Scrraaapp! A brunch of scratch marks manifested on the side of my car.
Oooh! I got so mad I could spit.
Maybe you can relate to this. An accident. The problem was there were only two elements involved: one human (me) and one pole (it was a SHORT pole—one that was hard to see).
This pole collision happened a couple of hours earlier today.
How did I fall into this mess?
It was a confluence of a number of things. I had two friends visiting from out of town. Feeling sleep deprived, I still made it to have lunch with them. Add the hot weather and the sun beating down on my fair skin, and I probably approached heatstroke.
Tired, thirsty and hot, I finally arrived at my car when the visit came to a close. Pulling out of the parking space and feeling really uncomfortable, I was confused as to how to exit the parking structure.
In my defense … I dutifully followed the arrows on the ground near the exit. But the turn was way to tight and I scraped that damn short pole.
I was so angry at myself. On my way home all I could think of was “You f**king idiot!” I ruminated on how I should have been more careful.
Do you beat yourself up about your own mistakes?
At least back at home, I drank a lot of water. Time to get to the autobody shop. I ruminated again. This time I thought: “It’s Friday. They may have already closed for the weekend.” I called the shop; they would give me an estimate.
I got to the shop. They fit me in. The tech guy said, “I’ll be right back.” When he returned, he had two squeeze bottles and a rag. He wiped some liquid on the effected area and slowly the scuff started to come off. I was so thrilled to see that!
Soon all the yellow paint was off, and I gave him my vial of blue touch-up paint. A moment later, the car looked fine. And the best part? It cost me nothing.
I said, “Thank you. I’m so grateful. That’s why we keep having our cars worked on here.”
The tech guy smiled.
After this, I had some thoughts. What was I supposed to learn here?
What I learned is: I didn’t have a buffer. If I had more sleep and had done meditation this week, I could have had more patience for the situation and myself.
When I talk with Wiccans, sometimes, we say, “I know what I should do. I just don’t get around to doing meditation or ritual.”
So, I just stopped writing this post, and I did a candle ritual—thanking the God and Goddess for the good outcome to the pole collision incident.
What can you do to deepen your Wiccan practice?
Remember, a bad surprise can happen at any time.
We, Wiccans, need to create a buffer in our lives. We need to back off and not burden ourselves too much. We need to preserve our personal energy.
“Ahhh. My throat’s on fire and my ears hurt,” my friend, Sharon, said when describing how sick she felt.
Her comment inspired me to think about how, at this time, many of us are having our internal flame diminished.
How can we stoke and tend the flame within?
Getting a cold, having allergies or just feeling shut away from the light of the Gods can really be a downer. This is when we need to feed the fire within.
Doing ritual can help us keep our internal flame lit.
“With the discovery of fire-making, ritual may have started. You did this and this, and up sprang the magickal flame, a spirit at your command.” – Gerald B. Gardner
Consider the Element Fire. As humans learned to harness the benefits of fire, we discovered an essential part of our rituals. What rituals can we do to keep our flame roaring not just a weak glow?
Here are three things you can do to keep your flame bright and powerful:
Walk in the Wild
Recently, I’ve seen materials from doctors mentioning ecotherapy. Ecotherapy is defined as “exposure to nature and the outdoors as a form or component of psychotherapy.” (yourdictionary.com)
Witches have long known that nature is good for us. Now, doctors have finally started to catch on.
I love walking in nature. Why? Because plants, trees, and water around us take in the toxins and free a person from such toxins. Because I deal with symptoms of clinical depression, I walk in nature to become free of sadness, anxiety, and fear found in my body and soul. This does help me. Getting a thorough cleaning and being close to the God and Goddess always brings me joy.
The doctors may not yet know the true reasons why walking in nature is beneficial, but we, witches, know how it works.
For city dwellers, at least, talk a walk on a street decorated with living trees or walk in a public park.
Read Wiccan Books
Make reading a natural part of your day. Support your inner flame by reading in the direction your curiosity takes you.
At this dark time of the year, many Wiccans refrain from doing active magick.
How do you make reading a ritual? Pick a certain place and a certain time. You could light a candle, sit down with a nice cup of tea, and read … and smile.
Meditate and Enter a Good Place—In This Moment
Wiccans use meditation to connect with all that is good in this moment. Focusing on your breath can be part of your gratitude-ritual. You are grateful for every breath of life—the gift from God and Goddess.
Here is a pattern:
Breathe in. I stoke the Flame of Life.
Breathe out. I breathe out all stress and strife.
A Bonus Idea: Meditation can also kindle your positive anticipation for future good things. Think of what you would like to work on next year. Write down your thoughts on separate slips of paper and then place each item, one at a time, on your altar and meditate on how you want to accomplish the different goals.
You can light a candle and play some soft, relaxing music in the background.
In summary, I invite you to keep your internal flame bright and powerful.
“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
He had been tossed out of a branch of the armed forces. Why? Poor performance of his duties? No! It was his sexual orientation. A couple of years later, he killed himself. Often, every month, I remember my dear friend.
None of this is a theory to me. I’ve attempted suicide myself. The first time—when I was 8 years old.
Wiccans acknowledge that winter is the season of death. Death does not always mean the end of life. In the Tarot, the card “Death” also means change.
I know from my own journey that feeling the urge to kill oneself is a call for change—and a call for love.
For many of us who are enduring difficult times now, here is a meditation from my book Goddess Has Your Back to help you.
Self-Love Meditation
Close your eyes. Breathe in and out deeply . . . Relax. Keep breathing. Breathe out the stress of the day. Breathe in relaxation and peace.
(Pause)
You are still aware of the light that is in the room. Now the light begins to fade. As it fades you feel total comfort. You feel safe and secure in the darkness.
(Short Pause)
Now, a new form of light blossoms. It surrounds and wraps you in its loving energy. This light is the light of the Gods. It is a light of love and compassion. Take it in. As you take this light and understanding in, you can now see with the Gods’ eyes. You can now see yourself as they see you, pure, beautiful, whole. You are a masterpiece of their creation. You were made with love, and you are a manifestation of their love. You are love. This understanding fills you.
(Pause)
With this new understanding you are now ready to return to the physical world. You know that even though you may leave the light at this time it is never truly gone. It’s a gentle transition as the light begins to fade around you. Slowly at first. It gets darker and darker. As it fades you feel total comfort. You feel safe and secure in the darkness.
(Short Pause)
Then a familiar light returns, the light in the room where you started. It gradually gets brighter and brighter. You are back in the room. You have brought the calm and peace and happy feelings back with you. Now, gently open your eyes.
I hope you find comfort with this meditation.
You can also meditate and ask the God and Goddess for help. Meditate on what the Gods see as a helping answer for you. Remember, the God and Goddess are always on your side.
If you’re in distress, please call the Suicide Hotline at: 1 (800) 273-8255
Yes—I have attempted suicide more than once. But now my life is good. It’s really worth it to endure the pain because life CAN get better.
GoddessHasYourBack.com 