Wiccans and Tattoos – A Spiritual Journey

September 12, 2014September 12, 2014 / Moonwater / 3 Comments

Spiritual Tattoos

I leaned forward, tensing a bit as the needle found its mark. The ink started creating the wings of a butterfly, with my cat Magick’s cute eyes included in those wings.

A number of Wiccans like to decorate their temple—that is, their body. Some Wiccans create whole rituals around getting tattooed.

My getting a back tattoo was an expression of my spiritual journey. It includes the journey of a caterpillar to butterfly. My multiple sessions in the chair became my rite, to myself and to the Gods. As the needle continued to pierce my skin, I silently chanted.

Why get a tattoo? Many people use tattoos as a way to express who they are. The tattoos tell their story. For example, I have a dedication to my spirit guide as one tattoo.

Getting a tattoo does hurt. For me, it’s a trial to pass, or a sacrifice, as part of my personal rite of passage.

If you consider having a tattoo done, realize you can include words, images, sigils and more. It’s sacred art. Let your spiritual imagination flow. Further, think long and hard about the placement of your tattoo. Who will you let see your sacred art? Will you be careful and make sure that a shirt can cover your tattoo so you have more possibilities for employment? (Yes, some employers still have an aversion to tattoos.)

Is your tattoo only to be visible to yourself and your coven?

Some people choose to place a sigil on their arm (for example) so they can see it often and thus recharge it. Others choose to place a tattoo somewhere that they do not see often.

A tattoo involves many questions and requires lots of thinking and feeling. Be sure to connect with your own intuition. For some people a tattoo is not part of their path.

Take care before or if you decide to get spiritually inked.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

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

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

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

And

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

Finding the Right Wiccan Mentor for You.

September 6, 2014 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

Fire

Finding the Right Wiccan Mentor for You

The log of wood crackled as the campfire glowed. I stretched my feet, warming them near the fire, and I recalled a question raised by someone who commented on one of my blog posts. She asked about how to find a good mentor.

So I wanted to share with you the following List to Help You Find a Good Mentor.

If you’re just beginning on your Wiccan path, you may experience the difficulty in finding the right Wiccan mentor for you.

The good news is: When you find the right mentor, magick happens!

So here are some essential questions to ask yourself as you seek a great mentor for you.

Are you safe?

Safety is the most important detail here. If you don’t feel safe or you don’t trust the person who will be mentoring you, then it’s likely a bad situation. Listen to both your mind and your intuition. Do not take unnecessary risks. Leave or avoid the person. Safety first.

Do you two get along well?

The mentor-student relationship is a special one. Feeling good and connected to a mentor helps in the learning process.

Does the person abide by the Wiccan Rede?

If the person does not live according to “An it harm none,” you cannot trust that he or she will be good to you, too. Hurting others is simply wrong. If you see that the person does things that mess with another person’s will, get away from the potential Wiccan mentor.

Does the person align with the Law of Three?

Does the potential Wiccan mentor understand and accept responsibility related to the repercussions of his or her actions? The Law of Three holds that you will receive three times what you put out into the world. People who do bad things attract three times the trouble not only to themselves but to others associated with them. Get away from those who do bad things!

Is this person compassionate and respectful?

Some mentors are tyrants. A mentor who is a tyrant fails to demonstrate compassion and respect in many areas of life. If this potential mentor has no respect or compassion for others, ask yourself, “How will he/she ultimately treat me?” Avoid this potential mentor.

Does this person manipulate others?

Pay close attention. Do you see the possible mentor manipulating other people for selfish ends? It’s a fallacy that this kind of mentor will treat you “as special.” No! If the person hurts others, then at some point, such a person will hurt you, too! Avoid this type of mentor.

Does this person come highly recommended?

A rule of thumb for working with someone new is to talk with three people who have had previous interactions with the person. Certainly, you would ask about the level of the potential mentor’s knowledge. But even more important is to ask: “Would you work with this person again?” If the person does not have three people who unreservedly recommend him or her, then beware. So many people allow their desires to blind them to the truth. Do not let this happen to you. If you hear bad news about the person, heed it!

Use the above essential questions to help you find the right mentor for you.

Be safe by using both your mind and intuition.

This information is so important that I invite you to share this post far and wide.

Thank you.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw
blog: www.TheHiddenChildrenoftheGoddess.com

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

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

And

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

Mentoring

August 30, 2014 / Moonwater / 11 Comments

The Golden Gate Bridge

I focused the video camera on the Golden Gate Bridge. I was filming some footage for my upcoming video program. After I got the shot, my friend turned to me and asked, “You mentioned that this video is to help people avoid mistakes when doing magick. What was a mistake that you did?”

This started me thinking. Actually, it was the fear of making mistakes that prevented me from doing a lot while I was a solitary practitioner. I avoided spell-work because I was afraid of doing something wrong.

