Witchy Woman

All My Books Are Gone!!!

2012-11-25T14:27:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago something fairly bizzare happened. I went to download a new app on my Kindle Fire and it told me that I didn't have a card attached to my account.. odd I thought I did. Oh well, so on to the website I go to update my account re-added my card and went back to my app downloading. Much to my annoyance it once again told me that I had no card attached to my account. So I decided to check the devices registered to my account. What did they list? My husbands old phone that was registered through his Kindle app, by the way when I say old phone I mean the phone he had ohhh 3 phones ago. Yeah a phone he neither uses or looks at anymore and isn't even connected to the internet because it's no longer connected with our plan. Anywho, in my quest to remedy my situation I try to re-register my kindle back to my account, oh wait, I can't do that without first de-registering it. Instead of doing it the smart way and attempting to save all of my content I in all my impatient glory do it without even a second thought. So what I'm left with is a Kindle wiped entirely clean, all of my apps are gone and ALL OF MY BOOKs are gone. It's like I just took the thing out of the box.

Needless to say I was less than happy. I was 80% of the way through reading the High Lord and poof, it was gone. In a strange way I guess I'm a little relieved. I was getting so tired of the book dragging on and on and on. I'm taking the strange little mishap as a sign from the universe that if a book isn't working I shouldn't force it. In the time I've since I've lost everything I've been in a reading FRENZY. I downloaded a slew of new books and I'm plowing through them like I haven't been able to in the past few years. I just finished reading A Tale of Two Cities. I had never read it before and I have a soft spot for classic lit and Charles Dickens.

Right now I'm on about chapter 4 of Eye of the Witch by Dana E. Donovan. It's Book 2 in her Detective Tony Marcella series. I should have read the The Witch's Ladder first but I'm a rebel and sometimes I like to read books out of order. Maybe if this one thrills beyond all reason I'll get the first one and try to get in order. As of right now it seems like it'll just be a simple fun read and it's free in the Kindle book market if you're interested.

We Make Suicide Look Good

2012-10-24T15:05:00.000-04:00

Something has been bothering me. I don't think it's any secret that poor bullied children are committing suicide at an astonishing rate. While this is obviously horrible what's been worming through my brain and making me uncomfortable is all the attention these cases have been getting due to social media.

This isn't because of my delicate sensitivities or some crusading mission I have to sensor the world and keep everyone from witnessing anything ugly. No. This terrifies me for one simple reason. What if it's making the problem worse?

Before I get to my main point I'm going to tell you a little about myself and why I feel my fears are valid. Bullying is deplorable and something I have dealt with first hand. Between 4-6 grade I was tormented by students and teachers alike. I once even had a teacher threaten to call social services on my family and have me removed from my home because I missed a few days at school. I had brought her a note from my parents before and after the time off was taken to request any homework I was going to miss and explain why I wouldn't be there, and she just ignored it. I had a teacher shove a book in my face and tell me that the stuff I read was crap (it was a book I had gotten from the school library mind you). The students were even worse towards me and the administrations only answer to this was to tell me that I wasn't trying hard enough to fit in. I remember crying and begging my mother to transfer me to a different school or at least home school me. I got told that every kid gets bullied, she did and made it through and so would I. I felt totally alone.

I considered running away, doing serious harm to the students and staff, and even considered hurting myself, but I knew I could never go through with it. So believe me when I say I have a little insight into the minds of these poor children. As more and more adults are speaking out and taking action more and more light is being shined on the bullying problem. Sadly however bullies breed more bullies and this is an issue that will never really go away. The only thing I think will be achieved is the bullies will be going a little more underground in their actions in an effort to not get caught.

Now that doesn't mean we should stop speaking out or holding these people accountable for their actions. On the contrary we should try harder to give the tormented a voice, to let the world know that it is not okay and will not be tolerated, and we should stand with these children and make sure they have the self-love necessary to carry on. Loving myself more than I hated the pain was the only thing that kept me going.

Instead of this I see a disturbing trend. These tragic suicide victims are turned into martyrs. Their pictures are plastered all over facebook asking for likes and shares to "stand against bullying" Where were these pictures and support when these children were alive? The only people they are really reaching are other children plagued by bullies who feel they have no voice. The only message their confused, hurt, and adolescent minds are getting is that if they just end it all then finally people will love them. Finally they'll be appreciated, remember, cherished and heard. They ponder with satisfaction how terrible the bullies will feel, how they'll finally be punished.

We're feeding into a culture that values death more than life and we're making suicide look like an attractive option for those who don't know anything else. The media, social and otherwise, latches on to the misfortune of others, offering no real solution but allowing people to feel important and involved simply because they're "in the know".

