Dealing with Depression While Having Cancer

January 5, 2018January 5, 2018 / Moonwater / 2 Comments

“You okay, Moonwater? Are you sick?” my friend, Lisa, asked.
“I don’t know. The doctor took some skin from near my wrist. I’m waiting on a biopsy,” I replied.

Then, the next day, the doctor’s office left a voicemail for me — a vague message.
But such a fast return call promised bad news. I had to wait the whole weekend until I could get someone on the phone. The answer was … cancer.

Now the question was … did they cut away all of the cancerous cells? The afflicted spot was the size of a dime, and the doctor had used a dermablade to cut away a nickel-sized area.

Again—it was about waiting to find out.

Can you relate? Have you had anxiety waiting for news related to something you had no control over?

Let’s add depression to the mix of anxiety and cancer.

My depression symptoms already pushed me to see a bleak future. Now, with the cancer-diagnosis, my mind spiraled into dark corners. Fear, dread, pain.

So, what can we do to sooth these feelings?

Here are Three Practical Ways to Soothe Feelings of Dread:

Talk with Friends

You can circle the wagons with your friends/family.

You’ll want to be selective about with whom you share your difficult news. I even have a kind friend who prefers texting to talking on the phone. We had a good conversation.

Still, many of us find talking on the phone or visiting in-person to be more helpful.

Many times, your friends and family can be supportive and give you strength. This includes your coven mates if you are in a coven.

A select number of your friends can and will support you. You can lean on them when life gets tough.

Certain friends helped me see the light when depression only showed darkness.

My husband gave me a different perspective. He called the operation a “cancer event.” (I didn’t like this phrase.)

His point was that the operation was likely successful. So, the situation was over (like an event). He added, “Until the data is in, it’s good.” By this he meant, if you don’t have an indication otherwise, carry on as if you’re going to get good news. Sometimes, he calls it “postponing worry that might prove unnecessary.”

Some people may find this perspective useful at times.

One thing I like about my husband’s comment is that it’s about holding a positive thought and sending that positive thought as energy into the universe.

Pray to the God and Goddess

I talked a lot to the God and Goddess. I asked Them to postpone my worries until I had more information. They sat with me in my fear and comforted me. They quieted my fears.

I said, “Please let this be okay. Give me guidance. Let me have the strength to go through this situation.” I focused on these intentions with the God and Goddess. This provided me a whole different direction than my depression symptoms would have brought to me.

So, when you have a serious question with no answer and you feel anxious, talk to the God and Goddess. See if you feel a subtle shift inside. That would be the God and Goddess providing you subtle support.

Perform a Ritual

Do a simple candle ritual to calm and reassure yourself.

I find lighting a candle and asking for peace/faith/comfort really helps me.

You can say:

With this Candle
I honor You, God and Goddess
Please fill me with Light.
Lend me Your Might.
So Mote It Be.

May these above practices bring you comfort and healing.

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

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

Now Enrolling Goddess Style Weight Loss – the Online Course

January 1, 2018January 2, 2018 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

See Video

Online Course Begins On Jan. 15, 2018

Register now at http://bit.ly/2Cbf5a5

Get the Online Course Here
Course value: $129.00
Special Limited Time Offer for Only $49.97

Note: Online Course paid for in PayPal will be delivered manually within 24 hours of purchase.

What if you could invite Goddess to help you lose weight? You’ll learn a system of weight loss that is NOT a diet, and you’ll be honoring the God and Goddess through the practice of Wicca. You’ll take care of yourself. You will not be hurting yourself with denial of your favorite foods all the time. You’ll even nurture yourself and feel the embrace of the Goddess. This 5-week online course is about being healthy. It’s not about being stereotypically attractive like any image portrayed in the media. In fact, Wiccans appreciate Goddess in Her many forms. High Priestess Moonwater SilverClaw reveals in this course the process in which she permanently dropped 40 pounds. Her health is better.

You will learn to provide yourself with comfort in ways that connect you with Goddess. You will transform your journey so you let go of “being big” to be safe. Moonwater writes: “I’ve learned that as I take better care of myself and I connect with God and Goddess, I do NOT need the extra weight to feel safe.”

Begin a new journey of weight loss and spiritual peace.

Get the Online Course Here
Course value: $129.00
Special Limited Time Offer for Only $49.97

Note: Online Course paid for in PayPal will be delivered manually within 24 hours of purchase.

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.

A Spell to Keep You Safe When Traveling by Car

December 29, 2017December 29, 2017 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

Protection While Driving Sigil

“I wasn’t even driving at the time, and still I was in another car accident!” my friend, Lesley said. “Moonwater, please give me some kind of protection. After being in three accidents, I’m afraid of driving now.”

