Everyone's Blog Posts - RealPagan- Paganism for the Real World

On the Arizona memorial

2016-12-11T02:30:00.000Z

Nevermind the misspelling witch behind the curtain

2016-11-28T02:58:53.000Z

It really is annoying when ever I hear or see the red herring terminology like this little gem I found online, by someone in my area who promotes himself as a local leader and is taking students, for a minimal fee, to teach Craft:

"I call what I teach, a modified form of Gardinarian Wicca. What that means is that I use traditional methods for teaching, and very traditional forms for ritual. Any Gardinarian coming to my ritual would immediately recognize it... The difference is that I have modified some elements in ways that work better for me. This is the basis of Witchcraft..."

Yeah. That.

So my fellow pointy-hatted scholars....how many things are wrong with this diatribe? Let's count, shall we?

ONE: This guy charges for training in the Craft --- this in and of itself tells me that he hasn't had British Traditional Training, because if he had, he'd know we don't ever charge for training. It is bad form, bad juju, bad manners. If he is teaching his own form of the Craft, he can do what he likes in so far as charging for it ---although as a potential student, how would you know the value of the teaching is worth the cost of the class?--- but his stuff isn't BTW-based then, since he's ascribed a financial value to it.

TWO: Spelling it 'Gardinarian' is a sure-fire way to say you are either too lazy to spell-check Gerald Gardner's name and thus the namesake tradition....or else you were being purposefully sneaky by not using the correct spelling, thereby giving yourself the ability to say "I used a variant of old Gerald's name to denote my stuff is a variant of the real Garderian tradition."

That latter bit then brings us to...

THREE: Saying your stuff is a variant of something to which you are not privy is ridiculous. It is impossible to truly know what encompasses Gardnerian traditional Craft practice unless you are an initiate of that tradition....so how can you say yours is a variant of something you do not know first hand??!? Moreover, you wouldn't be exposed to all of the teachings of a Gardnerian tradition unless you were brought all the way through to 3rd Degree, and then given permission to teach it, with duly made oaths to not expose what you've been foresworn in your practice and revelatory experience to others, unless they too are proper people, given similar initiation into the tradition and likewise foresworn to protect it?

Thus, what we have here is someone once again wanting the "pagan street cred" of claiming knowledge of things he may only have barest gleanings about, then making assumptions and suppositions about those little bits and then "making it his own" in some fashion and claiming his is a "modified version" of the whole encompassing reality of a tradition to which he isn't a member.

DOES THAT SOUND LIKE SOMEONE TRUSTWORTHY ENOUGH TO TEACH YOU THINGS ABOUT SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION AND GRACE? LET ALONE CHARGE YOU MONEY FOR THE PRIVILEDGE OF HIS DEIGNING TO SHARE HIS INSIGHTS WITH YOU?

I think not.

But there are folks like this out there, gang. Still. They think people like me --the people who call them out on their verbal slight-of-hand and dubious integrity in Craft teaching--- they think I AM A BIG MEANIE POOPYHEAD.

With all due respect, I'm just protecting my tribe, my tradition, good sir. I'm doing what my oaths say by shining a big spotlight on you.

And if you DID have the initiation you claimed to have, you'd know this. You'd know better.

Go do you your own Craft thing. Go teach others, and do so with all good intention and aplomb. I applaud you and wish you all good success.

Just stop trying to ascribe some vague notion of that my tradition, however you may bastardize its spelling, is a "stamp of approval" toward what you're doing.

a scammer on the site

2016-10-18T22:31:38.000Z

hi goodnight, there is a cammer on this site, telling me to email them that them need to talk to me personal. i dont fall for scams

A new begining

2016-09-20T03:04:48.000Z

I think it is really amazing how life changes and we evolve and grow as a result of what life throws at us.

I have had a lot of change happening in my life over the past year.

I grew closer to my Dad last year during Football season. My Dad passed away in December. I've grown closer to my Mom since my Dad passed away. I now have and ride a new motorcycle as my primary transportation. I've taken up Archery with my Mom around Mothers Day. Began medical treatments to improve my health and life in general. Found out I have High Blood pressure and begun medication for that as well.

More importantly, I have gained a much better focus that I can apply to my writing and magical practices.

This year is one big crossroad for me, and I have taken as much advantage of that as I can.

So, as I visit here and take better care of myself, I look forward to living and walking my personal path.

Spammers

2016-09-15T00:10:06.000Z

Does anyone else only get spam messages on here. Maybe this is not the place for me.

ROCK your Grimoire! (Video Share)

2016-08-20T12:00:00.000Z

Hmmmm...I don't know what happen to the option of uploading a video; for I thought these were two great videos for BOS/Grimoire ideas.

Enjoy!

- Flammeous

It's All Pagan To Me

2016-08-10T16:00:00.000Z

My practice is Hoodoo. I’m a budding root-worker. A Conjurer.

First let me square some things away.

The one thing to remember with Hoodoo is; it’s not a religion. Wica/Neo-Wicca is a religion. Voodoo is a religion. Santeria is a religion. Hoodoo is not. It’s all about the magick. It’s a fusion of ‘what works’, and it’s influence came from every religion, from every culture that came here to the States, and from those who were already here. To examine the threads that holds the tapestry of Hoodoo together, is practically a crash course in American history. So yes, you will see things from Afro/Caribbean Traditions, Native Spirituality, European Witchcraft, Eastern religions, Santeria, Voodoo and even Christianity. The only constant with Hoodoo practitioners is the ‘work’ or spell-work. The deities & spirits however are variable and subjective based on the individual. Hoodoo worker’s are spiritual, not religious.

A big component in Hoodoo is the use of Christianity. This may make some in the pagan community squirm in their seats a little, but I assure you we ain’t having Sunday School here. ‘Heretic’ is certainly the best word to describe a Hoodoo worker; like myself, that integrates bits of Christianity into their work. Such as the Saints, the Trinity, the Psalms and the Bible. Those who are familiar with Hoodoo know that these things are commonly used, and to really understand why that is, has to do with the history of it's fusion and a time when one had to hid their spiritual/religious practice behind Christian elements.

Because of this major component in Hoodoo, every now and then I get asked “How can I use the Bible and practice magick?” “How is it that I can meld two idea’s together that seem to oppose one another?” Simple. Personal interpretation. I read it, understand it; view and examine all things “Christian” through a pagan’s eyes.

That means, that whatever the church down the street is teaching or preaching, to the one 10 miles away. To the bible belt, straight up to the Vatican herself. I could give two craps about they’re interpretation. They can have all the cliff notes and Bible Studies they want, to indoctrinate the people to all be on the same page. I could care less. It’s all pagan to me.

Now, every root-worker may have their own reasons or beliefs, that make them able to incorporate some things from Christianity with ease. Here I’m sharing just mine. Below are some things I have come to know and understand, so I can do the Hoodoo that I do so well.

First, I think many pagans already know that Christianity did absorb* (see side note at end) many things from paganism. Holidays is the most well-known. Demonizing pagan deities is another. But that’s really not the end of it.

Based on my studies, I’ve formulated my opinion or conclusion, that the most influential on Judaism and Christianity was from ancient Egypt. Actually, the whole idea of absorbing gods is very reminiscent of a common practice by the ancients. The Egyptians certainly absorbed and morphed characteristics and qualities of other Gods into theirs, even within their own pantheon. It’s true that there’s nothing new under the sun.

