Mabon Celebrations...

With having a five year old, a three month old, and a husband who was working today, I had to rack my brain with ideas of a good way to celebrate the harvest that will keep both kiddos entertained, but still be fitting for the day... And it finally came to me, a harvest!!! While we only have veggies in our home garden, there are several orchards within an easy driving distance that allow people to come in and pick their own fruit.

Today my kids and I met up with my mom and grandma at the apple orchards, where we were able to go in and pick our own fruit and what turned into a perfect fall day. It was a beautiful drive, and while my husbands absence was deeply felt, I was able to enjoy the day and the time spent with the rest of my beautiful family. With the good we procured today, I will be making/canning applesauce for the first time ever tomorrow, and I will be adding the peppers I also purchased from them to the spicy pickles (from our garden) that I will also be canning tomorrow.

Tonight, once my oldest is in bed (as the baby is already asleep) I will be having my own small ritual, something I am greatly looking forward to!

Mabon Blessings from my family to yours! =)

Yup, we really are a bunch of nuts!!

Magic, Magic in the air...

Please, before I start, someone tell me that they also "time warp" when doing a ritual! I have no idea how and hour and a half slipped by when I SWEAR it was only, like 30 minutes! ;)

Tonight I performed a new ritual... At the moment, I don't want to go into a full blown detail account, so I'm going to give the "in a nut shell" explanation.

Over time, I have developed some potentially hazardous relationships. At the time, they seamed normal enough, but in retrospect it was a bad road to be walking down and, once I saw that, I ended it. Tonight, I decided that I needed to cleanse myself of these relationships with more than words and thoughts, but also symbolically. I am a huge fan and lover of symbolic actions, and I believe that symbolism has the same power as thought. So, I gathered some paper, a black marker and a "token" (I only had a token from one person, not the two involved, but you go with what you got!) I wrote out the names and spoke my words of power... typically I let these come to me on the spot and often don't write out anything before hand (although I will in a case where it is something big that I have a lot of prep work for). Then I asked for the memories to always be fond but the knowledge that, unless destined otherwise, our paths will remain parted in this life. Then I took my paper and my token and tossed them into the fire (which was ROARING by this point because of the chants and dancing I had done to raise energy) and watched them burn as a reminder to myself of what it costs not only me, but those around me when I do not guard myself, my choices, and lines end up being blurred or crossed (no matter what line or who it was set by) when they shouldn't be. Lessons must always be learned in life, sometimes they just suck more than other ones.

I don't often write out my spell work, and I can't deny being a bit nervous about this post... it's that private side of me. =)

Anyway.. I'm feeling a bit tired now and I think I will go take a nice hot shower and go to bed.

Blessings.

Night of the Full Moon- November

Tonight I held my first solitary ritual since stepping down from my role and leader for the military circle I had run for the past 2 1/2 years. I had forgotten what the solitude of self can feel like, and I must say that I enjoyed it immensely. I will forever love group rituals, but after tonight I am reminded of how important it is to practice alone as well.

Something that I did and haven't done in awhile was take the time to gaze into my scrying mirror. I have tried many forms of scrying- water, stones, fire, etc.- and in all my trials I have discovered that that one method at calls to me and works without fail is my black mirror. It was actually a gift from Stephen many Yules ago, and has been my scrying method of choice since then. Just looking at it for a moment will allow most anyone to see the "waves" within the blackness, just waiting to part so that the seeker may seek. I saw many things in my mirror tonight, some of which I asked for, others came unbidden. I was afforded the opportunity to speak with my guide as well as my totem tonight (two separate things for me personally), and was provided some insight on how to go about this new path that I am on, as, admittedly, I've been feeling a little lost. I know the power is within me, it's just been a matter of finding it and working with it now that my rituals have changed so drastically. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but I at least know what I'm trying to say!

