Well my friends, A lot has happened over the weekend. Some of you who know me personally will know what I'm talking about already.
I'm taking a break from, well, life obligations. Just for a week or so, maybe two, to deal with some crazy things that are going on. So there will be very little blogging, if anything I might just do an update. I'm not going to be doing much of anything other than dealing with life.
On Friday, we had an "incident" with our neighbors. We've called in noise complaints numerous times, and Friday just took the cake. They started playing their music at 8 am, not just a little music but loud, shaking our house music. In our county, there is a by-law that if it bothers someone else and hinders their enjoyment of their property, then it doesn't matter what time it is. So that Friday, they blasted the music all through out the time Brianna was supposed to nap. I say supposed to, because it didn't work very well. That afternoon I called in a complaint. 5 hours later, the music was still blaring. So I called in again. Some officers from the county came out, and when they saw the number of people in the house they called in RCMP backup (RCMP is, maybe, like, federal cops? Having had to explain RCMP to several American friends over the weekend, that's the best I can come up with.). The neighbors ended up slamming the door in the cops faces. I was asked to write up a statement for court, etc. On of the officers was to come by Monday (today, he did already) to get it. We thought that was that.
Yesterday, though, a man came to the door. When Sean answered the door, this guy started waving a tool in his face, saying we shouldn't have called the cops on his kids, and he was going to do such and such and such and teach us a lesson.
So we called the cops again. Seriously, I almost think they'll get tired of hearing from us.
Regardless, that is all being dealt with now, and so I will be taking some time to...deal with that.
So please, send us some good energy, and protection energy.
I'll update...in a week or so.
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Hiding Who We Are
The lovely Mrs.B shared a link on Facebook today, to this article stating how Earth Day is a gateway to paganism.
While I'm shocked that this was allowed to appear in a newspaper at all, it just really brings home once again the danger that is inherent in hiding who we are. I've said this before, I know. I'll say it again, because a lot of people just don't seem to understand it.
When we hide who we are from the world, the world can make it's own opinions about us. We won't be there to influence those opinions. If people knew that the "model Christian" next door was actually a witch, maybe there would be a little less hate for all of us. I'm not saying you have to go shout to the world that you are pagan, nor do you have to say to every person you meet the second you meet them that you are pagan. Even one person stepping out and telling at least their family and friends about their choices and beliefs changes the world for the better.
Recently posted on Diana Rajchel's blog was a BBC video of an uncontacted tribe in Brazil. Their land is being encroached upon by by other uncontacted tribes from Peru, because of industrial logging. The Peruvian government has taken the stance that there is no such thing as an uncontacted tribe, because no one has seen them. Therefore it must be okay to take away the land that they have lived on for hundreds if not thousands of years.
And we are doing the same thing to ourselves. I will never quit being upset about this, because it could all change so easily! If a pagan goes to their family and friends, even if that is only 2 or 3 people, and told them the truth, that would be 3 more people who know what we are and what we are not. Most of us have more family and friends than that. For every 10 pagans in the broom closet coming out and telling their family and friends, that would be at least 30 - 50 people knowing the truth about paganism and the lack of evil inherent in it. Can you imagine if every pagan in Canada, America and Europe went to their family and friends and told them the truth? How many people that would reach? Most of our family members and friends are more supportive than we think.
Because if we don't show people the truth about who we are and what we believe, they can make whatever conclusions they want. Our Gods become devils, our sacred groves become parking lots.
If we keep denying who we are, then we might as well all become devil-worshipers anyway. That's what we will be painted as.
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
While I'm shocked that this was allowed to appear in a newspaper at all, it just really brings home once again the danger that is inherent in hiding who we are. I've said this before, I know. I'll say it again, because a lot of people just don't seem to understand it.
When we hide who we are from the world, the world can make it's own opinions about us. We won't be there to influence those opinions. If people knew that the "model Christian" next door was actually a witch, maybe there would be a little less hate for all of us. I'm not saying you have to go shout to the world that you are pagan, nor do you have to say to every person you meet the second you meet them that you are pagan. Even one person stepping out and telling at least their family and friends about their choices and beliefs changes the world for the better.
Recently posted on Diana Rajchel's blog was a BBC video of an uncontacted tribe in Brazil. Their land is being encroached upon by by other uncontacted tribes from Peru, because of industrial logging. The Peruvian government has taken the stance that there is no such thing as an uncontacted tribe, because no one has seen them. Therefore it must be okay to take away the land that they have lived on for hundreds if not thousands of years.
