A Solitary Witch... diamond in the rough

The Blessing of Winter Solstice

2011-12-26T19:41:00.000-05:00

There she is, our Mother Moon... full and beautiful before the Winter Solstice. She encourages me to walk my path and champion other women to share their wisdom. Our planet Gaia depends on us.

I always spend time in the woods in early December, and on the water I spied a lovely sundog. A reflection of rainbow... reminding the world that all the colors of people are needed to share in the beauty.

Two trees hold hands, or branches. It's time for the masculine and feminine to strike a truce and balance the yin and yang that has been out of sync for too long.

Good food in the form of a hearty stew of earthy vegetables and a little meat graced my celebration table.

It might look like a Charlie Brown tree, but the sun shines brightly on the bare branches of this sapling. Very hopeful!

The sky writes messages in clouds and the flight of birds. Winter is a time of introspection and hibernation... and yet it is peaceful, pleasant, and joyous for me!

And so I baked some happy, crazy, gingerbread people... and in that lighthearted endeavor I made my plans for the coming Winter months. Solstice is about hope... and the Sun shines to us that our journey should never be without it! In the days of darkness, we look to the Moon for the nurture of the Mother... she shines for us just as well and so should we! Brightest blessings!

Samhain Flexibility

2011-11-06T10:01:00.000-05:00

I have been a practicing Solitary Witch for over ten years now, and I get very excited to celebrate Samhain, the last of the harvest celebrations within the Turn of the Wheel. It is both a time for reflection and thankfulness for the rich heritage of my ancestry and also a day to plan ahead for the coming year... it's my true New Year celebration.

I often spend may hours alone in the woods, near a stream or river to commune with Nature and feel the lifting of the veil between the worlds of hidden mystery and our own day to day human experience.

It's a time when the trees seem to speak as they prepare for the winter's sleep... and I like to hug them and thank them for their lessons in quiet, humble beauty and flexibility in the winds.

I sat with October's full moon to reflect on the positive changes I would choose for the coming year and unlike the usual litany of New Year resolutions which list out things not to do, Samhain affirmations seek to take actions that often explore new direction.
Two of things year's activities will be an increase in positive and peaceful political protest and also sharing my love of writing in addition to my love of photography.

Surprisingly, there was a freak storm two days prior to the Samhain celebration, which was a rare phenomenon in NJ... a real trick or treat depending on how it was received. We had no damage or power outages and only a pretty dusting and so for me it was a treat!

I had a hankering for a spicy apple pie and so I got busy in the kitchen and filled our apartment with that warm homey and fall aroma that an apple pie can induce.

Here is a view of our daughter's home on Samhain eve where we celebrated Halloween with our children and grandchild ( as they don't share in my Wiccan activities).

On Samhain night, the house was lit with candles, chamber music played, and my husband and I enjoyed a harvest meal of ham, scalloped potatoes and a roasted vegetable medley after toasting our ancestors ( for which I also set a table setting and goblet of wine). We remember our grandparents especially with loving warmth. Usually after dinner we would then perform a ceremony with my tools and readings... and magick, however this year my son called to say he was without power and asked to stay at our place that night. My son does not resonate at all with my beliefs and remembering the flexibility of my tree friends as the wind howled outside, I put away my cape, tools, and other related items and welcomed him heartily. The ceremony could wait.

I fed him a nice dinner and we shared a glass of wine and some apple pie together and I was surprised when he apologized for interfering with my celebration. It was the first time he acknowledged my "holiday."
As the night wore on we sat outside listening to the wind in the trees and I listened to his work stories and made up the futon for him to stay over. My jack-o-lantern continued his smile as the night wore on. It was a perfect celebration after all!

May you all have a Blessed New Year!

Preparing for Samhain

2011-10-30T13:06:00.000-04:00

It has been a year since my husband and I set out on a cross country journey without the confines of house, job, or plan. It was the fulfillment of a lifetime dream of ours and as we settle back into the daily routine of working, creating a new home, and finding joy and meaning in our current lifestyle, I prepare to celebrate my New Year... both to honor our ancestors and plan for the year ahead. Samhain (sow'en) is very important to me and requires some reflection and reevaluation of what it means to be a solitary witch.

It is the appreciation of the ALL that exist around us. The ability to see mountains in skies and embrace the idea that there is more than meets the eye than just our land of human being.

It is seeing the patterns in Nature and rejoicing in the grand design, knowing we are also co-creators in the web of life.

Being a witch enables me to feel the spirit of birds and gain insight from their birdness.

It allows me to love the insect and appreciate their greetings and visits.

I find spiritual inspiration and renewal at the Full Moon phase.

Rainbows and sundogs are frequent and natural occurrences as my head is usually in the clouds.

I can be moved to tears by the silhouette of a solitary plant against the sky... and I can't articulate why.

The dark mystery of a night sky inspires me to create my own brand of magick.

I feel for a man felled tree, but know the gentle compassion of the little blushing leaf who consoles it.

I watch as Nature bends in the winds and wishes a fond farewell to the passing season... and prepares for the next.

I see death as a beautiful part of life and a chance for renewal and reinvention.

I hear the whispers of trees, and their excitement of the blowing breezes.

And this year as Samhain approaches... I marvel at the mystery of snow on the pumpkin in lieu of the usual frost.

Brightest blessings as you prepare for Samhain!

Practicing Magick On the Road

2011-01-06T12:23:00.001-05:00

I was recently inspired by a post by one of my Wiccan friends in the blogshere, that I felt compelled to write on this blog that has been neglected since I left home and family for life on the road...
the goal is to visit all the National Parks in America.

Serenity Athenina wrote about her take on dark magick, and I have to say that one of the hardest aspects of practicing The Craft is the self-work needed to acquaint oneself with the darker side of life. Many aspiring witches cling to the notion that all magick should be light and cheerful, which takes the practice into the realm of silly.

Before embarking on this trip I had to delve deep into the dark chamber of my soul and pull out many painful and negative attributes that have been part of life and personality and explore them head on. It was not easy and yet I found that when I did this in a purposeful manner, they no longer had the power to haunt me in the shadows. How can you possibly banish what you are unwilling to understand?

Along the way, I get freaky reminders to follow my Wiccan path. Who would expect a pentagram to appear on a small chapel. How nice if a pilgrim on the Path could visit such a chapel and leave behind a token of home-made homage, or borrow one left behind after offering a meditation to Spirit. Just an eclectic vision of mine.

Here is one of the many new places I refer to as home...

and here is the house I travel in... yes, I live in a van down by the river (joke reference from SNL).

The hubster and I celebrate frequently with a fire out in the elements. A campfire has such a grounding effect for me... wild, yet tamed it stirs a cauldron of thoughts and feelings.

My kitchen and living room, though I can usually be found outside in the woods or on a beach with my camera.

In spite of the small living quarters, I still maintain a little alter. And Venus, my favorite goddess looks down upon me from the night sky.

I love the vultures, whether black or turkey... my friends seemed to have followed me from NJ and I like to think they are looking out for us.

A tender moment with Otis, our pet bunny who seems to enjoy life on the road.

Whatever Magick you practice, may you have moonbeams of blessings this year. And remember the moon would not be so beautiful if it wasn't for the dark sky.

