So, obviously the whole Pagan Blog Project thing doesn't work well for me. I think it is an absolutely fantastic idea. The problem for me is that I'm a writer, who doesn't much care for writing.
It's funny. For as long as I can remember, I've been an avid reader. And I mean literally for as long as I can remember back to my first memories as a child. I love to read. I'm a picky reader, though. I read for entertainment and for specific information. This means I mostly read sci-fi/fantasy, historical fiction, romance, and non-fiction only when I feel a particular need for it. Growing up everyone was always saying that I should be a writer when I grew up, since I love to read so much. Not really sure why people think loving to read stories and being capable of producing stories go hand in hand.
Often my biggest problem with writing is word or page counts. Usually in school one had to write a certain number of pages, double spaced. This sort of thing is often difficult for me as I tend to be very succinct, so unless I'm particularly interested in or passionate about a topic, it doesn't take me as long as usually required to say what I want to say or think needs to be said.
Problem two with writing for me is how my education in it started. Before moving to Indianapolis, my experience with writing involved having a topic and writing about it. It was graded for grammatical errors, spelling, coherency, appropriateness, and so forth. When I changed schools, I struggled with writing because all of a sudden I was supposed to start with a thesis statement. My only knowledge of a thesis statement was that it was how you started a thesis paper. One of those incredibly long papers one writes for graduate school or before getting a doctorate or when preparing a scientific treatise. I missed at whatever point my new school system first started teaching writing this way. I was repeatedly instructed that I was supposed to be discussing everything I was going to talk about in my essay in the thesis statement. But.... That's my essay. If I say what I'm going to be saying in my essay, especially with how straightforward and to the point I want to be, what's left for the rest of the essay? I managed to slide by somehow or another and with good grades. But since I didn't really, truly understand what I was supposed to be doing, my first year of college involved tears over my favorite professor telling me that I didn't know how to write a college level paper. It wasn't until my second year of college at a different college that someone managed to explain it to me in a way that I understood. It's like the topic sentence of a paragraph, only for the whole essay. -.- But by then writing had become associated with trauma in my mind and so writing assignments tend to make me anxious and on the verge of a panic attack.
This is one reason why the Pagan Blog Project didn't work out for me. I thought by making it so I had to write something each week, I'd be able to write something each week. Instead, it triggered the panic attack feelings. However, there's also reason two.
Reason two why the Pagan Blog Project didn't work out is that........ I've ended up becoming a professional writer. Yes, that's right, I get paid to write. I'm a freelance SEO writer. I write press releases, articles, and web page content. Oh, and blogs. Yup, as of this moment I've actually two blogs that I'm paid to write for weekly. One of the damn things requires two articles a week. This all started at the end of March and beginning of April. You may note that my last posting to this blog was on March 20. I just couldn't keep up with one more project that I was required to write.
But. I still want to do this blog. I still want an outlet for my thoughts and philosophies. Being an SEO writer, I know that having a successful blog means having regular posts. Weekly is best. Two or three times a week is even better. However, between my antipathy for the writing I have to do for pay, the need for a recreational outlet from work, and my family obligations, I can't commit to a regimented writing schedule for my blog. I'm not sure that I could even with all the free time in the world. Right now, I don't have a large "following" so I don't get much feedback, questions, or other inspiration about what people might want or need to hear from me. So, for the time being, my posts will be rather sporadic. Appearing when there's something I really think needs to be said or put out there.
If you enjoy my random little musings, please comment and share your thoughts. And/Or let others know about my blog, too. :) I've a few things I'm considering writing about, but some of those family obligation things are in need of attention, so it will have to wait!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Ostara and other musings
While during Imbolc we know that Spring is returning and that things have begun to happen, we don't see it, yet. Ostara is the celebration that Spring has begun to be seen by human eyes and that winter has been shaken off, as evidenced by the growing length of time the sun's light is seen. On this particular day, not only can signs of Spring be seen, but there is balance between the length of the day and the length of the night. From this day forward, the day light hours will be longer than the night time hours. And so we celebrate Spring, new things, beginnings, fertility, life, and balance. These things are symbolized by eggs and seeds: the progenitors of life in animals and plants. Also by rabbits/hares who are very fertile creatures. By baby chickens and ducklings, cute little fluffy creatures who come from eggs and will grow to create more eggs, directly or indirectly, and who are seen being born now or soon. Also by lambs other cute fluffy creatures commonly born and seen in the Spring in large numbers. Eggs, seeds, new plants, and baby animals would have been highly important to ancient man as an improvement to their meager winter diets as well as assurances that there would continue to be more food to cultivate in one way or another. Popular colors associated with the holiday are pale greens, yellow-green, yellow, white, purple, blue, and pink, think of the colors of new grass and leaves and the flowers that are blooming right now, such as daffodils, crocus, grape hyacinths, and even a few trees. I've recently seen a reference to not only decorating eggs, but decorating with ribbons as signs of freedom. I've generally associated ribbons with Beltane and the Maypole, but I could see it for Ostara, too.
Balance and moderation are things that we, as humans struggle with time and time again through out our lives. How often have you found yourself starting a project only to get overwhelmed because you've taken on too much at once? And it is certainly easy to do this to ourselves in the Spring. There's so much that we haven't been able to do and enjoy during the Winter months that many of us go a little crazy trying to do everything at once as soon as the weather turns warm. For myself, I'm struggling to find balance with a number of things that I not only want to do, but that I need to do. I'm launching a campaign to find work as an SEO article writer, which has required a lot of reading, research, and now mass emailing potentially clients for work. In my quest to overcome fears, I've decided to not only get myself out into the Pagan community by attending festivals, while I'm there I'm going to be vending some fabric and jewelry craftings or at least trying to do so. People have been telling me they'd like to see more of my work, specifically for sale, so I'm going to see how that actually works out in practice. Of course, that means I have to make a bulk supply of things to sell, which takes time. I need time for the gym to work out. I want time to be outside and time with my family. And I have to cook and clean and take care of two active little girls, 10 months and 2 years old, respectively, as well as my two older children a 9 year old girl and 10 year old boy, although they require less time since they are not only in school but live primarily with their father. And I'm in school part-time. So, my husband and I have been struggling to get ourselves organized and on task to help each other with all the things that need to be done to achieve our goals. While there have been some frustrating days, I'm pleased to say that I think we are getting better at it, which is very exciting. It's nice to see successes, even if they are small ones in the general scheme of things. But any growth, any movement forward, is better than none at all and therefore deserves to be celebrated.
A lot of what I see people suggesting for Ostara celebrations involves planning and what you'd like to see come about in this growing season. There's certainly a call for that as now is the time when gardening season is upon us and stores are just now putting out more than just standard seeds, but also tools and starter plants. But for my Trad, the first half of Winter is the time for reflecting on what has passed and the second half is for planning what we'd like to see come about in our lives. Imbolc is the time of planning for Spring. I see Ostara as being a celebration of not what's past or what is to come, but a celebration of what is right now. Being balanced means not yearning too strongly for things either in the past that can't be changed or the future that hasn't come about, yet. Accept the past, wait for the future, but live in the now. If you don't live in the now, it will soon become the past and will have passed you by, possibly causing regrets. Look out your window and you'll see that Life is good today. So, for today, forget yesterday, it can't be undone, unlived. For today, forget tomorrow, it's time will come. What is good about life today? What are you thankful for in your life, your world, be it big or small? What blessings do you already have in your life? What have you already accomplished? Feel free to share these answers. :)
I'd also like to share a YouTube video shared with me that is a wonderful expression of Ostara, The Witch's Sabbat: Ostara
Balance and moderation are things that we, as humans struggle with time and time again through out our lives. How often have you found yourself starting a project only to get overwhelmed because you've taken on too much at once? And it is certainly easy to do this to ourselves in the Spring. There's so much that we haven't been able to do and enjoy during the Winter months that many of us go a little crazy trying to do everything at once as soon as the weather turns warm. For myself, I'm struggling to find balance with a number of things that I not only want to do, but that I need to do. I'm launching a campaign to find work as an SEO article writer, which has required a lot of reading, research, and now mass emailing potentially clients for work. In my quest to overcome fears, I've decided to not only get myself out into the Pagan community by attending festivals, while I'm there I'm going to be vending some fabric and jewelry craftings or at least trying to do so. People have been telling me they'd like to see more of my work, specifically for sale, so I'm going to see how that actually works out in practice. Of course, that means I have to make a bulk supply of things to sell, which takes time. I need time for the gym to work out. I want time to be outside and time with my family. And I have to cook and clean and take care of two active little girls, 10 months and 2 years old, respectively, as well as my two older children a 9 year old girl and 10 year old boy, although they require less time since they are not only in school but live primarily with their father. And I'm in school part-time. So, my husband and I have been struggling to get ourselves organized and on task to help each other with all the things that need to be done to achieve our goals. While there have been some frustrating days, I'm pleased to say that I think we are getting better at it, which is very exciting. It's nice to see successes, even if they are small ones in the general scheme of things. But any growth, any movement forward, is better than none at all and therefore deserves to be celebrated.
