Update...

Normally I try to keep my everyday insanity to a minimum here but due to my absence over the past month I feel the need to explain both to you my readers and myself I guess.

I made the move from Florida to New York safely for the most part in the beginning of September. Then came the awful task of trying to get my life together. When I came back to New York I was supposed to stay with a friend of mine which fell through. She lost her job and went on vacation without telling me I was going to have no place to stay. So I had to quickly find a place to stay. I couldn't stay at my fiance's because his parents' house is way too small but they let me stay there anyway for a couple of days. After many phone calls to family, I once again had to ask one of my friends to let me stay. Suzanne was amazingly generous towards me and let me stay with her.

I found a job on the Monday after I got back (I got back on a Thursday/Friday). I love my new job. It's great.

I found a kitten outside Suzanne's neighbor's home at 2am. So I kept it safe and asked the neighbors in the morning if the cat belonged to them, it didn't. Now I start kicking myself because not a couple of hours before I was telling Suzanne how much I wanted a kitten but I really can't right now due to not having an apartment of my own yet. Well, the kitten ended up staying with my fiance, Chris and I and he is a perfectly healthy (now 3 month old). We named him Whedon (after Joss Whedon) since I wanted one so bad and he appears in the weirdest way (much like in Buffy, or Firefly).

Chris and I finally found a great apartment about 3 weeks ago. So we have been working on settling in and such. The only problem with the apartment as it is right now is no internet. Chris and I will be hopefully installing internet in the coming week or two, but since finances are tight we aren't sure. We are pinching our pennies everywhere but its like the dam with holes in it. I only have so many fingers.

Location, Location, Location

Pagan Prompt: If you were planning to attend a pagan ritual (public or private) and you realized that the ritual space was in a Christian church basement, would you have a problem with attending? Would you refuse to attend? Or would it make no difference to you? Does the location of a ritual matter, beyond the obvious usefulness of the space?

Having a ritual space in a Christian church basement actually wouldn't bother me. The reason it wouldn't bother me is because when you use a church basement they ask why you are using it and apparently it didn't bother them. It would make me nervous I'll admit because most Christian churches would freak out if they knew. I would definitely make it so that if anything were to happen I would have an exit strategy.

The use of a church isn't bad because it still has the correct environment for ritual if its a good church.

Personally, I prefer to have outdoors rituals. Even in winter even if its for a short time.

Ritual space is important because it is part of what sets the tone for ritual. If you are in a lousy space its going to affect all ritual participants. If you are in a great space with good mojo then you will have a great ritual.

In my opinion, everything about a ritual affects the outcome. Where you are. What your goal is. Who is involved. Why you are doing it. How you are doing it.

So if you are ever uncomfortable more than likely you will have a poor experience.

Thank you Liz over at Lizzie's Logic and Green Witch Tea! She gave me the Kreativ Blogger award.

Here are the rules of this award-

* Thank the person who gave this to you...
* Copy the logo and place it in your blog...
* Link the person who nominated you...
* Pass this Award on to seven blogs you like and let them know in their comments that they have won
* Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.

1.) I am very particular in everything I do.
2.) I am slightly obsessed with tarot in general, so much so I could get a different deck everyday and still want more.
3.) I am terribly insecure about myself.
4.) I am really good at motivating other people but am bad at motivating myself.
5.) When I read its better than any movie I have ever seen.
6.) I cry sometimes when I finish a really good book because its like I am saying good bye to good friends and I always want more.
7.) I adore trying new things and foods.

Blogs of note to pass this award to...
This part will have to wait until I have time to search and see who doesn't have this award already :D you are all such great writers!

Feminine Mysteries: The Cycles

Pagan Prompt: Everything moves in cycles - the moon and sun, the seasons, the feminine energy in all of us.

How do you treat your cycle when it comes to fruition? Are you one to harness the power and make something of it? Or are you like me and completely taken over by it, and you want to hide in a corner until it's over? Do you connect this cycle with anything spiritual? Or are you more inclined to leave it as a mundane thing that cannot be ignored?

For the men or the squeamish women who read my blog you may want to stop reading now.

I waited to write about this until I actually had my cycle so I get down everything.

When I first got it I was like “okay, what the hell!” I was thirteen (my birthday, in fact) and very clueless. All I knew back then was that I was in pain, I was bleeding, and now had to worry about all sorts of girlie things. I was a tomboy and loved to do sports and such, so it was a real downer for me. At the same time I was very excited I was a woman, whatever that meant.

