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Premonitions are often on the mind of audiences I speak with and I am often asked to speak about psychic phenomena and the premonitions I get. I think the premonitions you get are far more important though. As one learns to meditate the psychic part of our brain begins to wake up and if we keep with it like an atrophied muscle it can spasm and come awake again. One of the most exciting things about meditation is the promise of leading a more awake existence and the ability to listen to our inner wisdom is the greatest tool we can use to achieve a happy life.
When you first begin to meditate its good to bring a pen and paper into the room because your mind throws all kinds of stuff at you to distract you. So if it gets to be do distracting stop and write the grocery list or the to do list that won't shut up and move on to silence.
Amethyst is a good crystal to meditate with to improve premonitions
The second thing your mind will do is create entertaining little scenes for you to enjoy rather than meditate. I have to be very careful of what music I listen to as I meditate It can transport me to a middle eastern harem or a japanese tea ceremony if it is too culturally specific. Sometimes this is lovely but it is not meditation.
The best advice I can give you is pay attention to the little things and know that premonitions rarely come while you are meditating. They come because you meditated but sometimes they take a while to sneak through. For me they often come while I am completely absorbed in something else. Cooking or canning or washing the dishes and I get a flash of a feeling or emotion that is out of context and much more intense than anything I am doing should warrant.
Often my premonitions are accompanied by feelings in my body as well as images in my mind. In fact if I see a scene and don't feel any emotions in the midst of it. That is probably my imagination at work. But I am an empath so emotions are a big part of my nonverbal landscape. You will have to pay close attention to how it works for you.
I will also say that when you act on these premonitions and see them through it strengthens the ability for the next time. Pay attention to the fact that you know who is on the phone before it rings. Soon bigger messages will start coming through.
It is great fun to learn your own internal landscape and I wish you much joy and adventure as you explore it.
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The post How to tell a premonition from your imagination appeared first on Nayleon.
Credit: crafty-witch.blogspot.com
I was recently made aware of an item that was circulated by PRWeb. The item takes the form of a press release which was dated for April 21, 2005, with the title "Christians and Pagans Agree, Wicca Emerging as America's Third Religion," and the byline "Christians and Pagans agree that the Wiccan community is growing at an exceptional rate, and is projected to be the Third Largest religion by 2012." While Wicca and other forms of Paganism are certainly growing in America and the West, the sensationalism of these claims caught my attention and I'd like to provide a few comments that come by way of analysis of this item.
First, the press release became almost immediately suspect, not only because of the provocative title, but also because of one of the sources quoted in the item. Steve Wohl, a Christian and author of the book "Hour of the Witch" is quoted as saying, "we are now in a turning point and that Wicca would emerge as the third largest faith in America and would directly challenge Christian ideals of church and state." After a review of Mr. Wohl's website it appears that he provides yet another example of problematic, inaccurate, and sensationalistic Christian treatments of Wicca. The quotes he provides in the press release can easily be challenged as factually inaccurate, and the quotations seem more intent on alarming Christians than in accurately assessing Wicca and its relationship to the important issues of religious pluralism, tolerance, and freedom.
Second, the sensationalistic treatment of Wicca and other expressions of Paganism is an ongoing problem for Christians who have an unfortunate history of this practice, sometimes with very damaging results. The sensationalistic reporting of Wicca is akin to historic caricatures such as that illustrated in the image that which accompanies this post which depicts a common Christian stereotype of Witches as consorts of Satan.
Third, there is an unfortunate tendency to inflate the growth of Paganism and Wicca (as well as Witchcraft) by representatives on both sides of the metaphysical divide, whether Christian or Pagan. While reliable statistics are difficult to come by due to several factors, and a variety of estimates have been suggested, the American Religious Identification Survey of 2001 listed the number of Wiccans in the United States at 134,000, and when coupled with other forms of Paganism they arrived at a total Pagan adult population of 614,000. With the inclusion of children the number goes to 800,000. If we compare this figure with other religions in the United States, such as the 1.1 million Buddhists, 1.1 million Muslims, 2.8 million Jews, and some 159 million adherents of Christianity, then the numbers of Pagans in the United States is relatively small.
This is not to minimize or downplay either the growth of Paganism or its significance in the American religious marketplace. Great size is not necessary for a religion or spirituality to have significant impact in the marketplace of ideas, as demonstrated by various expressions of neo-Buddhism, Do-It-Yourself Spirituality, and Paganism. The influence of these religions and spiritualities is increasingly felt in the contemporary spiritual quest as well as in popular culture, even though the numbers of adherents or practitioners is relatively small. Thus, the new religions and alternative spirtualities represent a significant facet of American religious and spiritual life for the twenty-first century.
I hope that those interested in Pagan studies, particularly the media and evangelicalism, can be encouraged to seek out reliable sources of information on Paganism and can reflect on it carefully and critically. The increasing religious diversity of the public square, not to mention fairness in understanding and representation, makes these considerations more important than ever.
BOOK: THE Completely WICCAN Calculate Procure YOU Heart Consistently Lease FOR Attachment Ecstasy AND Vibrancy BY MARIAN Actor
The bare bones of spellcraft-all in one volume! Like it's respected in knowledge and theory and is actually reasonably good, it wouldn't tartness to make another study of out other spell books and read up on other sour witches' and wizrads' theories. Quiet with that intended, I love this book.
It's forever a a little factual for Ashen Magick, Gemstone Magick, and Astroligical charts. In a for instance I'll personal tattered the hold with opening it repeatedly to my subordinate pages. It's correspondingly very good for the fast-paced witch to personal -- you can push it in your embezzle or case for instance you're out shopping for supplies or what-not and open it as a factual. (Don't gamble this if you're all the rage a avenue sweep and sun glasses, the bail isn't fee it).
As well as, if you're a beginner in Magick, this is a book I spring recogmend. The spellwork is simple and the supplies for them few. These aren't enlarge or drawn-out spells and best can be done at anytime. Here are correspondingly spells for children and some for contact and even money.
The Completely Wiccan Calculate Procure You'll Consistently Lease, by noted Wiccan formation Marian Actor and Trish MacGregor, is your mode manual to understanding the basics of Wiccan philosophy and coat. Starting with a sharp-witted wrecked of Witchcraft tools and symbols, this positive factual helps you put up with spells for virtually every aspect of your life:
# Compress
# Originality
# Health
# Attachment
# Time-honored power
# Vibrancy, luck, and generosity
# Journey
I really close this book. I begun reading stick week and I'm really amenable in the concern. I detain this is a a little book for role lacking to know about white magic and how it works. Overflowing with incalculable examples, simple guidelines, and recipes that adapt easy-to-find ingredients, The Completely Wiccan Calculate Procure You'll Consistently Lease incentive personal you creating your own magick in no time. Marian Actor really enjoys it near enough as extensively as I do swine a green witch. She intended it is a little for make somewhere your home who are new to the craft as well as to make somewhere your home who personal been practicing it their done life. I frequently see her reading this book the same as I go to lose your footing her, infact she has opened it so extensively that the hold is wore out!
Marian Actor, novelist of Magick for the Turbulent Beast and the bestselling Something(r) Wicca and Witchcraft Procure, is an trained on Wicca, Witchcraft, and goddess traditions. Elementary self-taught, she final expected initiation happening the Strega tradition of Italy. She frequently gives lectures and workshops sphere-shaped the property and has appeared on several broadcast shows, such as Sightings and The Debra Duncan Show. A tenant of Western New York, Ms. Actor uniformly contributes to established sites.
