My Ah Ha! Moment

How many of you had an "AH HA!" moment when you discovered you were a Witch?  

I most certainly did.  I was looking up some Witchy groups online for someone I knew when I found links to all kinds of info about what Witches were and the Goddess.  I had asked and asked for this info from the person I knew who claimed they were a Witch, but they never would share any information with me, only whispered "oath bound" and that being oath bound they could not tell me anything about witchcraft, Witches, how or who they worshiped, but if I wanted to join, they would take me to a meeting.... ???? LOL  

Anyway, when I found this WORLD of information (ok, mainly about Wicca, but not solely about Wicca) I was amazed, in awe, and felt like I was finally coming home!!!!!!!!!  Like a door had opened to my long lost home and family, and all I had to do was walk in and be embraced!!!!  

So I did... 

And once I did, I never, EVER looked back on my old life!  I felt as if tons, TONS of bricks had fallen from my HEART and I was finally FREE!!!  I felt a joy like no other, and a certainty I had never known before. 

With tears in my eyes, I found a white cup I filled with salt, white container of water, a candle, and immediately dedicated myself to the Goddess.  

I became what I always truly had been in my soul, a daughter of the Goddess!  

I walked away from the depressing chains and labels my old religion had given me: silent handmaiden, help meet, subordinate one.  

I became POWERFUL, FREE, ABLE TO BE LOVED, ACCEPTED, ACKNOWLEDGED AS INTELLIGENT, COMPETENT just for being ME.  I no longer needed any one's approval to be worthy, why should I?  I WAS A CHILD OF THE GODDESS!!!  And she shared her power with me, I didn't have to report to any man, or any priest to ask for favor or forgiveness.  

I have had more "Ah Ha" moments in my life, but none as trans-formative as this one.

Each day I continue to learn and grow, and each day suffer less from those who would see me powerless and tied to another for my worth, I refuse to allow it, and refuse to act contrite with those who seek to see me or others in such positions of being less than any other person or thing.  

Blessings to those who have shared my "AH HA" moment, both on their own, and now reading this, may Goddess bless you in every way.

PRIESTESSES OF THE BLESSED GODDESS

Blessed Goddess of All,
we welcome your deepening nights,
your cooling days,
& rest from the harvest.

Awaken within us a thirst,
A deep thirst,
only to be quenched,
with deeper knowledge of you

As the world draws into itself,
Let us look also within,
To see there a mirror
Of You within ourselves.

Let us remember
Who we are,
Who we have been,
And, who we shall be again!

PRIESTESSES OF THE BLESSED GODDESS!!!

SO MOTE IT BE!!!

GreenLady
copyright, Oct. 2010

PAGAN ETHICS & INTEGRITY

Veritas, Goddess of Truth

As I spoke to another Pagan this morning, and HPS it brought to mind various situations I have been in my life, all hinging upon things like integrity and ethics.

I believe, that Pagans as a whole, especially those forming groups or covens, need to focus more on ethics and integrity rather than just what direction to face during a ritual or which cloak to wear. We are GREAT at imaginative things like that, but many groups and even individuals skip or simply neglect the inner workings. Is it because they don't have the glamor associated with public rituals or spells? Not as “cool” to talk about?

Most teaching books do speak of this part of our path, except of course the many “Insta-Witch” books, just add an specially made Witches tools, robes and this handy already written spell and POOF! You are a Witch!!! sigh.... those make me so sad...

It should be the first step in any Witch's path, looking within, honestly looking at self, seeing one's faults, not to belittle one's self, but to accept the things we can't change, and work on those we can, such as integrity and ethics.

And they should be stressed and taught in covens and groups. A Witch should be able to rely on their sister/brother Witch not to gossip, not to use embarrassing or personal information against them.

So perhaps a Witch's code of ethics would say something like this:

Thou shalt not carry tales of thy sister/brother Witch to others.

