afar Parthegenia refused to be swept under the magic carpet, have her mysterious energy rubbed out.

Mick Jagger didn't quite work. Joan of Arc got closer. But think about parthegenic snails. Don't ignore earthworms--not her most elegant creation; call them a work in progress, an experiment gone awry. Still every basic biology student, male and female, examines them, wonders How is this possible? Such wonder and curiosity have kept Parthegenia animated at the edge of our consciousness.

Recently, the hammerhead shark and Komodo dragon have stunned modern science with their ability to reproduce asexually in captivity--That's Parthegenia at work. Labeling it an evolutionary step forward is bogus. She's gotten stronger as she's seen contemporary mortal women strive for her procreative powers, her independence. We've conjured her.

It's likely she came to Gloria Steinem in a vision, served as must to Naomi Wolf, took possession of Hillary Clinton in the midst of the Bill/Monica fiasco. The evidence certainly suggests she's made forays into female consciousness through the centuries. Go ahead, explain Emily Dickinson and the suffragettes without her.

Lucky for us, Parthegenia lives. In my writing group, one woman is re-creating the women of ages past who lived alone and kept the lighthouse flares burning. Another explores open marriage. A third envisions new galaxies. Parthegenia will not, cannot, be stifled or silenced by Hera, Jonathan Edwards, Doctor Laura, or even Dick Cheney. She's part of the mitochondria of every woman on earth, hidden inside some powerful cell packet, ready to replace longing with creative action. To create and re-create, create, re-create. All by herself. Don't be afraid to say her name, go ahead; Parthegenia.
by Charlotte Morgan
copyright 2007

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (4)

11a.: The Book of Law--Section 1

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:45 pm (PDT)

The Book of Law--Section 1

1. Love the Gods and honor Them, for They are the matrix from which the Life Force springs. Remember that this Force courses through the veins of all living beings. For that reason, treat yourself and those around you as well as you treat the Gods, and the Gods, in turn, will love and honor you.

2. We are the children of the Lord and the Lady, Who rule the Universe and all that is held within its boundaries. Treat Them with parental respect and do not test Them, for They are not to be trifled with.

3. Only use the Craft in love, so that the energy you create becomes a beacon of light by which to find the Gods. When the Craft is used otherwise, it becomes the net by which you are eventually snared and entangled.

4. Let the Craft unite the children of the gods to tend the earth and care for its beings.

5. Do not glean the land when working it. Give the fallen fruits, instead, back to the Earth Mother.

6. Be proud of the Wiccan ways, but be ever-minded not to slip into a pool of vanity. Once you fall in, it's difficult to find your way back into the portal.

7. Speak little and listen much. Reserve judgment until all the facts are in.

8. Be joyful and happy; only then will your life be filled with love.

9. While your teachers serve the Gods by giving the seeds of knowledge, it is up to you to sow them and tend them through harvest. Thus, you reap what you sow. Remember that deceit and misuse of power is cause for karmic retribution.

10. Do not gossip about fellow members of the Craft or hold any malice against them.

11. Do not lie, for what you say in the presence of the Gods becomes manifest in reality.

12. Be nonjudgmental of those who do not embrace the Craft; likewise, do not disclose the identify of anyone who has.

13. Keep your word to fellow members of the Craft, for such is an oath to the Gods.

14. Because the Lord and Lady do not want Their children to suffer oppression or indignity on Their account, They will seek recourse to rectify the matter.

15. Never use the Craft to do harm; in doing so, you bring harm to yourself.

16. Never betray your siblings in the Craft; rather, embrace the virtues of love, honor, and wisdom.

17. Never speak with your mouth that which is not in your heart.

18. Never speak ill of the Gods, for doing so will incur Their anger.

19. Because no one must endanger the Craft, all members must follow the law of the land.

20. Do not haggle over price when obtaining magical tools. To do so cheapens them in the eyes of the Gods.

21. Never accept money for performing spells for others.

22. Never steal. Doing so will cause you to sacrifice something dear to regain Universal balance.

23. Honor all people and respect them; let their eyes reflect your soul.

24. Never accept the pledge of anyone's life, no matter how deeply they are indebted to you. To do so is personally burdensome, and will hinder your progress in the Craft.

25. Remember the Law of Karma, and that everything returns to you threefold.

26. Cleanse and bless everything that is brought into the Circle or temple area. This gives honor to the Gods.

27. Honor the Goddess by keeping your house, body, and clothing clean.

28. Remember that no one should die without dignity, love, and respect. Act accordingly.

29. No man or woman should come together in sexual union if it causes pain to another to do so.

30. Let those who would love and bear children be handfasted.

31. Only marry or handfast for love. It is an abomination against the Goddess to do otherwise.

32. Teach and guide your children with love, and remember that they are spawned of the Goddess.

33. It is up to the children of the Gods to maintain their personal strands in the Cosmic Web; in doing so, they allow the Universe to flux and flex when necessary.

34. Respect your power, your magic, and the ways of Wicca. Know that everyone who crosses your path--even if only for a moment--is there to teach you something.

35. Stay physically and mentally fit, for only then will the power in you remain pure.

36. The Circle should always be a fitting place to invite the Gods. For that reason, always purify it as well as those who choose to enter.

37. Remember the message of the Goddess: "I shall not carry you nor hinder you, nor keep you from having the same opportunities as My other children. You are free, and shall not be coddled like babes in a storm. If you have true devotion and desire within you, then any obstacle shall be overcome.

38. Make a sanctuary to the Gods, and only place the purest of energy within.

39. To gain the blessing of the Goddess, make an altar from stone or wood, and light candles and incense in Her honor.

40. Set aside one day during each Moon to do the Lady's work; She shall renew and bless you in return.

41. Study the arts of Circle-casting and ritual with a pure heart and learn them well. Only then will you be a person of power.

42. Each member of the Craft should keep a personal Book of Shadows, detailing the Old Ways and recording their progress.

43. Study the legends of the Gods. They will honor them with Their blessings.

44. If any member of the Craft works within their Craft (performs readings or such for others), it is only right that they have just financial compensation.

45. Those who sacrifice some personal pleasure for the good of all shall be remembered and blessed by the Gods.

46. Make offerings of labor and natural gifts to the Gods. Know that you will be blessed accordingly.

47. When you make offerings to restore balance, make sure that your gifts are not offensive to the Gods.

48. Offerings to the Gods made during ritual shall be buried in the earth or burned, in order to return them to the Source from which they sprang.

