The Hidden Children of the Goddess

How Wicca Values Wisdom

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Elders Lead The Way

How Wicca Values Wisdom

Have you ever felt bothered by how media pushes that people need to be “young and beautiful”?

You may have noticed that Wicca pushes back against media in that Wicca honors and respects our elders.

Have you also noticed how the Western World seems to overlook the merits of tempered wisdom and instead favors youth?

Wicca acknowledges that for our species, youth is life. Youth is fertility and health. Wicca also acknowledges that, as one lives, wisdom can blossom. Wisdom arose as early people learned which berries were safe to eat and what plants could heal. With wisdom we not only survived, we thrived. Wicca acknowledges the value of both youth and elders’ wisdom. Elders have traveled the path of life ahead of us. They can help us do better on our personal path if we care to listen.

Just like youthful strong bodies can get hard work done, elders have the wisdom of knowing how to work smart.

This is important for survival.

In past eras, without the wisdom of the elders, people couldn’t survive. Because of this we valued our elders.

However, as time passed, we notice that technology appears to make elders’ advice and experience less relevant. With life moving as fast as it does, many of us would rather read something on the Internet, than talk to an elder. I get that. I love tech; I’m a blogger after all. But with all the bells and whistles technology has, we still need our humanity for us to really learn.

It’s like reading about the Titanic disaster in a book as opposed to actually talking with a survivor who lived through the experience. The survivor will be able to tell you the visceral experience they had along with other crucial information that a book just can’t convey.

We pick up so much in nonverbal cues: The look on a person’s face, the tonality of their voice, and the pace in which they speak.

Think of it: Storytelling has been such a valuable part of humanity’s life. We learn so much because we actually experience the truth of a situation while we experience a person telling a story.

In the Western World we have forgotten the important distinction of experience versus merely reading some facts conveyed in a barren form on the Internet.

The good news is: Wiccans — like a number of Eastern cultures — have retained wisdom. As Wiccans, we understand that we need both the vitality and virility of youth, but it must be tempered with wisdom and knowledge for survival and even enhancing one’s path in life.

Wiccans know that to travel a spiritual path you need wisdom to know where to tread and where not to tread. Elders can talk with you about life, if not current technology. They can talk with you about the people who make technology. They can provide the patience and understanding about tough issues like loss and grief. They can even help you appreciate the joys of life.

I invite you to consider elders as another resource. They can guide you in ways that something you read just can’t.

Wiccans know that there is more to life than tech. Some wisdom and learning only comes from having lived through tough experiences.

See how you might connect with appropriate elders.

You’ll find new facets of life opening to you.

Blessed Be,

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Invoking and Banishing the Elements

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The Pentagram and the Five Elements

The Pentagram and the Five Elements

Invoking and Banishing the Elements

 

When we begin a ritual and call in the Elements, we are inviting them to protect us and help us with something we want in life.

For example, if I’m doing a ritual related to love, I may invoke Water because it focuses on emotions.

I may want to bring passion to some situation in my life, and I would then invoke Fire.

How do we invoke an Element? It involves moving your hand in the air according to that which is indicated in the below diagram.

Proper invoking is easy. All you need to know is where to start. Here is a good rule: To invoke, go towards the element you’re invoking.

What this means is: you move your hand in the air (according to the diagram) in the direction of the desired Element.

At the end of your ritual . . .

At the end of the ritual, you will want to banish the element. I’ve shared with a student that if you don’t banish Water after you invoke it, you might end up with plumbing problems. If you don’t banish Fire, you might have a fire start in your home. Don’t let this happen! Be sure to banish the element.

To banish the element, move your hand in the direction away from that element you wish to banish. You can see this in the diagram below.

 

Pentagram Chart

When do I use the elemental invoking and banishing pentacles? One of the most common ways to use these pentagrams is casting and later taking down a circle. The other most common use is when you work with specific elements.

Elements can be a powerful part of your spiritual practice.

Handle with care.

And watch positive outcomes happen.

Blessings,

Moonwater SilverClaw

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Death and Grief during Yule Time

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The Summer Lands Garden

Death and Grief during Yule Time

A dear friend of mine was shot at his workplace and killed last Wednesday, the 11th. I’m grieving and I’m angry because I feel his death could have been prevented.

Grieving during the holidays when everyone is supposed to be so cheerful feels especially painful. In our pain, we might even feel anger take hold. It’s unfair to be singled out for grief.

