Finding the Path

A cross post from my personal blog...

noreply@blogger.com (Michele) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 06:44:00 +0000

This is a post of a question asked of me on formspring and the answer I have given. It is of course not set in stone and as I study further my beliefs may change, but I thought it worth sharing here.

Q: Do you, as an earth loving pagan, a believer in the threefold rule.. believe that the bad things that happen to you in life are due to your own past misdemeanours?

A: I wonder if there is a character limit on answers. The short answer to your questions would be yes. However, in truth, it is not that simple.

I consulted all of my "go to" books for this. One of the up and down sides to Paganism or the Pagan religions is that there isn't any ONE book, such as the Bible, for Christians. Just as there isn't any ONE way that you have to believe, practice or study. I guess on some level the same can be said for Christianity though, as there are many different Christian denominations, I imagine that leaves even just the one book, open to some level of interpretation.

Personally, I believe in the threefold rule, to an extent. Imagine if you will, a small child, unaware of the rules, the small child finds a blank white wall and decided that is the perfect place to color. How would you handle that child, versus another who has colored on that same wall numerous times and knows for certain that it is wrong to do so?

Personally, the child that knew better than to write on the wall but still did would receive a more stern punishment than the child who did not know. The one that knew the rule would likely be made to stand in the corner as well as clean up what they had drawn, whereas the one who didn't know would simply get a talking to and help clean the wall up after themselves.

It is my belief that the threefold rule follows this same type of system. Someone who does harm unknowingly or unintentionally would not suffer as much as someone who did so knowingly. On the other hand, the reward side of the system, assuming that you might refer to it as a system, would likely yield similar rewards for the known and unknown, as it is teaching a positive lesson.

I know this is a long answer, and it may be a bit confusing, my Adderall has long since worn off. I am very much still a student in my religion and while I have studied for about a year now, I still have much to learn. I have read and re-read my collection of books several times, picking up new things each time. I know the question was really only about the negative side of the threefold rule, but such as all in life, there are two sides to the coin.

On and a quote or, almost a quote from I believe it is Raymond Buckland's book... one who punches someone in the eye should not expect to get punched back 3 times in the eye, only that something roughly three times as bad will likely happen.

Blah, I hope this answered your question.

Ask me anything

Phenson made me a broom!

noreply@blogger.com (Michele) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 04:12:00 +0000

Otherwise known as a Besom. A tool used to clean the area metaphysically before casting a circle. Actually, I'll paste from the Wiki on it, I think it can probably explain it a bit more clearly.

In Wicca
A besom is one of the tools used in Wicca. A traditional Wiccan besom is an ash stave handle with bristles made from birch twigs. These twigs are tied on using thin pieces of willowwood. It is used to cleanse the ritual area before circle casting.
As a tool, the besom is usually thought of as masculine in nature due to its phallic shape and symbolism. However the besom's components are of both masculine and feminine orientation. The handle, an ash stave, is masculine in nature while the birch used for the bristles is thought of as feminine in nature. The besom is thought to be involved with fairies.
The besom is an important part of Wiccan handfasting ceremonies in some traditions. The couple jumps over the besom during the ceremony. Alternatively, the couple may jump over a small bonfire.

I highlighted the area that most pertains to my use of the broom or besom. It never actually sweeps the floor, it cleanses the area of any "bad energy" before casting a circle.

At any rate, here's a photo of my new tool! I get so excited with each new tool, I feel that much closer to everything Pagan. It helps it feel like more than just a title.

My besom or broom.

Things to think on...

noreply@blogger.com (Michele) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 01:36:00 +0000

Now that I found someone else that practices Wicca I am just dying to talk with her about it. Her experiences, her beliefs, I have so many questions. With that thought in mind, I thought I might actually be able to give you, whoever happens to read this, some helpful advice... as far as getting started down the path, if that is what you choose.

There are numerous books that I go to, compare, review, annotate, etc. I thought I would share some of those here.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner - Scott Cunningham

This book has been a HUGE resource for me. This is the first one I turn to if in doubt or I want to double check anything I plan to do. I am linking it from Amazon because this is honestly the best price I've seen. I got mine at Borders and paid $19.95, in addition, it gives you an idea of what to look for if you choose to buy it at a book store.

Earth, Air, Fire & Water - Scott Cunningham

Another excellent resource, this gives a bit more than the first book I linked... but that one is valuable for the basic start up information. There are two other books in this same line, a second to this and the first he wrote "Earth Magic" that I plan to add to my library as soon as I can afford them. Once again, this is priced significantly less than what I paid for mine at $14.95.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft - Raymond Buckland

This was the first book I picked up when I was entering the path, once again an excellent starter book. This is the book I confer with when something isn't clear in one of the Cunningham books, however, Buckland seems to lean towards the Gardenarian side of the craft which is not so much the direction I favor. I still however strongly recommend this book to anyone looking to study or begin learning any Pagan based religion, it has a TON of useful information. Once again, I paid $19.99 for this book, it's significantly cheaper through Amazon.

I think I'll leave it at these three suggestions for now, I have additional books that I use, but none as frequently as these. Oh wait, one more that is more for learning the history and traditions practices around the world, the states and shows a general comparison. I would recommend one more book.

Drawing Down the Moon - Margot Adler

This book is FULL of very good information, I probably should refer to it more than I do, but it is also one of the most recent additions to my Pagan library. Again I paid $19.95 for this book from the store. I am thinking that my entire book wishlist would be at least $50 less if I buy them through Amazon. Lesson learned for me.

I sincerely hope you find this post informative and as valuable as it is meant to be. Especially if you're looking to get on the path or just study it for the knowledge.

I ran into another today!

noreply@blogger.com (Michele) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:15:00 +0000

Rarely if ever do I meet another of the Pagan or Wiccan path, but I did today. Believe it or not, she's my therapist too! Okay, the therapy thing is a long story, but as infrequent as it is that I happen upon anyone else that practices magic or earth based religion, it was a fantastic coincidence. The universe works in weird ways.

She by the way is a very proud Wiccan who is working hard to change the stigma that seems to follow Wicca, Paganism, Shamanism... the list goes on. I only knew she was a Wiccan because of her pentacle jewelry and the small pentacle on her car. As a matter of fact or first meeting went without me noticing any of these things. I just thought she was a great person and looked forward to meeting again.

At any rate, I thought this was worth writing about, for me it seems to be a rare occurrence. I am not by choice a solitary partitioner.

Blesses be!

Okay I know this is late

noreply@blogger.com (Michele) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 19:22:00 +0000

But better late than never, right?

I am actually ready to start cleaning and consecrating all of my items for my first official ritual. The past few days have been full of icky crap and while I know that might be just the time for a nice ritual, I wanted it to be more of a "my terms" thing. Something I felt really and truly ready for, something that was going to hopefully fill that gap that I've been looking to fill since childhood.

I mean, yes, I already call myself a Pagan, I've been initiated and named. But I have yet to practice any real rites or rituals. I think that, above most else, will help me feel whole as a Pagan.

Anyhow, here are some photos of my altar and items.

A look at the whole altar

Some of my favorite stones

My triple moon goddess chalice

Mortar and pestle, sea salt, athame, and a cup for matches

We made the candle holders ourselves

Bell, quartz, sea shell, more stones and part of the God dolly

The Goddess dolly, we made her and the God dolly by hand

A better photo of the God dolly

There isn't a single book in here that I didn't gain something from

Another shot so the titles are clearer

Storage for spare candles and reagents

Candle box

Tarot cards and other misc. small items

Herbs and other reagents

Altar at another angle

My small collection of fallen feathers

Nice shot of the altar cloth and the athame

This God dolly only has two horns, like the symbol for Gods, but they can of course have more

So I am thinking I'll do this day by day

noreply@blogger.com (Michele) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Last night, I decided not to do the ritual. Too many things going on in my life and my mood had taken a serious turn for the worse. As I know visualization and meditation are large parts of successful ritual I thought it best to wait. I did however take the time to write out what I have determined will be my circle casting, including inviting the deities and calling the guardians. A rather large step in my opinion. :)

I would type it out here, but I've not used it yet, so I am betting that it will require a bit of tweaking. It of course is not completely my creation, it is a mix of others I had found and then edited to suit my own purposes. I do hope to try at least casting the circle and such.

Oh! But my tools! I should take photos of them, that would be at least somewhat interesting to see/read about. >.< lol I think that's what I'll do, I'll take photos of my tools, which are not yet cleansed or consecrated but will be by day's end, I hope. Granted, I still have a very large wish-list of tools and reagents, but I believe I can at least begin working with what I have.

Okay, so this is probably going to be with lamest Pagan/Wicca blog ever, but it's what I do and I am doing. Those of us studying the religion know the Universe has a sense of humor, hopefully my readers, if I get some... will have one as well.

The beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Michele) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:24:00 +0000

I've had trouble with getting this blog started. Trying to figure out what to and what not to share. What is important, what is helpful to myself and others, what may be harmful to myself or others.

It is my belief that Paganism, or Wicca, should not be taken lightly. I believe that both religions need to be studied, guided, practiced... although to what end I do not know. I believe even with a lifetime of study, there is and will be more questions and answers. I believe that anyone, including myself, that intends to practice either Paganism or Wicca need to approach it with good faith, trust, and a sincere thirst for knowledge. There is certainly no shortage of information out there, in books, on the web and from others studying the path of choice.

I personally, was born into Paganism just under a year ago. Aside from my initiation, I've done no further ritual. I have read a lot, I have spoken to those I can and I have read even more. However, I feel that I am ready to start taking steps, even small steps, into further practice and involvement with my beliefs. These steps are what I would like to share with anyone who reads my blog, to whatever end.

I do feel the need to clarify, for anyone who questions the goals and purpose of the Pagan religions, there are several that can fall into the category, that we do not believe in the devil, nor do we believe in the same God as Christians do. For that matter, there are a wide range of Deities that those who practice the Pagan religion chose from. Some day I might expound on this subject more, I am not sure. But the one thing I find myself asked about most is Satin or the Devil, neither of which I even believe in.

Anyhow, feel free to interact with me how you would like to. You can "lurk" and simply read my blog. You can ask questions of me, you can even give me suggestions. I am open to all. Just know that my first and foremost belief and practice is "An it harm none".

As I mentioned before, I plan to take a small step further into the realm of Paganism today, I plan to cleans and consecrate my tools as well as set up and establish my altar. I believe that would be a great time to truly "begin" my blog as well as my Book of Shadows, which at this point is mearly through blogger and in a notebook. Someday though, I hope to further my collection of tools and books, allowing me a more traditional feel to the practice.

Blessed be!