49. Use the Craft to help yourself, but only in such a way that harm comes to no one.

50. Protect the Craft and all who embrace it, so we may never again fear the Burning Times.

51. The Lady brings us joy and the Lord gifts us with pleasure. Worship in love and enjoy the gifts of both.

from The Craft 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/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhisperingWitches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MagickalMeals/
http://groups.yahoo/group/NightshaydesNews

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (2)

12a.: The Seeker's Bill of Rights

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:47 pm (PDT)

The Seeker's Bill of Rights

Seekers on the Pagan path are in an extremely vulnerable position.
In their quest for following and teaching, they risk encountering those who
use our faith to prey on others. To empower the Seekers of our community, a
Seeker's Bill of Rights has been drafted. This tool will help to alert
Seekers of a problem if a group or teacher violates any of the ten rights
described. It will also serve to remind Seekers that while they do not
have "degrees", they are still human beings with rights and dignity.

I - The Right to Verify Credentials: Seekers shall not be obstructed
from substantiating claims made by a teacher or group. In the case of
Elders that were inspired to create a new tradition, the Seeker has the right to
know the circumstances surrounding the inception of that tradition.

II - The Right to Anonymity: Seekers have the right to keep their
involvement in the occult a secret to preserve their personal &
professional lives.

III - The Right to Financial Stability: Seekers shall not be
required or coerced into taking on any financial burdens on behalf of a teacher
or group.

IV - The Right to Compensation for Professional Goods and
Services: Seekers have the right to be paid for goods produced and/or skilled labor
for which they would normally received an income. Seekers shall not be
required or coerced into providing discounts or `freebies' on behalf of a
teacher or group.

V - The Right to Sexual Freedom: Seekers shall not be required or
coerced into sexual relations with unwanted persons, nor shall Seekers be
restricted from sexual relations with consenting adults.

VI - The Right to Physical Well-Being: Seekers shall not be
required or coerced into submitting to any form of physical injury or abuse.

VII - The Right to Abide by the Law: Seekers shall not be required
or coerced into committing any illegal act.

VIII - The Right to Consistency: Seekers have the right to expect
consistency in policies by a teacher or group. Seekers should be
formally informed in a timely manner of any policy change.

IX - The Right to Separation with Impunity: Seekers have the right
to discontinue association with any teacher or group without fear of
harassment or reprisal.

X - The Right to be at Peace with One's Conscience: Seekers shall
not be required or coerced into committing any action contrary to their own
sense of ethics or morality.

The Seeker's Bill of Rights was compiled from experiences other
Seekers have suffered at the hands of abusive teachers. Hopefully, this tool will
help Seekers everywhere to avoid these pitfalls.

by Charles M. Mars

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (12)

13.: Historical Figures as patron Saints

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:51 pm (PDT)

Historical Figures as Patron Spirits

As we wander down the spiritual path trying to connect with each other, the earth, and the numerous entities surrounding us, many of us desire patrons. We want spiritual mentors, both on this plane and on other planes, to guide us, to keep us humble, to lean on, and to honor. Hours are spent in libraries and bookstores reading mythology; days are spent online researching various pantheons.

But what about using a historical figure as your inspiration? Someone who once lived on this Earth and moved on? Is it possible for such a relationship to work?

I think it can. I think it has to be approached carefully and respectfully, but there are ways to allow a respected figure's influence work as a patron spirit to help you on your personal path. But it's much more complicated than saying, " I admire X and want X to be my patron."
First of all, in order to be a patron spirit, the figure has to be deceased. There's nothing wrong with admiring a living figure, but that's an entirely different relationship. A patron spirit needs to be pursued under different terms, although still with respect for the person's life and privacy. And remember, trying to force someone to be your mentor is interfering with free will. Manipulation is manipulation on any place of existence.

Just because you admire someone doesn't mean you have the right to force the relationship, dead or alive. It has to be mutually beneficial. All of these relationships are two-way streets. You have to consider what you bring to it as much as what you gain.

Make a list of figures you feel drawn toward. In your journal, write about why each one is important to you. If you're a writer, are you only drawn to other writers? Or to painters? Or to politicians? Why? Are you drawn to figures with similar interests? Or is it more interesting to work with someone with a different frame of reference, so the friction energy in the difference is a catalyst in the work? What influence does each figure have? Do you think about them? Do you hunt down examples of their work? What impact does it have on your life? Take your time with this exploration. It can take days or weeks to sort through it all. The connection has to be deeper than "I just want to." Write in your journal, meditate--don't accept easy answers to the questions. Self-knowledge and your personal goals are important parts of this equation.

Once you've written and meditated through the list, pick the figure to whom you are most strongly drawn. Now, research the person's life as well as the person's work. Is this someone with whom you would have had a positive relationship if you were alive at the same time and moving in the same circles? Don't get caught up in your fantasy of the relationship. Take the evidence of the person's life and honestly evaluate if it is someone with whom you would have gotten along in real life. For instance, just because a woman likes a male singer's music and public persona does not man it would be a good relationship if, in life, he had a history of abusing women. People don't suddenly nicen up just because they die. Souls can evolve, but probably not over the period of time between its last incarnation and the time you want to connect. A woman who says, "He never met the right girl; I could love him enough to change him"--this is not going to be a healthy relationship. You need to find someone you would respect and get along with in life--who would also respect you.

Again, take your time. Read biographies, autobiographies, everything you can. If there are collections of letters or profiles written by others, research all of that. Although you might feel you want to get this done "right now," taking the time and doing the research will serve you better in the long run.

What if you had an idea that someone would be a great patron spirit, and you research the person and find you don't like him very much any more? Release the energy respectfully and move on. Finding a pattron is never a quick fix. It takes time, research, and connection, the same way it does in life. We are people on this plane of existence. We are going to react in specific ways to stimuli. And, since we do exist on this plane, we need to be connected to spirits who support that existence, not try to negate it.

For instance, I am a great admirer of the works of Virginia Woolf and of Eugene O'Neill. However, neither of them is right for me as a patron spirit. Virginia Woolf committed suicide, had frequent breakdowns and a complicated emotional life, and was often nasty to people she felt weren't as smart as she was. I don't want to embody those qualities. Nor are they qualities I seek in a teacher. Likewise, Eugene O'Neill had problems with alcohol and expected the women in his life to fetch and carry for him and protect him from the outside world so he could do his work--at the expense of their own creative lives. Why would I want to invoke that? Not only do I not want to be subservient to a historical figure to carry out a legacy, I don't want to embody those qualities and demand that my lover/husband/partner buffer me from the world at the expense of his creative life. As much as I admire their creative work, I don't want to be like either one of them, nor do I want to encourage that sort of behavior. Therefore, I remain a fan of the work, but am glad I didn't know them in real life, and am not attached to them as patron spirits.

Conversely, this doesn't mean you have to agree with every single facet or event in the person's life. Human beings aren't perfect, and those imperfections are as important as the good qualities. But, overall, pick someone with whom you feel comfortable and challenged.

Multiple Patron Spirits?

What if you're drawn to more than one figure? Again, take your time. Meditate, research, try to figure out why both have an equal pull. Do they represent two completely different aspects of your personality or your desired aim? Do you think they work well in tandem, or would it be a constant source of conflict?

