Witches Just Want to Have Fun, Discover Real Freedom and Happiness Ep. 18

How? I was not in the intersection because a clear thought came to me: “Not yet.” This meant, I was to avoid stepping on the accelerator and jumping my car forward when the light turned green.

You’d think that after a real experience of having my intuition, or Goddess’s voice, protect me, I’d have a whole new perspective.

I might even hope for my life to continue to be blessed with such miraculous protection.

But I have had a problem with hope.

Why would someone ask someone for a date? For the hope that the person would say “yes” and a good relationship could begin.

Why would someone attend college? For the hope that the person would gain better employment.

Recently, I was talking with a friend about a Wiccan perspective of hope.

“I don’t know if I’m the one to respond to that idea,” I replied.

You see, I’ve lived much of my life—before this moment—by protecting myself from hope. By not hoping, disappointment cannot touch me. Or so I thought.

What I’ve learned is: Many of us are afraid of being let down. But by not hoping, we let ourselves down before anything really begins. We take away our own energy. We find ourselves in a space that is both familiar and painful. You might even say, we are almost comfortable in that familiar pain—comfortably numb.

How do you invite God and Goddess into this situation?

My Realization about Hope

In the recent few days, I realized something about my relationship with hope. I cannot logic my way to feeling hopeful. My logical mind can focus on all the times I’ve done something, and true blessings arose. I changed my life for the better with one particular email message that turned a romantic relationship into the love of my life. I met certain neighbors and joined my first coven. Recounting my blessings does not change my feelings. (Okay, having clinical depression is in the mix here.)

If logic won’t get me to hope, what can? Moving. Ritual.

Here are five ways for Wiccans to shift to a hopeful approach to life:

Raise Energy

You can sing, chant, dance, use breath control and many other techniques to raise energy. If you are in a tough spot, doing the above methods can help motivate and even change your outlook on many problems.

Using your strong emotions, you can focus energy to your Will.

When you raise energy, you can focus the related power to help create the outcome you desire.

Breathe In Light; Breathe Out Pain

Here is a simple exercise that you can do to lessen the pain and stress of disappointment.

Say to yourself:

I breathe in the light of love from the Gods.

(Visualize the white light all around you. As you breathe in deeply, the white light enters your body, filling your lungs and nurturing your soul.)

I breathe out my pain and sadness.

(Visualize breathing out your pain as black smoke. It is neutralized safely by the Gods.)

With this exercise you can release the pain of worry and disappointment.

Shift Your Thoughts by Shifting Your Body

Ritualized movement can place you in a positive frame of mind. I enjoy the movement of drawing the pentacle in the air with my athame during ritual.

Additionally, the act of Casting the Circle helps me settle my mind and know that I am in the sacred space. This is why we cast Circle the same way each time. It is to help our subconscious mind settle down to the work at hand. This literally changes your mind to be in the presence of the Gods.

Cultivate Your “Believing Eyes Friends”

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist Way, writes about how we need friends who have “believing eyes.” These are friends who can believe for us—even when we cannot believe for ourselves at this moment.

We often get lost in our own beliefs. “Oh, I can’t do that.” Or “Oh, that will never happen.” We literally cannot see a worldview outside of ourselves. Our vision is limited by self-condemning beliefs.

This is why it is important to nurture friendships with healthy people who hold our dreams in a loving way.

Light a Candle and Ask for Help from God and Goddess

Light a candle and ask the God and Goddess to intervene on your behalf. Say a prayer. Or do a ritual.

In summary, I’ve shared that hopeful thoughts and feelings—before this moment—have not been a primary part of my life.

Here’s something strange. In writing this blog post, I am acting in a hopeful manner. My hope is that you’ll find value in this post.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater

Looking for gifts?

See my designs at Redbubble. For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:

Goddess Style Weight Loss: Wiccans — Happy, Healthy and Confident

“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

Be a Wiccan Badass: Become More Confident and Unleash Your Inner Power

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

Goddess Reveals Your Enchanted Light: Peace, Prosperity, Possibility Along Your Wiccan Path

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

Beyond the Law of Attraction to Real Magic: How You Can Remove Blocks to Prosperity, Happiness and Inner Peace

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

Goddess Has Your Back: How Wicca Can Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem and Make Your Life Magickal

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

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Embrace Wicca, Become Strong, Be at Peace with Yourself and the World Around You

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

Goddess Walks Beside You: How You Can Listen, Learn and Enjoy the Wiccan Path

This is a terrific book! It is like talking to the author over a cup of tea like one of the bloggers says. – Kitri

Try the Online Course

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Wiccans and Hiding

November 11, 2017 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

Whether you’re in the “broom closet” or not, many of us hide in some ways.

Hiding? From what?

Hiding from ourselves –
Hiding from what we want –
Hiding from what hurts us –
Hiding from hoping.

Can you relate to this?

In this dark half of the year, many Wiccans find it a good time to do inner work.

“I am the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart. Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand sacrifice, for behold I am the Mother of All Living, and my love is poured out upon the earth.” – from The Charge of the Goddess by Doreen Valiente

Did you notice this part? “Nor do I demand sacrifice.” Isn’t the fear of sacrifice part of why we hide? Have you noticed that we just don’t like to give up what we have?We’ll now look at different facets of our journey.

Hiding from ourselves

You might think, Why would I hide from myself?

Perhaps, you’re hiding from a specific part of yourself. Sometimes, we can fear our own power. We may subconsciously want to believe that we are small and vulnerable. That seems easier. How? We can blame our problems on others and surrounding circumstances. And we do not have to do anything new.

Let’s say that you let go of just playing small, what do you have? A responsibility.

Recently, my husband talked about his father’s habitual statement: “You make me mad.” My husband said, “My father just does not acknowledge that the recurring part of the equation is my father, and his often terrible behavior connected to his own anger.”

I thought about my husband’s observation. It reminds me that when we own a problem then we have the power. As soon as we can stop hiding from our greatness, we will succeed in our endeavors in the mundane and on the magickal plane, too.

I have written about blocks and held workshops on removing them. You may want to reflect on your own journey. What might be a block for you in your own life?

One time, I was out walking and these thoughts arose: Mostly we are afraid of change, in ourselves and in the world around us. We are afraid of losing ourselves.

We are also afraid of our darker self or Shadow Self, which can wreak havoc in our own life.

We, witches, delve deep into our subconscious and work with the Shadow Self to learn from it and embrace it.

The Shadow Self wants to stay powerful. In working with the Shadow Self, we can step into the driver’s seat of our life.

How do we work with the Shadow Self? Many of us learn to work well with the Shadow Self through a guided meditation led by an elder.

Hiding from what we want

Why would we hide from what we want? One word: Disappointment.

Have you been hit by the heart-searing pain of disappointment? Such pain certainly inspires many of us to give up on what we want.

To get what we want, many times, we must change, grow and stretch. Have you noticed that fear of change often rises up?

We hide our true power. Our power is great, and the fear of this power can be so strong that we hide our desires deep within ourselves.

Some of us may have “forgotten” what our heart wants. We may think we want change but our subconscious mind wants to stay the same. Why? Our subconscious mind wants to stay safe. Change can be scary to our subconscious mind because change and trying new things tosses us out of our comfort zone. Then we fall into the land of potential pain and disappointment. No outcome is certain. What is the easiest path? Staying the same.

Hiding from what hurts us

Doesn’t it make sense to hide from and get away from anything that causes us pain?

The tough truth is: Many times, pain helps us grow. Like growing pains. We need to grow and stretch. To learn our lessons in this incarnation, we must endure pain, sometimes.

Pain can serve as a teacher. As the toddler falls and skins her knee, she learns that something didn’t work. In fact, she might learn to steady herself by holding on the edge of the couch while she develops “her walking legs.”

Wiccans can serve themselves by observing what causes pain and then coming up with a plan for rituals, prayers to the God and Goddess, chants and/or spells.

Step forward. Observe your pain. Do not let pain and the fear of pain to shut you down. Instead, reach out to the God and Goddess. They stand at the ready to help you.

Hiding from hoping

Why would you hide from even hoping about something? Pain. Disappointment.

Hoping implies that we may lose what we truly desire. It gives us the unsettled feelings of possible loss.

I really have a hard time with this one. I don’t even want to hope for the fear of losing what I desire.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with my husband.

“Do you think you might look forward to that trip?” he asked.

“No. I can’t do it. What if it things don’t come together?” I replied.

Later, I realized that I did not want to look forward to something because I had already anticipated the possibility of losing it.

I really need to work on this. I don’t want to stall and get stuck in my life. I want to grow and move forward—spiritually and emotionally.

Can you relate to this?

Have you stopped hoping about things?

In summary, Wiccans, during this dark half of the year, can do some inner work.

Take a close look. Are you hiding from yourself, from what you want, and from what hurts you? Are you even hiding from hoping for anything to go well?

The Wiccan path is one of growth and even challenge. Inner peace begins with our taking an honest look at our pain and fear. Then, reach out to the God and Goddess. Conduct ritual and also give voice to chants and prayers. Own your Wiccan path, and start to see truly magickal things manifest.

Blessed Be,
Moonwater

Looking for gifts?