A number of times, I could have asked for help from the Gods, but I was afraid of doing a full spell because I was not sure about all of the proper details of casting a circle, conducting a ritual and closing the circle.

In a way, I’m glad that I hesitated. One of the big mistakes that people make is improperly closing a circle or not even closing a circle.

I replied to my friend. “My big hope with my video program is to function like a mentor to the viewers. My own mentor has saved me from making a number of mistakes. And because of that, I’ve done many rituals with confidence that I was doing the proper tasks in the correct order.”

So now, as I’m getting closer to completing my video program, I want to ask you for a favor, dear reader: What are two burning questions that you have about avoiding mistakes in your meditations and your magick work? Please post in the comments section.

Thank you!

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

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

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

And

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

The Importance of Mentoring and the Experience

August 23, 2014 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

The Altar

I placed the bowl of salt on the altar and then, gently, my mentor moved my hand to the left. Just then, I had the instinctive feeling that the bowl of salt was now in the right place.

I’ve found that having a mentor brings out an aspect of Wicca that one cannot find in a book.

Imagine trying to learn to swim without getting in the water.

Similarly, did you learn to ride a bicycle with no one next you? Learning to ride a bicycle is a good metaphor related to rising to higher levels of Wiccan practice.

You could read a book about a bicycle or watch other people riding bicycles, but that is not the same as having a mentor guide you.

When my dad taught me to ride a bicycle, he was there offering advice and helping me right the bicycle when I took a couple of spills.

Wicca is an experiential process. A mentor can guide you in a progression of experiences so that you learn at a good pace and have successful experiences along the way.

The idea of being a mentor means so much to me that I’m now completing a video in which I talk directly with the viewer and show the process of a number of meditations. I provide guided meditations—this is a prime example of when a mentor can provide an experience to help the viewer go deeper in his or her practice.

Consider ways to bring a mentor or mentors into your journey.

You’ll make progress faster and enjoy the journey more.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

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

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

And

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

Facing Love, Life, and Death

August 17, 2014August 17, 2014 / Moonwater / 2 Comments

Pent

On August 11, 2014, Robin Williams committed suicide. This really hit home for me. Being a person who has lived on both sides of the suicide-situation, I feel that it’s time I talk about it.

I have attempted multiple times to commit suicide in my life. I’ve often felt the unspeakable pain that drives one to such thoughts and actions.

The truth is: A lot of people have no way of comprehending the emotions of the person considering suicide. As a friend said to me, “It’s similar to grief. You do NOT know it, until you’re IN grief. Until someone close to you has died.”

On the other side of the situation, I have also endured when a very dear friend committed suicide. My heartbreak seared deeper than any hot poker could. Searing my flesh would have been a kindness. This pain of grief hits you deep in the soul.

Recently, I was appalled at how some pundit on a cable channel called Robin Williams “a coward” for taking his own life. Did this pundit personally know Robin? Does this pundit struggle with depression personally?

And I have other questions.

Is it possible that depression can become an unbearable pain? (I have felt such pain and fortunately the Gods broke the cord that could have ended my life.)

Is it possible that it is the right of each individual to choose how to live and how and when to die?

And then let’s add the spiritual questions.

Does the person on the verge of suicide feel (or care) that one will have to come back (be reincarnated) and learn the same thing he or she was struggling with and go through it all over again?

If suicidal thoughts arise for you, do you want to go through it again (in a reincarnated form)? Or hunker down and go through it once? (I know that to press on through suicidal thoughts can require professional and medical help.)

Still, I feel compassion for someone who has succumbed to suicide’s call.

I am not angry at my deceased friend. I only feel sorrow for him and that I could not help. I try not to blame myself for possibly missing a sign or two that he was in distress.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the hotline below.

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Or go to the web sites

http://www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html

International

http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

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

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

And

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

Face Danger and Harm None

August 2, 2014 / Moonwater / 5 Comments

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

The insect stung me and soon my whole arm was swollen. That was several years ago.

Today, I stood facing wasps on my balcony, a can of insecticide in my hand.

For three years, I have dreaded this day. And for three years, I’ve practiced the Wiccan “an it harm none.”

But today, the nest is so big and the wasps are so active.

Worse yet, they’re now getting into the house! Somehow, they are defying our screens and working their way into the house. I must take action.

If I get stung, I feel that my family will need to rush me to a hospital.

The Wiccan Rede advises me to “harm none” but these insects are invaders and they can severely harm me and my family members.

What can I do?

How do we, Wiccans, keep to the Wiccan Rede and still live our lives?

Let’s look at the word “rede.” Its origin is Middle English, and the definition is: “to give counsel to, or to advise.” Notice it isn’t defined as a rule, meaning something that must be followed.

And here is an important point: If I do nothing then harm will come to me and a family member. That is NOT “harm none.”

So now, it’s impossible to follow the “harm none” phrase like a rule.