There's plenty of debate within the Pagan community about whether or not you can work with more than one patron spirit/deity, and about mixing and matching pantheons or keeping everything in the same pantheon. Each person has to do the work and figure out which way works best for each individual path. I do think one should not spread oneself too thin. While I feel connected to more than one pantheon spirit, I also try to spend individual time with each, rather than mixing them all together like a spiritual cocktail party. Time, research, reverence, respect, patience, and humor will see you through the process. Your patron should be a source of joy, inspiration, and occasional tough love. It's not about bowing down to someone who makes you feel; insignificant. We're on a path of joy, discovery, and reverence--not subservience.

A Final Screening to Seal the Deal

Once you find a historical figure with whom you feel you connect, spend time meditating with and about the figure within a protective circle. Invite the figure in, have chat. Perhaps you will find that you are not compatible after all. Perhaps you will find the figure isn't interested in being the patron of someone still on this plane of existence. For all we know, the afterlife could be very busy. We can speculate, but we won't know until we reach it ourselves. I, for one, am in no hurry to get there. And you don't have the right to bind a spirit to the earth who is off on its own soul's quest.

Do a series of meditations, the way you would with a patron deity, to find out if there is mutual compatibility. The mutual aspect is important. You'll be exchanging energy, not just taking energy or advice. Discuss how the relationship will work.

Once the parameters are sorted out and both parties agree to a form of psychic contract, it's time to perform a ritual to celebrate the partnership. Remember, you don't ant to bind, you want to celebrate. There's a difference.

Build a joyful altar decorated with items both of you enjoy. Create a medicine bag. You don't have to worry about filling it at this point, but if there is an item or two that feels like connecting talisman, totem, etc., have it ready to consecrate. Frame a picture of the figure that you can keep near you top remind you of the connection. Decide which phase of the Moon is most compatible to the shared goals, which season works best, and set aside uninterrupted time to perform the ritual. Don't forget to ground and center after the ritual.

You build a permanent altar to the figure? That's a question of personal preference. My instinct is not to do so. A picture and a medicine bag dedicated to our work together is the best answer for me. If you wish to, I would say wait until you've established a working rhythm with the patron. Again, remember, you are dealing with an entity that once walked this plane, not a deity figure. A time may come when that soul has to continue on its path without you. This may only be a temporary relationship. We can be companions on each other's soul journeys, but we do not have the right to deflect or divert someone else's soul journey because it's what we want.

Once the connection is celebrated, how often should you work with your patron? You'll have to find that out by trial and error. How often would you work with a corporeal mentor? Would you set up a weekly schedule? In a normal student/teacher relationship, you would have the holidays off to spend with your family, yet you'd remember the favorite teacher. Is that something you want to do here? Or, in your holiday celebrations, do you wish to include the patron?
Put aside one yearly date just to celebrate the presence of the patron in your life. It can be on the figure's actual birthday, or the anniversary of the date of your initial ritual together. But keep that day sacred. Use it for thanksgiving, for reevaluating progress made together, and for assessing the relationship moving forward.

Sharing the Connection

But what do you do with a patron spirit? For example, if you're a writer and the spirit was a writer, you can learn from the patron's process, work, and legacy. If you're a writer and your patron is a painter, you can learn to see the world in new ways, with brighter color, and apply those ways of seeing to your work. You can learn from the mistakes the patron made in life and apply the lessons to your own life. Honor and respect are important, but don't forget the joy. Time with the patron shouldn't be tedious or feel like a chore--it should be a way of self-renewal.

The time may come when you and your patron decide to part. Yo may find that you've outgrown the patron, or you may find that your paths are diverging. If that's the case, do a separation ceremony. This can be as simply as sitting in a circle, thanking your patron for the past work, and saying farewell. You could also do a symbolic cutting of a ribbon with your names on each end, or use a pair of candles (with your name inscribed on one and the name of your patron on the other) connected by a cord, which is then cut.

Historical figures remain in our consciousness because their legacy has a lasting effect on our society. Working with such a figure's energy can enhance your own spiritual growth and awareness, and continues the legacy of your patron.
by Cerridwen Iris Shea,
copyright 2008

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)

14a.: Rede of the Wicca

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:52 pm (PDT)

Rede of the Wicca

Bide the Wiccan Law you must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live; fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about to keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch, speak little and listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing Moon, sing and dance the Witches' Rune.
Widdershins go when the Moon doth bane, and werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.
When the Lady's Moon is new, kiss thy hand to Her times two.
When the Moon rides at Her peak, then your heart's desire speak.
Heed the Northwind's mighty gale, lock the door and drop the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the Westwind blows o'er thee, departed spirits restless be.
Nine woods in the cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady's tree--burn it not, or cursed be!
When the Wheel begins a turn, let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel hath turned to Yule, light the log and let Pan rule.
Heed ye flower, bush, and tree, and by the Lady, Blessed Be!
Where the rippling waters flow, cast a stone and truth you'll know.
Whenever ye have a need, harken not to others' greed.
With the fool, no seasons spend, nor be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should, three times bad an' three times good.
When misfortune is enow, wear the Blue Star on your brow.
True in love ever be, unless thy love is false to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: "An' it harm none, do what ye will."

from The Craft
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/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhisperingWitches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MagickalMeals/
http://groups.yahoo/group/NightshaydesNews

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (2)

15a.: Magical Laws

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:54 pm (PDT)

Magical Laws

We did not weave the web of life; we are merely a strand in it. Whatsoever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
Chief Seattle, 1855

Following a magical path can sometimes be difficult. Along with the benefits and personal empowerment comes the responsibility. This means accountability for all your actions and magical intent. These key responsibilities are governed by what are known as universal laws. For some, these laws pose a burden, as the expectation is that you stay true to an ethical path and work your intent for the good of ll. For most of us, the universal laws provide a framework that helps us understand how magic, spellcraft, and visualization harness the natural energy around us.

Universal Laws

Universal laws represent the collective wisdom of humans, translating into laws that we instinctively already know. They are constant, natural laws that apply to all living things in our universe and relate to forces at work that we invoke through our magical intent. Some writers refer to them as spiritual laws or metaphysical laws.

The universal laws that are most relevant to practicing magic are:

*Law of Cause and Effect
*Law of Accountability
*Law of Attraction
*Law of Abundance

Laws Connect Magical Purposes

The universal laws are related to the fundamental magical purposes of self-protection and manifestation. When you practice responsible magic for your protection, ensure it is safe and ethical and does not intend to harm anyone. Following responsible magic for your self-protection embraces the doctrines of the universal laws of accountability and cause and effect. For example, you cannot justify a spell or revenge in the name of karma--karma works alone. It takes considerable willpower to leave it to cosmic justice to make the adjustment.

When you perform magic to protect yourself, focus on diminishing negative influences around you and rendering others powerless to emotionally harm you. Throughout the ritual, ensure that your thoughts are pure and positive. Do this without anger or hatred, otherwise you could unwittingly wish harm on the person, and return that negative energy onto yourself.

