“You’re no good!” my husband’s father yelled at him. This man, I’ll call him “George, “continued with insulting my husband and me. I was not in that room. I was waiting in the car. I will not be in the same building as George. George is an unrepentant child abuser, who lost his promotions in the military due to his brawling.
My husband stood his ground. He said firmly, “Stop acting like a bully. You cannot get away with it. I am not nine-years-old. You do not get to spit in my face. You do not get to throw me into walls, anymore.”
My husband was visiting his mother, a kind soul.
Do you have a friend or relative who is not only letting you down, but is also actively trying to tear you apart?
Wiccans know that human beings can be complex. Wiccans realize that sometimes you have to protect yourself from energy-drainers, or worse, attackers.
Better than this, Wiccans realize that your relationship with God and Goddess is what truly sustains you. The God and Goddess not only hold us up, They lift us higher than we could ever imagine on our own.
The God and Goddess hold our hands on this journey through life and pull us up after we fall and get injured. They hold us as most dear to Them. And when someone tears us down, the God and Goddess are there to lift us back up to our full height.
For example, the God and Goddess can provide us something synchronistic. My husband and I went to a pizza restaurant after the incident with George. And my husband listened to the music in that restaurant. The music felt uplifting to my husband. It was a gift.
The God and Goddess can provide us with inspiration. My husband got a new idea. Next time, he visits his mother and his father tries to derail the situation, my husband expects to stay seated and almost whisper: “Leave us in peace.” This just might be a divinely-sent idea.
I’ve talked with a number of people who have been hurt by others who are supposed to love them. I realized how pervasive this problem is. For those days when you feel betrayed and disempowered, turn to the God and Goddess. Here is a simple chant that will help you feel supported:
“Lord and Lady Support Me” Chant
Lord and Lady let me know, How this will make me grow. Keep me safe and keep me sane, Give me no reason to complain. Lord and Lady of the Moon, Give me this a mighty boon. So Mote It Be.
“I don’t know how much longer I can live in an apartment with those roommates,” my friend, Allen, said.
“Something happened?” I asked.
“I need to get into a situation where I’m around people who are okay with Wicca,” he said.
I know how difficult living with non-Wiccans can be. Especially if they are not Wiccan-friendly.
Certainly, you can’t have an altar set up permanently where they can see it.
So how can you follow your spiritual path and be discreet about it?
One way to hide a Wiccan altar is to use a small, hard-shelled suitcase. This is truly convenient because when you’re done, you just put your altar tools into the suitcase and put it away. Additionally, your tools are stored simply and easily for the next time you need them.
You can store your suitcase-altar out of the way in a closet or under a bed.
When you’re ready to do your ritual (with your door closed!), just pull out the suitcase and set your altar up.
You can even use the suitcase itself as the altar table.
Need to travel or do a ritual at a friend’s home? Just grab your suitcase-altar and go.
If you live with non-Wiccans, you can use your suitcase-altar as a simple way to disguise and store your altar until you’re ready to do your next ritual.
Jill sighed and then asked, “Can you tell me when and how my life will end?”
“That’s not a question that I work with,” I replied. I went on to share the following four details:
Be sure to avoid doing a Tarot reading when you’re feeling terrible.
Sometimes, the Tarot can mirror your feelings. If you’re in a bad mood, you may find that your mood colors what you perceive in your reading. So, your perception can, in a way, “give you a false reading.”
I have had to be careful about my state of being when I do a Tarot reading. Why? I deal with clinical depression symptoms, so I need be careful that my symptoms don’t mask what the cards are really telling me.
Avoid asking about dreadful subjects.
Don’t ask: “How (or when) will I die?” And, avoid asking about the deaths of your parents and friends. Why? Such questions put you into a terrible space. As I mentioned earlier, your perceptions can be off, and you might get a “false reading.”
Don’t read for others when they are in a bad/sad/angry mood.
If you read for a person who is in a negative mood, they might perceive anything you say as “bad news.” Reading for someone who is upset will not help them. They cannot be open to the messages of the Tarot, and they may twist the news in a negative way.
Be prepared for a possible scary or negative reading.
Pause and think about what you asked. Did you ask a question that was phrased in a negative form? If you still get a negative reading, take a break and try again the next day.
Special Note: Let’s look at how life goes. Some things seem negative at first but turn out better. A divorce can open the door to a later, wonderful marriage. A friend drifts away and then you later realize that you feel much lighter because you had been in a negative co-dependent friendship.