See my designs at Redbubble. For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:

Goddess Style Weight Loss: Wiccans — Happy, Healthy and Confident

Be a Wiccan Badass: Become More Confident and Unleash Your Inner Power

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

Goddess Reveals Your Enchanted Light: Peace, Prosperity, Possibility Along Your Wiccan Path

Beyond the Law of Attraction to Real Magic: How You Can Remove Blocks to Prosperity, Happiness and Inner Peace

Goddess Has Your Back: How Wicca Can Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem and Make Your Life Magickal

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Embrace Wicca, Become Strong, Be at Peace with Yourself and the World Around You

Goddess Walks Beside You: How You Can Listen, Learn and Enjoy the Wiccan Path

This is a terrific book! It is like talking to the author over a cup of tea like one of the bloggers says. – Kitri

Try the Online Course

P.S. To sign up for our E-Newsletter click here.

What makes you different – The Pagan Path

December 5, 2015December 5, 2015 / Moonwater / 2 Comments

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Recently, I was called to give a speech.

I had a surprising conclusion, and you’ll see in the text of my speech below, I’ve had some real struggles:

“What if every sentence was a lie? What if every word you read was a betrayal. This is what it’s like to have dyslexia. It is a learning disability that makes it very difficult to read. It makes it hard to decipher letters and other symbols.

My Dad has it, too. To this day my Dad mumbles under his breath, “STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!” That’s all he was told as a child.

How did Dyslexia affect me as a child? Going though the public school system was horrible for me. Normally a child goes though the grades 1-6 in one school.

Not me.

I went to first grade here, second over there, and third grade at another school.

It was so hard to make friends. I only made a couple of friends—but then I was torn away, forced to go to another school where I had to start over again. It was like taking a fish from one tank and then putting her into another tank. Everything’s different.

Each year I had new teachers, new rules, new classmates.

When I was 15, twenty seven years ago, dyslexia crushed my dream to be a writer.

I never learned about sentence structure nor how to compose a paragraph.

I never had classes in writing because of my dyslexia. I was just pushed through: through history, science, and geography.

Dyslexia made learning very difficult. I mean–think about it: For every subject you need to read a textbook. How do you learn math without reading? How do learn science without reading?

Homework that took the average student 15 minutes took me three hours. Even so, I averaged a 3.9 GPA in high school.

It was worse when I went to college. I had a teacher whom I will call Mr. Dense. I explained my learning disability to him.

One week later, Mr. Dense said, “I don’t know why you can’t learn this. Why can’t you learn this?!”

What? Didn’t you hear me?

Oh, that’s right. You’re Mr. DENSE.

Again, I worked so hard.

At one point, I was working so hard at college work and a job to earn money.

Something had to give. I did. I collapsed at work. I still can’t stand to walk into a Macy’s.

I survived college. Okay, I did rather well – A’s and B’s.

Still, somewhere in my mind, I wanted to express myself. But I didn’t think I could write.

… until I worked with my first editor, who encouraged me to write a blog.

I now write every week, and people from 173 countries read my blog.

Dealing with dyslexia gave me the chance to learn patience, to never give up, and to work hard.

So I wrote my first book, with the help of editors.

I will never forget the feeling of holding a newly printed copy of my book in my hands.

More than that – I saw favorable reviews on Amazon.com

Recently, my 4^th book was published.

Yes, I could express myself. And people were getting value from my writing.

So what looked impossible to me was NOT impossible –

And Mr. Dense is still an idiot.”

* * *

I feel that we Pagans also have dense people around us who are misguided by the Hollywood version of witchcraft.

In thinking about my speech, I realize that there is a parallel between my living with dyslexia AND my walking my pagan path among people who shun me or shut down if anything about my pagan-life comes up.

As I wrote in my first book, The Hidden Children of the Goddess: “Witches are everyday people. No, we aren’t green and warty. From soccer moms to construction workers, we look just like any other person. We eat breakfast, go to work or school, and have friends and family. The only difference is our faith. In short, Wiccans are The Hidden Children of the Goddess.”

Still, some misguided people will remain, like Mr. Dense, in their ignorance—and they will not listen.

So we as Pagans will need to continue on our path regardless of the Mr. Dense or Ms. Dense in our life. Some friends may fall away. Some family members may drift away.

Yes, we are different. We Pagans have found our own path.

Each one of us has a different and special path.

So I encourage you to tread upon it with joy and determination.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

P.S. To sign up for our E-Newsletter click here.

Looking for gifts this Yule season?

See my designs at Redbubble.

For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:

Goddess Has Your Back: How Wicca Can Help You Raise Your Self-Esteem and Make Your Life Magickal

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Embrace Wicca, Become Strong, Be at Peace with Yourself and the World Around You

Beyond the Law of Attraction to Real Magic: How You Can Remove Blocks to Prosperity, Happiness and Inner Peace