The aspects of magical practice that rely on visualization and manifestation link to the two universal laws of attraction and abundance.

The Law of Cause and Effect

Being responsible for your own actions means being prepared to face the consequences of what you do. This is also known as karmic law, or karma. In the Western world, many people have misunderstood karma to mean fate or destiny. This infers that we cannot influence any outcomes. The real meaning of karma, however, is quite the opposite. Karma is the Sanskrit word for "cause and effect," meaning that for every action there is a consequence. Your choice to act or think in a certain way is the "cause." The outcome of that choice is the "effect."

Everything is shaped by your thoughts or actions, even subconscious or unintentional thoughts. This reinforces the interconnectedness of what we do, what we say, what we think, and what actually happens. For every negative cause or action, expect a negative effect or consequence. The same applies to positive energy. Every positive thought or action you create will result in a positive consequence. Therefore, we create our own karma.

The law of karma is expressed in many ways. No doubt you've heard phrases such as "what goes around comes around," and "you reap what you sow." This law is aligned with the Wiccan law of threefold return, written in the Rede as "Ever mind the rule of three" and, "An it harm no one, do what thou wilt." Karma has a parallel in conventional religions where it is expressed as the Golden Rule, "Do for others what you want them to do for you." The Golden Rule teaches us that we must accept responsibility for our actions and the consequences of these actions, regardless of our religion.

All world religions have a version of the Golden Rule that endorses this accountability. Belief in the law of karma promotes our accountability, forcing us to think about our actions.

Be patient and watch karmic law at work. Understanding karma helps you deal with apparent injustices and seemingly unpleasant circumstances. It spares you the energy that you might invest in struggles and denial. Karma doesn't mean allowing yourself to be trampled on by tolerating unacceptable circumstances, but it gives you the inner wisdom and calm to manage challenges. Instead of wasting hours devising a way to get even with someone who has hurt you, let go and trust the natural law of karma. Karma reminds us that everything is connected.

The Law of Accountability

The law of accountability is closely linked to the law of cause and effect. Sometimes referred to as the ethic of responsibility, this law simply means that we are responsible for everything we do. Sometimes, we try to blame others for our actions to shift the guilt for an inappropriate behavior. The law of accountability states that as we control all our actions, we must accept responsibility for the outcomes of our behavior. There is no exit route like "the devil made me do it"or "I was under the influence of alcohol."

I recall a situation at work where a married male colleague had a fling with an attractive female coworker at an out-of-town conference. He was so wracked with guilt and confusion that he blamed her entirely for their grief liaison. He even said to her, "It wasn't my fault, you seduced me. I couldn't say 'no.'" The reality is that no one forced his infidelity. He played a willing role in their intimacy and later he looked for an excuse to ease his guilt. The blame was a weak and misguided attempt to escape his self-responsibility. In each role we lay, we are responsible for every action, behavior, word, ritual, or magical practice we invoke or carry out.

The Law of Attraction

The universal law of attraction states "like energy attracts like." Thoughts also have their own energy. If you think negative thoughts, you will surround yourself with a negative vibration that will attract more negativity, resulting in negative choices and attitudes. On the other hand, if you start with positive thoughts, that positive energy from your mind becomes your surrounding force field and you will project and attract positive vibrations. It's a scientific fact that negative particles attract other negative particles. Likewise, positive ions attractive positive ions.

Magic is the manipulation of energy. If you are a product of your thoughts, then to manifest change, you need to program the thought processes in your conscious and subconscious mind through creative visualization and positive affirmations. Often, what you need to reprogram is your self-talk--the inner dialogue that has become habit after many years. In your magical practice, visualize what you want to achieve in your mind's eye. Capture the desired image and replay it in your conscious mind. By creating a visual imprint in your subconscious and conscious minds, you mobilize the law of attraction.

The Law of Abundance

The law of abundance teaches us that the universe is abundant in resources for everyone. On a personal level, we must believe in abundance in our lives to allow opportunities to come our way. This belief is essential for the manifestation of your dreams and magic s it paves the way for positive thinking and infinite possibilities. Belief in the law of abundance is closely inked to the law of attraction, because this mindset acknowledges that the universe responds to our thoughts.

Think about this. If your mind is closed to possibilities, then you will never be able to visualize them or manifest your endless options or opportunities. With a closed mind, you may have programmed your mind to believe that you don't deserve positive outcomes. If that mental door to abundance is closed, the breeze of opportunity will not find a way to reach you.

When your magic and spellcraft works in alignment with these universal laws, you are in true harmony with the universe and in the best position to harness the forces of the natural energies around you. Remember your obligation to walk any magical path responsibly. You are accountable for your own actions and your intent. Step away from the power games for authentic inner strength. With your empowerment comes responsibility; a responsibility that lies with you.

The universe is composed of energy and that energy is an abundant resource. With the universal law of attraction, that states that like energy attracts like, you can manifest change through your positive intent. Your thought patterns not only dictate your behavior, but also impact how you create your future, your success, and your magical life.
by Emely Flak,
copyright 2008

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (5)

16.: The Runes

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:59 pm (PDT)

The Runes

The runic alphabet, or Futhark, gets its name from its first six sounds (f, u, th, a, r, k), much like the word 'alphabet' derives from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha and beta. Each rune not only represents a phonetic sound but also has its own distinct meaning.

The Elder Futhark is divided into three groups or families called aettir (plural). Each aett (singular) represents a common theme. Aett means eight.

The first aett is assigned to Freyja, and relates to the personal aspects of day-to-day life. The second aett is assigned to Heimdal and relates to progress. The third aett is assigned to Tyr and relates to energies of dominion and the mystery of moving beyond.

The Elder Futhark is the oldest set of runes numbering twenty-four. There are other sets of runes such as the Younger Futhork with sixteen runes, the Anglo-Saxon Futhorc with thirty-three runes. Each has similarities and differences but has common uses.

Runic script has been found on many artifacts. However, runic script may be read from left to right or from right to left, even on the same artifact. Translation of runic inscriptions is therefore extremely difficult.

Rune Symbol and Representative Artwork

Fehu
The first rune of the Elder Futhark is Fehu "fay-ho". Its phonetic sound is "F" as in fence. It is also the first rune of the first aett. Literally it means "cattle" which signifies moveable wealth. It is a rune of power and control and is a sign of possessions/wealth earned.
Magically it is used for achieving a goal relating to personal gain.

Uruz
Uruz "ooo-rooze" is the second rune of the first aett. Its phonetic sound is "OO" as in boot. It represents the great wild ox of Europe called the aurochs, symbolized by this twin horn shape. It is a rune of healing, inner strength, and stamina.
Magically it is used to strengthen the will and increase sexual potency.

Thurisaz
Thurisaz "thoor-ee-saws" is the third rune of the first aett. Its phonetic sound is "TH" as in thread. It is shaped like a thorn. Like a thorn it is a protective rune. It directs defensive energy and protection against attack, both physical and mental.
Magically it is used to alter the outcome of events.

