Philosophy

Is Money Spiritual?

/ Moonwater / 8 Comments

Happy Imbolc

Happy Imbolc to everyone. Hope you enjoy the post.

Money

Is Money Spiritual?

Have you heard in some form that “money is not spiritual”?

Some of us have heard a misquote that goes “Money is the root of all evil.”

(Actually, the correct quote is: “The love of money is the root of all evil.”)

There’s a real problem: ignoring money or actually looking down on having money causes unhappiness. Some say that having denial about money issues causes many people to end up poor and unable to take care of their own basic needs.

In Wicca we know our Gods want us to be happy. With this as true, does it make sense that our lacking money is what they want? No.  Now I’m not saying you need to be making buckets of money or that it’s necessary to have a whole lot more than you need.

But for many in our community money is elusive. Why?

For a number of individuals, Wicca was not their first taste of spirituality. They may come from different faiths that look down upon having money. The horrible part is that debilitating beliefs about money often stick in a person’s subconscious mind. And these sick beliefs push us to be unhappy.

Let’s go back to the misquote that goes “Money is the root of all evil.”

Is it money? No, fear is the root of all evil.

Think of it. Fear pushes us toward greed. Fear of never having enough. I remember the famous line from Gone With The Wind: “I will never be hungry again!” In that film, Scarlett O’Hara does extreme things because of her huge fear of being hungry or losing her property.

Is it possible that having money can frighten us? Yes, that can be a problem. Some of us have been conditioned to think that rich people are money-obsessed and that they do bad things. So on a subconscious level, some people are afraid of losing themselves and actually avoid opportunities to become rich and successful. Again, I call these sick beliefs.

Some of us are really afraid of having money. It continues to come from subconscious beliefs drilled into our heads that money was not spiritual.

Instead, I suggest that money is spiritual. Money creates opportunities for us to be happy. It creates safety for us and our families. The Gods want us to feel this way.

If we’re doing well with our personal money situation, we walk around with an air of positive energy. We can be compassionate to others. Expressing compassion is an important part of one’s spiritual path.

We have many ways of creating prosperity. I think just doing money spells is not the full answer.

Ideally, we would use magick to get to an inner state where we can work out problems that prevent us from enjoying financial abundance. We can do meditations and inner work to change the limiting thought patterns and beliefs we have about money. (For more about this, see a free chapter from my book The Hidden Children of the Goddess. CLICK HERE.

Some Wiccans may default to doing prosperity spells to gain money. However, it may help more for you to do a healing spell so that any blocks dissolve to learning how to earn more money, save money and improve spending habits.

Let’s start with new and empowering thoughts about money. Look at holding empowering definitions of words related to money. For example, author Jason Miller talks about the difference between rich and wealth. I think he says it well:

A rich person has a high income, which is a stream that can feed being wealthy or being in debt, depending on how that money is used. There is no shortage of people with high incomes but no real wealth. . . . Wealth is not a flow of income; it is a state of positive finances.

What is a state of positive finances? Such a state includes enough money for bills, some money for entertainment, savings for tough situations in life, some money to be kind to others, and savings towards one’s retirement. Positive finances is not about having just enough to barely get by. It is really about having some amount of financial abundance (more than enough).

To live in lack (including difficulties about money) really isn’t the Gods’ and Goddesses’ plan for us. They invite us to grow, learn and adapt. They invite us to learn something about creating financial abundance.

Let’s begin today.

Blessings,

Moonwater

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When You Want to Meet Like-minded Pagans

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Travel sign

Coming Together

When You Want to Meet Like-minded Pagans

 

Alone. That was the beginning of my spiritual path. I started with books on Wicca. My early journey as a solitary witch was lonely. This went on for years.

I had no contact with like-minded Pagans. I didn’t know where to go and how to meet anyone.

Fortunately, today we have many more opportunities to connect with other Wiccans. As the Internet became part of our daily lives so too we could find other Pagans. You did not have to remain alone in your spiritual journey. You could find others and connect with them.

How do you meet other Pagans? Learn about many wonderful Pagan festivals around the world. Now, it’s my joy to introduce you to PantheaCon.