We blog our adventures @ Astral Nomads

Leaving the Lair

2010-09-09T11:02:00.000-04:00

Our house is being sold and soon me, my husband, and my pet bunny will be heading out on a cross country journey to see America. One last time I look upon my meditation room or Wendilea's Lair as I like to call it and reflect on all the magick that has occurred in this tiny room at the top of the house. It has been my sanctuary and I have been fortunate to have this room as my own for many years. The sun has risen through the eastern window during my morning meditations and I have often caught the moonlight in a bowl of water here for "drawing down the moon" ceremonies. The few tools that are special to me will be packed into the Eurovan, and I look forward to setting up my alter under the trees in the forest, or in the desert sands under the stars, or even in the tent on a rain soaked night. My last ceremony here at the home we have shared for the last 17 years will be on the Autumn Equinox and then we will be leaving shortly thereafter. I am thankful for this wonderful little space and it has served me well. In addition to the few tools that I will be taking are my tarot cards, runes, my book of shadows, and a few books that give me daily inspiration. All my other books will be sold at our estate sale unless someone cares to send me an address and I would gladly send them on, as I don't foresee them being hot selling items in this neck of the woods. After Mabon I will be posting from somewhere in the country in a "church" which will be literally under the Sun, the Stars. and the Moon. Blessed Be!

“Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.”

Rabbit Consciousness

2010-08-20T16:30:00.000-04:00

I just adore my pet bunny Otis, and since his adoption in June of 2007 I have come to love rabbits in general in a whole new light. When I first got him it was if there was an infant in the house. I came down at night to visit him in his indoor hutch to see if he looked cosy and warm. I read the rabbit care guide cover to cover many times over to be sure of his proper care and in the morning I held him on my lap and stroked him for a half hour (with a cage liner) and didn't mind his cute little pee and poo, knowing he was relaxed and feeling mommy love. He is now full grown and has full run of the house (completely litter trained) and often shares the fruit in my cereal bowl with me. He is not the brightest crayon in the box as pets go, as he will not come running to the call of his name, but open the refrigerator door or rattle a plastic bag of dried craisins and he will come tearing into the kitchen in search of his certain treats. On hind legs he will beg and reach for his treat and then greedily run away to eat it in peace. He has learned the time of day when his meals are served (blueberries for breakfast and carrots for dinner) and will flip his glass bowl with his teeth if his meal is late. But during the day he spends much of his time under the dining room table in quiet meditation and seems content in his own rabbit world. He reminds me that to keep my inner peace, I must do the same.

I also have a wild pet Bun, who has chosen my yard which is full of clover and free of pesticides to feed and rest during the daylight hours. She doesn't run when I approach to wish her a good day, and even if her little baby bun is nearby, doesn't seem to mind if I approach him in greeting as well. When it is hot they make a little scape in the dirt (the baby's scape is closer to the hedges than the mom's) and they lay with their legs splayed behind them to keep cool. I am so enamored with rabbits that my husband and I count them as we take our evening walk around the block and it is our team game to see how many rabbits we can spot. This week we hit an all-time high of 31 rabbits!

My life is so filled with the joy I get from rabbits that often when I am out riding my bike in the most out of the way places, I will see a clump of leaves, some fallen sticks, or other such natural wonder and you can bet that often it is in the shape of a rabbit.

Celebrating Lammas

2010-08-01T09:37:00.000-04:00

Lammas is the first harvest in the turn of the wheel, and for me a celebration in which the bounty of good food is paramount. It is referred to as "loaf mass" and so I baked a delicious rhubarb streusel bread (recipe included), as this is the only time of year when we can get the beautiful red and green stalks of rhubarb at the market. As I delight in the various celebrations of friends in the blog world, I made a colcannon from a recipe from one of those friends at Celtic Dreamscape. It was the best colcannon ever! And being from NJ, how better to celebrate the fruiting harvest then by preparing a simple salad of our fresh jersey tomatoes with dill and a light vinaigrette. My husband grilled some lamb chops marinated in lemon and garlic and we toasted the Lord and Lady with a nice alcohol free merlot. Our nightly walk included a game of rabbit spotting, as they are abundant this year and we spotted 11 in 20 minutes. My ceremony included the lovely poem by Robert Burns, "Lammas Night" with thanks to Mother Moon. The evening ended with a bright bonfire and quiet reflection to the symphony of cricket song. Slainte mhor agus a h-uile beannachd duibh or Good health and every good blessing to you!

Reflections on a Stream

2010-05-25T13:42:00.002-04:00

Have you ever consciously watched the thoughts that float in and out of your head and make the "eureka" connection that so within... without. Perhaps you were strolling around the grocery store looking at all the cranky people and then realizing that in your current mental state you were in good company. Or on a more positive note you are enjoying all the beautiful sights of Nature on your walking meditation and passersby suddenly seem so friendly and cheerful as you marvel at all the beauty around you. When we finally make the connect the dots association of thoughts as things and mind over matter there is a fleeting sense that we do in fact have creative power over the world in which we live and serendipity should be the rule and not the exception. The hard part is holding the mind accountable and maintaining that utopian vision where peace and beauty are expected to envelop all those dark fearful thoughts and transport them away somewhere. I suppose it is possible, but if you thought for a moment about the tedium of sameness, wouldn't a little drama once in a while break up the boredom of all that nice quiet peace. Would there be anything in the world to laugh at if things were always so lovingly peaceful? I wonder.

Window to Within

2010-05-18T19:42:00.000-04:00

When I came across this door I marveled at the window that reflected the colors of the outward surroundings... including the light of my flash. Those darkened diamonds truly hid the contents of the garage within. The sanitary whitewash of wood surrounding the windows stood in lined contrast to eerie eyed patterns of the aging beveled panes. People are like doors with windows. Sometimes they are open, transparent, and there is an honesty as they share of themselves. These are usually the people to whom the comment is made, "she/he is like a breath of fresh air." At other times people are closed shut, locked, and hiding in a fearful darkness that merely reflects the gaze of those who look upon them. I can hear the phrase, "I just can't get through to him/her..," The next time you are speaking with someone... be aware of your own windowed door. Is there eye contact or are you looking through the person? Did you really hear what is being said (or are you only thinking about what your next words will be)? When we truly connect with another person from that light and honest place we should see beyond the reflection of our own scary judgements.

Healing Power of Birch Sap

2010-05-11T09:01:00.000-04:00

I have always loved the beauty of the Birch tree... I'm an admitted Tree Hugger and there is no tree that I don't love. Recently I was hospitalized for pain in the place where my gallbladder had been removed. Long story short, it seems that one of my main health issues stems around the elevated cholesterol that my body produces. I have cut out saturated fats (for the most part), lost eighteen pounds, and have done research on natural products to lower cholesterol. Serendipitously, I saw a container of Birch Sap in the supermarket the other day and decided to give it a try. To my surprise it's main health benefit is the elimination of cholesterol from the body. Other health benefits include it use as a mild diuretic, anti-rheumatic, anti-infective. Externally it can be used to promote healing of eczema and other forms of dermatitis. As I was making my purchase an older woman with a very ruddy complexion told me she was buying the birch sap for her unnamed, but obvious skin disorder. Well, for the cost of $1.99 a quart I think we were both making a healthy choice of medicine for our ailments. Will keep you posted of any progress!