Ansuz
Ansuz "awn-sooze" is the fourth rune in the first aett. Its phonetic sound is "AA" as in thaw. It represents Odin, the leader of the Norse gods. It symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, and the power of communication.
Magically it is used to make wise decisions and insure success.

Raido
Raido "rye-though" is the fifth rune of the first aett. Its phonetic sound is "R" as in arm.
Literally it means wheel and motion. It is a rune of travel, both geographical and changes in lifestyle. It also relates to rhythm and cyclical movements.
Magically it is used as a journey charm, physically and mentally.

Kaunaz
Kaunaz "kane-awze" is the sixth rune in the first aett. Its phonetic sound is "K" as in key. Literally, it means a fiery brand or torch to give light. It is the rune of knowledge and is related to inspiration and creativity.
Magically it is used for creative inspiration or solution to a problem.

Gebo
Gebo "gay-boe" is the seventh rune in the first aett. Its phonetic sound is "G" as in give. It is the rune of giving and connection. It relates to all matters of exchange between two people and harmonizes their energies.
Magically it is used for contracts and partnerships to increase balance.

Wunjo
Wunjo "woon-yo" is the eighth and final rune of the first aett. Its phonetic sound is "W" as in warm. Its shape represents a metal wind vane used on Viking ships. It symbolizes joy, pleasure, fulfillment, and fellowship.
Magically it is used for fulfillment and joy in love and career.

Hagalaz
Hagalaz "haw-gaw-laws" is the first rune of the second aett. Its phonetic sound is "H" as in hold. Literally it means hailstone and relates to disruptive and impersonal forces. Sudden transformation, positive or negative, can occur.
Magically it is seen to overcome negative habits or luck.

Nauthiz
Nauthiz "now-these" is the second rune in the second aett. Its phonetic sound is "N" as in north. It represents two pieces of crossed kindling and literally means need. It relates to all matters of need and of acceptance of current position.
Magically it is used in all forms of achievement and success.

Isa
Isa "ee-saw" is the third rune in the second aett. Its phonetic sound is "EE" as in female. It literally means ice and is in the form on an icicle. It signifies delay or a halt in progress. It can be positive to allow regeneration.
Magically it is used to freeze or hold conditions for a short time.

Jera
Jera "jar-awe" is the fourth rune in the second aett. Its phonetic sound is "J" as in jump. It means year or season and refers to cycles. It is a rune of completion at the proper time like a bountiful harvest or fruition of work.
Magically it is used to represent a tangible result for effort put in.

Eihwaz
Eihwaz "eye-wawz" is the fifth rune in the second aett. Its phonetic sound is "I" as in eye. It symbolizes the yew tree, one of the longest living and most poisonous trees in Europe. It is one of the most powerful runes and represents longevity and death.
Magically it is used in protection and recovery.

Pertho
Pertho "perth-row" is the sixth rune in the second aett. Its phonetic sound is "P" as in paper. It symbolizes a dice cup used to cast lots. This is a rune of uncertainty, secrets, and mystery and stands for the conflict between freewill and fate.
Magically it is used to open or block hidden forces or find lost things.

Aligiz
Algiz "all-yeese" is the seventh rune in the second aett. Its phonetic sound is "ZZ" as in buzz. It symbolizes the tremendous resistance power of the elk and is a powerful protection rune.
It provides a potent shield around a wearer's body.
Magically it is used as protection against any kind of danger.

Sowulo
Sowulo "sow-wee-low" is the eighth rune in the second aett. Its phonetic sound is "S" as in sun. It represents the power of the sun and is a rune of great force. It channels power for enlightenment and aids in achieving goals and good health.
Magically it is used to aid in victory and increases self-confidence.

Rune Symbol and Representative Artwork
Description

Teiwaz
Teiwaz "tea-wawz" is the first rune in the third aett. Its phonetic sound is "T" as in two. It represents the sky god Teiwaz and is a warrior rune. Successful use is achievable only with sacrifice. Some of its qualities are enthusiasm and motivation.
Magically it is used for victory over adversity or injustice.

Berkana
Berkana "bare-kawn-oh" is the second rune in the third aett and represents the birch tree. Its phonetic sound is "B" as in birth. For the ancient peoples the birch symbolized spring and the beginning of new life or something tangible.
Magically it aids in fertility, relationships, and business ventures.

Ehwaz
Ehwaz "ay-wawz" is the third rune in the third aett and is the horse rune. Its phonetic sound is "E" as in memory. The horse was the most sacred animal of ancient pagans. It symbolizes movement and change for the better and a strong bond.
Magically it is used to bring about change and create bonds.

Mannaz
Mannaz "mawn-nawz" is the fourth rune in the third aett and represents man and mankind. Its phonetic sound is "M" as in mate. It symbolizes basic human qualities and cooperation. It is referred to as a rune of the mind and of knowing oneself.
Magically it is used to gain aid and the cooperation of others.

Laguz
Laguz "law-gooze"is the fifth rune in the third aett and represents water. Its phonetic sound is "L" as in long. It relates to flow, the sea, emotion, and intuition. Its power is embodied in the flow of the tides and the period of transition from one state to another. Magically it is seen to accelerate flow of the mind.

Inguz
Inguz "eeeng-wawz" is the sixth rune in the third aett. Its phonetic sound is "NG" as in sing. It is the symbol of light and represents Inguz the god of male fertility and the house hearth. This rune channels potential energy.
Magically it is used to build energy gradually and release it in a burst.

Dagaz
Dagaz "daw-gauze" is the seventh rune in the third aett and means day. Its phonetic sound is "D" as in dark. Its shape represents stable balance between opposites especially light and dark and is sometimes called the dawn rune.
Magically it has great protective powers and opens new possibilities.

Othila
Othila "oath-awe-law" is the eighth rune in the third aett and represents homeland. Its phonetic sound is "O" as in own. Its shape represents an enclosure whose contents cannot be taken away. It relates to possessions and inheritance.
Magically it is used to protect wealth and the health of the elderly.

http://www.magicalomaha.com/Runecards.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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)

17a.: Stone Familiars

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:02 pm (PDT)

STONE FAMILIARS

Twilight heralds Witches' dawn
For 'neath the Moon and silver stars
Far below the frozen earth
Crystals await to be reborn.
Witches gather through the night
By river rock and crystal cave
Skyclad in the misty gloom
Stone goddesses in spirit flight.

Crystals and gemstones are powerful familiars no practitioner of the Craft
should be without. A familiar is an ally, totem, helper, or guardian spirit,
one honored for the empowerment and protection it can provide. Stones function
as familiar spirits in much the same way as the plant and animal helpmates we
hear so much about. They can bring us the questions we need to ask ourselves,
and the answers that we seek. Stones in particular give us a sense of cosmic
security in a rapidly changing world because they represent a solid, living,
indestructible, and absolute reality. Indeed, crystals and gemstones are very
much alive, and can assist us in our magical work should ever the need arise.