PantheaCon is one of the largest gathering of Pagans on the West Coast of United States. It occurs on the long weekend of February 14-17th and is located at the DoubleTree Hotel in San Jose, CA.

PantheaCon marks it’s 20th Anniversary in 2014. It is the brainchild of Glenn Turner, and she has been pleased with PantheaCon’s ever-expanding popularity.

It’s so fun to meet the same people each year; you really get a sense of community. And of course, I enjoy meeting new people each year, too.

Between all the classes, workshops and entertainment, it’s educational and great fun. You can see 2014’s Program Guide here.

When I was starting out in the Pagan community my mentor brought PantheaCon to my attention. Here I bring it to yours. I have gained many friendships over the years and enjoy seeing both old and new faces every time I attend.

I will be at PantheaCon this year in February, and I hope to see you there. (I’ll be the one wearing a TheHiddenChildrenoftheGoddess.com t-shirt and carrying my books and pins, too. That’s one of the things I enjoy about PantheaCon, you can meet the people who provide the books that support and uplift our community.)

When you’re ready, pick a festival like PantheaCon and discover the wonders of new friends and true support.

Blessings,

Moonwater

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How You Can Feel True Security

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 Security

How You Can Feel True Security

Security—what is it? Is it a home, a job, or family? If that’s security, what if these things are taken away? What then?

My friend Bob lives with his parents. He is disabled and so he can’t manage to live on his own. He also needs the support of his family to help him with day to day activities such as cooking and cleaning. To him, his living situation with his family is a place of security. However, last week he was told by his father that he had to move out. This pulled the rug of security right out from under him.

Bob was terrified.

Here’s another example: Janet has to keep her Wiccan faith a secret from her family who subscribe to another religion. One day, at a family gathering her pentacle pendent fell out of her blouse. Aghast, her mother called her father and together they yelled and drove her from the gathering. Her parents and other relatives disowned her. That was their word, disowned.

Now, Janet cries–at different times during the day. Sometimes, she flees to the restroom, when she’s at work. She used to believe that her family was her bedrock. No more.

What happens when our sense of security is taken? Where do we go? Did we really lose security?

I say security isn’t a place. It’s not a thing, and it’s not a family tie. The truth is: Things change. We can’t rely on these things for our security.

So where is security found?

True security is found in our hearts and minds. It is found in our faith, and it resides with the Gods who walk beside us everyday.

The Gods do not waver. They are constant, eternal, all encompassing.

So let’s face it. Security is not in the material. True security is in the spirit.

You can call on your true security anytime and anyplace. The great thing about being Wiccan is that you can create your temple anywhere by casting your circle.

More than that, you can recite a blessing in your own thoughts.

Here is a blessing that you can recite to yourself:

Gods to enfold me, Gods that surround me.

Be that peace and serenity for me.

 Lead me on my path, far and wide,

Traveling with me, by my side.

Never will I be alone,

Evermore you’ll be my home.

Ever safe and secure I will always be,

Never bowing defeat upon one knee.

 Lord and Gracious Lady be,

mine for all eternity.

So mote it be.

Remember your true security with the Gods.

Blessed Be,

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Beware The Fluffy Bunny!

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Rainbow

Beware The Fluffy Bunny!

What is a Fluffy Bunny Pagan?

Patti Wigington defines a “Fluffy Bunny” as: “In general, ‘fluffy bunny,’ or ‘fluffbunny,’ is a derogatory term used to apply to members of the Pagan community who (1) insist that they know everything they need to know, (2) often make blanket statements about what ‘real Pagans’ do and don’t do, and (3) flat-out refuse to acknowledge that people who think differently from them can be Pagan, too.”

If someone thinks they know everything they need to know, they can make serious mistakes. Such arrogance can lead to physical danger. For example, I once read a book that talked about grinding certain stones, putting them in water and drinking the water. Do NOT do this! The rocks may contain traces of harmful compounds like arsenic or other poisonous substances.

Further, grinding stones with a high silicon composition is like grinding up glass. Drinking such a solution will turn your insides into hamburger. Again, don’t do it!

Watch out about herbs, too. Avoid just taking the advice of one book. Check in with an elder or mentor (or two or three). Do NOT experiment on yourself!