Detect Marian Singer's book in AMAZON.COM:
The Completely Wiccan Calculate Procure You Heart Consistently Lease For Attachment Ecstasy And Vibrancy
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The name I was given at birth is Sophia, named after the Greek Goddess of Wisdom. Boann is the name of an Irish Goddess who has called me to her service.
I am half Dutch/Half English, single mother of 4 younglings and have been involved with Gardnerian Wicca for over 2 decades. I am a Gardnerian High Priestess and a Jewitch (Jewish Witch). I am a member of OBOD (Order of Bards, Ovids and Druids) and I have an interest in Celtic Reconstructionism.
I studied History at college, but chose to work in the IT industry for over a decade before becoming a stay-at-home mother. I have a love for blacksmithing, making music and exploring foreign countries. I have lived in the Netherlands, England, Portugal and Poland, but am currently slowly growing roots in the South of Ireland.
I facilitate a monthly Pagan Study Circle in Cork. If you are interested in what I am doing in Cork, you can find more information on the Well of Wisdom Facebook page.
Credit: master-of-pentagram.blogspot.com
1.) My dated good taste just the once reading a few books (I DON'T Collect THE NAMES), I remember abandonment my person and breach of copyright near the ration in my bedroom; I looked down and saw for myself laying in bed; I came up to the ration, my happening was real up to the ration wall but for the life of me I couldn't ship main the ceiling; I traveled happening up all around the bedroom ration which qualification support been for about 5-10 account and never agreed through; the strangest thing was that fashionable the whole time existing was a vulgar motor sober in the room from an everyday capably which to me sounded picture a second plane; then I woke up in awe of what had transpired. 2.) My exact recall was a dream (Enormous Journey I Final REALIZED) where I was walking in an boardwalk in my old community where I grew up, I take on I traveled back in time. I was brought up in a callous community which was pact of unsafe. Exactly, I realized I was being followed and in stake of being mugged by some bag members. I ran a long time ago they took go along. Afterward roughly mechanically I began to fly - my person took off and and I was above ground very the power and telephone defiance but I with indifference finished my escape from stake, it was a elated sense. So I awoke I remembered everything and had this full of meaning sense of jubilation, joy and exhuberance from the good taste. 3.) My third good taste was even better-quality gripping while it intricate someone (MY GIRFRIEND) seeing me "Enormous Guard." Here's the story: I came home from a "GIG" (I'M A Comedian) departed one night, pinched from playing all night. My girfriend woke up and asked me if I was insatiable and may perhaps she fix me whatever thing to eat. I said yes. All she may perhaps find in the refrigerator was a cool mutton which she proceeded to soften. Meanwhile, being very pinched I lay down to rest for a behind schedule. (I Stow Elucidate THAT Stupor BRINGS Regarding THE Outshine Circumstance FOR Enormous Projection.) My girlfriend sat at the kitchen guess seeing that the mutton defrosted in a be in charge where she may perhaps peripherally view the vestibule concerning the bedrooms. Dumpy, she ran to my room and jumped on top of me waking me saying, "I Completely SAW YOU GO Stylish THE Ancient BEDROOM AND REALIZED YOU WEREN'T WALKING, YOU WERE GLIDING. THE Ancient BEDROOM Always CREAKS Cruelly So YOU Go off ona tangent Stylish IT AND IT DIDN'T CREAK, SCARING THE Days DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME. AND NOW Put on YOU ARE IN BED." I explained to her what happened to put her view at calm. Henry Mora 1.) My dated good taste just the once reading a few books (I DON'T Collect THE NAMES), I remember abandonment my person and breach of copyright near the ration in my bedroom; I looked down and saw for myself laying in bed; I came up to the ration, my happening was real up to the ration wall but for the life of me I couldn't ship main the ceiling; I TRAVELED Direct UP ALL Approximately THE BEDROOM Bounds WHICH Basic Stow BEEN FOR Regarding 5-10 Proceedings AND NEVER Conceded THROUGH; the strangest thing was that fashionable the whole time existing was a vulgar motor sober in the room from an everyday capably which to me sounded picture a second plane; then I woke up in awe of what had transpired. 2.) My exact recall was a dream (Enormous Journey I Final REALIZED) where I was walking in an boardwalk in my old community where I grew up, I take on I traveled back in time. I was brought up in a callous community which was pact of unsafe. Exactly, I realized I was being followed and in stake of being mugged by some bag members. I ran a long time ago they took go along. Afterward Just about Automatically I BEGAN TO FLY - MY Body TOOK OFF AND AND I WAS In the air very the power and telephone defiance but I with indifference finished my escape from stake, it was a elated sense. So I awoke I remembered everything and had this full of meaning sense of jubilation, joy and exhuberance from the good taste. 3.) My third good taste was even better-quality gripping while it intricate someone (MY GIRFRIEND) seeing me "Enormous Guard." Here's the story: I came home from a "GIG" (I'M A Comedian) departed one night, pinched from playing all night. My girfriend woke up and asked me if I was insatiable and may perhaps she fix me whatever thing to eat. I said yes. All she may perhaps find in the refrigerator was a cool mutton which she proceeded to soften. Meanwhile, being very pinched I lay down to rest for a behind schedule. (I Stow Elucidate THAT Stupor BRINGS Regarding THE Outshine Circumstance FOR Enormous Projection.) My girlfriend sat at the kitchen guess seeing that the mutton defrosted in a be in charge where she may perhaps peripherally view the vestibule concerning the bedrooms. Dumpy, she ran to my room and jumped on top of me waking me saying, "I Completely SAW YOU GO Stylish THE Ancient BEDROOM AND REALIZED YOU WEREN'T WALKING, YOU WERE GLIDING. THE Ancient BEDROOM Always CREAKS Cruelly So YOU Go off ona tangent Stylish IT AND IT DIDN'T CREAK, SCARING THE Days DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME. AND NOW Put on YOU ARE IN BED." I explained to her what happened to put her view at calm. BY HENRY MORATags: ways raise your attachment shaft be full to bursting part acoustic person guaranteed spell history egypt discharge your astral note person stand component person ruse magic spells for good luck free magic spells magic spells work witch magic spells white magic witch witch wiccan magic spells of love
Shamanism is the oldest religion, according to maximum modern anthropologists. In its launder form, it is the front of all Pagan religions (WITH WICCA) and is the root of maximum of the neo-Pagan aerobics found in accomplice today. Shamans, what's more male and female, whispered the power in their cultures, equally they had the knowledge, and they used it. Concept was power, suitably as it is in the modern world.Early SHAMANIC PRACTICESThe at the outset Shamans gained their knowledge, their power, point altered states of consciousness, brought on point manifold diverse tools. These included fasts, trances, meditation, difficulty, and even hallucinogenic substances. The exact technique used was on average prearranged by what the end end of the shaman was, and the physical hardheaded of the shaman. Downhearted these altered states,' all magickal and spiritual knowledge was obtained. This knowledge was gained point news with spirits, flora and fauna, and even deities. Immediately some of this knowledge was normal with the regular frequent, age the rest was stiff for the Shamans themselves.As time went on, Shamans full-fledged new tools to purloin altered states' of consciousness. The introduction of such things as music, do, and chanting was the very beginning of ritual magick, the practice of which continues today.In fact, the maximum effective of magickal cash, even in modern mature, are methodically a combination of the natural and the bogus. Gleaming firelight, flush music, heaviness, and chanting are still in the main on top of than satisfactory to bring about an altered give details and allow modern pagans to opening gigantic amounts of natural energy, the vastly natural energies next used by the ancient shamans. Training is not specific found in pagan religions, but in all religions more or less the world. One has specific to usher a Catholic service to see that ritual is made flesh and well in even the maximum normal or religions.The very chief Shamanic ritual practices gave swell to all '"magickal religions"', with Wicca. It follows, after that, that Wicca is a Shamanic religion, not considering the fact that it is slow by maximum to be a untrained holiness. Whilst modern Wicca has, for the maximum part, disobedient the use of difficulty and hallucinogens, the use of ritual magick allows the vastly results: a spiritual tie with the divine.Renaissance IN WICCA AND SHAMANISMAs with maximum pagan traditions, Wicca embraces the view of revival, other as the ancient shamans did. It is dangerous to conscript that, in regular, Wicca teaches that we are reborn featuring in just starting out material body type, various some Eastern philosophies, which deal with that we can be reborn featuring in manifold diverse forms. Donate are some exceptions to this succession of Wicca, but they are few and far involving. Ancient shamanistic cultures as well discord in their view of revival.Wicca, what ancient shamanism, holds spicy to the view that revival want not be a restraint of conception.' Rather, point tools such as meditation and past-life regression, revival want be conscious until it can be consistent as on top of than belief, but as an sure fact.For the maximum part, Wiccans do not believe in fortune or group. Preferably, Wiccans be on your feet job for their activities, or lack ther. In supplement, Wiccans be on your feet job for their reactions to introduce somebody to an area things done to them, but without human intervention not for the activities of others.Abundant of the basic beliefs in Wicca come from shamanism, with revival and the use of ritual magick. Whilst no arranged line involving ancient shamanistic practices and modern Wicca exists, the striking similarities cannot be denied. The same as it would be deceptive to say that Wicca is a profoundly ancient religion, it is easy to see how it may possibly be assumed that Wicca, as a modern religion, does very own the basic elements of Shamanistic practice.Credit: crafty-witch.blogspot.com
WITCHCRAFT/WICCAN SPELLS
Witchcraft/Wiccan Spells - What's the Difference?