In a couple of months I really hated it. My family made it really hard on me. They did nothing but hassle me and tell me I was lying about all the pain I was in. Keep in mind I have never been squeamish, I often came home with lots of bruises, cuts, and scrapes and never complained. This made it really hard for me later to see anything in it except more pain.

Today, when I get my first tinge of pain, my first impression is still "Oh crap! why now?" My cycle always happens when I have like six other things to be doing that really need me at my best, not at my "Oh my good gods someone, anyone please carve my uterus from my body!" The reason for this is that I get extreme amounts of pain so much so it causes me to regurgitate and impossible to move. I have been to many, many doctors and no one can figure out what is wrong with me. They ran every test imaginable and all tests came back normal. The only thing my Mom and I can think of is that my uterus is an over-developed muscle that compresses too much. (This means pitocin/oxytocin can kill me in childbirth, it almost killed my Mom)

Since my periods were so crippling, I was/am the kind of gal who likes to curl up and hide especially since I get so weak. I find it really difficult to handle in general because I like doing so many things on my own. My fiancé and a couple of really close friends however, make sure I am taken care of because I have been to the hospital several times for dehydration and excessive pain.

This all changed about 2 months ago.

I finally had a "happy period". I never thought this would be possible. So for the past two periods I actually have been great. I still get the fear that is going to happen in the bad way again. I finally rejoice the fact that I am not pregnant for another month and although I still get weak its bearable. This made my periods almost a good occasion.

What was the big change you may ask, well it was three things. One, I started really tracking my periods so I can make sure my diet up until my period was promoting blood production and energy. I finally found the correct drug cocktail to cater to my horrible pain, which is muscle relaxants and Aleve. Last but not least, I started using a menstrual cup.

This relief actually has made it possible to be happy about my periods in general. I get to understand my cycles better. I understand the Moon better. I commune with the Goddesses of the World better. I also try to focus on all things feminine around my time of the month from folklore, to old wives tales, historical, iconic women, issues facing women today, anything really.

Sometimes however I just can’t even handle it and I just hide away from the world.

Talking about issues facing women today, I think we should try to make the necessary products we need as women every month as eco-friendly as possible. That’s how I came across the menstrual cup. When I first came up on it on Ideal Bite I was very stand-offish especially since the writers there gave them such a bad rap. I still wanted to find out more about it to give it a chance. The more I read about it, the more I loved it. It was the answer to some of my problems! I can’t use tampons because they make my pain worse, plus I bleed really heavily and I would have to replace them so often it wasn’t worth it. I really don’t like pads but they were the only other alternative until I found the cup. Honestly, ladies if you want to know more about it there is a community on LiveJournal which is an invaluable resource. I definitely say it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Curious Wednesday

Egg Timer

Hard-boiling an egg takes approximately ten minutes, but it isn't always as simple as that. Many factors can alter the time it takes. For example, in different parts of the world, hard-boiling an egg can take up to forty minutes. Why?

Clues

• Elevation doesn't matter in this case. (Which stinks since this is where my mind went first.)
• Outdoor temperature doesn't matter in this case.
• What other factors affect cooking time?
• What kind of bird are you assuming the egg came from?

On Friday I will post the answer on the comment page.

Curious Wednesday

Lunch Time

Robbie goes into a restaurant and orders a deli sandwich and a cola for lunch. Afterward, he pays his bill, tips his waitress, and goes outside. He slowly takes in his surroundings. The sky is black and the city streets are deserted. What happened?

Clues

• Nothing supernatural happened.
• The man was on his lunch break.
• It was like this before he went to lunch.
• What time is it?

Same as before answer will be out Friday on the comments page. Enjoy your hump day.

Creativity & Writing

Pagan Prompt: How does your creativity level relate to your spiritual path? Have you gotten more in touch with your creative side because of your journey (perhaps out of necessity for ritual items)?

Or, if you've always been the creative type, has your 'portfolio' of creations changed a lot since you started your pagan journey?

My creativity relates to my spiritual path in that I create just about everything I have by hand or I try to buy it handmade.

I always loved to create different things. The creative things I have done since finding my path haven't changed so much because of my path but rather from me growing up. I suppose in most of my creative works which is different is that when I create something I put a little more thought into it and usually there is something of a Pagan sway to certain pieces.

