I'm about to start week 5 of my course, which includes making a Book of Shadows. I plan to do that online, at least to start. If I want to switch it, I will.
I'm excited about learning more, continuing this journey. I walked barefoot today outside, for the first time in a while, and it was wonderful. I can smell spring in the air, the sun was shining today, and I felt the tingle in my soul that I get when I go outside and take a deep breath on a summer day.
I am excited and looking forward to the future.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Still here
And still working on learning about Wicca and witchcraft. I'm working my way through the book, and the lessons, just much slower than I would like.
There is a big part of me that wants to jump in with both feet and start trying some things, but I'm going to wait. I'm going to do more studying, and see what I think and what I want to try.
There are days where I feel what I'm reading is wrong, and there are days where I feel some of it sounds right to me.
This is my path, I don't have to agree with every faith 100%, I have to do what I feel is right and live with it. It just doesn't help that what I feel is right changes from day to day.
We skipped church today, I was glad of that. The last few times I was at church I just didn't feel like I was there mentally. It's odd, cause this is the first year in a while I have had a hard time with Lent. I usually give up something, like I did this year, and don't do meat on Fridays, but this is the first year I have been very impatient for it to be over.
I'm going to read a section of the book every night before bed and work my way through the lesson, and then we will see.
There is a big part of me that wants to jump in with both feet and start trying some things, but I'm going to wait. I'm going to do more studying, and see what I think and what I want to try.
There are days where I feel what I'm reading is wrong, and there are days where I feel some of it sounds right to me.
This is my path, I don't have to agree with every faith 100%, I have to do what I feel is right and live with it. It just doesn't help that what I feel is right changes from day to day.
We skipped church today, I was glad of that. The last few times I was at church I just didn't feel like I was there mentally. It's odd, cause this is the first year in a while I have had a hard time with Lent. I usually give up something, like I did this year, and don't do meat on Fridays, but this is the first year I have been very impatient for it to be over.
I'm going to read a section of the book every night before bed and work my way through the lesson, and then we will see.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Day 14
So, starting tomorrow I have a lot for reading to do for this study. I'm struggling right now cause I want to jump in and try some things out, but I know I need to wait until I know what I'm doing.
Tomorrow is church. I enjoy going, yet I don't at the same time. It really depends, I don't know what the difference is, if it's my mood, what the focus of the service is about or what. Right now, I don't want to go, I will, but sometimes it's just going through the motions.
Tonight is a full moon, I need to start keeping track of how full moons affect me. usually, at least lately, it's not good.
I guess that's it for this week, on to next week!
Tomorrow is church. I enjoy going, yet I don't at the same time. It really depends, I don't know what the difference is, if it's my mood, what the focus of the service is about or what. Right now, I don't want to go, I will, but sometimes it's just going through the motions.
Tonight is a full moon, I need to start keeping track of how full moons affect me. usually, at least lately, it's not good.
I guess that's it for this week, on to next week!
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Day 13
Today is, The Witches Creed
The Witch's Creed
Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway, That now we bring forth in the light.
Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air,
By hidden Quintessence we know Them, and we will keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring,
We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring
Four times in the year the Great Sabbat returns, and the Witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candelas dancing, on May Eve and old Halloween
When daytime and nighttime are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.
Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array,
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.
The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man
Each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.
When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies, in the land of shades of that hour.
Our world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the great work of Magic is wrought.
For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces divine.
And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.
Eight words the Witches Creed fulfill:
If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!
Copyright © 2000 - 2001
Kristen Helmer
I think this is pretty straight forward. It explains the Year of Celebrations, and the very basic beliefs.
And it all boils down to the last line, If it Harms none, Do what Thou will. I think this is a wonderful motto for life. Do what makes you happy, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone.
I know this is short, and lame, but I've had a migraine all day. I'm excited to dive into this further though, looking forward to next weeks assignment!
The Witch's Creed
Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway, That now we bring forth in the light.
Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air,
By hidden Quintessence we know Them, and we will keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring,
We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring
Four times in the year the Great Sabbat returns, and the Witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candelas dancing, on May Eve and old Halloween
When daytime and nighttime are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.
Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array,
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.
The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man
Each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.
When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies, in the land of shades of that hour.
Our world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the great work of Magic is wrought.
For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces divine.
And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.
Eight words the Witches Creed fulfill:
If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!
Copyright © 2000 - 2001
Kristen Helmer
I think this is pretty straight forward. It explains the Year of Celebrations, and the very basic beliefs.
And it all boils down to the last line, If it Harms none, Do what Thou will. I think this is a wonderful motto for life. Do what makes you happy, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone.
I know this is short, and lame, but I've had a migraine all day. I'm excited to dive into this further though, looking forward to next weeks assignment!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Day 12
Some times I wonder what my faith, or beliefs would be if I wasn't raised in a Christian household.
I've always been interested in other beliefs, seeing the good (and bad) in all of them. There is so much good being offered by all religions, why wouldn't you take the best from all of them?
I have tried headcovering, to make myself more humble, to remind myself that God is above me, but I found I was being more judegemental. I tried modest dress, hubby didn't like it. He let me try it, but he was very happy when I switched back to jeans.