Monotheism actually came from paganism. The first time this belief came up was from the Egyptian King Akhenaten or Amenhotep IV, reigning between the mid 1300 BC, who tried to introduce a doctrine of monotheism; which is viewed by some scholars that he may have been the pioneer of a monotheistic religion that later became Judaism, then Christianity.

Here’s a quick list I put together of similarities I’ve noticed:

* The Trinity – Egypt: Osiris, Isis, and Horus.
* Resurrection – Egypt: Osiris Myth
* Born of a Virgin – Egypt: Osiris Myth
* The Ten Commandments – Egypt: called The Law of (Goddess) Ma’at
* Heaven and Hell – Egyptians did have something comparable to ‘hell’. Where you would not reincarnate to another life on earth, or have your soul ascended to Upper Egypt; which was in the sky, and be immortal with the Gods and the ancestors. If your heart was judged to be impure, then it would be thrown to Ammit, who would devour your soul, and it will become restless forever. This is call the Second Death.
* Judgment of Souls – Egypt: The Hall of Two Truths (see above)
* The Cross – Egypt: Ankh
* The Conquering Lion That Breaks Every Chain (aka Jesus) – Egypt: Goddess Sekhmet myth.
* Amen – From Egyptian God Amen/Amun/Amen-Ra. His name was used after ending a prayer in Egypt, because all things go to Amen-Ra, he made everything, even the lesser gods and goddesses, thus respecting Amen-Ra. The Alpha and The Omega.
* Sin – A Mesopotamian God that ruled the moon
* The Good Shepard – Egypt: Osiris Myth
* Psalm 23 – Most quoted of all Psalms during a funeral. From Egyptian Hymn To Osiris (the god of death, rebirth and resurrection); also found in The Book of Death

The Bible may possibly reveal how Egyptian myth and religion and others influenced Judea-Christianity:

* Joseph (interpreter of dreams) – Governor of Egypt
* Moses – Raised by Egyptian royalty. Author of the 10 commandments. Scholars believe this may Amenhotep IV himself, or derived from him.
* Hebrews/Israelite’s/Jews (same people, called different names at different times) – Enslavement in Egypt, Babylonia and under rule of Rome.
* Jesus – Mother & Father fled to Egypt to escape the death order of King Herod, with baby Jesus. They stayed 13 yrs. That means Jesus grew up in Egypt.
* New Testament story of the child Jesus teaching in a Temple – It was at an Egyptian Temple; he was still a child (see above).

As far as Goddesses mention in the Bible:

* Ashtoreth/Asherah – Is an adopted Babylonia Goddess that the Hebrews/Jews worshiped at on time.
* Eli and Eloah and Elohim – Names interchangeable used for the Abraham God in Judea-Christianity. Hebrew translation. Eli is masculine. Eloah is feminine. Elohim means they. He. She. They. This is known in sects of Jewish mysticism.
* King Solomon – Allowed Goddess worship, and allowed his many foreign wives to worship their gods and construct temples unto them.

Magick in the Bible:

* King Solomon – Was a ceremonial magician. Who could conjure and cast out demons. Book: The Key to Solomon. Highly revered in Hoodoo.
* Moses – Turn a lake into blood. Walking stick turned to a snake. Parted the Red Sea. Pretty bad ars magician if you ask me. Moses is revered as a magician in Hoodoo too.
* Joseph – Interpreter dreams.
* Jesus – Do I really need go there?

Below is a list of the Psychic phenomena found in Bible (source unknown, had this in my file for years).

1. Clairaudience: Acts 9:4; Job 4:15-16; Exekial 17:1-8
2. Clairvoyance: 2 Kings 6:16-20; Acts 7:55-56; Esther 17:8
3. Fire Immunity: Daniel 3:21-27
4. Healing by Magnetized Objects: 2 Kings 4:29; Acts 19:11-12
5. Healing: Matt. 8:13-15, 12:10-13; Luke 4:40; Acts 3:4-8;
Acts 9:33-34, 39-41
6. Healing of Obsession: 1 Samuel 16:14-23; Numbers 21:8-9;
1 Kings 17:7-24; 2 Kings 4:18-29,37 and 5:1-14; Matt. 8:16;
Luke 4:35, 9:11 and 14:2; John 4:47-54; Acts 16:16-18
7. Immunity to Poison: Acts 28:3-6
8. Independent Voices: Ezekiel 1:28; Deut. 9:12-13; 1 Samuel 3:3-9;
Matt. 17:15; John 12:28-30; Acts 7:30-34, 8:26 and 29, 9:14-18
and Acts 12:7-10
9. Independent Writing: Exodus 24:12, 34:1 also 31:18 and 32:16 ;
Deut. 5:22 and 9:9
10. Spirit Writing: Daniel 5:5 also 2 Chron. 21:12
11. Inspiration of Spirit: Ezekiel 2:2; Job 26:4; Mark 13:11;
John 14:26; Luke 12:12 and 1:15; Acts 4:31 and 6:10; Acts 2:2-4;
1 Cor. 12:8
12. Materialization: Genesis 3:8,18:1 and 32:24; Exodus 24:10-11;
Daniel 5:5 and 10:10; Ezekiel 2:9; Matt. 28:2-3; Luke 24:15-31;
John 20:17-30; Acts 5:19-20
13. Dematerialization: Acts 1:9
14. Ministering Spirits: Hebrew 1:13-24 and 2:5
15. Prophecy: Acts 2:17-18, 19:6 and 27:10-11, 21-26, 31, 34;
1 Cor. 12:1-11 and all of chapter 14.
16. Spirit Levitation: Ezekiel 3:14 and 8:3; 1 Kings 18:12; Acts 8:39
17. Telepathy: Luke 5:22
18. Trance: Genesis 15:12; Daniel 8:18 and 10:9; Acts 10:10-16;
Acts 11:5-17 and 22:17
19. Transfiguration: Acts 6:15 Matt. 17:2-3
20. Trumpet: Exodus 19:13,16,19; Exodus 20:18,31:18 and 34:1;
Deut. 5:22 and 9:19; Revelation 1:10
21. Spirit Power: Acts 16:25-26
End list.

Then there’s that whole nasty part in the Bible that says: “suffer not a witch” part. When reviewing the origins of those passages, the word that was used in Greek: pharmakeia. Which means poisoner; a druggist. When we translate it to English, it means pharmacy. The Hebrew word used was kishsheph: could mean sorcerer, practitioner of black magick. Linguistics aside, we can accredit the addition to the words, witch and witchcraft to King James, who ruled 1590 AD with his Bible version, who himself was fearfully superstitious of witchcraft, as he reigned during the height of ‘witch hunt’ craze in Europe, Secondly, witchcraft as we know it today was not a part of the culture in Bible times. Abraham, Moses, Saul and Paul did not have witches in their culture, what they had were medicine-men/women, psychics, herbalists, astrologers and polytheism.

* I say ‘absorb’ here and not ‘steal’ because every convert was once a pagan. It’s really no surprise to see pagan customs cross over to Christianity. First, that’s all people knew. Monotheism, was a rarity compared to the rest of the world religious beliefs. Secondly, Pagans were prosecuted, therefore anyone who was a practicing pagan had to hid, and most certainly did so under the guise of Christianity. Understandably, Roman Empire Constantine played a big hand to ‘Christianize’ pagan holidays, after he himself converted. Actually, Constantine was fighting against the spread of Mithraism (that’s a whole other history lesson by itself). However, let’s avoid wide sweeping statements about stealing, because that’s not entirely the case. Not every pagan idea, belief or custom, was carried over into Christianity with ill-intent. Some were done with true intention to Christianize. Others things were not. It’s also my belief that this fusion, influence, absorption is always happening and that we can trace these even further back to the beginning of time.