Crafts I have picked up or have done over the years (the short list):

• drawing
• painting (figure, photographic, canvas, and theatrical sets)
• photography
  
• sewing (which I include lots of thread related crafts such as cross-stitching)
  
• chainmail
• armor building
• making of coats of arms
• spinning of wool
• crocheting
• trying to knit
  
• gardening
• site building (web design)
• music (clarinet, choral, orchestra)
• dancing
• movie making
• tattoo designing
  
• writing (stories, blogs, poetry)
• cooking
• teaching
• costuming
• building random gadgets
• making science experiments (real ones not the ones hiding in the fridge)
  

My creative outlets are many and diverse much to my Mom's dismay. I used to drive my Mom crazy because anything not nailed down in my room became a project, for example, I have painted my furniture because I thought it needed something.

In the past year when I was living on my own my creativity definitely took over my home, namely my cooking. I love to cook but was never really allowed to really stretch my skills because my Mom is highly allergic to lots of foods and the fact that she is such a great cook it was very daunting. I started cooking for the seasons and putting different foods together based on our needs. It was the real start of my kitchen witchery because I was able to practice what I have read and been itching to do.

Another big change actually only occurred in May when I started writing here. Over the years I was a die hard writer on paper but as things have changed towards the computerized stuff of the world I started typing. Granted I still write but I suppose now it seems a little easier and faster for me to write here. Probably because I know that this is legible even if I am not looking at my hands and if I need to fix something I can just hit a backspace as opposed to getting out an eraser or the white out.

Now a little off topic, but I wonder what people a hundred years from now will look back on. Historically we often search out people's journals, letters, papers, etc. but if everything is electronic for our era. What if they no longer use our technology, what will they have to show we even existed. I also find it scary I know two people who are four and seven years older than I, who can't write script and can barely read it. The story behind both is that their teacher just gave up on teaching it to them. (Which to me is so disgusting I want to track the teacher down and give them a piece of my mind)

Also what about hand-writing analysis, isn't their something about looking at someone's hand writing that's special and interesting. With handwriting you can also tell lots of neat things about people too such as, if its masculine or feminine, or about how they felt when they wrote whatever was on their mind.

The computer generated word is easy, great, and all that, but it doesn't tell you about a person or how they really feel unless certain shorthand is used.

What is scary about students today is that because they are so used to typing they forget how to write properly. I can't tell you how many papers I have edited and graded that were written in internet shorthand, or have basic spelling mistakes (based on things spell check sees as correct, but is the incorrect usage).

I miss when people actually used to write and it was beautiful. If you like you can take a look at the art below and you can see all the detail that when into just writing chi rho in the Lindisfarne Gospel.

To further my point the Kiev Psalter.

The Book of Kells
My point is this is when writing was an art form.

Curious Wednesday

Today I am starting a meme to get us thinking a bit more. So I am going to put a puzzle below that I want you all to try and answer. On Friday I will post the answer on the comment page.

So hear we go...

When Time Stands Still

As a burglar reaches for something on the mantle, he accidentally knocks over a clock. It falls to the floor, breaks, and stops. The next morning, however, police aren't able to determine what time the robbery took place. Why not?

The Clues

• Police could see the clock.
• The burglar did not alter the clock in any way after it fell.
• The police didn't expect to be able to read the clock.
• What kind of clock is it?

Now ladies and gents I am going to say where this puzzle came from in the label by ISBN but don't go looking it up and cheating.

What does a Pagan wear?: A Response

I think this is really interesting because we are such a diverse lot. I came to this topic by way of Alpine Sanctum (Part 1, Part 2) who came to it from I'm Not a Wiccan.

First I will say what I wear.
In public ritual:
Bottoms: I really like to wear long skirts (which actually aren't really heavy so I can wear them in summer). I don't like showing too much leg for some reason. I also like how feminine wearing a skirt makes me feel.

Tops: I then wear a shirt that generally is a certain color for a reason. For example for Beltane I wore a red shirt. I also change what kind of shirt I wear depending on the season like my very light thin fabric shirt isn't exactly brilliant for winter rituals.

At home:
My outfit depends on whether I am home alone or not, how many clothes I really put on. Like any good kitchen witch an apron is a must (you can see it in my post about Mundane Beauty). Aprons are especially important to me because I am always getting things on me (I am a bit of a clutz). I also generally don't go completely skyclad even if I am home alone. I am just not comfortable because I have issues with my self-image. I generally just get down to my underwear.

When it comes to utilizing SCA garb or RenFaire clothes those should only be used for those two things. We are in our own time and we should act like it at least in public. (and I used to be a SCAdian)

One thing I want to try is the head covering that Alpine Sanctum goes over. They are so beautiful. Once I enter that stage of my life I definitely want to try it. Something else to look forward to.