Once someone has ended their life it is too late, we as a society have failed them and no amount of passing out pictures will change that. Allow them to be remembered privately by the people who knew and truly loved them. Posting pictures of victims does nothing to stop or combat bullying. If you want to make a difference post pictures of the bullies, don't allow their actions to be swept under the rug. Or better yet if you see that someone is being bullied DO SOMETHING, before it's too late!! Don't shut your curtains and when it's all over mutter about the poor dear. Teach your children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and students that bullying is unacceptable. Teach them to love themselves and by extension each other. Teach them that not everyone has to "fit in". Teach them that we don't have to be friends with or even like someone in order to be respectful of them.

Samhain Musings

2012-10-19T11:10:00.000-04:00

I will not eat until I'm hungry
I will not eat until I'm hungry
I will not eat until I'm hungry

A dieters mantra to hamper overeating. This stuck in my head today nagging me, making me realize that gluttony takes up so much of our lives. We're so afraid of running out, so afraid of not getting our share we take before we need to ensure we get our due.

Isn't that part of the American dream? Aren't we supposed to get what's owed to us? No one's going to give it to us so we've got to be proactive and take care of ourselves. We call it being prepared and pat ourselves on the back if we've figured out how not to run out of something.

This is so much part of our daily lives that the average person has no patience, has no real understanding of need or want. We throw out phrases like "I have to have that" referring to some hot new techno gadget or pair of shoes forgetting entirely about the perfectly good merchandise we have at home.

How would our lives be different if every once in a while we stopped looking for the next best thing to replace what we already have. How much money would we save if we took the time to appreciate the things we've already spent money on, or better yet the pleasures that are free. So then we're left with a new mantra, I will not take until I need. Say that to yourself a few times. How does it taste, how does it feel on your tongue. Frightening or freeing? I have to admit it leaves me with a mixture of both, but in today's society it's simply seen as irresponsible.

These are the types of thoughts that cling to my brain like spiderwebs to your face, especially at this time of the year. The time of year that calls us to remember times and loved ones passed. The people before us who perhaps knew a little better about waiting, who new a little bit more about need, or want.

My meme (french for grandmother) buys toilet paper and coffee like it's going out of style harboring a secret fear of them running out. It's clear to see that this is the generation that bore our current "got to have" society. The difference being that having more than they needed was for them a matter of self preservation and for us simply the way things have always been.

Luckily my meme is still with us but her laundry room stuffed with Folgers and Scott paints a picture of great grandparents I've never even met looking over her shoulder as she shops, breathing in her ear that she never knows when she'll run out. For me that's the spirit of Samhain. Not just honoring our ancestors but really and truly honoring their lives and the things they've taught us.

Book 7: The High Lord

2012-09-16T07:42:00.001-04:00

I've reached the final installment of the Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan, The High Lord.

'Why are you showing me these books?' Akkarin's eyes bored into her own, and she looked away. 'You want to know the truth,' he said. He was right. Part of her wanted to ignore the books. But she did want to know.

In the city of Imardin, where those who wield magic wield power, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magician's Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire world...

Sonea has learned much at the magicians' guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the High Lord's underground room - or his warning that the realm's ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster's word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting him in some unspeakably dark scheme?

Seeing as the the second book was better than the first I'm hoping this one is better than both and turns out to be an enjoyable read.

All synopsis have been courtesy of TrudiCanavan.com

The Novice Review

2012-09-16T07:11:00.001-04:00

So its official, The Novice was better than The Magician's Guild. It wasn't great and I didn't exactly love it, but it was better.
Unfortunately in this book I still don't relate to Sonea, I just can't. She endures some horrendous bullying which certainly earns my sympathy but that doesn't equate to like or respect. She never even fully protects herself unless someone else points out how it can be achieved. She never tells anyone and when someone finds out on their own she begs them not to do anything and to keep it a secret. The adults keep assuming it's out of pride but honestly no one ever gives a believable reason why she won't let anyone do anything about her tormentors. Especially since the few times they are caught she seems satisfied.

This kind of brings me to my next qualm with the book. The adults in this book are totally ineffectual. They spend more time being gossips than anything else. Whenever someone does something that is absolutely terribly wrong they brush it off with a slap on the wrist. In my opinion the main villain from the first book is never even properly punished even though they're all supposedly outraged by his actions and it's well within their power to make him pay for his crimes.