By definition, Fluffy Bunnies aren’t doing research. They can fall into believing mixed up notions. For example, Wicca is NOT the TV show Charmed.

The truth is: Wicca and Paganism have a real history throughout time. It’s valuable to study such history and avoid being misguided by something created merely for entertainment. I have heard a number of people saying that Fluffy Bunnies have a bad reputation for talking about things in an “everything is butterflies and unicorns” manner.

Fluffy Bunnies, as Patti noted, often make blanket statements about what “real Pagans” do and don’t do.

I note that sometimes Wicca and Paganism appear like herding cats. Everyone has their own ideas of what is the right way. I am Gardnerian, a British tradition. Does that make someone in the Feri tradition wrong? No.

Here’s a way to view the situation. Let’s say you have a potato. Every tradition cooks the potato differently. One may dice the potato, fry it and enjoy fries. Others mash the potato. Still, others may bake the potato and leave it whole. Does this mean that one is better than the others? No. The people all cooked the potato.

The outcome was the same, just the preparation was different.

Now, one might say that Fluffy Bunnies are merely cooking the potato in their own way. Fair enough. However, with this article, I’ve pointed out some details that we, as Wiccans, need to view with great care.

How about being a Learned Wiccan or Pagan?

Sounds good to me.

Blessed Be,

Moonwater

How Wicca Values Wisdom

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Elders Lead The Way

How Wicca Values Wisdom

Have you ever felt bothered by how media pushes that people need to be “young and beautiful”?

You may have noticed that Wicca pushes back against media in that Wicca honors and respects our elders.

Have you also noticed how the Western World seems to overlook the merits of tempered wisdom and instead favors youth?

Wicca acknowledges that for our species, youth is life. Youth is fertility and health. Wicca also acknowledges that, as one lives, wisdom can blossom. Wisdom arose as early people learned which berries were safe to eat and what plants could heal. With wisdom we not only survived, we thrived. Wicca acknowledges the value of both youth and elders’ wisdom. Elders have traveled the path of life ahead of us. They can help us do better on our personal path if we care to listen.

Just like youthful strong bodies can get hard work done, elders have the wisdom of knowing how to work smart.

This is important for survival.

In past eras, without the wisdom of the elders, people couldn’t survive. Because of this we valued our elders.

However, as time passed, we notice that technology appears to make elders’ advice and experience less relevant. With life moving as fast as it does, many of us would rather read something on the Internet, than talk to an elder. I get that. I love tech; I’m a blogger after all. But with all the bells and whistles technology has, we still need our humanity for us to really learn.

It’s like reading about the Titanic disaster in a book as opposed to actually talking with a survivor who lived through the experience. The survivor will be able to tell you the visceral experience they had along with other crucial information that a book just can’t convey.

We pick up so much in nonverbal cues: The look on a person’s face, the tonality of their voice, and the pace in which they speak.

Think of it: Storytelling has been such a valuable part of humanity’s life. We learn so much because we actually experience the truth of a situation while we experience a person telling a story.

In the Western World we have forgotten the important distinction of experience versus merely reading some facts conveyed in a barren form on the Internet.

The good news is: Wiccans — like a number of Eastern cultures — have retained wisdom. As Wiccans, we understand that we need both the vitality and virility of youth, but it must be tempered with wisdom and knowledge for survival and even enhancing one’s path in life.

Wiccans know that to travel a spiritual path you need wisdom to know where to tread and where not to tread. Elders can talk with you about life, if not current technology. They can talk with you about the people who make technology. They can provide the patience and understanding about tough issues like loss and grief. They can even help you appreciate the joys of life.

I invite you to consider elders as another resource. They can guide you in ways that something you read just can’t.

Wiccans know that there is more to life than tech. Some wisdom and learning only comes from having lived through tough experiences.

See how you might connect with appropriate elders.

You’ll find new facets of life opening to you.

Blessed Be,

MoonwaterMoonwater SilverClaw Logo

Finding Your Way on the Sacred Path

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Path

The Path

 

Finding Your Way on the Sacred Path

How did you find the Wiccan faith? Was it through a personal connection or was it through a book or website?

Wiccans until recently were hard to find. Many followers of the path work in secret, in the shadows. Why have all the secrecy?