And we are doing the same thing to ourselves. I will never quit being upset about this, because it could all change so easily! If a pagan goes to their family and friends, even if that is only 2 or 3 people, and told them the truth, that would be 3 more people who know what we are and what we are not. Most of us have more family and friends than that. For every 10 pagans in the broom closet coming out and telling their family and friends, that would be at least 30 - 50 people knowing the truth about paganism and the lack of evil inherent in it. Can you imagine if every pagan in Canada, America and Europe went to their family and friends and told them the truth? How many people that would reach? Most of our family members and friends are more supportive than we think.
Because if we don't show people the truth about who we are and what we believe, they can make whatever conclusions they want. Our Gods become devils, our sacred groves become parking lots.
If we keep denying who we are, then we might as well all become devil-worshipers anyway. That's what we will be painted as.
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Spring Cleaning
Spring is officially here, and spring cleaning is in full swing. At least, I'm making an attempt at it.
I really dislike spring cleaning, especially this year. Not so much for the cleaning part, but more for the spring part. It just doesn't feel like spring.
It's -6°C here, and snowing. We are supposed to have snow for the next couple of days, then a break for a day or two and then it's supposed to snow until April 2nd. So it really doesn't feel like spring yet. In an effort to get some sense of spring into the house, I've been cleaning with lemon.
Lemon is effective against most kinds of household bacteria, so it's perfect to bring the scent of spring in and the clean feeling that spring brings. Here are some things to do with lemon:
- Clean a wooden chopping block with half a lemon to disinfect it.
- Use lemon juice and an old tooth brush to clean between tile.
- Toss slices of lemon into a pot, with some other citrus slices if you desire. Simmer on the stove for an air freshener.
- Add two TBSP Lemon juice to a coup of water, and microwave for one - two minutes to make your microwave easier to clean. Beware of super-heated water!
- To make a natural window cleaner, add the juice of one lemon to 3 cups water. The acidity in the lemon helps to wipe dust and dirt off of glass.
Have you done your spring cleaning already? What are your favorite natural cleaners to use?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
I really dislike spring cleaning, especially this year. Not so much for the cleaning part, but more for the spring part. It just doesn't feel like spring.
It's -6°C here, and snowing. We are supposed to have snow for the next couple of days, then a break for a day or two and then it's supposed to snow until April 2nd. So it really doesn't feel like spring yet. In an effort to get some sense of spring into the house, I've been cleaning with lemon.
Lemon is effective against most kinds of household bacteria, so it's perfect to bring the scent of spring in and the clean feeling that spring brings. Here are some things to do with lemon:
- Clean a wooden chopping block with half a lemon to disinfect it.
- Use lemon juice and an old tooth brush to clean between tile.
- Toss slices of lemon into a pot, with some other citrus slices if you desire. Simmer on the stove for an air freshener.
- Add two TBSP Lemon juice to a coup of water, and microwave for one - two minutes to make your microwave easier to clean. Beware of super-heated water!
- To make a natural window cleaner, add the juice of one lemon to 3 cups water. The acidity in the lemon helps to wipe dust and dirt off of glass.
Have you done your spring cleaning already? What are your favorite natural cleaners to use?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Homeschool or Public School?
We are in the midst of a debate about this. Actually, we have been debating this since Brianna was kicking my tummy like a kick-boxer. And by "we", I actually mean me and myself. Sean says he will be happy with whatever I'm happy with, but I'll work on what he actually thinks about it after I'm actually able to form an idea.
This great article at the Pagan Household today got me thinking about this. Pagan Homeschooling, as the article is called, details just that. It's a good article, whether you agree with homeschooling or not. My hesitation to homeschool comes not from a dislike of it, it comes from my own, shall we say, short comings? I know without a doubt that I would never be qualified in any way, shape or form to teach Brianna math or sciences. Not that the school boards would say that, I say that. I'm notoriously dense when it comes to math. I can do the basics, but that's about it. It has been so many years since I've had to do things like Algebra and Trig that I've lost all talent for it. I used to be decent at math, I never failed it in school. At the same time, I wouldn't want someone with the minimal knowledge that I have being paid to teach Brianna. I would expect them to have a lot of knowledge, in any subject!
I think it would be wonderful to be able to homeschool. I could teach her the basics of pretty much every subject, and the advanced in some. I would look so forward to teaching her about English Literature and History, the geography of our country and the world. I think that is one thing that is really lacking in school, is an appreciation of other countries. I honestly don't think I could name all the states, and I don't know how many Americans could name all of our provinces. I'm reminded of something a teacher told me once, a story of when he had been on vacation to the states. Someone had asked where he was from, and he told them Manitoba. To which they replied, "Oh, is that in Africa?"
I know that I have to make up my mind soon. Sure, Brianna is only a year and a half old. I also know myself fairly well, and I know that I'm going to make and unmake my decision a dozen times before she is old enough for school. What I'm leaning toward at the moment is a blended program, which I'm lucky enough that our province offers. The school can teach Brianna math and science, and I can teach her everything else. Or something. I have years to figure this out...right?