I also made some moon water tonight- something I have neglected to do the past few months. As a dear friend and fellow priestess of mine told me on Samhain while she was acting as messenger for The Morgan, "The Darkness is your friend." Those words have stuck with me since that night (and I apologize for not blogging about it yet!), as the darkness of self is something that I've been learning to recognize and work with, as there can be no light without the darkness. Part of this, going back to the moon water, was also putting a smokey quartz into the water as I charged it with the light of the moon. While the full moon offers illumination at it's fullest, the smokey quartz, to me, represents the darkness that has come over the earth as winter settles in around us (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere). My goal for this winter, as it will just be me do to the needs of Uncle Sam, is to spend this winter in the blessed solitude of my home and of myself, in hope of finding those things within the darkness that are beneficial, so that I may expand upon them, as well as those thing which hinder, so I can learn to control then do away with them.

Now that my circle is closed, I feel Nyx calling me into a blessed sleep where I I hope to be blessed with dreams of meaning that I will remember upon waking. =)

I hope that you all had a blessed night and that you will take time this winter to embrace the darkness and use the night for a good dose of introspect. You may not always like what you find, but ignoring it will do a hell of a lot more damage that confronting it. Besides, not everything that resides within the darkness is negative.

Be Blessed.

A fond farewell!

Sorry on my absentee status... the family and I were taking a well deserved vacation in the Southern Caribbean. =)

Tonight marked the transition of me stepping down from my position with the circle and moving my "replacement" into that spot. I think the ritual went well... Essentially, everyone showed up and was brought in half way through a ritual already in progress. My replacement and I began our work at 6:30, which consisted of setting up, talking over everything, casting the circle, and spending some quality time in meditation with the elements and the Divine. The meditation was much needed and provided some great insight and triumph, as well as strength and guidance to both of us... not to mention one hell of an endorsement by Gaia and Cernunnos for Bill! Once everyone was brought in, I took about 10 minutes to thank everyone for coming even though they had no idea what was going on, and then to explain that my time with the circle had come to an end and that it was now Bill's turn to take on the leadership role and help the circle and its members continue to thrive and grow. After I finished speaking, Bill said his few words and then he made his oath to me, as well as the circle that he would do right by them, etc. When all was said and done, I had him cut me out of the circle, and after I crossed the threshold, I bowed to everyone, told them I loved them, then I turned around and left without looking back. Oddly, it was easy to not look back. I came home and sent out a quick email to everyone, since not all of our members were able to be there tonight, and now I'm sitting here typing this.

I suppose I will go make some nice pumpkin spice tea and go treat myself to some nice book time.

Love and blessings to you all!

Well, it's a day late, but HAPPY MABON!!

Yesterday is a memory of blurry colors and flying by the seat of my broom stick, so I apologize for not making this post on what is the calender appropriate day. =)

I would like to share the simple ritual that was writing by one of the circle members for our celebration last night, as well as the simple spell we started with once the circle was cast...

Simple Mabon Candle Spell

Created by Mrs. B (from confessions of a pagan soccer mom) Thank you for your lovely words Mrs. B!

Needed Supplies: a candle (fall colors or white)

Paper/Pen

Cauldron

Center yourself and take a few deep, cleansing breaths. Think about the season passing and the one to come. Think of the abundance that you've received and worked hard to obtain. Light the candle and say the following (or words of your own creation):

I light this candle to honor the season and to give thanks for the abundance in my life. I strive to remember these blessings and give thanks for them throughout the entire year. I strive to remember to share those blessings with others not as fortunate as I am, even when I have little to share. I express my gratitude to the Lord and Lady for all my blessings this Mabon, and give thanks for all those blessings that will come to me this glorious fall season. So Mote it be!

Write down your blessings as well as your thanks upon the paper. When finished, fold into a square and light from your candle. Set into the cauldron and send off these words to the Powers That Be.

Mabon 2011

Need: chalice of “wine”; Three candles (white, red, black) set around the cauldron, athame, elemental candles

Creating the Ritual Area:

East: I call upon the Wind, the East, the Power of Thought and Logic.

Inspire us this day as we celebrate Mabon.

Protect us in this time of both Light and Dark.

Blessed Be.

South: I call upon the Fire, the South, the Power of Strength and Ferocity.

Guide us this day as we celebrate Mabon.

Protect us in this time of both Light and Dark.