- Flammeous

Avoid Stage Fright with these tips

2015-10-14T05:57:45.000Z

There are so many things a performer is afraid of and one of them is – Stage Fright.

Stage fright is an issue for the newbies in the world of public speaking, and it can be a cause of worry even for the experienced. This is because the person about to deliver a speech or give a presentation in a business meeting is often worried about the reception the will receive before, during and after the speech. It is possible that even the most experienced speaker might give a dumb impression when facing a crowd. Frankly, if you have been through that situation, you should not worry or curse yourself all your life for that mistake. So, keep calm and read this post to give a confident and clear presentation, the next time you are standing in front of a crowd.

Text matters

What are you going to say is extremely important because your listeners are mainly interested in the content you have prepared for them. So, write out your content and make sure that you have a gripping intro and a satisfactory end.

A good idea is to start with an effective question that forces your audience to think and be sure that they are going to learn something new, interesting and important today.

Coordination is important

If you are adding visuals to support your speech, you should make it a point to recheck the order in which they are placed so that there are no ‘oops’ moments that can make you feel nervous and break down when tens and hundreds of people are glued to the screen and are focusing on what you are saying. So, recheck the mix and be sure that there are no issues in the future.

Is the equipment checked?

Well, even if the order of the visuals is perfect, it is possible that you might still have an issue with the presentation if the equipment fails to respond. So, it is important to check your equipment too. If your current equipment has gone off at the wrong time in the past, it is not advisable to use the same for an important presentation. Replacing it with new equipment that will not fail to impress the viewers is advisable.

You can buy new equipment from Target.com and even save money with the help of discount offers available at ChameleonJohn.com. Discount offers are good and should help you get a good price for your purchases. However, you should make an effort to look for discount coupons too. Discount coupons are easily available, and you can get some of the most effective discount coupons online. So, look for coupons and get an additional discount on your purchases. Discount coupons for Target.com should be clubbed wit offers at Target.com.

Ask questions

If you want to buy time until you remember the next point of if you have missed a link, you can simply wait for a minute and ask questions to the audience and mentally prepare yourself so that you can continue with ease. This is one of the best things to use as filler because it helps the audience know that you are willing to interact with them. At the same time, you will get time to get back on track.

Have minor loopholes in your presentation

Minor loopholes that can be explained, but the same should not majorly impact your presentation.

But why have this?

If it is your first presentation, you will expect the audience to come back to you and ask some questions. With intentional loopholes, you will be ready with a prompt answer for the question and let the audience know that you have decent knowledge about the presentation. At the same time, it is important to know that you will come across questions that cannot be answered or you have no answer to it. If it is avoidable, you should say something like, “Good question, but I have a different presentation ready for it and will be discussed in the next session.”

Although, this is not the best reply to a question, it can help you save yourself from embarrassment if you look confident and make an impact on the person asking the question.

Be there before time

If you are going to speak for the day, you should know that many people will be eagerly waiting for you, and so, it is important to be there early. Another reason because of which it is advisable to be early on the spot is that you will get time to know the stage or the platform and plan your speech and movement accordingly. There will be no unnecessary restrictions, if you know the platform and are ready with your speech.

Facing the crowd

If you look at them as one group, you might have stage fright, and you might not be in a position to face them all at once. With this, you will let them know that you are nervous, and the mischief mongers will make it a point to irritate you during the presentation. This can be an issue, and you will feel worried about it. If this happens, you will miss out on an important opportunity and fail to impress. So, try not to look at them as one single group. Instead, you should look at them in sections. This will help you assume that you are talking to a small section at a time and communicating with a smaller section will be easy for you. This also means that you will not be worried about one big group and the same will prevent nervousness in your mind. Nervousness is a tension builder, and you will soon be in a position to miss out on some of the biggest advantages of giving a presentation.

With these simple tips, you should be in a position to make a choice and decide whether you want to live your life in shame or get up and face the world and impress them with your speech. The choice is yours!

As Usual

2015-09-13T23:36:02.000Z

Pagan Pride Day in the Twin Cities yesterday. I skipped it. I am so tired of plastic pagans, those who are there only for self-gratification. I so do not need community, I do not need those who cannot be pagan without being validated by someone else. Christians need community, they need churches to validate themselves and their beliefs. For me, covens are nice and with the exception of Gardnerian, they do not attempt to tell you what to say or how to act or feel. I strengthen my spirituality through daily living and being true to myself. I know what phase the Moon is in and I use that phase accordingly. I read tarot and trust my cards. I do not surround myself with needy pagan wannabes who would not know their left from right, but instead follow my own path. Would I like to meet a woman of similar values? Yes. Does my spirituality depend upon such a meeting? No.

"The Blessings Of Corn" Celebrating Autumn The Hedge Witch Way

2015-09-08T02:00:00.000Z

Autumn is here and with it comes the last of our harvesting season. So this time Ive been wandering collecting Corn stalks. This time of year the sweet corn is long gone but the stalks can be harvested and used for many things. Corn has been held sacred to many cultures since the beginning of recorded time. It has been called by many names ,Corn, maize, give of life, sacred mother, seed of seeds. Feminine in nature,it is associated with the sun and the element fire.

Ceres is the Roman goddess of the harvest season and of grain, specifically corn.
She is associated with agricultural fertility and a bountiful harvest. An offering honoring her will bring bountiful harvests and protect your crops in the coming year

For those who want to bring some Fairy magic into their harvest celebration ,a Corn Fairy is always fun to make.There is lots of lore concerning fairies and Corn.
The Celts did not go to the mills after dark because they believed that was when the fairies milled their Corn.
Brownies are small, drawf-like fairies that choose a hard-working good-hearted family
to live with and help with farm duties and daily chores .
You should never offer to pay your brownies as that will offend them.However they love to be fed.
One of their favorite meals is a bowl of Cream and Corn bread with Honey.

Corn lore is prominent throughout Native American folklore. The Cherokee, Iroquois, and Apache all tell stories of how corn came to be part of our diet ,most involve a crone presenting corn as a gift to someone youngThey scatter Corn or Corn meal to purify and bless a space.
Arrangments of Corn hung above doorways at harvest time will protect rewards that have been reaped.

As Witches, Corn teaches us the mysteries of life, death, and rebirth.
We use corn in spells that involve protection,luck and divination.
Corn teaches the mystery of life, death, and rebirth which makes it great in spell performed on Samhain.
Corn and corn meal is also useful for spells related to fertility ,prosperity and abundance.
These Besoms can be used for the traditional purposes of fertility rites and clearing of negativity.Or hung on your door they will invoke Strength ,Protection and Comfort within

Special Thank You

2015-08-22T04:55:33.000Z

Blessings to Steve, all the fellow mods, and the RP members.....