“This is the time of increase?” my friend, Adam, asked.
“Yes. We’re getting close to Spring. This is a good time to cast a Prosperity Spell.”
Let’s look at what “prosperity” is. I don’t limit it to just a plethora of money. I am talking about your whole well-being. Prosperity is having an abundance of loving friends, family, good physical health, healthy finances and a good relationship to the God and Goddess.
Have you noticed that having some amount of all these things helps you feel more whole and happy?
I felt great when a sudden inspiration flowed to me from the Goddess to combine the four Elements in a coherent pattern that I call the Four Foundations of Whole Life Prosperity.
Here are the Four Foundations of Whole Life Prosperity in the terms of the four Elements/Directions:
Spiritual/East – Element: Air
Having a close relationship with the God and Goddess is key to a good and happy life.
Consider meditation as a helpful way to communicate with God and Goddess. In meditation, you can have your finger on the pulse with the Divine, which helps you create the balance your spirit craves. Your Spirit needs to be close to the God and Goddess. It hungers for a relationship with Them.
With this strong connection, the other Foundations of Whole Life Prosperity will come to you.
Health/South – Element: Fire
I’ve thought of the Element of Fire because the Spark of Life, as in good health, supports your prosperous life. Sleep enough, eat healthy meals and get appropriate exercise. After all, our bodies are temples to the Gods. Keep your body in good running order and cherish your body. Nurture your body by bathing regularly and do the rest to keep your body at its best.
We don’t need to fall for the media ideas of what a stereotypically attractive body looks like. You don’t need to be wafer thin. It’s reported that a number of models are actually unhealthy.
Take good care of your body—as the gift you have. Move in the direction of prosperous health.
Love/West – Element: Water
What does “prosperous in love” mean? I suggest we do what helps us have good relationships.
A friend asked, “What do you think is important to find in a romantic partner?”
My husband replied, “Find someone who is kind and flexible.”
I agree, and I’ve learned that it’s important for me to do rituals and meditation to keep myself strong enough to be kind and flexible. A dash of humor helps.
Taking good care of your relationships helps you support your overall prosperity.
Finances/Earth – Element Earth
A number of my friends complain and worry about their finances. I admit it: I get concerned, too. I’m doing fine, but I have this nagging concern about ending up a homeless person. My husband is ten years older than I am. How will things be after he passes on?
I’ve learned that meditation and rituals can bring about some peace of mind.
How about you? Would you benefit from doing rituals to enhance your peace of mind?
Doing a Prosperity Spell can bring in some income. Having the opportunity to do something nice for yourself (having a dinner, seeing a movie) can do wonders for your feelings and sense that we live in an abundant Universe.
Putting It All Together
Bringing together Spirit, health, love and appropriate finances enhances your experience of a whole and happy life.
Use this following is a spell to help you move forward.
The Whole Life Prosperity Spell
What you will need:
Altar and regular ritual tools
Image (as seen above)
1 small rough pebble (North)
1 unused easy light match (south)
1 thimble of water (West)
1 Incense cone and holder (Air)
Do this spell on a waxing moon, closest to the full moon. Focus on this spell to enhance prosperity in various facets of your life.
Cast Circle in the normal manner.
After cleansing and consecrating the items representing the four elements, place the graphic/picture (with this post) on the altar. Set the items (that represent the elements) on their representative cardinal points.
Meditate on your life being full of what you desire. Once you have a firm feeling about what you want, continue with the next steps.
(Light the match on the rock.)
Fire burns in my veins with health,
(Dip index finger into the thimble of water, touch the water to your lips, and say)
Water surrounds me with the love I desire,
(Tap the rock three times.)
Earth provides that I am financially secure, and I enjoy financial abundance,
(Light incense from the working candle.)
And Air sends this spell and my love to the God and Goddess.
Do the Cakes and Wine Ceremony
Close your Circle.
May this Prosperity Spell enhance your life and happiness.
“Fear can be a Source for magick-working?” my friend, Jeff, asked.
“Yes,” I replied.
“I don’t understand. I’ve heard that if you focus on what you fear too much, you’ll even attract what you fear,” Jeff said. His brows furrowed. It looked like he was making himself afraid by even voicing this thought.
What is fear?
It may seem to be too simple to ask this question. Sure, all of us feel fear sometimes. Still, let’s start here: the Merriam-Webster dictionary describes fear as: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.
