Forum Discussions - RealPagan- Paganism for the Real World

Questions to ask before joining a coven or group

2016-12-10T02:04:30.354Z

So you are thinking of joining a Wiccan coven or group. First ask yourself these questions before you commit yourself to the coven or group.

1) Will you be required to do your group rituals skyclad?

Some traditions require you to be skyclad (naked) when performing group ritual and/or magic. It is totally up to you if you feel that being skyclad is necessary or not, but you should never ever be forced to be skyclad when you are not comfortable being so. One of the first things you should find out about a coven is whether or not they practice skyclad. If you feel that you can't participate skyclad when that is how they practice then you need to reconsider joining this coven.

2) Can you give the time required of you to the coven?

Covens generally require that you commit yourself to being able to attend meetings on a regular schedule. That means being on time and ready to do what is required. You will also be required to study on a regular basis the materials they assign you. If you can't put in the time required then maybe you should reconsider joining a coven.

3) Will there be dues or other costs involved when you join the coven?

Some covens require that you pay monthly dues once you have joined them. Now this can be a serious issue. First ask what the dues are for and how much they are. Are they to pay for the place that they hold the meetings and rituals and such at or are they to pay for supplies used during said meetings and such? You might ask why members can't donate materials for the meetings and such. If they are not forthcoming with the information as to how the dues are spent then you might wish to reconsider joining them. You might also reconsider joining the coven if you can not financially afford the dues, no matter how low they are. Don't break your bank just so you can be a member. Being Wiccan shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg.

4) Will you be able to get along with everyone in the coven?

Getting along with everyone to some degree is essential to group harmony. Is there someone that simply rubs you the wrong way and you know that later on there will be a confrontation? If you just can't get along with that person at all then expect problems further down the road. You might have to reconsider your choice of joining the coven.

5) Will this coven be a good place for you to grow spiritually and advance with your studies?

Some covens are simply places where you just gather for the weekend like a social group and there seems to be no actual spiritual growth involved. You don't want to be in a group where the High Priestess and/or High Priest is just looking for followers and not participants. So look to see if there is a chance of spiritual advancement as well as a good course of studying involved, unless all you are looking for is a social group to hang out with on weekends.

6) Will you be able to leave the coven at a future date if you find that you need to?

Normally there should be no problems with you leaving a coven. Traditionally your name is removed from the coven's rolls and any tools that they gave you is returned to them. Find out if there could be any problems with the coven if you find the need to leave. So, when you are researching this coven you should keep your ears out for words like "Witch Wars". Be sure that you can leave gracefully from the coven, otherwise you might reconsider joining them in the first place.

7) Will you have support from your family and/or spouse if you join a coven?

Keeping harmony in the home is important. But sometimes your spouse or family members disagree with your spiritual choice. You may have to spend some time discussing your choice with them and explain how "no, I won't be burning in hell." Discuss with them what your choice of spiritual path really means to you and what it's about. If joining a coven is a breaking point for them, then maybe you need to reconsider your choice in joining a coven at this time. Don't give up your spiritual choice and studies, but maybe keeping a lower profile at this time is needed till they can see that your choice does not mean you've turned into an evil person.

8) Can you follow the rules and etiquette for the coven?

Some traditions require you to keep certain things secret. There are things that are oathbound and can't be shared with anyone, not even your spouse or significant other. You will also probably be required to keep secret who was in attendance and what you did. If you can't keep secrets then you need to reconsider joining a coven.

9) Will joining this coven cause you to break your own personal ethics?

With any spiritual and magical practice you will find that there are ethics involved. Ask what the ethics of the coven are. Will you be required to do the type of spells you feel are totally beyond your scope of what you call ethical. Remember that each tradition has it's own set of ethics and it isn't up to you to judge them, but if you simply can't agree with them as to what is ethical then reconsider joining this coven.

Making your final decision

These are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself before joining a coven. If you can answer these questions in a manner that satisfies you and you can live with those answers then accept the invitation to join with dignity and grace. Just be sure that you can uphold your end of the bargain and that they hold up theirs. Whatever you do, don't go into this commitment half way. If you simply can't agree with any point then don't join the coven. Remember that the coven is like a family, one you chose and chose you.