If you don't want to go all the way over to her blog for the link on head covers click here. If anyone has more information on this practice I would love to read it.

Me Being Social

Today I went to my first outing since a horrible coven experience within the community. I went to a meeting in Lutz, Florida called the House of Stix and Stones. People were really nice. We talked about all sorts of paranormal things, psychic vampires, and what not. It was really really nice. I think I would go to another couple of meetings if I can but I don't really know where I'll be (that is another post).

I hope they didn't get too upset that I was on my computer but I get so nervous when I meet new people. I also have this thing that its really hard for me to look at people when I talk to them because I get distracted. I hope they liked me.

Nature Escape

Pagan Prompt: What kind of nature escapes do you have where you are? Do you have a local trail that you can simply take a walk on to escape? Or perhaps you have some neat hiking nearby... Or maybe you are one of the lucky ones that can simply escape into your own backyard, literally. Share pictures if you have them.

Where I am right now I fear going into any kind of nature. I hate Florida for this reason. I love going outside and walk around, hike, go to a park, anything really. In Florida I am trapped inside by bugs, gators, snakes, heat, humidity, and the fact that any form of civilization is ten miles top of one another) there are woods and the ability to visit even bigger areas like the away (meaning that all I have around me are the snakes and gators-freaking swamp).

In New York (I know there is a huge misconception, no its not all city and we aren't all living on top of one another.) we have the Adirondacks if I feel adventurous. Also the beaches are close and there are plenty of lakes and parks. I really miss all my wanderings there and can't wait to get back.

Me at Midsummer 2008 Lido Beach, Long Island, New York

hehehe I found a crab

The Right to Die: A Response

Two Witches: The Right to Die

After reading this I feel I need to respond.

For some background lets start with my Mom asked my brother-in-law to help her when she
has decided she has had enough and can no longer care for herself. She just doesn't want to be incapacitated or a vegetable. Which I more than understand.

I happen to agree. I wouldn't want to be a vegetable or incapacitated either.

I know a lot of people would accuse me of not caring about life, or of not honoring/respecting life but that isn't the case. I know I wouldn't want to suffer or be so incoherent I couldn't say good bye. I feel this is honoring life because I feel what type of life would we live and what of the lives of those who would care for us. Granted most people wouldn't want to die or want to let you die but in certain cases the misery is just too much for the patient and their families. We put animals out of their misery so they wouldn't suffer, why can't we make the same choice for ourselves?

As far as suicide goes I feel if you really choose that option its your life not the government's regardless of what they think. I think if people really want to commit suicide that the government should let them with certain laws being followed. The laws should be:

1. Therapy for one year up to three times a week. This therapy would not just be someone listening to your problems but also a chance to learn problem solving techniques to actually help you come to certain conclusions to actually change your life. If your problem is so bad that after that much extensive therapy and you can't fix yourself and the problem then go for it.
2. You must be over the age of twenty-one. (The reason being if you are younger you have yet to experience enough things to make such a drastic decision.)
3. It must not be a secret. Those around you should know of your plans. (To start the grieving process and less shock on family and friends)
4. Your death is your decision on how you want it, however it must not interfere with public events or harm another person bodily. (The reason being is that your death isn't a stage and you can't use it to kill or maim someone)
5. If you choose this option you also waive any rights to life insurance.

The exception to this would be medical suicide. If you are in a medical situation and have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate Order) you can stipulate that if you end up a vegetable or are in agonizing pain you have the right to ask medical personnel to help you commit suicide. Also this form of suicide would not affect life insurance. Your beneficiaries would still get their inheritance because at some point in the future after much pain and suffering it would be their's anyway.

What do you all think?

Mundane Beauty

Make your blog post today about the beauty surrounding you, hidden within the mundane. It could be something you see or do every day, that suddenly feels magical. Tells us a story, and help us to feel that magic too.

Beauty is everywhere, we just have to take the time to notice it, and recognize it as such.

Mundane Beauty I find in cooking. When I first started cooking I was amazed how magickal it felt. I was young when I first started on my pagan path so I never really cooked (I was lucky my Mom is an awesome cook). When I won the basket and started regularly cooking it just caught on with me.

My favorite tools are my apron and spoon. By itself its pretty plain but I think they are beautiful.

I won them at a Beltane festival in 2008. At the festival it was a raffle and it was the only thing I wanted. I never win anything so I sat out there and was like please please please! I actually won three times that day. Including a bunch of jewlery which I gave away (since I kept winning), a beautiful cigar box that someone collaged, a rose quartz pendulum, and of course the Cucina Aurora basket.