My third and final complaint is that smaller plot points were dragged out throughout the whole book, while larger turn of event type scenes are thrust upon you almost clumsily and with no build up. So there it is, overall the book was definitely better but still not a stellar book.

Will the third be better than both?

Book 6: The Novice

2012-09-15T08:39:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Bookworld

Continuing with the Black Magician Trilogy we have The Novice.

'The Most important attribute of a magician is knowledge. Without it his strength is useless.' The magician's eyes flickered to Sonea, 'Even if his powers surface of their own accord, he will soon be dead if he does not gain the knowledge of how to control them.

Sonea knows the other novices in the Magicians' Guild all come from powerful families, but she also knows she can turn to Rothen and Dannyl for help when she needs it. That is, until someone starts spreading malicious rumors about her - and Akkarin, the High Lord, steps in.

Promoted to Guild Ambassador, Lord Dannyl leaves for the Elyne court. His first order from Administrator Lorlen is to resume, in secret, High Lord Akkarin's long-abandoned research into ancient magical knowledge. Not knowing the true reason for his journey, Dannyl is soon facing unexpected dangers.

Meanwhile, Sonea has almost forgotten the High Lord's dark secret, but keeping the truth hidden may be a grave mistake.

From the synopsis alone I'm feeling trepidation but I said I was going to finish the trilogy and I am. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one will be a better read.

Have any of you read any good books lately?

Magician's Guild Review

2012-09-10T19:52:00.000-04:00

Today I finished the Magician's Guild. I only have 3 words to describe this book Too Much Talking! Normally I don't mind banter between characters, but this was just unending and uninteresting banter. In case you're interested in reading this book yourself I don't want to give a whole lot away but the most exciting thing about this book is the description on the back cover.

For the first half of the book Sonea, the main character, is in hiding. Actually most of what you read for the first half of the book revolves around her moving from one hideout to the next as her friend valiantly attempts to keep her hidden (because even though she has magical powers she needs a man to take care of her) and the hunt being carried out by the misunderstood guild.

I need to be able to relate the main character in order to really enjoy a book and there isn't a single thing I like about Sonea. She's weak, annoying, and only seems to have a backbone when it isn't going to do her any good. To make matters worse none of the magic they do in the book is particularly interesting.

My husband assures me that the books get better, so we'll see. For his sake and due to the fact that I'm a bit of a book whore and will read just about anything, good or nauseatingly bad, I'm going to try to finish the trilogy, wish me luck.

Lazy Pagan

2012-07-24T13:57:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I'm a lazy Pagan. I just can't revolve my entire life around one thought or idea at all times. I'm so much more than just a Pagan, I can't help it. I'm a writer, a mother, a cook, a wife, a woman, a daughter, an artist, a friend, and a physical being who craves physical activity. Now while I am fully aware that all of these things can have paganism incorporated into them in one way or another it's not always easy to remember. Shit didn't I plan on stirring that soup deosil.

Lately I've been focusing on my health. I've been arming myself with as much information as possible, altering my eating habits to a healthy way of eating (that allows for treats) that I can keep up without falling off the wagon. I've been working out every day. Yoga in the morning and then a mix of cardio and resistance broken into 10 minute segments spread out throughout the day.

Not to mention I still have to keep my apartment clean, do what I can to make a little money, spend time with my son, spend time with my husband, and make sure we don't lose track of our bills. Needless to say spirituality ends up falling to the bottom of my list. I've tried meditating but honestly I kind of suck at it. Every once in a while I can get into a nice meditative rhythm but most of the time I end up battling falling asleep.

So that brings me to the meat of my post, my real reason for writing. I know I'm not the only one who has this stuff going on in their lives, and I know I'm not the only one who has this approach to her spirituality. However everything I read states over and over again, "It's a practice, you need to set special time aside for it, you have to work"

Now while Christianity never rang true for me, one of the things that always turned me off was the amount of work you were expected to put into it. Go to church every Sunday, go through Sunday school, first communion, confirmation, donate money, go to church held events, pray, read your bible, study your bible know your bible, attend bible study. Why? Because it's going to make you a better Christian? Because it will appease God? In that same token, I don't understand people who take on Paganism, no matter what flavor of Paganism they choose, and turn it into work. Meditate, pray, follow the seasons, follow the moon, follow the sun, do ritual work, keep a Book of Shadows, study, Study, STUDY!

I'm Pagan because I believe in balance, because I believe that male and female energies are equally important, because I feel the change of the seasons, and the phases of the moon in my blood and body, because I honor the dead as well as the living and because I never forget where I came from or how I got here.