This secrecy was vital because throughout history and even to this present day Wiccans (and other pagans) have been and continue to be discriminated against.

Face it, we are still a minority faith in this world. Most practitioners prefer to stay in the shadows because of the possibility of retaliation and prejudice found in family, school, work, and the general public. We know too well that there are general misconceptions and fear about the Craft. So many Wiccans practice in the shadow. (After all, I call my blog and my book The Hidden Children of the Goddess.)

So how is one to find a reliable teacher while so many teachers practice in the shadows?

You need some initial education. Books can be a great way to start. Read a bunch of books and you will start to see a pattern. Your intuition will alert you to who really knows valuable material and who may be offering faulty information.

Here is a good reading list to start your path. Those of you who have been on the path for a time may want to revisit some of these books. It’s important to have a good foundation in the Craft before moving on to the more advanced practices.

Reading List:

I invite you to consider my book:

 

SilverClaw, Moonwater. The Hidden Children of the Goddess: Embrace Wicca, Become Strong, Be at Peace with Yourself and the World Around You, QuickBreakthrough Publishing (October 31, 2013)

And here are more books:

Buckland, Ray. Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, 2nd Edition. Llewellyn Publications, 2002.

Buckland, Ray. Practical Color Magick. Llewellyn Publications, 1999.

Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs, The Essential Guide To More Than 125 of Nature’s Most Potent Herbal Remedies. Rodale Inc 2009.

Cunningham, Scott. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Llewellyn Publications, 1989.

Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Expanded & Revised Edition. Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (October 1985).

Ferrar, Janet and Stewart. Eight Sabbats for Witches, Revised Edition. Phoenix Publishing, WA, 1988.

Ferrar, Janet and Stewart. The Witches’ God: Lord of the Dance. Phoenix Publishing, WA, 1989.

Ferrar, Janet and Stewart. The Witches’ Goddess: The Feminine Principle of Divinity. Phoenix Publishing, WA, 1987.

Ferrar, Stewart. What Witches Do. Robert Hale, 2010.

Fitch, Ed. A Grimoire of Shadows: Witchcraft, Paganism & Magick. Llewellyn Publications, 1996.

Frazer, James George. The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion, A New Abridgement from the 2nd and 3rd Editions. OxfordUniversityPress, USA, 2009.

Gardner, Gerald. High Magic’s Aid. Aurinia Books, 2010.

Gardner, Gerald. The Meaning of Witchcraft. Red Wheel/Weiser, 2004.

Gardner, Gerald. Witchcraft Today. Citadel, 2004.

Giles, Cynthia. The Tarot: History, Mystery, and Lore. Touchstone, 1994.

Graves, Robert. The White Goddess: A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth, Amended and Enlarged Edition. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1966.

Leland, Charles G. Aradia or The Gospel Of The Witches. Kessinger Publishing LLC, 2010.

Lipp, Deborah. The Way of Four: Create Elemental Balance in Your Life. Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

Marcoux, Tom. Darkest Secrets of Spiritual Seduction Masters: How to Protect Yourself, Boost Your Psychological Immune System and Strengthen Your Spirit. Tom Marcoux Media, LLC, 2011.

McCoy, Edain. Sabbats: A Witch’s Approach to Living the Old Ways. Llewellyn Publications, 2001.

Murray, Margaret Alice. The God of the Witches. NuVision Publications, 2009.

Neal, Carl. The Magick Toolbox: The Ultimate Compendium for Choosing and Using Ritual Implements and Magickal Tools. Samuel Weiser, 2004.

Russell, Jeffrey B. and Alexander, Brooks. A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics & Pagans, 2nd Edition. Thames & Hudson, 2007.

Starhawk. The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition. HarperOne, 1999.

Sylvan, Dianne. The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition. Llewellyn Publications, 2003.

Tognetti, Arlene. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tarot, 2nd Edition. ALPHA, 2003.

Tognetti, Arlene and Flynn, Carolyn. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tarot Spreads Illustrated. ALPHA, 2006.

Valiente, Doreen. An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present. Phoenix Publishing, WA, 1988.

Valiente, Doreen. Natural Magic. Robert Hale, 1999.