Here is the link to my research: http://www.liveandfeel.com/medicinalplants/birch_tree.html

Sticky Flower

2010-05-06T07:17:00.000-04:00

On Monday I was strolling along the little park across from my daughter's home with my baby grand-daughter, when I came across a weird new "creature". Sitting on the branches of the small cedar trees were these globs of orange, with sticky looking finger-like projections. Of course, I left my camera at home so I couldn't catch them in all of their glory ( I also missed a red winged blackbird and a meadowlark). I was intrigued as I had never seen anything so strange looking (almost frightening) that just appeared out of the blue from my otherwise familiar walk. I went home that evening and searched the Internet and found that the thing is called Apple Cedar Rust and it is a parasitic fungus that will damage surrounding crabapple trees while not necessarily harming the cedars. The spores of the fungus can travel up to two miles to attack the apple trees. On Tuesday I went back to the scene of the creepy fungus and already it had started to shrivel up in a gelatinous mush (otherwise known as a gall). Although disappointed that my pictures didn't do the creepy thing justice, I was happy to have learned something new about a natural phenomena. Something I will be able to teach my grand-daughter when she begins to question the world around her.

Here is a link and a better photo of the Apple Cedar Galls:

http://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/articles/2002/CedarAppleRust.shtml

The Ballad of Bunny Fay

2010-05-01T07:55:00.000-04:00

There you are my Bunny fay
What have you to teach me today?

Fecund is a word that might sound funny
but it means to be fruitful, said my mild mannered bunny.

Do what you love and don't be shy,
the world is your oyster and you are it's eye.

It doesn't matter if your words are trite
they are your own which makes them right.

Then she wriggled her nose and nibbled some clover
winked at me once and the lesson was over.

Smile of the Moon

2010-04-26T13:07:00.000-04:00

I love the moon in all her mysterious phases and often I can't help but try to capture the allure of her shine through the darkness. I particularly love the smiley moon... the crescent glow of mouth that reminds me to laugh more, to smile more and notice the loving smiles of others, and also to find humor in the darkness... and let it lighten up my mood. No matter what is going on I can be sure that when I look up and notice the moon, she will whisper to me in loving words... and on "new" nights when she seems to have disappeared, I have faith that she is still there, and will come back when I need her loving encouragement.

Playing Around with Fantasy

2010-04-21T08:36:00.000-04:00

If I had to pick a single hobby that brings me joy beyond compare... one where I can completely lose myself in the moment, it would be photography. I usually take my camera everywhere, even on my daily walk around the block. I have missed a lot of great opportunities by not being prepared. You would think I would want to learn everything there is about the camera I have, but I am impatient and dyslexic and can never get past page 6 of the manual. It doesn't matter that I don't know what an f-stop is or what aperture means... I have more fun just playing with the fancy dials and leaning from mistakes. You would think the picture icons would make photography idiot proof... but the picture icons don't tell the whole story. When I see something that is photo worthy it really excites me and sometimes when I see something without my camera in tow, it will haunt me and I will come back to the scene and start snapping away. Then it's a race home to upload and review. Some photos are good enough not to be altered... but mostly I love playing with software and re-coloring or distorting what I snapped to put it in line with what I "saw." I have an active imagination and I can play with my photos for hours on end until they tell the story of some faraway place that I can mostly recognize in my dreams.

A Stroll in the Park

2010-04-14T08:14:00.000-04:00

There is a little park across the street from my daughter's home where I walk my baby grand daughter on most days that I care for her. She is only four months old and usually decides to nap as I stroll her past the pines, the beeches, and the willow trees that line the walkways. Sometimes she will wake with sleepy eyes as a red winged blackbird shoos us from a treetop, but often she is oblivious to the team of robins that appear on the school soccer field as if they are in play. From this little vantage point surrounding the pear, the cardinals have a field day trilling back and forth as they hide in the bushes... but a patient eye can always spot them in their red feathered finery. I even love the beautiful dandy lions that spread like a rash over the green grass of the fields. On close inspection they are as beautiful as the finest flower and they seem to love the company of the purple henbit that also color the spring fields. Every day I find a new species of tree or flower or weed to investigate, so I may share all this knowledge of Nature with my beautiful grand-daughter.

The Beauty of Spring Leafing

2010-04-09T13:26:00.001-04:00

Spring is my favorite season, especially as I look to the woods behind my house at dusk. It seems that in the span of one week, the bare tree branches spit out their little buds that seems to explode into those beautiful spring green leaves overnight! Just one warm day (recently it went to 88 degrees) and the bees come out of the woodwork, the leaves seem to grow right in front of your eyes, and the birds are singing their little hearts out. I especially thrill at hearing the trill of the Carolina Chickadees as they call each other from their perches in the trees. I also like to watch the studly antics of the male sparrow who woos lots of ladies in the hemlock tree in front of my house. He puffs himself up and tweets, and when a female comes by they are suddenly flapping together towards the bushes. I have seen him with six females in a hour and yet he can also be seen dutifully assisting with building of various nests for the children he fathers. The squirrels are hunting their buried nuts (and my planted bulbs, oh well) as well as chasing each other in pairs around the trees. Frolicking is rampant! As I take the time to watch all this spirited energy around me, I am very thankful that I have the time to enjoy the delights of this wonderful season.

Celebrating Holidays

2010-04-03T12:13:00.000-04:00

Greeting from my bunny Otis, who celebrated Ostara with my husband and I two weeks ago. Though he took a sniff at my colored eggs, he got much more excited by his feast of baby carrots and dessert of blueberries. He is my current "baby" as my children are grown and starting families of their own. None of them currently share my Wiccan beliefs and they celebrate the more traditional of the Christian holidays, but they are accepting of my ways nevertheless. I have always told them the importance of finding one's own way to be in the world, and to seek in the Socratic tradition of "question and challenge." Once you do find your way, I stressed that it is also important to be accepting of others for the sake of kindness. I am proud of my children and often they tell me that they are proud of me! So as they celebrate the Easter holiday, I will celebrate the wonderful diversity that exists in our big extended family.

Spring Tease

2010-03-26T13:59:00.000-04:00

Spring's arrival in NJ met with some splendid balmy weather this year, but as usual, it also heralded the cool and rainy season that comes as "April showers." Though it is windy and chilly again, there is the greening of the lawn, the blooming of daffodils, and the blossoming of the magnolia trees that gives a vibrant touch of color to the awakening landscape. Spring is the time of year for putting those plans arising from the quiet, contemplative, meditations of Winter's rest into action. Sometimes it hard to stay motivated when the weather turns cold and damp... there is that cozy retreat into non-action, which is fine, even Mother Nature takes a step backwards now and again. But as the wheel turns and budding season gets under way, I usually get a surge of energy that will ensure my projects and plans move forward with bursts of vigor. So bring on the chilly showers... they will only serve to make me appreciate the warm weather and "May flowers" all the more!

Welcome Spring!

2010-03-20T10:29:00.000-04:00

Wish you could have joined me early this morning for a breakfast of home-made Ostara Buns and coffee. I've already been flying around the neighborhood... on my bike mind you... to see all the early delights of the first Spring day. The trill of the songbirds, the bursting popcorn kernels of the dogwood, and even the hustle and bustle of human activity that has been dormant over the chilly Winter mornings. May the sun shine upon you as you celebrate the sights and sounds and activities during this beautiful budding season!