Lesley asked me to write up a simple ritual to enhance her protection when she is in a car. This would help her quiet down her fear.

Have you been in a car accident? When you get into a car do you have some fearful thoughts about getting into another accident? During the current holiday season, many of us fear to encounter drunk drivers on the road.

Some time ago, when I was in a car accident while a friend was driving, I only had a mild case of whiplash. I was grateful to the God and Goddess for protecting me from anything more severe.

Today, I have a protection sigil in my car, and the sigil has saved me from a number of fenderbenders.

How significant are the risks of driving? I looked at the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) website and found this: “About 4,000 drivers are killed each year with drugs in their systems. This doesn’t count those who had drugs in their system without test results, or those killed by drivers with drugs in their system.”

The MADD website continues with: “During weekday daytime, 12.1% of drivers tested positive for an illegal drug; 10.3% tested positive for prescription and OTC medications. During weekend nighttime, 15.2% of drivers tested positive for an illegal drug; 7.3% tested positive for prescription and OTC medications.”

Perhaps, you join me in looking on these percentages with concern. How can we protect ourselves and our loved ones, especially this holiday season? With the ritual below.

Ritual for Your Safety While Traveling by Car

What you will need:

Protection While Driving Sigil
Protection incense
Ritual tools
Altar

Preparation:

Create your sigil as seen above.
- Use a virgin sheet of parchment or plain paper (which has not been written upon) and recreate the sigil image above.
Set up your altar
Take your ritual bath
Meditate on how you want to be protected by the Gods when you drive and you want that your fear leaves you about driving.

Ritual:

Cast Circle in the usual manner.

Cleanse the sigil with your holy water.

Charge the sigil by holding it over the incense. As you do so, chant three times:

Protection surrounds me,
Fear releases me!
Where the rubber meets road,
Let no worry have its hold!

Take your charged sigil and go to the East and say:

I call upon the East to open the doors to the wisdom of protection for me!

Take your sigil to the South and say:

I call upon the South to stoke the flames of fearlessness within me.

Take your sigil to the West and say:

I call upon the West to wash serenity over me while I drive.

Take your sigil to the North and say:

I call upon the North to ground me in protection from others on the road.

Carry your sigil back to the East and say:

So Mote it Be!

Do the Cakes and Wine Ceremony

Close your Circle.

Use this ritual to create a charged sigil for your protection. The sigil will also help you stay calm and strong while on the road.

May this sigil ritual keep you safe.

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.

Wiccans and the Breath of Life of the Goddess

December 22, 2017 / Moonwater / 2 Comments

Have you felt alone or like you’ve hit bottom? Would you like to experience the Goddess’s Breath of Life?

When do we really need the God’s and Goddess’s love and light?

Every day? Yes. And in particular, when you’re feeling sick. I just had another coughing jag that almost split me in two. I keep reminding myself to let the Gods’ love and light in.

Their healing breath of life can soothe and heal even the most broken parts of us.

When we look at the word enthusiasm, we realize the Latin origin of the word includes “theos (God)” and the meaning “inspired by God.” Inspire means “breathe life into.”

Three Common Blockages That Can Keep You from Receiving Goddess’s Breath of Life

Here are Three Blockages you may experience:

Distraction from Your Essence
Feeling Unworthy
Loss of Hope

Distraction from Your Essence

When I think of the meaning of “Your Essence,” I think of Your True Self, which is what the God and Goddess meant for you to be. This about your True Path.

We all have a True Path in life. It consists of the lessons and goals we set up before we incarnated here on the physical plane.

If we’re distracted from Our True Self, we can feel certain forms of pain. These can manifest as feelings of being alone and unworthy. These feelings create blockages to our True Path.

Many Wiccans connect with their natural state of peace and comfort while meditating, chanting or doing a ritual or breathing process.

Feeling Unworthy

With this blog, I’ve shared part of my journey in dealing with symptoms of clinical depression. With these symptoms I can feel unworthy of love and kindness, even from the Gods!

So, how do we transform this feeling of unworthiness to happiness or even enthusiasm? Meditation is a great way to start on the road to the God and Goddess.

Many Wiccans find that focusing on the breath can be helpful, too. Here is an easy Breath Exercise to help remove blocks in your way to the Gods.

Breath Exercise

As you take in a long, slow breath, say silently,

“I breathe in Light and Goddess’s Love.”

As you breathe out slowly, say silently,

“I breathe out pain and distraction.”