Blessed Be.

West: I call upon the Water, the West, the Power of Emotion and Intuition.

Bless us this day as we celebrate Mabon.

Protect us in this time of both Light and Dark.

Blessed Be.

North: I call upon the Earth, the North, the Power of Stability and Patience.

Guard us this day as we celebrate Mabon.

Protect us in this time of both Light and Dark.

Blessed Be.

Center: I call upon the Spirit, Beginning and End. Power of Souls and Dreams.

Watch over us this day as we celebrate Mabon.

Protect us in this time of both Light and Dark.

Blessed Be.

High Priest: Mabon is a time of Rest. The harvest has been brought in, and at last we can enjoy the fruits of our labors. The Harvest Lord may lean back and drink from his horn, content in the knowledge that his people are cared for as he prepares to hand over his throne. In this time before Winter, joy and plenty abound.

High Priestess: These are the days when we bid farewell to the Goddess as she prepares for her descent. Persephone goes to join Hades. Inanna prepares to join her sister in the Underworld. These are not a time for mourning, but for quiet farewells and wishes of return. Only in the time of rest can life be rejuvenated. Winter must come for Spring to arrive.

High Priestess: Light the three candles around the cauldron. Say:

We call upon the blessed Lady, queen of the harvest, Giver of life and plenty since before time began. We honor and praise you in your courage and beauty. Bless us with your courage and wisdom to see us through the coming Dark.

High Priest: Salute the cauldron with your dagger or sword. Say: We call upon the Lord of the harvest, sacred King, Giver of riches and protection since before time began We honor and praise your strength and laughter. Bless us with your strength and laughter in the coming Dark. High Priestess: Take the dagger in your power hand, the wine chalice in the other. Say: Always has life fulfilled its cycle and led to Life anew in the eternal chain of the living. In honor of the Gods, We mark the fullness Of our lives and the harvest of this year's lessons.

Touch the dagger to the chalice. All: Walk three times clockwise around the circle, beginning in the east. Chant: The wheel of the year must turn, so too must bounty come.

High Priest: Raise the chalice and speak the following, sip, then pass. To the good seasons that have gone, And to the good ones who will come. Blessed Be! To the Goddess! May she bring peace And fulfillment to all her children. Blessed Be! To the God! May he protect his followers And bring prosperity and happiness. Merry meet, merry part, and merry we shall meet again! Blessed Be.

(It is at this time that any workings you wish to do may be done.)

Center: Powers of Spirit, Protectors whom have watched us. Thank you for joining us this Mabon Day.

Go if you must, stay if you will

Blessed Be.

North: Powers of Earth, Protectors whom have guarded us. Thank you for joining us this Mabon Day.

Go if you must, stay if you will.

Blessed Be.

West: Powers of Water, Protectors whom have blessed us. Thank you for joining us this Mabon Day.

Go if you must, stay if you will.

Blessed Be.

Mabon Day.

Go if you must, stay if you will.

Blessed Be.

East: Powers of Wind, Protectors who have inspired us. Thank you for joining us this Mabon Day.

Go if you must, stay if you will.

Blessed Be.

All: This circle is Open, but shall never be Broken. 

The ritual went really well, and I, personally, felt like I was flying on a hot electric storm by the time we were finished. It was great!

I hope that everyone had a blessed day and is making the most of the fine weekend we've been given!

Life is like a box of chocolates...

...and biting into one to decided if you like it or not is perfectly acceptable.

 Hopefully my attempt to "make a funny" at least made you smile. =)

Seriously though. How many times has someone said to you, "Well THAT'S not how you do it," or "You CAN'T do it that way." Well, let me tell you something... you can do whatever you damn well please. Now, that's not to say I will approve of your condone actions that violate certain moral laws/ethics, but it's the honest truth... all you have to do is pick up that chocolate, take a bite, and decide whether or not you like it. Sometimes you may spit right out and wonder what the hell you were thinking, other times you may give it a few nibbles, and decide to reserve judgement until a later point. Oh, and lets not forget those time were you try it, love it, and do it all over again. (Yes ladies, you know what I'm talking about!)