A lot of what I see people suggesting for Ostara celebrations involves planning and what you'd like to see come about in this growing season. There's certainly a call for that as now is the time when gardening season is upon us and stores are just now putting out more than just standard seeds, but also tools and starter plants. But for my Trad, the first half of Winter is the time for reflecting on what has passed and the second half is for planning what we'd like to see come about in our lives. Imbolc is the time of planning for Spring. I see Ostara as being a celebration of not what's past or what is to come, but a celebration of what is right now. Being balanced means not yearning too strongly for things either in the past that can't be changed or the future that hasn't come about, yet. Accept the past, wait for the future, but live in the now. If you don't live in the now, it will soon become the past and will have passed you by, possibly causing regrets. Look out your window and you'll see that Life is good today. So, for today, forget yesterday, it can't be undone, unlived. For today, forget tomorrow, it's time will come. What is good about life today? What are you thankful for in your life, your world, be it big or small? What blessings do you already have in your life? What have you already accomplished? Feel free to share these answers. :)
I'd also like to share a YouTube video shared with me that is a wonderful expression of Ostara, The Witch's Sabbat: Ostara
Sunday, March 18, 2012
PBP -E is for Elitism
Recently a discussion group I'm a part of on Facebook was discussing British Traditional Wicca and British Traditional Witchcraft. My limited experience with people who claim either of those titles is a negatively elitist attitude. They claimed to be authorities on every subject that came up. They were quick to point out what was wrong with other people's practices. But they were very limited on providing any useful information since all of that is classified. I always wondered what the point of their being in contact with the public was. If someone doesn't have the option of doing what you do because you won't give them the option, why do you have so much interest in what they are doing on their own? And such negative interest? Since that time, which was early in my Pagan days, I've learned that people practicing BTW of either kind, don't usually announce themselves like that. And I'm pleased to say that those of this discussion group, while mentioning that there are things that can't go into detail about, aren't acting like they have the only right way to go about things. Can you imagine if there was only one right way to do anything? We'd have no variations of culture, food, clothes, etc. (On a humorous side note, for sci-fi fans, have you ever noticed that 99% of alien races have uniform features?) Elite is another word that has different connotations depending on the exact usage. "Jack is an elitist (prick)." Versus, "Jack is so talented; he is one of the elite (someone to be admired)." I think it's one thing to have high standards and expectations. It's okay to be proud of yourself or a group. It's another thing to think that means others are less than you are. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, even if they aren't always obvious. There's always something that you could learn from someone else. Strive to be of the elite, but never strive to be an elitist!
PBP-E is for Eccentric or Weirdo?
Now this could apply to many different kinds of people, not just Pagans. But let's look at types of Pagan people. Many Pagans are just like anyone else you might see walking down the street. There's nothing about them that screams their religion. Go to a Pagan Pride Day event, and you will observe many people looking just like they would for any other public outing. Then there are the moderates, people like me. I seem pretty normal just walking down the street. My personal style is only slightly unique, but in culturally acceptable norms. For example, during the warmer months, I favor flowing skirts and tunic style tank tops. But my top might be homemade and of a slightly sheer fabric, the kind that you would only notice if really paying attention. And I usually wear something fun and creative to PPD. And then there are the eccentrics and the weirdos. But how do we tell the difference? Or more importantly, isn't it odd that we differentiate between eccentric and weird? Both usually wear clothes of a very unique style. They definitely stand out in a crowd. How can you miss someone wearing all black with accent chains, numerous pentacles, spiked boots, and purple hair? But the eccentrics tend to be respected, while the weird tend to be either shunned or patted on the head, depending on their other behaviors. There was a girl a grade behind me in high school who often wore a cape and twisted her hair in wires to create tall antlers (she had very long hair) and called herself a "non-conformist." She irritated another friend of mine who considered herself a "non-conformist" as well, because there was a difference between simply not conforming to popular standards and making a point of going the complete and utter opposite. She felt the other girl made "non-conformists" look bad. It made me laugh. Why did she care how society viewed "non-conformists" if she didn't like society? But I guess that's where I get my difference between these types of people. It's all in the attitude and that aura people project. The outside really doesn't have a great deal to do with it. For there are also people who "look" like everyone else but aren't. I've learned to rely more on my senses, my intuition, rather than on just appearances. Maybe they dress oddly because they are so excited about Paganism and want to express it in their every day life. I did at one time. When I was around 21-22, I had black hair with blue streaks and habitually wore a long-sleeved cloak. My son was around 3-4 and needed speech therapy. His therapist told me that another therapist had been watching us in the waiting room and thought that many of the other parents could learn a thing or two from me because of how well behaved my kids were. It made me laugh, yeah, take a pic and put me up as a pattern card for Carmel moms and see how that goes over. On occasion, I wouldn't mind having the black and blue hair back, but I wouldn't do the cloak again. And then there's the guy from a Coven I was with for about a year. Fairly nondescript guy, polite, kind, knowledgeable, but there was just some indefinable thing that made my skin crawl. He ended up being something of a sexual predator. Thankfully, I wasn't involved in any of what happened. Normal, eccentric, or weird it's all about the indefinable something that we project that truly effects how people see us and react to us. Don't be afraid to be you. If it's truly You, then you won't get negative reactions from it. On the contrary, you might be surprised at how many people envy how comfortable you are with yourself. Eccentric is cool, didn't you know?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
D is for Dedication
Posting number eight for the Pagan Blog Project.
I've noticed that it is sometimes difficult to pin Pagans down to a particular date and time for an activity, let alone get them to commit to a long term schedule. I even find myself doing it. There's just always something that interferes: family, school, social plans, work, kids, distance and a myriad of other responsibilities and excuses. Now I'm not saying these aren't valid reasons to not be dedicated to religious attendance and that they aren't important activities in our lives. But. It bothers me. Especially, lately, when I've been trying to determine the best time to set up for a meet-up. There are Christian churches, practically on every corner in some places, that are full of people who go every Sunday at 10:00am (or there about). Some of us went to one of these regularly at some point in our lives. Although, mine met at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, and we couldn't work or play from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night. So, why is it so hard to be dedicated now? To something that we supposedly feel so strongly about?
I think some of our issues with dedication has to do with timing. Most Pagan events and activities occur at night on weekends, and so do most social activities, extracurricular activities such as sports and concerts, family dinners, and second shift jobs. And weekend afternoons are often taken up with all the things that we can't do during the week due to work, such as grocery shopping and extra family time. Weeknights are spent relaxing after work, spending time with family, and children's activities like sports practice. That leaves us with weekend mornings, when many people wish to sleep in because they can. And Gods know, it's hard to argue with that one. I love my sleep!
But something has to give if we truly want to be involved with other people. If you've been having a hard time in this area, take some time think about where you want to go with your path and what you're willing to do to get there. Figure out you're excuses and what you can do about them. Then figure out what's really holding you back. Maybe you have all these excuses because there's something you're afraid of or unsure about. Maybe you don't really want to be in a group or that group. But if you find that you do want to be a part of a pagan group, figure out how to make it work. If so many of other faiths can carve out a time every week, we can do it, too.