Were you homeschooled, or do you homeschool your children? How do you enjoy it?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
This great article at the Pagan Household today got me thinking about this. Pagan Homeschooling, as the article is called, details just that. It's a good article, whether you agree with homeschooling or not. My hesitation to homeschool comes not from a dislike of it, it comes from my own, shall we say, short comings? I know without a doubt that I would never be qualified in any way, shape or form to teach Brianna math or sciences. Not that the school boards would say that, I say that. I'm notoriously dense when it comes to math. I can do the basics, but that's about it. It has been so many years since I've had to do things like Algebra and Trig that I've lost all talent for it. I used to be decent at math, I never failed it in school. At the same time, I wouldn't want someone with the minimal knowledge that I have being paid to teach Brianna. I would expect them to have a lot of knowledge, in any subject!
I think it would be wonderful to be able to homeschool. I could teach her the basics of pretty much every subject, and the advanced in some. I would look so forward to teaching her about English Literature and History, the geography of our country and the world. I think that is one thing that is really lacking in school, is an appreciation of other countries. I honestly don't think I could name all the states, and I don't know how many Americans could name all of our provinces. I'm reminded of something a teacher told me once, a story of when he had been on vacation to the states. Someone had asked where he was from, and he told them Manitoba. To which they replied, "Oh, is that in Africa?"
I know that I have to make up my mind soon. Sure, Brianna is only a year and a half old. I also know myself fairly well, and I know that I'm going to make and unmake my decision a dozen times before she is old enough for school. What I'm leaning toward at the moment is a blended program, which I'm lucky enough that our province offers. The school can teach Brianna math and science, and I can teach her everything else. Or something. I have years to figure this out...right?
Were you homeschooled, or do you homeschool your children? How do you enjoy it?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Monday, March 21, 2011
Ostara!
Yes, I know I'm a day late. I hope everyone had a good one! We had a slightly crazy one. Brianna's been getting up super mega early, thankfully today she slept in. I have a feeling her wakefulness had to do with the moon, though. We've been dealing with a lousy neighbor...and the possibility of legal action against them. After yesterday that is less a possibility and more a certainty.
We did have a good Ostara though, Sean and I had our own celebration after Brianna went to bed. We had our yummy Greenman Eggs, the recipe of which I posted a while back at the Pagan Household.
In other news, my baby muffin is now a toddling muffin. Yes, she started walking over the weekend! She is still a little unsteady and prefers to crawl for extended "trips", but she's walking!
What did everyone else do for Ostara?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
We did have a good Ostara though, Sean and I had our own celebration after Brianna went to bed. We had our yummy Greenman Eggs, the recipe of which I posted a while back at the Pagan Household.
In other news, my baby muffin is now a toddling muffin. Yes, she started walking over the weekend! She is still a little unsteady and prefers to crawl for extended "trips", but she's walking!
What did everyone else do for Ostara?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Friday, March 18, 2011
Canada Explained
I was sent this in an email this morning, and was struck by it. Thought I would share with everyone! Have your speakers on.
A much better explanation of our country than a lot that I've seen and heard.
Everyone have a great weekend!
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Family Ostara Ritual
Quite a few Ostara rituals are done outside. For us, this is incredibly impractical. Not only is it snowing right now, it's supposed to snow for the next 4 days. I don't mean any baby snow, either. This is yet another blizzard. We're called The Great White North for a reason, you know.
For this ritual, you will need:
3 candles, one each in pastels of yellow, blue and green.
A small bowl of sunflower seeds.
A jar or cup of milk.
6 - 12 wooden eggs, bought at a craft store
markers, crayons, etc.
Cast your circle, and begin your ritual as you would any other. While the ritual is happening, children to young to participate can decorate their eggs.
The green candle represents the earth and all the new life growing. While thinking of the coming spring and the rebirth the occurs, light the green candle and say:
New life comes with the Turn of the Wheel,
The coming for spring we all now feel.
Green things Grow, creatures bold,
Roots of grass and tree take hold.
The yellow candle represents the sun. Think of what the coming of spring and warmth mean for you and your family. Light the yellow candle and say:
Equal again are night and day,
The earth is warmed with bright sun-ray.
The blue candle represents the sky, divinity, and spirit. Light the blue candle and say:
We thank you for the turning wheel,
The snow turning to rain,
The trees budding,
The flowers blooming,
The young animals growing.
By the growing light, and receding dark,
By the warming days and whispering wind,
We welcome spring, the next turn of life!
You can take a few moments/minutes to contemplate the coming of spring, but if the children are getting restless you can do that later.
Take the seeds and sprinkle them on the ground. Water them with the milk. Say:
As the earth gives to us, so do we give to the earth.