Am I honestly to believe that the powers that be want me to spend what very little down time I have to turn my spirituality into a job. I don't think so. Study, practice and ritual has it's place when there is need of it, and when we're called to it. Who else is a lazy Pagan and not afraid to admit it, it's okay we won't judge you ;-)

Last Quarter Moon

2012-07-11T18:37:00.000-04:00

It's feels like my creative ambition has been waning. I'm currently trying to focus on my physical health and sadly my spiritual health has been going to the wayside. Mentally, I just feel fucked. My brain feels out of sorts and in a dark place. Not necessarily depressed, just dark.

I've noticed that my moods tend to wax and wan with the moon. Even my monthly cycle seems to follow the moon. I always get it around the Last Quarter. If I ever had to pick a patron Goddess it would be the Goddess of the Moon. I've even had her appear to me in dreams. Is there a particular God or Goddess that resonates with you?

Okay so sorry for all the ramblings, trying to get my head sorted I guess and get back into the habit of writing.

July's Full Moon

2012-07-03T11:10:00.005-04:00

~The Blessing Moon~

We are currently in the phase of the Full Moon. It is considered the Full Moon because it is when the surface of the moon is fully visible to us. This moon phase lasts for 3 days. The day before, day of, and day after. This is the Moon Phase that is associated with the Mother aspect of the Goddess. This is a time of completion and fully realized goals.

Thanks to the abundance of vegetation we are blessed with at this time of the year July's Full Moon is known as The Blessing Moon. This month's Full Moon is also known as The Full Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Full Hay Moon, and Meadow Moon.

June's Full Moon was all about taking the time to appreciate, maintain, and enhance the things we have present in our life. Perhaps now would be a good time to once again look within. Not to make sure we are on the right track but to figure out if there is another area of our life we are unhappy with or needs improvement. This could be a good time to divine a new project through the use of divination or dream work.

Check out A Witch's Book of Dreams, an excellent book to have on hand when starting dream work.

Color Associations: Green, Silver, Blue-gray

Gemstone Associations: Moonstone, White Agate, Opals or pearls

Tree Associations: Ash and Oak

Gods and Goddesses Associated with this Moon: Juno, Venus, Cerridwen, Athena Nephthys, Lugh

Herbal Associations: Mugwort, Hyssop, Lemon Balm

Elemental Associations: Water

Zodiac Associations: Cancer

Sources:

About.com Paganism/Wicca

Farmer's Almanac

Magickal Vs. Mundane

2012-07-02T10:29:00.000-04:00

I have a message for my fellow Pagans. Just because we believe in magic doesn't mean we need to depend on it to cure all of our ills. Now I don't want to offend anyone and if that happens I appologize. But I'm so sick of the "send me healing energy I have a headache", "please light a green candle for me so I can put gas in my car". There is nothing wrong with wanting a little magickal oomph but honestly, take some damn tylenol and close your eyes for a half an hour. Poof, headache gone. If you're someone who's against conventional medicine sip some Rosemary tea and close your eyes. Or even better take some preventative measures, meditate to reduce stress and limit your caffeine intake.

These same people who always seem to need some type of magickal assistance are perpetually experiencing bad luck. They have no money, they have family issues, they have health problems. I'm not saying their problems aren't real but if you've got $10 left to your name why are you wasting it on magickal supplies to try and get yourself out of the hole.

First of all magickal tools are not necessary. They're fun and they're helpfull when directing energy but they're not something we NEED to work magick. Secondly, it would appear to me that the universe is having one large laugh at your expense. Nine times out of ten the things we need to do to solve our problems are much simpler than doing a full and lengthy ritual.

To me using magick should be either a last resort or something small we do on the side simply to aid us and make our intentions clear. Not to be our only course of action when dealing with our issues. I've talked to people who literally ended up being homeless because they based whether or not they moved cross country with no financial support on the advice of a woman who read in her cards that it was a good idea. Why would you risk your life and security simply because someone you've never met before who is going to receive none of the reprocusions from your actions told you they divined that it was the right move?

This type of naivity and quite frankly laziness will never cease to baffle me. Like the rest of the world I could use some more money, so I have a candle that I light. It's a beautiful rich green color and it's infused with herbs meant to attract wealth. However I also make sure all of my bills get paid, If I run into trouble paying a bill I cut back on frivolous expenses and work out a payment plan until things get sorted. I do so immediately and am responsible with the payment plans I set up. I have a credit card for emergencies (and to boost my credit) so I always have some money, I eat at home instead of out, and I do whatever I can to earn a little extra cash. I write freelance, I take surveys, I make jewelry. So far it all seems to work out pretty well. Maybe the candle helps. Maybe it cosmically attracts more buyers to my etsy shop who knows, but it doesn't hurt. What I do know is that if that candle burns out, I'm not buying another one unless I have the cash to spare and if I didn't put in the work the candle wouldn't mean shit.