My apron is a white apron with a little kitchen witch you can see it here. The spoon with the triple moon and you can see an example here. (In the basket I got some of the oils from the proprietor of that shop too. Delicious.)

I love domestic witchery and kitchen witchery. It definately goes to show you how everything happens for a reason because before I really started taking care of my home and cooking I never really looked into them. I thought they were interesting but without my own home I never saw the point of studying them. Now these two ideas have really taken over my wandering path.

Good News!

I am engaged!

Which means you can expect to see some posts about handfastings and different traditions over the next year or so. As far as separate ceremonies you can see my reply here.

Independence

Pagan Prompt:
Is it important for you to take the journey alone?
Do you work/study with a coven, then practice on your own?
What kind of things need to be done alone, and which are best done in groups?
What do you do most often (work in groups or alone)?

I feel even if you work with someone or not, your journey is still your own. All journeys are specific to the person so you are always alone. I generally practice on my own but I have worked with a coven once. The coven experience was actually really bad for me. If done in the right way a coven can be a beautiful and great experience.

Most work should be done on your own because your path is your own. However even working in a group your work can be your own because in a good group its like each person is a thread that is weaved into a rope. Each is their own but still in it together. I currently work on my own, but I hope one day to be in a group like I just described one day.

Summer Solstice

Pagan Prompt: Just a quick post today - Share with us what the Summer Solstice means to you.

Sure, it's the longest day of the year.... but what makes it a special day to YOU?


This topic is actually really hard for me to explain.

A lot of different things happen this time of year:
The Holly King and the Oak King battle
The longest day of the year means each day after is closer to Autumn
The Sidhe roam. (and no I am not talking about Tinkerbell)

Each one means different things for me but I can't seem to put it into words.

Losing Touch

Pagan Prompt: What do you do to recharge and re-energize? How do you get back in touch with yourself after being so caught up in the mundane of every-day life, work and bills?
Also, I'm curious how you recognize that you've lost touch. Is there some sort of signal, some sign that you notice, that tells you it's time to take a break?

I am currently trying to get myself going again and I have been trying to make myself do several different projects I hope one of them will get me going again. I try to hit all the basic groups that generally help me spark like creativity, physical achievements, and such. I kind of notice when I start to feel really really out of sorts and don't really want to do anything. I also tend to get really moody and such when I am out of sorts. So I take notice then.

This is also why I have been having problems updating here but I will be updating a lot this week in theory! :D

Altar

Pagan Prompt:
What does your altar look like?
What kinds of items do you include, and why?
What does each item symbolize, or what purpose does it serve?


My current altar is a children's step stool. The reason being its easily put away in a drawer and I can bring it just about anywhere. My altar needs to be small and movable because I am currently living in my older sister's house and not that she isn't fine with my beliefs I don't feel its nice to shove it in her face either. On my altar when it is set up there is a candle/s for my deities, my athame, and my book. My athame is really important to me for various reasons plus the fact that its a great tool. My book because I use it for everything.

The picture above is my altar from Midsummer.
The black and the white representing my deities.
The Sun candle I used to represent what is occurring this holiday.
My athame is between my deity candles. (its a very dull stilleto which means it hides the blade in the handle)
The rope is what I use to cast my circle because I like a visual representation expecially when I am doing workings indoors.
The green candle is representing Earth.
The bowl with the white paper inside has specific herbs and such underneath it for a working I did that day.
The book you see is my new book of the craft before it was blessed and consecrated.
The yellow sheet was for my knees because I hate that carpet and its a lot easier on them.

Tarot Spreadsheets and Covers

Sorry guys I have been MIA because I have been making a pagan networking site. If you are interested click here. I created this group to focus on alternative religions.

I will be more up and running this week and I will be happy to catch you all up on what I did for Midsummer and Independence Day. In the meantime...

Here is a craft I really like to do that requires next to no skill. This can also be found at Gaea's Garden: Crafty Witch group

I usually when I feel so inclined will make a craft of combining these two things but you dont have to.

If I combine them: I generally will find a fabric in the color I like and I feel will go well with my cards and I pick up a base cloth in similar material.

If I don't combine them, the base cloth can be whatever you like I prefer black though because it makes the cards stand out a little better.

I usually make it about the size of a good sized end table. Two feet by Two feet is usually good.

I start by decorating the base cloth with a diagram of a spread I use often. In order to get the proper size of the cards for the spread I use the blank cards and a piece of chalk.