You can now end the ritual as you see fit.
This will be my last post of the week, as we are getting on top of spring cleaning over the weekend! Hope everyone has a wonderful Ostara.
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
For this ritual, you will need:
3 candles, one each in pastels of yellow, blue and green.
A small bowl of sunflower seeds.
A jar or cup of milk.
6 - 12 wooden eggs, bought at a craft store
markers, crayons, etc.
Cast your circle, and begin your ritual as you would any other. While the ritual is happening, children to young to participate can decorate their eggs.
The green candle represents the earth and all the new life growing. While thinking of the coming spring and the rebirth the occurs, light the green candle and say:
New life comes with the Turn of the Wheel,
The coming for spring we all now feel.
Green things Grow, creatures bold,
Roots of grass and tree take hold.
The yellow candle represents the sun. Think of what the coming of spring and warmth mean for you and your family. Light the yellow candle and say:
Equal again are night and day,
The earth is warmed with bright sun-ray.
The blue candle represents the sky, divinity, and spirit. Light the blue candle and say:
We thank you for the turning wheel,
The snow turning to rain,
The trees budding,
The flowers blooming,
The young animals growing.
By the growing light, and receding dark,
By the warming days and whispering wind,
We welcome spring, the next turn of life!
You can take a few moments/minutes to contemplate the coming of spring, but if the children are getting restless you can do that later.
Take the seeds and sprinkle them on the ground. Water them with the milk. Say:
As the earth gives to us, so do we give to the earth.
You can now end the ritual as you see fit.
This will be my last post of the week, as we are getting on top of spring cleaning over the weekend! Hope everyone has a wonderful Ostara.
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Ostara and Eostre
When you do an internet search for Ostara or Eostre, a lot of what comes up tells you how Eostre isn't a real Goddess, how she was made up by so and so, or comes from this. A great, and also non-inflammatory, article about this can be found in About.com's Wicca and Paganism section.
You know what though? It doesn't matter. Gods and Goddesses live so long as there is belief in them, and some are born because people start believing in something. Even if She wasn't a real goddess in ancient times, that doesn't take away from the reality of Her now. We all know that belief can make or break anything. From spellwork to everyday life, we have seen time and time again that belief is the key to all we do. Call it belief, or faith, or whatever you will. If you don't believe something will work, then it probably wont.
Regardless of what you believe, we still celebrate Ostara because of spring, and the new beginnings it brings. On Ostara we celebrate the Goddess and the God in their sacred joining, the union that will produce the Oak King in 9 months time.
Do you believe that Eostre was a real Goddess? Does it matter to you if she was or wasn't?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Regardless of what you believe, we still celebrate Ostara because of spring, and the new beginnings it brings. On Ostara we celebrate the Goddess and the God in their sacred joining, the union that will produce the Oak King in 9 months time.
Do you believe that Eostre was a real Goddess? Does it matter to you if she was or wasn't?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Emergency Room
Did YOU know that you don't need to go to the Emergency Room if you have a flu or cold? Really? If you have the flu, you can't do anything about it? If I have a cold, one should just stay home, drink some OJ and get over oneself? WOW what a revelation.
I'm so absolutely disgusted with the amount of people who go to the Emergency Room for stupid reasons. This is one of the big issues with "free" health-care; the people who really do need the help have to wait hours upon hours to get it. What brought this up, you ask? My mother is in the hospital. Again. It's nothing serious, although it does cause her lot of pain. If anyone can spare some healing energy for her though, it would be greatly appreciated. She had to wait more than 4 and half hours yesterday to even get in to see anyone, never mind how long it took to be admitted afterward. And do you want to know the really bad thing?
That is a considerably short wait for our hospital.
Maybe it's longer where you are from, maybe you're thinking, "Four hours? That's nothing!" but wouldn't it be great not to have to wait 4 hours? Or 8 hours? Or more? It should be like this: Flu or cold? Stay home. Minor pain, nothing broken? Walk in clinic. Lots of pain, Something Broken, lots of blood? Emergency Room. There we go. Less wait time.
Too bad it isn't really that easy.
What are the wait times like at your Emergency Room? Do you agree with my reasons or not?
I'm so absolutely disgusted with the amount of people who go to the Emergency Room for stupid reasons. This is one of the big issues with "free" health-care; the people who really do need the help have to wait hours upon hours to get it. What brought this up, you ask? My mother is in the hospital. Again. It's nothing serious, although it does cause her lot of pain. If anyone can spare some healing energy for her though, it would be greatly appreciated. She had to wait more than 4 and half hours yesterday to even get in to see anyone, never mind how long it took to be admitted afterward. And do you want to know the really bad thing?
That is a considerably short wait for our hospital.