If you need help, meditate, call on the Gods for assistance, do a ritual to banish bad energy or attract, but please remember your problems will never go away if you're waiting around for cosmic interference.

First Quarter Moon

2012-06-27T12:49:00.000-04:00

Really this should have been posted yesterday but Blogger is being ridiculous. Hear that Blogger ridiculous. Apparently no page will function right if it has an image on it. Anywho I got the links working again so I guess I'll be happy witht that for now.

The First Quarter Moon takes place during the middle of the two week period of the Waxing Moon phase. This is the time when the visible moon is half way between dark and full. This Moon phase is associated with the maiden. This is the perfect time to do possitive magick.

Moon Magick

Increasing your wealth and belongings
Bringing love into your life (as long as this isn't directed at a specific person you're not conflicting with anyone's free will)
Anything to do with improving your situation (i.e. finding a new job/home)

On a personal note I purchased a lovely witches money bottle about a month ago and have been waiting to put it together until the right time. Well as this is my first First Quarter Moon in our new apartment I think it is finally the right time.

Ancestors of Avalon Review

2012-06-26T19:25:00.000-04:00

After over 3 months I am finished reading Ancestors of Avalon. On the whole I'm an insanely fast reader, however it was only just recently that I was able to once again devote time to my favorite habit. Even still I'm generally only able to get in one chapter a day, two at most.

The writing style was not quite the same as Mysts of Avalon. Also for those of you who read Mysts of Avalon you know that the entire book is told from the points of view of the women in the story. The same is not so with Ancestors. The book mainly focuses on Tiriki and Micail. After fleeing their burning home within the Sea Kingdoms they are seperated and brought to different parts of the British Isles. From that point on we see how they are effected by the societies surrounding them.

The book jumps between the experiences of Tiriki and Micail. While her and her companions seek to live amongst and at peace with the natives, Micail's seek to rule them. I didn't connect with the characters in this book the same way I did with the characters in Mysts of Avalon. Despite that it was fun to see Igraine's vision of her and Uther in past lives played out. I also enjoyed how they explained the building of Stonehenge and the maze in the Tor.

I ended up kind of disliking Micail which I didn't want to do and absolutely hating Tjalan. My favorite character was Tiriki, I loved watching her find her strength.

Overall I liked Mysts of Avalon more but it was still an excellent book.

New Moon

2012-06-19T21:00:00.001-04:00

We have reached the time of the New Moon. This phase is associated with the void or rather no face of the Goddess is associated with this moon. It is the in between time where there is no visible surface of the moon. It is because of this that the New Moon represents the time after death and before birth. This moon phase lasts for three days. The day before, day of, and day after.

Magickal Moon

This is the time for meditation and looking inward. Take this time to rest and relax for the coming Full Moon.

Other things to do during a New Moon are:

Take a cleansing bath

Take a walk in nature

Take a nap

Pamper yourself

Our current New Moon is coming just before the Summer Solstice, or Litha and the time ruled by the zodiac sign of Cancer.

Belated Father's Day Post

2012-06-19T20:23:00.000-04:00

This is a little late but in honor of Father's day I wanted to do a little compendium of Gods that represent fatherhood.

The Dagda - Father God of Ireland~

He is a powerful figure who wields a giant club that can both kill and resurrect men
His name means "The Good God"
He possesses a large magickal cauldron that contains an endless supply of food

Geb - Egyptian God of the Earth~

The first king of Egypt
Often portrayed lying beneath the sky goddess, Nut (his lover and twin)
A fertility deity
Father of Osiris, Set, Isis, and Nepthys

Zeus - Ruler of Olympus~

The youngest son of Cronos and Rhea
Became the supreme ruler over all Gods of the ancient Greeks
Known as quite the philanderer
God of thunder and lightning
In charge of justice, morals, and law

Odin - Ruler of the Norse Gods~

Lived in Asgard the home of the gods
He was the god of kings and the mentor of young heroes
A shape shifter who frequently roamed the world in disguise
Accompanied by a pack of wolves and ravens, and rode on a magic horse named Sleipnir
Associated with the concept of the wild hunt, and leads a horde of fallen warriors across the sky
God of the dead
Helped to slay Ymir (a giant who was the father of the frost giants)
He lost his eye in exchange for a drink from a sacred well full of knowledge
Learned songs and runes by hanging onto Yggdrasil for nine days
At Ragnarok, Odin dies while fighting Fenrir (a wolf which the Aesir could not restrain until the dwarves fashioned a rope called Gleipnir) after killing Odin Fenrir is killed by Vidar
Wednesday is named for him

If I've left anyone out let me know.