To simply live, your body is defending you from germs and viruses. That means, your body is killing germs and viruses each day. To survive, you need to eat. Even if you are a vegan, you still kill plants in order to live.

Let’s go back to the definition of rede and the section that says, “to advise.” The idea of “advice” means that a person can take the advice and current circumstances all into account.

So how do I deal with the wasps?

I knock down their nests. I faced the risk of being near them as I was de-homing them. But they kept coming back. So I asked in the form of a prayer, “Wasps, please leave.”

The wasps did not comply with my plea. Over and over they came back and built new nests.

We are still in negotiations at this time.

But you can see: Staying true to my Wiccan path does not mean I never act to protect myself. But I strive to follow the Rede as much as I can.

What would you do?

May you find your answers on your path.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

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

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

And

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

How a Wiccan Recovers Her Balance

July 26, 2014July 29, 2014 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

HeatWave

How a Wiccan Recovers Her Balance

As Wiccans, we make continuous efforts to stay in balance with nature. Right now much of the western U.S. is suffering through a heatwave.

Staying cool is important—not just as a convenience but staying cool can save your life! So we’re turning up the AC (air conditioning) now.

As Wiccans, we endure other situations which throw us off balance and which require another form of “AC.” Whether you’re confronted with an argument with a family member or some driver cutting you off in traffic, you can see your temper get frayed.

In fact, I’m concerned about keeping cool and not getting irritable with others (even if they deserve it).

So how do you turn on your own AC during these heated times?

Breath control is a great way to calm down and control your words and actions.

Let’s say your stressed out and you’re losing your cool. What can you do?

Breathe. Let’s practice now. Take in a deep breath through your nose. In your mind count three (a sacred number) slowly.

Hold your breath for two counts. And then breathe out for three counts.

Repeat this slowly through five repetitions.

How do you feel now? Many of us find ourselves calming down. That’s really useful!

Remember breath control as your personal AC in a heated situation.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

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

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

And

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

Helping the Goddess

July 19, 2014 / Moonwater / 3 Comments

CleaningUp

My friend, John, drives the lead car and I follow in mine. We’re going on a camping trip. This one will be different, we’re going “disperse camping,” that is, we’re not using a public campground. I’m tired, but there’s hope! John flicks his blinker on and we turn off the road. Finally, no more driving. We step out of our cars and look around. The site turns my stomach.

There is trash everywhere, whole bags of it strewn across the forest, even a latrine. Yuck! Some campers just left all their trash; it had to have been quite a large group by how much trash was still there.

What would you do?

We had the option to find another spot. But as a Wiccan, I have a duty to Mother Earth.

Clearing some of the garbage we managed to set up camp. Then we drove to the ranger station down the road and told the rangers of the deplorable conditions of the site.

Then we did something they weren’t expecting. We asked for garbage bags so we could clean up the site. Their shocked but pleased faces told the story. They were quite happy to give us as many bags as we wanted.

Back at the camp site, we picked up the garbage along the river and then moved on to the camp area.

Six large and very full trash bags later, the site looked much better. I could feel the Goddess smiling.

On the other hand, it truly saddens me that some people could do this to their Mother.

As witches, Wiccans and pagans, we care for our mother. With this attitude much of our community cherishes an opportunity to clean Mother Earth.

You don’t have to look far and wide for such an opportunity. Just walk your own neighborhood. Or go to a local park. You’ll find plenty to clean and improve.

I personally feel a duty to keep my Mother clean and healthy.

How about you?

This is another way to show the Gods respect and love.

You’ll feel better, too.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

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

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

And

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

Hope Everyone Had a Happy Litha

June 21, 2014 / Moonwater / 2 Comments

I Hope Everyone Had a Great Litha.

Summer Solstice

June 20, 2014 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

Happy Litha

Hope everyone has a Happy Litha. Don’t forget to greet the sun and gather herbs at this time.

For more about the seasons and cycles of Wicca, get your copy of my book The Hidden Children of the Goddess. Here is an excerpt about Litha from the book:

Litha

The Summer Solstice, Litha, also known as Midsummer, represents when the God is at the height of his power and fertility. The sun now takes its longest path across the sky, and we experience the longest day of the year. This completes the sun’s waxing cycle and marks the beginning of the waning part of the solar year. The days become increasingly shorter until the Wheel of the Year returns to Yule when the days once again wax with the sun.

Wiccans enjoy collecting and drying herbs during Litha. Many take nice walks out in nature to harvest these herbs. Herbs harvested during this period have greater magickal powers than herbs gathered at other times of the year. Herbs reach their peak of strength and potency during Litha.

Once again, the bonfire holds a prominent place. The God rises to his peak as his power and strength expand at Litha.

Not all covens have access to open places that permit bonfires, but that doesn’t mean these groups can’t celebrate the summer Sabbats. They just need to develop their own symbolic representations. For example, when my coven meets for Litha, we do a barbeque. Meat and fire form a good combo for this Sabbat! Yum!

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw