A Day in the Life of a Pagan Parent

Book Review ~ My First Little Workbook of Wicca - by: Rev. Velvet Rieth

2011-03-08T21:35:00.000-08:00

The Daughter of a friend of mine was given this book as a gift, not long ago. The 8 year old girl didn't show much interest in it, and since I homeschool more than one child - the book found it's way to me (with full permission from the little girl, of course). Let me start with saying that I really do like the book; not necessarily because it accurately presents MY spiritual path in a

When It Just "Feels" Right

2010-08-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

This is my own personal story on how I started on my spiritual journey, or "woke up" as it were. I was raised Christian. Or, at least, that was the attempt, by my father. My mother was decidedly not Christian, or at least very unorthodox in her belief in the Abrahamic deity or Jesus, for as long as I can remember. I don't ever recall a time where she wasn't giving tarot readings, for example,

Heroic Dog Risks His Own Life To Save Another Dog

2010-08-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but share this truly inspirational video. Whereas it greatly upsets me that the human beings on this highway (in particular, the one who hit the dog in the first place) did nothing to help out for so long, it's also touching and heart-warming to see that the other dog, who I can only assume was a friend, was so willing to risk the same fate in order to save his friend.

A Peaceful Nights' Sleep For You and the Kids - the New Age Way

2010-08-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Even under the best of circumstances, getting your children to go to sleep can be a daunting task. This is especially true if we're talking about an infant or a child who suffers from night terrors. But, there are a couple things you can do in order to help the kids fall into a nice, deep, restful sleep which might actually enable you to get a few winks as well. Firstly, there's lavender.

History and Luck of Friday the 13th

2010-08-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Friday the 13th. With that in mind, I decided to do some research on exactly how and why this was considered an 'unlucky' day. I'd never put much thought into it. To be honest, it simply never crossed my mind that the number, the day, or the combination of the two should have any reason at all to be considered as unlucky. Well, apparently, there are actually a great number of

Keeping an Altar With Kids in the House

2010-08-13T16:49:00.000-07:00

It can be difficult to keep an altar, when you have little kids running about. Even slightly older children (8 or 9) get curious, want to play with the things you have up there, etc. And, animals too can get in the way and/or hurt themselves on what you have on your altar. The first thing you can do, to help with these concerns, is put your altar up on a higher surface (fireplace mantle, etc.)

Magic or Magick

2010-08-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

You may have seen that many new agers put a 'k' on the end of the word 'magic'. You may or may not, however, know why. Much like spelling 'woman' as 'womyn' in an effort to equalize the way the sexes are viewed, 'magick' is the new agers' way of attempting to make a distinction between what they/we do and the sleight of hand type magic you may be used to seeing in Vegas. Honestly, I still

Do You Have to Have a Coven to be Wiccan?

2010-08-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

There are two schools of thought when it comes to this question. Side A will tell you that you must be initiated into a lineaged coven (that is, one that can trace it's roots back to Gardner) in order to be considered "Wiccan" (though you are always free to be a witch of absolutely any variety you choose, solitary or otherwise). Side B will say that if you hear the call of that particular deity

Holidays Vs. Holy Days

2010-08-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize that technically holidays ARE "Holy Days". But, for many of us, there is a fairly distinct difference between the two. Holidays can be considered more of a fun social event, where as Holy days are most definitely religiously significant.I was reminded of this today while thinking back to a friend of mine; who made this distinction between the two words upon being asked why she, a

Long Time, No See

2010-01-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's been a long time since I've written anything in this blog. In the time I've been gone, much has transpired.I've been working on writing a book, nearly done with polishing that up now. It has a fantasy theme, for young adults, that takes on a Pagan tone in many ways. And, now, I'm working on another book which is probably much more on the "salable" side of the table. On a more

Supportive Parenting

2008-10-08T08:10:00.001-07:00

How to be a Supportive Parentby akaschThere are different levels of support that a parent can provide, depending on the age and maturity levels of their child. When a child is very young, the supportive parent can do relatively simple things such as posting a drawing on the refrigerator after giving the child rave reviews on their creation.The supportive parent must give the child their undivided

Wiccan Wisdom E-book

2008-10-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light--an ebook of Wiccan Wisdomby TirganaValkyrie Publishing announces the March 1 release of Theresa Chaze 's new ebook, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light. It is a 105-page ebook containing Wiccan wisdom and rituals for the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner. It contains rituals for the individual as well as for groups. Although Wicca is a

Fire Vs. Water

2008-09-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm a Sagittarius and my eldest daughter is a Pisces. Given how drastic the difference is there, astrologically speaking, I think I've done rather well over her six years. I try to remember to be ever gentle in my tone, and she has taught me a lot in regards to patience and the like.She's a well behaved child, don't get me wrong. But, she's still a child and, as such, is prone to doing things

Updated Blog Template.