Thou shalt not steal (physical items (mates, tools, books, etc) or mental items ie: poems, rituals, etc, & give credit where credit is due)

Thou shalt lie. (prevaricate, stretch or twist the truth to gain personal gratification or harm another.)

Thou SHALT have pride in one's self! Be proud of who and what you are, and let no one belittle you for ANY reason! Congratulate yourself on every positive step you make, and every good thing that you are blessed with. Be your own cheer squad, and your sisters/brothers should join in.

Thou shalt love and care for Mother Earth and Her creatures in all ways possible.

Thou shalt lift up, support, give aide to others, sister/brother Witches and any others who are unknown children of the Goddess. Just because it is the right thing to do. 

Thou shalt honor thy word. If you say you are going to do something or be somewhere at a specific time, DO IT. Don't laugh off being lazy and late and call it “Pagan Standard Time”, there is NO such thing. (added October 26, 2010)

And perhaps that is the last one?

Thou shalt do what is helpful and honest, simply because it is helpful and honest!

How do you feel we could better ourselves?

An Ancestor Tree

I found this on the web, the link is below and had to share this great idea! 

Samhain Ancestor Tree
Find and cut a gnarly old twisted, twiggy branch from a tree.
Spray paint it black and then use screws to attach the cut end to a piece of plywood also painted black.
Now, you know the cobweb stuff you can buy at this time of year?  Get some of that and puff and clump it to make “fog” around the base of the tree.  You can also take some thin strands to weave through the twig “branches” to make spider webs.
On old looking pieces of yellowed parchment paper (available at any stationery, office or computer supply store) that have been cut into small squares, write the names of deceased family members and ancestors – one  name on each square of parchment.  Another option is to actually print out small photos of your loved ones.
Using whatever glue you have on hand, glue more black twigs around each piece of parchment to create a frame.  You can make some frames square, others round, some octagonal – whatever!
Take some natural brown twine and glue that onto the frames to create a loop for hanging the names from the “branches” of your ancestor tree.
It’s fun to dress your tree up with little seasonal decorations that you find in stores at this time: small plastic spiders, owls and crows, tiny skeletons or skulls or even make little ghosts out of tissue paper or gauze fabric to hang from the branches between the names and photos.
Our family likes to skewer candy corn and candy pumpkins with old hooks left over from Yule tree ornaments and hang those for the kids to nibble on.  It draws their attention to the tree, makes it more fun and enticing, and gives you an opportunity to tell them about the people behind the names that are hung there.
You can even try hanging one treat on each name and then before getting the treat, ask your child to remember and tell you something about that person.  If your child is very young, you can adjust this to letting them hear a little story about that person as they enjoy the treat.
The Ancestor Tree makes a nice altar decoration and can be surrounded by more old photographs and mementos handed down through the family.
Text on this page copyright 2003 Lora Craig-Gaddis
http://galatea.meccahosting.com/~a000525b/wcSamhain.htm

The Goddess is Alive

The Goddess is Alive

Moon shines down upon a sea of Light, 

Shifting sands lay singing in the Heart of the Night.

I looked upon a scene that gripped me to the core, 

White-clad maidens below were dancing on the shore.

Sweet sounds slipped from moon-lit throats, 

Wind whipped hair abound,

Lit by the light within and without, 

The Women circled 'round.

As I stood, water engulfed my feet, 

My body swayed to your Heavenly Heart beat. 

Wind and wave and fire light, 

Paled in my mind Earthly delight.

Time slipped by me as you held your embrace, 

And windblown spray covered my face. 

Protected deep within your Womb,

I could feel the tender pain of Life's bloom.

Candles flared high as the Dance progressed, 

Deep inside with a healing touch you blessed. 

All around, wind, wave and fire shouted of your life, 

Your light speared deep within, soothing my strife.

Divine Mother, Goddess of Light, 

To you I come seeking protection from the night. 

Come home to shelter within your arm, 

Surrounded by Love, hidden from harm.