I've noticed that it is sometimes difficult to pin Pagans down to a particular date and time for an activity, let alone get them to commit to a long term schedule. I even find myself doing it. There's just always something that interferes: family, school, social plans, work, kids, distance and a myriad of other responsibilities and excuses. Now I'm not saying these aren't valid reasons to not be dedicated to religious attendance and that they aren't important activities in our lives. But. It bothers me. Especially, lately, when I've been trying to determine the best time to set up for a meet-up. There are Christian churches, practically on every corner in some places, that are full of people who go every Sunday at 10:00am (or there about). Some of us went to one of these regularly at some point in our lives. Although, mine met at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, and we couldn't work or play from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night. So, why is it so hard to be dedicated now? To something that we supposedly feel so strongly about?
I think some of our issues with dedication has to do with timing. Most Pagan events and activities occur at night on weekends, and so do most social activities, extracurricular activities such as sports and concerts, family dinners, and second shift jobs. And weekend afternoons are often taken up with all the things that we can't do during the week due to work, such as grocery shopping and extra family time. Weeknights are spent relaxing after work, spending time with family, and children's activities like sports practice. That leaves us with weekend mornings, when many people wish to sleep in because they can. And Gods know, it's hard to argue with that one. I love my sleep!
But something has to give if we truly want to be involved with other people. If you've been having a hard time in this area, take some time think about where you want to go with your path and what you're willing to do to get there. Figure out you're excuses and what you can do about them. Then figure out what's really holding you back. Maybe you have all these excuses because there's something you're afraid of or unsure about. Maybe you don't really want to be in a group or that group. But if you find that you do want to be a part of a pagan group, figure out how to make it work. If so many of other faiths can carve out a time every week, we can do it, too.
D is for Dragon Spirit Tradition
Posting number 7 for the Pagan Blog Project. Dragon Spirit Tradition is my brainchild of over at least
10 years of study of ancient religions and cultures, other contemporary
groups, general anthropology, and psychology. If one counts my
tentative questions as a child and fascination with the ancient
mythologies and cultures, it's really something I've been working on my
whole life.
We are a highly intellectual and eclectic tradition of Contemporary Paganism that combines panentheism, duotheism, polytheism and animism. We believe that the Divine speaks to us in the manner we are each most likely to hear and respond to in an active (hopefully positive and constructive) manner. Have you ever noticed that every, single religion practiced today has "true believers?" People who believe they've had some sort of experience that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that whatever they believe in must be true and real. Maybe there's a good reason for that. Notice I said maybe. We aren't talking about absolutes. While reasonable explanations can be found, we acknowledge that there could be other valid explanations. It's just that we like our explanations. :)
Pagans. Yes, Yes, I hear you nit-pickers! Technically, the word pagan is from the Latin adjective paganus meaning "rural", "rustic", or "of the country." Or as a noun meaning "country dweller" or "villager". Some even claim it was used as a pejorative like hick, redneck, or country bumpkin. Well, whatever it might have once meant, today it is a pop culture umbrella term for those who are just plain not Judeo-Christian and/or those who favor nature based, polytheistic religions.
We use the term "contemporary" because the Tradition isn't something that existed in the past, although it is heavily influenced and inspired by ancient history. At the most basic, we see it as something similar to the Unitarian Universalists, but with a more decided Pagan influence and practices. We've come to feel that all religions have something of value to contribute to one's personal growth and spirituality. If one were to take a look at each religion (of light/good) with both an objective and idealized view, one would see that at the heart of all religions are guidelines for being a good person. The differences are in the accessories.
We are eclectic because we believe in using the best tool possible for the job and don't wish to limit our "toolbox" by adhering to only one brand, as it were.
We are an intellectual group in that we expect members to be able to read, research, study, experiment, and report back on findings. It's okay if one needs guidance in these areas or help getting started. However, if you're looking for a group to spoon feed you all the information you need or will ever need to know: this might not be the place for you.
If you should decide to study with the Kindred of the Dragon Spirits, you will find that one of the biggest differences is that we go into detail about why we believe something to be the way it is or why we do something a certain way. Just because something's been done a certain way for (insert number of years) by (insert large number)s of people, doesn't make it worth believing or doing. What makes something worth believing or doing is if it makes sense and works for you. The whole point of our study groups, Hearths, are to help people find what makes sense and works for them, even if it's not with us.
We are a highly intellectual and eclectic tradition of Contemporary Paganism that combines panentheism, duotheism, polytheism and animism. We believe that the Divine speaks to us in the manner we are each most likely to hear and respond to in an active (hopefully positive and constructive) manner. Have you ever noticed that every, single religion practiced today has "true believers?" People who believe they've had some sort of experience that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that whatever they believe in must be true and real. Maybe there's a good reason for that. Notice I said maybe. We aren't talking about absolutes. While reasonable explanations can be found, we acknowledge that there could be other valid explanations. It's just that we like our explanations. :)
Pagans. Yes, Yes, I hear you nit-pickers! Technically, the word pagan is from the Latin adjective paganus meaning "rural", "rustic", or "of the country." Or as a noun meaning "country dweller" or "villager". Some even claim it was used as a pejorative like hick, redneck, or country bumpkin. Well, whatever it might have once meant, today it is a pop culture umbrella term for those who are just plain not Judeo-Christian and/or those who favor nature based, polytheistic religions.
We use the term "contemporary" because the Tradition isn't something that existed in the past, although it is heavily influenced and inspired by ancient history. At the most basic, we see it as something similar to the Unitarian Universalists, but with a more decided Pagan influence and practices. We've come to feel that all religions have something of value to contribute to one's personal growth and spirituality. If one were to take a look at each religion (of light/good) with both an objective and idealized view, one would see that at the heart of all religions are guidelines for being a good person. The differences are in the accessories.
We are eclectic because we believe in using the best tool possible for the job and don't wish to limit our "toolbox" by adhering to only one brand, as it were.
We are an intellectual group in that we expect members to be able to read, research, study, experiment, and report back on findings. It's okay if one needs guidance in these areas or help getting started. However, if you're looking for a group to spoon feed you all the information you need or will ever need to know: this might not be the place for you.
If you should decide to study with the Kindred of the Dragon Spirits, you will find that one of the biggest differences is that we go into detail about why we believe something to be the way it is or why we do something a certain way. Just because something's been done a certain way for (insert number of years) by (insert large number)s of people, doesn't make it worth believing or doing. What makes something worth believing or doing is if it makes sense and works for you. The whole point of our study groups, Hearths, are to help people find what makes sense and works for them, even if it's not with us.
C is for Candle Magic
Posting number 6 for the Pagan Blog Project! This one might be one that is a pretty "common" type topic, but it's one of my favorite ways to do a magical working. I've included two examples of candle gardens: one for winter and one for spring since we are rather in between those two seasons right now.
Magic for me means working with a combination of tools at one time. And with a candle garden, so very many tools can be incorporated. If it exists, it can be used in a candle garden. Popular items to use for candle gardens are flowers, crystals, mirrors/glass, colored and/or scented candles, tarot cards, pictures, elemental associations, and deity representations. The options for candle gardens are just endless from the simple to the complex. Candle gardens are an excellent tool for use in group magics, as well, because each person can contribute some thing or things. The task of organizing your collective things creates a bond with the group members boosting the power of the candle garden.
Often in magic we are told each item used should have a specific purpose towards the working. But, in my opinion, at least, the objects chosen for a candle garden don't have to relate directly to your working. I call these accessory items boosters. They are there for beauty and effect, which boosts your energy and connection to the working. Besides being for a specific magical working, candle gardens can be used as devotional tools, made in honor of a particular deity or season or in celebration of some special event. As such the items you choose are most likely based on their ascetic or emotional value, not their magical value.