So what can you do for a person in grief? Just listen to them.

Listening to a person dealing with grief is a hard thing. It often brings up our own pain.

Listening is a gift you give to help the grieving person feel needed support. Saying what she feels can even begin her healing process.

It’s true that you can’t solve anything for the person. But you don’t need to, and you shouldn’t try. The person grieving must travel the path of healing herself.

Being there for your friend or family member is the best thing you can do. Offering a kind heart, understanding shoulder and attentive ear is the best gift you can give someone going through grief.

May all those who cross to the other side this Yule Time be blessed, and may those who are left behind be blessed as well.

So mote it be.

Blessings,

Moonwater

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How to Retire Your Magickal Tools

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Large Oak Tree

Large Oak Tree

How to Retire Your Magickal Tools

Have you noticed that life has different rhythms, and it calls you in new ways? Some of us find that our old magickal tools and jewelry do not feel relevant any longer.

The topic of recycling is solid in my thoughts because my sweetheart is hip deep in recycling 14 years of old stuff. Why? It’s time for him to drop the 9 x 9 storage locker in favor of a 4 x 5 one. He’s in the process of letting go of books, files, audio programs, vinyl records and more.

Unlike my sweetheart and his storage problem, a Wiccan cannot simply toss out an old magickal tool.

You need to keep the following in mind when you consider decommissioning a magickal tool. Magickal tools are very special in that they carry your energy or that of whomever used them or charged them. Further, magickal jewelry actually absorbs the wearer’s energy. Even if you stop wearing the jewelry it is still connected to you.

Here are three ways to deal with a magickal tool or piece of jewelry that you’re now primed to let go:

1) You might consider giving the tool to someone you trust. Be quite careful here. Remember the object is still connected to you.

2) Consider safely destroying the object by fire. Wiccans use fire to destroy objects made of parchment or wood. With jewelry, it helps to have access to a forge, perhaps, at a local art school.

3) Deeply bury the object under an old oak tree. At this point, give a gift (perhaps, water) to the tree and ask that it guard the item for you. Trees make excellent guards to special objects you want kept safe. Note: Bury the object under the cover of darkness to avoid being seen by strangers. While you bury the object recite these words: “I now separate myself from this object. I cut the cord that binds us. So mote it be.”

It is crucial that you conduct a form of ritual to truly separate yourself from the object.

Again, be careful about how you decommission your magical object. We need to prevent someone from unwittingly stumbling upon the item. It can be quite dangerous for those who don’t know how to use magick to come into contact with such powerful objects.

Make sure you insure your own safety and the safety of others.

You never know when a new chapter of life will call you. When that happens, you may find it necessary to decommission a magickal tool or a piece of magickal jewelry. That’s fine. Do it carefully and welcome your new chapter of life.

Blessings,

Moonwater

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Overcoming Yuletide Blues

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Candle

Candle

Overcoming Yuletide Blues

 

Are you less than jolly this time of year? Tired of hearing how happy you’re supposed to be during the holidays? Do you just want more peace during this stressful time?

Some of us find it a hardship to see relatives who don’t share our spiritual beliefs.

Many Wiccans and Pagans stay in the broom closet (in hiding) from family and friends. Why? Rejection. Some families even banish pagan relatives. This banishment would result if they discovered our hearts and minds are with the Gods. It’s just too much of a risk of loss for many to bear. In some communities, one may even fear retaliation by one’s own family.

I know some pagans who don’t face such consequences and who practice freely. These fortunate pagans told me that the others are “cowards” for hiding. It bothers me to witness such lack of compassion for others’ pain and problems.

How do we cope with such adversity?

Being in the broom closet is not a bad thing. For some, it is a necessity for keeping their job and family.

So how do we keep the peace in our own hearts this holiday season while in the closet? How do we still honor the Gods during the holidays with family? Here are a few suggestions:

  • Wear a pagan pendent under your shirt. (Just make sure that it can’t fall out and be seen by unfriendly eyes.)
  • Light a candle (while saying a silent prayer) and place it on the mantel or other place of prominence in your own home.
  • Take a ritual bath before a gathering and honor the Gods. You’ll feel better.
  • Bring a bottle of your favorite drink (mead is mine) to a gathering.
  • Anoint yourself with sacred oil and keep your intentions of love and peace for the Yule holiday close to you.

These actions can be done in the broom closet and need not require permission from any unsympathetic family members.