Valiente, Doreen. Witchcraft for Tomorrow. Robert Hale, 1993.

Wood, Robin. Robin Wood Tarot: The Book. Robin Wood Enterprises, 1998.

Wood, Robin. When, Why … If. Robin Wood Enterprises, 1997.

Once you have read a number of books, you will have a basic familiarity with the Craft. Next, find a mentor in the particular Tradition (type) of Wicca you want to study.

The Witches’ Voice (witchvox.com) is a great place to read more articles and to network for new connections. You can find people who have taken the giant step (and risks) to be known in the community.

Observe carefully. Use your basic familiarity with the Craft and your intuition to find someone who you feel is a good match for your next steps in learning.

Each Tradition does the Craft a little differently. It’s not that one particular Tradition’s ritual is “wrong” compared to another Tradition. There are many ways of doing the same thing correctly.

How did you come to know the Craft? Let me know in the comments section. Thank you.

Blessings,

Moonwater

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Feeling Stressed Out? Call on the Gods

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Cat waiting.

Waiting for Guidance?

 

Feeling Stressed Out? Call on the Gods

 

Have you recently had to make some choices that brought you stress?

Stress can tell us a lot. We can see what is important to us. In this way, stress can actually guide us to the secrets of our hearts. How? We wouldn’t be feeling stressed out about something if we didn’t think it is important and it’s being threatened.

Once we know what we value, we can better set our course through life.

You see, what we need is clarity.

This is where the Gods can help.

If you’re under pressure and feeling the burden of stress, you can ask the Gods for clarity.

Why is clarity so important? When you can see things clearly, you can make a plan and take appropriate action. Those two things will reduce your stress.

One of the best ways to do that is through meditation. Here is a simple meditation to ask the Gods for their guidance.

For all meditations, follow these simple guidelines.

  • Find a place where you will not be disturbed for the entire meditation.
  • Turn off the ringer of your cell phone.
  • Take a sitting position where your spine is straight and your feet are flat on the floor.
  • Dim the lights.

Asking the Gods for Guidance – The Meditation

Start by breathing in and out deeply.

With each breath in, pull in relaxation.

With each breath out, release the stresses of the day.

Visualize breathing in the light of the Gods, soothing you.

And picture that with each breath out, you’re expelling a black cloud of stress.

Keep breathing–in and out, in and out.

And as you keep breathing in and out deeply,

Notice now that the light begins to fade around you.

Slowly at first, it gets darker and darker — until you are in total darkness, and you’re feeling safe and secure in the darkness.

Then . . . a new light blooms around you, slowly at first, but gradually it gets brighter and brighter.

You see that you are in the middle of a circle of standing stones. This great henge protects you from all bad entities.

In the middle of this henge rests a large stone altar. You walk to it and sit in front of the altar.

Now you ask the Gods for their guidance.

As you sit, you notice two loving energies beside you.

One is the Goddess and the other one is the God.

You ask them for their help and they lovingly answer your request.

(Pause for a time to hear their guidance.)

Having gifted you with their guidance, they bid you farewell.

Now it’s time to return from where you came.

Notice the light starts to dim until you are in total darkness, where you feel safe and secure.

Then . . . a familiar light returns, slowly at first, but gradually it gets brighter and brighter.

Open your eyes; you are back in the room and safe.

Note: After completing your meditation, light a candle to the Gods to thank them for their guidance.

With the Gods help, you make great decisions, creating your life of happiness.

The Gods are always there to help you. All you need is to ask for their help. You can go to them for help about anything you need.

Knowing this now, what guidance would you seek from the Gods?

Blessed Be,

Moonwater

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Feeling Broken? The Gods Have Your Back.

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Fire

Feeling Broken? The Gods Have Your Back.

Have you ever felt broken? Do you question why you are the way you are because you don’t look “normal,” or you can’t do the same activities as the “normal people” do?

I’m here to tell you that you were made the way you’re supposed to be. Even with the so-called “flaws.”

We all feel we have flaws. Yes, they can feel so painful to live with. We suffer–emotionally or physically—sometimes we suffer both ways. It’s hard to endure.

I have dyslexia and depression. Why, I wondered, did the Gods make me broken?