Dealing with clinical depression, I find fear to be my everyday companion. I have fears about having enough income in the future, close relatives dying, and more.
I’ve learned that I need to do something to get out of the rut of fear.
How can we harness fear?
I’ve learned that fear can be useful. It’s like a warning light (on a pilot’s flight deck) that alerts me to danger.
We evolved to be predisposed to fear. Let’s face it: Those ancestors who saw a saber-toothed tiger, became afraid, and stayed away from it, survived to pass down their genes. Those of our ancestors who saw the saber-toothed tiger and said, “Nice kitty,” didn’t.
So, fear is hardwired into our DNA.
This is good to know. We can use this hardwiring to our advantage.
How?
Fear is like a sign that points to what you truly value. Say we have a fear of being alone. This fear of being alone may indicate that you value having friends and family close by.
I fear homelessness. This could indicate that I value comfort and stability.
Finding your fear sign will help you find your way to your true path. Whenever you have fear about something, ask yourself, “Is this my fear sign?”
To Make Fear a Positive Source of Your Magick …
If you know your fear sign, you can use it to work magick.
How?
In one of my workshops, I had the attendees do a Transform Fear Meditation.
The idea was to start with a physical object in your mind to represent the fear.
Then you imagine the physical object crumbling away like an outer shell to reveal what you value hidden inside.
You can use other forms of meditation.
The questions to use include: “What is fear trying to tell you?” and “What path are you to take?”
Look deep. Ask yourself, “What is the fear pointing to?”
For example, one could ask, “What are you afraid of?
Public speaking.
What’s that fear pointing to?
“I’m afraid of forgetting my words.”
What’s that fear pointing to?
I’m afraid of being embarrassed.
What’s that fear pointing to?
I’m afraid of feeling like a piece of garbage.
Turn this Around. What is the opposite of that fear?
I want to feel good in my heart. I want to feel that I matter and that I contribute something good to the world.
Now, you have a Powerful Intention to Use as a Source of Your Magick!
Next, you can do a Spell to Boost Your Self-Esteem.
Or you could light a candle and say, Lord and Lady, guide me To strengthen myself So I feel good about what I’m doing. Help me to contribute Something good to this world. So Mote It Be.
In summary, the idea is to avoid staying in the rut of fear.
Instead, use the fear to point you to a Positive Intention, that is, what you truly value.
Then, have your spellwork focus on what you truly value.
“Why did you become a witch?” Lena, a friend, asked me.
This started my thoughts about how many of us, Wiccans, find our way to this spiritual path.
I note four related topics:
You want control over your life
You don’t like being told what to believe
You love the Old Gods
You want to learn Secret Knowledge
You want control over your own life
Many witches want the power to control their own lives. This draws them to magick.
Several individuals find their way to witchcraft because they feel that their life is out of control, and they feel the need to create the world they want.
You may desire a better job, home or a new lover. (Be careful of love spells—see my post.)
We note that to gain a job, one needs to do mundane practices boosted by magick. Mundane?—yes, we send out resumes and go to networking events.
Magick can help us weave our own destinies—at least the parts we can influence. Magick courses through us and the world around us. Witches harness these energies to change those things they need to influence. Numerous witches perform spells for those things they desire.
Using spells, witches can control their lives in ways others cannot.
You don’t like being told what to believe
Along with having control of your life comes the fact that a witch doesn’t like being told what to think and what to believe.
We are free thinkers. We don’t blindly follow some priest in a church. We don’t blindly follow a priest’s pronouncements. We question authority.
Wicca attracts many women who celebrate that women have equal rights and powers as men.
Furthermore, many women have already had experiences with the paranormal. (Men have paranormal encounters, too.) For example, I observed Shadow People and heard a poltergeist while growing up in a haunted home.
Like others, I have wanted answers to such unusual occurrences.
You love the Old Gods
During my childhood, my parents dragged me to their Christian Church. I couldn’t relate to their version of an angry, father-figure God who apparently doesn’t like people!
I wanted to interact with a god who wasn’t angry or punishing. My intuition told me that there were other Gods to interact with.
Some of us grew up reading the ancient myths of different cultures and falling in love with the Gods of old. One of my good friends had such an experience.
As a child, I found myself naturally doing rituals. I gathered berries and made a little altar, somewhat near my home. This was possible since I grew up in an undeveloped area of Redwood City, California.
When I read about Wicca some years later, I realized that I was already doing ritual. I found myself attracted to the Goddess and the Horned God.