Last Quarter Moon

2012-06-11T09:15:00.000-04:00

The Last Quarter Moon lies in the second week of the waning moon phase. This is the time when the visible moon goes from full to dark again and is associated with the crone aspect of the Goddess. This is the perfect time to do banishing magick and rituals to reduce problems.

Working with the Waning Phase

Any magick to remove negative people from your life (i.e. people who are bad influences on you, treat you poorly or genuinely make you unhappy despite multiple attempts to repair the relationship)

Magick to smoothly end a relationship or job

Magick to reduce debt

Early A.M. Venting

2012-06-11T02:58:00.000-04:00

Today was supposed to be stress free, well so much for that, for one it's almost 3 in the am and I'm not sleeping so what does that tell you. My chest is killing me and I keep weezing and coughing, so I'm trying to drink hot tea hoping it settles itself enough so I can go back to bed.

We got our kitchen table in today. Yay for that but for whatever ridiculous reason there had to be an argument over a chair cusion with my parents, really a chair cushion? Found out that their is a part in our oven that's crapping out, the safety valve. Doesn't that sound like a part you want to have to worry about in your first week of moving in? So we've got to reach in to the back/bottom of the oven to tap on it just so it ignites. It took us over 3 hours just to get some potatoes and chicken made while we found this out.

Took a peek at my moon phase page today, thinking that I should look at it and see if I need to update anything. It looked fine, so I went to leave it, it asked me if I wanted to leave the page, I said yes. For whatever reason something made me go back and look at it, it had reloaded a page I had typed up in March, MARCH?? Where the hell did that come from? The whole calendar was wiped out and no where to be found. How the fuck did that happen? So tomorrow I've got to try to type it back up. For now it's labeled as "under construction".

I was finally able to get a broom today, so being able to finally sweep the floor is nice. They didn't have the one I wanted and I ended up with a cheap plastic one but we all have to make due with what's available sometimes.

I have deffinately had worse days, and I get it that not all days are going to be perfect but today was the hubby's first day off that we were going to stay home all day, which we did... almost. It was just that today was supposed to be nice and relaxing, instead I went to bed at 10:30 feeling totally wiped out and now I'm awake coughing and weezing and on the computer when I really just want to be in bed.

All Moved In

2012-06-06T09:26:00.000-04:00

Well we're officially moved in! I'm not 100% comfortable yet but it always takes me some time to settle into a new place. Not to mention, not all of our furniture is in yet so some spaces still feel a little to empty. It is so nice to have a bigger space, I can finally keep things organized. I was done all of the house work by 8:30 this morning!

Did anyone catch the full moon from Monday night, I was so dead on my feet tired that I just went to bed but it did sound like someone was enjoying it. Nearby I could hear one of our neighbors having some sort of party. Their was music and drumming and whooping, which I thought was weird for a Monday night and I haven't heard it any night since so maybe it was for the Full Moon. It would be pretty cool if we had Pagan neighbors.

It's taken us so many trips to move things in it's ridiculous and we still have more to transport, it's little stuff, but still. Next time we decide to move we are renting a damned moving truck and getting everything done in one shot. I've missed my Internet world, what's going on out there, any interesting stories to tell?

Strong Sun Moon

2012-06-01T10:43:00.000-04:00

I'm posting this early since I won't be able to log on around the 4th.

The phase of the Full Moon lasts for 3 days. The day before, day of, and day after. Full Moons are associated with the mother aspect of the goddess and is considered a time of completion.

The Full Moon of June is known as the Strong Sun Moon. This is the perfect name for the moon we see in the first month of Summer. It is also known as the Lover's Moon, Full Strawberry Moon, The Honey Moon, and The Rose Moon. During last month's full moon we did some divination to make sure we were on the correct course. Take some the time during this Full Moon to maintain and enhance the things you already have. It's easy to lose sight of the things we already possess when we're focused on new accomplishments.

From: About.com Paganism/Wicca

Color Associations: Gold, Yellow, Orange

Gemstone Associations: Topaz, Agate

Tree Associations: Oak, Maple

Goddesses associated with this Moon: Isis, Cerridwen, Persephone, Ishtar

Herbal Associations: Parsley, Mosses, Skullcap, Mugwort.