What I'm getting at is that who you are and how your walk your spiritual path is entirely up to you. What works for me, may not work for you, but we can still learn from each other and grow on our paths by expanding knowledge and understanding of the self and others. Really, you can never learn too much... for myself, if a day goes by that I don't learn something new, I will consider the day a sad one indeed (good thing I usually learn something new everyday!).

What do you like to do when you're prepping for a ritual or spell work? What's your niche? We know tools aren't a necessity, but often function as an extension of self... do you have a favorite? Something that you always find yourself using or doing?

Me? I love incense. Really. It doesn't matter if I'm meditating, in ritual, dream walking or just doing my night time ritual of thanks. I always have incense. I have two main altars in the house... the big one, which is in my room, and a smaller one in the living room. There is a good stock of incense for both that has to be regularly replenished. And I love candles. Mmmmm... especially ones I've made myself. I have other objects which are sacred to me (like my wand- which was the very first tool I owned/made and came to me from the bowels of the sea), and while they have a place of honor on my altar(s), still, I most frequently use the incense...

A Dedication

Today, several of our circle members stepped forward to dedicate themselves to their god/goddess and their chosen path. They asked me to formally step into the role of High Priestess and guide them through the dedication ritual that we, as a group, had written a few week ago. To say the least, I was a nervous wreck and this ritual remained on the forefront of my mind all week. This is not for lack of having ever stepped into that role before, as that is how I am regarded by the circle, but it never ceases to amaze me that I am regarded this way and trusted so deeply as to put together/handle/run a dedication ritual in which my friends, very much my extended family, are making life altering decisions. It's a very surreal feeling. A good friend of mine told me the other day (as I was talking to her about this very subject) "Being nervous is healthy. The day you start saying "Yeah, I'm the High Priestess" is the day you probably should re-examine what you are doing. It's in knowing our struggles and weaknesses that we remember strengths & gifts we utilize and it keeps us in check." Some of the wisest words that I've been given to live by. Anywho... onto the dedication!

We had three people doing their dedication today (though admittedly I did not know about the third one until we had started the ritual.. LOL! Nothing like flying by the seat of our broom sticks!). And it was one of the most beautiful and powerful rituals I have ever experienced with the circle. There are certain rituals that have occurred over the past 3 1/2 years that stick out in my brain because of their enormity and power, and this will certainly always be one of them.  I doubt that I can adequately describe the ritual with written words, and I completely forgot to bring the camera (note to self, check purse for camera BEFORE leaving the house..), so pictures are out of the question. In lieu of both those things, I have done a copy and post on the ritual that we wrote, and I will let your imagination be your only boundary as you visualize our gathering...

Dedication Ritual Compilation

*Begin by purify the area by smoking with sage and a hawk feather. Visualize a white light of protection encircling the area of the ritual. Smoke members of the circle also if they feel they may need openness and protection in their lives.

HPS Cast Circle:

Mark the boundaries of the circle in whatever way desired and cast the circle with the following chant:

To be the boundary underground.

To form a space between the spaces

Time out of time, reaching all places.

To hold our magickal energy so

Until we decide to let it go.

I cast this circle with Will around

To be the boundary underground.

I cast this circle with earth and tide

To be the boundary on our side.

Joining the boundary below

As our circle begins to grow.

To form a space between the spaces

Time out of time, reaching all places.

To hold our magickal energy so

Until we decide to let it go.

I cast this circle with earth and tide

To be the boundary on our side.

I cast this circle with flame and breeze

Now overhead will be complete.

Joining side and ground below

As our circle energies flow.

To form a space between the spaces

Time out of time, reaching all places.

To hold our magickal energy so

Until we decide to let it go.

I cast this circle with flame and breeze

And now our circle is complete.

So mote it be!

Prior to entering the circle, every participant must be allowed in by the HP (i.e. “How do you enter this circle?” “In perfect love and perfect trust.”). Upon entry, HPS will anoint the foreheads of all involved with the sacred symbol of life (except for dedicant(s)- which will be done later).