Candle gardens speak to and for us on many levels. The most obvious, of course, is sight. Looking at a completed candle garden is a beautiful thing. (Unless you were going for something different, I suppose.) Another subtle way they speak to us can be through smell, if one uses scented candles or incorporates incense. A large enough candle garden can emit enough heat to be felt. Giving your candle garden a musical accompaniment can give it a voice to be heard. The fire light, the colors, any scents, the objects themselves, as well as how they all fit together speaks to and feeds our spirits.
 | |
| A Winter Themed Candle Garden |
Magic for me means working with a combination of tools at one time. And with a candle garden, so very many tools can be incorporated. If it exists, it can be used in a candle garden. Popular items to use for candle gardens are flowers, crystals, mirrors/glass, colored and/or scented candles, tarot cards, pictures, elemental associations, and deity representations. The options for candle gardens are just endless from the simple to the complex. Candle gardens are an excellent tool for use in group magics, as well, because each person can contribute some thing or things. The task of organizing your collective things creates a bond with the group members boosting the power of the candle garden.
Often in magic we are told each item used should have a specific purpose towards the working. But, in my opinion, at least, the objects chosen for a candle garden don't have to relate directly to your working. I call these accessory items boosters. They are there for beauty and effect, which boosts your energy and connection to the working. Besides being for a specific magical working, candle gardens can be used as devotional tools, made in honor of a particular deity or season or in celebration of some special event. As such the items you choose are most likely based on their ascetic or emotional value, not their magical value.
 | |
| A Spring Themed Candle Garden |
Candle gardens speak to and for us on many levels. The most obvious, of course, is sight. Looking at a completed candle garden is a beautiful thing. (Unless you were going for something different, I suppose.) Another subtle way they speak to us can be through smell, if one uses scented candles or incorporates incense. A large enough candle garden can emit enough heat to be felt. Giving your candle garden a musical accompaniment can give it a voice to be heard. The fire light, the colors, any scents, the objects themselves, as well as how they all fit together speaks to and feeds our spirits.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
C is for Cats
Posting number 5 for the Pagan Blog Project.
I don't really like posting about things that there's already a ton of information to be found. I feel like I'm just repeating what others have already said, and maybe even said better. If it appears on here, it's because I have a different take on the subject than most people do or because it's just so important to me that the ideas bear repeating. For this blog posting, cats came to mind because they are so very, very popular as pets and familiars. There's lots of information to be found concerning cats, so I'm sharing a poem that I wrote some years ago in regards to my cat familiar, Elminster, a large, beautiful tabby Maine Coon.
I don't really like posting about things that there's already a ton of information to be found. I feel like I'm just repeating what others have already said, and maybe even said better. If it appears on here, it's because I have a different take on the subject than most people do or because it's just so important to me that the ideas bear repeating. For this blog posting, cats came to mind because they are so very, very popular as pets and familiars. There's lots of information to be found concerning cats, so I'm sharing a poem that I wrote some years ago in regards to my cat familiar, Elminster, a large, beautiful tabby Maine Coon.
Familiar Friend
My familiar friend,
my near constant companion.
You are so very dear to me.
You make me laugh and smile.
You make me feel special and loved.
my near constant companion.
You are so very dear to me.
You make me laugh and smile.
You make me feel special and loved.
I especially love the way you cuddle up to me at night,
how happy you are to see me when I've been away.
Your agitation when you don't know where I am
and your persistence in finding me
is quite adorable and endearing.
You always seem to know when I'm feeling down.
how happy you are to see me when I've been away.
Your agitation when you don't know where I am
and your persistence in finding me
is quite adorable and endearing.
You always seem to know when I'm feeling down.
However...
I could do without you jumping out at me,
when you're feeling playful.
Although, in its way, it does make me laugh.
You manage to be fat and hairy and cute,
when so many others can't be all those things.
My dear and loyal friend,
steadfast and true,
gone in a blink of large, golden eyes,
at the clink, clink, clink
of food falling into your cat bowl,
by the hand of anyone at all.
I could do without you jumping out at me,
when you're feeling playful.
Although, in its way, it does make me laugh.
You manage to be fat and hairy and cute,
when so many others can't be all those things.
My dear and loyal friend,
steadfast and true,
gone in a blink of large, golden eyes,
at the clink, clink, clink
of food falling into your cat bowl,
by the hand of anyone at all.
B is for Beliefs
Posting number four in the Pagan Blog Project. This is taken from a lesson plan that I'm writing for a discussion group/class on the Roots of Religion.
What are Beliefs?
New Oxford American
Dictionary:
1. an acceptance that a
statement is true or that something exists
2. something one accepts as true
or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction
3. a religious conviction
Merriam-Webster:
1. a state or habit of mind in
which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
2. something believed;
especially: a tenet or body of tenets
held by a group
3. a conviction of the truth of
some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based
on examination of evidence
Dragon Spirit Tradition Definition: Something that can’t be proven (or is currently unproven) that a person or group holds to be true because it seems to make sense and is, therefore, a satisfactory explanation for an otherwise unexplainable experience or concept.
Why Do We Have Religion and Beliefs?
Beliefs
explain experiences. People need
explanations. Not only do we need
explanations, but we need explanations that make sense on a personal
level. Because everyone thinks
differently, there are different explanations for the same experiences. Because there is no way to prove most beliefs
that exist today, there’s no way to have an explanation that every single
person can agree with.
Ironically,
in the arena of religion versus science, religion was the original
science. Religion and science became two
different branches for explaining experiences because some beliefs were proven
to be true and others to not be true. We
now know why the sun rises and sets; why there are different seasons; why
plants grow (or don’t grow); why an eclipse happens; how weather patterns work;
why there’s thunder and lightning; and many other things that people once
attributed to supernatural beings and/or magic.
B is for Blood
My third posting for the Pagan Blog Project. I chose this one to branch out of my comfort levels. As a kid, the sight or thought of blood made me feel light-headed and queasy. Being a girl, I had to learn to deal with it on a certain level because of menstruation. Just before I turned 16, a child I was babysitting slid on his bike and had a nasty scrape of his whole knee. Being the only person available to deal with it, I focused my will, isolated the urge to panic, and shut it away, so that I could take of him. My first husband had an even worse ability to deal with things like blood and needles, so I learned to further control my reactions because someone had to deal with the kids' accidents. Then there's my hypothyroidism, which requires frequent blood draws. I've passed out twice from those as a young adult, but not recently. Then came Paganism. Blood is acknowledged as powerful in every Trad I've learned about, but many do not actively use blood magic or restrict it to consecrating personal tools. And in my early studies, that was fine with me since I'm still squeamish about blood and needles and pain, if I think too hard about it. And in some ways, there's certainly good reason to be cautious about using blood magics. Blood magic also tends to be considered as potentially evil, especially since it's so easy to misuse. Lol, sometimes it feels rather like the first rule of blood magic is don't talk about blood magic. This idea is followed by, "Keep it secret. Keep it safe." Through my studies I've come to learn that blood magic has it's place and is indeed a very powerful tool. Most of my experience has to do with oaths and bindings. If nothing else, requiring a blood oath shows how committed someone is to an idea. By swearing a blood oath, you show not only those requiring it, but yourself just how far you are willing to go for a particular idea. While one sees dramatic hand slashing in movies when people make blood oaths (think of Kevin Costner in Robin Hood), just a drop from a pinprick is all it takes to make an oath binding.
One of the reasons blood magics are so secretive is that they are often used to bind people to secrecy. As such there is very little that I can share about my personal experiences with blood workings. I can tell you that the power in a blood binding is very real. Dissolving a blood binding, even as a requirement as part of advancing a degree, where one might have to dissolve one bind before taking on a higher binding, has a tangible, almost physical sensation. My experiences serve me by being both awe inspiring and cautionary. There is a great deal of power in the use blood magics, but to quote another movie, "With great power, comes great responsibility." Be prepared.