I don't know how much of what I really believe is squashed by what I raised to believe, and what I feel other people expect me to believe. I start to think about something, and then I start getting scared, what if I'm wrong, will I go to hell? Will God forgive me? But another point is, what if I believe now is wrong?
I don't know. Sometimes I'm "brave" and do things like getting a Tarot reading, and sometimes I'm scared that even looking into other religions will put me on some sort of naughty list with God.
But, for now, I'm going to keep looking at other beliefs and incorporating what I'm comfortable with.
I've always been interested in other beliefs, seeing the good (and bad) in all of them. There is so much good being offered by all religions, why wouldn't you take the best from all of them?
I have tried headcovering, to make myself more humble, to remind myself that God is above me, but I found I was being more judegemental. I tried modest dress, hubby didn't like it. He let me try it, but he was very happy when I switched back to jeans.
I don't know how much of what I really believe is squashed by what I raised to believe, and what I feel other people expect me to believe. I start to think about something, and then I start getting scared, what if I'm wrong, will I go to hell? Will God forgive me? But another point is, what if I believe now is wrong?
I don't know. Sometimes I'm "brave" and do things like getting a Tarot reading, and sometimes I'm scared that even looking into other religions will put me on some sort of naughty list with God.
But, for now, I'm going to keep looking at other beliefs and incorporating what I'm comfortable with.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Day 11
Going to fight through my mood and get this done.
Wiccan Rede
Taken from Raven Grimassi, The Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN 2000.
Bide within the law you must,
In perfect love and perfect trust.
Live you must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give.
For tread that Circle thrice about
To keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time
Let the spell be said in rhyme
Light of the eye and soft to touch,
Speak you little, listen much.
Honor the old ones in deed and name.
Let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
Chanting out the joyful tune.
Winddershins go where the moon doth wane,
And the warewolf howls by the dead wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak,
Then you heart's desires seek.
Head the North winds mighty gale,
Lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West,
All hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes
To represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with the might,
In the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power,
Causing life and magic to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand
Ready to help us to the Summer-land.
Hawthorn is burned to purify
And to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel - the tree of wisdom and learning
Adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple Tree
That brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grown upon the vine
Giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen
To represent immortality seen.
Eldar is the Lady's tree.
Burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark
In the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane,
The new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows,
Watch for flowers through the snow.
When the wheel begins to turn
Soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night,
Power is brought to magic rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall;
Use the sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule,
Light the log; the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day,
Time for Ostra to come our way.
When the Sun has reached its height,
Time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all
When the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree
By the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go
Cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need,
Harken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend,
Or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part
Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should.
Three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow
Wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love; this you must do
Unless your love is false to you.
These eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An ye harm none, Do what ye will."
Copyright © 2000 - 2001
Kristen Helmer
To be honest, I think this is pretty straight forward. They are not only suggestions on how to live, but when celebrations fall, and how to use nature. The using of nature is what I'm most interested in. It almost seems like something you would teach a child so they would be able to remember things that they would need to know. This is something I would like to memorize, so I will have the knowledge readily available.
Wiccan Rede
Taken from Raven Grimassi, The Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft, Llewellyn Publications, St. Paul, MN 2000.
Bide within the law you must,
In perfect love and perfect trust.
Live you must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give.
For tread that Circle thrice about
To keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time
Let the spell be said in rhyme
Light of the eye and soft to touch,
Speak you little, listen much.
Honor the old ones in deed and name.
Let love and light be our guides again.
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
Chanting out the joyful tune.
Winddershins go where the moon doth wane,
And the warewolf howls by the dead wolfsbane.
When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak,
Then you heart's desires seek.
Head the North winds mighty gale,
Lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West,
All hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes
To represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with the might,
In the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power,
Causing life and magic to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand
Ready to help us to the Summer-land.
Hawthorn is burned to purify
And to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel - the tree of wisdom and learning
Adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple Tree
That brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grown upon the vine
Giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen
To represent immortality seen.
Eldar is the Lady's tree.
Burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbats mark
In the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane,
The new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows,
Watch for flowers through the snow.
When the wheel begins to turn
Soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night,
Power is brought to magic rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbats fall;
Use the sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule,
Light the log; the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day,
Time for Ostra to come our way.
When the Sun has reached its height,
Time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all
When the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree
By the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go
Cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need,
Harken not to others' greed.
With a fool no season spend,
Or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part
Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should.
Three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow
Wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love; this you must do
Unless your love is false to you.
These eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An ye harm none, Do what ye will."
Copyright © 2000 - 2001
Kristen Helmer
To be honest, I think this is pretty straight forward. They are not only suggestions on how to live, but when celebrations fall, and how to use nature. The using of nature is what I'm most interested in. It almost seems like something you would teach a child so they would be able to remember things that they would need to know. This is something I would like to memorize, so I will have the knowledge readily available.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Day 10
I am not in a place to do an assignment today, so I'm just going off the top of my head, and this will be short because I'm tired, and grumpy. But today I realized, I feel further away from God when I need him most. I don't know why that is, but I do. When I'm down, and upset, I'm cynical and not drawn to God, I know that's when I need Him most, but for some reason that is when I push away. I need to figure out why that is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)