Just a short note to explain my frequent absences as of the past couple of weeks... My cousin entered hospice and was brought home two weeks ago today...(Brain Cancer). Things have been pretty touch and go, the days and nights, have been filled with both good and bad moments. As a family, we have been spending as much time as possible with him...We lost his mom to the same thing, several years ago, so this has been very difficult, as he already knew what to expect and was an only child.... He passed yesterday morning, in a deep sleep, he never woke from...Things have been busy as arrangements are being made, and his final wishes are being set into motion.I owe several notes to members who have inboxed me and will get to them ASAP. Hope to see you over the next few days, but my visits to the site are apt to be a irregular... I will be back shortly.... Blessed Be to one and all, MJ )O(

Natural soaps

2015-08-13T17:17:49.000Z

Just thought I would post this to let everyone know that we have a new website. We have been making soap at home and we hope to sell it at flea markets, farmer's markets, and festivals. We have several different scents to choose from, and it is good for sensitive skin. I use it on my 5 year old every day and he has very sensitive skin. We finally put a website together and it is now available to purchase online, so if you guys like natural soaps please feel free to check it out! Thanks! http://www.downtownmouse.net/

Reaping What You Sow........Braides ...Poppets and Smudges

2015-06-29T18:30:00.000Z

As a HedgeWitch this is the season that Im at my busiest.It's both time to process what I harvested in the spring and had curing,plus there is a ton to reap ,dry and process now.Above is a basket of some of my recent work; braides ,smudges and a Wheat spiral .Wheat is a wonderful time honoured reagent to use in spells .Wheat contains the spirit of the earth and harvest .It is used in spells asking Gaia's blessings,or for growth and fertility.The braids are quite easy to make and its a simple spell for one trying to become fertile .Once made small braids can be used as altar offerings or burnt as part of a spell.

Larger braids can be decorated and used as Door besoms/wards to bring prosperity to your home .The spiral of Wheat is truly a bit of breaking out the big guns . In Celtic lore the spiral stood for the radiance of ethereal or cosmic energy. Native Americans consider it symbolic of the journey of life.For Witches it symbolizes all of the above and the Goddess.The Wheat Spiral is a contemplative spell aide ,it helps you focus on the spell you are working while it spirals the the combined energies of you and the Wheat out into the Ether .I find its best hung where the only air currents are your breath and the heat of your candle .(keep it well away from the flame lol)

This is A Mullien Hanged Man Poppet. There is only a small window of opportunity each season to make these as they can only be made right as the Mullien is forming a bud. First cut the stalk 6-7 inches below the bud , allow it to wilt over night (this makes them easier to braid) then carefully divide and braid the upper leaves into arms.The arms get tied off at the wrists to form the hands. Once this is done you fold and wrap the remaining leaves to form the body ,tie it at the waist and hang upside down for a few days to dry.

Mullien is used for a lot of different things some of which are Courage, protection from wild animals, protection from evil spirits, cleansing of ritual and psychic places before and after working there. Also used for cleansing and purifying ritual tools and altars.Mullien smoke is a powerful reagent in spells against Enemies. The purpose of my Mullien hanged man is to aide in spells of bindind and unbinding.How to use it properly is simple and obvious.You Suspend it over a brasier to burn /upside down will bind the subject of your spell by "hanging them up" in their own problems.Right side up releases the chains that bind you and allow you to move forward ,I like to use Rose Quarzt in conjunction with Mullien in a spell such as this .It gentles the release /evolution process.

Lastly are my smudges. Everyone knows about Sage smudges and what they are used for ,but as a HedgeWitch I make smudges for all sorts of specific things.

Right now here in Virginia the Cedars are in full berry and ready to be harvested .Cedar is one of the traditional nine woods used in the Druid balefire.It represents both the element of Fire and of Earth.Cedar smoke invokes confidence, strength, power, money, protection, healing and purification .Another use for Cedar is to ward against lightening so its an excellent aide in spells protecting hearth and home during storms......

Mugwort is now plentiful and is one of my "go to" herbs .I love the taste of it in tea and I love the smell of it in smudge. Its used in spells to invoke Clairvoyance, psychic dreams, astral projection and protection. If you are traveling smudging with Mugwort fights fatique and revitalizes your pyche.

Other Smudge combos I've made recently are Sweet Marjoram wrapped in Mullien to use in spells that thin the veil,facilitate communication with those who cross over and lessen grief. Yarrow and Basil for marriage charms ,dispelling negativity ,healing relationships and summoning courage.And lastly Lavender and Wormwood to dispel restless spirits and ease them through the veil.

3 Weeks To Go! and other related things

2015-06-27T05:00:00.000Z

Hey everyone,
I wanted to write this post as it may be the last one I get to before my sons big arrival. I do have a TON(litterally) of posts planned for when I return from maternity leave or if I have some time during those sleepless nights lol. I have an "Are you afraid of herbs?" post planned, a "Healing with crystals and stones" post, "origin of Ms. Witch" post planned as well as a handful of others, including a birth story and some other pregnancy related posts. In this post I wanted to write about my gestational diabetes, how I coped and dealt with it, as well as a few other things in life and my pregnancy. I was really torn whether to post this here or in pregnancy and childbirth but since this is a bunch of ramblings as well I figured it would do best in my personal blog. However I may link in pregnancy and childbirth so the gestational diabetes part can help others in the future.
As some of you know, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes a few weeks back. At first this was really overwhelming for many reasons.

1. Because I eat right!(Before pregnancy and during) How could this happen to me? I didn't spend my first half of pregnancy stuffing my face with sweets(with nasty food colorings and added sugars), or sodas(loaded with the same) or using my pregnancy as an excuse to eat more sweets or junk food than I normally would(which isn't much) just because I was, "Eating for two"

2. I don't smoke or drink during pregnancy. Before i Was pregnant I would have the occasional glass of wine or sometime a beer. But typically not more than 2 a month.(and sometimes months would pass with no alcohol)

3. I excersised. Now beofre i Was pregnant I had a pretty good workout schedule and went to the gym. I continued that after i found out I was with child, however my morning sickness got so bad that there were quite a few days where I just couldn't get on the bike, mobile or stationary but I walked, my job kept me moving as well as doing things around the house and yard. I also only gained 20 pounds in 8 months of being pregnant average is 25 to 35 pounds. I walk a lot!

Finiding out that i didn't pass the blood glucose test was really devistating and I blamed myself thinking that I did sometihng wrong to put myself and my baby at risk for this. My husband wasn't much help either. It scared him and overwhelmed him as well. His main question for our OB was, "How did this happen? My wife eats better than anyone I know, wierd stuff too, like chai seeds, and kale." LOL My OB explained that sometimes homones just do that to you when pregnant and that the good news was with my diet I should be able to be diet controlled easily.
Reasons why i blamed myself:

1. My decrease in excerise, Even though I was still pretty active as I mentioned above, after almost 20 weeks of projectile vomiting morning sickness, I didn't get back on the bike, nor did I use my treadmil, it needs a slight repair that my husband hasn't gotten around to.(MEN RIGHT LOL?)

2. I would crave root beer. I typically don't drink much soda but I did drink cafeine free root beer in the beginning of pregnancy, sometimes it was the only liquid I could keep down.

3. And I blamed myself because even though sometimes events in life are out of our control, we still feel like we need someone to blame.

So all that being said, I began checking my blood sugar, fasting, and beofre and after meals. WOrking on nightshift it took a little adjusting for the dayshift eating plan I was given. But after 1.5 weeks I got things pretty down pat.
A few tihngs that were diffucult with this were:

1. Night shift, I sleep 4 to 5 hours then get up to have dinner with my husband. So sometimes my fasting sugar would be higher than 95, usually around 100-105. After i Would eat i wait an hour check my sugar, it was usually between 120-140(right on)then I would stay up and spend some time with my husband then I take a 1-2 hour nap before i go into work for the night at 11pm. To correect my fasting surgar being a little too high I would have to eat a little sooner in the morning beofre going to bed.

