Have you noticed that meditation and rituals give you peace, clarity and closeness with the Gods?
Recently, I realized that there are times when peace and clarity can be opposed to each other.
Perhaps, you’re like me, and you would like to experience more moments of peace each day. I experience peace as moments in which I’m free of self-deprecating thoughts that cause me pain.
However, I’ve experienced moments of clarity that actually bothered me.
When you have clarity, you can feel uneasy. For example, Janet did a Tarot reading and a ritual about her job. She received clarity… that she was in the wrong job. She felt a stirring of anxiety. It felt like the opposite of peace.
In a conversation with a friend, the phrase “Beneficial Paradox” arose about this relationship between peace and clarity. We need both.
What’s the solution to the Beneficial Paradox of Peace versus Clarity?
I’ve found a solution in talking to the Gods during a meditation session. This can create a certain closeness you can’t get with other people. With this close relationship, the Gods can guide you to clarity as well.
Clarity can save your life.
Some years ago, I stopped for a red light at an intersection.
The light turned green, but I heard guidance from the Gods in the form of “Don’t go!”
So, I hesitated.
Another car raced through the intersection, and it would have crashed into my car if I had driven forward.
Meditation and ritual can condition you to receive guidance more often.
One more point: Sometimes the Gods give you clarity, but you don’t want to accept it yet. I’ve used this comment: “Sometimes, you get ‘Goddess-slapped’ upside your head.” This means that Goddess shakes you up. It helps to stay open and receive guidance.
“Why is it getting worse?” my friend, Stephanie, said.
“I know there’s a lot happening. Anything in particular?” I replied.
“More violence in this country!” Stephanie said. And, this began a significant conversation.
What if Goddess Serves as Your Source of Certainty?
Is it possible to be certain of anything, anymore? Some people complain, “Unbelievable. I could not even imagine that people in leadership positions would be so … disgusting.”
I’ve learned that there is value in seeing ourselves as “spiritual beings having a human experience.”
As many of you know, I believe in the Summerlands, a place of love and peace in between the times we incarnate. We return and incarnate into a new body, and the lessons begin. We use our bodies as a user-interface for our spiritual being to learn lessons on this physical plane.
I realize that it can be tough to see this spiritual level when we’re in the midst of suffering and confusion. It’s as if we’re wearing “human-tinted glasses.” I suggest that we pause and consider looking at our lives from Goddess’s perspective. Goddess knows.
A Source of Comfort
Sometimes, I return to The Charge of the Goddess for inspiration and comfort.
“Let my worship be within the heart that rejoiceth, for behold: all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals. And therefore, let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.” – Doreen Valiente (speaking in the voice of the Goddess—from The Charge of the Goddess)
A couple of meanings rise up for me with the above quote.
Notice the phrase “all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals,” and see that the Goddess gives us the answer. We can derive comfort in honoring Her with our compassion, reverence, humility and more. Acts of kindness and beauty honor the Goddess and make us feel good.
A Prayer
Dear Goddess Release me from my stale, limited beliefs And give me compassion and mirth in heaps. Acts of love and Acts of pleasure. I honor You in this way forever.
May the ideas expressed here comfort you and invite you to listen to your heart. May compassion for others flourish in your heart.
Often, I’m asked about how Wiccans can really support their relationship with God and Goddess and deepen their Wiccan spiritual practice.
I often share The Three Elements to Improve Your Wiccan Practice.
What do you want to accomplish?
The whole point in much of Wicca is being close to the Gods. All the ritual we do, all the meditating we do—it’s about getting to the ecstatic state of being closer to the Source.
Do you want to start a meditation practice? Or how about doing more ritual each week? In creating a daily practice, you first have to figure out what you’re going to do.
Maybe you want to hone your magickal skills.
Here’s the first thing to consider: Start with something easy. Avoid setting yourself up to fail.
Start with something simple. You could do a simple candle lighting ceremony, for example.
How much time do you have?
Here’s the good news: Whatever time you have, you can make your Wiccan spiritual practice better.
Some examples:
1 minute – say a prayer or chant (out loud)
3 to 5 minutes – Have a brief meditation session.
30 minutes – Do a simple ritual. Perhaps, include a candle lighting ceremony and some meditation.
1 hour – Do a formal ritual.
The more time you have, the more you can do. Just remember to pace yourself.
Even if you have only a short time to spare, you can still get big benefits. How? Practice will help you hone whatever skill/discipline you are trying to work with.
Even doing a three-minute meditation session will bring you results over time.
How will you log it?
Logging your practice is crucial. If you do not log your actions, you really don’t know if you’re making any progress.
