Is it Time to Let Go or Time to Hold Fast?

April 6, 2014 / Moonwater / 2 Comments

Is it Time to Let Go or Time to Hold Fast?

Cleo, my cat, looked up at me. At 14 years old, Cleo needed me to give her intravenous fluids to sustain her. One night while I was administering her daily fluids she simply looked into my eyes and told me, I’ve had enough, I’m done.

I just knew. Other times, I’ve wrestled with the decision of when it was time to let go of my beloved pet.

Now, I’ve had cats my whole life. In high school, I was introduced to domesticated, pet rats. These little furry friends have terribly short life spans. I’d have four at the same time, and this meant crying every year as one of them would become ill due to old age. I had many times to practice letting go.

I have spent thousands of dollars for medical care for my fuzzy babies. But how does one know when to let go?

If a pet or familiar is close to crossing the veil, when is it truly time to let go?
First listen to your little friend. Here are some signs to help you consider when to let go.

• Is your furry companion still interested in life?
• Does your companion still enjoy eating?
• Does he/she still play in spite of the illness or disease?
• Is the little one in tremendous pain that prevents him/her from being happy?

Now I’m not talking about temporary illness. This is about the end of a life—a terminal illness.

Recently, on Facebook, people discussed the condition of Blacky, The Wheelchair Cat.
A native of New Zealand, he has one eye, and after being struck by a car, he’s left with spinal nerve damage and paralysis in his rear legs and bladder.

A number of people suggested that Blacky be “put down.”

But wait a moment! Blacky can now feel his legs if one tickles them. Sometimes he moves or stands on them. Last year, he had a perianal urethrostomy surgery because of his bladder problems.

Still, Blacky enjoys life. He enjoys going outside and playing. Other than his mobility issue, Blacky’s now healthy.

In summary, I invite you to look at my list and let it help you make a good decision about whether it may be time to let a pet go.

Sure, sometimes our pets have physical troubles. But you’ve probably noticed the we, humans, can have physical troubles, too. Still, we find ways to have joy and meaning.

Let’s make sure to support our furry friends in their times of need.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

How To Walk the Wiccan Path and Deal with a Family Member’s Discomfort

March 16, 2014March 16, 2014 / Moonwater / 5 Comments

Shhhhh. . .

How To Walk the Wiccan Path and Deal with a Family Members Discomfort

Do your friends know you’re Wiccan? How about your family?

Do you have to keep your beliefs a secret at your workplace?

I am fairly open about my practicing Wicca.

Unfortunately, I do have a family member who suggests that I keep a low profile when I attend a work-related event with him. He works in an industry that includes people who speak out a lot about their Christianity. So I turn my talisman with a pentacle around when I’m at a work-related event with him.

Many times I have argued that this form of “hiding” impinges on my freedom as a witch.

At one point, we had one of his friends, a born-again Christian visit, and we kept the door to the room with my shrine closed.

All other times, I wear my pentacle jewelry with pride and talk openly about my beliefs.

I observe that, in America, one does business with a significant number of people who profess that they are Christian and that they hold conservative beliefs.

When I’m in a business situation with my family member, I honor his situation. I am NOT dishonoring the Gods by turning my talisman around, and I am honoring my family member’s concerns.

I am still a witch. Now if someone asks me about it, I will tell them the truth. I am a Wiccan High Priestess. I will not cower in the corner, but that hasn’t happened yet during my family member’s work-related events. I still wear my pentacle; I just do it incognito.

As a matter of fact, I always wear my pentacle. It brings me comfort, and I feel it gives me protection.

Those individuals who are Anti-Wiccan appear to be ignorant (definition: lacking knowledge or awareness in general; uneducated in the subject at hand) about Wicca.

It bothers me when a person chooses not to learn, then the situation may become dangerous. When does the price of silence become too much to bear?

At present, we’re at a junction.

First, it is a blessing that many of our predecessors have hacked a path in the wilderness of fear and ignorance that other people have about Wicca. When a significant number of Wiccans openly express the beauty of Wicca, more people in this world start to appreciate who we Wiccans really are.

Fostering this appreciation is one of the reasons that I write this blog.

At this time, I have found my own path. I stand ready to share Wicca with others. And still at my family member’s work-related event, I do not broadcast my beliefs (I keep my talisman turned around).