(If you have two different sized decks I recommend making two different sets of spread sheets. When combined they aren't as pretty.)

Then I take out fabric paint (the good kind that doesn't flake like crazy) and make the outlines of the cards with what that placement means. The reason I do this because the querant asks often what placement means and that way they can read it.

(You can also use acrylic paint because it stains. You can also cross-stitch or embroider if you like)

After the base cloth is decorated I will wash it either in the wash or hand wash it (depending on the fabric)

(If you used two cloths wash them together. When they are dry, I will sew the two cloths together to make one cloth.)

Depending on the deck sometimes I will not make a tarot card cover a spread sheet. Some cloths are just painted with symbols.

Some of the cloths I make are only for spreads and I wrap the cards I am using at the moment for the reading in the spread sheet.

Interesting Thought Provoking Question: Deities

Found on another journal. Thought it might be of interest for discussion. Post your thoughts in the Comments area and don't forget to watch for the replies.

Did the gods create man, or did man create the gods?
If man created the gods, can man also destroy the gods?
If the gods created man, then WHICH gods created man?
If man created the gods, did they grow as men grew?
If the gods created man, have they changed since they created man?



I included this video because it is also about deities and brings up the controversial mixing of pantheons. Its pretty neat.

My Initial Reply:
If neither created the other how about this. Over time man and the gods began to look around and see one another. They than began to affect one another and thus came man's relationship with the deities.

Personally I leave everything on The Fates they are older than man and the gods in my opinion. The reason for this is because both had beginnings and endings unlike The Fates who have been the same through out.

Sanctuary Tarot Class

I am really excited because my tarot class I was teaching in NY is restarting July 1st. Its a little different than I intended because it is online. In theory it will all be okay. I also have had the addition of two more students but I think they will catch up pretty quickly.


The new format for the class is causing me to split the work up a little more and figuring out a real schedule to be online.

The thing that bugs me about this new format is that people will think more about what they are saying than just saying things as they come to mind. Also I can't be there to do the exercises with them.

Book Of Shadows

I have made the decision to restart my Book of Shadows (using this name until another comes to mind). I know this is a huge undertaking.

The Reason:
I kind of lost track of where I was after the coven debacle. They caused me to back step and lose track of where I was in my studies. They weren't as active as I am. They didn't seek as I do. They liked to chat and henpeck, I do not.

The Solution:
Granted I let it happen but I think rebuilding my Book will allow me to get focused again. Since I am starting from scratch it will also allow me to fix the format (I hated my old format). It will also allow me to add more of my art and newer knowledge in a easier way.

Sacred Space

Pagan Prompt: Do you have sacred space designated? or is it something you only create when you need it? What kind of space do you like to use (indoor, outdoor, etc)?



I currently do not have one set-up because I just moved and its not my house. I like having one set-up because its nice to have. Most of the time I go about creating it when I need it. I prefer outside but for the last long while that has been unavailable to me. Inside isn't bad but outside is better for me.

Books

Pagan Prompt:
What pagan book has had the most influence on your spiritual growth and why?


I have a way around only choosing one book! I choose The Well-Read Witch: Essential Books for Your Magickal Library by Carl McColman. This is a great book because it lists a lot of the most important books in a pagan's library as well as a small blurb about what they have to say. I take so many ideas from so many different sources this book is perfect for my spiritual growth. It even has books I never heard of before and describes them. I highly recommend this for any pagan or witch.

Separate Ceremonies?

Pagan Prompt: If you were to plan your own Wedding or Funeral ceremony, would you create two separate ceremonies for pagan and non-pagan folk, or would you just plan a ceremony around your own personal beliefs? How would you feel if any non-pagan friends or family did not wish to attend such a ceremony?

If I were to have a ceremony, any ceremony there would be only one. I am pagan so it will probably be in my beliefs. If I was getting married to my current boyfriend it would probably be pagan because he isn't involved in any religion and thus lets me do as I wish. My non-pagan friends and family know of my pagan beliefs and are either (a) think its great, (b) indifferent but postive, or (c) very negative. In my opinion if I have a pagan ceremony and people don't want to come because of my beliefs than I don't need them around at all in the ceremony or my life. I don't like having negative people around me especially when it comes to very important ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

Divination/Guidance

Pagan Prompt:
-Do you use any form? If so, which do you use, and which do you prefer (if you use more than one form)?
-Who/What do you get your answers and guidance from? Angels? Ancestors? Your Higher Self? Universal Spirit? etc
-What kinds of limitations are there in divination? Do these hinder or help you on your spiritual journey?