But I didn’t realize that the Gods did NOT make a mistake. I have what people call disabilities. However, I’ve learned something startling. They’re not disabilities. I call them enhancements.

How the hell could dyslexia plus depression be enhancements? I had to dig deep and realize that these enhancements create the opportunity to grow exponentially. These enhancements help us grow in ways that others can’t because they have not had to face the struggle, the pain and . . . the rise from the ashes.

Dyslexia had been my curse. But, unlike others, I had to fight and press on through headaches to read the books I’ve read. This has made me stronger. I’ve got tenacity that a number of my friends do not have.

Depression had me cutting myself years ago. Depression had me doubt that I had any worth at all. It took therapy, the Gods’ guidance, and the love my sweetheart to encourage me and show me I wasn’t dirt. Depression was wrong! I have learned I am NOT a depressed person. I am a Spirit anointed by the Gods, a Spirit who deals with depression symptoms. That’s a BIG difference!

Now, my friend, I want to ask you two heartfelt questions. Where do you feel broken? And how could your flaws or disabilities be a road so that you can rise up more blessed, stronger and a deeper person than ever before?

You might want to meditate on your enhancement(s) and see how they have positively affected your life and what they have taught you.

In the comments area, please share with me your experience with your enhancement and about what you have learned from it.

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

Don’t forget to get your copy today. On sale now click here.

Want to experience happiness and inner peace? High Priestess Moonwater SilverClaw reveals the powerful and uplifting spirituality known as Wicca. She pulls back the curtain and lets you in on real secrets. Moonwater shares her personal stories of how Wicca saved her life and empowered her to release herself from a destructive marriage. She introduces Wicca practice with potent spells for healing and increased prosperity. She helps you overcome the blocks of low self-esteem, limiting beliefs about money, and subconscious barriers. This book helps you make breakthroughs to manifesting what your heart desires.
In Praise of Moonwater SilverClaw’s book:
“Moonwater expresses profound Wicca concepts. Wicca actually saved her life and empowered her to leave an abusive marriage, and this shows the power of this sacred path to positively change the course of our lives, too.” – Patrick McCollum, recipient, Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism.
“A well-written, fresh look into Wicca. [This book] almost feels as if a close friend or trusted mentor were explaining the ins and outs of the Wiccan experience. Rather than saying, ‘Here’s how it’s done,’ the book extends its hand and says, ‘Here, let me show you.’ I would certainly recommend this book.” – Heather Greene, blogger, http://www.miraselena.com
“Moonwater’s writing [provides] a story about making your own happy endings, about rescuing yourself.” – Jason Pitzl-Waters, blogger at WildHunt.org
“This is like sharing a nice cup of coffee with a new friend, while you two are taking a walk in the woods. Moonwater has a LOT to teach all of us, from the young person who wants to know why she feels ‘special, ‘ to us seasoned practitioners of Wicca.” – Angus McMahan, blogger, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/askangus/
About the Author:
Moonwater SilverClaw is a Wiccan High Priestess and member of the Covenant of the Goddess and the New Wiccan Church. Her personal story reveals how Wicca saved her life and helped her strengthen herself to secure her release from an abusive marriage.
Moonwater posts at her blog, TheHiddenChildrenoftheGoddess.com, which has readers from over 101 countries. Called to write the blog even through she is dyslexic, she works with a team of editors. She has addressed college students in Comparative Religion classes for over ten years. She leads workshops, and her work is endorsed by notables including Patrick McCollum (Mahatma Gandhi Award for the Advancement of Religious Pluralism).
Moonwater SilverClaw can be contacted at: AskAWitchNow@gmail.com
Or at her popular blog: TheHiddenChildrenoftheGoddess.com

Blessings,

Moonwater

P.S. Please let me know if you are interested in a webinar. Fill out the pole below.

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What Can a Redwood Tree Teach Us about Life and Wicca?

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RedwoodTree

RedwoodTree

What Can a Redwood Tree Teach Us about Life and Wicca?

Have you noticed that certain small things can grow much larger in your life? Think of a seed that eventually grows into a mighty redwood tree.

Decisions are like seeds. They have the potential to grow into something so much bigger.

I remember an important seed in my life: my decision to learn about one particular word—Wicca. From there I grew in my practice to become a Wiccan priestess.