You want to learn Secret Knowledge
Once we’ve begun our Wiccan journey and we’re practicing as solitary witches, some of us wanted to learn the deep secrets of magick and the Wiccan Path.
Many witches realize that they want to practice as a solitary. Still, for the deepest knowledge, one can get initiated into one of the Traditions. This is an interesting transition. Why? Many of us begin with not wanting to be told what to do. However, in going through the secret training of the seeker, you do find that to stay safe while doing magick, you need to follow precise directions. Hopefully, by this point, the witch is not overly concerned about taking direction—because she or he is more focused on diving deep into the Secret Knowledge.
My own training, over years, led to my earning the role of 3rd Degree High Priestess of the Gardnerian Tradition. In the Gardnerian Tradition, there is much Secret Knowledge that I cannot even hint about here in this blog.
Once initiated, one discovers a whole new world of information. We note that newly initiated witches dive deep, clamoring for more and deeper secret knowledge. Only initiated witches receive the specific Book of Shadows (BOS) of the particular Tradition. The BOS unveils the secrets of the Gods and the Craft, satiating the thirst for knowledge.
In summary, many of us, Wiccans, come to our spiritual path because of these details:
“I wish I could tell people no,” my friend, Jill said. “But I’m afraid it’s just going to cause more trouble.” How does a Wiccan say no and still protect her relationships?
The answer lives in The Three Aspects of the Goddess. Many of us have heard of the Maiden, Mother and Crone. I’m suggesting here that all three aspects are necessary – not only for our spiritual growth, but also for us to support our relationships at work and with family.
Recently, I heard multiple times in the same week, Wiccans saying, “I don’t have time for my spiritual practice.” With people demanding your time and effort, it can feel almost impossible to have time for your personal, spiritual journey.
Some authors suggest that “saying no” is a prime, time-management tool.
I’ll add that you cannot merely say no. You need to add something kind and conscious to that process.
Three Aspects of the Goddess
We’ll focus on the Three Aspects of the Goddess to help you find more time, so you can improve your own Wiccan practice.
First, you don’t just say no.
I once heard a speech in which the person said, “You could say something like this: ‘I’ll have to say no at this time. My plate is full. Let’s see if we can brainstorm for a moment. Maybe, I know someone who can help you with that.’” The speaker’s point was that you don’t just say no. You also find a way to be helpful.
That’s the essence of the below Three Aspects of the Goddess Elements to Say No Process:
Maiden (fertility of ideas)
Many times, people can be demanding of your time and efforts when it’s not your duty or job description.
Still, you need to protect the relationship.
This is the time to invoke the Maiden form of the Goddess, known for fertility. Let’s add the thought: fertility in terms of creating new ideas.
When you embody “Maiden energy,” you say things like:
I hear you. The paperwork is tough. How about I brainstorm with you about when in the shift you can do it?
I understand. The paperwork is complicated. I realize that at some time (maybe I’m on vacation), you’d need to take care of it. When can we take 15 minutes, and I’ll show you how to do Part One of the paperwork?
This process is about you helping the person think of ways to fulfill the task or request without you.
The Maiden has lots of youthful energy. To guard your own energy, you need to express to the person what you’re willing to do, and more importantly what you’re not willing to do.
Remember, there are things you cannot do for the person you care about. You cannot take their final exam, and you cannot, in their place, arrive on time for work.
I’ve heard Wiccans complain about “where did my energy go?” Guard your own Maiden energy by shifting to helping people do their own tasks.
Mother (nurture the person to do things)
Embrace and nurture the person. Help the person do things for themselves.
My friend, Jill, at work, puts forth the idea of a rotating schedule for the duty of filling out the paperwork.
Jill discovers that helping the other people learn how to do paperwork gives them a sense of accomplishment that they are growing their skills.
Make sure you nurture (and reinforce) the new behaviors by giving specific praise to another person who is learning new things. Appreciate them and give them good feelings. Celebrate that the person’s skills and experiences have expanded.
My husband’s coach talks about “growing your comfort zone.”
An effective mother does not do all the tasks. She empowers her family to add new skills. The family members “grow their comfort zone.”
Crone (provide “wisdom with a hug”)
I think of the effective Crone as one who provides wisdom with a hug.
Without a hug or giving a person good feelings, it’s just someone telling another person what to do.
For example, some male individuals say, “I’m a recovering Mr. Fix It.” This is recognizing that we want to avoid just telling someone: “To fix that, you should do _____.”