As I continue to write this blog and my books, I’m encouraged to see other Wiccans continuing to have a positive influence in the world. May we all continue to express the beauty of Wicca.

Now, I invite you to share with us. Have you faced opposition in some form of conservative community? How do you deal with the situation?

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

The Mobile Shrine

February 17, 2014 / Moonwater / 2 Comments

The Mobile Shrine

Have the Gods With You When Travelling:

The Portable Shrine

Do you travel a lot? Have you missed viewing your Gods from your home altar? Make a Portable Shrine. It’s fun.

The Mobile Shrine Closed

What you will need:

One wooden hinged box
Different colored tissue paper (I used some paper with a flower-pattern for one of my boxes.)
Image of the God
Image of the Goddess
Glue gun and glue
Tulip® Dimensional Fabric Paint–Glitter
Mini flowers and/or other decorations for the Gods

(For example, I included flowers for the Goddess. You can use beads,

paint, coins or other decorations that have meaning for you and your

Gods.)

Electric tea lights. Hotels do not let you use lit candles.
Mod Podge glue
Sponge applicator (for the glue)
Other decorations like stickers and such as desired

To start, I applied Mod Podge glue to the exterior surface of my wooden box. Then I affixed the flower-patterned tissue paper to the surface with the glue. Note in the photo how the patterned tissue paper provides an interesting texture. (Be careful and use glue on only one side at a time. Let the glue fully dry.)

Then I applied another coat of glue over the tissue paper to seal it.

As another option, you can paint your box any color that seems appropriate, perhaps, your favorite color.

Although you could add decorations to the outside of the box, I suggest leaving it plain. Why? You do not want a hotel maid or other stranger to be drawn to the box out of curiosity.

Inside the box, I used red tissue paper. Pick the color you prefer. Whether you glued paper or painted the inside, wait for it to dry. Then use glue to apply the images of your chosen God and Goddess.

Note in the photo that I used Tulip® Dimensional Fabric Paint–Glitter to cover the edges of the Deities’ pictures—gold glitter for the God and silver for the Goddess.

I added pearl 3D-stick-ons and other jeweled stick-on pieces to accent my images. I also added glittery stickers on the sides to personalize the interior of my box.

I strung beads in strands—two for the God and one long strand for the Goddess. I used fishing line for that. I draped the beads and used the glue gun to affix the ends in place.

As a finishing touch, I employed the glue gun as I added mini-flowers to the Goddess’ side.

Once your Portable Shrine is fully dried, you close it up. From the outside, no one will know what it is.

Take your Portable Shrine anywhere, open it up and place the electric candle in front to honor the God and Goddess.

My Portable Shrine is small and compact enough to fit into a backpack that I bring on a plane. I even took it on a cruise. It’s nice to have the familiar company of my shrine when I am away from home.

At home, I place my Portable Shrine in a prominent location and enjoy it.

Since, when closed, your Portable Shrine is nondescript, it can be placed on a book shelf or the corner of a desk. Some people consider using a Portable Shrine in a dorm room because the Portable Shrine can be closed quickly.

Making a Portable Shrine can be a fun family project. You could have each family member contribute to one Family Portable Shrine or each person could create his or her own. Perhaps, you might want to do both. They are fun and relatively easy to make.

So keep the craft in witchcraft and have some fun while honoring the Gods.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

Is Money Spiritual?

February 2, 2014February 2, 2014 / Moonwater / 8 Comments

Happy Imbolc

Happy Imbolc to everyone. Hope you enjoy the post.

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

When You Want to Meet Like-minded Pagans

January 26, 2014January 26, 2014 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

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

Moonwater SilverClaw Logo

How You Can Feel True Security

January 19, 2014 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

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,

Moonwater

Beware The Fluffy Bunny!

January 12, 2014 / Moonwater / 5 Comments

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

January 5, 2014 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

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,

Moonwater

Overcoming Yuletide Blues

December 1, 2013December 1, 2013 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

Candle

Overcoming Yuletide Blues

Are you less than jolly this time of year? Tired of hearing how happy you’re supposed to be during the holidays? Do you just want more peace during this stressful time?

Some of us find it a hardship to see relatives who don’t share our spiritual beliefs.