2. Meat has no carbs. I don't eat a whole lot of meat, my diet consisits of fruits, veggies, and grains. Well the diabetic diet that I was given was primarily meats, eggs, cheese and veggies. Grains(like oats are really high in carbs, I was instructed to pretty much avoid them, as well as fruit, I could have 1 small serving. This really scared me because I eat a ton of fresh local foods. At fist I avoided fruit completely. I also found that the only cheese that didn't raise my blood sugar was aged swiss. I am able to eat more than one small serving of fruit a day I just have to space them out.

3. Just getting a good eating schedule, I didn't eat a lot of carbs before so sometimes getting a enough was hard too.

Here are some snacks that I am currently eating a lot of that do not effect my Blood sugar:
-eggs(free range organic)
-salad(with oil based or ranch dressing)
-blueberries
-Grapes
-Pineapple
-Aged Swiss Cheese
-Yogurt fruit bars(like outsine bars, although it is super easy to make your own. Blend yogurt and fruit in blender then pour into molds and freeze)
-Gelato(very seldom)
-trail mix(raisins, peanuts and sunflower seeds(the little to go packs were are very handy for a snack to fill me up between meals)
-Beef jerky(a couple of pieces here and there to stave of hunger, Low Sodium of course)
-Kale chips(I make my own, with olive oil, garlic and basil)
-Broccoli
-Cucumber
-Cauliflower
-Crackers made from brown rice flower(ALDI has a live G free brand that is rosemary and olive oil and has simple ingredients, these are lower in carbs than most chips and crackers, they also have a great flavor so you don't need any dip or dressing, etc.
-Almonds(I love me some almonds)
-Pistachios
-Almond milk(I love this too)

Some meals:
-Black bean quesadilla, with salsa, sour cream and a salad, water with a lemon wedge to drink
-2 eggs with sausage with water to drink
- Pork chop with cajun seasoning, steamed cauliflower, and salad(oil based dressing or ranch) a few grapes on the side, sparkling water flavored with grapefruit or lemon.
-Grilled Chicken breast, seasoned with spices(I like rosemary, basil, sea salt and pepper), steamed broccoli, salad small side of fruit.
-Tacos with hardshell made from corn, with lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream and a pinch of cheese, black beans and water.
-Fish with new potatoes seasoned with lemon pepper, rosemary, thyme and garlic, salad and water.
*Please remember that everyone is different, what raised my blood sugar may not raise yours or vice versa. Also every pregnancy is different and gestational diabetes can be very tricky and different than regular diabetes.

Despite the gestational diabetes, Logan remains healthy, he was measuring fine up until about last week. He is in the 94th percentile. So my Dr. scheduled my induction date for the 20th of July. There are a lot of risks with gestational diabetes. One is large shoulders, my Dr is worried for our safety if the shoulders should get stuck that is an emergency C section. Someone asked me,"are you okay with that seein as you want it all natural?" Well here are my thoughts: Yes, I did plan on an all natural childbirth. However, I want to do what is safest for my son and I. I would rather be induced than have to have a C section and I may go early on my own as well and get to avoid the induction. I am not thrilled about having to get pitocin or having my water broken for me but if it is safest and absolutely medically neccisary then I want to do that rather than put my child and myself at risk and something really bad go wrong.
I have another ultrasound on July 9th to access growth, even though these arent always accurate, my fluid levels are normal and i am measuring 2 weeks ahead. I am anxuious to see Logan on that screen and hope he isn't too big that my OB wants to do a C-section. I have been praying about this.

I have been busy getting the house prepped and the bedroom for co-sleeping and rooming in. :) I have the diaper bag packed and our bag packed for the hospital. I will write a post about this after birth.
I have knitted Logan a pair of red booties to wear in the hospital(red for ruby, July birthstone) I am also working on knitting some gifts for my brith companion, Shelby. I will also have write a blog about her after birth.
We had our baby shower last weekend so we have been busy organizing everything we got from that(mostly blankets and clothes)
I have another baby shower that the girls here at work are throwing on the 2nd as well.
Some of the practical things we got at our shower were:

-baby wash clothes, these are so soft, tiny and just adorable!And there is no reason they cannot be kept and reused after baby is grown up(if they last that long)
-Blankets. I recently read an article about how blankets are the most predictable baby gift and often unsafe. Here are my thoughts on this. Every baby that is going to be in a cold climate willl need a warm blanket at some point. Also they are versatile, put them on the floor for tummy time, playtime, etc.IF they are handmade they are great keepsakes and anyone can use a blanket! You should not cover up a newborn at night but after the OK at a certain age, (check with pediatrician) it will be okay to use these blankets.
-Lots of socks and bibs.
-diaper bag
-Hooded towels(I love these)
-Gift cards
-Teething supplies
-Gifts for me( some relaxing all natural chemical and dye free bath salts :))

I didnt really get anything not practical. So I was greatfull for this. We got cash as well which even though it can be kinda boring to get cash sometimes I think it is a no fail gift. We can use it to buy something else we need for baby or save it and use it later when he is outgrowing everything lol.
A few items I think are not practical are:
-newborn size bikinis or trunks.
-baby monitors, your baby will be in your room for AT LEAST the first 4 months no need for this.
-shoes(newborn shoes are cute of course but they wont need these until they are starting to toddle around. Socks are a no fail gift here, becuase you can also use them for mittens instead of buying those no scratch mittens for newborns and the socks stay on better(so I've heard)
-Toys for newborn The best toy in the first few months is going to be mom and dad plus any other attention baby gets from cuddles, to faces and voices. We did get a few toys for later on, a cloth rattle, some keys for teething, a stuffed bear(that was pretty much the extent of the toys we got)

Somethings that i wish we would've gotten more of:
-Cloth breast pads
-crib sheets(even tohugh he will not be using the crib for awhile we need more than one sheet lol)
-Books to read to him
-Another baby sling
-More gift cards or cash(than actual gifts)
-A Spare carseat
-Swing of some kind

About 40% of the clothes we got were used, I am okay with that babies grow really fast. I do not mind used at all, however all babies deserve something new as well. :)

A few of the coolest gifts we got(my favorites) were:
-BOuncy seat(no batteries or anything)
-Homemade blankets
-These little tiger booties
-Swaddle blankets
-A couple of lion themed outfits that i just love.

At our shower(my inlaws were kind enough to host and provide all food and drink)
we had a safari theme and the colors blue and green. We served cake, punch mixed nuts and little chocolates.
My mother in law purchased a white onesie and asked every guest to sign it with a fabric marker, in the middle she wrote on it "I am Loved" It will be a great keepsake as well. I may have him wear it for some newborn pictures as well. Totally inexpensive cute idea.
We had males and females there, made a family affair of it. My inlaws set up canopies and lawn furniture as well as balls and toys outside for the little kids to play. My husband helped me open gifts. I opened one then he opened one, etc. My best friend, Anna took pictures, while my mother in law handed us gifts and took pictures. My husbands 4 yr old cousin took the opened gifts to the spare room to get them out of the way. My mom, wrote down who got us what gifts in the baby book.
The only game that was played was measure my belly, my husbands Aunt won, the prize was simple a blue bachelors button flower from the centerpiece. :) In expensive.
My mother in law bought thank you cards and requested each guest write there address on one to save me time later on in doing it. I thought this was a wonderful idea. ONly a few people remembered to do it but that was a little time saved.
Then we had a weenie roast/ cook out over the fire pit. Simple sides, veggies and dip, beans and chips.
It was really a great time! Then we had fun the next morning opening everything agian. LOL
I will most likely post a few pictures after the birth.
BLessings all!