Holy Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth, 

From you we all trace our Birth.

Heavenly Goddess, light from above, 

Shine down upon us, we pray for your Love.

~Unknown

I had to pass this on, too beautiful not share.  Please, if you know who wrote this, please let me know so I can give proper credit! 

Luck Spell

Step 1: Write the Spell
This should be done by hand, so that your personal energy is used. Write down what it is you want. Request that good things happen in your life, and that positivity surround you. If you have a specific thing in mind, such as a court date, a test, or a competition, ask that the best things happen to you on the occasion. Respectfully call upon the planet Jupiter to aid you in achieving your goal. When you are done, add "This spell is for the good of all, may it harm none." Then write, "As my will, so mote it be."

Step 2: Get Proper Materials
Your spell will be helped by:
A white candle
A good luck anointing oil (try a metaphysical store near you, or the internet) Allspice incense, or other good luck incense
Tourmaline, soil or sand
A chalice or wine glass, with water inside
Anything that symbolizes luck to you

Step 3: Cast the Spell
Do it on a Thursday, in the hour of Jupiter (look at an online planetary hour calculator)
Find a quiet spot, preferably outdoors, with a stable surface
Set up your materials
Focusing your energy on what you wish to attain, rub your candle with the oil
Light the candle and the incense
Read your spell three times, channeling your energy and visualizing good luck happening to you
Place the spell under the candle until it burns all the way down

Step 4: Maintain a Positive Mindset
Because the success of your spell is highly contingent on your own confidence in your abilities, it is important to keep up a positive state of mind. After all, it is your positive energy that will make the spell work. Even if things get tough or seem hopeless, tell yourself that good things will happen, and believe it. Doing this will make your good luck spell far more effective.

*****Since Jupiter is going to be VERY close this week, it would be the perfect time to do this spell!

Here is a Luck oil recipe to go with this spell:

RED FAST LUCK OIL

Cinnamon Oil
Vanilla Oil
Wintergreen Oil

To bring luck.

Holy water, also called Moon Water - A Magickal Moon Tool

How to make & use it:  

You make *Moon water* or *Holy water*, but catching rain water, or using spring water (or, if desperate, any water). Place it in a white or silver bowl (I have heard of someone who used a clear glass bowl with a mirror under it) then you can say a chant,and/ or infuse it with intent first, then leave it where it can absorb the Full Moon light.   Now you can wait and get it in the morning, or bring it in when the moon sets for the night.  

After you bring it in, you should put it in seal-able bottles labeled and dated, if you can, make more at each full moon, but if the weather does not permit it is fine to keep it and use it until you can make more.  It really has no expiration date, but it makes sure you never run out!  

You can also place some for specific purposes in separate bottles, which you add herbs or stones to, which add to the energies already in the water for your purposes.   Some people add lunar herbs to simply enhance the lunar properties of the water.  

The original holy water I was taught had rose EO, or rose petals added to it, as the rose is one of the scents and flowers seen and smelt when the Goddess has made an appearance.  

Some people use the holy or moon water to spiritually cleanse ritual tools, their homes, or even in exorcisms.  


Do you make Holy/Moon water? If so, how do you use it?  Do you add anything to it?

Masculine in the Divine Feminine?

I read this article today: 

http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Aint-Your-Goddess.html

And it got me to thinking of how I felt when I discovered the Goddess {was with me and waiting for me to discover her for YEARS lol}.  I felt total acceptance of myself, all parts of myself, especially those I had buried as evil most of my life, such as my sexuality, strength, intelligence, worthiness!  It was as if a light I had kept turned off inside me suddenly burst forth in light so bright, no corner of my existence was left in the dark! 

In this well written article, the woman says she was drawn to only masculine Gods, because they made no demands on who and what she wasas a woman. She didn't have to be like the other women but could draw on the traits of Cerrunnos, Hephaestus, etc...  But I think it speaks of how poorly we as Pagans teach about ALL of our Goddesses, and ALL sides of them!   