Many Wiccans and Pagans stay in the broom closet (in hiding) from family and friends. Why? Rejection. Some families even banish pagan relatives. This banishment would result if they discovered our hearts and minds are with the Gods. It’s just too much of a risk of loss for many to bear. In some communities, one may even fear retaliation by one’s own family.

I know some pagans who don’t face such consequences and who practice freely. These fortunate pagans told me that the others are “cowards” for hiding. It bothers me to witness such lack of compassion for others’ pain and problems.

How do we cope with such adversity?

Being in the broom closet is not a bad thing. For some, it is a necessity for keeping their job and family.

So how do we keep the peace in our own hearts this holiday season while in the closet? How do we still honor the Gods during the holidays with family? Here are a few suggestions:

Wear a pagan pendent under your shirt. (Just make sure that it can’t fall out and be seen by unfriendly eyes.)
Light a candle (while saying a silent prayer) and place it on the mantel or other place of prominence in your own home.
Take a ritual bath before a gathering and honor the Gods. You’ll feel better.
Bring a bottle of your favorite drink (mead is mine) to a gathering.
Anoint yourself with sacred oil and keep your intentions of love and peace for the Yule holiday close to you.

These actions can be done in the broom closet and need not require permission from any unsympathetic family members.

And for that extra touch of magick here is a simple blessing you can say for yourself for holiday gatherings.

By the Gods and the four quarters might,

May this blessing be just right.

May the Gods love be in my heart,

May my heart be the center for my kindness,

May my kindness be a guide for my compassion,

May my compassion be an action of love in this world,

And may my action of love in this world bring peace to all at this time.

So mote it be.

How do you plan to celebrate this Yule Sabbat? Are there any ideas you would like to share? Let me know by using the comments box.

Blessings,

Moonwater

I wanted to take a moment and pass this vital message on to you from one of my mentors, Patrick McCollum. What the Patrick McCollum Foundation does is truly important to our community and around the world. If you think you can help, please contact Nell Rose.

Patrick leads march for preserving the Ganges and the Planet. 5000 children participated

“Patrick is quickly becoming one of the foremost voices in our world on the topics of creating world peace and sustaining all people. His message inspires audiences to recognize our inherent interconnection through a common narrative, which gives us greater access to envisioning and creating a common goal: a world that works for everyone. Patrick talked about some of the incredible things that have happened to him over the last 3 and a half years and I wanted to take a moment to review these once again:

Buddhist spiritual leaders in Thailand have named Patrick the “World Inner Peace Ambassador”.
He was an honored guest speaker at the World Culture Forum in Kazakhstan 2010 where he spoke on the importance of our harmonious connection with Nature and with each other.
He has been initiated as a Saint in India and given the name ‘Babaji’, meaning ‘Revered Father’
He has also been honored as the ‘King of Peace’ by renowned Tibetan Buddhist Rinpoche’s in our world, among receiving other titles of similar caliber.
In 2011 he was honored with receiving the Mahatma Gandhi Award for Religious Pluralism.
Last January, Patrick was invited to lead the opening prayer at the Maha Kumba Mela in India, a spiritual gathering that attracted over 100 million people.
In February, Patrick will be giving a blessing and be a part of the Maha Yaga in India.
In March he will be doing a workshop in Maui with Ram Dass.

Patrick’s teachings have helped many seekers make sense of the world and deepen their connection to Mother Earth and the Universe with an open heart in the wholeness of Love and Reality.

We are currently in an active fund raising program to help further Patrick’s work. We are attempting to raise $100,000.00 to create a digital media library to preserve the teachings of Patrick, and other like-minded spiritual teachers, update our web site, and help cover the cost of travel to the many events Patrick will attending and spreading his massage in creating peace bridges between countries and people, to help him to continue inspiring youth, to support women’s rights, religious equality and to continue to archive his spiritual practices and teachings, and for general overhead to help support and build a stronger Foundation.

We are also currently running an indiegogo campaign for Patrick for his upcoming Maha Yaga trip. If you could please send this to any list or social networking sites that you may be a part of to get the message out.

http://igg.me/at/PatrickMcCollumMahaYaga

If you can contribute financially in some way that would be wonderful. Please contact me so I might provide further details on our Fundraising Goals and how you can help.”

Blessings, Light, Love, Peace,