Healthy Eating – Goddess Style

Would you like to drop some excess weight? I’m glad to share with you that I’ve let go of 21 lbs. so far. “How?!”—my friends ask.

In a previous post, I talked about a new lifestyle I have been pursuing. It includes no carbs and no sugar (except for the occasional “cheat day.”) I’m now calling this new lifestyle: Goddess Style. You’ll notice that I don’t use the word “diet.”

Why do I say Goddess Style? Because everything I eat comes from the Goddess. I only eat stuff from the ground or from the womb, which the Goddess oversees. What can be more Pagan than that? (The opposite is shoving processed foods into ourselves, clogging arteries and doing damage.)

Now, we’ll add a Food Prayer.

Food Prayer

I thank You Goddess and God for the nourishment I am about to consume.
May it provide health and strength unto my body.
May it brighten my spirit with newfound wisdom.
May it bring joy to my heart.
By the Lord and Lady, blessed be this food.
So mote it be.

May you find some comfort from these ideas.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater


 

Looking for gifts?

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

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

 

Real Magick

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

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 Book

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

 

 

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

 

Depression, Suicide, and A Wiccan Path to Healing

Tulips

He had been tossed out of a branch of the armed forces. Why? Poor performance of his duties? No! It was his sexual orientation. A couple of years later, he killed himself. Often, every month, I remember my dear friend.

None of this is a theory to me. I’ve attempted suicide myself. The first time—when I was 8 years old.

Wiccans acknowledge that winter is the season of death. Death does not always mean the end of life. In the Tarot, the card “Death” also means change.

I know from my own journey that feeling the urge to kill oneself is a call for change—and a call for love.

During the winter, a significant number of people struggle with seasonal affect disorder.

For many of us who are enduring difficult times now, here is a meditation from my book Goddess Has Your Back to help you.

Self-Love Meditation

Close your eyes.
Breathe in and out deeply . . . Relax.
Keep breathing.
Breathe out the stress of the day.
Breathe in relaxation and peace.

(Pause)

You are still aware of the light that is in the room.
Now the light begins to fade.
As it fades you feel total comfort. You feel safe and secure in the darkness.

(Short Pause)

Now, a new form of light blossoms. It surrounds and wraps you in its loving energy. This light is the light of the Gods.
It is a light of love and compassion. Take it in.
As you take this light and understanding in, you can now see with the Gods’ eyes.
You can now see yourself as they see you, pure, beautiful, whole. You are a masterpiece of their creation. You were made with love, and you are a manifestation of their love. You are love.
This understanding fills you.

(Pause)

With this new understanding you are now ready to return to the physical world.
You know that even though you may leave the light at this time it is never truly gone.
It’s a gentle transition as the light begins to fade around you.
Slowly at first. It gets darker and darker.
As it fades you feel total comfort. You feel safe and secure in the darkness.

(Short Pause)

Then a familiar light returns, the light in the room where you started.
It gradually gets brighter and brighter.
You are back in the room. You have brought the calm and peace and happy feelings back with you.
Now, gently open your eyes.

I hope you find comfort with this meditation.

You can also meditate and ask the God and Goddess for help. Meditate on what the Gods see as a helping answer for you. Remember, the God and Goddess are always on your side.

If you’re in distress, please call the Suicide Hotline at: 1 (800) 273-8255

Yes—I have attempted suicide more than once. But now my life is good. It’s really worth it to endure the pain because life CAN get better.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater

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


Looking for gifts?

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

Goddess Has Your Back

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

 

 

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

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

 

 

Real Magick

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

 

 

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

How to Raise Your Low Self-esteem Through Wicca

“How can I let go of the feelings of sadness and low self-esteem?” Alexandra asked.

I’ve talked with many people who, like me, suffer from times of low self-esteem.

Here is a meditation to help those of us who need to raise our self-esteem.

Find a nice quiet spot, somewhere you will not be disturbed. Light a candle and burn some incense if you like. Turn off all of your electronics, and get comfortable.

In the below meditation, you will identify a worn, harmful belief. Then you will represent such a Harmful Belief as one “difficult-word.” For example, if your word is “can’t”—soon you will place it in the fire (in your mind’s eye). It will transform. For example, “can’t” can transform into “I CAN learn what I need to learn.” This is a New Belief.

Meditation to Raise Your Self-Esteem

Close your eyes.  Be aware of the light that is in the room through your closed eyelids.

Breathe in and out deeply … Relax.
Keep breathing deeply. In … and … Out.
Breathe out the stress of the day.
Breathe in relaxation and peace.