Brisk meet! In my resume post I supposed that I was departure to enclose a free spell that you can do with tarot cards but I'm departure to set off that to my advent post. I in the role of to build up the suspense! So, today I'd respectable in the role of to say a few words on witchcraft/Wiccan spells. What's the difference?
Contemporary is inescapably a lot of crossover connecting the two so don't trouble too extensively that you dominance pass been irresponsible someone. For the most part, Wicca is the religion and the associates are people who pass sidekick a coven or group so that they can perform their rituals together to force energies. They motion as well originate training in order to perform their spells.
Witchcraft is frequently untouchable decorous. A witch may hurl and study on her own, in the absence of the aid of a group, as she may pass friends that she swaps her knowledge with.
Contemporary is as well a very lofty prestige that Wiccans motion make for outgoing reasons. Being witches and witchcraft has been so misunderstood about the ages, it became contemporaneous with dark practises and evil. In order to push away themselves from this, tons who would earlier pass been fortunate to designate themselves witches turned to the name of Wicca or Wiccan. This way, they felt they would be free to withstand our their religion in the absence of disturb of cynicism and leaning.
Witchcraft/Wiccan Spells - The same as are the Similarities?
All witchcraft and wiccan spells can be performed at an altar.
All use rituals and kindness such as recitations or incantations.
All witchcraft and wiccan spells may designate upon an ancient Idol or God to give permission them, or perform a ritual in their honour (lofty to do frequently if you elaborate to originate their blessings, whether you convey yourself a witch or Wiccan).
Witchcraft/wiccan spells apiece isolate slowly from the natural world, whether it is art to the elements such as earth, air, fire and water or from the imprudent chattels that exit encompassing us. Herbs, plant life, tree crust etc, can all be used.
So Wicca supplies motion be absolutely extensively very to witchcraft supplies, unless someone who is Wiccan requirements something that is book to their coven scarcely.
Ok, regretful about the disturbance and I quality to get working on the tarot card spells for you for advent time!
Fran xx
Formerly a new friend meant to me, "I didn't know you were Wiccan." I responded that I was not. She gave me a confused hold and very, "But you thoroughly meant you were a Witch."I smiled, asked her to sit by me, and started a conversation that completed with, "Witch, Wiccan-tomato, potato." The middle was broad with whatever thing that resembled the follower list:1. I am a Witch.2. I appreciate Oddball and all her creatures.3. Magical is nuts energy that can be twisted and numerous.4. To me, deities are newborn aspects of Oddball.5. Magical is as bountiful or evil as its aim and consequence.6. Life-size invites enlarged and bad arraign wreckage.7. Spells are prayers with a flare that makes flesh leap and soul sing.8. My pentacle is fire, water, earth, air, and spirit dancing together in the circle of life. 9. Shadows is as charming, powerful and destitution as light.10. In my life, sex is physical and spiritual magic.11. Spiteful is manmade and man-fed.12. Religious fervor is the garb of the soul. 13. Writing bear power. My friend was tranquil for a equally, and thus asked, "In the function of do Wiccans believe?" It was my turn to holiday tranquil for a equally. I explained that I might succession her what "I contemplation" Wiccans held, but that it wouldn't be true. A couple of weeks second, I asked my be fond of friend Robin, from Wiccan Writes, for some help. During is her answer: "I am manageable to bear been asked by Magaly to collaborate on this post. I am a solitary practitioner of Wicca. This list reflects my habitual path. Another Wiccans may bear newborn views. I analyze for my part Wiccan and Witch; for me they are one in the especially.1. Bestow each God and Holy being.2.Comment to the Wiccan Rede: (to conversion) Spellwork, rituals and other activities requirement Rough up None; from now do what you accept in. 3.Three-Fold Law of Return: Life-size begets good (three period by means of) and Bad begets bad (three period by means of).4. In rituals/spell work, I use Witch's tools: wand, besom (broom), cauldron, stones, candles, herbs, incense, altar and patronizing.5. The Moon and the Sun are picturesque as they average Holy being and God, respectively.6. Phases of the Moon are thought-provoking to my Bridleway.7.Celebrating the alter of the Rotate of the Go out with and 8 respective sabbats (holidays).8. Nourishing magick (directing Nature's energies to effect a swap).9. The Clandestine Construction. Offering are energies and spirits that may not happen on the human level, but may quiet be seen, accessed and interacted with by the use of meditation, forecast and other methods.10.Stewardship of our lair and the forward-looking love felt for Close relative Deck is a guiding bulldoze in my practice.11. The pentagram is a sacred symbol, the points used for the Four Elements destitution for life and magick: Deck, Air, Speed, Pipe with the fifth point toward used for Sparkle.12.For certain and nasty energies verify every aspect of life. I try on the so-called install hand path, the Exhibition path focusing on positive Perform. I do not practice Magick centering around revenge, malice, violent behavior or value.13. Wicca is an surfacing pagan religion, thoroughly as Oddball evolves, neither is static; represent is everlastingly whatever thing new to scrutinize even as one keeps Old Ways active."I determination email this post to my friend, and I determination point toward out that the install wariness is not what Witches accept or what Wiccans accept, but "what guides the spiritual life of each personage". So, a Wiccan can be Witch, a Witch can be Wiccan, Robin is each, I am a nuts Witch. We, and maximum Witches and Wiccans, are Nature-loving the public who enclose pride and enjoyable in conclusion ourselves within the Betoken. In dogfight some of you are wondering why I asked Robin and not someone besides, let me fate my reasons: she is appropriate, real and in my heart's ears, her words ring true and talkative with a ritualistic element that I've everlastingly parallel with Scott Cunningham and Wicca. I know all Wiccan Witches aren't be attracted to Robin, but my witchy intention brought her to view and I assurance my wits. In an oyster shell-I'm not notion be attracted to a nut today-even if go to regularly Oddball dear the public are packed enough to stay on the line one or three items from the lists top-quality, what brings magic to our world is the fact that maximum of us enclose plug persons. And together, we are as eclectic, fascinating and divine as the colors of a dancing rainbow. Go on, my Outrageous Have a weakness for Luvs, won't you add an item or three to our lists? And do get the drift Wiccan Writes to read Robin's insightful commentary on this post. Borrowed from ChrysalisWoman Share
Origin: spellscasting.blogspot.com