Covens vs Solitary Practice

2016-12-02T14:46:03.725Z

Many Pagans and Wiccans start out as solitary practitioners when they are first introduced to Paganism and Wicca, and some hope to eventually be accepted into a coven. However, many covens will expect a new initiate to have already studied for at least a year before being initiated into the coven. So the question is, is it better being in a coven or is it better being a solitary practitioner? The truth is that neither is better than the other. They simply offer different advantages and disadvantages. So, lets look at the differences and then hopefully you'll be able to decide which is right for you.

Lets start with covens. First advantage is that being in a coven means that you are with others that share your beliefs and practice. Also from those that you share a belief system, you can get support to worship as you wish to worship. You can feel secure in a second family. One that you chose and chose you. Especially if your natural family and/or friends aren't supportive of your choice of worship. You also have a greater exposure to others of the larger pagan community. You can enjoy group Sabbat and Esbat celebrations. In a coven, you are in a group that can offer to you information that can't be had from books as this information is many times oathbound and never shared outside the coven. Also working with others who may have more experience than you can be an advantage. You might prefer rituals that are a bit to more structured and formal as they tend to be in a group setting. Many also simply learn better from a group setting rather than strictly from books. You can also learn by the example of the other members of the coven. And there is something to be said for magical teamwork. It's not necessarily better, but it is certainly different.

So what are the reasons to not join a coven? First you have to deal with the individual personalities of those in the group. Coven work is generally scheduled ahead of time and not necessarily when it is convenient for you. An existing coven will tend to be set in their ways and may not be willing to accommodate your personality. Rituals may be more formal than you like. You may not like the rules that the coven imposes on you. You may not be interested in the topics you are assigned to study. Don't join if all you want is someone to tell you what to do and how to do it. Don't join if all you want is help to do your spells. Don't join up if all you want to do is spook all your friends. And finally, covens are not dating clubs. Don't join up just to meet someone to date.

Now lets talk about the advantages of practicing as a solitary. First, you can make your own rules and set of ethics. You can worship when you like rather than when it's convenient to others. You have complete control as to how you worship and who you worship. You can gather your information from any source you like. You can choose the topics you wish to study in the order you wish to study them. You can work with anyone you wish, even one of another tradition. You may have access to other types of group gatherings that don't commit you to being in a coven. You are not under any obligation to anyone but yourself and your deities. You can choose your line of study at the speed you wish to study at. You can share with anyone what you have learned without restrictions. You don't have to deal with individual personalities that conflict with your personality. And finally, you can choose your teacher or mentor rather than being assigned one by others.

What are the disadvantages to practicing as a solitary? You may find your information and knowledge sources limiting. Because you will be more dependent on learning from books, you may not have the money to buy all of the ones you wish to buy and the library may not carry what you want to read. You may find it difficult to network with others due to your limited exposure to the community. You may miss being able to hang out with others who believe as you do. You may find it difficult to find a teacher or mentor to help you grow spiritually.

So as you see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both being in a coven and being a solitary practitioner. And I'm sure you can come up with additional reasons for and against covens and solitary practice. I hope this helps you in a small way in your decision making process as to how you wish to practice.

Shadow work

2016-11-28T08:52:30.600Z

Been learning a bit about how to integrate the shadow aspects of myself into the light. Aspects of myself that I have denied, rejected, and disowned. Embracing such aspects to be a whole and balanced individual. Most of us have gone thru battles that have scared us, scared us and taught us how to see ourselves and world around us. Just a general post hoping to find some resources for such. Of the ones I have found are:

Alfred Willowhawk off of thecauldron.net radio station called The Warrior Within and archived shows off of warriorwithinrelease.com.

Teal Swan off of youtube or tealswan.com

Any additions would be greatly appreciated!

P.S. The above post may contain phrases and or sentences that came directly form above sources.

Brief Descriptions of Various Divination Systems

2016-11-19T09:43:18.412Z

Tarot : The origins of tarot are lost in the mists of time. Some say that it was started in ancient Egypt or India. They were used by Gypsies around the shores of the Mediterranean long before they were rediscovered by the Renaissance schools that at that time were delving into Alchemy and Kabbalah. There was a revival of interest during the 19th century that has continued till this day. One can read the books that comes with the cards or you can simply look at the pictures on each card and find your own meanings. I prefer to read the books once and then put them aside and find my own meanings to the cards with only a little help from the books. There are several ways to attune yourself to your cards. Meditation on each card is one of the most used methods. Another is to simply sleep with the cards under your pillow and thus hope to dream about them. There are also numerous ways in which you can lay the cards out so as to get answers to questions or give not only the past, present and future to the client but aspects to their personality, strengths and weaknesses, and information as to those in their lives. The uses are virtually endless.