New Moon Banishment

2010-03-16T15:57:00.000-04:00

Ram Dass once said, "if you think you're enlightened go spend a weekend with your family." Well, although I am not planning on achieving enlightenment in this lifetime, I try to be a spiritually minded person and sensitive to the beliefs and opinions of others. I don't parade around spouting my brand of spirituality and yet I don't hide it either. My immediate family includes some self righteous siblings who usually don't give me the time of day, unless they are trying to convince me that the Catholic religion we grew up with is the source of their success and happiness and that my path will lead me to eternal damnation and hell. Little do they realize that in their criticisms of me and their fear of my way of life they are the promoters of the Hell that I don't choose to believe in. That being said, the negativity that comes my way, however, still has the power to push my buttons and make me feel mad, resentful, and down-right agitated. I could verbally fight back, Goddess knows I have learned to be comfortable with my darker side, but spiritually speaking, what goes around comes around and I hate confrontational merry go rounds. Lucky for me there is a New Moon, so I will be able to take the negative thoughts I have, put them down on red parchment, and then burn them in my cauldron. I will then recite the Charge of the Goddess to remind me of who is in charge of my life and then the ashes will be scattered out into the cold night air (along with the liberations I will offer to my numinous friends). In my mind "family" is a term for those people who love and support you unconditionally... perhaps I should just banish those relationships that just bring me down.

Aglow

2010-03-09T17:58:00.007-05:00

Alone in the darkness

the soft silken dance

of the flame

mesmerizes...

with thoughts on hold

the Gaze catches twins

that reach and pull

the Light to a heart

where all is One

and Wonders never cease.

The Lady's Prayer

2010-03-05T06:49:00.003-05:00

The Earth is my Mother.
I shall not want.
Her hand brings forth the green pastures.
She tarries within the still waters.
She leads me in fields of fruitfulness for my Glory.
Yea, as I walk through the summer of life unto death,
I will not be afraid, for You are with me.
Your womb in the earth will enfold me.
You prepare a harvest before me and bless my home with children.
You fill me with milk and honey.
My cup overflows.
Surely, goodness and beauty will nurture me all the days of my life,
and I will become part of the earth forever.

Author Unknown

A Joyous Birth

2009-12-10T11:31:00.003-05:00

I know I have posted my blog as a weekly post, however I have been joyously distracted by the birth of my grand- daughter Annabel. I was present during her delivery and with my son-in -law helped my daughter through her labor. Though I had been through this some thirty years ago, I didn't get to experience the miracle of the event in quite the same way. I was astounded at what I experienced as coach and grandma. As I held her for the first time she opened her little eyes and seemed to look right into the depths of my soul as I softly sang to her. I have been visiting to help mommy and baby with their new routine as most grandmothers would do ( without being too intrusive) and yet I have a big responsibility ahead of me for which I take very seriously. My daughter asked that I become Annabel's spiritual guide. This is a great honor, as my family does not share my Wiccan beliefs, and although my family is spiritual oriented in many different denominations, I was chosen because I have actively studied the tenets of many of the world religions and have learned to be tolerant. I will share the positive aspects of many of these religions including my own... in a way that a child could understand. My hope is that she grows to find her own spiritual path and in that I will support her unconditionally. I pray to my God and Goddess to help me in this high honor and hope to share the beauty of the Divine so my precious Annabel will find her own spiritual way in a world that I feel will eventually seek unity. Brightest blessings!

Becoming a Witch

2009-11-17T11:11:00.004-05:00

I'm sure there are witches out there who have been born into families who celebrate a rich tradition of ancient belief and follow occult practices handed down from generations. That may indeed be a beautiful thing depending on your perspective. For the rest of us who have come to embrace a way of life, or a spiritual path, the title of our belief system may have come from years of research, soul searching, and practice. I write poetry on an international Wiccan site and I although I have many readers from around the world I am never asked questions regarding the meaning of my poetry, or the inspiration behind it. That suits me fine, for I am of the belief that good poetry affects each reader differently and there should be a deliberate separation of the poet and the poetry. I would not try to explain what I meant, as the meanings are often hidden in the color of language. The usual question I am asked by readers is "Are you a real witch, and how can I become one too?" A six year old child once said to me, "You are what you think you are." I thought the words precociously profound and with all I have experienced in my life I would have to agree. I do not have a witch certificate, although I am sure you can join a school of thought and get one for a fee. I have no interest in that. I have studied every book I could read on the subject of the occult early in my life and seemed to gravitate to those specializing in Witchcraft or Wicca. I can tell many of those who pose the question are young, and so I try to be sensitive to their curiosity without too much interest or commitment. Ultimately, there is also the expressed desire to perform spells, which to young people of the Harry Potter generation must seem very enticing indeed. My standard answer to someone seeking to learn spells is to read a short book by Carl McColman called "Before You Cast a Spell." It is a how-to that does not give specific recipes, only underlying principles. It probably wouldn't be completed by someone who just wanted to catch a love interest or win a huge sum of money... they would probably just get bored. In response to the question, " How do I get started to be a witch?" I will refer the young seeker to Scott Cunningham's, "Wicca, A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner." I feel he has a very caring style of presenting the occult and encourages the practitioner to follow their own path to discern what feels right and what doesn't. Although I have read literally hundreds of books and articles on the subject, I have used my own intuition to determine what I embrace as sounding truthful and what I discard as... well chaff. I have a responsibility to be my own Guru, and that's why my practice is so successful for me.

Turkey Buzzards and Sun Dogs

2009-11-10T20:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I went for my usual walk around the block, but it was anything but usual. Normally I set out in a quick stride and notice the seasonal changes of Nature in a quick pace that gives me some exercise. Ok, so far everything is usual. Instead of letting my mind wander to the normal chatter of what I could be doing or what I should be thinking , I shut that yap of the mind and just walked and breathed and looked to the sky for nothing but the beauty of a warm November day, grateful for the sun and the mild temperature... no coat needed. First I noticed a swarm of birds circling the the sky in the distance. Could they be a flock of my beloved turkey buzzards?... why yes, a swarm of about 20 were swooping and lowering and to my amusement they were suddenly circling me. I waved to them and yelled "hello friends!" It was 2:00 in the afternoon and there are no neighbors watching... they are all at work, so I felt perfectly content to wave and clap at this rare performance. The "crowd" dispersed and the three usual "friends" that appear to glide in the currents when I take my walk, hung around a bit and dipped low in the sky as if to wave. I felt elated. Then, as I turned the corner of the long street at the end of my block and walked into the west, I spied the brilliant sun fairly low in the sky and it was flanked by two beautiful "sun dogs." These are like little round rainbows that appear upon clouds and they were perfectly aligned on either side of the sun. I was mesmerized as I walked, and knew that it was a a wondrous display that I would have missed if I was deep in thought and looking down at the pavement. Somehow I felt hopeful that this walk with my head in the clouds was a gift... a splendor of the wonder that is waiting when the mind can shut off, the eyes open wide, and one is just thankful for the gift of sight.

Celebrating October 31

2009-11-03T12:59:00.002-05:00

Each Year as October 31 approaches, I get really excited... almost like a kid before Halloween. It's my favorite holiday and I celebrate it with my husband (and bunny rabbit) as Samhain (pronounced sow' en). This is the eighth spoke of the wheel on the Wiccan Calendar and the last of the harvest rituals. It is a joyous time for celebration much like New Year's Eve and yet it is also a time to be thankful in remembrance of ancestors. Usually the colors of autumn are beginning to wind down and the nights are colder. The day before my holiday I usually do a thorough housecleaning and a blessing in each room with a spritz of salted water. I also finish the cleaning of bathroom floors and kitchen counters with a damp rag and witch hazel (only because I love the smell). Then it's out to the store to buy the fresh ingredients for my harvest dinner. Although I am not a vegetarian, I love fresh vegetables and they are always present at my holiday dinners. The pumpkin will be carved into a face that always seem to look like my beloved Grandpa McCoy. Then my seeds will be soaked in salted water, dried, and baked into a tasty treat. The table will be set with extra plates for relatives who have crossed over and happy celtic music or solemn baroque will be playing (depending on my mood). Of course there will always be the interruption of the trick or treaters who come to my door for candy, but this is a welcome treat as I remember the joy I once had "begging for candy." There will be a candlelight dinner and a toast of remembrance, as well as poetry readings and ceremony. The night will end with a bonfire (weather permitting) or a retreat to my candlelit "meditation room."

This year, however, my usual plans needed altering. My step daughter's wedding took place on mischief night and on Samhain, there was a big family gathering of out of town relatives meeting for dinner. Since I don't advertise my spiritual affiliation, my usual rituals were out the window. It didn't really matter... one must be flexible, and after all, a wedding only comes once a lifetime... at least that's the way it's hoped to be. The whole family shared wonderful stories of the previous night's event and shared a sumptuous meal that was prepared by the chef in the family. There was laughter and merriment well into the night. It was more like a New Year's Eve party than a Halloween Party... and yet with a wink to the flickering jack-o-lantern, I kept the sentiment to myself.

A Healing Crystal Meditation

2009-10-27T10:48:00.003-04:00

Life has many stressors, some are positive and can move us to challenge ourselves and become productive. Other stressors may become tangled up with negative energies that often cloud the big picture and leave us feeling angry, frustrated, or doubtful. These are the toxic stressors that are often ignored, but give a feeling that make us feel ill at ease. Once recognized, direct confrontation with these feelings needs to be dealt or they multiply, become overwhelming, and throw the body into a state of dis-ease. One of the ways I deal with this phenomenon is to practice a full body meditation with my healing crystal. This is a crystal that I found, and in order to boost it's healing power it was consecrated. First, I lovingly washed it with my personal beauty soap, rinsed it, and towel dried it. Then I set in on a windowsill in the direct light of the full sun. To consecrate it I hold it in my right hand and extent the left palm open to the universe. I ask for the positive energies of the universe to fill it with my intent for healing clarity. Then I will place in the direct light of a full moon to complete the consecration. Whenever I feel that negative stress or situations occur that need to be confronted or released, I will fill a bathtub with warm water and salt and then slip in my crystal. Sometimes I will also add fragrance in the form of those inexpensive shampoos that are more economical than high end bath products, as the bubbles seem to last longer (also when you immerse your head under the water to meditate, you get an instant shampooing). I think long and hard of the situation that is causing the unrest and draw my full attention to every detail as I sort through the attached emotions associated with it. Once that is accomplished I will ask the crystal to help me see clearly on what I must do in order to heal. Sometimes the situation is not in my control and I must just let it go down the drain. Other times, a plan of action or a new way of looking at the issue will pop in my head and in my mind's eye I will take it to a positive conclusion. After rinsing myself and the crystal off, I take a deep cleansing breath. At that point I will follow my inner guidance to either take appropriate action, or put the issue to rest. The crystal is then put to it's resting place on my sunlit altar. It is one of my most important tools for healing.

Cartoon Stereotypes

2009-10-20T13:51:00.003-04:00

The other day I caught a few minutes of the cartoon the Simpsons. It was a Halloween episode and while I'm not the biggest fan, my husband is. In this episode, Lisa (who is the show's voice of reason and open-mindedness) is dressed in a witch costume. Her mom exclaims, "Oh Lisa you're a witch" to which Lisa replies... I'm Wiccan... why does a strong confident woman get labelled (or something to that effect). While I was happy for the sensitivity of the creators for making a statement, there was still a hint of negativity associated with the term "witch." My earliest recollection of a witch was a cartoon I enjoyed as a five year old. It was Casper the Friendly Ghost and his companion Wendy the Good Witch. Remembering back to my five year old mind, the characters seemed as very real to me. I loved both of them, even though it seemed the world conspired against them. I was painfully shy at the time and they seemed like good friends to have. Then came the barrage of negative stereotypes for witches brought to us by Disney. Some were attractive, some ugly, but all had their element of evil. I thought it was cool that they could use spells and make potions and I remember thinking, if they can do magic why wouldn't they use it for good? As I grew older, I realized that appearances are not good indicators of character and old prejudices die hard. I began studying the occult in high school and at the time, the only books on witchcraft that I could find also contained spells that seemed rather spiteful and mean-spirited. I knew that I had some special talents, that were outside the belief of most people and so I kept them to myself. But as I got older, books found me and I became intrigued that other people also had these "gifts" and some were as kind and gentle as I felt myself to be. I am comfortable now with my status as a Witch... more so than Wiccan which I consider a religion. I am a strong confident woman who enjoys myself and my unique gifts and for that I would not make apologies. I might, however, refrain from advertising my status, as the word "witch" is still frightful to some people. Tolerance seems to be moving in the right direction, and I only wish Disney could redress the stereotypes.

A Matter of Healing

2009-10-13T16:02:00.003-04:00

Years of working as a nurse in hospitals, nursing homes and the community has given me rare insights into human behavior, especially as it relates to the unwell population. As I went about the tasks of taking vital signs, damp dusting a room, or just sitting on the edge of a bed holding a hand and teaching a patient what to expect during and after surgery a mini friendship was formed. After the necessary assessment based questions, there was always the open ended "how are you feeling?" Then I would just listen, as some of the most intimate worries and fears were spilled out. I offered no answers or solutions, just an interested pair of ears and eyes of empathy. I truly enjoyed my work back then. Then nursing became high tech, and it was hard to concentrate on listening when there were so many medications to be given, procedures to be performed and a timetable that barely afforded the completion of assembly line tasks. There was no time for that one on one interpersonal relationship. I tried to reestablish that special relationship with patients when I travelled to people's homes as a community health nurse, however that meant I was doing the exorbitant about of paperwork on my own family time and that wasn't really fair. Once a professional trust was established, many patient's would want to pour out their hearts about what was really wrong with their lives... frustrations, disappointments, bad relationships, or a host of other mental and spiritual anguishes. I found out first hand that illness is not just a random physical disorder, but one that involves a host of factors that fester below the surface until they manifest as disease. While I would always encourage a person to seek medical attention in the way they feel most comfortable, I think there is a means of healing that goes beyond covering symptoms and treating disease. The symptoms let you know something isn't right, and disease signals that something must be changed. One of the ways to get to the heart of the matter is through sharing thoughts. Think of a kindly stranger asking you, How is your life going? what would you say? I'm often amazed as some of the things I will say when I get on a verbal role with someone who has no reason to judge me at all. The key is to listen sometimes to your own conversation to see what is really going on inside. I believe we all the the capacity to heal ourselves, but it will occur a lot sooner if there was a network of healers who aren't afraid to reach out and touch someone with kindness, listen with empathy, and allow the light from the windows of the soul to shine compassion into the lives of others. Sometimes it can begin with a simple smile.