Some people use a diary. Diaries are great to log what you did, the duration of your practice, and what the outcome was.
What if you don’t like to write? No problem. You can use your smartphone to record your progress. You can pick an app to log your efforts.
Otherwise, you can simply mark a paper-based calendar on the days you successfully complete your practice.
Wiccans also find that having another Wiccan as your “accountability buddy” helps.
* * * * * *
In summary, you can accomplish much even with a short time—when you do things daily. Use The Three Elements to Improve Your Wiccan Practice.
“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
What to do? Doesn’t it feel like the whole world has gone off the deep end? With people getting bombed to the political unrest in America, we now find ourselves in complete world chaos.
I am sooo stressed that I have been eating things I shouldn’t. Even my immediate surroundings are inundated with drama. For example, some of my friends have broken up their lifelong friendships.
Certain moments of the day, I feel torn apart. I need to be in three places at once: Helping my sweetheart … and … helping a friend with moving … and … helping another friend with a BIG project. Even my parents are having a difficult time.
I admit it. My cheat days are too close together. I was on a great trend of dropping weight, but in the last two days I’ve fallen back and gained 3 pounds!
So, when it feels like the world has fallen apart, what do we do?
It’s time to turn to the God and Goddess for strength. It’s important to do some real self-care. Why? When you’re a mess, you don’t have the energy to be helpful to anyone else. It’s time to slow down, meditate and find your inner calmness.
How do we do that? You can light some incense and play some pleasant calming music as a first step. Next, practice the process of grounding. Bring your awareness back into the quiet center in yourself. Concentrate on your breath and begin to meditate. Call upon the God and Goddess for the strength to not only endure, but, to thrive with peace in your heart and mind at this stressful time.
Once you have done this, you may want to take a ritual bath. In this way you will shed the unhealthy energy from your body and spirit.
Afterwards, eating something nutritious will also help you ground. Take your time and enjoy the process.
Caring for yourself is a vital key to helping others. Find the peace that resides within you, and share such positive energy with other people.
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
WASHINGTON — The United States has attacked a Syrian air base with roughly 60 cruise missiles in response to a chemical weapons attack it blames on President Bashar Assad. Officials are reporting that the Russians knew of the airstrikes in advance.
—ABC7News
– my heart ached. People destroyed by chemical weapons and cruise missiles. People running the USA decided to attack individuals of another country.
What can we, as Wiccans, do to help bring back some peace into the world right now?
Simple Peace Ritual
When to do this ritual:
Full moon (I would suggest this coming full moon.)
What you will need:
1 white candle
1 white rose
Peace oil (You can use extra virgin olive oil if you don’t have it.)
White feathers to decorate altar (optional)
1 Red apple
Rose incense
Pin
Place the white rose, candle and red apple in the center of your altar.
Cast Circle in the usual manner.
Cleanse and consecrate your white candle, rose and red apple with the incense and holy water*. Dress your white candle with your oil, and place it in its holder in the middle of your altar.
Take up your pin and punch in the letters of the word peace into the apple, while saying:
As I open my heart to peace, so to may those in conflict open their hearts to peace with each other.
Take up the white rose and kiss it, saying:
May this peace be as pure as the white rose I hold now.
Concentrate now on the white candle. Think of the tempers of those who are in charge and who are creating the current crisis of violence. Imagine their consciousness filling with the White Light of Peace. Lighting the candle, say:
Candle of White, listen to my words. The White Rose has spoken to those whose hearts are now opened. Let peace replace the hate within. May the God and Goddess’s love prevail.
So mote it be!
Pick up the apple. Take a bite and envision the White Light of the Gods’ Love surrounds you.
As you sit eat the apple, envision that peace rests in your heart.
Do the Cakes and Wine Ceremony.
Close the Circle.
May this ritual bring peace to all those who need it.
Blessed Be,
Moonwater
*See the (casting circle link) for more information on how to make holy water.
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
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 4th 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.
In light of the recent attacks on the people in Paris, France, I feel overwhelmed with sadness and anger. I mourn deeply for the people who were murdered.
For a number of days I have been thinking about what to write. What would I discuss: Sorrow, rage, wanting justice, even the desire for some form of revenge?
Still, the idea that keeps arising in my mind is:
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”— Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi invites us to move beyond anger and vengeance.
Still, as I feel deeply about the situation, I realize that to maintain my own health, I need to get beyond pain, anger and sadness.
For you, I offer this meditation-exercise to help you maintain your own health and ability to take action in daily life.
Before I share this meditation-exercise, I realize that it is valuable for me to discuss two different forms of strength. These ideas arose in my conversation with one of my editors:
The Strength of Anger – in the short term, this can get us moving and it can be a channel for our own pain. But in the long term, it can lead to faulty decision-making. It is short sighted. Further, it can cause significant health problems.