Elemental Association: Earth

From: The Wiccan Year

Moon Meditation

~ As the honey moon glows in the midsummer nights, June brings us the love of Ishtar. Queen of Heaven, River of Life, Creator of People are among her myriad titles. She is a goddess of love, of strategy, and of battle. Hailed as the Kingmaker she was the sovereign of Babylon. Most often depicted in the breast-offering pose accompanied by the maxim "The fate of everything she holds in her hands," Ishtar's presence reminds us that bringing forth new life is but one of the many gifts of the goddess. Nurturing and feeding that life so that it can flourish is her true power. Her breasts hold the fate of humanity, and her power is yours. Let Ishtar inspire you to nourish your gifts and talents and those of others as well. Take the sweet honey that is her lover and let it radiate outward like her river of life, the river of milk that flows freely from her generous breast. Drink deep from the chalice of her moonlight and let this fierce goddess of love and strength be your guardian. ~

First Quarter Moon

2012-05-29T18:25:00.000-04:00

We are in the second week of the waxing moon phase. The waxing moon phase is when the visible moon goes from dark to full again. This moon phase is associated with the Maiden and is a great time for doing positive magick.

Ideas for Magick

Increasing your wealth and belongings
Bringing love into your life (as long as this isn't directed at a specific person you're not conflicting with anyone's free will)
Anything to do with improving your situation (i.e. finding a new job/home)

Interestingly enough we signed the lease on our new apartment yesterday, perhaps Lady Selene had something to do with that.

The Move Is Upon Us

2012-05-29T16:32:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it, in less than a week we'll be settling into our new apartment! There is so much to do between now and then that I'm feeling a little frantic. It doesn't help that it's an hour away from here so when we start transporting all of our stuff every trip is going to feel like forever.

Once we're finally in getting settled is going to take forever but that's going to be the fun part. First thing that needs to get settled is painting. We're allowed to paint the apartment and the previous tenant had.... interesting taste, to say the least. So we've got to pick out colors and get at least the two bedrooms and bathroom painted. Right now the master bedroom is dark blue and electric pink, not really conducive to relaxation. We also need to call the gas company and have the stove hooked up and call the cable company to have Internet set up. Some people need coffee, I need the Internet.

Despite all of the stress and responsibility it will be nice to finally spread out. Anywho the point of all this is that sadly I won't be able to connect with my readers much over the next few weeks :-( When I return I'll have lots to tell and pictures to share. Wish me luck that all goes smoothly.

Weekly Round Up

2012-05-27T14:41:00.000-04:00

From: Witchy Woman

Gemini

Air

Politics and Me

From: Witch Kitchen

Burger Love

Waste Not Want Not

Magickal Housekeeping for a Green Witch

Magickal Housekeeping for a Green Witch Pt. 2

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Seafood Stuffing.. Sort Of

From: Witch of Howling Creek

Magickal Lemonade Mix-Ins

Shopping

The Pyramid Collection

Isis Books & Gifts

Star Corners

From: About.com Paganism/ Wicca

Robertson: Destroy Friend's Buddha Statue

Teen Pagans and Bullying

Reader Mail: American Witchcraft Laws

Info Resources

Pagan Symbols and translations

Events

Beltania

From: PoliticusUSA

Satan Ate My Government! The Fundamentalist Addiction to Satan

From: Southern Fried Witch

Men and Muscadines

From: Witchvox

Why Pagan Shops Fail and How Some Succeed

Politics and Me

2012-05-25T18:02:00.001-04:00

I generally try to stay away from political stuff. If I don't it not only makes me seething angry and incoherent but also makes me sick to my stomach. I don't know why but it really just gets under my skin. Me personally I try to support everyone's right to be happy, as long as that happiness doesn't directly effect the rights of others. The people I have the most problem with are the far right. The overly conservative control freaks who can't seem to grasp that they shouldn't be allowed special privileges above and beyond everyone else's.

They live under the assumption that they've figured "it" out, they're what should be considered the status-quo. Everything and everyone who challenges that is a threat to their peace of mind. They're secretly terrified that those who believe the LGBT community deserve the same rights as everyone else... are right. If those people are right that means they might be wrong. If they're wrong then what else in their life is wrong. Is every decision they've ever made wrong? I know them intimately I have them in my family, we all do. They're so insecure and unsure of their own beliefs they need everyone to agree with them in order to feel validated.

The same as the people that don't want women to have control over their healthcare and reproductive choices. The men are afraid of women and the women are afraid of themselves and resentful towards other women. Women are capable of giving birth so clearly that's what our role in society is meant to be, if we don't accept that fact we'll all die off, after all, who would actually choose the discomfort of pregnancy and pain of childbirth. How dare these women have sex purely for the enjoyment of it that's hedonistic and selfish.