Loss of Hope

During the recent political events in the USA, many people feel hopeless. Then, something good happened. Recently, there was a big turnout of African-American women voters in Alabama. They voted to make sure an alleged-pedophile candidate did NOT get elected. (I feel he should not have been allowed to run in the first place.) This resulted in the first Democratic senator to be elected to represent Alabama in 25 years.

This positive outcome reminded me that we have a choice to focus on the good moments of life. In this way, we can nurture hope within our heart.

So, if you feel a loss of hope, see if you can find something good to focus on. This helps open the door so that you can receive the Goddess’s Breath of Life.

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.

Wiccans Take Back Yule

December 15, 2017December 18, 2017 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

“How do you feel about how the Western world has taken over Yule?” my friend, Susan, asked.

Sometimes, it does bother me to see that other people have taken over the Pagan traditions of the Yule Tree, Yule Log and more.

Then, I think about how we, Wiccans, can claim the Yule Season for our own hearts.

What Wiccans Emphasize About Yule

Let’s look at the Yule Tree. Evergreens were seen as proof of everlasting life. Our ancestors saw that evergreen trees were the one source of life that continued to live and stay green throughout the year. Even in the deepest winter. They didn’t die with the rest of the plants during the cold months. They were special.

Our ancestors celebrated this. They and we, modern Pagans, consider the Yule Tree as sacred.

This is why our ancestors brought evergreens into their homes and decorated them with small gifts to the God and Goddess. Candles were placed on the bows of the trees (I do not recommend this due to the fire hazard). This is where Yule trees come from, and yes – Christians have adopted the Yule Tree as their “Christmas tree.”

Still, we, Wiccans, can say to ourselves “Our Yule Tree!”

Wiccans Can Support Their Own Spirits Amid the Gift-giving Rush

Have you ever found yourself fretting about getting the “right” gifts for a bunch of people at this time of year? Many Wiccans feel the crush of not having the funds for much gift-giving.

For Pagans, exchanging gifts, at this time, is really about celebration. How?

Think about it. Why do you give gifts in the first place?

The first gifts were exchanged by our ancestors as a means of expressing joy for the Sun God’s return.

Small gifts were hung on the branches of the Yule tree for the God and Goddess. Now, we give gifts between ourselves, too.

You can think “small and meaningful.” Even giving a printed out photo, placed in a frame (from a “dollar store”) can be a good gift.

Wiccans Meet with Family and Focus on One’s Chosen Family

An old comment is: “If you think you’re enlightened, just attend a family reunion!”

Do you ever dread going to family reunions?

For Pagans, family reunions can be an extra burden. Many of us, for good reasons, must keep our Pagan path as our own secret.

Many of us fear being outed as a witch/Pagan. We hide our pentacle necklaces and other jewelry to conceal our true selves.

So, what is the solution?

Devote Time with Your Chosen Family

In a few days, I’ll be attending a Yule party with my coven. What a relief! Being with likeminded people can really help with the loneliness/alienation/fear that comes with being around non-pagans. Especially this time of year!

Finding a place where you can share common ground with support can be a life saver. Really!

A significant number of people commit suicide at this time of year.

Instead, having a safe and loving place to share with others of like-mind can stop the loneliness/alienation/fear for a Pagan at this time.

In summary, Yule has always been our time. Smile to yourself and own it.

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

Try My Online Course

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

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

How You Can Interweave Wicca with Your Daily Life

December 8, 2017 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

Savvy Wiccans learn to interweave their practice in the spare moments of daily life.

Read and study during your lunch break.

You can bring your e-reader or book wherever you go. If you’re uncomfortable about people seeing the cover of your paperback book, use some paper and make a simple cover. Study during your breaks during the day.

Catching five minutes and ten minutes here and there can keep you on track to grow in the Craft.

Take five minutes in the morning for the God and Goddess.

Meditation is a great way to start the day. Communicating with the Gods and checking in with Them can keep you on your track for a closer bond with Them. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with the Gods. Even a five-minute meditation session can make a real difference.

When cooking, choose foods based on their magickal benefits.

Many of us cook daily, anyway. So, it’s a good idea to enhance your Wiccan practice with how you make good choices about the foods you eat.

For example, if you’re looking for love, cook a meal using basil. Basil can be used for attracting wealth, too. Talk about a double-benefit!

Need protection, try garlic. Make some garlic bread to go with pasta. Many Wiccans use garlic for healing, too. Consider adding garlic to chicken soup for a wonderful taste. This works well for healing from colds and flus.

Create your own cooking style.

Take a daily walk around trees.

Even just a ten-minute walk can give you an experience of communing with nature and feeling the healing from the Gods.

Walking around in nature helps scrub your aura. Furthermore, such a walk drains negative energy out of your body. No wonder doctors have started prescribing walking in nature—now called “ecotherapy.”