Practicing Tolerance

2009-10-06T14:09:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful autumn day with a hint of chill in the air, and I had just slipped into my multicolored bathrobe after a quiet meditation in the luxury of a warm bath. There was a loud knocking at the door and I wondered who would be calling mid-morn... probably just a delivery person or a meter reader, as my friends don't make morning house calls. As I opened the door, the chill rushed in and there were two women, one old, one young, and both obviously related. With a forced smile, the young woman challenged me with a question, "Ma'am were here to ask you what does it mean to find happiness in a family?" An internal groan... as I saw the small weatherworn bible she clutched in her hands. "Well, I said, as respectfully as I could, " I usually don't share such intimate conversation with perfect strangers, why do you ask?" "They nervously glanced at each other, and the older woman spoke up." We're not here to sell anything, but while we were in the neighborhood, we wanted to help acquaint you with the good news of family values..." I took a deep breath, as I have heard these pronouncements before and politely asked if "the good news" had anything to do with the bible? The young woman brightened and then asked what religion I was. "Well, I'm not a christian but then again, I usually don't share my beliefs with strangers." The older woman now eyed me with suspicion, and added, we really only want to ask your opinion about family... and then quoted something from "the book." In my head, I thought of the horror I would probably encounter if I told these women my true beliefs and yet, there was no need to make this anything more than a pleasant exchange. Instead, I offered to peruse the literature I knew they had brought along in those large pocketbooks, saying that I am interested in other people's perspectives, even if I may not agree. Gladly they pulled out the familiar Watchtower pamphlets and handed them over, the young one stating, "I'm sure you don't want to catch a chill, as I see you just washed your hair." "Thank you," I said, "I hope you have a delightful walk on this glorious day." The older woman grimaced and replied, "Oh, it's awfully cold out here," and with that they both turned and walked away. I spent a few minutes looking over the materials that seemed a bit outdated, the words extolling both the secrets of happiness and the horrors of Satan, replete with italicized quotes from that old black book. "Yes, it must be very cold for you out there," I thought as I gently guided the literature into the trash.

A Witches Perspective: Dispelling the Myth

2009-09-29T08:09:00.003-04:00

As a practicing solitary witch who is celebrating my ten year anniversary of initiation, I hope to shed light on the path I have chosen so others may come to have a new perspective on this unique way of life. It a way of life that has been misunderstood and maligned through unfair depictions and images. The word witch itself usually conjures up the vision of an ugly old hag in a black pointed hat who rides the night winds on a broom and wreaks havoc on the lives of innocents. Nothing could be farther from the truth about this craft of mine, that needs no pronouncements to anyone, including some of my family members. This way of life, which I do not consider a religion, involves trusting one's intuition, revering nature, gaining insight through reading, and gaining wisdom from experiencing life with all it's mysteries and intrigue. For me, one of the most important tenets is the complete acceptance of responsibility for the outcomes of my life. "And it harm none, do as you will" is the one simple rule.

It is a life filled with curiosity, wonder, and ritual, and in my case going within oneself to find the highest calling and then putting the dreams of the heart's desire into action. At times it is a lonely path, as unlike organized religion there is no shared dogma, initiation rites, or the us-versus-them mentality that has crept into many religious institutions. I have an acceptance that the universe is a beautifully designed field of energy, of which everything and everyone is a connected part evolving in a dance of change. The concept is so vast in its magnitude that I can only refer to as the Source, but I believe it to be divine. As a human being though, I often have a need to reason out my existence, and since we live in a world that operates in a dualistic realm of ... good/bad, male/female, right/left... as a witch I choose to consort with and give thanks to a host of archetypes both male and female whose qualities I can understand and admire. I envision my cosmic parents as God and Goddess in equal measure, which is why religions don't work for me. Though I ask for help and guidance at times, I know the the full responsibility for how I live my life ultimately falls on my own shoulders, and in making important decisions, I rely on my inner self that I have come to experience through quiet reflection and meditation.

I don't believe in a black and white world, and I function best in a continuum of gray as the variation of belief that I feel begs for understanding. I strive to understand how our collective world operates, yet I am not quick to judge what I don't understand. As a proponent of personal freedom it would be hypocritical to think that my way of being in the world is the only way to be in the world and I enjoy the viewpoints of other's, even if I don't agree with them. Although I follow my own path in life, I don't live in a cloistered, shadowy world of self absorption, as some might think. I mingle and share in the lives and paths of others, and many of my friends don't even know I am a practicing witch. The title alone doesn't define all of who I am, but I know as a witch my mission is to enlighten other like minded souls on my alternate belief system, heal myself and others with words and actions, and share my talents, which include writing poetry and digitally photographing nature.

Sometimes I am asked for advice on spells and though I do perform them in ritual, I am reluctant to give any advice on this topic, as a spell uses one's will or intention to produce an outcome, and if we are truly unique as humans, then no other person's words or actions can produce the positive results that would benefit our own personal lives... it would be too easy, and life was not designed to be easy. If it was, why would we need a brain capable of complex problem solving capabilities? Also there are two cautions in using one's intent to gain something desired. What goes around comes around is alive and well, so if you use your power to inflict harm on someone else, the consequences will harm you triple fold. As a witch I know this, and so it makes me chuckle when someone asks, "Are you a good witch?" Is there anyway else to be, knowing the consequences? The second caution is that what we think we might really want, may come with unexpected burdens and obligations. Personally, I would never do a spell for a million dollars, as I know the potential problems and temptations that could occur when money is gained without actually earning it. You might get a million dollars for a disfiguring accident, or it could bring out the worst greed in family members and make your life a misery. Be careful what you ask for, you might get it, is a sound adage when it comes to spells and so I don't perform them injudiciously.

When it comes to living and experimenting with my life, I hold no personal recriminations for honest mistakes made, it is part of being human. Rather, as I reflect on those areas that have not brought the love, joy, or peace desired, I choose to make changes and sweep away the clutter of dried patterns that would obscure my path. As the seasons change, so do goals and aspirations... and often I celebrate these changes through personal rituals during the sabbats (holiday celebrations) and esbats (moon celebrations) that are celebrated by a vast majority of other witches. I also celebrate traditional holidays with my family, as my grown children were not raised with my current world view and have their own ideas regarding spirituality. Though I may share confidently some perspectives of my craft, I don't seek to entice anyone to share my path, nor do I seek to challenge anyone away from their own. My way is the only right way for me, and my perspectives add to one solitary viewpoint in a vast world of energy that I believe is meant to celebrate our uniqueness, while making us feel more connected with the Source, of which we are all a part of.