Maybe it's longer where you are from, maybe you're thinking, "Four hours? That's nothing!" but wouldn't it be great not to have to wait 4 hours? Or 8 hours? Or more? It should be like this: Flu or cold? Stay home. Minor pain, nothing broken? Walk in clinic. Lots of pain, Something Broken, lots of blood? Emergency Room. There we go. Less wait time.
Too bad it isn't really that easy.
What are the wait times like at your Emergency Room? Do you agree with my reasons or not?
Friday, March 11, 2011
One of those Fridays!
My article is up at the Pagan Household today! A special recipe for Ostara, so go check it out!
Some of you (most, probably) will have already heard about the 8.9 Earthquake in Japan and the incipient and occurring Tsunamis. Lets all send energy and good thoughts to them today. Let's hope for a minimum loss of life.
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Some of you (most, probably) will have already heard about the 8.9 Earthquake in Japan and the incipient and occurring Tsunamis. Lets all send energy and good thoughts to them today. Let's hope for a minimum loss of life.
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Magickal Spring Activities for Everyone!
Celebrate the coming of spring and Ostara with a few easy activities that anyone can do! Use recycled materials and things found in nature. Do them with the kids or the family, or just by yourself! It's supposed to be +5°C today, so I'm inspired!
Dried, Pressed, Flowers
Go for a walk and pick some flowers! The delicate flowers springing up at the side of the road will be fine, delicate flowers dry better! Place flowers between flattened coffee filters, and place the coffee filters in a large, heavy book. The coffee filters will help dry out the flowers more quickly. When dry, make a scrapbook page remembering your spring walk or make a spring card to send to a friend!
Bird Feeders
Now is the time of year when our feathered friends will be returning. Welcome them back with a bird feeder or two! The simplest bird feeder to make is simply a pine cone, spread with peanut butter, and rolled in birdseed. Hang in a tree and you're set! If you want to make something that is a little bit more of a project, make a milk carton bird feeder. Most of us probably made something like this in school, but I'll include some simple instructions for those of us who've forgotten. All you need is a milk carton (2 liter size is best), a chopstick, some wire, and any embellishments you'd like. Cut openings about an inch and a half or two inches square on opposite sides of a clean carton. Poke a hole underneath each and stick the chopstick through; this is the perch for the birds to sit on. Poke wire through the top of the carton and make it long enough to hang in a tree. Then embellish! Use popsicle sticks for roof shingles, paint or markers to decorate. What ever you'd like! Fill with birdseed to a little below the openings, and hang out for the birds!
Tiny Herb Garden
Save some aluminum cans from soup or tomatoes. Make sure their washed well, and peel the labels off. You can use a nail and make a couple of holes in the bottom of the can, in case of over watering. Decorate the cans with construction paper or scrap-booking paper. Fill 2/3 full with potting soil and plant your seeds! Put on a plate or platter, and set somewhere that it will get a good amount of sun.
What do you do with your family to celebrate spring?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Dried, Pressed, Flowers
Go for a walk and pick some flowers! The delicate flowers springing up at the side of the road will be fine, delicate flowers dry better! Place flowers between flattened coffee filters, and place the coffee filters in a large, heavy book. The coffee filters will help dry out the flowers more quickly. When dry, make a scrapbook page remembering your spring walk or make a spring card to send to a friend!
Bird Feeders
Now is the time of year when our feathered friends will be returning. Welcome them back with a bird feeder or two! The simplest bird feeder to make is simply a pine cone, spread with peanut butter, and rolled in birdseed. Hang in a tree and you're set! If you want to make something that is a little bit more of a project, make a milk carton bird feeder. Most of us probably made something like this in school, but I'll include some simple instructions for those of us who've forgotten. All you need is a milk carton (2 liter size is best), a chopstick, some wire, and any embellishments you'd like. Cut openings about an inch and a half or two inches square on opposite sides of a clean carton. Poke a hole underneath each and stick the chopstick through; this is the perch for the birds to sit on. Poke wire through the top of the carton and make it long enough to hang in a tree. Then embellish! Use popsicle sticks for roof shingles, paint or markers to decorate. What ever you'd like! Fill with birdseed to a little below the openings, and hang out for the birds!
Tiny Herb Garden
Save some aluminum cans from soup or tomatoes. Make sure their washed well, and peel the labels off. You can use a nail and make a couple of holes in the bottom of the can, in case of over watering. Decorate the cans with construction paper or scrap-booking paper. Fill 2/3 full with potting soil and plant your seeds! Put on a plate or platter, and set somewhere that it will get a good amount of sun.
What do you do with your family to celebrate spring?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Book of Shadows
One of the things that each of us has, as a Wiccan or Witch, is a Book of Shadows. Some people keep theirs shrouded in secrecy, in the fashion of more ceremonial magick. Some of us are more open with them, using them as a tool in the education of non-witches or new witches.