Calling the Quarters (lighting your candle as you call):

I call to the Watchtowers of the East the powers of Air and intellect. Join us!                                         

I call to the Watchtowers of the South the powers of Fire and passion. Join us!

I call to the Watchtowers of the West the powers of Water and intuition. Join us!

I call to the Watchtowers of the North the powers of Earth and stability. Join us!

All callers: “As we have called you forth may you watch over and protect us. Lend us your strength and help guide us in our workings this day.”

HP/HPS: Approach the center of the circle, facing the altar, with two white candles and incense before you.

HPS: Light the incense and the first candle and say:

I invoke and call upon the O mother Goddess, creatures of life and soul of the infinite universe. By candle flame and incense smoke do I invoke thee to bless this rite and to grant me admittance to the company of thy loving children.

O beautiful Goddess of life and rebirth in this consecrated circle of candlelight I do pledge myself to honor thee, and to serve thee well for as long as I shall live. I promise to respect and obey the law of love unto all living things. I promise never to reveal craft secrets to any man or woman not on the same path; and I swear to abide by the Wiccan Rede “An harm ye none, do what thou will”.

O Goddess, Queen of all witches, I do open my heart and soul to thee.

So mote it be!

HP: Light the second candle and say:

I invoke and call upon thee, O Great Horned God of Pagans, Lord of all the green woodlands and Father of all things wild and free. By candle flame and incense smoke do I invoke Thee to bless this rite. O Great Horned God in this consecrated circle of candlelight I do pledge myself to honor thee, to love thee, and to serve thee well for as long as I shall live.

O Great Horned God of Peace and Love I do open my heart and soul to thee.

So mote it be!

HP: May this balance of nature combine with our spirit of self to grant us balance in this magical work today.

Dedicant(s): We call upon our respective teachers, hear us.  We ask you to guide us on our path's we choose in our quest for knowledge and understanding. Guide us in truth, bathe us in the light of protection and love. Open our hearts and minds. Inspire and uplift our spirit as we learn more of ourselves. Help us to apply the knowledge towards the good of all.

Dedicant then lights purple candle and says: (one dedicant at a time)

I light this candle in honor of myself that I may grow in spiritual knowledge and serve those that need my service.

**At this point, each dedicant will, in turn, verbally state why they are here, who they are dedicating themselves to, and what they intend to do now that they have dedicated themselves**

**High Priest/ess anoints the forehead, palms, and heart of the dedicant while saying:

May your Mind be Free

May your Heart be Free

May your Body be Free

Dedicant: (facing center, with arms raised)

Great Gods, Old Ones, Powers of the Cosmos, accept me _____(your normal or witch-name here), a true witch and pagan, as your priest/ess.

**Dedicant will now spend time meditating at each quarter with the corresponding elements, beginning at the East. Take as long as desired and leave when you feel there is no more to learn or hear for now.**

When dedicant is done, turn back to the center of the circle and say:

I (your normal/witch name), witch and priest/ess embrace my new role with joy and celebration. My new life in the Goddess and God begins here!

**Dedicant then holds hands up in the Goddess position (legs shoulder length apart, arms raised high in a V shape with palms flat and facing up). Close your eyes and visualize two white beams of glowing light streaking down from the sky and flowing into your palms. A warm, tingling feeling will begin to spread throughout your body as the love and power of the Goddess and the God purifies your soul.**

HP/HPS:

Now we celebrate the dedication of our friend and brother/sister _______________ and watch as they discard the symbols of their past! Then let dance and rejoice in this amazing moment and celebrate with cakes and ale!

Dedicant: shreds/burns old clothing and says:

My old life is no more, I am now ______, Priest/ess of the goddess and god and brother/sister to the world around me!

Cakes and Ale:

HPS hold chalice towards the sky and says:

"Gracious Goddess of Abundance, bless this wine and infuse it with your love. In Your names, Mother Goddess and Father God I bless this wine."

HP holds up a plate of cakes with both hands to the sky and says:

"Powerful God of the Harvest, bless these cakes and infuse them with your love. In your names Mother Goddess, and Father God. I bless these cakes.”

