Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 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?
Monday, October 4, 2010
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
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
Sunday, October 3, 2010
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!
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