Are you going through some time of ending—at this moment?
Maybe, part of what hurts for many of us about Valentine’s Day is that we’re aware of what we don’t have or even what we do have that will end.
Many things end, including our childhood and our innocence. Many of us seek to find some way to deal with endings so we can become stronger.
I have three insights for you:
Savor the sweetness of that prior Chapter of Life
For example, PantheaCon on February 14, 2020, has its 26th and final incarnation. The first time, I felt overwhelmed by the feeling of kinship with the attendees. PantheaCon is where I learned the Tarot and where I made many new friends. Each year, I came home to PantheaCon and saw individuals I otherwise did not see during the year. I learned much from so many people there. I met one of my Spirit Guides during a ritual conducted at PantheaCon.
Now, I realize that I have these sweet memories. And, from February 14th to 17th, I am blessed to make a few more sweet memories.
Make space for your grief
Over the next couple of weeks, I might find myself having tears as I think about PantheaCon fading away like something in your rearview mirror.
I expect to go to the closing ceremonies of this final incarnation of PantheaCon. That will be a way for me to fully experience the process. I remember attending the funeral of a friend. I had tears. I made space for my grief.
In the next couple of weeks, I’ll light a candle of thanks for the many great moments I’ve experienced at PantheaCon.
Look to the horizon for what’s next and carry your lessons
One thing I learned during my first two times of attending PantheaCon was the wisdom to ground my personal energy. Being around so many like-minded people was invigorating. I needed to ground my energy so I could comfortably fall asleep each night.
As I look to the horizon for other possible pagan gatherings, I retain what I learned. For example, I wear a hematite necklace that helps ground energy around me.
May the beginnings and endings of Chapters of Life bless your journey,
“How do I have a good PantheaCon experience?” Judy, a newbie, asked me.
Since this year’s PantheaCon will be at least the 11th year I have attended, I had a bunch of ideas rise in my mind.
“Start with the basics,” I began. “Enough sleep, good food, enough water, and pace yourself … oh, and don’t try to see everything.”
In this post, I’ll share ideas about having a good PantheaCon experience. Many of these ideas I’ve shared in previous posts.
For PantheaCon 2019, I’m thinking about Setting an Intention when I wake up—before attending PantheaCon for the day.
Here is a Prayer:
Lord and Lady, I’m grateful for PantheaCon and today, In so many ways. May I meet old friends and make new friends, Creating goodwill that never ends. May I have and keep a good personal shield, Protected from negative energies so that they yield. May I enjoy many moments of joy and inspiration, Learning much from every situation. Thank you, Lord and Lady. So Mote It Be.
More Thoughts on PantheaCon
Later, I reflected on the whole PantheaCon experience, and I had more thoughts …
Enjoy What Is There – “Let it be what it is”
“What did you learn last year at PantheaCon?” a friend, Jimmy, asked.
“Enjoy what is there, and let it be what it is,” I replied. By this I mean, pay attention to your expectations and how attached you might be to them. If you hold too tightly to certain expectations, you might feel devastated if they’re not met. Some people say, “Oh, that ruined my conference experience.”
On the other hand, just let the PantheaCon experience be what it is. Yes, you’ll find people of like mind and faith at the conference. It can be a great place to connect with people.
But if you’re a newbie, you may be held at arm’s length by some people because they don’t know you. Don’t take it personally. After your first year, people will know you. Then closer relationships will be possible.
Enjoy what’s in front of you.
My husband tells a story about how he knew a family that always complained about the restaurant food in front of them. It was always: “The fish is more tender at the XY Restaurant” or “I preferred the noodles at the AB Restaurant.” Nobody was simply enjoying what was in front of them. That is, the exception was my husband, who would say, “This works for me.”
“Wiccans listen to the Earth. They don’t shut out the lessons that She is so desperately trying to teach us…. Don’t shut out the physical world in favor of the spiritual or magical realms, for only through nature can we experience these realities.” – Scott Cunningham
Just as Wiccans listen to the Earth, listen to your own body. Do you need to take a break? Get a nap? Walk outside and get away from people for a time?
Pay attention to your body and the energies around you. You will learn a lot.
Align yourself to your “rhythms” during the event
Know when you have had enough. Don’t stay until you can’t think straight. Especially, be careful if you must drive home or to another hotel.