And for that extra touch of magick here is a simple blessing you can say for yourself for holiday gatherings.

By the Gods and the four quarters might,

May this blessing be just right.

May the Gods love be in my heart,

May my heart be the center for my kindness,

May my kindness be a guide for my compassion,

May my compassion be an action of love in this world,

And may my action of love in this world bring peace to all at this time.

So mote it be.

How do you plan to celebrate this Yule Sabbat? Are there any ideas you would like to share? Let me know by using the comments box.

Blessings,

Moonwater

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I wanted to take a moment and pass this vital message on to you from one of my mentors, Patrick McCollum. What the Patrick McCollum Foundation does is truly important to our community and around the world. If you think you can help, please contact Nell Rose.
Patrick leads march for preserving the Ganges and the Planet. 5000 children participated

Patrick leads march for preserving the Ganges and the Planet. 5000 children participated

“Patrick is quickly becoming one of the foremost voices in our world on the topics of creating world peace and sustaining all people. His message inspires audiences to recognize our inherent interconnection through a common narrative, which gives us greater access to envisioning and creating a common goal: a world that works for everyone. Patrick talked about some of the incredible things that have happened to him over the last 3 and a half years and I wanted to take a moment to review these once again:
  • Buddhist spiritual leaders in Thailand have named Patrick the “World Inner Peace Ambassador”.
  • He was an honored guest speaker at the World Culture Forum in Kazakhstan 2010 where he spoke on the importance of our harmonious connection with Nature and with each other.
  • He has been initiated as a Saint in India and given the name ‘Babaji’, meaning ‘Revered Father’
  • He has also been honored as the ‘King of Peace’ by renowned Tibetan Buddhist Rinpoche’s in our world, among receiving other titles of similar caliber.
  • In 2011 he was honored with receiving the Mahatma Gandhi Award for Religious Pluralism.
  • Last January, Patrick was invited to lead the opening prayer at the Maha Kumba Mela in India, a spiritual gathering that attracted over 100 million people.
  • In February, Patrick will be giving a blessing and be a part of the Maha Yaga in India.
  • In March he will be doing a workshop in Maui with Ram Dass.
Patrick’s teachings have helped many seekers make sense of the world and deepen their connection to Mother Earth and the Universe with an open heart in the wholeness of Love and Reality.
We are currently in an active fund raising program to help further Patrick’s work. We are attempting to raise $100,000.00 to create a digital media library to preserve the teachings of Patrick, and other like-minded spiritual teachers, update our web site, and help cover the cost of travel to the many events Patrick will attending and spreading his massage in creating peace bridges between countries and people, to help him to continue inspiring youth, to support women’s rights, religious equality and to continue to archive his spiritual practices and teachings, and for general overhead to help support and build a stronger Foundation.
  • We are also currently running an indiegogo campaign for Patrick for his upcoming Maha Yaga trip. If you could please send this to any list or social networking sites that you may be a part of to get the message out.
If you can contribute financially in some way that would be wonderful. Please contact me so I might provide further details on our Fundraising Goals and how you can help.”
Blessings, Light, Love, Peace,
NellRoseSigPic

A Blessing for Success and Strength

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What Path Do You Walk?

A Blessing for Success and Strength

Are you walking the path you want to be traversing? Would you choose a different path? We’re all walking a path at the moment. But the question is: Is this the path you prefer?

Years ago, I felt I had no control over the path of life I was walking on. I felt like I was just dragged along, whether I enjoyed it or not.

Many of us feel like that, at least some of the time. How do we take control of our path? One thing that helps is meditation. This clears the mind of the distractions and helps us focus on the important elements of life.

For a little extra help you can say this blessing upon yourself.

A Blessing for Success and Strength

I call upon the power of the Gods and the mighty ones that I may be blessed.

Blessed be my mind, that it be clear of all distractions. Focused on its sacred purpose.

Blessed be my eyes, that they see without hate, and that they see my correct path.

Blessed be my lips, that they speak with strength, beauty, kindness and truth.

Blessed be my voice, that it be clear and strong and that it not shake in fear from adversity or from facing closed minds.

Blessed be my heart, that I always have love and compassion for myself and others.

Blessed be my arms, that they carry my burdens with strength and ease.

Blessed be my hands, that they work and create with purpose, steadily and honorably.

Blessed be my knees, that they not tremble with fear when hardships come my way.