Before taking or requiring a blood oath, consider a few things. Obviously, you need to consider if you truly wish to make this oath (or other kind of working). If you have any reservations, even just one, think long and hard about those reservations. Maybe even put off the oath to give yourself more time to be sure. If the oath binders don't wish to give you more time, perhaps it's a sign that this isn't a good idea. No one should ever be rushed or forced into a blood oath. The bindings and consequences are too serious, too potentially dangerous. Think about not only today, but tomorrow. Are you prepared to deal with the consequences of your oath/working, should circumstances change? Can you accept that there may be consequences, either positive or negative, that you couldn't possibly foresee? After you've considered all these things and any other ideas an oath binder might suggest you consider, consider again. And, at least, once more. Make sure you are truly prepared to bind your physical life force to another person, group, idea, or working. Make sure it's worth it.
One of the reasons blood magics are so secretive is that they are often used to bind people to secrecy. As such there is very little that I can share about my personal experiences with blood workings. I can tell you that the power in a blood binding is very real. Dissolving a blood binding, even as a requirement as part of advancing a degree, where one might have to dissolve one bind before taking on a higher binding, has a tangible, almost physical sensation. My experiences serve me by being both awe inspiring and cautionary. There is a great deal of power in the use blood magics, but to quote another movie, "With great power, comes great responsibility." Be prepared.
Before taking or requiring a blood oath, consider a few things. Obviously, you need to consider if you truly wish to make this oath (or other kind of working). If you have any reservations, even just one, think long and hard about those reservations. Maybe even put off the oath to give yourself more time to be sure. If the oath binders don't wish to give you more time, perhaps it's a sign that this isn't a good idea. No one should ever be rushed or forced into a blood oath. The bindings and consequences are too serious, too potentially dangerous. Think about not only today, but tomorrow. Are you prepared to deal with the consequences of your oath/working, should circumstances change? Can you accept that there may be consequences, either positive or negative, that you couldn't possibly foresee? After you've considered all these things and any other ideas an oath binder might suggest you consider, consider again. And, at least, once more. Make sure you are truly prepared to bind your physical life force to another person, group, idea, or working. Make sure it's worth it.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
A is for Alcohol
Blog 2 of the Pagan Blog Project. I'm attempting a theme of one serious blog and one fun blog per letter.
Alcohol, Ale, Aqua Vitae (the water of life), and too many other names and varieties encompassing the alphabet to name here. Alcohol has been connected with religion, worship, and medicine for all of recorded history. The first trace evidence of alcoholic beverages actually goes back to the prehistoric Stone Age around 10, 000 B.C. in the form of beer jugs. Wine appears in ancient Egyptian pictographs around 4000 B.C. Ancient, Ancient Egypt had many local gods and few "national" gods, but Osiris, the god believed to have invented beer, was universally worshiped. Alcohol is mentioned in the famous Hamarabi's Code of around 1750 B.C. in regards to fair commerce.
While it is documented that all ancient cultures used alcohol for religious, medicinal, and social purposes, it is also documented that they nearly all wrote against over use of alcohol. Even the excessive Greeks and Romans, famous for their drunken orgies, apparently only approved of drunkenness during symposia (with a few cultural exceptions and a large portion of the declining years). While there have been attempts at Prohibition a few times over world history, it has never been successfully enforced or maintained. Science has actually proven that far from being harmful in moderate quantities, drinking various kinds of alcohol can actually be good for you as well. Fermentation of any kind can actually increase the amount of nutrients in foods, which is why fermenting is so popular among movements like Cooking Traditional Foods.
As a gift of the gods, there are a number of gods/goddesses throughout history related to alcohol in some way: Osiris, Bacchus/Dionysus, Ninkasi, Aegir, Tezcatzontecatl, Mbaba Mwana Waresa, just to name a few. Alcohol is a common part of many rituals from the Catholic Communion to the the Judaic Passover service to the Pagan Cakes and Ale. As well as being consumed by worshipers, libations are often poured in honor of a deity or other supernatural being.
So, here's to me
And here's to you
Lift your glass to the gods
And praise be for alcohol
For more details on the history of alcohol, fun facts, and problems visit Alcohol: Problems and Solutions.
Alcohol, Ale, Aqua Vitae (the water of life), and too many other names and varieties encompassing the alphabet to name here. Alcohol has been connected with religion, worship, and medicine for all of recorded history. The first trace evidence of alcoholic beverages actually goes back to the prehistoric Stone Age around 10, 000 B.C. in the form of beer jugs. Wine appears in ancient Egyptian pictographs around 4000 B.C. Ancient, Ancient Egypt had many local gods and few "national" gods, but Osiris, the god believed to have invented beer, was universally worshiped. Alcohol is mentioned in the famous Hamarabi's Code of around 1750 B.C. in regards to fair commerce.
While it is documented that all ancient cultures used alcohol for religious, medicinal, and social purposes, it is also documented that they nearly all wrote against over use of alcohol. Even the excessive Greeks and Romans, famous for their drunken orgies, apparently only approved of drunkenness during symposia (with a few cultural exceptions and a large portion of the declining years). While there have been attempts at Prohibition a few times over world history, it has never been successfully enforced or maintained. Science has actually proven that far from being harmful in moderate quantities, drinking various kinds of alcohol can actually be good for you as well. Fermentation of any kind can actually increase the amount of nutrients in foods, which is why fermenting is so popular among movements like Cooking Traditional Foods.
As a gift of the gods, there are a number of gods/goddesses throughout history related to alcohol in some way: Osiris, Bacchus/Dionysus, Ninkasi, Aegir, Tezcatzontecatl, Mbaba Mwana Waresa, just to name a few. Alcohol is a common part of many rituals from the Catholic Communion to the the Judaic Passover service to the Pagan Cakes and Ale. As well as being consumed by worshipers, libations are often poured in honor of a deity or other supernatural being.
So, here's to me
And here's to you
Lift your glass to the gods
And praise be for alcohol
For more details on the history of alcohol, fun facts, and problems visit Alcohol: Problems and Solutions.
Friday, February 17, 2012
A is for Accountability
Ok, peoples, prepare to be inundated with blog postings from me for a couple days! Thanks to Natalie and Laurelei Black, I've discovered The Pagan Blog Project 2012 and decided to participate. However, joining late I've decided to catch up in blog posts, not simply start where there are on I think letter D.
In my opinion, Accountability is one of the most important things I've learned from being a Pagan and from studying psychology. Growing up as a Christian I was taught that Jesus died for our sins and all is forgiven. Which is all well and good, but it always struck me as a bit unfair. Mother Theresa on equal footing with a serial killer on death row who says he's sorry and receives absolution from a priest. This kind of philosophy seems to lend itself to the idea of doing whatever you want because as long as you ask for forgiveness it will be granted, the slate wiped clean. What's the point of doing the right thing, then? Sure, one could argue the benefits are knowing that you've done the right thing. That's a real pretty ideal, but I can tell you from experience working in customer service that it doesn't play out that way in the real world. All things being equal, people will only work as hard as they need to in order to keep their job. Very few people are willing to go the extra mile without some kind of compensation, be it extra pay or simple recognition. It's depressing if you are doing extra work and receiving the same compensation as the slacker. And what's more, one is likely to be looked down upon by ones co-workers for making them look bad, even if there's still no difference in how everyone is treated.
Everyone knows the popular saying, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." Meaning that if you try to do something good but it ends badly, it's the same as if you'd just done something bad. Well, I don't buy into that idea either. What a horrible concept to be damned because you tried to do the right thing.
So, what does that leave us with? Accountability: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or one's actions (Merriam-Webster). We can only control our own actions and reactions. Ideally, our actions should be guided by what we feel to be right and appropriate. It's a difficult concept to understand that we always have a choice. The excuse, "I had no choice," is always a fallacy. It's like one of those trick questions on tests. If the statement includes the terms always or never, it's a false statement. If someone puts a gun to your head and says give me all your money or I'll kill you, you have choices. They may not be good ones or ones that you are willing to choose, but they are choices. One of the truly hard choices to feel in control of have to do with our emotions. And this for me is a gray area. Psychology has taught me that we choose to feel hurt or angry by what someone says, not that they make or force us to feel that way. And yet, psychiatrists treat people for damage from verbal and emotional abuse. "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is not true. Words can and do hurt and what's worse, it's hard to prove because they leave no physical wounds or scars or evidence. But, in my opinion, I think people can make us feel things, but what we do have a choice about is what we do with that pain, anger, and hurt.