Cartomancy : These are similar to Tarot in that they use cards. Cartomancy uses regular playing cards to tell the future and about what is going on in their life. Each suit of the playing cards represented each of the different suits of the Tarot deck of the minor arcana. In this way they were read as though you were using a Tarot deck without the major arcana as there were no cards in this method for the major arcana. Also there are no cards for the Page, only the King, Queen and Jack which was read as the same as the Knight.

Oracle cards : These are a more modern form of divination and use a totally different set of representation symbols on their cards to not only tell the future but to also give advice to the client on how to deal with their personal life, both spiritual and mundane. They give a unique perspective to the reading.

Runes : Runes have been used for thousands of years as part of a magical system within the Nordic and Germanic tribes of Northern Europe. They represent forces and objects in nature including animals. It was believed that by calling upon the appropriate rune one could thereby make contact with the force in Nature the symbol represented. They are traditionally made of wood, though today you will find them made from various other materials. The traditional color used is red when painting your Runes. You can make them yourself or buy them already made. It wasn't used as an alphabet until about 200 B.C.E. There were several different runic alphabets in use over the centuries, but the most common is the Germanic or Elder FUTHARK. The name derived from the first 6 letters - F, U, TH, A, R, K. This is the most widely used system in use between 200 B.C.E. and the 18th century. This alphabet has 24 letters and is divided up into three groups of 8 called Freya's Eight, Hagall's Eight, and Tir's Eight. A Rune, like any other ideograph, is merely a frozen symbol of an actual state or concept. What they each mean can change radically depending on the perspective of the interpreter. Through continued use and meditation on each symbol, one can gain an insight to the messages being imparted. They can show what is LIKELY to happen and then suggestions as to how to deal with the situations. There are several methods of layouts for divination.

Casting of Stones : Sometimes known as Xylomancy, this, or something like it, may be the oldest form of divination there is. It is believed that primitive man tossed stones, sticks and bones to determine many useful things in life such things as where to hunt and the coming weather. One would toss the items on the ground, sometimes within a circle, and then read what they see according to how and where the items fell. Today one version of this is done with a collection of 15 different types of stones. On a piece of paper or cloth, 3 circles are drawn within each other, small within medium within large. Then they are divided into quarters with 2 lines crossing in the center. The quarters are marked North, East, South and West. Now the 15 different stones are dropped onto this cloth or paper and are read according to where they fall within which circle and quarter as well as to where they are in relationship to other stones and the meaning of each stone. Any stones that fall outside the circles are considered void of meaning in the reading. This method can give insight to the client, those around them and forces that affect them. It can also give time of day or season when events will occur. Again meditation is helpful in attuning with your stones and gain insight to their meanings as well as reading books on the meanings of the stones.

Astrology : Among Indo-European peoples, astrology has been dated back as far as 3rd millennium BC and was used to predict seasonal shifts and to interpret celestial cycles as signs of divine communications. Today it is used to reveal a person's personality and the coming events in their lives. It can also be used to determine the trend of probable events, as well as the best time for a person to do certain things, like when they should start a business venture or when they should set their wedding date. There are many books published that can help a person with creating their own astrological chart and to interpret it. Among those of a magical bent, it can be used to determine the best time to perform certain magical acts. Astrology is also used to determine the dates of religious significance for many different religious paths.

Tea Leaf Reading : Also known as Tasseography, it is also a very old method of divination. The first inkling of Tasseography is during the medieval European fortune tellers who developed their readings from other molten substances, wax and lead. This developed into tea leaf reading in the seventeenth century a short time after the Dutch introduced tea from China. The tea is made with loose leaves and poured into the tea cup. The client takes a small drink while the client and reader talk. Then the reader pours out the tea and reads the leaves left in the cup according to the shapes and positions of the leaves. This method is very popular with many people.

Scrying : This is also sometimes called gazing or seeing. It can be done with any number of different objects. Essentially what one does is gaze intently into an object seeking a vision or message usually by going into a trance. The objects can be anything from a mirror (usually blacked out), a bowl of water (sometimes with black ink in it), a crystal ball, even the smoke from a fire. Basically all you need is something that you can focus on and into that will give you a vision or message. Scrying can also be a form of mediumship where the messages or vision is coming from the spirit world. The word scying comes from an Old English word "descry" meaning "to make out dimly" or "to reveal". Scrying has been done for thousands of years in various cultures.