The shamanic belief that stones are alive is widely accepted among Pagan
tribal groups the world over, including Native Americans, Siberian, and African
cultures. The Pagan religions of the Norse, Celts, and Greeks were also deeply
rooted in shamanism, making it the spiritual root of Western culture.
Consequently, shamanism may also be at the core of modern day Wicca. Shamans
see nature as the true church, and universal energy as spirits, angels, devas, and
gods just as Witches do. The spirit energies embodied in the shamanic, world
view live in the center of the universe on the World Tree, an ancient
mythological symbol for all creation and our relationship to it. In some
cultures, the World Tree is represented by a mound of earth, formed by lumps of clay, or it
is shaped into a cylindrical stone.

Precious gems and minerals are born from strata, rock, clay, and dirt,
following gestation in the belly of the earth. This process demands a host, and
long ago this meant feeding the earth with blood to promote fecundity and growth
so that the crops would ripen for the harvest. Thus, in ancient Europe, the
best horse in the countryside was sacrificed to ensure good crops and the
well-being of the people. Similarly, European shamans would pour blood onto the
earth to call upon the spirits of the dead, or feed their magic crystal
familiars the blood of an animal throughout the year as a way of propitiating
the spirits that dwelled in the stones. The spirits of the stone kingdom are earth
elementals, typically known as elves, gnomes, and dwarves. These mischievous
earth sprites can be a source of minor irritation, or they can bring up feelings
of doubt, insecurity, lust, or greed. They can also be a source of power for
the practicing Witch.

Each stone spirit has a particular purpose to fulfill, which may or may not
be in synchronistic harmony with one's magical operation, personality, or
chosen destiny. Therefore, a sensitive, ecology-conscious Witch does not bind a
stone spirit for their use by way of enchantment. Crystals and gemstones,
especially one that is your personal familiar or one to be used for a specific,
magical purpose, should actually choose you! Never underestimate how this may
come about. Your stone spirit helpers may fall from the blue, clear sky and
land at your feet, someone may give you a stone, or you may already have several
special stones in your possession. One in particular may have unusual powers,
granting you the ability to heal or see into the future. This may be any
type of stone at all, even one that is very plain or ugly, though most likely it
will be transparent, and contain some kind of distinguishing mark or picture
inside or out.

You may work with your stone familiars much as Witches have done for hundreds
of years.

Scrying

Scrying or crystal gazing is an art of the Craft that has survived the test
of time. This predictive process allows intuition to run free. Therefore, the
first requirement for the novice scryer is to keep an open mind that can
receive spirit signals coming in from the ethers. A stone familiar provides the
central point of focus. One common method of scrying uses dim light and
concentration on the question at hand. Questions are asked of the spirits and
the answers read as they appear in the stone. Usually a clear vision comes to the
scryer immediately.

Scrying may include the use of jewels, beryl, crystal balls, and stone-hewn
mirrors. Beryl spheres or eggs were used for divination during the
Renaissance. They include psychic awareness, help you form a deep connecting
link with nature, enhance prophetic vision, and enable you to converse with water
spirits. The beryl family includes emerald, aquamarine, golden beryl, heliodor,
morganite, and goshenite crystals. Quartz crystal balls are very popular among
Witches, magicians, and occultists, and have been treasured for their magical
and healing properties since the beginning of time as we know it. Obsidian
balls and mirrors are used as divination tools by the brujas, or Witches, of
Mexico and South America. They can help you make decisions, repel negativity,
and ground you when you are feeling off-center.

Amulets and Talismans

Amulets and talismans are magical mascots or lucky charms, little tricks of
the Craft trade often carried by Witches to grant special powers, warn of
coming danger, or give protection. Jacinth, chrysolite, and pearl are used in
the Middle East to attract and maintain wealth, while blood agate was worn in
ancient Rome to guard against insect bites, heal and purify the blood, and to
relieve anxiety. You may choose among a great variety of crystals and gemstones
to serve as an amulet. Try opal for balance, malachite for happiness and
protection, quartz for healing, bloodstone for prosperity, carnelian for sexual
energy, or chrysoprase for tranquility. Carry your stone amulet in a medicine
bag or pouch, or wear these stones in jewelry to ward off the proverbial "bad
hair day."

Watcher Stones

Watcher stones are elemental guardians also known as old ones. Stonehenge
and Avesbury in England are representative of these ancient rock sentinels.
Stones that serve this purpose work via the principle of proximity. Place them
strategically in areas that you frequent, such as the kitchen, bedroom, office,
or car. Put them in the four corners of your house--east, west, north, and
south. You can also bury stone watchers under the ground to form a protective
circle around your property. River rocks, lava rocks, and halite crystals
(solidified salt, often used by Witches to ground, protect, or block negative
energies) tend to keep a sharp eye on things around the home front.

Blessing Your Stones

There are a few things you can do to ensure that your stone familiars will
blessed be.

First, ascertain that the stones in your possession are your personal
familiars. Sit quietly for a time with each stone in question. Roll the stone
around in the palm of your dominant hand. Ask it to tell you its purpose, and
listen for a response. The answer may come to you through sight, sound, touch,
taste, smell feeling, or instinct. Expect the unexpected. If you get "good
vibes," thank the stone, then work with it accordingly.

Clear the stone by placing it in sea-salted water, or by burying it in the
earth overnight. You may also smudge clear the stone. This is done by lighting
herbs such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass, or copal (a tree resin), and holding
the stone in the smoke.

Be sure to feed your stone familiars on each and every sabbath. Cornmeal,
wheat grains, tobacco, or rum are choice offerings. Just sprinkle some over the
stones, or place the stones along with your offering overnight in a crystal
or earthenware bowl.

by Marguerite Elsbeth,
copyright 1999

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (3)

18.: 7 Worldly and Unexplained Mysteries

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:06 pm (PDT)

7 Unworldly and Unexplained Mysteries
By Eric J. Leech

There are many mysteries in the world, but today we're going to focus on seven of the most interesting and unexplained ones. While a few of these events are more myth than fact, they have nonetheless captured the attention of many scientists and experts who've been left scratching their heads, unable to offer a clear explanation.

1. The Egyptian Pyramids
Many of the Egyptian pyramids would be difficult to build today, much less with the tools and knowledge found in 2500 BC. The Pyramid of Cheops, built by King Khufu, stands 480 feet and is composed of 2,300,000 stones, each weighing as much as two tons. Some experts believe that alien intervention would have been necessary to accomplished such a feat, while others say thousands of slaves using giant pulley systems could have conceivably built these within a span of 20 years or more.