Some people around you may have similar beliefs andthey may be people who are upside-down—feeling upset about something. Make sure that you take care of yourself. Avoid being vulnerable to picking up other people’s negative energy. In my recent e-newsletter, I wrote:
“If you’re attending PantheaCon, you might want to use this following Shielding Chant to help you stay empowered in such a highly stimulating situation. This Shielding Chant can be used at times when regular shielding isn’t enough.
The InstaCircle Chant for Shielding
As you say this chant, you will take your power hand, (usually your dominant hand) and trace a Circle three times above and around your head. When you do the movements, you will envision the energy streaming from your index finger.
Soon, you will point to the heavens and pull the energy from there to the ground.
Here is the InstaCircle process with the movements:
Using your power hand, trace the Circle three times.
I cast my Circle thrice,
round, round and round.
Point your index finger up to the heavens and then pull energy down to the ground.
Let no bane get in,
From heavens to ground.
May this InstaCircle Chant process bless your life.”
Honor your own rhythms. Recently, I was reading some material by Doreen Valiente, when I came across this quote:
“This deliberate pacing of the circle is called ‘circumambulating.’ It is different from the wild joyousness of the round dance.” – Doreen Valiente
Sometimes, you want to do a “deliberate pace” and get some rest and other times, you’ll probably want to experience some higher energy activities at PantheaCon.
(Note: Having a lot of people in a small space like a hotel can spread germs a lot. Consider washing your hands often or using hand sanitizer. It is good to not only put up our spiritual wards, but keep up our physical wards. You’ll want to avoid catching ill—something known as “Con Crud.”)
In summary, let your PantheaCon experience be what it is, and align yourself to your rhythms during the event.
“How do I have a good PantheaCon experience?” Judy, a newbie, asked me.
Since this year’s PantheaCon (2-16-18) will be at least the 10th year I have attended, I had a bunch of ideas rise in my mind.
“Start with the basics,” I began. “Enough sleep, good food, enough water, and pace yourself … oh, and don’t try to see everything.”
Later, I reflected on the whole PantheaCon experience, and I had more thoughts …
Enjoy What Is There – “Let it be what it is”
“What did you learn last year at PantheaCon?” a friend, Jimmy, asked.
“Enjoy what is there, and let it be what it is.” I replied. By this I mean, pay attention to your expectations and how attached you might be to them. If you hold too tightly to certain expectations, you might feel devastated if they’re not met. Some people say, “Oh, that ruined my conference experience.”
On the other hand, just let the PantheaCon experience be what it is. Yes, you’ll find people of like mind and faith at the conference. It can be a great place to connect with people.
But if you’re a newbie, you may be held at arm’s length by some people because they don’t know you. Don’t take it personally. After your first year, people will know you. Then closer relationships will be possible.
Enjoy what’s in front of you.
My husband tells a story about how he knew a family that always complained about the restaurant food in front of them. It was always: “The fish is more tender at the XY Restaurant” or “I preferred the noodles at the AB Restaurant.” Nobody was simply enjoying what was in front of them. That is, the exception was my husband, who would say, “This works for me.”
“Wiccans listen to the Earth. They don’t shut out the lessons that She is so desperately trying to teach us…. Don’t shut out the physical world in favor of the spiritual or magical realms, for only through nature can we experience these realities.” – Scott Cunningham
Just as Wiccans listen to the Earth, listen to your own body. Do you need to take a break? Get a nap? Walk outside and get away from people for a time?
Pay attention to your body and the energies around you. You will learn a lot.
Align yourself to your “rhythms” during the event
Know when you have had enough. Don’t stay until you can’t think straight. Especially, be careful if you must drive home or to another hotel.
Some people around you may have similar beliefs andthey may be people who are upside-down—feeling upset about something. Make sure that you take care of yourself. Avoid being vulnerable to picking up other people’s negative energy. In my recent e-newsletter, I wrote:
“If you’re attending PantheaCon, you might want to use this following Shielding Chant to help you stay empowered in such a highly stimulating situation. This Shielding Chant can be used at times when regular shielding isn’t enough.
The InstaCircle Chant for Shielding
As you say this chant, you will take your power hand, (usually your dominant hand) and trace a Circle three times above and around your head. When you do the movements, you will envision the energy streaming from your index finger.
Soon, you will point to the heavens and pull the energy from there to the ground.
Here is the InstaCircle process with the movements:
Using your power hand, trace the Circle three times.
I cast my Circle thrice, round, round and round.
Point your index finger up to the heavens and then pull energy down to the ground.
Let no bane get in, From heavens to ground.