I love my Tarot cards they are really the only form I am successful at on my own. I need a little help with other forms.

I like to think I get my answers from The Fates, deities, or benevolent forces. Saying as I am usually pretty good when it comes to my cards I suspect this to be true.

The limits in divination is that the future can change with a decision as minor as whether you want coke or sprite. That is why I don't use the cards to read the future. I use it as a guide for current affairs. I also use it to help me see things about myself. I like to think they help because they help me view things in new ways, help other people, and help me be introspective.

Beltane/May Day

Pagan Prompt: It's Beltane (or almost, anyhow)! Do you celebrate or honor this holiday? If so, how?

I was only able to honor this holiday in passing this year. Which is very unusal for me. I unfortunately was moving at the time. So since the spirit of this holiday is growth, renewal, and bringing in the new I succeeded at that. So in a weird way I did celebrate but usually I do more.

Earth Day

Pagan Prompt: "Make Every Day Earth Day."
Does the same apply to you? Do your Pagan beliefs lead you to be more eco-conscious in your daily life? Or are spirituality and "being green" 2 separate things? What are some of the ways that you are eco-minded in your life, or how do they relate to being Pagan?

"Make Every Day Earth Day." is definately something I try to live by. My Pagan beliefs do tend to make me more conscious of what I am doing and thus more eco-conscious so yes they do effect my daily life. I try to eat organically when possible. I try to limit my waste and recycle. They relate to Paganism because Paganism is an earth based religion and thus makes it part of our beliefs to care for the earth.

Rituals

Pagan Prompt: Do you perform rituals? Or are they not right for you?
If you do, give us a basic outline of a ritual you've done in the past.
Share a little insight into what rituals mean to you and how you go about them.


I perform rituals because I think they are beautiful. I often find they can get stale if they aren't changed often and active (not like church where you stand and hum along). Anything to raise your energies and such should be used. There are rituals that only require drumming and there are rituals that only require singing or dancing. Depending on the reason my rituals change all the time depending on my mood and what I feel is right for the occasion.


Rituals can be very basic or can be very complex. I have participated in both. Instead of giving a outline to a ritual (since mine change often) I am going to write what should be included in rituals. Lots of symbolism. If its a holiday it should include the story of the holiday or in some way describe it. It should be active there should be motion singing, dancing, drumming, something that is physically stimulating. It should be meaningful and honoring. It should honor the deities and the elements.

Rituals are just another way of communicating with the deities. It nice and beautiful but actually not necessary. So if you do them great if you don't thats fine too. Its all about raising energy (usually for a purpose), communication and honor.

Natural Wonder: Frog

Today I woke up and it was slightly overcast down here in Florida. Although usually uninteresting I noticed a frog on my window. Okay its Florida frogs are everywhere. What was unusual was that the frog was between the window and the screen. I don't sleep with the windows or screen open so this was really odd. I mean how did it get in there. So I caught him/her and set him/her free. Looking at the meaning was really interesting because of the fact that I am in transition and I am working at trying to get rid of my creative block.

I have a feeling that maybe it was meant to be a message from the Powers That Be.

So tree frogs symbolize:
Creativity, Fertility, Luck, Cleansing, Intuition, Transformation, Purity, Rebirth, Renewal, Healing, Metamorphosis, Transitions, Dreaming, Opportunity, Intermediary

Due to the fascinating transitions the Frog goes through in its life, it is a symbol of metamorphosis. Furthermore, the Frog’s dual time spent on land and water represents duality of the soul. The Frog also symbolizes creativity and forward thinking.

Frog Animal Totems Facilitate:
Patience in undergoing life transitions, clarity of thought during transition;
Embracing of personal transformation, welcoming internal morphing;
Jump into creative thought, and leap out of habitual thinking patterns;
Acceptance of our diversity and celebration of our opposite poles found in personality and lifestyle. Thank you symbolicmeanings.com

The Broom Closet

Pagan Prompt: Are you in or out of the Broom Closet?



I am neither. I do not lie if someone asks but I do not post billboards about it either. I wear my pentacle when I like. However, I try to keep it out of the workplace because people misunderstand. People assume the worst. I don't have the ability to turn people into frogs or fly a broomstick (as much fun as that would be).

My current witchie jewlery is a capsule necklace containing a compass. This is witchie because I have enchanted it to help me find the right direction. (I'm a little lost at the moment)

What makes me Pagan?