Been a while

2015-06-27T03:58:31.000Z

Hey everyone,

Sorry it's been a while since I have posted. I have been sick and it just has not been a good couple of months for me. I turned 33 this month on the 3rd. So I guess that is one good thing. :) I'm still here after turning one year older. Recently, I have been doing more Egyptian Wicca research and found my Egyptian Name. I chose it. It is Sat-Anubis meaning Daughter of Anubis. I have also lately been watching a channel on YouTube called the Kemetic Independent Channel. If you are interested in Egyptian, Kemetic, or Tameran Wicca or Paganism, go check it out. Well, that is all I have to say for now. I will update soon.

The Calling

2015-06-26T00:18:52.000Z

The Calling

In Luna’s face

And in the sea

Why mother do you beckon me?

By waters edge

And at nightfall

I concentrate to heed your call

The bright stars dancing

From dusk to morn’

Or joy and laughter in sudden storm

If what I feel

And what I see

I could make real and could make be

Then mother would you answer me?

Tammon Stormjoy

Thoughts in motion... an insane reflection

2015-06-22T11:01:43.000Z

Man look to the stars for certainty, but the only certainty is that every day we are alive, our destiny is getting one day closer.

We are all in motion hurdling towards a destiny we did not chose and cannot avoid.

Something I have spent aeons trying to avoid, but I guess... it’s about great bodies moving through space and they speed up as they get nearer to each other and the convergence is inevitable. (What does this even mean?)

No matter how you fight it, you can’t avoid it, as you come closer to your destiny it’s like fighting against being sucked into a black hole.

We are entering a place that is not familiar, that is so unknown and overwhelming, that you feel small, vulnerable and insignificant…..

All you are, was and were, looks like a blink in time. It make you see clearly, that who you are is vastly greater that what you ever have thought. Nothing on this plane can or will ever prepare us for what waits.

It is like the ocean.. Filled with waves... so will it end. Those that swim the best will be the first to find the stability of land….

Do we know what our destiny is?

The only way to know... is to stop fighting the inevitable, at this point it’s not worth fighting any more, because what is coming, none on this plane can control, no matter how they try or how they believe they can, all this is far greater than one insignificant person.... that is but a grain of sand on the shore.

Where ever it may lead, destiny is stronger that the will of any man, and those that don’t believe in destiny, will be taken by the kracken in the deep, never to be seen again. Their end is inevitable

So much anger has lead us to this... will more anger truly end the reign of anger?

Look at the world... see the anger? Look at their hearts... see the emptiness it holds

Sadness is the result of anger, how many has fallen on their knees in sadness, watching the result of anger. Anger has always brought hate, violence, resentment, and more.

Look how many has died in the name of God, how many wars, fought over religion and land, land that belong to all of us, but that we want to own, possess and coven… has any of that brought man any healing? The answer is a resounding NO… it just brought brewing anger and later more war, revenge, pain grief, to those it affected.

The stage has been set aeons ago.

For aeons the anger at those that oppress this plane, made people rise and fight to make them pay, and take what was precious to them. In anger... but the anger cooled, and another rise that was appointed by the people. Just look back over history how the oppressor was tumbled to be replaced with one and then only to become the oppressor once again, leaving broken souls in their wake, was all the righteous anger worth the pain it inflicted?

And I stand watching … wondering

What is there left to believe in.... maybe that is what I am seeking

My heart, the fire that has driven me over aeons, it’s left a large gaping hole in my chest, and it burned a hole that will not heal, that I can’t seem to fill. Once it was filled with truth (or so I believed) it is empty now. I keep adding truth to this hole, love, compassion, healing, but it remain like a black hole

Maybe soon I will remember how to fill a black hole… am I alone to feel this or is this was man try to fill with stuff, the emptiness inside….

Whispering flutter

2015-06-22T10:43:05.000Z

Fluttering through the flow

seeking direction and purpose

Pursuing the faint call of a whisper

A gentle promise of sweet content

Fluttering through the endless flow

Searching through layer upon layer

and colour upon colour

Yet not finding a constant trail

A broken trail scattered

in the wake of the flow

Beckoning in its tempting fragrance

Yet never truly revealing its source

Tired wings quivering against the flow

a deep sigh expelled in exhaustion

a tender body shaking with apprehension

Where will the whisper lead me next

each day its whispering breath intensify

pulling strongly at the soul

Why do you hide whisper?

Are your whispers true?

or do you lead me astray?

Tired wings still in anticipation

Resting waiting watching for

Wondering if it would ever be found

and where it will lead to next

Written Anush

Wings entwine

2015-06-22T10:40:52.000Z

A lone figure edged on a ridge
against a setting sun
wings resting neck arched
watching the light fade to night

A gentle breath escape scally lips
muscles twitch, releasing the days tension
heavy head turn as blue eyes
scan the night sky waiting

The sound of night fills the air
with excitement and danger
A heavy head turn, taking in each sound
patiently waiting... observing

A deep echoing call rings out
and blue eyes scan the sky
wings opening, muscles gathering
releasing an answer to the call

Strong wings grow larger
as the distance grow smaller
Blue eyes shine with joy
singing a song of love

Rising from the crest in strong
strokes of gleaming black wings
Rumbling a joyful welcome

spiralling in a dance with the winged echo

Long scaled necks entwined
wings still for a joyful embrace
gentle wings caressing shiny black scales
Glowing in the light of a shinning full moon

Two great forms dives, settling on the crest
Joyful lovers etched against the light

Of a golden full moon

Written Anush

Wisdom of a leaf

2015-06-22T10:39:17.000Z

Wisdom written in the veins of a leaf

Whispers of years that has passed

Live recorded with each passing breath

Each day added to the rings of knowledge

The tender beat of a lady bugs heart

Recorded with the same care as

the gentle breath of a child

or a shout of despair

Each storm cuts away the old

and each raindrop soothes new growth

Limbs weaving day by day

patiently waiting, listening

with roots reaching deep

into the bosom of mother earth

Those that seek wisdom will

find more wisdom in the embrace

of a living tree than the dead pages

of a book that was once a tree.

Written Anush

Breathe the flow

2015-06-22T10:36:32.000Z

I wrote this one night, and I can't remember when, found it in my journal a few days ago... I may still work on this or not, I never know

Moving flowing swaying,

Blue energy swirling,

One way then the next...

Drawing deep from heated breath,

Body arched, caressed by energy

Leaving pearls of water on heated skin.

Breath moaning through trembling lips

Muscles straining under energies caress

A heart once cold and dark

blooms in the energies embrace

Flowing, swaying, moving...

Blue energy caress warm skin

Limbs moving swaying...

Breathing the flow of life

Eyes closed, trembling, lips parted

Drawing deep from the flow

Swaying in the breath of desire

drawn close into the flowing

warmth of energies embrace

Breathe and drink deep

from the glowing pool of love

let it fill your soul with life

Let it lead you into the flow

Lay back in life’s loving embrace

Parted lips, release a deep moan

content to let go of life’s burdens

Heaving chest drawing deep

from the living breath of energy

sighing in satisfaction

Moving, flowing, swaying....

Gently floating on life’s glowing breath.