Blessed be my feet, that they do not waver, but walk on the sacred path of light with surefootedness and purpose.

I have found that using empowering words in meditation is so helpful to turn the direction of one’s thoughts.

What words do you use to empower yourself?

Blessed Be,

Moonwater

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Remember to give the gift of The Hidden Children of the Goddess this Yule.

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

The Hidden Children of the Goddess Book

Blessings to those on the Sacred Path

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TheSacredPath

Finding Your Way on the Sacred Path

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Path

The Path

 

Finding Your Way on the Sacred Path

How did you find the Wiccan faith? Was it through a personal connection or was it through a book or website?

Wiccans until recently were hard to find. Many followers of the path work in secret, in the shadows. Why have all the secrecy?

This secrecy was vital because throughout history and even to this present day Wiccans (and other pagans) have been and continue to be discriminated against.

Face it, we are still a minority faith in this world. Most practitioners prefer to stay in the shadows because of the possibility of retaliation and prejudice found in family, school, work, and the general public. We know too well that there are general misconceptions and fear about the Craft. So many Wiccans practice in the shadow. (After all, I call my blog and my book The Hidden Children of the Goddess.)

So how is one to find a reliable teacher while so many teachers practice in the shadows?

You need some initial education. Books can be a great way to start. Read a bunch of books and you will start to see a pattern. Your intuition will alert you to who really knows valuable material and who may be offering faulty information.

Here is a good reading list to start your path. Those of you who have been on the path for a time may want to revisit some of these books. It’s important to have a good foundation in the Craft before moving on to the more advanced practices.

Reading List:

I invite you to consider my book:

 

SilverClaw, Moonwater. The Hidden Children of the Goddess: Embrace Wicca, Become Strong, Be at Peace with Yourself and the World Around You, QuickBreakthrough Publishing (October 31, 2013)

And here are more books:

Buckland, Ray. Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, 2nd Edition. Llewellyn Publications, 2002.

Buckland, Ray. Practical Color Magick. Llewellyn Publications, 1999.

Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs, The Essential Guide To More Than 125 of Nature’s Most Potent Herbal Remedies. Rodale Inc 2009.

Cunningham, Scott. Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. Llewellyn Publications, 1989.

Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Expanded & Revised Edition. Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (October 1985).

Ferrar, Janet and Stewart. Eight Sabbats for Witches, Revised Edition. Phoenix Publishing, WA, 1988.

Ferrar, Janet and Stewart. The Witches’ God: Lord of the Dance. Phoenix Publishing, WA, 1989.

Ferrar, Janet and Stewart. The Witches’ Goddess: The Feminine Principle of Divinity. Phoenix Publishing, WA, 1987.

Ferrar, Stewart. What Witches Do. Robert Hale, 2010.

Fitch, Ed. A Grimoire of Shadows: Witchcraft, Paganism & Magick. Llewellyn Publications, 1996.

Frazer, James George. The Golden Bough: A Study in Magic and Religion, A New Abridgement from the 2nd and 3rd Editions. OxfordUniversityPress, USA, 2009.

Gardner, Gerald. High Magic’s Aid. Aurinia Books, 2010.

Gardner, Gerald. The Meaning of Witchcraft. Red Wheel/Weiser, 2004.

Gardner, Gerald. Witchcraft Today. Citadel, 2004.

Giles, Cynthia. The Tarot: History, Mystery, and Lore. Touchstone, 1994.

Graves, Robert. The White Goddess: A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth, Amended and Enlarged Edition. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1966.

Leland, Charles G. Aradia or The Gospel Of The Witches. Kessinger Publishing LLC, 2010.

Lipp, Deborah. The Way of Four: Create Elemental Balance in Your Life. Llewellyn Publications, 2004.

Marcoux, Tom. Darkest Secrets of Spiritual Seduction Masters: How to Protect Yourself, Boost Your Psychological Immune System and Strengthen Your Spirit. Tom Marcoux Media, LLC, 2011.

McCoy, Edain. Sabbats: A Witch’s Approach to Living the Old Ways. Llewellyn Publications, 2001.

Murray, Margaret Alice. The God of the Witches. NuVision Publications, 2009.

Neal, Carl. The Magick Toolbox: The Ultimate Compendium for Choosing and Using Ritual Implements and Magickal Tools. Samuel Weiser, 2004.

Russell, Jeffrey B. and Alexander, Brooks. A History of Witchcraft: Sorcerers, Heretics & Pagans, 2nd Edition. Thames & Hudson, 2007.