Mabon.... a meeting of Light and Dark

2009-09-24T07:24:00.002-04:00

Mabon arrived on time in the Northern Hemisphere at 5:22 pm and as the second harvest celebration of the seasonal wheel, it celebrates the meeting of day and night on equal terms. I chose to celebrate on Saturday night where a feast was prepared by my husband using vegetables of the season's harvest, a stew that included potatoes, turnips, and fennel. I made a salad of apples, celery, and walnuts... and there were black and white cookies which we shared as we gazed at our nightly bonfire and sipped small glasses of whiskey mead. There was poetry to write and as day and night are equal, it was a good holiday to reflect on the dark and light that resides within. As a solitary witch, it is important to bravely face the darkness which creeps into our minds, and spills into our lives. So many people do not face up to the darkness, which could be defined in many different ways depending on who is doing the assessment. The question one needs to ask is, what resides in those hidden recesses that keep us from feeling joyful, peaceful, and contented? What are we hiding within that is throwing our lightness or lightheartedness out of sync. It is a tough thing to look at oneself honestly and then make adjustments, but as we clean house of unwanted dust and clutter, we should be doing the same with our minds. As humans we often strive for perfection, and it is easy to fall into the trap of setting one's mind on a rigid acceptance of right and wrong, never questioning or deviating from the ideal vision of ourselves. But to be in balance there needs to be acceptance of the darkness, so we can learn from it. As the wheel of life turns upon the change of seasons, we must face the changes that occur in our own lives. That is not to say we should sweep what we don't like into a corner or under a rug, but those attributes or thoughts that have not served us well need direct attention, for you cannot really change what you will not face and understand. It is an ongoing process and the change of seasons is a good time to get focused.

A Color Meditation

2009-09-15T11:49:00.003-04:00

One of the practices of my way to the path is the simple act of going within and experiencing the silence of stillness. Most of the day our thoughts are flowing like mindless chatter that colors our emotions and can often raise to a frenzied pitch of confusion, worry, and doubt. There are many ways to avoid this silent and incessant chatter, some people use mindless TV, some use alcohol (which often tends to exacerbate the noise) or what I have found to be the best way, meditation. One of my favorite forms of meditation is what I refer to as my color meditation. First, I gently rub the roundness of my closed eyeballs, which serves to to stimulate the retina to accept its purpose of seeing with eyes closed. Then, I simply sit cross legged in a sunlit room, relax my shoulders, and watch the blank screen of color appear and change before my shut eyelids. At first there is a muddled darkness that soon becomes awash with a vivid shade of orange that softens and fades to golden and yellow. At the tiniest squint of the eyes, or the change of the sunbeam location, suddenly other colors come into play: deep purples, crimson, bright teal, or perhaps a brilliant green. At times of great peace suddenly I will "see" a brilliant white, which seems to be the shade of the Inner Self. During this phase if I get a mental message, I usually pay attention as the message is always gentle and loving and the peace associated with it is profound. Most often though, the meditations feels like looking at one's own auric colors parading by, one by one before the closed eyes. Sometimes the colors change and morph into muted shades that melt slowly into one another. During this meditation the focus is only on the screen of changing colors and the wash of peace that occurs when the mind is silenced by the attention to a blank screen. The restless mind will indeed have trouble chattering during the silent interchange of your own sacred color wheel. The restorative peace that ensues will make the rest of your day just a little bit brighter.

For the Love of Nature

2009-08-25T09:55:00.003-04:00

One of the tenets of being a good witch (and if you know The Threefold Law, how could you be otherwise?) is a reverent love of Mother Nature and respect for her creations. Everything that groweth or creepeth has a divine connection to all of us on this planet. I might be a little skeeved out by earthworms, but I would never harm one and intellectually I am in awe of how much work the little critters do to make sure the soil is aerated and nourished so that we may reap the benefits. Perhaps you may feel the same way about spiders, knowing that they trap and eat some our peskier pests like mosquitos. Either way, a witch knows that there is a delicate balance at work from the loom of Mother Nature and like children, if we obey simple laws we are less likely to be punished by her fury. Sometimes humans act as if they are the only creatures on the planet who matter, when in fact, if you added up all the living creatures, we are a tiny minority in comparison. The effects of global warming are wreaking havoc with our weather, which in turn causes destruction of our environment. Many good people of tackling the problem on global and national levels, however each one of us can contribute some small act that decreases gas emissions if we just try a little bit. For instance, do you really need to drive your call to the local convenience store when perhaps the 10 or 20 minute walk would probably be more beneficial for you and the environment? Something happens when you begin walking frequently and actually noticing nature. There is a calling, a feeling of being at home, feeling loved, accepted, and safe. It is Mother Nature sending her love as she lavishes you with visuals of remarkable colors and textures wherever you look. I can't speak for most witches, but I suspect I am not alone in this feeling, and I know I am not alone in wanting to take the extra step to help protect our wonderful planet. It should be as easy as taking a walk.

Whisper of the Dragon Fly

2009-08-18T15:40:00.002-04:00

It all happened in an instant, a sunny summer's day like today, far from home in an overgrown field near a stream, a path to somewhere leading to woods. There were wildflowers as tall as myself, and no sounds except for the hiss-clapping of locusts in the distance. I was far away and alone... but certainly not lost or afraid. A silver bodied bug with pretty blue wings landed on me and whispered me a dream, a reason, a secret. I understood the gentle voice that hummed, although not a word was spoken. I knew I mattered and was important... and here for a reason. It's many, many years since that first encounter, and yet when I'm alone in Nature without a soul around, I'm still that young child holding on to the secret that was only meant for me... on a path that never turned back.

Lughnasa ... a sigh of relief

2009-08-06T06:24:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday me and the hubster planned our little pagan ceremony of the August harvest with a fine meal that included Jersey grown tomatoes, and corn, and fresh tuna steaks... as a reminder of the ocean we both love. I especially looked forward to the bonfire as a traditional part of the ancient celebration. My son showed up in need of some family time and although he is not normally comfortable with my witchy ways, in a change of heart he listened to my story of the god Lugh and his step mother Taltiu for who the celebration was devoted to. She died while helping to clear the land in Ireland so Lugh's people could plant crops and increase their ability to farm the land. We shared a whiskey mead while the flames danced in the warm night air, and exchanged our unique views on being in the world. We talked, my son and me... we found common ground to agree and disagree in our connected but separate world views. When the night came to a subtle ending as the moon rose over the trees in the night sky, my son echoed a sentiment so dear to my heart that I must share it, he simply said, "The greatest evil is a singular truth... we are just.... I never felt so proud to be a mother in... I don't remember when.

Sex as Religion

2009-07-28T07:53:00.003-04:00

I was never a fan of the word religion as it conjures up images of patriarchal practices and silly costumes... and outmoded dogmas recited by rote. However taken as one definition " the ritual observance of faith", I would have to say that pretty much sums up my beliefs about the sacred act of sexual communion. In my way, there is celebration of both the male and female spirit, as god and goddess from whom we seek advice, give thanks, and explore the depths of the human condition. I can understand both powers at work in different ways that adds to the great spirit of the All (which is such a mind boggling concept that there are no suitable words to talk about it). Sex is such a powerful spiritual celebration when enjoyed to the fullest, and it is my belief that it will bring you closer to the Divine than any other religious ceremony... especially those that condemn the act itself. Why do many of the major religions put such harsh rules on such a joyous and natural gift from the gods and goddesses? It is all a matter of power... they want to sell you your salvation... if we were all solitary practitioners think of the lost revenue. It is no coincidence that the word intercourse can mean coitus or it can also mean an interchange of thoughts or feelings. Here is key that turns the whole experience from a physical pleasure to a sacred celebration... the communion (intimate communication) that occurs before, during , and after sex. In my brand of religion there are no rules or boundaries here... except one, "as it harm none do as you will." There is great solitary sex to be had, and great sharing sex to be had and the frequent rituals of both is one way to become closer to the ecstasy of the Divine thing that cannot be talked about. Try to think of anything that comes close to that wave of electrical excitement and then convince me that dogmatic rules should be placed on such a natural expression of human truth... and I'll tell you your dogma is barking up the wrong tree.

Tools of the Craft

2009-07-21T05:54:00.002-04:00

One of the things that I most enjoy about the my practice of the Craft, is the ritual associated with honoring the god and goddess who watch over and guide my way. Books are probably my most important tool, as through them I gain insight from others that I might have missed on my own. The important tenets of the pentagram for which I use as a symbol of my faith evoke the five elements of earth, water, air, fire and spirit at the very top. In the rituals I may use sand as earth, tap water, an athame (or small dagger) to waft air, candles as fire and my sincere intent to welcome Spirit that incorporates both male and female deities within my circle of celebration. Many people wrongly equate the symbol of the pentagram with evil intent, including some members of my family who see my tools displayed in my private sanctuary. Just as it was in olden times, people are frightened of things they don't understand and my Craft or way of celebrating my way in the world is mysterious. While I don't spend too much time worrying what others think (everyone is free to form their own opinion) sometimes just a simple explanation of the tools and symbols is enough to alleviate fear. The question I usually pose when confronted with the question of evil intent, is to ask the question, " You know my person, do I seem like an evil person to you?" My family would be hard pressed to answer that in the affirmative, and so they have come to accept my private celebrations. After all the reason I am a solitare is to be at home and alone with Spirit in a way that is befitting to me. It is a highly personal matter and in this way, I don't need the recognition of recruits to know I am on the right path for me.

Divination

2009-07-15T05:48:00.002-04:00

Divination is a process of gaining insight into one's life through the ritualistic use of tools. Two of the methods that are dear to my heart are Tarot card readings and Rune Casting. Many people are afraid of these tools, as they have had a dark shadow cast over them from religions that seem to prevent people from finding divinity within themselves through exploration. Some of the symbols on the Tarot cards look intimidating and yet they are not always what they seem. The dreaded Death card for instance, does not necessarily relate to a physical death... it could easily apply to a death of an old habit, or an end to a way of thinking. I continue to study the Tarot as it is complex and rich in the telling of the spiritual journey that we all as humans face. Each day I choose a card and then record it's meaning as I watch how the interpretations unfold. Sometimes when I choose a card, it will give me an insight into a problem that lingers below the realm of my current attention. In either case there is self reflection and study, something that is dear to the solitary witch who doesn't accept anyone else's interpretation of what a spiritual life should be. Rune casting involves the choosing of stones that are marked with a Nordic alphabet. Each one represents an insight into the understanding of the progress of the spiritual pursuit of the chooser. I usually choose three stones that represent the past, present, and future. In this way I have a big picture view of where I am vs. where I need to be. I hope it is clear that in using these tools, there is a personal responsibility to think and study and intuit. A solitary witch knows that she/he is the best judge of interpretation, as your own inner guide who is already divine will help the human of you through life's journey. The divination tools hone your ability to see deeper into the spiritual quest and intuit the best possible direction for self understanding. There is nothing evil or scary here... unless you find those qualities within yourself. Then it signals a gentle reason for change.

Full Moon Esbat

2009-07-07T07:07:00.005-04:00

I love celebratory rituals and so I worship the Goddess at the height of the full moon. Esbat is a word to describe this observance. It is a simple but heartfelt ceremony where I rise from my bed at midnight, and weather permitting go outside with bare feet to gaze and reflect on the brightness of the moon's light. I then return indoors to my "meditation room," where I will don my black cape, light candles and with the tools of my craft, will open a sacred circle of energy.

Through the open window I will thank the Goddess for her guidance and protection in my life and then recite "The Charge of the Goddess" by Dorothy Valiente. Then before an old family mirror I will reflect on the goddess within myself and in doing so will see with the mind's eye what needs changing and what is working in my life. There is always a measure of balance in this meditation. I may recite personal poems to the Goddess or sometimes I will recite from the lovely "Celtic Devotional" of Caitlin Matthews or the "Prayer of Dedication" from Michelle Morgan.

Usually at least twice a year, I will celebrate the esbat by "Bringing Down the Moon." This is a powerful rite where you quite literally infuse yourself with the light of the moon. A bowl of water is placed within the direct light of the moon (I usually position this indoors, as many of my animal friends would probably drink it). Once infused, this is brought to the ceremony and placed in a goblet where after giving thanks to Goddess, it is drunk slowly. The energy is incredible and is felt deep within the pelvis long after the ritual is completed.

Following the ceremony, I pour some "ale" (beer or whiskey mead is just fine) into two goblets (one for me and one for Goddess) and place a small portion of cookies or biscuits on a plate. I drink and eat after a proper toast and then the cakes and ale that were set out for Goddess are taken outdoors to be given as libations to the night spirits.

I always conclude by closing the sacred circle and giving thanks for all the good that comes to me.

Blessed be!

An Existential Witch

2009-06-30T10:39:00.002-04:00

There are many ways to describe my unique Way in the world,

solitary, eclectic, white, green, Celtic, goddess...

but if pinned down for a specific term, I am most comfortable

with Existential Witch.

One of the tenets of my practice has to to do with respecting

tradition, so I read the old masters and mistresses

in poetry, prose, and philosophy.

Kierkegaard, who is thought to be the father of existentialism,

thought that subjectivity (which is how people relate to objective truths)

becomes more important than the truths alone. Idealisms have

their place, but cannot replace the living, breathing, feeling, actions when applied

as a starting point of philosophical discussion.

With this in mind, I read all I can about my craft

and discard anything that doesn't ring true for me.

"And it harm none, do as you will" is a great starting place, but how

your life has shaped you seems to determine what is harm and what is your own will.

Once initiated on my Path, I realized that there is no mercy if I harm another,

The Three Fold Law (which states what you send out will come back to you threefold)

kicks in even when the harm was inadvertent. All actions carry a responsibility of consequence.

If you gauge your life in honesty, you will learn what you need to find the peace that is sought.

On one hand, if you knew how important your life is you may be afraid to explore at all,

on the opposite spectrum if you knew how insignificant your life is you may go overboard in exploration... somewhere there is a balance to achieve.

My practice attempts to find that place... so I can at least maintain an equilibrium.

Simple Magick

2009-06-23T11:08:00.003-04:00

What is magick anyway?

The root word magic conjures up images of a rabbit being pulled from a tophat... cruelty at best, deception at it's worst.

My magick simply put, is the will of your own Spirit having it's way in a world gone mad.

Walk down a solitary street, a crowded boulevard, a sullen lane...

A stranger you will meet with the worries of their world

You smile and greet

If they notice and accept your warmth they will brighten in return

If not they will ignore

The brightening is magick

The ignoring signifies skill yet to be honed

Brightest Blessings!

Wendilea