Safe in blue energies loving embrace

Written Anush

Future Self

2015-06-22T07:26:54.000Z

It's been a while since I've posted here on the blog here. I think it's time I started getting serious again with my inner self blogs. My inner self has been telling me some interesting things lately.

In fact, for some reason, I feel that I've been having visions of the future or some sort of revelation about myself. I'm not sure how to explain it, other than it's as though I'm actually there. When these visions happen, they're sometimes here and sometimes on another planet.

Many times, these visions involve kids. My desire to train an elite team is growing stronger all the time. It's something I can't explain.

In one of my recent visions, I hear people talking. One, a female ask where if anyone knows where I'm at. One of the elders responds and says I'm up on the mountain training.

In this particular vision, I'm shown that people often have one special trait about them that they don't realize is super special. For example, the main female in the conversation has an incredible ability of site that is about 10 times that of the average 20/20 vision of a healthy adult. Where as another has exceptional hearing.

Come to find out, my own personal strength in this is focus. But it's not just any focus, it's fluid focus. Much like the fluid motion of water. It's no coincidence that one of my elements should be water, the other the sun.

From my understanding, I basically operate at my peak when I'm moving. I have noticed that before in the past actually. Both movement and music actually allow me to have extreme focus and concentration on what I'm doing. As though all outside distractions are eliminated.

This ability to focus and move as a fluid element is what will apparently make the the warrior I desire to be. A Beacon of Hope for humanity. The Beacon of Aquarius.

I'm still unsure what to think of all these visions or revelations as one might call them. All I know is that I need to become more fluid and steadily focus on the things that help me to focus. This appears to be my destiny. To lead humanity, it's no coincidence that I should strive to build big things, like Empires and Spacecraft.

The Rhythm Of Magic

2015-06-05T17:00:00.000Z

Hello my Lovelies .

Im back again after being out of touch while creating.This time I delved into the world of sacred

instruments. I came back with a lot more knowledge and a profound respect for their makers

It seems that we with all our technology have lost most of the ancient science of magic, but if there remains any magic that all of us can easily use it's music.

Witches have always known what quatum physics is now comfirming.That everything in the material world is made up of vibration. Our world is resonant ,all objects have frequencies that can be detected as sound-waves.

Music of any kind has a magical power, a power that can be accessed by any of us.

All of us instinctually realize that spiritual energy can be derived from the trance like state that can be induced by music.

Today Im discussing rattles. From our infancy rattles cause our bodies and minds both to respond to them. Rattles are used throughout the world to help keep rhythm during tribal dances and ceremonies.They are often accompaniment to Native American ceremonies.

The rhythm they invoke with the rattle and drum during dance is unforgettable. It resonates to the very soul, and changes a simple dance into a spiritual experience.

Native Americans hold that the rattle is an instrument of independence .

In their beliefs it should contain elements of the three kingdoms or nations. The animal kingdom is represented by the container or feather .In my case I used a turtle shell a friend gave me.

The mineral kingdom is represented by pebbles used for sound or hand ground pigments in their painted decorations.I filled mine with chips of tiger eye, jasper ,rose quartz , regular quartz and jingle bells .When shaken she makes a lovely jingley rattley sound

She's also adorned with jade ,unikite ,tiger eye ,buffalo tooth ,oyster shells and vertebrae.

The plant kingdom is represented by the container if a gourd is used or the wooden handle of the rattle.

My buddy Shelly took it to a Pow Wow recently and it was really well recieved .It was played with ,fondled and taken into the dance circle by several. This one I believe has found a home with one of them and Im thrilled.When the Grandmother of the tribe asked and who of us made this ,she was told a white Irish Witch .....her reply was well with work like this she wasnt always white! High praise from a Grandmother !!!!

Plastic and what YOU can do about it!

2015-06-01T09:00:00.000Z

Hey all,
The inspiration of this post came from a video that sutra shared with a few of is in chat. This isn't my first post about environmental issues and definitely won't be my last. As an active environmentalist I strive to raise awareness and be the change I want to see in the world. And as many of us here practice earth based pactices where mother nature is the main focus protecting her and letting her heal by us reducing waste and resources should be an important focus for all of us that fit that catagory. I do not want to shove my beliefs down anyone's gullet here because those that know me know that that isn't what I'm about. I want to educate you on these issues.
You see it all starts with us,you and me. Yes you and me. Simple right? First I want to share a link from my blog here on RP. About making a bird feeder, this is just one way of many to do this,this particular one doesn't involve plastic but it shows how you can get creative with items you'd normal throw away(hopefully you are recycling or in this case reusing) you can make bird houses out of milk cartons, both the plastic ones and the waxy cardboard type. You can also make bird baths and feeders.
Many many many people just toss trash it ends up causing more damage than just ugly litter to look at. Animals often mistake pieces of trash,plastic and glass mostly as food. Birds eat it,hermit crabs use bottles as shells,whales and dolfins are damaged by trash as well as all animals on the world I'm some way shape or form. So my goal is to reuse some of these items that can be deadly to animals to help them in some way or form.
Here's the video that sutra shared, it really struck a cord with me https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dAL9Xvrg3hI
Also check out plastic planet, addicted to plastic and no impact man, all documentaries about our yes OUR waste.
The bird feeder blog of mine http://realpagan.net/profiles/blogs/make-your-own-bird-feeder
And you can make other feeders like this
http://realpagan.net/profiles/blogs/winter-bird-project
Something we do in our house is save plastic caps, rings tabs etc I give these to local sorority that donated them to an organization that recycles them and makes benches for schools, playgrounds, sports fields, etc. This helps keep the litter off the streets and out of landfills as well.
Reducing my personal carbon footprint has changed my life. I started out doing simple things and you can too!
Let's get green make a difference and make the world a better place think if your grandchildren. Let's give them a cleaner more beautiful more amazing world!
Blessings!

Small Hiatus

2015-05-21T14:49:24.000Z

Hey all,

I just wanted to say that I will be taking a hiatus for about a week starting on Friday. My hubs and I are going out of town for our anniversary to go comic shopping and do a few other things. Then I have 2 days of recertification classes I have to take for work and 2 Dr's appointments all in the same week. I will be checking my email so if anyone needs me for anything I will definitely see it and respond as soon as I can.

I have some great posts planned for when I return though, I am planning an essential oils part 2 post, a herbal basics post, a crystals and stones basics post and The Origin of Ms. Witch Post. I am pretty excited about them.

Love and Blessings to all!
Ms. Witch

sorry

2015-05-06T09:24:43.000Z

I know I haven't been on in a while but I have been going through a rough patch at this time so please forgive me

Conflicted.

2015-05-03T15:10:45.000Z

I have been feeling like a really awful Pagan lately. I am a Germanic Polytheist and I feel like I suck at incorporating the Gods into my daily life. I want to, I really do, I just feel like I can't find something that fits. I feel awful because I want so badly to have Odin in my life every day, but I'm not doing it. Its really upsetting, Granted, after I started listening to viking metal on the way to work, I feel much more connected, but I really need to find more bands to listen to uhg.

Conflicted.

Any suggestions would be more than welcome, really.

Destined In The Stars?

2015-05-03T13:30:00.000Z

Some time ago, I had a spurt of interest in really digging my heels in my astrological chart. Albeit, it left me seeing stars, bearing quite a headache afterwards, with trines, conjunctions, houses and ascendants - making notes, footnotes and side notes, saving it all to resume at a later time when my head cleared and wasn't spinning. However, what I have learned thus far about the position of the heavenly bodies at the time of my birth is just too uncanny.