Numerology : This isn't used much as a form of divination. It is usually used as a way to determine a person's personality though I've seen it used to determine what day is best to do certain things, like what is the best date to have a wedding or start a business venture. It is thousands of years old. Usually using a person's birth date one comes up with a number that gives insight to who they are. It can also be used to choose a name that would be harmonious to their birth number or to impart certain personality traits. When determining the best date to start a business or whatever, the date is used to determine it's number value and thus if that is a good date to start something. Like with your birth date, the date's single digit number tells you what is good to plan for on that date and checking it against your birth number you can choose what will work best for you. Numerology is sometimes used in modern paganism to choose ones new craft name. There are more than one system of math used for Numerology but the most common is to break down the birth date into single digits and then add them up and breaking down any multiple digits again to single digits and adding them till you reach one single digit between 1 to 9. This same method can be used with your name too. Each letter is assigned a number between 1 to 9. Then the name is rendered into numbers and added up till you reach a single digit. Then you look up the meaning of that number within a book. There are many books published one can use.

Handwriting :

Also known as Graphology. Again this isn't actually a form of divination as a way to determine a person's personality. Not much is known about Graphology before the 17th century, though the Chinese had long known that one's handwriting would give insight to ones character. In 1622 the first book on Graphology was published by Camillo Baldi. The word Graphology was coined by Jean Michon in the 1870's. To this day there are many who puts a lot stock in a person's handwriting. There are many books on this subject.

What is the Summerland?

2016-11-15T09:51:44.354Z

In most Wiccan traditions it is believed that the dead crosses over to a place called the Summerland. This is the place where those that have crossed over review their past lives and plan their next incarnation. The word Summerland seems to be a predominately Wiccan word and belief for the place where our spirit goes when we die. It is neither heaven nor hell but an in-between place, though it is not purgatory either. Purgatory is a place where those that are not quite fit for heaven or hell go to wait while their loved one pray them up to heaven.

The Summerland is described by some as a place that is not within our physical realm. It is a place sometimes said to be of green fields. rivers, flowers, forests. etc. Others say it is a vast indistinct place with nothing visually specific to see. Either way it is said to be a place where we contemplate our past lives, our failures and our successes, in our journey to Deity. This is where we decide what our next incarnation will be, when, where, what sex, the circumstances of that life that we will be born into and what we hope to learn in the next life in the physical realm. In the Summerland we are not quite in a substantial existence. We are spirits in the Summerland.

Most believe that we are not bound to a set course in our lives, but are free to decide how to make the most of it or not. So, though we might be born in a setting that is not favorable to what most would say would be a good life, we are free to try to change whatever we wish to work at to change. Some will succeed at a greater level at their spiritual growth than others in their current life, and some will fail miserably. But in the end, it up to us as to how we spiritually grow.

It is believed that we are sent here to learn a certain set of spiritual lessons and it is up to us to learn them or not. However, in the end we are destined to face all the spiritual lessons a person needs to face and to learn to the point to not have to go through that lesson again. Thus once we have learned all that there is to learn and have evolved to the point of a spiritually higher self then we will join with Deity in the spiritual plane. Others say that once we have reached that spiritually higher self that we stay in the Summerland to guide others who are still on that human physical journey, and to also help them in the transition between life in the physical plane and life in the spiritual plane of the Summerland. And still others say that those who have reached that spiritually higher self have the option after that last incarnation to return to the physical plane to be great spiritual teachers. These great spiritual teachers, it is said, have been few and far between.

Not all Wiccans believe in the Summerland and it's not a requirement to being Wiccan to believe in it. Like it has been said before, Wicca is a personal spiritual path and thus it is up to you to decide what is truth to you and what isn't. Just remember that what is truth for one person, isn't for another.

Wicca : Teens and Parents

2016-11-14T02:12:19.626Z

"I want to practice Wicca but my parents won't let me." This is a very frequently heard statement from teens who wish to practice Wicca and other Pagan religions. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot that can be done if your parents are dead set on keeping you from practicing Wicca. They are your guardians and they are responsible for your spiritual as well as your physical upbringing. Yes, I'm sure that you feel that you know what is best for your spiritual self but you still aren't an adult and legally you have little to stand on.