*Cakes and Ale are passed around the circle*

HP:

Great horned one, we thank you for bearing witness to this rite and lending your strength. Go if you must, stay if you will, blessed be!

HPS:

Beautiful Goddess, we thank you for bearing witness to this rite and lending your knowledge and love. Go if you must, stay if you will, blessed be!

Dismiss the Elements:

To the Watchtowers of the North powers of Earth and stability we thank you. Go if you must stay if you will. Blessed be

To the Watchtowers of the West powers of Water and intuition we thank you. Go if you must stay if you will. Blessed be.

To the Watchtowers of the South powers of Fire and passion we thank you. Go if you must stay if you will. Blessed be.

To the Watchtowers of the East powers of Air and intellect we thank you. Go if you must stay if you will. Blessed be.

Weekly Circle- Ethics

This morning was our weekly circle get-together, and the topic of the day was Ethics. We went through the Wiccan Rede and the Witches Creed, discussing the main focus of both "An harm ye none, do what ye will". Being a military veteran with a husband who is still active duty, and catering a circle for individuals who are military affiliated, we are put into an interesting place on our path where that one golden rule is sometimes called into question. Let's face it, the military is here to fight and defend. Period. So, when it comes to harming none, what do you do when you're sent to war and it's either kill someone or be killed (which still qualifies as "harm" due to the fact that harming yourself is still harming someone)? Well, of course my thought is, you kill. Let me look at some Native American practices to put this into perspective. In older days, it was practice to not kill unless you intended to use. Basically, if you kill the buffalo, you use EVERYTHING for something- waste not want not. This was very important. The earth and her children, which includes people, were sacred and the children all equal, regardless if the child is a human or a wolf. But, when someone comes in and threatens you and your tribe, you kill to protect... you protect out of honor, but also it is because this is what the Chief has commanded shall be so. It is the same concept in the military. We have opted to loose some of our freedom in order to protect the freedom of others. While we may not always agree with what we have been ordered to do, it is still an order that must be followed for the livelihood of our tribe.  (Now, this brought in a whole conversation on responsibility and things like that, but I don't know if I have the ability to type that out in an understandable means right now). In my mind, it comes down to honor and respect. Whether or not you're military or not, vegan or meat eater, you need to ask yourself the question "Do I honor and respect that which I kill?" Yes, a military member may be  ordered to kill someone, but that does not mean it must be done with out respect. Even something as simple as a small prayer for the "enemies" that have fallen. Because, remember, we are still of all the same essence in the end. In the same regard, when it comes to eating, do you pay respect to the plant or meat that you are eating? True, not all foods are harvested/slaughtered in the kindest ways, and that is incredibly unfortunate. Yet, as I do not have the means to maintain my own farm and oversee these things, I must rely on what I can obtain through the supermarket. So, when these things come into my house, I always make sure to bless them and thank them for their sacrifice so that my family and I might be sustained. Just food for thought.

Along with this rule, we also talked about the ideology of "In perfect love and perfect trust". Now, bear in mind that the circle is an open circle. Yes, I lead it, and yes, people do call upon me as their High Priestess, but this is not a coven that I have initiated people into and we are all on separate sacred paths with the conscious decision to meet and learn from each other. So, how do you perform magic with someone new to the group that you know little to nothing about? Well, let me tell you what, when I asked that question it sure was sure greeted by one of those momentary silences were you can hear the crickets chirping. So, I did what I do best, and started giving off ideas. =) We've had a lot of new people fluctuate into the group, and being a very spiritual person that takes a lot of pride in my ritual and magic, it is extremely important for me to be able to cast a circle and drop all of my shields to become a true vessel for the goddess and her work, without worry about what Mr. New Guy's energy is doing to me and the circle. So, in effort to combat this, we've decided to start doing trust building exercises. And no, not the kind were people stand on chairs and fall back into the waiting arms of the group (though that has the potential to be absolutely hilarious)... instead, we're going to start with small things- getting use to each others energy signature. It's still a work in progress, but in my mind I see it starting with simple things like energy balls and aura readings, then moving into chakra work where we all work on each other instead of one or two of us working on everyone, and eventually working our way into being able to drop our shields around each other. I know it won't happen over night, but I feel great knowing that we have a "plan of attack" to go with so we can all maximize our potential with each other. Oh, and that brings me to the next topic... MINDSET!