Giving my word here, that what I share wasn't revealed to me until now. I admit I have lazily browsed my astrological chart before. Glanced at it, read some things about it and scratched my head over it. After all it didn't sound like me. But since really digging in and plugging in my CORRECT birth time for a change and not just the guesstimate as before. Proved to divulge a lot more. It left absolutely no room for any confusion.

Now, if any one pays at least bit of attention to me. Knows I have usually romped around RP hiding behind a lion as my profile picture, or it's on my profile banner. So if anything one's would get from that is; that I have an affinity for lions. Well, that much is true. The lion has always walked with me since I can remember, and to take it one step further, is also my first encounter with "a" Goddess, Sekhmet - of all Goddesses out there to make contact with, it had to be Her (I've asked 'Why me?' several times over again). Coincidentally; I come to find out and again completely unknown to me. The lion (or Leo) takes front and center stage in my birth chart, as my rising/Ascendant sign. Which it is said the rising/ascendant sign is one of the most important signs, as it determines your personality/character traits and has a great deal of energy influence overall in a birth chart.

But wait! There's more. I'm also drawn to fire, hence explains my online presence, Flammeous. You've probably guessed already even before completing this sentence, that fire must dominate my chart. Correct. Balance? What the heck is that? Fire is totally off the scale. Smoked every other element and left them in the dust. The next runner's up are; Air then Water, but barely. Looks like they just took a few steps and the race was over. Earth I guess never even left the starting line, leaving me with a big fat zero, zilch, none. And Leo, the ascendant sign that influences it all, is a fire sign too. Add another point for fire and fire wins, hands down! It wasn't much of a race to begin with anyway.

Although it's been an intriguing discovery and explains a helluva lot. I, however, have not been amused. But maybe you will be.

Blessings.....

- Flammeous

The Organized Kitchen witch and other witchy kitchen stuff

2015-04-22T13:08:09.000Z

Good morning, this is my 2nd attempt at this, my internet exploring had to close, causing the tab to reopen and everything I was typing up was lost...I had been working for 1 hour and 30 minutes and wasn't quite done with the post. Auto recover failed for some reason so here it goes:

This post is to accompany the themed chat tonight. I may be able to make an appearance from 5pm to 7pm my time in chat.

-We all have our own way especially when it comes to staying organized, if your method works for you please keep it that way. Here are some tips and other things to help keep all of us kitchen witches out there organized.

-First of all I will say, PLease research all herbs, spices, essential oils and ingrients before ingesting, burning, etc.

-Store all herbs and spice appropriately and label, you do not want herbs to go moldy too soon or to get herbs and spices mixed up because of no or mislabeling. For labeling I use chalkboard labels are an easy peel tape, that does not leave a sticky residue and a sharpie.

-Consider storing herbals, vitamin, prescription and OTC meds separately. We have separate cabinets for vitamins and supplements, tinctures and medicinal herb capsules, and OTC meds in our house.

-Reuse glass jars for storage. A lot of you already do this, KUDOS! I always have a few various sized cleaned jars on hand because you never know when you may need a jar. I take them in my lunch to work, baby food jars are excellent for traveling with dressings and sauces.

-A few fun ways to bring magic into the kitchen:

Make Rune cookies, I made a batch of basic sugar cookies and then drew runes on the cookies with icing. You can color the icing appropriately to match your intent or it is okay to use plain white icing. If you are no good at runes no worries. I only know a few myself and still successfully did this. You can look up images of basic protection runes, etc or improvise with symbols you already know like the pentagram or the eye of horus, etc. Even everyday symbols like moons, suns, stars, hearts, dollar signs, peace signs can do the trick.

Color hard boiled eggs for Ostara, using the different colors for you magical intent or amp it up by using a crayon or a piece of paraffin wax to draw a symbol on the hardboiled egg and then dumk it in the coloring. FOr example a green colored egg with a dollar sign on it can be eaten to being prosperity. Or a yellow egg with a smiley face on it can be eaten to banish the blues. I color an egg for my dad on it to keep him in good health. So fun, easy and a great activity for all ages.

-Add herbs to different baked goods to boost magical intent. Add basil to flat bread to bring prosperity, cinnamon has been used to heal for centuries, I add it to all kinds of differnet quick breads. http://realpagan.net/group/spice-goddess/forum/topics/cinnamon. You can add herbs to homemade salad dressings to boost healing etc. http://realpagan.net/group/spice-goddess/forum/topics/garlic-and-onion-salad-dressing-1. Here are some basic herb uses for everyday as well: http://realpagan.net/group/spice-goddess/forum/topics/basic-uses-for-7-everyday-herbs.

Make your own cook book for under $5. I bought 2 basic pocket photo albums from the dollar store and wrote my recipes on note cards and then used colored tabs to divide the recipes into categories. I have one for cooking, and one for herbal things. I have everything from my chilli recipe to tinctures to homemade herbal baby powder in these. These 2 books that I made are my equivalent to a book of shadows. I do need to make one for all of my spells so I can get them organized. I also keep a couple herbal reference books with all my cook books. One for medicinal use and one for magical use.

-Use the best quality ingredients that you can. Despite what many think organic is very much affordable. Sutra has been known to help and post about this topic so im sure if you need extra advice on how to get started she would he happy to help. and I am here as well. There are also many other members in the kitchen witch group, recipe groups, gardening groups and my group spice goddess what will have things posted that can help with this. Buying organic is so much better for the environment and for your health. Research the dirty dozen and at least buy those if you are just starting out buying organic. growing your own organic fruits veggies and herbs is another great way to save money, help the environment and have organic food for less! Don't forget about farmers markets, swap meets etc. I had sage growing at my old house and I cooked with it as well as made my own smudge sticks with it. This way I had multiple use from something I was growing. On occasion I would even have a friend pay me a few bucks for make them a fresh smudge stick. Grow things you can also trade with friends and family. They have an over abundance of corn and you have zucchini out the ears! Trade with each other!

http://realpagan.net/group/thekitchenwitch

http://realpagan.net/group/thekitchenwitch/forum/topics/what-does-being-a-kitchen-witch-mean-to-you

-Have fun! There are so many more things that can be added here. Express yourself comment, enjoy an ask questions!

I have featured many posts of mine related to tonights chat.

Blessings and happy Earth Day!

15 weeks to go!

2015-04-14T05:52:29.000Z

Hey all,
I just wanted to update. I've been doing a weekly post in the witchy wives club.It is thrifty tips and then just random things that have happened through that week or day.
yesterday I got the Terra cobra pots decorated. I will post instructions and pics in this week's thrifty post. In the pots I planted cut and come again zinnia, perfect for homemade bouquets, and tigers eye sunflowers. I'm also gonna plant some of these seeds elsewhere in the yard. I planted a tomato plant in the large cat litter bucket that I talked about in a thrifty post as well.
So if you read this post and this week's thrifty post some will be a recap.
I got promoted at work and am happy to say that finally after 3 years of busting my butt I am now the 2nd telemetry tech on my floor that is full time. So me and one other full time Kady are basically running the roost. Lol. After doing direct patient care for 8 years it was time for a change. Something less stressful and easier on me mentally.
As for those that don't know, I am pregnant, 25 weeks. He's a little party animal always kicking and punching. :)
I do want to post some witchy neighbor repellent spells that I've done recently to keep a troublesome neighbor away and out of our business. That will be for another post though.
Blessings until next time!