So what can you do? First, you can suggest to your parents or guardians to read up on what Wicca truly is. There are a few books out there as well as websites that have articles addressing this issue. One book that you can suggest is Scott Cunningham's book titled "The Truth about Witchcraft Today". It's a small book and not expensive. A website that I also suggest is About.com under the section called Pagan/Wiccan. They have several articles addressed to concerned parents and guardians.

Here, however, are a few facts that you can discuss with your parents. First, explain that Wicca isn't a cult. It is a recognized religion in the United States and Britain. Even the military's chaplain's book on religion has it listed with a short explanation as to it's practices. Second, Wicca does not worship or even recognize the devil. The devil is a construct of Christian beliefs and other Abrahanic religions. Third, Wicca, though a fairly new religion, is based on very old beliefs and practices, some of it dating back before Christianity.

You should also sit down and really figure out what you believe so that you can share that with your parents. So, share with them what you think about reincarnation, the Wicca Rede and what it means to you and the Three Fold Law. Be sure you can share with them what it means to you to be Wiccan and how it can and does empower you to be your own person and make you grow as a person. Don't throw a tantrum and yell at them about how unfair it all is that they won't let you do what you want. That will only show them that you are not mature enough to make such a serious decision about your religious and spiritual self. Talk calmly to them and discuss it with them in a mature manner.

So, what do you do if your parents are dead set against you practicing Wicca or any Pagan religion even after you've had that talk with them about what it is and what it isn't? Well, I certainly will not suggest that you lie to your parents and practice on the sly. Something you need to remember is that lying only weakens you spiritually and magically. Also, your parents won't think kindly of you and your new religion if you go sneaking around behind their backs.

Remember that your parents are coming from the stand point of their religion which is probably telling them that anything that isn't like their religion is totally wrong. But, that doesn't mean there is nothing you can do. You can study mythology and ancient history. You can also study herb and plant lore and astronomy. Yeah, astronomy will be very helpful when you leave home and can start your studies on things like astrology. Save your Wiccan studies for when you leave home as an adult and live on your own. There is plenty of time to study Wicca. You will find all that other studying that you did will become very helpful in your Wiccan studies.

"My parents will let me read up and study Wicca but they won't let me burn candles or incense." This happens a lot with young practitioners. Your parents might see that burning candles and incense in your bedroom as a fire hazard and they are correct. What you need to remember is that your practice isn't dependent on your burning candles and incense or in owning a bunch of tools. Wicca is a personal spiritual experience and all that stuff is not needed for you to be spiritual. You can do your worship with nothing but yourself. The Goddess and God aren't interested in your fancy tools. They are interested in what is inside you and your devotion to them. So don't worry about the fact that you don't own a fancy athame' or cauldron, those things will come to you in time. Just keep the Goddess and God in your heart and you'll find that your worship will be very fulfilling.

You should be open and honest with your parents about what you are studying. They just want to be sure that you are safe, so, don't do anything behind their backs. They will probably want to know where and from whom you are getting your information from. They aren't trying to control all aspects of your life, they are just wanting to be sure you are safe. Also, if they say "no coven" then that means "no coven". Most covens won't even take on those that are under 18 years old anyway. Talk to your parents about maybe you having a study group with like-minded friends of your own age or study on your own. Just remember to be upfront and open with your parents about everything.

So, if your parents say no or even yes, be up front and open with them and above all be honest. This isn't about shocking your parents or a reason to disobey them. Wicca is a serious religion that requires serious study and work. You will get nowhere in your spiritual path by lying to your parents. As I said before, lying only weakens you spiritually and magically.

I have an enemy

2016-11-10T07:06:06.117Z

Just recently found out that my boyfriends mom has been casting brujeria against me because she feels I'm not traditional enough for her son. She has been attacking my finances and other thinhs. Now that I find this out, it explains a lot what has happened since he and I been together. Didn't know the lady hated me from the beginning and I only met her once at that time. She is something evil. Help.

Dragon Magic?

2016-11-02T16:01:22.209Z

So, as it turns out, I have been fascinated by dragons for a long while, and ever since my father passed a few years ago, I have this feeling of some sort of protective spirit around me, that may or may not be a dragon. Granted, I am pretty impressionable, and so I get interested in a lot of things a lot of times, but dragons have always stuck nearby. My question is this: is there any sort of dragon magic or belief system for beginners so that I may see if I do somehow have some sort of dragon bonded to me? I used to think I had a wolf spirit animal as well, but I have a strong feeling that I may have a new spirit animal or guide that is a dragon.