2. Stonehenge
Similar to the Egyptian Pyramids, Stonehenge is a series of seemingly impossible to move stones, found 240 miles from the Prescelly mountains of Wales, or what might be best described as "out in the middle of nowhere." This site was built over the course of 1,400 years, beginning with a wooden sanctuary that was eventually replaced by large blue stones and larger sarsen stone. Some of the stones are estimated to weigh as much as 25 tons, and stand as high as 18 feet. The real mystery lies in how these stones were moved, who moved them, and what the meaning behind their arrangement is.

3. The Lost Colony
Roanoke Island was established in the 1500s by English settlers, who repeatedly attempted to start a colony in the New World (America). Each attempt failed, resulting in them being rescued and brought back to England. In 1587, John White brought a batch of 117 colonists to the island. He left to bring more resources, but when he returned three years later, he only found some fencing left over, and two messages. One message read "Croatoan" (a nearby island), and the other "CRO."

4. Taos Hum
The Taos hum is a chugging sound, described as that of a diesel engine buried deep with the ground. It can only be heard by a very select group of people (about two percent of the population), and appears to have just "turned on" one day, and has been ongoing ever since. The sound is particularly loud in Taos, New Mexico, where residents petitioned congress in 1993 to investigate its cause. One theory says that the sound is sourced from cordless electronics, another believes that it's military in nature, while a third party theorizes it could be a signal from outer space.

5. Bermuda Triangle (Devil's Triangle)
The Bermuda triangle itself is made up of three coordinate points that are connected by Miami (Florida), Puerto Rico, and Bermuda Island. Some of the evidence that has brought this mystery to life are the countless planes lost in the area, and a ship's log found from the explorer Christopher Columbus. Columbus wrote of compass malfunctions, "flames," and "strange dancing lights" while traveling through the triangle. Nobody knows what could be behind the mysterious lights and disappearances, but many travelers continue to avoid this particular route of travel.

6. Faces of Belmez
The story goes that an eerie face appeared in the cement kitchen floor of a home in Belmez, Spain. The family broke up the floor and laid fresh cement in its place. Over the next several months, more faces began to appear, and news traveled to tourists across the country. Public officials eventually ordered the floor to be dug up, finding countless headless skeletons within the ground. Some 50 years after these events, ghost hunters continue to visit the home, with one particular group claiming to have an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recording of a voice whispering, "I want to leave."

7. Dark Energy
Dark energy is an interesting concept fueled by the mystery of how the universe actually came into existence. Some scientists theorize that the universe appeared 13.7 billion years ago, created by a big bang. However, rather than an actual "bang," per se, the universe can also be theorized to have been pulled apart by a mysterious source of energy called dark energy. This energy is the source of our continuously broadening universe, and most importantly is a source of evidence that multiple universes and life on other planets may indeed exist beyond our current reach.

http://blog.californiapsychics.com/blog/2010/12/seven-unworldly-and-unexplained-mysteries.html

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)

19a.: Rituals That Reach Out

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:08 pm (PDT)

Rituals That Reach Out

Like everyone else, Pagans and Witches have a variety of abilities and disabilities, strengths and weaknesses, assets and liabilities. These can affect everything we do, especially rituals. Abilities such as a good singing voice can contribute to rituals, but not everyone can carry a tune. Similarly, not everyone can fully take part in every ritual. How can ritual planners design a meaningful experience that is open to as many people as possible?

Coven and other small group rituals can usually accommodate the special needs of their members, be it a partial hearing loss or ongoing time constraint. When planning a larger-than-coven ritual or other activity, potential difficulties need to be taken into account.

Perceptual disabilities are often the hardest to accommodate. A ritual that has few or no spoken words may be meaningless to someone with a severe visual impairment. Colorful banners to distinguish the directions could confuse someone with color-blindness. A crowded ritual may obscure the sightlines of a short person or a child. On the other hand, a ritual that is mostly words would not mean much to a deaf person unless there is an ASL interpreter. Poor acoustics or ritual cast members with soft voices may make it hard for everyone to hear clearly. This means an effective ritual that reaches as many people as possible needs both words and some visual components. Besides, people have different ways of relating to the world. A visual person wants things to see, a kinetic person wants to move, an auditory person reacts best to sounds and music.

Moving Along

Mobility problems can take many forms. Being in a wheelchair presents one set of problems, but walking with a cane is an entirely different situation. For a person in a motorized wheelchair, a ramp may be the perfect solution. However, the extra distance of a ramp could be an obstacle for people who wheel themselves or use a cane. Even a few steps up or down can be a problem for certain people. Many mobility impairments will make rituals involving much movement or dance tricky. Someone who is missing an arm may not be able to hold hands with the next person or easily pass a chalice. The space used for an open ritual needs to be handicap accessible, should have chairs available, and the ritual needs to be designed so that people sitting down can fully participate as much as possible.

A different kind of mobility problem is getting to the site of ritual. If the site is not on or near public transit, can rides and carpools be arranged? E-mail lists are excellent for this if the ritual is mostly people in a particular organization. On the other hand, free parking nearby is also a plus because some people cannot afford expensive parking in a downtown area. "On public transit" and "free parking" is a nice combination, but is difficult to find in some cities. But some people who don't have a car may not want to have to ask for a lift. However, if you have a family of six or seven, including small children, the logistics of busing anywhere may be a nightmare, and so parking for their vehicle nearby is necessary.

Allergies

Allergies present a range of problems at open rituals. First, asthma is on the rise, and many asthmatics are allergic to incense and smoke in general. With proper ventilation, censing the space may be safe, but this is an issue to keep in mind when planning.

If you are going to pass around cakes and wine, will it be something everyone can consume safely? Having two chalices, one with wine or another alcoholic drink, and one with fruit juice or water is a solution. At the very least, announce before the ritual starts what will be passed around, so people who need to abstain may do so.

Many rituals end with a potluck feast. Because of food allergies, and differences in chosen diet, dishes that are not completely obvious should be labeled. A roast chicken is a roast chicken, but a salad that has cubed ham in it is an unpleasant surprise to a vegetarian. Food allergies and sensitivities vary so widely that the only good solution is identifying the ingredients in homemade dishes; organizers can provide 3 x 5 cards and a pen for this purpose. Also, have the list of the ingredients on packaged items available, which might mean leaving the lid to a container or wrappings from a box handy.

Language Barriers

Languages can be another set of obstacles. If you speak one language, and the ritual is in a different language, you may have no idea what is going on. If you speak English and the ritual is in Gaelic or Greek, the ritual may be meaningless for you. This means all the advance information about the ritual should make it clear what language or languages will be used. It's OK to have a short passage in another language, especially if you also use the translation. Having long sections in a different language make it hard for people to follow and appreciate the ritual.

Even when everyone can understand the words, comprehension can present another difficulty. Some open rituals need to be understandable to children and beginners, people who may not have any landmarks in Pagan country.