Starhawk. The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition. HarperOne, 1999.

Sylvan, Dianne. The Circle Within: Creating a Wiccan Spiritual Tradition. Llewellyn Publications, 2003.

Tognetti, Arlene. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tarot, 2nd Edition. ALPHA, 2003.

Tognetti, Arlene and Flynn, Carolyn. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Tarot Spreads Illustrated. ALPHA, 2006.

Valiente, Doreen. An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present. Phoenix Publishing, WA, 1988.

Valiente, Doreen. Natural Magic. Robert Hale, 1999.

Valiente, Doreen. Witchcraft for Tomorrow. Robert Hale, 1993.

Wood, Robin. Robin Wood Tarot: The Book. Robin Wood Enterprises, 1998.

Wood, Robin. When, Why … If. Robin Wood Enterprises, 1997.

Once you have read a number of books, you will have a basic familiarity with the Craft. Next, find a mentor in the particular Tradition (type) of Wicca you want to study.

The Witches’ Voice (witchvox.com) is a great place to read more articles and to network for new connections. You can find people who have taken the giant step (and risks) to be known in the community.

Observe carefully. Use your basic familiarity with the Craft and your intuition to find someone who you feel is a good match for your next steps in learning.

Each Tradition does the Craft a little differently. It’s not that one particular Tradition’s ritual is “wrong” compared to another Tradition. There are many ways of doing the same thing correctly.

How did you come to know the Craft? Let me know in the comments section. Thank you.

Blessings,

Moonwater

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Feeling Stressed Out? Call on the Gods

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Cat waiting.

Waiting for Guidance?

 

Feeling Stressed Out? Call on the Gods

 

Have you recently had to make some choices that brought you stress?

Stress can tell us a lot. We can see what is important to us. In this way, stress can actually guide us to the secrets of our hearts. How? We wouldn’t be feeling stressed out about something if we didn’t think it is important and it’s being threatened.

Once we know what we value, we can better set our course through life.

You see, what we need is clarity.

This is where the Gods can help.

If you’re under pressure and feeling the burden of stress, you can ask the Gods for clarity.

Why is clarity so important? When you can see things clearly, you can make a plan and take appropriate action. Those two things will reduce your stress.

One of the best ways to do that is through meditation. Here is a simple meditation to ask the Gods for their guidance.

For all meditations, follow these simple guidelines.

  • Find a place where you will not be disturbed for the entire meditation.
  • Turn off the ringer of your cell phone.
  • Take a sitting position where your spine is straight and your feet are flat on the floor.
  • Dim the lights.

Asking the Gods for Guidance – The Meditation

Start by breathing in and out deeply.

With each breath in, pull in relaxation.

With each breath out, release the stresses of the day.

Visualize breathing in the light of the Gods, soothing you.

And picture that with each breath out, you’re expelling a black cloud of stress.

Keep breathing–in and out, in and out.

And as you keep breathing in and out deeply,

Notice now that the light begins to fade around you.

Slowly at first, it gets darker and darker — until you are in total darkness, and you’re feeling safe and secure in the darkness.

Then . . . a new light blooms around you, slowly at first, but gradually it gets brighter and brighter.

You see that you are in the middle of a circle of standing stones. This great henge protects you from all bad entities.

In the middle of this henge rests a large stone altar. You walk to it and sit in front of the altar.

Now you ask the Gods for their guidance.

As you sit, you notice two loving energies beside you.

One is the Goddess and the other one is the God.

You ask them for their help and they lovingly answer your request.

(Pause for a time to hear their guidance.)

Having gifted you with their guidance, they bid you farewell.

Now it’s time to return from where you came.

Notice the light starts to dim until you are in total darkness, where you feel safe and secure.

Then . . . a familiar light returns, slowly at first, but gradually it gets brighter and brighter.

Open your eyes; you are back in the room and safe.

Note: After completing your meditation, light a candle to the Gods to thank them for their guidance.

With the Gods help, you make great decisions, creating your life of happiness.

The Gods are always there to help you. All you need is to ask for their help. You can go to them for help about anything you need.

Knowing this now, what guidance would you seek from the Gods?

Blessed Be,

Moonwater

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Happy Samhain

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Gourds

Have a happy Samhain! May your family, from now to past, be blessed on this Sabbat.

Blessings,

Moonwater