Being accountable for our actions means not blaming others for when things go wrong or only giving ourselves credit when things go well. Being accountable for our actions means accepting the consequences. It means looking in the mirror for what we could have done better in a situation, not what someone else could have done differently. It's a hard, hard thing to do. It's easier to believe that someone else is at fault. And you know what? There are certainly times when it is someone else that is at fault, but dwelling on that isn't going to get you anywhere positive. I think we have a right to defend ourselves and do what's necessary when we have the option to do so. But in cases where proving who was right or wrong won't make a difference, it's a waste of time and energy and can bring you to a place of negativity that can carry over into other parts of your life. If you can have this mindset most of the time (we're only human after all, so expecting all the time is unreasonable), you will develop a more positive, less stressful, and more peaceful outlook on all aspects of your life. For me it has also manifested as an ability to be still in my mind. There was a time when I read near constantly, only went to bed when I was certain to fall asleep right away, and avoided meditation like the plague because I couldn't stand the pain from the direction my thoughts would go if left idle. But now that I can accept what I could have done differently and what I could not have ever controlled (how someone else acted), I can find that still, calm place in my heart and soul and devote my thoughts to more positive ideas and direction. I am moving forward instead of feeling so stuck. I thank the Powers That Be as often as I think about it for teaching me this lesson.
In my opinion, Accountability is one of the most important things I've learned from being a Pagan and from studying psychology. Growing up as a Christian I was taught that Jesus died for our sins and all is forgiven. Which is all well and good, but it always struck me as a bit unfair. Mother Theresa on equal footing with a serial killer on death row who says he's sorry and receives absolution from a priest. This kind of philosophy seems to lend itself to the idea of doing whatever you want because as long as you ask for forgiveness it will be granted, the slate wiped clean. What's the point of doing the right thing, then? Sure, one could argue the benefits are knowing that you've done the right thing. That's a real pretty ideal, but I can tell you from experience working in customer service that it doesn't play out that way in the real world. All things being equal, people will only work as hard as they need to in order to keep their job. Very few people are willing to go the extra mile without some kind of compensation, be it extra pay or simple recognition. It's depressing if you are doing extra work and receiving the same compensation as the slacker. And what's more, one is likely to be looked down upon by ones co-workers for making them look bad, even if there's still no difference in how everyone is treated.
Everyone knows the popular saying, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." Meaning that if you try to do something good but it ends badly, it's the same as if you'd just done something bad. Well, I don't buy into that idea either. What a horrible concept to be damned because you tried to do the right thing.
So, what does that leave us with? Accountability: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or one's actions (Merriam-Webster). We can only control our own actions and reactions. Ideally, our actions should be guided by what we feel to be right and appropriate. It's a difficult concept to understand that we always have a choice. The excuse, "I had no choice," is always a fallacy. It's like one of those trick questions on tests. If the statement includes the terms always or never, it's a false statement. If someone puts a gun to your head and says give me all your money or I'll kill you, you have choices. They may not be good ones or ones that you are willing to choose, but they are choices. One of the truly hard choices to feel in control of have to do with our emotions. And this for me is a gray area. Psychology has taught me that we choose to feel hurt or angry by what someone says, not that they make or force us to feel that way. And yet, psychiatrists treat people for damage from verbal and emotional abuse. "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words can never hurt me" is not true. Words can and do hurt and what's worse, it's hard to prove because they leave no physical wounds or scars or evidence. But, in my opinion, I think people can make us feel things, but what we do have a choice about is what we do with that pain, anger, and hurt.
Being accountable for our actions means not blaming others for when things go wrong or only giving ourselves credit when things go well. Being accountable for our actions means accepting the consequences. It means looking in the mirror for what we could have done better in a situation, not what someone else could have done differently. It's a hard, hard thing to do. It's easier to believe that someone else is at fault. And you know what? There are certainly times when it is someone else that is at fault, but dwelling on that isn't going to get you anywhere positive. I think we have a right to defend ourselves and do what's necessary when we have the option to do so. But in cases where proving who was right or wrong won't make a difference, it's a waste of time and energy and can bring you to a place of negativity that can carry over into other parts of your life. If you can have this mindset most of the time (we're only human after all, so expecting all the time is unreasonable), you will develop a more positive, less stressful, and more peaceful outlook on all aspects of your life. For me it has also manifested as an ability to be still in my mind. There was a time when I read near constantly, only went to bed when I was certain to fall asleep right away, and avoided meditation like the plague because I couldn't stand the pain from the direction my thoughts would go if left idle. But now that I can accept what I could have done differently and what I could not have ever controlled (how someone else acted), I can find that still, calm place in my heart and soul and devote my thoughts to more positive ideas and direction. I am moving forward instead of feeling so stuck. I thank the Powers That Be as often as I think about it for teaching me this lesson.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Imbolc: The Spark of Newness
There's lots of information to be found on Imbolc (Candlemass, Brighidmass, etc) if one Google's the term, so I'm not posting any of that sort of information here today.
When I was a kid, I thought that the Vernal Equinox must have been the first day of the year in ancient times. In Spanish, spring is primavera, which is related to words for beginning or first. I was shocked when I learned the ancient pagans considered the time around Samhain to be the transition of a new year. It took some time before I could say, well, ok, yes, that's definitely a time when it's clear the year is "old." But there's no beginning after that. Winter is the rest time. As a more mature adult, and one who has had four kids now, I see it a bit differently. Best to begin a new project with rest, planning, more rest, thinking, more rest, etc.
A blog I read recently (The Confusion of Imbolc) pointed out that Imbolc is the only holiday that isn't the same for everyone, everywhere. (And by that I mean those of us in the northern hemisphere, as, of course, the bottom half of the world is celebrating something totally different.) For some parts of the northern hemisphere, new life has actually visibly started to show up. Where I am and to the north, no such things are going on, or at least, not usually. (This winter has been a bit mixed up.) Some people celebrate it in honor of Brighid specifically, making it according to the blog the only one of the 8 traditional Pagan holidays in reverence to a particular deity. Although, on further reflection, I don't think that's not precisely true. Lammas, sometimes called Lughnassadh, is often celebrated in honor of Lugh. Ironically, it is exactly opposite Imbolc, and Lugh is something of a male counterpart to Brighid. I should comment about that later. On checking on that, it appears someone already made that point. But the Equinox's and Solstices are all pretty much focused on the same concepts for everyone and so is Beltaine, the harvest holidays, and Samhain.
But regardless of to whom or for what it's celebrated, the central theme is still the spark of "newness," life/thoughts/ideas, etc. It's my theory that it may have been one of the reasons we have New Year's resolutions. Many Imbolc rituals have to do with planning for new goals for the year, in lighting our creative spark. But where New Year's resolutions fail is that making the resolution doesn't do much good without a solid plan. I think the best part of Imbolc is that it encourages people to have a plan or if not a specific plan, at least asking Brighid for help and support in our endeavor. Support is also something people don't consider when making goals and even plans, but just having someone just to bounce ideas off of or to offer encouragement can make the difference between success and failure. For example, programs to help people quit smoking usually suggest you have a buddy or support person. Gym buddies help us stay on task, too. Regardless of what people say about needing to do things for yourself, not letting someone else down is a pretty big motivator, too. People often will go above and beyond for someone else, but not do as much for themselves.
I've already started my Imbolc resolution and planning. My goal for this year isn't exactly for any one specific, tangible thing to accomplish. In years past it's been things like have a baby or make money. This year my goal is to not let fear get in the way of any opportunities that present themselves or that I could make happen, to not let my self-doubts get in the way. In other words, not to let the risks involved get in the way, to not just take the safe road. I'm going to make things happen this year, not wait for someone else to help me make things happen. Part of that goal is the making of this blog and not worrying whether or not anyone is actually reading it, yet. If you are reading this, it's because I've already taken steps to help myself get out into the world. But, if you are reading this, and like my little postings, I could use some help getting myself out there, so please follow, comment, and share my blog with others!
And good luck to all of you in getting your creative spark going!
When I was a kid, I thought that the Vernal Equinox must have been the first day of the year in ancient times. In Spanish, spring is primavera, which is related to words for beginning or first. I was shocked when I learned the ancient pagans considered the time around Samhain to be the transition of a new year. It took some time before I could say, well, ok, yes, that's definitely a time when it's clear the year is "old." But there's no beginning after that. Winter is the rest time. As a more mature adult, and one who has had four kids now, I see it a bit differently. Best to begin a new project with rest, planning, more rest, thinking, more rest, etc.
A blog I read recently (The Confusion of Imbolc) pointed out that Imbolc is the only holiday that isn't the same for everyone, everywhere. (And by that I mean those of us in the northern hemisphere, as, of course, the bottom half of the world is celebrating something totally different.) For some parts of the northern hemisphere, new life has actually visibly started to show up. Where I am and to the north, no such things are going on, or at least, not usually. (This winter has been a bit mixed up.) Some people celebrate it in honor of Brighid specifically, making it according to the blog the only one of the 8 traditional Pagan holidays in reverence to a particular deity. Although, on further reflection, I don't think that's not precisely true. Lammas, sometimes called Lughnassadh, is often celebrated in honor of Lugh. Ironically, it is exactly opposite Imbolc, and Lugh is something of a male counterpart to Brighid. I should comment about that later. On checking on that, it appears someone already made that point. But the Equinox's and Solstices are all pretty much focused on the same concepts for everyone and so is Beltaine, the harvest holidays, and Samhain.
But regardless of to whom or for what it's celebrated, the central theme is still the spark of "newness," life/thoughts/ideas, etc. It's my theory that it may have been one of the reasons we have New Year's resolutions. Many Imbolc rituals have to do with planning for new goals for the year, in lighting our creative spark. But where New Year's resolutions fail is that making the resolution doesn't do much good without a solid plan. I think the best part of Imbolc is that it encourages people to have a plan or if not a specific plan, at least asking Brighid for help and support in our endeavor. Support is also something people don't consider when making goals and even plans, but just having someone just to bounce ideas off of or to offer encouragement can make the difference between success and failure. For example, programs to help people quit smoking usually suggest you have a buddy or support person. Gym buddies help us stay on task, too. Regardless of what people say about needing to do things for yourself, not letting someone else down is a pretty big motivator, too. People often will go above and beyond for someone else, but not do as much for themselves.
I've already started my Imbolc resolution and planning. My goal for this year isn't exactly for any one specific, tangible thing to accomplish. In years past it's been things like have a baby or make money. This year my goal is to not let fear get in the way of any opportunities that present themselves or that I could make happen, to not let my self-doubts get in the way. In other words, not to let the risks involved get in the way, to not just take the safe road. I'm going to make things happen this year, not wait for someone else to help me make things happen. Part of that goal is the making of this blog and not worrying whether or not anyone is actually reading it, yet. If you are reading this, it's because I've already taken steps to help myself get out into the world. But, if you are reading this, and like my little postings, I could use some help getting myself out there, so please follow, comment, and share my blog with others!
And good luck to all of you in getting your creative spark going!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Happy Year of the Dragon!
Happy Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dragon! I consider this an auspicious sign for the creation of my Trad, Dragon Spirit Tradition. In DST the Dragon is next in hierarchy after the gods and the most powerful and wise of the other mythological spirit creatures. Dragons in some form or another are found in nearly all cultures around the world. Some are depicted as being almost serpent like and others more reptilian. Dragons are said to be found in the air, the earth, and the water. They are associated with various elements (earth, air, fire, water, spirit), celestial entities (moon), treasure, wisdom, strength, and even natural phenomena (winds, earthquakes, fires, rain, etc). Like most other mythological creatures, there's no proof that they ever, physically, existed. Some speculate that the concept arose from primitive man's encounters with dinosaur bones. Others that it's the combination of several things that might have been feared by early man: crocodiles, large birds of prey, large snakes, and other large predators. For modern man, dragons continue to be a fascination. They are popular motifs and symbols in literature, movies, video games, art, and religion. They run the gamut of human imagination. They are depicted as being very large, small, tiny, winged and wingless, good/evil, fearsome and gentle, and every color of the rainbow.
My Personal Experience with Dragon Spirits
Being so versatile, dragons are useful to work with in a variety of workings and meditations. But dragons are very straightforward and no-nonsense. So, make sure that you are sure of your intent before asking their aid. For meditations, be prepared for stark, honesty. Dragons are not needlessly cruel, but the truth can hurt. This is not to say that some are not also playful, affectionate, and comforting, but they take their work seriously. Dragons are very clan or family oriented and consider humans that they "adopt" as being part of that family network. They are very supportive, but won't let you hide from yourself.
My Personal Experience with Dragon Spirits
Being so versatile, dragons are useful to work with in a variety of workings and meditations. But dragons are very straightforward and no-nonsense. So, make sure that you are sure of your intent before asking their aid. For meditations, be prepared for stark, honesty. Dragons are not needlessly cruel, but the truth can hurt. This is not to say that some are not also playful, affectionate, and comforting, but they take their work seriously. Dragons are very clan or family oriented and consider humans that they "adopt" as being part of that family network. They are very supportive, but won't let you hide from yourself.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
What's in a name?
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Sure it would. And if it were called something else, we would associate that word with something positive, just like we do the word rose.
So, What's in a name? Well, there are the literal meanings of names. I had an English professor at Purdue named Dr. Dino Franco Felluga (he had a fondness for name meanings and during our intros we talked about our name meanings). He told us his name meant terrible, crooked lizard from France. It's hard to describe Dr. Felluga. On the one hand discussions with him were very entertaining. On the other hand, he was a bit of a hardass, when it came to grading. During my semester with him I alternated between feeling very fond of him and wishing him to go to....... Anyway. My landlady's legal first name is Edna. It's Hebrew for "renewer." Her mother told her it was a beautiful name. She didn't see it that way and goes by her middle name Elizabeth. Today one doesn't find many babies with old-fashioned names like Edna, Edith, Beatrice, Lucile, Chester, Norman, Walter, or Eugene.
Adolf means noble, majestic wolf. Is that the first thing you thought of when you saw the name?
Names also bear the associations people have built up over history. It's a rare person who names their son Adolf, now. What about Gaylord? It means "high-spirited, boistrous." How about Richard? No problems there? How about a nickname of Richard, Dick? Plain Jane? Practical Sarah? What about Rose? I don't know about you, but the name Rose conjures up a vision of a good-hearted, but dimwitted elderly woman from St. Olaf, MN. Now that one's just me, I think, though. :P I objected to my husband's choice of Sophia for our second daughter together because it made me think of a tiny, sharp-tounged elderly woman (maybe I just watched too much Golden Girls as a child?) and because I wasn't thrilled with choosing a name that is currently the most popular since I'd wanted names that were unique but not "out-there." He, and everyone else, appears to think of the beautiful Sophia Loren first. At least it has a pretty sound and an acceptable meaning, "wise."
Turns out, there's a lot in a name. While we are often able to overcome any stigmas or associations with our names, it can effect first impressions. And all of this is more or less dependent on pop culture.