Athena was a creative engineer, designing mechanical things for Hephaestus to make, an extremely talented battle strategist and more.  Then don't forget our huntresses!!!  Artemis, Dianna who hunt under the light of the moon, yet are also protectesses of the wild.  These are just off of the top of my head quickly, I am sure there are more, ah, let us not forget Kali Ma!  The Great Destroyer who gives birth to Creation!   

There are sects of Pagan women who follow these Goddesses, who set themselves apart and learn arts of warfare, not baking!  They don't worry over much about their looks, they concentrate on their inner and outer power.  

I think too much emphasis is still placed on looking sexually appealing rather than being appealing for our whole selves.  I don't believe we will be as valued by a partner who comes to us simply because we have shining hair and big bosoms or a good push up bra.  

We as Daughters of the Goddess, Witches, need to remember that one of the first things we are to do, is inner workings, not spells, not fancy rituals, but looking honestly at who and what we are.  When we do these deepest of workings, we need to look at ourselves with love, accepting and tolerance, yet with the attitude that we can and will change things that need changing!  Then also be truly accepting of facets of ourselves that our culture may not value, but help make us the unique individual we are.  

We need to realize that much of how we were raised to be in the American culture is based on the Judeo-Christian culture where women are subjugated by men, have to bow to his will over ours, and are expected to please him visually and all other ways, have his kids, clean his house and not think for ourselves.  

Gratefully our nation has been moving away from this, but it has a stronghold yet, not openly by all, but openly by a growing number in the "religious right" political and religious wing.  

So embrace your strength!  Are you a female carpenter, police officer, fire-person, scientist, engineer, etc?  

WONDERFUL! For you too are Goddess embodied!!! 

Goddess Hecate, from my eyes and heart

Her face is ageless full of beauty and wisdom, her hair is silver shining with the light of the moon, she wears the black cloak of night, yet even this sparkles with the lights of millions of stars, and it isn't cold, but warm, warm with her power and love and protection for those with whom she claims as her own and she spreads her cloak protectively over them.  

GreenLady, Sept. 14, 2010 about the Goddess Hecate

Wheel Turning to Fall

With dragging heals I accept and acknowledge the wheel turning to Autumn...   I accept the cooler temps that tell my tomatoes their time is done, I accept that the flowers in bloom now are the mums which I place in a vain attempt to give lie to the illusion of a longer growing season.

I accept and revel in the thinning of the veil!  I know that I will be able to see the unseeable better, such as my cat Napthali, who died about fifteen years ago, yet is with me still.  In the thinning I can feel his presence and love greater.  Why he lingers I do not know, I have told him he doesn't have too, yet he stays and makes me smile....

I love he harvest, I thank the Goddess for the wondrous foods she gives us to enjoy, foods which contain medicines to heal or keep healthy our bodies.  Eggplant, zucchini, my three sisters greens (collards, turnips and mustards cooked with onion, smoked ham or bacon until tender) full of things that make our bodies strong to withstand the coming long, cold winter! 

I make my daily tonics out of chicken broth, with large amounts of turmeric, cayenne, garlic, and slightly lesser amounts of thyme and rosemary, sure to keep my blood moving and keep the winter chill from my toes!  

I have brought out my scraps of Fall fabrics, to create some accents of fall colors throughout my home, hung my *A Happy Witch lives here, with her little monsters* on my door, placed my flag with a ghostly tree and a Witch flying her broom in front of the moon that says *BOO* down the side in the yard near my walk... placed a stack of mini pumpkins in my front window. 

Ah, and last night, I greeted the new crescent fall moon as she peaked over the tops of the houses on a crisp cool night, shining so brightly she made me smile and helped me accept the loss of this growing season, another will come, and yet another, for all things come to pass in their time. 

Blessed and happy wheel turning to you all!