Safety First

Safety is important for everyone. Is there a basic first-aid kit at your ritual site? If there isn't, one of the organizers can buy or assemble one with supplies from the drugstore. Will the ritual be reasonably free of interruptions? Open rituals often have a doorkeeper (or two), who can handle intrusions from the mundane world. Even if it isn't an open ritual, it's a good idea to designate someone to handle the unexpected.

Our children are our future, but this doesn't mean every ritual is suitable. A crying baby can interrupt a quiet meditative ritual, and an active three-year-old could create a hazard for all involved in a ritual with lots of movement. We need to think about if and how children will fit into a given ritual. Whenever possible, arrange child-care on site or elsewhere. Some rituals might be OK for older children, but not for toddlers. Other rituals would be boring to a ten-year-old, who might prefer to sit and read or play nearby.

These are just some situations ritual planners might want to consider. Because each group or community has specific circumstances to account for, the best thing to do as an organizer is put yourself into as many people's shoes as possible. Think of the mother of a young baby, an older person with arthritis, the asthmatic as well as the handicapped person in a wheelchair.
by Magenta Griffith,
copyright 2007

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (2)

20.: Very Off Topic

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:30 pm (PDT)

I just couldn't resist sending this one. I also sent this to my married daughters I hope that doesn't make me sound like I have incestuous tendencies, but their hubbies are definitely muy caliente.

Calling All Hot Dads!

Are you a foxy dad or know one that is? Enter for a chance to win a 7-day/6-night romantic vacation for two at Sandals Emerald Bay in the beautiful Bahamas! (We're seriously jealous.) It's easy, just upload a photo and tell us why he's such a stud! Then, check out who he's stacked up against and get everyone you know to vote for your man!

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)

21.1.: Aromatherapy Tip

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:32 pm (PDT)

Disinfect your toothbrushes using Tea Tree Oil
Kills germs, bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Soak for 10 minutes in a glass of water and
10 drops Tea Tree Oil. Rinse before using.
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/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhisperingWitches/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MagickalMeals/
http://groups.yahoo/group/NightshaydesNews

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (830)

22a.: Beyond Tarot Cards and Runes

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:34 pm (PDT)

Beyond Tarot Cards and Runes

Looking at seemingly natural and random events in search of portents and
omens of the future is a practice as old as time. I'm sure you've heard of
tasseography, or the reading of tea leaves. Well, there are many other kinds of
scrying that are much stranger.

* Aeromancy - divination from the air and sky, particularly
concentrating on cloud shapes, comets, and other phenomena not normally visible in the
heavens.
* Alectryomancy - a bird picks corn grains from a circle of letters.
* Alomancy - using table salt.
* Austromancy - studying of the winds.
* Axiomancy - the observation of how an ax or hatchet quivers or
points when driven into post.
* Belomancy - performed by tossing or balancing arrows.
* Botanomancy - burning tree branches and leaves.
* Capnomancy - the study of smoke rising from a fire.
* Catoptromancy - an early form of crystal gazing with a mirror turned
to the moon to catch its light.
* Causimomancy - the behavior of objects placed in a fire.
* Cephalomancy - using the skull or head of a donkey or goat.
* Ceraunoscopy - draw omens from the study of thunder and lightning.
* Ceromancy - melted lead was is poured into cold water.
* Chirognomy - the study of the general hand formation.
* Cleromancy - casting lots, similar to using dice but with more
natural objects such as pebbles or sea shells.
* Cleidomancy - using a dangling key.
* Critomancy - the study of barley cakes.
* Cromniomancy - using onion sprouts.
* Cyclomancy - finding omens from a turning wheel.
* Dactylomancy - using a dangling ring.
* Daphnomancy - listening to laurel branches crackling and spitting in
an open fire.
* Dendromancy - using either oak or mistletoe.
* Geomancy - the study of figures on the ground and the influence of
the Earth's movements.
* Gyromancy - a person walks in a circle marked with letters until
they become dizzy and stumble at different points, thus spelling out a prophesy.

* Haruspication - inspecting the entrails of animals, popular with the
priests in ancient Rome.
* Hippomancy - the stamping and neighing of horses.
* Hydromancy - with water including the color, ebb and flow, or
ripples produced by pebbles dropped in a pool.
* Ichthyomancy - using fish.
* Libanomancy - the study of incense and its smoke.
* Lithomancy - using precious stones of various colors.
* Margaritomancy - using bouncing pearls.
* Molybdomancy - the hissing of molten lead.
* Myomancy - the study of the prophetic meaning of behavior of rats
and mice.
* Pegomancy - spring water and bubbling fountains.
* Phyllorhodomancy - slapping a rose petal against ones hand and
finding an omen by the sound.
* Pyromancy - any form of divination with fire or flame, often
assisted by substances thrown onto the flames.
* Radiesthesia - using a dangling tool such as a bob or pendulum.
* Rhapsodomancy - using a book of poetry whereby the book is opened at
random and a passage read.
* Sideromancy - burning of straws with hot metal, the resulting burn
marks having divinatory properties.
* Spodomancy - using cinders or soot.
* Stichomancy - throwing open any book and selecting a random passage.

* Tephramancy - using tree bark ashes.
* Tiromancy - using cheese.

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

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (2)

23.: (no subject)

Posted by: "Ann Jefferies" blueunicorn4@hotmail.com annjefferies

Tue May 10, 2011 3:49 am (PDT)

http://ashutoshsharma.in/wp-content/themes/twentyten/133.html

Back to top
Reply to sender | Reply to group | Reply via web post
Messages in this topic (1)

Create New Topic | Visit Your Group on the Web

Messages | Files | Photos | Links | Calendar

Material submitted to this list is for your own personal use and is not to be forwarded without the express permission of the poster.

Community email addresses:
Post message: 13Witches@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: 13Witches-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: 13Witches-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
List owner: 13Witches-owner@yahoogroups.com

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for non-profit research and educational or criticism purposes only, and is NOT an infringement of copyright.
http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html

Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Individual | Switch format to Traditional
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

marți, 10 mai 2011

[13Witches] Digest Number 7406

Messages In This Digest (23 Messages)

Messages

Posted by: "Sidhe Wolf" sidhefaolchu@gmail.com mikisidhewolf

Mon May 9, 2011 5:24 am (PDT)

Posted by: "Beth Patterson" purrrpaws4444@yahoo.com purrrpaws4444

Mon May 9, 2011 10:51 am (PDT)

Posted by: "Beth Patterson" purrrpaws4444@yahoo.com purrrpaws4444

Mon May 9, 2011 10:52 am (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 11:15 am (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 11:35 am (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 7:56 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:33 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:39 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:41 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:43 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:45 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:47 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:51 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:52 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:54 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 8:59 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:02 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:06 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:08 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:30 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:32 pm (PDT)

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

Mon May 9, 2011 9:34 pm (PDT)

Posted by: "Ann Jefferies" blueunicorn4@hotmail.com annjefferies

Tue May 10, 2011 3:49 am (PDT)

Niciun comentariu:

Trimiteți un comentariu

Arhivă blog