Stones and how to find them cheap

2016-11-02T02:25:50.197Z

Like with any other tool used in your Wiccan and Pagan practice, you don't need anything but your intent, but you need to be sure that your intent is focused and strong. So what about stones? Well they do lend their energy vibrations to your ritual, rite and spell workings. The size of the stone makes no difference in what they offer to you. So the first thing to remember when shopping for your stones is that you don't need the largest stone in the store. A small one that costs only $1 will work just as well as the same type that is 5 times as large and costs $10 or more. Also they don't have to be perfect in clarity. Actually I find that sometimes the stones that have inclusions in them have more character to them.

Most Pagan stores offer you a good selection of inexpensive stones for your magical and ritual use. I prefer to not buy my stones online but that is because I want to handle the stones before buying them. Not that I maul all the stones in the bowl while searching for the right one. No, I usually sort of wave my hand over the bowl slowly and seem to zero in on the right one fairly fast without hardly touching any of the others. Also some internet stores sells their stones in one pound packages. I don't need a pound of stones, usually.

Now here's the real secret about saving money on your crystals and stones you plan to use in magic and ritual work. Don't buy them at all. Go outside and see what is on the ground around your home or to the nearest creek or river or lake. You will find many stones that are just as useful as the ones in the stores. Some as pretty or prettier than those you saw in the store too. The rivers are also places to find rare stones called witches stones that have holes worn in them by the moving water. You can take them to the Pagan store and probably trade them in for other stones you wish to have, that is after you have saved back your favorite for your own use. But the point is that any stone you find has energies within them and can be used in magic or rituals. And of course you can see if your local Pagan store is willing to barter with you for the stones you wish to have. Never hurts to ask. The worse is they will say no and then you are not out anything for the trying.

Then there are mines in the USA that you can go to and buy a bucket of dirt that is guaranteed to have many stones in them for a reasonable price. And I've not known anyone who was disappointed in such a purchase. There are mines here in the USA that offer to let you dig for your own stones as well, for a price that is and that can be a great treasure hunt and adventure for not only you but the kids as well.

What is a crystal but a stone what was once in the ground and someone found it and cleaned it up and brought it to the store to sell to you. As I said before, any stone you find can be put to a magical or ritual use.

For So Many Reasons

2016-10-31T03:09:36.876Z

As the veil thins..... and we get ready to celebrate Samhain, I felt the need to post this....For so many reasons.... Just this...

.For a Reason

Sometimes, we are faced with moments of truth, that far exceed, what we expect them to be....Sometimes, it comes down to, a simple conversation or simply reading something that strikes a chord deep within, but in that moment, time freezes in an instant...

At that very moment, you know you have learned something, that is never going to be repeated... You may even realize, the lesson has been right there in front of you all along. That in your life of hurry up, mistakes, and responsibilities, you just hadn't opened your heart and/or head, enough to let it in...

You were put here for a reason...

You are here, because you have the capacity and capability to love without restriction.

You are here to be loved, without conditions and limitations.

You are of worth, regardless of anything going on around you.

You are of value.....

Don't let the judgment of others, be the guide to how you see yourself. They say, you cannot judge another, for you have not walked in their shoes... Yet, why is there a need to judge another?

Hold yourself accountable for the person you desire to be, stretch yourself, learn to be that person. Learn that you have the capability to determine who and what, is in your life. You have the capacity to change those things, that you feel are negative and holding you back. Neither are easy. Nor, do either offer a promise, that the change, will come with a guarantee of success. For even the moments which you see as failures, you have gained, you have grown, you have become more than you were prior to the change.

Your own value and worth has grown, because you stretched beyond the limits you imposed upon yourself. Love yourself as you would love another. See yourself as real, not an image in a mirror. You are not just the outer shell that the world sees, for you are so much more. You are the heart and mind within that. The core of you, resides within, and that is a valuable commodity to share with the world...

The funky, the quirks, the kinky, that make you so ultimately unique, are part of why you are of value. The beauty, the face, the body, are all things that fade, given time... But, the soul, the very heart of who you are, is a gift that will stand the test of time...

Just think, remember those that you have lost.... It is not their body you dwell upon in memory, but rather, the heart of the individual and how they touched yours.

They knew how to love & value themselves.

They were the teachers in your life.

They were showing you..........

Your Value & Worth.

Blessed Be MJ )O(