They need to be normal, they thrive on it and they crave the acceptance of their peers. They work so hard fitting into this mold that they didn't even create. They deny themselves and those around them the luxury of exploring their own uniqueness for fear of finding something that doesn't quite fit. If you just happen to be okay with allowing bits of you to ooze outside of the mold then you're hedonistic, sinful, and dangerous. They're jealous of your free spirit and afraid of their own.

They can't understand that what's normal for one person isn't normal for someone else. If I woke up tomorrow and had a penis I think I would be in terrible shock. My whole self image would be shattered. I'm a woman and have always known of myself as a woman. Does that mean that having a penis is wrong? No. Does that mean that the men who are born into the bodies of women should just be happy with what they have because that's what they were born with? No. I was in a situation where I felt secure enough to carry out my pregnancy and give birth to my beautiful son. Does that mean someone else who didn't have the luxury of being in my situation is a disgusting slut? No. They just can't comprehend this.

They are so sure they're doing it right, that everyone else must be wrong. In their world there is a sliver of right and a whole world filled with wrong. Why can't they understand that there are just as many paths to being right as there are to being wrong. These people are to be pitied, but mostly feared. Their world is so narrow they barely have enough room for themselves.

Air

2012-05-24T14:22:00.002-04:00

1. a. A colorless, odorless, tasteless, gaseous mixture, mainly nitrogen (approximately 78%) and oxygen (approximately 21%) with lesser amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, neon, helium, and other gases.

b. This mixture with varying amounts of moisture and particulate matter, enveloping the earth; the atmosphere.

2. a. The sky; the firmament

b. A giant void; nothingness

3. An atmospheric movement; a breeze or wind.

These are the first 3 definitions of the 11 definitions that describe air as a noun. That's a lot of explanations for something that keeps us alive and is one of the 5 basic elements of life. Like all of the elements there is a dark and light side to air. It can keep us aloft and fill our lungs with one delicious breath after another, or it can crush and destroy us with its pressure and vastness. Just think of all the trouble one tiny little bubble of it can cause in an IV or a syringe.

Everything in life can be associated with one or multiple elements. It aids us with scent, sound, our breath, and even our blood contains oxygen. Air is the element associated with intellect, communication and travel. Some other air correspondences are:

Color Association - Yellow
Zodiac Associations - Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Tarot Associations - Swords
Deities of Air - Monai, Quetzalcoatl, Stribog, Addad, Nuit, Aditi, Zeus, Vayu, Thoth, Shu, Mercury, Enlil, Ariel, Paralda, The Sylphs, Raphael, Chassan
Magickal Creatures of Air - Angels, Fairies, Pegasus, Griffins, The Sylphs
Animals associated with Air - Birds, Butterflies
Planetary Associations - Mercury, Uranus
Sensory Associations - Scent, Sound
Symbols of Air - Blades, Incense, Music Boxes and symbols of music, Fairies, Clouds, Winged Creatures, Feathers

Many Pagans have alters displaying each of the 4 elements as well as their deities. Another way to honor the elements is by having elemental alters throughout your home. These can be placed wherever you feel the energy of a certain Element is needed. For example. If you have a study corner or work desk somewhere in your home you may want to keep an Air alter nearby to encourage clear thinking. You can use any of the examples above to help build your alter or you can come up with your own.

If you're looking to introduce your children to the elements something you can use for Air is bubbles. Air is thought to be a combination of wet and dry. The soap combined with a deep breath creates the bubbles.

Gemini

2012-05-22T14:05:00.002-04:00

When I was younger I fancied myself an amateur astrologer. I had a big black binder filled with all of the information pertaining to each of the astrological signs. I had charts and and keys, and horoscopes that I made up myself. I loved learning about my own sign (Capricorn) and my friends signs to see if their personalities matched up, they usually did. Amusingly enough I always learned that Capricorns made perfect mates to Cancers and surprise surprise, hubby's a Cancer (totally unplanned by the way. So as the time of Gemini started yesterday and I was looking for something to post I thought I'd share some basic info on the Twins.

Happy Birthday Geminis!

May 21st through June 21st is ruled by the astrological sign of Gemini, The Twins. Gemini is the 3rd sign in the astrological calender. This year the beginning of Gemini also coincides with the New Moon. It is ruled by the element of Air and the planet Mercury. Both of these lend to a Gemini's quick wit and social nature. A person born under this sign is often fickle and quick to change their minds.

For more information about The Great Twins