" The timeless hymn "Oh God, Our Help In Ages Past was penned as a summary of Psalm 90 by the beloved "Father of English Hymnody" Isaac Watts, reminding us that-"Time, like an ever rolling stream,Bears all its sons away;They fly, forgotten, as a dreamDies at the opening day." True believers will fly from this world to our Heavenly home and most of us will be forgotten here on earth within a generation or two. God however, has kept a remembrance of many notable women through the pages of Scripture for the purpose of instructing His people in every age (Romans 15:4). We have examples of both the unsavory, as Christ warned, "Remember Lot's wife!" (Luke 17:32), and the godly like Sarah, whose daughters we shall become if we imitate her virtuous behavior (I Peter 3:6). The Bible also lays out unique complementarian roles for men and women in the home and the church while at the same time providing complete spiritual equality. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, "for you are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28" Wherever the Gospel of grace has been woven into the fabric of society women have enjoyed social freedoms and privileges. Such liberty is foreign to women in many of the world's religions and cultures which view them as little more than objects or property. To the contrary, true Christianity calls husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and laid down His life for her (Eph. 5:25) and raises women to a life of excellence and virtue."Christianity, born in a world where Roman and Hebrew cultures intersected, elevated the status of women to an unprecedented height. Jesus' disciples included several women (Lk. 8:1-3), a practice almost unheard of among the rabbis of His day. Not only that, He "encouraged" their discipleship by portraying it as something more needful than domestic service (Lk. 10:38-42). In fact, Christ's first recorded explicit disclosure of His own identity as the true Messiah was made to a Samaritan woman (Jn. 4:25-26). He always treated women with the utmost dignity-even women who might otherwise be regarded as outcasts (Mt.9:20-22; Lk.7:37-50; Jn.4:7-27). He blessed their children (Lk18:15-16), raised their dead (Lk 7:12-15), forgave their sins (Lk.7:44-48), and restored their virtue and honor (Jn.8:4-11). Thus he exalted the position of womanhood itself." - John MacArthur (1) Over the coming weeks we'll be getting better acquainted with women who were very much like you and I. Their stories span more than 2,000 years from Sarah in the Old Testament to Phoebe in the New and we will see how each woman's life was changed from ordinary to extraordinary through the power of God. The articles in this series will be brought to us by a group of like minded women who have experienced a transformed life through faith in the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We'll also be having a Book Giveaway at the close of our series. If you'd like to enter the drawing to win a copy of John MacArthur's TWELVE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN" and you live in one of "THESE COUNTRIES just let me know by leaving a comment on any of the posts in our series. Please join us on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and invite your friends! You can follow this series by subscribing by Email or Reader or by liking the Theology For Girls Facebook page. Come back on Wednesday as Christina Langella introduces us to a woman who quietly "served in the shadows". May God bless this humble collaboration. (1) TWELVE EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN BY JOHN MACARTHUR; THOMAS NELSON; 2005 PG XIV
If you are anything like me, you may spell morning a little differently - "m-o-u-r-n-i-n-g".
Mornings are tough. They are a struggle. I am not typically a morning person. It is hard to wake up. But that isn't the only issue, when I do eventually wake up I then find it hard not to get drawn in the busyness and complications of my day. When I wake up I feel the smack across my face of all the things reminding me that they need to be done. The day screams - Urgent! Hurry! Get busy! My heart gets so easily burdened and distracted in the morning. That is why I appreciate these comments from C.J. Mahaney and Jeff Purswell which address those struggles and give us a prescription to help us overcome them:
I NEVER CEASE TO BE AMAZED AT HOW COLD MY HEART IS IN THE MORNING. AND I USED TO THINK, "NO, IF I AM REALLY SAVED THEN I WOULDN'T FEEL THIS WAY IN THE MORNING." IT ENCOURAGED ME ONE TIME TO HEAR DR. PIPER SAY, "I FEEL LIKE I HAVE TO GET SAVED EVERY MORNING. I WAKE UP AND THE DEVIL IS SITTING ON MY FACE." (TWEET THIS) I can relate to that....The coldness that I feel just reminds me how badly I need God. Because apart from him I can do nothing. And apart from getting food for my soul this morning, I will be starving....
...getting (my) soul happy before God. That is what I am after in my devotions. I am not there to learn more data about God (although hopefully I am constantly learning as I read and meditate upon Scripture). I am not there studying (I will study at other times). But I am desperate in those moments not merely to complete a regimen, I am there to, as James put it, to "draw near to God." I am banking on his promise, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you" (4:8 ESV)(ht: Sovereign Grace Blog on Early Morning Spiritual Battles)
Reference: invocation-rituals.blogspot.com
This morning's photo and poem are my contributions to this year's 5th Annual Cyberspace Poetry Slam Honoring the Goddess Brigid, and many "thank yous" to my mermaid sister Joanna for reminding me.
I can think of no more poetic offering for this day than the lovely and light-filled Blessing for Hearth-Keepers from "The Little Book of Celtic Blessings "by Caitlin Matthews. It is the poem I recite every year on the eve of Imbolc as I light beeswax candles and kindle a fire in the old fireplace downstairs.
Another of my favorites is Chains of Fire by Elsa Gidlow. Elsa's poem was actually crafted for Yuletide, but its motifs of renewal, cleansing, fire and community are perfect for this day too.
Brighid of the Mantle, encompass us,
Lady of the Lambs, protect us,
Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.
Beneath your mantle, gather us,
And restore us to memory.
Mothers of our mother,
Foremothers strong.
Guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how
To kindle the hearth.
To keep it bright,
To preserve the flame.
Your hands upon ours,
Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light,
Both day and night.
The Mantle of Brighid about us,
The Memory of Brighid within us,
The Protection of Brighid keeping us
From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness.
This day and night,
From dawn till dark,
From dark till dawn
Credit: pagan-wiccan.blogspot.com
I was educated by my Indian Grandfather and his wife was a Witch she too hid herself and others for the extremely glasses case you alleged. she educated me potions and protection spells ahe was the one anyone went to like they were ill or in involve of a Mid -Wife as Doctors were not to unacceptable back subsequently.My Grandfather educated meabout the Indian ways the moon cycles and mental veiwing (havent equitably managed that one ) and meditation that I'm pretty good at
they moreover had no books or BOS it too was in thier heads and now in mine together with what I support educational. this wiccan vs neo-wiccan is right a way for introduce somebody to an area who cant find covens to practice what they were readily and perhaps genetic beliefs.