(Pause)

You are still aware of the light that is in the room.
Now the light begins to fade.
As it fades you feel total comfort. You feel safe and secure in the darkness.

(Short Pause)

Now, a new form of light blossoms around you.
You look down and see a cauldron.
Flames are fluttering from within the cauldron, and they rise to about four inches above the lip of the cauldron.

Pick one thought or memory of sadness or “I can’t do it.”
Now identify a word that represents the difficult thought.
See how the “difficult-word” appears to break down.

The difficult-word is now old and worn out.
You know in your heart that you no longer need the word.
It is time to let it go.

(Pause)

See your difficult-word. The flames in the cauldron
are flickering behind your difficult-word.
Now with your mind, push the difficult-word into the flames.
The difficult-word catches fire, and the fire completely consumes the difficult-word.  

(Pause)

The difficult-word disappears and soon a green colored smoke rises from the cauldron.
It starts to form your New Belief—which is in the form of a sentence.
This New Belief helps you and supports you.
Breathe in deeply and absorb the green, supportive New Belief.

(Pause)

The New Belief is now part of you, and you have gained its attributes.
Feel it. Know it is so.
You now return to the physical world, and you always know you have that positive attribute no matter what anyone says.

(Pause)

Coming back is a gentle transition as the light begins to fade around you once more.
Slowly at first, it gets darker and darker.
As it fades you feel total comfort. You feel safe and secure in the darkness.

(Short Pause)

Then a familiar light returns, the light in the room where you started.
It gradually gets brighter and brighter.
You are back in the room. You have brought the feelings of higher self-esteem and happiness back with you.

(Short Pause)

Now, gently open your eyes.

Use the above meditation as often as you need to. With a lot of practice, soon all of the bad thoughts about yourself can transform into the green smoke of renewal and higher self-esteem.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater

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


Looking for gifts?

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

Goddess Has Your Back

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

 

 

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

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

 

 

Real Magick

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

 

 

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

See the Truth

Blind

“Now, do you believe?!” my sweetie said to me, as the plane lifted from the ground.

“Yeah, I do,” I replied.

For months, he said that we would take a plane, cross the country and then take a ship and finally walk on the ocean floor.

Because of dealing with depression symptoms, it was hard for me to really believe that our trip would actually take place. In a way, you might say my depression symptoms blocked me from seeing the possibilities.

This reminds me of the classic story in which blind men gathered to experience an elephant.

“It’s a pillar,” said the blind man embracing one leg.
“No, a hand fan,” said another holding an ear.
“You’re wrong, a rope,” said another.
“No, a wall.”
“A solid pipe,” said the one holding the tusk.

A wise man approached and explained, “You’re all right. You all experienced a part of the elephant. The elephant is all that you said and more.”

Finally, the blind men stopped arguing.

The same, I believe, is true about Deity. Everyone has a piece of the ALL. And what they don’t see is that it is all connected. It’s the same ALL that everyone else has. But they are experiencing the ALL in different ways, and this selective experience creates different practices and beliefs around the world.

So when I hear someone say that he knows the one and only God, I pause. I think of the elephant which is more than the sum of the parts.

Yes, I believe the God and Goddess are part of the ALL. But still I realize that Deity is more than my momentary perception.

And I’d invite anyone else to consider that other people are experiencing Deity in a way that suits them at the moment.

Let’s celebrate our shared opportunity to grow in spirit.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

 


For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:

Goddess Has Your Back

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

 

 

 

And

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

 

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

 

 

 

 

And

Real Magick

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

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Secret of How to do Magick

What Makes People Believe?

What Makes People Believe?

  Secret of How to do Magick

When I first started doing magick it was really hit or miss, most often mess. My spell work was just not as effective as I wanted it to be. What was I doing wrong?

If you have wondered the same thing, you have probably done similar mistakes. For example, I’d do a money spell, but I’d just get new problems!

The real problem was, like many people, I just wanted a big payday. What I didn’t know was that this is really the wrong way to approach a lack of money.

Many, if not most, spells written today are focused on the external opportunities or even requesting gifts from the Gods. Focusing on just the external can create new problems.

What if I could tell you a Secret of how to do magick – in a way where your avoid ethics issues about money?

I have mentored a number of people about this Secret. Now I will share with you this Secret.

A phrase from the poem by Doreen Valiente entitled The Charge of the Goddess tells us how to do magick well. But many of us, like my younger self, just don’t see it. The line I’m talking about is: “…that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee.”

This line invites us to look within as we approach our magickal work.

Instead of focusing on how to get money from outside sources, focus within. How? Instead of asking for a handout from the universe, ask, “How I can create more energy in myself to obtain my desire? How can I make myself open to more prosperity?”