2008-09-23T03:23:00.001-07:00

Some of you may have noticed that I recently changed the blog's template. I prefer this one, because I think it's prettier, more in line with the theme of the blog, and organizes everything a little better. But, I would really like some feedback on it. What do you guys think of the new layout?

Who Do We Thank on Thanksgiving?

2008-09-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Most people think that I'm weird, because I have my children (and all guests) thank the thanksgiving turkey before we eat it.In my belief system, I find it important to do so however. This animal had/has a spirit just like we do. And, it's life was lost so that we could live. I think it's only appropriate that we thank the animal for having given it's life that ours may continue on in

Excavation in Israel Unearths an Ancient Roman Pagan Temple Within an Ancient Jewish Village.

2008-09-19T23:55:00.000-07:00

Click here to read more about it on Foxnews.com.Archaeologists have found an ancient Roman Pagan temple (dating back to around the second century A.D.) while excavating the ancient Jewish village of Zippori. A Christian church, from a later period, was built on top of it, and discovered during an earlier dig. The temple is in ruins, but parts of it have been well preserved through the ages, and

More Resources For Pagan Parents...

2008-09-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

Lady Bridget's Pagan Parents Page is filled with lots of fun ideas for teaching Pagan values, rituals, etc. to children. It also has great stories, poems, etc. and a list of suggested reading material for Pagan kids.Pagan Parents is a great site, that looks promising. There are links to articles on Pagan parenting, what your rights are, etc.Your rights as a Pagan Parent. This is an article

Various Pagan Paths and Some Definitions and Resources

2008-08-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

PaganPagan is an umbrella term, used to label/describe a variety of religious paths and ideas/beliefs. In it's broadest form, it can include any religion that isn't either Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. Though, I have yet to meet a Buddhist (among many other religions) who would call themselves Pagan. And, though Asatruers are often labeled as "Pagan", they tend to prefer "Heathen".

Pagan Tombs Under St. Peter's Basilica?

2008-07-22T03:11:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the Fox News site, and came across this story regarding Pagan tombs beneath St. Peter's basilica in Vatican City. Honestly, I'm not sure whether or not I should be insulted, but I'm finding it funny non-the-less. Apparently, Emperor Constantine (life-long Pagan who supposedly converted to Christianity, after deciding that it should be the religion of Rome, in order to calm the

Summer Solstice Celebrated At Stonehenge.

2008-07-18T12:21:00.001-07:00

I know I'm a little late on this, but I found the article on Fox News.com about the Stonehenge celebration of the summer solstice on June 21st, and I wanted to share it with you.The estimate for how many Pagans, Druids, and curious spectators, was around 28,000. Some people weren't religiously connected to the sacred space, but felt that it was such an important part of their English heritage/

The Meaning of Life, From the Thoughtful Perspective of a Child

2008-07-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Before I became a full-time mommy, I worked in a private daycare center. I handled all age groups, ranging from 8 weeks to 8 years of age.One day, one particular 8 year old was really grating on my last nerve. She just wouldn't behave, and it was making life stressful for not only the teachers and T.A.'s, but also the younger children.Finally, I just could not take it anymore. So, I told her to

Attempting to Define Paganism

2008-07-07T01:40:00.000-07:00

You, or your child, may run into situations where you'll have to define what Paganism actually is. Most of the time, it's just a lot easier to discuss your families own personal beliefs, as they specifically pertain to you. But, sometimes, you'll have to give a more general definition (online, or perhaps at school even). It can be a very difficult thing to describe to someone who doesn't

2 FREE Ways You Can Help Change the World For the Better.

2008-07-04T08:28:00.001-07:00

Not all of us have the money to give as much as we want, need, or feel we should to charity. But, most of us want to help change the world for the better, even if it's just in a small way. Well, these sites will help you accomplish that, without having to spend any money at all, and with only devoting a small amount of your online time.The Hunger Site (click here) donates food for the hungry as

Book Review ~ "The Herbalist of Yarrow"

2008-07-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

"The Herbalist of Yarrow" - A fairy tale of plant wisdom, written by: Shatoiya De La Tour, is a book I bought a while back for my eldest daughter. She's very into nature spirits, herbology, botany, etc. She may only be 6, but these interests have been obvious for quite some time now.This book is really amazing for a child who loves plants of any type, or shows an interest in herbology. I would

Pagan Homeschooling

2008-06-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

If you're looking to homeschool one or more of your children, you may have found that Christian curriculum is abundant, secular resources aren't difficult to find, but Pagan homeschooling resources can be a bit of a pain to get.I've found some resources that can help in your quest...The Pagan Homeschool Page has a TON of useful information, resources, book suggestions, etc. for Pagan