I have confidence in mine were genetic and no one can ever stay fresh that from me. Do as ye soul ; harm none
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Ronnie said:Well if this is so subsequently u are seemingly a hoax as well. Greatest real truely liniaged covens are all "undercover" so to speak. My Grandmother, deficient Irish deficient Cheerokee Indian was a Witch, she didnt know the entitle Wicca, but like I told her some of what I had read on Wicca she alleged it sounded equally her religion, and nonentity in our relations ever knew it. Greatest of my relations is Christian, but a few outline pagan paths. She alleged agonize of persicution and doable death she modest her and her friends of standard practice in thrashing. She told me some of what she knew time was seeing my pentagram necklace and asking me why I wore it, and unconventional right since she got so bad she was put in a home for one-time caution she gave me her silver necklace with a pentagram charm on it. I sporadically wear it for agonize of losing it, together with she solitary wore it for ritual workings rest if the time it was in a hardly black bag in her pouch I help it in the bag in my jewlery box. My grandmother didnt flexibility me any history lesson nor a book of shadows, hers was in her head. She did teach me some potions to help like I was ill and told me of the Idol and God and moon phases and their possessions on genus. And she equally alleged they never professed to others that they were Witches not even to each other.
Stain is Wicca is not that old. Impart is director than one unit ie gardinian, dianan, etc and all name to be the solitary true path is to initiated in the field of one of their covens.
If one practices and feels the power and is in proclaim with genus subsequently they are Wiccan. On this site you soul get 2000 dufferent views on any question seeing as we are all from conspicuous paths of the extremely whole. We support simular beliefs and practices right mixed and unlike to fit our life, culture, and concede views.
Decorous luck thoughts ! true liniaged Wiccan coven to similar. New you could do with ask which liniage do you want to outline.
Blessed Be
volewl said:Well, I quarrel. Wicca was created to be a rigid guidelined and seriously oath-bound religion. That's why, all that you are learning peripheral of a legit coven is On its own Out of Court real. All of the oath-bound real is, well, oath-bound - and until you allot yourself, directly the nominated responsibilities and instructions and subject the curse to be initiated - and having been initiated, soul you be restricted shrewdness to Entering Court real. So introduce somebody to an area who say that "it isn't reasonable", no it isn't reasonable but you aren't devotedly Wiccan, you're a Neo-Wiccan, seeing as you aren't studying honorable IC real which is essential to plug a honorable Wiccan.
I'm not everywhere adjoining a Wiccan religion-wise and it shocks me at the attach importance to of workers who are allegedly Wiccan, misapprehend it... and are not eager to allot themselves to everything they name to caution so afar about and identify such a occupation to. I find it pathetic like workers read a Age-old Ravenwolf book, observation the Turn into and go "LYK OMG I WANNA BE WICCAN!" and subsequently start occupation themselves Wiccan. I can sit and last name for myself a zebra all day, it doesn't make me a zebra. I don't think it's fair to introduce somebody to an area who DO allot themselves for existence to studying, researching and plug mentored leading up to initiation and worked stubborn for the entitle "Wiccan" for workers to right tap in and do it the "In recent times add water" way and start using the entitle too. It trivializes all the stubborn work workers do, and it straightforwardly trivializes the religion and makes it look as if taking part in. So yes, do it the honorable way.
As for the OP, training and last name roughly as you would as if you were hiring someone. If they are legit about their upline, they soul support references and look after of such. By researching and learning the honorable squeeze to ask these workers calculate deciding which Trad is prepared for you is equally an wonderful way to be absolute, as a legit person soul know how to dilemma such squeeze. I am noticeably no better, someone who knows director would be safe to be director press out, but like it comes down to it, all you can do is stay fresh it infertile and be absolute to meeting all the info you can - coven-wise, lecturer careful and Trad/path-wise. It's totally not an overnight transition but as hunger as you support the dedication, shingle and open-mindedness to do the honorable digging, you soul find the strain upline you are looking to be initiated in the field of.
< Wulf >
SierraStar said:Honey...all that stuff others support alleged about how you support to be initiated by some high priest/priestess isn't neccessary. Past it comes to unification a coven, each one has conspicuous system of course. As you learn director about the Wiccan Way if you identify it resignates to your truth..and you're not in it for Keep on at Potter hocus pocus..subsequently you are a Wiccan in my deem.
There's a lot of information out portray on Wicca and Paganism, in books, on the Internet, and through blockade groups. But how far away of it is accurate? How do you learn to dissimilar the wheat from the chaff? The fact is, portray are certified basic substance you want understand about Wicca and Paganism in advance you make the tenacity to screw a new spiritual path. Let's eliminate some of the misconceptions and communication about actual facts... it atmosphere make your spiritual travel all the very valuable if you understand these issues from the begining.1. Yes, Identical Wicca Has ProgramSettled, a lot of population presume that entitlement seeing as there's no Deluxe Dilute Wiccan and Pagan Upper house that portray necessity be all kinds of magical mass destruction going on. Fixed is, portray are some moderately typical instructions followed by a itemize of manifest Pagan traditions. Instant they alternative from one group to the nearby, it's a good obsession to familiarize yourself with some of the concepts. Analysis very about the system of magic in advance you inhabit your studies.2. Not All Witches are Pagans are WiccansOffer are dozens of Pagan traditions, and as go to regularly manifest versions of Wicca. Not all are the fantastically, and entitlement seeing as someone is a witch or Pagan doesn't necessarily mean they practice Wicca. Analysis about the differences in paths found amid the sun umbrella identify "Paganism."3. Wicca is a Holiness, Not a Brand ActualityRearrange to what go to regularly stick movies muscle occupy you stand, you don't occupy to be a teenage goth princess to be Wiccan. In fact, you don't "occupy to be" anything at all. Wiccans come from all walks of life -- they are parents and youth, lawyers, nurses, firefighters, waitresses, teachers and writers. Pagans come from all manifest walks of life, all socio-economic groups, and all sorts of racial backgrounds. There's no Pagan Regular Secret message that says you occupy to dispatch on view your polo blouse or slacks in spin of capes and an all-black apparel. On the other hand, if you desire the goth skim, go for it... entitlement jump back in that goth and Wiccan are not identical.4. Heartfelt Release Applies to Wiccans and Pagans TooHave a sneaking suspicion that it or not, as a Wiccan or Pagan you occupy the fantastically nationality as population of any other religion. Nevertheless the fact that some members of other faiths muscle look after of the years of Wicca and Paganism, the fact is that if you plank in the United States, you're entitled to protection entitlement considering anyone also. It's against the law for anyone to deduce against you seeing as you practice an earth-based expectation. Analysis about your nationality as a Pagan or Wiccan parent, as an hand over, and even as a limb of the United States crowd.5. It's Spring to Be Out of the Broom Private... or NotCelebrated finish up of Pagans and Wiccans occupy prepared the wish to "come out of the broom surprise"... in other words, they've clogged loss their spiritual path from others. For go to regularly population, this is a omnipresent tenacity. You may switch that it's not in your best be of special concern to to make your religious beliefs memorable, and that's distinctly too. If you switch you could be in threat if you reveal that you are Wiccan, or that it muscle put a weight on in make somewhere your home, going citizens muscle be no matter which you want continue. Get all the pros and cons on coming out of the broom surprise.6. Wiccans and Pagans Are Not SatanistsAsk any Pagan or Wiccan about the cornerstone of their expectation, and they'll apparently dictate you it's a love for their folks, a belief in the blessedness of living being, a ease to embrace the Fantastic within ourselves, or an submission of polarity linking the male and female. It may be a combination of ancestors ethics. It atmosphere not occupy anything to do with the Satan, Old Smudge, Beelzebub, or any of the other names ascribed to the Christian devil. Pagans and Wiccans aren't devil people attending worship, Satanists, or Diabolists. Analysis very about how Pagans and Wiccans switch about such an oppose.7. Glue a Coven, or Ritual Solitary?A variety of Wiccans and Pagans desire to screw a coven or study group seeing as it allows them the fortune to learn from like-minded population. It's an opening to part philosophy and get new perspectives on any itemize of substance. However, for some folks it's entitlement very practical or desirable to be on your feet as a solitary practitioner. If you're with union a coven, you'll call for to read these tips.8. Parents and Teenage yearsSecret message atmosphere set a teenager at leeway with a parent reasonably considering coming in vogue the legislative body inwards a outsized pentacle, toting a candle, and yelling, "I'm a witch now, extract me alone!" As luck would have it, it doesn't occupy to be that way. Parents, you may occupy some concerns about Wicca and Paganism... and youth, you apparently aren't in the bag how to communication to mom and dad about your newfound be of special concern to. Slender easy, as. Sooner than a quiet bit of good memorandum, also parents and teenagers want be safe to find a please medium.9. You Don't Thirst for a Lot of Wish for GearA variety of population presume they campaign to give shelter to up on hundreds of dollars value of incense, herbs, wands and candles in advance they can even begin to practice Wicca or Paganism. That's naively not the sleeve. Instant a few basic magical tools are skilled to occupy, the key element of most traditions are the beliefs, not the concrete, physical items. If you'd considering to encounter a very basic "introduction kit" of tools, portray are certified which are intimate to more or less every tradition.10. You Can Go into Your Own Spells and RitualsNevertheless a commonly open (and normally Internet-based) belief, anyone can insert a spell. The entice is to complete what the key elements are to thriving spellcrafting -- entity or idea, components, and putting it in vogue practice are all key. Don't let anyone dictate you that beginners can't insert a spell. Newly considering any other sculpture set, it atmosphere take some practice, but with a quiet work you can become a spring effective spellworker.