May this InstaCircle Chant process bless your life.”
* * *
Honor your own rhythms. Recently, I was reading some material by Doreen Valiente, when I came across this quote:
“This deliberate pacing of the circle is called ‘circumambulating.’ It is different from the wild joyousness of the round dance.” – Doreen Valiente
Sometimes, you want to do a “deliberate pace” and get some rest and other times, you’ll probably want to experience some higher energy activities at PantheaCon.
(Note: Having a lot of people in a small space like a hotel can spread germs a lot. Consider washing your hands often or using hand sanitizer. It is good to not only put up our spiritual wards, but keep up our physical wards. You’ll want to avoid catching ill—something known as “Con Crud.”)
In summary, let your PantheaCon experience be what it is, and align yourself to your rhythms during the event.
What does it take to safely and effectively practice Magick? Want to connect with the God and Goddess through a life-fulfilling path of Wicca? Learn from celebrated author/blogger/Wiccan Third Degree Priestess Moonwater SilverClaw and High Priestess Deni Kopplin and their Coven Corvus Ouroboros in the South S.F. Bay Area. This is a special opportunity to learn the British Traditional approach to Wicca.
“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
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
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
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
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
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
Oooh! When I walk into PantheaCon and see my Pagan brothers and sisters dressed in their sacred symbols, I know that I’ve returned to one of my homes. 2017 is my 11th year of attending PantheaCon.
What a joy it is to see the vendor room with the robes, pentacles, candles – and more! I admit it; I got some new necklaces. (I do like supporting the vendors.)
Sharing hugs with old friends and then enjoying the magic of making new friends – this nourishes my soul.
Starhawk and Moonwater
Anna Korn and Moonwater
As a member of Covenant of the Goddess (CoG), I attended the annual CoG meeting.
I just had the thought that it would be good to introduce more people to CoG so the following material I’m sharing is visible on their website (cog.org):
An Overview of the Covenant of the Goddess
The Covenant of the Goddess is one of the largest and oldest Wiccan religious organizations. Wicca, or Witchcraft is the most popular expression of the religious movement known as Neo-Paganism. Wicca or Witchcraft is the fastest growing religion in the United States according to the Institute for the Study of American Religion. It’s practitioners are reviving ancient Pagan practices and beliefs of pre-Christian Europe and adapting them to contemporary life. The result is a religion that is both old and new, both traditional and creative. …
Purpose
The Covenant of the Goddess was founded in 1975 to increase cooperation among Witches and to secure for Witches and covens the legal protection enjoyed by members of other religions.”
Hmmm. While I’m at it, this would be a good time to share material from another group I belong to—New Wiccan Church (NWC). The following material is visible at their website NewWiccanChurch.org.
About the New Wiccan Church International
The New Wiccan Church is neither a tradition nor a coven, but is a professional and service organization by and for members of all branches of the Traditional Craft. The goals of the New Wiccan Church are the preservation, protection, and promotion of British Traditional Wicca.
To fulfill these goals the NWC provides assistance, resources, and opportunities for communication to its members, the Wiccan Community, and the general public.
More specifically, the NWC provides:
A public face and voice for Traditional Wicca, including websites and public presentations
A point of contact to provide information and expertise to law enforcement concerning Wicca and paganism.
A library of several thousand titles, of books, periodicals and other media relating to Wicca and related subjects
A Code of Ethics, based on the traditional teachings, for practical use. This document codifies agreed-upon standards of conduct for NWC members and provides a framework which the NWC encourages for use by other Wicca, and pagans as applicable
A framework within which members may apply for assistance, monetary or otherwise, in pursuing special projects, promoting events and acquiring ritual spaces and other physical property for the promotion of the Traditional Craft
Certificates and other credentials to aid in Wiccans receiving their rights as legal members of the clergy….
When I was a solitary witch, I gained much from my studies and my actual practice with magick.
When I joined a coven, I learned of these organizations and joined.
Both CoG and NWC have added much to my life.
You may want to consider applying to join these organizations.
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
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
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
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
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
Going to PantheaCon? Meet Moonwater SilverClaw in person at the Double Tree Hotel on FEB 13 – 16th . . . often in the NWC/COG suite. Come and chat — and get books signed by Moonwater in room 957. Come and enjoy the snacks and the people. Get your questions answered by knowledgeable people about the Craft and more!
Blessings,
Moonwater SilverClaw
For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:
GoddessHasYourBack.com 