Wisdom with a hug means “you hold them and their feelings.” And that means you listen.
* * *
In summary, you can create more time for yourself and your spiritual path when you learn to say no and add The Three Aspects of the Goddess. I’m not saying this is easy. It takes practice.
When you’re not running around doing everyone else’s work, you can have time for your personal spiritual practices.
May this process create more peace and joy in your life.
“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
“My whole household is down with the flu. Except me. Well, I’m starting to cough. I don’t how much longer I can take the pressure,” she said.
Saying “Don’t worry” won’t do Zoe any good at this moment.
When’s the last time you have been seriously worried? Is it happening now?
I’ve noticed that worry gets more intense about things we really cannot control.
What can you do?
We, Wiccans, have an advantage: We can do an empowering ritual.
The “Let Go” Meditation/Ritual
What you will need:
One white candle
Banishing oil or extra virgin olive oil
Banishing incense or your favorite scent
Ritual tools
Cakes and wine
This is a truly simple candle ritual you can do to get some relief from worry.
Cast circle in the usual manner.
Consecrate and charge your candle with your holy water and your incense. Dress your candle with your oil.
Start belly-breathing (taking big breaths in and out—slowly) and light the candle.
Envision all your worry and fretting going into the candle’s flame. That is, envision all your worry as a black smoke flowing out of your mouth with each breath out. The flame draws all the black smoke.
Say: In this moment,
I let go. Goddess take this from me.
God strengthen me.
So mote it be.
Continue your meditation on the candle, breathing out all your worries as the black smoke.
When you’re done, thank the God and Goddess for Their support. Let the rest of the candle burn out.
“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
“You okay, Moonwater? Are you sick?” my friend, Lisa, asked.
“I don’t know. The doctor took some skin from near my wrist. I’m waiting on a biopsy,” I replied.
Then, the next day, the doctor’s office left a voicemail for me — a vague message.
But such a fast return call promised bad news. I had to wait the whole weekend until I could get someone on the phone. The answer was … cancer.
Now the question was … did they cut away all of the cancerous cells? The afflicted spot was the size of a dime, and the doctor had used a dermablade to cut away a nickel-sized area.
Again—it was about waiting to find out.
Can you relate? Have you had anxiety waiting for news related to something you had no control over?
Let’s add depression to the mix of anxiety and cancer.
My depression symptoms already pushed me to see a bleak future. Now, with the cancer-diagnosis, my mind spiraled into dark corners. Fear, dread, pain.
So, what can we do to sooth these feelings?
Here are Three Practical Ways to Soothe Feelings of Dread:
Talk with Friends
You can circle the wagons with your friends/family.
You’ll want to be selective about with whom you share your difficult news. I even have a kind friend who prefers texting to talking on the phone. We had a good conversation.
Still, many of us find talking on the phone or visiting in-person to be more helpful.
Many times, your friends and family can be supportive and give you strength. This includes your coven mates if you are in a coven.
A select number of your friends can and will support you. You can lean on them when life gets tough.
Certain friends helped me see the light when depression only showed darkness.
My husband gave me a different perspective. He called the operation a “cancer event.” (I didn’t like this phrase.)
His point was that the operation was likely successful. So, the situation was over (like an event). He added, “Until the data is in, it’s good.” By this he meant, if you don’t have an indication otherwise, carry on as if you’re going to get good news. Sometimes, he calls it “postponing worry that might prove unnecessary.”
Some people may find this perspective useful at times.
One thing I like about my husband’s comment is that it’s about holding a positive thought and sending that positive thought as energy into the universe.
Pray to the God and Goddess
I talked a lot to the God and Goddess. I asked Them to postpone my worries until I had more information. They sat with me in my fear and comforted me. They quieted my fears.
I said, “Please let this be okay. Give me guidance. Let me have the strength to go through this situation.” I focused on these intentions with the God and Goddess. This provided me a whole different direction than my depression symptoms would have brought to me.
So, when you have a serious question with no answer and you feel anxious, talk to the God and Goddess. See if you feel a subtle shift inside. That would be the God and Goddess providing you subtle support.
Perform a Ritual
Do a simple candle ritual to calm and reassure yourself.
I find lighting a candle and asking for peace/faith/comfort really helps me.
You can say:
With this Candle
I honor You, God and Goddess
Please fill me with Light.
Lend me Your Might.
So Mote It Be.
May these above practices bring you comfort and healing.
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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
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