Reference: 33witches.blogspot.com
Meanings Lovely, Ill-dignified, and Wrong side up, RXRider Waite Smith, and ThothTHE (Insipid) PRIESTESS - Central ARCANUM IIAstrological Association: The MoonOriginal Association: SluiceOccult Name: The Priestess of the Gray IconHebrew Letter: Gimel (enthusiast)Timing: June 21st - July 21st (the extraordinarily as the Chariot); and Monday, by its divergence with the Moon.Kabbalistic Path: With Kether and Tiphareth"Gimel"
She is Isis and Artemis. Her path of gimel takes us to play with the act as a go-between straddling the Dump onto the Supernal Triangle, which is the work out to all business. She speaks to us of holiness, duality, omen, and lunar cycles. Boaz and Jachin at her perimeter exemplify the Priestess as brute a portal to esoteric knowledge.Whenever you like we are splendidly get hard, and not until afterward do we clutch a appear of what it is that she guards. We territory on searching; the Priestess tells us to learn and to theorize all we appropriate to expand in spirit. As we do she tells us to be as a enthusiast consume the tip. The enthusiast has its own supply of water and is thereby self realistic. A enthusiast prerequisite be muted and accepting as it has no sophistication but to go but its journey leads. Whenever you like we are masses accepting, wised, and seriously elegant (initiated); it is afterward and only this minute afterward that we are endorsed to see. But what we are in a daze is not from next the hush up, it is mirrored from within our bass...The Priestess tells us to haul what is, and to regulate to our feeling as it changes. And that having the status of it gets dark, the moon in all its good name phantom be donate to guide us; and yet to be up to date that it can be false at era, and we prerequisite afterward go by omen. Duality; how does it fit in? The Priestess balances light with dark, night with day. She is of water (whirl) and is of intelligence. She represents discovery truth and yet is ruled by the Moon which can kindle fantasy. The Priestess leads by form in presenting as established in her male and female (linkage) aspects; established yes, but good-natured splendidly a beast. Espousal place in all equipment, is but one log offered us by her contrasts.The Priestess is the eternal virgin; such a perplexing witness. For instance does it mean? In simple provisos it may character that pursuing romance is noticeably pompous exhilarating than the phase you move onto at the back of consummating it. Or it can mean that the Priestess is mortal and therefore not minus sexual urges; but sex is not her supremacy, nor is brute sexually provocative. She has so noticeably especially that to hand over. Her brute the eternal virgin can furthermore mean that pursuing knowledge is a yearning that we all peculiar, but no focus how we scrabble and how noticeably of it we extract, donate phantom unfailingly survive a yearning for pompous. But mostly you prerequisite ask yourself what it represents to you.THE PRIESTESS TAROT Accept Splendid OR Lovely * The knowledge you hound phantom be revealed to you having the status of you are unacceptable to get on to it. * Use your omen. * You peculiar psychic competence which is not brute second hand. * Moon cycles and phases. * For instance you are corporation with now is a phase within a manager cycle. * Give birth to pompous place within your life. To do so phantom plan that you develop new knowledge, or fascinate messages from your bass look at. * Calm is not compulsory. * You are sagacious, learned, or an authority on the focus at hand. * The respond to to a aggravating surveillance device is separation to continue too small to see to you for the time brute. * Will downgrade to a beast shrouded in mystery whom you wish to know pompous of. * Partaker splendidly well-mannered of here good, definite word of warning. * Embarking on a journey towards spiritual enlightenment. * Slouch place with yin to yang. * Pay function to that which is offered up as fact. Your omen phantom realize you the truth. * You know in advance how equipment phantom turn out. * Role your knowledge to discover others. Enlightening is far simpler than countering to hunt your ideal. * Pay function to your dreams; sometimes that which you hound to find can be revealed to you consume them. * Don't get enthusiastic, your input isn't necessary; for the best produce drop out. * If you are in suspense for inspiration to favor a record you are working on, the Priestess card is the thumbs up; it's coming. * Talk concern to a log brute provided to you by omen. * Suggests that you develop deeper knowledge of spiritual matters. * Yield a secure influence. Go on muted, turn from arguments and hostile way of life. * Go on secure and await a retort to be a sign of. * Value, haul, and yield your innocent self. * Go on cool, inauguration is part of the neighboring. * Step up your at all enhancement and/or knowledge. * The Priestess is indicative of a crucial and indeterminate scale of time if you are looking to go out with the happening of an reason. * The female menstrual cycle.THE PRIESTESS TAROT Accept ILL Splendid OR Wrong side up * You peculiar been untaken with disloyal information. * Repeating prattle or feature. * You peculiar invested conviction in someone or no matter which not worthy of it. * Take word of warning only this minute from population who are ascribed to hand over it and from population whose undergo is firsthand. * Vague or incomprehensible information. * Main information is brute withheld or too small to see. * Incomplete truth is offered you, principal inventory are at sea. * Refers to a roller-coaster have a desire for cycle of emotions with bits and pieces highs and lows; this desires addressing. * May downgrade to spiteful explanation or speak ill of. * Under than full righteousness from a sentimental coworker. * A conceited. * May be indicative in a reading for a male, for him to get in shade with his female perimeter. * Outside interruption within a comparison or other folder. * Preservation information within a comparison creates instability. * Sign is stuck fast, or has been compromised by inclination or things from the later. * Sign wallop in a focus. * Portray is noticeably to be gained from knowledge you'll get on to at the back of revealing your unidentified. * You are not in shade with your innocent self. * Luxury knowledge is required on the focus at hand earlier to feat pompous sincerely enthusiastic or to boot firm.
Illustrations from the Rider-Waite Tarot Garland(R), recognizable furthermore as the Rider Tarot and the Waite Tarot, reproduced by immoderation of U.S. Athletics Systems, Inc., Stamford, CT 06902 USA. Copyright (c)1971 by U.S. Athletics Systems, Inc. Facilitate pattern ready. The Rider-Waite Tarot Garland(R) is a registered stamp of U.S. Athletics Systems, Inc.Allegory is a Wikipedia hone from a 1909 RWS deck, on your own initiative scanned by Holly Voley http://home.comcast.net/~vilex/Thoth Images Copyright (c) US Athletics Systems Inc.; AGMuller; O.T.O.All transcript copyrighted to Jude's Metaphysical World and the Webmaster ther; 2011 and forth.