Pagan Prompt: What makes you a Pagan?And don't just say "Because I'm not Christian".... I would like to see you fully explore how your beliefs fit with those typical of other Pagans. What is it about you and your life that made you associate with the label of "Pagan"?

The word pagan comes from the Latin paganus which means country dweller, rustic. Today it is an umbrella term with lots of terms underneath, to name a few are Witch, Wicca, Asatru, Hermeticism, Helenistic religions, Reconstructionism, and many many others. What a lot of pagan religions have in common is the fact that its our job to care for the Earth and many promote activism in green issues. Many are also polytheistic which means they believe in more than one deity.

I am pagan because I am polytheistic. I believe in many different gods and goddesses at the head of these deities are the Fates. The reason for this is because even the gods and goddesses rise and fall. The Fates always remain. I also live within the Earth's cycles. I respect her. I try to be as green as I can to help the Earth and its inhabitants. I recycle, I compost, I use green products (when I can), I try to eat organically, I grow my garden organically (when I have the ability to garden), and I also took part in animal rescue. I try to leave the world a better place.

I am a witch because I practice witchcraft. I am not Wiccan for I do not hold to their tenets. I don't really follow a specific set of rules per se I kind of go with my gut. I follow The Fates, The Furies, and The Graces whereever they may lead me.

I have been a witch for as long as I can remember. Its just what I have always been.

That's probably as basic a definition as I can give. :) Comments Welcome!

Edit:
I also really like this:
Have you ever...
By Emily Rose Matthews
The Temple of Cybele - June 2009 Newsletter

You ask me, "Why are you a Pagan? What do you mean, you worship nature?"

Have you ever... climbed a mountain ?
Stood at the precipitous edge and gazed out at the valley far below;
Watched an eagle or a hawk, fly and navigate the winds as he swooped and dived in an aerial dance of pure living;
Saw the incredible beauty of the world laid beneath your feet;
Or marvelled at the artwork in a rocky formation of enormous proportions?

Have you ever... swam in the ocean?
Let the currents of waves generated hundreds of miles away carry you;
Tried to follow a school of fish, or a single crab, as they scattered about looking for food amongst their own private underwater garden;
Gazed in awe at the wondrous colors in a totally alien world within our own;
Or sat on a beach and gazed at the sunset over the water, feeling totally at peace?

Have you ever... walked in a forest?
Wondered at the tallness of the trees, considering their age, numbers and variety;
Watched the multitude of life-forms, from a nest of baby birds to a colony of ants working diligently to maintain their own little world;
Felt joy at seeing the new spring leaves, or melancholy at them falling in autumn;
Or enjoyed the feeling of solitude, yet sometimes wondering if you are being watched?

Have you ever... looked at the stars ?
Sought to find the pictures of ancient constellations in the different patterns;
Tried in vain to count them, and feeling small, yet somehow kind of special in the overall scheme of things, having been born at all ?
Experienced the excitement of spotting a shooting star, or the northern lights;
Or wondered, with all those stars, and all those worlds, if we are alone or not?

You ask me, "Why are you a Pagan? What do you mean, you worship nature?"
If you have done any of these things and can still ask, you'd never understand the answer.

Taken from Hedge and Hearth: Have You Ever...

Heads Up: Pagan Prompts

For the first couple of posts here I will be answering questions from Pagan Blog Prompts. You will know this because in the title it will appear:

Pagan Prompts: (Title of Prompt)

After this I will continue on with my adventures.
Happy Reading,

Merry Meet & Welcome

I am Beth. I have gone by several different names: Raissa, DemonicaKina, CatWitch, Wee-One, Jinx and so many more. However Beth I think really suits me. Beth in Hebrew means home. In the Ogham it is the second letter and the symbol of the Birch tree. It is also the love name for my Grandmother from my Grandfather.

I have been a practicing solitary witch since the Samhain of my tenth year. Currently I am twenty-two. I am not a Wiccan. I am a very eclectic pagan. I take my path from lots of different places and ideologies (as you will see).

I once called New York, USA my home but currently I am in the wind. I am looking to set down roots with my very creative and brilliant tag-team partner, Chris. I have a very ornery guinea pig named Leo. As I am working hard to become a high school science teacher.

Why I am the way I am... well that's kind of why I am here. I am still figuring that part out.

The How of this is by writing about what I meditate about, dream about, strive for, and the like and see what I can make of it all. You are more than welcome to come for the ride and beware of turbulence!
Many Blessing Upon You and Yours,