When I first found Wicca, I had my BOS on the computer. Or more accurately, on several *wince* floppy disks. Yes, floppy disks. They were colour coded and everything. I slowly transitioned to a journal, because I enjoyed having a portable BOS. That didn't last long, however. I quickly realized that if I had my BOS in a journal I couldn't re-arrange the pages if I needed to, or decided that I should add an extra page on to the section on herbs or add just one more healing ritual in. So I switched back to a computer, but only to type everything out and print it off. I've had my BOS in a binder for many years now, and with page protectors I don't have to worry about the pages ripping out or spilling candle wax on the pages during ritual. And if for some reason a page does get ruined or lost somehow, I can always print out another one.
I use a lime green binder, but I painted a moon Goddess on the front of it myself. I really like the binders that have the insert in the cover, so you can just put something in and have it personalized just like that. As a Hearth Witch, I always have to have a section for Sabbat recipes. I have a section on healing and protection. And then I have the "normal" stuff as well.
In the world of constant connection, you can find pretty much everything you need in a Book of Shadows online as well. How many witches of the new generation are going to have a traditional Book of Shadows instead of just finding what they need online and the drop of a hat? Or even *shudder* using an "app" to find a ritual.
What do you use for your Book of Shadows? Do you still have one?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
When I first found Wicca, I had my BOS on the computer. Or more accurately, on several *wince* floppy disks. Yes, floppy disks. They were colour coded and everything. I slowly transitioned to a journal, because I enjoyed having a portable BOS. That didn't last long, however. I quickly realized that if I had my BOS in a journal I couldn't re-arrange the pages if I needed to, or decided that I should add an extra page on to the section on herbs or add just one more healing ritual in. So I switched back to a computer, but only to type everything out and print it off. I've had my BOS in a binder for many years now, and with page protectors I don't have to worry about the pages ripping out or spilling candle wax on the pages during ritual. And if for some reason a page does get ruined or lost somehow, I can always print out another one.
I use a lime green binder, but I painted a moon Goddess on the front of it myself. I really like the binders that have the insert in the cover, so you can just put something in and have it personalized just like that. As a Hearth Witch, I always have to have a section for Sabbat recipes. I have a section on healing and protection. And then I have the "normal" stuff as well.
In the world of constant connection, you can find pretty much everything you need in a Book of Shadows online as well. How many witches of the new generation are going to have a traditional Book of Shadows instead of just finding what they need online and the drop of a hat? Or even *shudder* using an "app" to find a ritual.
What do you use for your Book of Shadows? Do you still have one?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
International Women's Day
I've always been of two minds about days like this. Sure, it's a great idea, especially in countries where women are still second or third class citizens. It happens within religions, of course. We are lucky as Pagans that most of our religions are so equal to women and men. Here in North America, men usually make more money than women do, women are still let go from jobs because the choose to become a parent. Women are thought less of if they have *GASP* sex with more than one or two men in their lives, where as if men sleep with lots of women he's a "stud". Women are the main victims of rape and domestic violence, something I've experienced as well. Most of us probably know at least one woman who has been raped. Not counting myself, I know 4. And those are just the ones who told me. If you want a real count, you could probably double that number. It's a scary thought, isn't it? Especially for those of us raising daughters. We all know the statistic that in America, a woman is raped every 2 minutes. Think about that. Look at your clock. Right now a woman is being raped. Look at it again in two minutes, and know that it's happening again. Now count seconds. Every 12 seconds, a woman in America is abused. On average, more than 3 women are killed everyday by their husbands or boyfriends. Anyone can find these numbers anywhere online.
It goes the other way too though. Because all of the statistics are about women, men who are raped or abused don't want to report it. Men are portrayed as stupid in the media. They are portrayed as uncaring, as animals who would rather sleep with anything of the opposite sex that moved instead of being in a meaningful relationship, let alone sticking around to raise whatever children they help create. Sadly, so much of what women think about men comes from this. I've been guilty of it too. I'm lucky enough to be married to a man that is intelligent and caring, loyal, and a great father. I'm sure that a lot of men are like that.
I think instead of special days for each sex, or race, we need to have everyday. Everyday should simply be, "Equality Day".
No matter who we are, what color we are; what sex we are; what our religion is. We should all be on equal footing with each other.
It goes the other way too though. Because all of the statistics are about women, men who are raped or abused don't want to report it. Men are portrayed as stupid in the media. They are portrayed as uncaring, as animals who would rather sleep with anything of the opposite sex that moved instead of being in a meaningful relationship, let alone sticking around to raise whatever children they help create. Sadly, so much of what women think about men comes from this. I've been guilty of it too. I'm lucky enough to be married to a man that is intelligent and caring, loyal, and a great father. I'm sure that a lot of men are like that.