So, why have I chosen the names I have for my Trad/pen name? I'll start with the middle and last names because they've actually been with me the longest. I developed a fondness for the name Victoria as a child after my mom told me that it was one of the other names she'd considered for me. Somewhere in my Let's Pretend games, I devised the name Victoria Michaels. She was British. I even managed a bit of an accent to go along with this idea. If I had any reasons for choosing "Michaels," I've long forgotten it. Many years later I looked at a lot of names between trying to choose a name for the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and when I read that many Pagans have special names for themselves, for privacy and/or dramatic flair or some other reason. I came across the name Gwenhwyvar, which is the Welsh precursor to Guinevere. It fit my interest in things Celtic, had an acceptable meaning: white/fair/holy(depends on translation) and smooth/soft, and was associated with a woman who loved more than one man. At the time, I hadn't heard of polyamory, but there were one or two ex's from my past that I still felt a great deal for despite having moved on and being happily married. When I did discover polyamory, it just made the name even more meaningful. (Perhaps later I'll go into my views on polyamory, but it's not the point of this post, so I'll leave it for now.) One full name that I associate with myself is Gwenhwyvar verch Mnemosyne: Gwenhwyvar daughter of Mnemosyne, using the Old Welsh naming pattern. I've an above average memory. But when it came up that I needed a pen name, it seemed a bit awkward. So, I remembered my old alter ego. But then there's that little thing about associations. My ex-husband's name is Michael. Now my real name is the feminine version, Michelle. Michael/Michelle is Hebrew meaning, "Who is like God?" and the name of one of the Biblical archangels. Another objection since I've tried to avoid using names associated with the Judeo-Christian world. But, it is my name. So, after much thought, I used a French version of the name. And that's where Gwenhwyvar Victoria Michels came from, what it literally means, and what it means to me.
By any other name would smell as sweet."
Sure it would. And if it were called something else, we would associate that word with something positive, just like we do the word rose.
So, What's in a name? Well, there are the literal meanings of names. I had an English professor at Purdue named Dr. Dino Franco Felluga (he had a fondness for name meanings and during our intros we talked about our name meanings). He told us his name meant terrible, crooked lizard from France. It's hard to describe Dr. Felluga. On the one hand discussions with him were very entertaining. On the other hand, he was a bit of a hardass, when it came to grading. During my semester with him I alternated between feeling very fond of him and wishing him to go to....... Anyway. My landlady's legal first name is Edna. It's Hebrew for "renewer." Her mother told her it was a beautiful name. She didn't see it that way and goes by her middle name Elizabeth. Today one doesn't find many babies with old-fashioned names like Edna, Edith, Beatrice, Lucile, Chester, Norman, Walter, or Eugene.
Adolf means noble, majestic wolf. Is that the first thing you thought of when you saw the name?
Names also bear the associations people have built up over history. It's a rare person who names their son Adolf, now. What about Gaylord? It means "high-spirited, boistrous." How about Richard? No problems there? How about a nickname of Richard, Dick? Plain Jane? Practical Sarah? What about Rose? I don't know about you, but the name Rose conjures up a vision of a good-hearted, but dimwitted elderly woman from St. Olaf, MN. Now that one's just me, I think, though. :P I objected to my husband's choice of Sophia for our second daughter together because it made me think of a tiny, sharp-tounged elderly woman (maybe I just watched too much Golden Girls as a child?) and because I wasn't thrilled with choosing a name that is currently the most popular since I'd wanted names that were unique but not "out-there." He, and everyone else, appears to think of the beautiful Sophia Loren first. At least it has a pretty sound and an acceptable meaning, "wise."
Turns out, there's a lot in a name. While we are often able to overcome any stigmas or associations with our names, it can effect first impressions. And all of this is more or less dependent on pop culture.
So, why have I chosen the names I have for my Trad/pen name? I'll start with the middle and last names because they've actually been with me the longest. I developed a fondness for the name Victoria as a child after my mom told me that it was one of the other names she'd considered for me. Somewhere in my Let's Pretend games, I devised the name Victoria Michaels. She was British. I even managed a bit of an accent to go along with this idea. If I had any reasons for choosing "Michaels," I've long forgotten it. Many years later I looked at a lot of names between trying to choose a name for the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and when I read that many Pagans have special names for themselves, for privacy and/or dramatic flair or some other reason. I came across the name Gwenhwyvar, which is the Welsh precursor to Guinevere. It fit my interest in things Celtic, had an acceptable meaning: white/fair/holy(depends on translation) and smooth/soft, and was associated with a woman who loved more than one man. At the time, I hadn't heard of polyamory, but there were one or two ex's from my past that I still felt a great deal for despite having moved on and being happily married. When I did discover polyamory, it just made the name even more meaningful. (Perhaps later I'll go into my views on polyamory, but it's not the point of this post, so I'll leave it for now.) One full name that I associate with myself is Gwenhwyvar verch Mnemosyne: Gwenhwyvar daughter of Mnemosyne, using the Old Welsh naming pattern. I've an above average memory. But when it came up that I needed a pen name, it seemed a bit awkward. So, I remembered my old alter ego. But then there's that little thing about associations. My ex-husband's name is Michael. Now my real name is the feminine version, Michelle. Michael/Michelle is Hebrew meaning, "Who is like God?" and the name of one of the Biblical archangels. Another objection since I've tried to avoid using names associated with the Judeo-Christian world. But, it is my name. So, after much thought, I used a French version of the name. And that's where Gwenhwyvar Victoria Michels came from, what it literally means, and what it means to me.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Getting to know me: Why should you want to know me?
This is a question that I've struggled with nearly my whole life. I grew up with verbal and emotional abuse as a child and young adult; a restrictive religion; a small, closed minded town with a lesbian mother; a sensitive nature; and features that were described as plain at best and ugly at worst. I grew up either not able to gain positive attention or trying really hard not to draw attention to myself. On the rare occasion that I did garner any positive attention, I didn't know how to deal with it, even to this day it makes me feel a little awkward. Having said that: I'm not looking to start a pity party. My experiences as an adult have improved my views of myself and gradually given me more confidence to put myself out there. This blog is being created in conjunction with a website devoted to a Pagan Tradition that I am also developing, Dragon Spirit Tradition. This blog will be a place for me to have a web presence, so that friends, old and new, can get to know me better though my writings.
That brings me to the title of this blog: Why should you want to know me? I don't come highly credentialed in either academic degrees or religious titles/degrees. I don't have much of anything on paper that says, "Yeah, I can prove I know what I'm talking about here." But I do. I've researched more books and websites than I can remember. I've explored religious groups in person. I've meditated and pondered on a great many subjects. And in talking to people not only about things that are, but things that aren't, I've come to the conclusion that just by being me, I have a unique perspective of things that may be of use to someone. Maybe even lots of someones. That's another important point in my growth. I no longer rate my value on whether "lots of someones" would benefit from my views or even be interested. If only one person's life is improved by association with me, that's good enough. Being of service to one person is better than none. After all, "lots of someones" is just more than one individual, some-one. And it's the individuals who are the most important.
Why should you want to know me? I don't know. This will vary by individual. :) Let's see how it goes!
That brings me to the title of this blog: Why should you want to know me? I don't come highly credentialed in either academic degrees or religious titles/degrees. I don't have much of anything on paper that says, "Yeah, I can prove I know what I'm talking about here." But I do. I've researched more books and websites than I can remember. I've explored religious groups in person. I've meditated and pondered on a great many subjects. And in talking to people not only about things that are, but things that aren't, I've come to the conclusion that just by being me, I have a unique perspective of things that may be of use to someone. Maybe even lots of someones. That's another important point in my growth. I no longer rate my value on whether "lots of someones" would benefit from my views or even be interested. If only one person's life is improved by association with me, that's good enough. Being of service to one person is better than none. After all, "lots of someones" is just more than one individual, some-one. And it's the individuals who are the most important.
Why should you want to know me? I don't know. This will vary by individual. :) Let's see how it goes!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Getting to know me: Favorite Quotes
Making a go at creating a blog to put some of my thoughts out there. For my first post, in honor of MLK Day, I've posted a few of my favorite quotes.
“Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.” Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968); Minister, Civil Rights Activist
“Fear is the original sin. Almost all of the evil in the world has its origin in the fact that some one is afraid of something.It is a cold slimy serpent coiling about you. It is horrible to live with fear; and it is of all things degrading.”
― Lucy Maud Mongomery, The Blue Castle
― Lucy Maud Mongomery, The Blue Castle
“All knowledge is worth having”
― Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart
― Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart
“That which yields is not always weak.”
― Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart
― Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart
“Love as thou wilt”
― Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart
― Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel's Dart
"The molecules of your body are the same molecules that make this station and the nebula outside, that burn inside the stars themselves. We are star-stuff. We are the Universe, made manifest, trying to figure itself out.
-- Delenn, Babylon 5
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