I talked with the group about my concerns with mindset during ritual (see my very  first post for more info), and we discussed various options and how some people felt about ritual and making the most of it. We have decided on what has been dubbed the "5 minute warning bell". Basically, five minutes before we start a ritual or other magical event, I will let everyone know that they have 5 minutes. This way, people can go meditate or step out side to be with an element or do whatever it is that they need to do before we start our ritual so that they can enter it with the right mindset to make it the most beneficial not only for themselves, but for those around them. I think it's a pretty good comprise for a group of individuals that like meeting based off similar belief systems.

All in all, it was a highly productive day chalked full of information and discussions- just the way I like it. =) Now, I must be off to prepare for a 3 year old's birthday party! (Children and sugar and a bouncy castle, OH MY!).

Brightest Blessings to all!

Magic and Illness

There's a lot of opinion and a wide variety of sources that talk about magic and ritual workings while sick (Not sick as in a stuffy nose, but the need to stay in bed and do as little as possible). Well, I figured that I might as well add my two cents in since the hubby is sick tonight and I will therefore be going at our Imbolc ritual solo...

I have never been one to say "no you can't", because, in reality, what gives me that right? The beauty of the pagan path is that it is as diverse as those that walk it and unique to every individual. So, someone wants to cast a love spell on another? Well, I don't agree with that, and I will certainly express that opinion and tell them WHY I don't agree, but I will never say no you can't. It's not my life and therefore not ultimately my decision. The same comes into play when it comes to illness and magic. Personally, when I'm sick, there is little chance that I will want to do anything more than drinking tea, lay in bed, sleep, and potentially read a book. Plus, when you feel that crappy, what is your energy like? It's not full of vitality and life, it's sluggish and sickly. Who really wants to send that out into our world? Not me! And for that reason, I chose to not practice magic when I'm sick. Have I had to sit out rituals with my circle before? No, I've actually been lucky enough to not ever be ill for one of those events. However, I've had to reschedule and re-plan my own rituals, just like I have tonight due to the illness of my beloved. While he won't be walking the house with me as I cleanse, he'll still be with me in spirit, and that is what matters to me. The goddess will understand. =)

So, in the end, it's up to you as the practitioner to make the decision of whether or not it's right for you to practice magic or partake in ritual while ill.

The witching hour has arrived, and I must take my leave and mentally, physically, and spiritually prepare myself for the ritual at hand.

Brightest Blessings to you all on this Imbolc Night!

A cleansing bath

Many of us, on our various paths, frequently partake in cleansing rituals. These rituals typically start with a bath (or shower for the witch-on-the-go) and are followed with a wide array of rituals and spell work. I got to thinking about these things which so many of us partake in and wondering if people actually take the time to think about what they are doing. Really. When you take a cleansing bath, have you ever really contemplated or meditated on the true meaning of cleansing? Or are you simply going through the motions in order to move forward with the following ritual or spell work? I can admit, I'm guilty of jumping into a quick shower, scrubbing myself down with a sugar scrub and asking Isis to cleanse my mind, body, and soul, then jumping back out of the shower, slapping on some make-up and running out the door. Let's face it, life happens. But, I challenge you, the next time that you are preparing for a ritual or spell in which you must first partake in a cleansing bath, to light a candle, some incense and put on good meditation music then crawl into a nice hot bath and really SEE and FEEL the cleansing. Don't just ask for it to be done, but see the dirt and grim of the day wash off your body. Feel the emotional weight and stress of the day melt away into the water. And, just as importantly, center your spiritual self. Find that divine spark within and feel it expand through your whole body. Remember, you are a child of the divine, whatever divine you believe in, and it is so, so important to be at one with that divinity and to have your spirit and soul cleansed of all that is not divine.

Go in peace, my dearest friends.
Brightest Blessings to you.