Let’s get more specific. You have been laid off and need a new job pronto! Bills are pilling up fast.

Let’s use a sigil for this purpose. (You can learn more about sigils in my sigils post.) Remember the Gods are here to help. You can call on them for inner strength.

How to phrase a sentence for a sigil to get a job:

  • All blocks I have put up, known and unknown, dissolve so I am a good candidate and my future employer hires me.
  • Help me express the inner strength, skills and energy so I can acquire a job of my liking.

Here are phrases for those who have an interest in an entrepreneurial path:

  • I find new ways to serve others successfully so money comes to me naturally.
  • All blocks I have put up, known and unknown, dissolve so I can create abundance in my life.

Can you see how each sentence or phrase focuses on inner change, not the external “give me, give me”? With these phrases you are not looking for a handout. You are creating the abundance by changing you.

This can be applied to the rest of your magick as well. Another example is love spells. Focus your magick on being more loving, or more open to love. Never do love spells upon a particular person. Instead do a spell to attract love to you in whatever form is appropriate by creating yourself as more loving.  

By focusing on inner change and developing our inner strengths, we can achieve our desires.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

 

Moonwater SilverClaw Logo

Find New Ways to Celebrate

Roses

Tend to Your Roses

Find New Ways to Celebrate

Want to feel better?

On Monday September 23rd, I was reminded of the importance of celebrating small victories.

Life is meant to be celebrated.

In the days before September 23rd, I was running frantically with so much to do: Getting ready for my upcoming Oct. 19th workshop (in California) and getting my first workbook completed and then available for people to purchase online (available here). I was tired.

I took a belly-flop on the couch. I expected my sweetheart to offer me at least a score of “9.2” for my maneuver.

Instead, he asked, “How are we going to celebrate?” It had been months of work on my workbook with my sweetheart editing portions of the book daily.

Celebrate? I was exhausted and I could only think of the rehearsals for my workshop and other projects with deadlines.

Still, he was right (Don’t tell him.) It’s important to pause and celebrate a little success.

Along the same lines, my sweetie writes in his daily gratitude journal–that’s where you note what you’re grateful for. Perhaps, you had a good phone call with a friend. Maybe you took a walk for exercise. He writes in his gratitude journal just before he goes to sleep each night.

It’s so easy to forget the blessings in our lives. They happen everyday. Some may be small but they are there. However, many of us only remember the things that troubled us during the day.

It’s like a stubbed toe that screams pay attention. But we miss acknowledging all the other toes that are just fine. We concentrate on that which gives us pain.

But what about the joys in our day? The cat that purrs with affection as you caress it; your partner smiles in the morning; and you hear your favorite song on the radio. How about when your loved one makes your favorite meal?

I invite you to push forward the joys and blessing of your day. Pause. Pay attention. Push the “stubbed toe” into the background.

How do we push the joys and blessings forward? Write in your gratitude journal. Then you’ll think about your day in a different way. Sometimes, I think of a day as glancing out the window and seeing two things: a pile of garbage next to a glorious rose. When you write in your gratitude journal, you’re looking at the rose.

When I write down the “roses” of my day, I’m always surprised about how many actually occurred.

How about you? How many positive things are in your life right now? You’re reading this, so your eyes are working. You’re breathing. You’re probably looking forward to something even, perhaps, a favorite TV show.

I find that consciously choosing to look at the “roses” of life helps me focus on the beauty and joy that I experience. Soon after I started this writing in my gratitude journal, I realized that I didn’t just have one rose, I really had a rose garden.

Now, you can take this a step further. In addition to remembering the roses of your life, show your gratitude. Do a simple ritual at the end of your day. After noting my blessings in my gratitude journal, I take a candle and offer it as thanks to the Gods for the blessings I enjoyed.

Tea light candles work great for this. They are small and don’t take too long to burn. This way you don’t have a candle burning when no one is around. (Never leave a burning candle unattended.)

This candle is a small gesture to the Gods in thanks for all the blessings they provide. Since starting this ritual, I have noticed even more blessings occurring in my life.

The nice thing about this ritual is that it doesn’t take much time and it doesn’t require a big fanfare. As long as your ritual is heartfelt and sincere the Gods will be pleased.

If you live with someone who isn’t Wiccan, lighting a candle in not a big inconvenience. Simply let them know that this is a positive part of your daily life.

This ritual is a great way to say “I noticed” and “thanks” to the Gods. They will appreciate it. This ritual also helps you be happier and healthier.

Please leave a comment and let me know if you do something like this or if you have a different way to honor the blessings in your life. I’d love to hear your perspective. Thanks.

