The car roared through the intersection and barely missed me.

How? I was not in the intersection because a clear thought came to me: “Not yet.” This meant, I was to avoid stepping on the accelerator and jumping my car forward when the light turned green.

You’d think that after a real experience of having my intuition, or Goddess’s voice, protect me, I’d have a whole new perspective.

I might even hope for my life to continue to be blessed with such miraculous protection.

But I have had a problem with hope.

Why would someone ask someone for a date? For the hope that the person would say “yes” and a good relationship could begin.

Why would someone attend college? For the hope that the person would gain better employment.

Recently, I was talking with a friend about a Wiccan perspective of hope.

“I don’t know if I’m the one to respond to that idea,” I replied.

You see, I’ve lived much of my life—before this moment—by protecting myself from hope. By not hoping, disappointment cannot touch me. Or so I thought.

What I’ve learned is: Many of us are afraid of being let down. But by not hoping, we let ourselves down before anything really begins. We take away our own energy. We find ourselves in a space that is both familiar and painful. You might even say, we are almost comfortable in that familiar pain—comfortably numb.

How do you invite God and Goddess into this situation?

My Realization about Hope

In the recent few days, I realized something about my relationship with hope. I cannot logic my way to feeling hopeful. My logical mind can focus on all the times I’ve done something, and true blessings arose. I changed my life for the better with one particular email message that turned a romantic relationship into the love of my life. I met certain neighbors and joined my first coven. Recounting my blessings does not change my feelings. (Okay, having clinical depression is in the mix here.)

If logic won’t get me to hope, what can? Moving. Ritual.

Here are five ways for Wiccans to shift to a hopeful approach to life:

1. Raise Energy

You can sing, chant, dance, use breath control and many other techniques to raise energy. If you are in a tough spot, doing the above methods can help motivate and even change your outlook on many problems.

Using your strong emotions, you can focus energy to your Will.

When you raise energy, you can focus the related power to help create the outcome you desire.

2. Breathe In Light; Breathe Out Pain

Here is a simple exercise that you can do to lessen the pain and stress of disappointment.

Say to yourself:

I breathe in the light of love from the Gods.

(Visualize the white light all around you. As you breathe in deeply, the white light enters your body, filling your lungs and nurturing your soul.)

I breathe out my pain and sadness.

(Visualize breathing out your pain as black smoke. It is neutralized safely by the Gods.)

With this exercise you can release the pain of worry and disappointment.

3. Shift Your Thoughts by Shifting Your Body

Ritualized movement can place you in a positive frame of mind. I enjoy the movement of drawing the pentacle in the air with my athame during ritual.

Additionally, the act of Casting the Circle helps me settle my mind and know that I am in the sacred space. This is why we cast Circle the same way each time. It is to help our subconscious mind settle down to the work at hand. This literally changes your mind to be in the presence of the Gods.

4. Cultivate Your “Believing Eyes Friends”

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist Way, writes about how we need friends who have “believing eyes.” These are friends who can believe for us—even when we cannot believe for ourselves at this moment.

We often get lost in our own beliefs. “Oh, I can’t do that.” Or “Oh, that will never happen.” We literally cannot see a worldview outside of ourselves. Our vision is limited by self-condemning beliefs.

This is why it is important to nurture friendships with healthy people who hold our dreams in a loving way.

5. Light a Candle and Ask for Help from God and Goddess

Light a candle and ask the God and Goddess to intervene on your behalf. Say a prayer. Or do a ritual.

In summary, I’ve shared that hopeful thoughts and feelings—before this moment—have not been a primary part of my life.

Here’s something strange. In writing this blog post, I am acting in a hopeful manner. My hope is that you’ll find value in this post.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater

---

 

Looking for gifts?

See my designs at Redbubble. For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:

 

Goddess Style Weight Loss: Wiccans — Happy, Healthy and Confident

“Moonwater was telling me about her weight loss program, and it sounded like something I could do that didn’t cost me more than the normal groceries I buy, anyway. I started with an egg omelet in the morning with mushrooms and spinach. … In two weeks, I lost 7 lbs. I had a couple of days of eating what I wanted but not overeating. Then right back to Goddess Style. I feel great and eat what the Goddess gives us.” – Denise Kopplinger

 

 

Be a Wiccan Badass: Become More Confident and Unleash Your Inner Power

As a Wiccan I found this an inspiring read. Written in a way that makes it accessible to everyone irrespective of their current knowledge. – Shona Cathro

 

 

Goddess Reveals Your Enchanted Light: Peace, Prosperity, Possibility Along Your Wiccan Path

I don’t generally write reviews on books I’ve read…but this time i feel lead to. This book spoke volumes to me, as if the author knew exactly where I’m coming from and what I’m struggling with. It’s not often a book can make me cry, but this one did by making me see the many blocks I’ve put up in my life. I knew they were there, but I’ve gotten skilled at pretending they’re not. Thank you for helping me see I’m not some freak because of circumstances throughout my life that have caused the blocks, and that i need to stop hiding from or burying them and face them one step at a time. – Crystal Sparks

 

Beyond the Law of Attraction to Real Magic: How You Can Remove Blocks to Prosperity, Happiness and Inner Peace

This book is a must have for all of those starting out on the spiritual path of Wicca and for all of those who are just looking for some light and love in their life. MoonWater SilverClaw uses her knowledge of Wicca and her personal experiences to not only teach the Law of Attraction in a clear manner but to help you use the Law of Attraction to better your life.

Through simple guided meditations and tips on living a happy healthy life this book takes you on a journey that will teach you how to love yourself, better your self image, and rid yourself of the negative energies that prevent you from reaching your goals.

This book covers many wonderful topics that will teach you basic magical practices as well as the theory and idea of “like attracts like” From setting up an alter to casting a circle and how to perform and find the magick that you are seeing in your life this book has so much to offer.

MoonWater SilverClaw is truly an inspirational writer for a newer generation of Wiccans and those seeking to use the natural energies of the earth to make changes in their life. Her writing style speaks from the heart because she has been where the reader is, she has used these techniques and steps to better her own life and now she is helping the reader use the Law of Attraction to better theirs – Amazon Customer

 

Goddess Has Your Back: How Wicca Can Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem and Make Your Life Magickal

This is an absolute gem for the witch with issues. Rituals for things like self-esteem are something i have never seen before. Moonwater’s writing is engrossing and draws the reader in. I am a witch with PTSD M.S. and other issues and this book made me feel hopeful and capable. – t’air

 

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Embrace Wicca, Become Strong, Be at Peace with Yourself and the World Around You

Ms. SilverClaw has written a book that is really great for the beginner wanting to learn about Wiccan or wants to start practicing the art of Wicca. I found this book wonderful, easy to read, and extremely helpful and informative. It covers everything from what Wicca is, the history of Wicca and how Wicca became misassociated with evil, along with how Wicca can help/save people’s lives. Ms. SilverClaw also discusses practicing Wicca either in a Coven or Solo, and all the things you need in order to have in order to perform your ceremony, and she explains what each item means. She explains how to create spells and gives examples to use, and explains the pitfalls of creating certain types of spells. Ms. SilverClaw has truly created a book that is a cast all net the seems to cover everything that I needed to know to begin practicing Wicca. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their first book on the topic and wants to start practicing the art of Wicca or is just curious about the topic. This is truly a Must Have book. – Tamra L. Shipman

 

 

Goddess Walks Beside You: How You Can Listen, Learn and Enjoy the Wiccan Path

This is a terrific book! It is like talking to the author over a cup of tea like one of the bloggers says. –  Kitri

 

Try the Online Course

P.S. To sign up for our E-Newsletter click here.