I think instead of special days for each sex, or race, we need to have everyday. Everyday should simply be, "Equality Day".
No matter who we are, what color we are; what sex we are; what our religion is. We should all be on equal footing with each other.
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Golden Tarot
On Friday, I finally got my new Tarot Deck in the mail! I've spent the weekend fiddling with it, and so far I love it immensely!
The deck I got is The Golden Tarot, designed by Kat Black. Here's a picture of a few cards, aren't they gorgeous?
While these images are taken from Kat Black's website, and look great, I can assure you that they are 10 times more beautiful in person. They are digital collages, taking pieces from different Renaissance and Medieval paintings. The work is incredibly seamless, and in most cases they look like they could have been painted that way originally.
Unfortunately, my knee died on me yesterday. I have a muscle disorder, I can't remember the name of it. I makes my outer thigh muscles stronger than my inner thigh muscles, and pulls my kneecaps our of the sockets. My left knee went on my yesterday, just as I was getting into the car. I ended up falling so I was half under the car and half in it, and my left arm was trapped underneath me in the snow. It was nearly frostbitten by the time I was able to get Sean to help me (he didn't hear his phone ringing.) and it's still a little stiff today. I'm not going to be writting very long posts for the next couple of days, partially because of my hand and partially because sitting at the computer desk puts my dead knee at a bad angle. It usually takes a few days to a week for my knees to go back to normal after these incidents.
So I'm going to spend my time chasing Brianna as little as possible and resting my knee. I've also got some new artwork coming, if I have to just sit because of my knee at least I can do something semi-productive! I do have to end up going to the bank today, but after that I'm just going to veg and watch disney movies with the baby. Disney movies always make everything better for me!
What's your comforting indulgence when you're sick or hurt?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
The deck I got is The Golden Tarot, designed by Kat Black. Here's a picture of a few cards, aren't they gorgeous?
While these images are taken from Kat Black's website, and look great, I can assure you that they are 10 times more beautiful in person. They are digital collages, taking pieces from different Renaissance and Medieval paintings. The work is incredibly seamless, and in most cases they look like they could have been painted that way originally.
Unfortunately, my knee died on me yesterday. I have a muscle disorder, I can't remember the name of it. I makes my outer thigh muscles stronger than my inner thigh muscles, and pulls my kneecaps our of the sockets. My left knee went on my yesterday, just as I was getting into the car. I ended up falling so I was half under the car and half in it, and my left arm was trapped underneath me in the snow. It was nearly frostbitten by the time I was able to get Sean to help me (he didn't hear his phone ringing.) and it's still a little stiff today. I'm not going to be writting very long posts for the next couple of days, partially because of my hand and partially because sitting at the computer desk puts my dead knee at a bad angle. It usually takes a few days to a week for my knees to go back to normal after these incidents.
So I'm going to spend my time chasing Brianna as little as possible and resting my knee. I've also got some new artwork coming, if I have to just sit because of my knee at least I can do something semi-productive! I do have to end up going to the bank today, but after that I'm just going to veg and watch disney movies with the baby. Disney movies always make everything better for me!
What's your comforting indulgence when you're sick or hurt?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Friday, March 4, 2011
Signs of Spring
Spring here seems far away. Living in Alberta is like rolling the proverbial weather dice everyday; yesterday I came out to the living room to see sunlight streaming in through the blinds. "SUNLIGHT!!" I exclaimed and ran over to open the blinds. I had been blizzarding for 2 or 3 days. While it was still cold yesterday, at least it was sunny. Today? Back to cloud cover and snow. Every Albertan knows the saying, "If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes." And it is so true! It is so hard to get into the mood for spring when you are staring and swirling snow out your window and still having to shovel off the steps to get to your car. And we had just brushed a foot of snow off of Sean's car, too.
So what can you do, or have, around the house to get you into the mood for Ostara? A great thing to have is a plant. A live plant, not just cut flowers. Something that will grow for you. An easy plant to start with is Aloe Vera, they are very difficult to kill so even those without green thumbs can manage!
Ostara is also a time of new beginnings, so this would be a great time to start something new. Sign up for a class, start reading a new book, or put into place a new habit you want to have.
Have a spring feast. Even if it still feels like the dead of winter, with today's grocery availability you can get spring food just about any time of year. Lamb or veal, fresh eggs and cheeses, lemon bread. Nothing gets you into a mood for the warm half of the year like a sip of lemonade that isn't from a bottle!
Children can start making decorations, or decorating eggs. A wonderful mess free way to do both is to egg shapes out of foam board (from your local craft store) and have the children decorate the "eggs" with ribbon and markers. They can also make garlands from construction paper, just like paper yule garlands but in Ostara colors.