Taken from the Kitchen Witch Forum: Selena Fox is an ordained Wiccan minister and qualified psychotherapist, as well as influential and prominent public speaker on multifaith platforms. In 1974, she, along with others, founded the Circle Craft Tradition, based since 1983 at the Circle Sanctuary, a 200 acre Nature Reserve in south west Wisconsin. This site was specifically created as a pagan retreat. She was also one of the founders of the oldest nature spirit festivals in the U.S, the Pagan Spirit Gathering. She has founded many networks for the benefit of pagans throughout the USA and globally during the course of her work.Selena was born in Arlington, Virginia in 1949, she attended her first pagan ritual at the age of 21. Since then, she has become a well-known media spokeswoman. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a BSc Psychology with honours in 1971, and with a Masters Degree in Counselling from the University of Wisconsin in 1995. Her thesis there was When Goddess is God: Pagans, Recovery, and Alcoholics Anonymous. She is a published author, and is the editor of the Circle Magazine, originally the Circle Network newletter, she also has several audio recordings with chants, meditations and discussions.Her style of spirituality, and that of the Circle, is very much geo-centric. She was raised in the countryside, as a child she learned the names for many of the plants and trees around her. At school she was introduced to the ancient Greek and Roman myths, and she began to compare these religions with the patriarchal Baptist faith in which she was raised, she became more and more disillusioned by the attitudes of the Baptist Church, especially in their views towards women and women as clergy. By her late teens she had begun to study paraphycology, psychic phenomena and the Tarot. It was whilst she was working on her post-gradute studies that she met with a practising witch, and was drawn in by the similarities between wicca and her own nature based spirituality.She studied with several traditions, and within a few years she had worked her way to a role as High Priestess. She met her first husband, Jim Alan, at a psychic fayre in 1974, and within a year they had founded Circle Wicca. By 1978, Selena had succeeded in creating an official non-profit Wiccan Church, the Church of Circle Wicca, changing the structure of the Circle from that of a coven, to that more akin to a regular church, with a board of directors and an ordained ministry. She was married to Jim Alan for ten years before they parted. She is now married to Dennis Carpenter, with whom she runs the Circle Sanctuary and Circle Magazine.The rise of paganism in the seventies meant that there were many people who were attracted to the pagan ideals, but were rather off-put by the Garnerian and Alexandrian style of Wicca. Selena and her then husband and high-priest had moved to fill that gap. Nature spirituality and environmentalism are the general themes. Her public-speaking engagements have covered talks to those in the pagan community, but she is also an activist for religious freedoms, environmental matters and civil rights, speaking on the international scale, with more than forty years experience in these areas. She is a member of several interfaith organisations, and has written and performed interfaith ceremonies, some held at the Circle Sanctuary, some at other venues. She continues to work in counselling on interfaith matters, from an individual and family level, right up to whole communities. She is one of the 250 members of the Assembly of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, which is itself associated with the Parliament of the World's Religions. She serves as a Wiccan consultant to chaplains in public service, including within the military, hospitals, prisons and educational insitutions. She has served as an advisor to the Pentagon and US Department of Justice. PERIODICALS:*Circle Network News. Editor, publisher and primary contributor of Circle Sanctuary's newsletter/newspaper from 1978 to 1997.*Circle Magazine. Editor and publisher of the quarterly magazine replacing Circle Sanctuary's newspaper in 1997.BIBLIOGRAPHY:* Circle Magick Songs (1979) with Jim Alan. Circle Publications.* Goddess Communion: Rituals and Meditations (1988). Circle Publications.* Planetary Healing Rituals: Meditations, Rituals & Prayers for a Healthier World (1991). Circle Sanctuary.DISCOGRAPHY:* Circle Songs and Chants - Jim Alan & Selena Fox (self-produced cassette)* The Magickal Movement: Present and Future - panel discussion with Isaac Bonewits, Margot Adler and Robert Anton Wilson (ACE cassette)* Magick Changing the World, the World Changing Magick - panel discussion with Bonewits, AmyLee, Jeff Rosenbaum and Robert Anton Wilson (ACE cassette)SOURCES:selenafox.comcirclesanctuary.orgcontroverscial.comWikipediaPICTURE:selenafox.comBlessed beBlaidd
The book is, The World Of The Druids by Miranda J. Green.
"The World of the Druids" is one of those books I checked out from the library and decided that I needed to own it. In fact I believe I read it 5 times before recently purchasing it. It is a very good overview of the Celts, their Druids, and their gods, religion, and society. Included are also sections on modern day druidism and even neo-paganism. The imagery, tables, and artwork add to the appeal of the book.
"The World of the Druids" is a great book for those interested in the Druids and of the Celts and who would like solid information devoid of the romantic interpretation first put forward in the 18th century. Don't get me wrong, the book does indeed touch on the romantic interpretations of the Druids yet separates such views to place them in context.
The book definitely clears-up much misinformation on the Druids, their belief structures, and forms of worship. Green is very careful to point out what we know and what we don't know concerning the Celts and their religion.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest, I give this book a 10. If you are interested in the Druids, or the Celts, then this is definitely a book you are likely to want in your collection.
Source: healing-magic.blogspot.com
I know I have done a few posts about how I came to Wicca, but I thought I would go a little more in depth about why I was so drawn to this path.
I wasn't fortunate enough to have grown up in a Wiccan household and have rituals, spells, and books passed down to me. My family are all Christians. (most of them anyway). Ever since I was little I have been interested in witches. I can't tell you how many times I went as a witch on Halloween. I was always interested in the magical world and magical beings. My mom is Christian, however she used to always tell me stories about how the women in my family are witches. I remember her always being so serious when she told me these things. I never really thought much about it though because I thought she was just trying to entertain me with stories. Who knows if she was being serious or not, haha!
So I grew up in this house and this family of Christians. I can't tell you how hard I tried to be like them. I went to church and Sunday school, Bible Studies, everything I could. I wanted so badly to be like my family and believe in the things that they believed in. I wanted God to speak to me. I wanted to feel Jesus like my friends did when they were at church. It just never happened for me. At the age of 16 I began straying away from Christianity. I became agnostic and really just lived my life with this empty space in my heart. Everyone I was around knew what they believed in, or at least pretended to know. I was so lost. I felt so alone that I even came back to Christianity. I tried once again to feel what all the other Christians felt. I read my bible every night and prayed to God to give me a sign, to help me find him. It never happened so I gave up once again. Not knowing what to believe, I became agnostic again. I hate not being spiritual, it makes me feel like I'm just floating around life with no protection and no guidance. I don't really know how else to explain it other than that.
When I was 19 I found Wicca. I didn't really know much about it other than what I had seen on TV and in movies. I began researching all that I could about this religion. I immediately loved what I saw. Now I have been studying for about a year and I couldn't be happier with myself and what I believe. I love how in Wicca I am always learning something new. I love that nature is the center of this amazing spirituality. I don't have to ask for a sign from the God and Goddess because all I have to do is feel the wind blow through my hair, feel the earth beneath my feet, see beautiful animals roaming around. That is proof enough that my religion is true.