Blessings,

Moonwater

How to Release Yourself from Self-Judgment

Writing the Book

Writing the Book

How to Release Yourself from Self-Judgment

I never expected to be a writer, but the Gods visited me in a dream. I have dyslexia: Writing was the furthest thing from my imagination. In fact, my degrees are in art and web/graphic design.

But the Gods gave me a task: Write a book for beginners of the Craft that is straightforward and easy to read.

When I awoke, I felt excited but scared about how I could possibly accomplish this book-writing task. I knew the demands of writing a book because I have close friends who are writers.

How could I possibly write enough to fill a whole book?! It was agony to merely read the first book in the Harry Potter series due to my dyslexia.

I started to compare myself to other writers by thinking “I’m not a Scott Cunningham or a Starhawk. What am I to do?

I kept thinking about all the other writers of books I had slowly read. Their books were so good. I couldn’t match that. The anxiety grabbed me in the chest and I had trouble breathing.

But I strongly believe in the Gods. I know the Gods would not set me up to fail. They love me, and if they say I can do it, I can.

The hardest part for me wasn’t the task itself, but the constant comparing that I did, placing myself against other writers.

With all of my misspellings, I took blows to my self-esteem each day. My mind raced with negative thoughts of no one will care about what I have to say; no will read it, and this will never help anyone.

With all this negativity in my mind, it’s a miracle I got anything done.

But I stopped and used many of the techniques I discussed in my last post “The Quick Mood Pick-me-up for Wiccans“.

I slowly began to realize something. I cannot compare myself to anyone else. Why? The book I’m writing is a snapshot in time of me. It’s about my truth. No one can write it for me.

I was so busy comparing myself to others when in reality there is no comparison. There can’t be. I am me, no one else, and all those racing thoughts were not true.

  • Someone will read my book (my editors, for example)
  • People will be able to easily read it because my editors will smooth out any rough sections (I love my editors!)
  • Someone cares about what I have to say (that someone is me!)
  • My book has already helped someone, me.

My book taught me a valuable lesson: Don’t judge or compare yourself to others.

We all have gifts, different levels of ability. These combinations make us unique and strong. No one else has our particular knowledge and unique set of talents, and this makes each of us special.

Comparing my special to your special cannot be done. It’s like comparing strawberries and octopi. Because our experiences in life are all slightly or dramatically different (as in different cultures). You just can’t compare the two. They are not the same.

All I need to do is remember strawberries and octopi.

You’re special. Drop comparing yourself to others.

Bring your own special gifts to bear.

The Gods love you and enjoy when you express your creativity.

Blessings,

Moonwater

The Quick Mood Pick-me-up for Wiccans

Sitting in a field

Sitting in a field

The Quick Mood Pick-me-up for Wiccans

A short time before a 4th of July fireworks display was set to start, I sat in a field watching children running, jumping and playing nearby. Their joyful shouts rang in my ears. And an idea arose in my thoughts: I wish I could just let go like these children and be free from the drudgery of life.

We all have our moments of sadness, some more than others. Oh to be carefree and happy like a child!

So I came up with the Quick Mood Pick-me-up for Wiccans. As some of you may know, I battle depression everyday and these techniques can be a lifesaver when in a downer mood. It may not make you as perky and carefree as a happy child, but it will certainly move your mood in a better direction to help you get out of a low mood.

The Quick Mood Pick-me-up for Wiccans

A) Lay down in a field of living grass

Laying in grass is relaxing. Further, it’s easier for some people to let go when they have more bodily contact with the earth. The process is simple:

  • Concentrate on the ground beneath you.
  • Let any negative energy flow from you into the ground. Imagine the ground is a sponge, sucking the negative energy from your body and cleansing the body.
  • Take deep breaths and let your body relax.

Let Goddess take away all your worries and fears.

B) Light a candle

If you have racing thoughts, simply light a candle and concentrate on the flame. This can ease your mind.

  • Cast a circle and place the candle in front of you. You can bless and consecrate it. Make your ritual as simple or as elaborate as you prefer.
  • Relax and watch the flame.
  • Breathe slowly and imagine sending your thoughts into the flame to be cleansed from your mind. In this way, you empty your mind of your troubled thoughts.

C) Hug a tree

I know this must sound a little silly, but hugging a tree is a great way to shunt negative energy into the earth. Any tree will gladly help you.

  • Wrap your arms around the tree.
  • Take three deep breaths in and let the tree absorb your negative energy. The tree will do the rest.

Trees naturally shunt energy into the earth. This makes them a great resource for our  imbalances in life.