What do you do to get in the mood for Spring?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
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| See? SEE? |
So what can you do, or have, around the house to get you into the mood for Ostara? A great thing to have is a plant. A live plant, not just cut flowers. Something that will grow for you. An easy plant to start with is Aloe Vera, they are very difficult to kill so even those without green thumbs can manage!
Ostara is also a time of new beginnings, so this would be a great time to start something new. Sign up for a class, start reading a new book, or put into place a new habit you want to have.
Have a spring feast. Even if it still feels like the dead of winter, with today's grocery availability you can get spring food just about any time of year. Lamb or veal, fresh eggs and cheeses, lemon bread. Nothing gets you into a mood for the warm half of the year like a sip of lemonade that isn't from a bottle!
Children can start making decorations, or decorating eggs. A wonderful mess free way to do both is to egg shapes out of foam board (from your local craft store) and have the children decorate the "eggs" with ribbon and markers. They can also make garlands from construction paper, just like paper yule garlands but in Ostara colors.
What do you do to get in the mood for Spring?
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Money Spells and Taxes
A couple of days ago, I did a money spell. Some of you probably know how difficult a spot we've been in financially, to the point that yes, I have put a donate button up on the blog here. I don't want anyone to feel obligated to give, but if the mood strikes you then that's awesome. We owe a lot of money on bills because of stupidity with an Internet company sneaking in some clauses that we're not on the contract, it's not cool when they tell you to pay 400$ for a month's worth of internet. We don't use that internet anymore, but we are still paying it off. Regardless, I'm not begging for money. I know a lot of people are in the same boat. Okay, well not exactly the 400$ a month for internet boat, but the broke boat none the less. I thought I would share my money spell with all. There is no need to cast a circle for this, although you can if you like. I used things that almost anyone will be able to find in their home.
A Simple Money Spell
Items Needed:
A handful of silver change (quarters, dimes, etc.)
1 tsp Cloves
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Basil
Mortar and Pestle
White tea light candle
Combine all the spices/herbs with the Mortar and Pestle. While doing this spell, chant something like this:
Goddess Please hear my plea
Help in drawing money to me
Please harm none when granting this request
As I will so mote it be
I was pretty tired that day, rhyming was not the first order of business. Thank Goddess for intent being the main thing, eh? On we go.
Light the tea light, and sprinkle some of the spice mixture on the candle itself. (still chanting!) Take the change and place it in a bowl or on a plate. I actually used a silver candle plate, I figured more symbols of wealth couldn't hurt. Sprinkle some of the spice mixture on the money. If you have any cheesecloth or muslin bags, you can also divide the remaining spice mixture into as many bags/packets as there are money makers in your family. I made one for myself and for Sean. Keep these in your pocket or wallet/purse. You can place the dish of change in the southeast corner of your house. In Feng Shui, the southeast corner is the corner for Wealth.
Hope that this helps all of those in the same boat as we are! We got our taxes done yesterday, and thankfully don't owe anything. We will see how much the government decides to bestow upon us in "2 to 6 weeks". Hope everyone has a plentiful day!
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
A Simple Money Spell
Items Needed:
A handful of silver change (quarters, dimes, etc.)
1 tsp Cloves
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg
1 tsp Basil
Mortar and Pestle
White tea light candle
Combine all the spices/herbs with the Mortar and Pestle. While doing this spell, chant something like this:
Goddess Please hear my plea
Help in drawing money to me
Please harm none when granting this request
As I will so mote it be
I was pretty tired that day, rhyming was not the first order of business. Thank Goddess for intent being the main thing, eh? On we go.
Light the tea light, and sprinkle some of the spice mixture on the candle itself. (still chanting!) Take the change and place it in a bowl or on a plate. I actually used a silver candle plate, I figured more symbols of wealth couldn't hurt. Sprinkle some of the spice mixture on the money. If you have any cheesecloth or muslin bags, you can also divide the remaining spice mixture into as many bags/packets as there are money makers in your family. I made one for myself and for Sean. Keep these in your pocket or wallet/purse. You can place the dish of change in the southeast corner of your house. In Feng Shui, the southeast corner is the corner for Wealth.
Hope that this helps all of those in the same boat as we are! We got our taxes done yesterday, and thankfully don't owe anything. We will see how much the government decides to bestow upon us in "2 to 6 weeks". Hope everyone has a plentiful day!
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Etsy Products!!
Over the last couple of days, I've added some new product to my Etsy store!
I have lots of other things in there, and am adding new products a few times a week. Go check it out! I will make things special for someone, so don't be afraid to ask!
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
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| Egyptian Symbols Magnet Set |
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| Norse Symbols Magnet Set |
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| Antique Earring Pendulum, Faux Turquoise |
Goddess Bless,
Stacy
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