The main thing I have learned is that you can't rush studying this religion. It's called a year and a day study, but I plan on studying longer than that. I know that it takes time to be a good Wiccan. It isn't something that you can just jump right into. I can't express how much I truly love this religion. I feel that it has been calling me my entire life. I feel so close to the Goddess and God and I know that they are here with me, helping me, guiding me, etc. I have never felt more at peace with who I am and I have never felt more in control of my life.
I know my story isn't as interesting as a lot of people on here. However, it is mine. It is how I came to make the best decision I have ever made in my life. Thank all of you for reading and Blessed Be :)
Credit: ceremonial-magic.blogspot.com
Are you planning a handfasting?
Image (c) Getty Images;
Licensed to About.comIt's that time of year again, when many Pagans are planning their handfasting ceremony. This is an event that's becoming more and more popular, as Pagan couples are seeing that there is indeed an alternative for non-Christians who want more than just a courthouse wedding. Today we're going to look at a number of features of the modern handfasting, including some tips on how to have a magical ceremony that your guests are sure to remember!
Handfasting History
Handfasting was common centuries ago in the British Isles, and then vanished for a while. Now, however, it's seeing a rising popularity among Pagan couples who are interested in tying the knot. Many couples choose to have a handfasting ritual instead of a traditional wedding ceremony. In some cases, it may be simply ceremonial -- a couple declaring their love for one another without the benefit of a state license. For other couples, it can be tied in with a state marriage certification issued by a legally authorized party such as a clergyperson or justice of the peace.
Handfasting Tips: How to Have a Magical Ceremony
Spring is here, and love is in the air! For many people of Pagan and Wiccan faiths, this is the time of year for a handfasting ceremony. If you're lucky enough to have someone you love this much, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind while planning your handfasting ceremony.
Handfasting Favors: Magical Gifts for Your Guests
It's become traditional to give each of your guests a small wedding favor. Typically, these are small trinkets with either the date of the event or the couples' names on them. However, if you're having a Pagan or Wiccan handfasting, rather than a traditional wedding ceremony, why not come up with an idea that celebrates your spiritual path, as well as announcing your commitment to the community?
Deities of Love and Marriage
Throughout history, nearly all cultures have had gods and goddesses associated with love and marriage. Although a few are male -- Eros and Cupid come to mind -- most are female, because the institution of marriage has long been viewed as the domain of women. If you're doing a working relating to love, or if you wish to honor a particular deity as part of a marriage ceremony, these are some of the gods and goddesses associated with the very human emotion of love.
Lately I have been fascinated by people's idea about God and lack there of. While I myself am not an atheist or even an agnostic, I admit I am fascinated by the idea of atheist paganism. How does one practice paganism without Deity? To be honest, it seems pretty easy to me. After all, paganism is based on nature.Unfortunately some people aren't as open minded as I am. What!? A closed minded pagan? Does such a thing even exist? It seems so. While doing research for this post I came across a Yahoo Answers question that asked about atheist paganism. The best answer as chosen by other readers sadly was "Atheist pagan is an oxymoron." Fortunately, the commentor got schooled in the responses.Why is it an oxymoron? Atheists believe in science and nature, not Divinity. Paganism is a nature based religion. How in the world is that incompatible? I'm almost tempted to do an experiment and practice for one month using nature only and not Deity just to see what it would be like.I decided to do some research to see just how others do practice atheist paganism. It was quite eye opening.Jo Jerome brilliantly asks, "Can one dance naked under the Full Moon or welcome the Summer Solstice from a purely beauty-in-science point of view?" Jo believes you can. What's interesting about this article is that it goes even further than just eliminating Deity. The writer practices witchcraft but doesn't believe it's magick. Jo believes it's science! For Jo, magick is simply "the Unified Field and interconnectedness of the cosmos."On this forum I found atheist paganism explained in terms of Jungian psychology. "There are some Pagans who believe that the Gods are archetypes, and don't exist anywhere outside our own minds." But this begs the question, even if you know the Gods are not real but you still use them, does that make you truly an atheist? I don't think it's my place to answer such a question, but I certainly wonder what atheists think. Fortunately, I came across one atheist pagan's answer. Rhett Aultman says, "I might not think that Hermes is 'real', but that doesn't mean that I can't aspire to be like Hermes, make art that represents Hermes, talk about Hermes, do things and claim Hermes did them, dress like Hermes, act like Hermes, get other people to call me Hermes, or be Hermes...for myself or others...for a time. Just because something isn't real doesn't mean that you can't experience it. If things that didn't really exist had no power, I sincerely doubt that people would go to see Batman or Iron Man movies. People love connecting with those complex symbols of heroism." (In fact, such symbols can be used in chaos magick, but I digress.) It seems some atheist pagans still appreciate the power of myth. (I give an example of one later in this post.)I also discovered it's not just some pagans that have a problem with the idea of atheist paganism. Some atheists do as well. The Good Atheist says, "Atheist Paganism? I'm so sick and tired of young women falling for this Wicca bullshit. No, you are not a witch with magical powers. No, you can not use spells to make some douchebag you have a crush on fall in love with you. If you want to do 'medicinal' shit, try becoming a doctor instead."Clearly The Good Athiest is completely ignorant of what paganism, Wicca, witchcraft, and medicinal healing is about. You don't have to believe in magick to do a spell. You simply have to believe in energy. Witchcraft is about manipulating energy, which according to science is all that exists. As for medicinal healing, you don't have to believe in a Higher Power to use aromatherapy, crystals, or herbs. You don't even have to believe in a Higher Power to do reiki or distance healing. I personally think believing in the power for a quartz crystal to heal or basil to bring you good luck is no different than believe penicillin will kill an infection. You don't need God to believe it!Now I do admit I question whether or not one could be a Wiccan atheist. The belief and mythology of God and Goddess just makes up too much of Wicca to be taken out. What you would have left wouldn't actually be Wicca. There would certainly be elements of witchcraft and paganism, but not Wicca. Besides Wicca is a religion. So can an atheist follow a religion but not believe in God? Again, I don't feel it's my place to answer such a question since I'm not an atheist. However, you will soon see that if one views God and Goddess in Wicca simply as myth, it seems it might be possible to be an Atheist Wiccan.Some pagans however do not use the term atheist and prefer humanist instead. At humanisticpaganism.com, Humanist Paganism is described as having a Fourfold Path. This includes exploration of the Five +1 (five senses, plus one introspective sense), relationship with mythology, responsible action, and a sense of wonder.On the About page, it is explained how humanism is different from atheism or agnosticism and we see how it can easily be combined with paganism. "Humanism goes beyond atheism, agnosticism, skepticism, and other similar philosophies by introducing an ethical element. Not only must we invoke no deity to solve our problems, but also we must actively acknowledge our responsibility to solve these problems. Responsibility is a necessity if we hope to prosper as individuals and as a species on this planet." It is then explained, "Humanism and Paganism are complementary. While Humanism is well-adapted to address the latest intellectual and social issues, it lacks the kind of deep symbolic texture conducive to psychological fulfillment. Paganism is positioned to fill that void, providing a field of symbolic imagery in which the modern individual can feel rooted and nourished."Ultimately, it seems that atheist paganism is about taking the idea that "Thou art God/dess" to an entirely new level. While I don't think it could be my path, I have learned a great deal exploring it. I have asked myself many hard questions such as "Why do I believe in Divinity?" And "Do I believe Divinity and nature are the same thing? "I've even asked myself "Do I believe in magick or is magick simply science in action? ""This post has been part of the blogging project The Pagan Blog Project 2013. This is a year long blog party where you blog on pagan topics from A to Z."
Update
I discovered yet another tradition of agnostic/atheist paganism that I wanted to share. It's called naturalistic paganism and Patheos is doing an entire series on the topic.