D) Take a walk in the woods

This is one of the easier practices and it’s great exercise. Remember what I shared about trees. In fact just being around trees (and nature) reduces stress. Fear not city dwellers, a park will work just as well. Take deep breaths and relax. Look at your surroundings and see the Gods in all the flowers and trees. Know that you are not alone in your walk, for the Gods walk with you. They support us when no one else can–and even at those times when you might not believe in yourself. The Gods want the best for you.

E) Talk to a friend

Some people find that they allow being busy to deprive them of actually talking with a friend. Don’t let that happen. Talk with a friend and often things appear clearer. Expressing yourself can wash away the stress and pain of the drudgery of day to day living. If you have a High Priest or Priestess talk to him or her. They are there to support you in your journey. This can be a great bonding experience for both of you.

So if you find yourself in a low mood, remember the Quick Mood Pick-me-up for Wiccans techniques. I hope they help you as much as they help me.

Blessed be,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Wicca Supports Warm, Loving Marriages

Love and Marriage

Love and Marriage

Wicca Supports Warm, Loving Marriages

Wiccans use the phrase “As long as love shall last” in their marriage ceremonies called handfastings. What does this mean? Let’s look at a definition of love. Webster’s Dictionary defines love as something that “suggests very great fondness or deep devotion for someone or some thing.”

I will go a step further and describe love as a commitment to the well-being of another person. We can be temporarily angry with a loved one but still retain a full commitment to his or her well-being.

Love remains the reason we get married in the first place. Wiccans do two things. They celebrate the value of love and they hold the realistic idea that it sometimes does not last in some relationships.

Some mainstream religions push the idea that marriage is always “until death do you part.” This bothers me. Is a loveless marriage helpful? For anyone? What does it say to children? Your mother and I hate each other, you get to have such a bitter relationship, too.

The religions who push marriage regardless of love keep saying “a commitment to the institution of marriage.” The institution is more important than the people? (Personally I try to stay out of institutions.)

Wiccans believe you stay together (are married) as long as love shall last. It can last for a year or perhaps a lifetime and beyond. You are not shackled to a person merely because someone or some institution said so.

No one should be made to stay in a loveless relationship. It can only harm the participants. As with all relationships, a marriage is here to teach us lessons in life. If we have learned all we need to (spiritually, that is) from a particular relationship, it is likely that it is time to transform the relationship. You could remain friends, for example. Otherwise, we may be stunting our spiritual growth. Let’s face it. Sometimes, we literally need to move on and away from a person. Think of it. Are all of your childhood friends still your best friends?

This is one reason we add as long as love shall last to our handfastings.

Blessed Be,

Moonwater SilverClaw

How Wicca Saved My Life – Confidence

Rose

Blooming against the odds.

Finding the gods was a lifesaver, literally. Before I had the gods in my life, I was a kid with huge self-esteem problems. I had made multiple suicide attempts.

When I was eight, I was so depressed about my life that I tied a string around my neck, intending to hang myself. But the gods were on my side even then. The string broke. The gods knew I had a purpose; I had work to do for them. But at the time when it happened, I thought, I’m so lame, I can’t even kill myself right! I couldn’t see it for the blessing that it was. I just fell into a deeper depression. There were other attempts, and other failures.

My childhood was filled with physical and mental torture perpetrated by my older brother –and my parents’ neglect.

Somehow I survived to my 16th year. One day, I walked into a Barnes and Noble bookstore in my hometown. That year, I heard a new word Wicca. I asked the sales clerk, “Do you have any books on Wicca?” Her eyes lit up and with great excitement she led me to a shelf and started pouring books into my arms.

That evening, alone in my room, I started to read Scott Cunningham’s book, The Solitary Practitioner. My heart filled up. I finally found my home.

Now I reveled in a new world. Soon I was meditating, and after some sessions, the Gods made contact with me.

The gods embraced me with pure love. My body filled up with their love for me. From my head it moved through my entire body, down to my fingers and toes. Happiness was so foreign to me; I had never felt this way before. But I shifted to a deep part of myself I hadn’t known and here I knew that I was one with the Gods. Forever.

The gods found me beautiful. They took pride in me.

I never knew anyone could have this much love for anyone, especially me! This epiphany was a brilliant light into my chasm of darkness and despair. Now I could start to see myself for what I really was worth.

With this knowledge, I found a new confidence in life. Once the gods opened me up and shone their loving light in me, I was transformed into love. Love for myself and for others.

The “harm none” of Wicca rang true for me. I didn’t want anyone to go through what I had endured. I wanted to treat everyone with respect, compassion and love. So I started on my path and became a Wiccan priestess.

It’s a beautiful path.

Blessed Be,

Moonwater SilverClaw