My first decision, like a seed, grew into my life path.

Think about your decisions. What have you grown in your life?

Further, imagine looking at a cross section of a redwood tree. You’d notice the rings of the tree that reveal its lifecycle.

Now, think of these rings as different layers just like your life has different layers or stages.

At each “ring” or life stage, we’re making new decisions.

Some decisions make us resilient like a redwood tree. When there’s a fire in a forest, a tree may be damaged. After the trauma has passed, the redwood tree may bear the scars. But this tree can bounce back and become bigger and mightier than before.

You can, too! In Wicca, we use the tools of meditation and the Gods’ guidance to become that mighty redwood.

In the recent couple of days, I have been camping among redwood trees. A park ranger told me that the cones of a redwood tree need the heat of a forest fire in order to open and release their seeds. What a vivid image. Trauma can be used for new life.

A major trauma in your life can create new growth for you personally. With each wrong choice or even a disaster, we have the potential to grow to our mightiest form.

Redwood trees teach us much about personal growth, and they can teach us a great deal more.

Blessings,

Moonwater

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How You Can Use Something Better Than an Affirmation

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Candle

Candle

How You Can Use Something Better Than an Affirmation

 

What do you want? Have you tried to coach yourself to change your own behavior?

Some people attempt to push themselves with statements like: “I’m a thin person.”

Well, I’ll tell you the truth. When I tell myself, “I’m a thin person,” my brain yells at me: “Oh, yeah! Look in the mirror!”

The phrase “I’m a thin person” is called an affirmation. In essence, a person tries to “affirm” something that currently is not true.

No wonder so many people say, “Affirmations don’t work for me.”

This bothered me so I came up with some new ideas before I gave my recent workshop on October 19th. The tool I created is a Pattern-Affirmation. (In discussion with my friend Tom Marcoux, he gave me two labels “Pattern-Affirmation” and “Wish-Affirmation” to add to my thoughts).

In essence, a Wish-Affirmation is truly a standard affirmation that people try to use, often with disappointing results.

A Wish-Affirmation is: “I’m a thin person.”

On the other hand, a “Pattern-Affirmation” is: “I eat like a 130 lbs. person.” Or better yet “I have a lifestyle of a 130 lbs. person.”

Do you see the distinction?

A Wish-Affirmation is something you aspire to.

Instead, a Pattern-Affirmation is something that can be true right away. You can exhibit a different behavior now. Your very next action can contribute to your healthy lifestyle.

You can even apply the Pattern-Affirmation process to having financial abundance.

For example, a Wish-Affirmation could be “I am wealthy.” On the other hand, a Pattern-Affirmation could be: “I’m careful with my personal budget like a prosperous person.”

Now, I’ll share a helpful process.

The Pattern-Affirmation Ritual

Here are the steps:

  1. Gather a Seven Day Candle and a Circle Script
  2. Pick your Pattern-Affirmation
  3. Do the Pattern-Affirmation ritual.
  4. Do Cakes and Wine
  5. Close your circle

The process is as follows:

First, be sure to pick a suitable Pattern-Affirmation. Remember, it needs to address a pattern of behavior you want to instill.

Here are examples:

  • I eat like a 130 lbs. person
  • I study one hour a day like a good student.
  •  I listen to my daughter’s thoughts and feelings like a good father.

Now, when you begin your ritual, cast circle.

Cleanse and consecrate your candle. Sit and hold your candle and meditate on your Pattern-Affirmation for five minutes or more.

Take the candle and place it on your altar. Say aloud your Pattern-Affirmation as you light the candle. Visualize that you’re guiding energy into the candle.

(Repeat the following process for seven days in a row:

Let the Seven Day Candle burn one knob per day. Each day, repeat the above process of meditating on your Pattern-Affirmation for five minutes or more.)

On the first day, after the first knob has burned down, do Cakes and Wine and then close the circle. Repeat the candle-lighting and knob-burning down for six more days.

Using this new tool of a Pattern-Affirmation Ritual, we will grow in new and exciting ways.

If you try the Pattern-Affirmation Ritual, please let me know about your results. Thanks!

Blessings,

Moonwater

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