The Enduring Strength of Inner Peace – Inner peace is an ever-renewing source of energy.
As my editor suggested, “If you get your inner energy right you can do more right. Inner peace can help you get past the sorrow and the anger so you can be in the present moment and have all of your resources.”
The below meditation-exercise is not about denying the need for justice and more protection.
The below meditation-exercise is designed to empower you to stay in a place of awareness and strength.
Meditation Magick Exercise on Letting Go and Finding Your Hidden Strength
You will need:
a blue candle
extra virgin olive oil
boline
incense
salt
water
Cast Your Circle in your usual manner.
Cleanse your blue candle with the elements Earth and Water. Then consecrate the blue candle with your incense smoke.
Use your boline and write (on the blue candle) the name of the event that is causing your pain.
Use the olive oil to “dress your candle.”
Concentrate on the blue color, which is for healing.
Light the blue candle and focus on its flame, representing the healing truth of love and strength.
Meditate on the flame. In your mind’s eye, see the flame burning away all the negativity in your aura and the space around you. Once you feel your space/aura is cleansed, go to the next step …
Now imagine the pain of the event in your life. The event may be a personal experience or a public one like the Paris attacks. Create an image (in your mind) that represents the event. See the image floating above the flame. Concentrate on the image until it is a solid image above the candle. Feel it; know it is there.
Breathe deeply in and out, in and out. In your mind’s eye, lower the image into the flame and watch it burn away. Feel the heat in your heart as the image and related pain is transformed into the purity of peace and strength. As the image vanishes, see that all that remains is a phoenix of peace and strength.
Do the Cakes and Wine Ceremony.
Close Your Circle in your usual way.
[When you’re done with the exercise, have the candle continue burning. Make sure that things are safe so that the candle can burn until it goes out on its own. Never leave a burning candle unattended.]
I hope this meditation-exercise supports you in your personal journey of healing.
We all deal with stress in our lives. However, members of a minority religion face additional stressors. Many Wiccans and Pagans in general have experienced some form of prejudice and some have even been the victims of hate crimes. These and other terrible acts upon us can really take a toll.
Although I am fortunate to live in the San Francisco Bay Area where there is more acceptance of people with differences, I have still faced prejudice. I have lost friendships and suffered the actions of intolerant people.
So how can we combat the stresses of such actions?
First, assess the situation. Can you educate the offending person? I have been in situations when the offending person thinks he’s right and will hear nothing that differs from his beliefs.
Make sure no one is being harmed. There is a big difference between offensive words and physical violence. One may need to take action. Maybe you need to quickly get to a place of safety. One might even have to call 911 for police intervention.
Take care of your own feelings. Before I get caught up in an aggression tornado, I remember to simply breathe. Concentrating on your breath is a great way to help yourself calm down. Then you can take control of the words that come out of your mouth. You can’t control what they say, but you can control what you say and do.
Find your way to compassion. The Gods and Goddesses love their children (all of them) so become the Goddess in her nurturing state. Let her energy flow within you. Let the Goddess help you select your words. Avoid words that sting, instead say something constructive and nurturing to the conversation. How would this sound? One way to respond is: “I heard what you said. That’s not what my life is about. I’m leaving this room.”
When I say compassion, I do not mean let them walk all over you. The idea is to make space in yourself to understand those who are ignorant of your beliefs. They don’t know what they are talking about. To take their words personally gives them power. Do not let that happen. Do not give these untruths any power.
Renew yourself. Once the incident is over, take some time to do a Breathing Meditation. I know how much it helps as a salve to the wounds their words have left.
Find a quiet place where you know you will not be disturbed. Silence your cell phone or home phone. Get comfortable and relax. You can burn some of your favorite incense and light a candle. I find dimming the lights to be helpful.
Here is the process:
As you relax, close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Breathing in and out deeply, envision a beautiful white light shinning down and surrounding you. Next, deeply breathe in that light, pulling in the beautiful cleansing properties of it. Hold this breath for the count of three.
When you breathe out, picture a black smoke made of those toxic words, actions and emotions. You expel the black smoke from your body. Imagine the black smoke absorbed and purified by the light around you. After your exhalation, hold your breath for a count of three. This is where you acknowledge the transformation of energy.
Continue this process until you feel you have expelled all of the negative comments/feelings/energies that were placed upon you. Finish this meditation by thanking the Gods for their shinning light.
May this meditation renew you and free you of any negative effects created by prejudice.
Once free of toxins, you can experience the blessings of life with the Gods and Goddesses.
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