In summary, here is an example of how Laura incorporates Wiccan practice in her daily life. She wakes up 10 minutes early and gets in her 5-minute meditation. She walks in a park while listening to a Wiccan audio book during her break. She eats her “prosperity soup” during her lunchbreak.

As we’ve discussed: There are numerous ways to weave your magickal life into your mundane one.

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.

The Flame Within You

December 1, 2017December 1, 2017 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

Fire

“Ahhh. My throat’s on fire and my ears hurt,” my friend, Sharon, said when describing how sick she felt.

Her comment inspired me to think about how, at this time, many of us are having our internal flame diminished.

How can we stoke and tend the flame within?

Getting a cold, having allergies or just feeling shut away from the light of the Gods can really be a downer. This is when we need to feed the fire within.

Doing ritual can help us keep our internal flame lit.

“With the discovery of fire-making, ritual may have started. You did this and this, and up sprang the magickal flame, a spirit at your command.” – Gerald B. Gardner

Consider the Element Fire. As humans learned to harness the benefits of fire, we discovered an essential part of our rituals. What rituals can we do to keep our flame roaring not just a weak glow?

Here are three things you can do to keep your flame bright and powerful:

Walk in the Wild

Recently, I’ve seen materials from doctors mentioning ecotherapy. Ecotherapy is defined as “exposure to nature and the outdoors as a form or component of psychotherapy.” (yourdictionary.com)

Witches have long known that nature is good for us. Now, doctors have finally started to catch on.

I love walking in nature. Why? Because plants, trees, and water around us take in the toxins and free a person from such toxins. Because I deal with symptoms of clinical depression, I walk in nature to become free of sadness, anxiety, and fear found in my body and soul. This does help me. Getting a thorough cleaning and being close to the God and Goddess always brings me joy.

The doctors may not yet know the true reasons why walking in nature is beneficial, but we, witches, know how it works.

For city dwellers, at least, talk a walk on a street decorated with living trees or walk in a public park.

Read Wiccan Books

Make reading a natural part of your day. Support your inner flame by reading in the direction your curiosity takes you.

At this dark time of the year, many Wiccans refrain from doing active magick.

What you can do is to immerse yourself in Wiccan education. (I believe in this and I created on online course Goddess Style Weight Loss – see the video)

How do you make reading a ritual? Pick a certain place and a certain time. You could light a candle, sit down with a nice cup of tea, and read … and smile.

Meditate and Enter a Good Place—In This Moment

Wiccans use meditation to connect with all that is good in this moment. Focusing on your breath can be part of your gratitude-ritual. You are grateful for every breath of life—the gift from God and Goddess.

Here is a pattern:

Breathe in.
I stoke the Flame of Life.

Breathe out.
I breathe out all stress and strife.

A Bonus Idea: Meditation can also kindle your positive anticipation for future good things. Think of what you would like to work on next year. Write down your thoughts on separate slips of paper and then place each item, one at a time, on your altar and meditate on how you want to accomplish the different goals.

You can light a candle and play some soft, relaxing music in the background.

In summary, I invite you to keep your internal flame bright and powerful.

Remember:

Walk in the Wild
Read Wiccan Books
Meditate and Enter a Good Place—In This Moment

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.

Wiccans and Standing Against Oppression and Sexual Harassment

November 24, 2017November 24, 2017 / Moonwater / Leave a comment

“Wiccans are being oppressed. There’s a reason why many of us stay in the broom closet,” my friend Aaron said. “What about the people who denied Wiccans the right to place a pentacle on their tombstone?”

What can we do about oppression? Speak up!

As I write this, women have come forward to speak the truth about sexual harassment and to identify those who have abused them.

I celebrate women standing up and speaking out.

I also realize that many women and girls have been pushed by society to shut up and take abuse. Over the years, I have even found that I tended to shut up because I didn’t want to “be a bitch.” (It’s hard to admit that I had fallen for society’s lie about “who is a bitch.”)

There Is a Horrible Myth about “Being a Bitch” When One Is Really Being Assertive

From the time I was a child through my teen years, I saw how assertive female individuals were harassed for standing up for themselves.

But it is worse. I’ve read about how people tend to internalize the authority figures’ voices—in their own minds. If I spoke up, I would be called a bitch. I even said to friends, “I don’t want to be a bitch.”

My own husband says, “You’re not doing that. Instead, you’re being assertive. Assertive is NOT the same thing as aggressive.”

Let’s pay attention to this point: Using the “bitch” label is how many people try to keep women “in line.” Enough of that!

Currently, I’m in the middle of a dispute with an online retailer. I just wanted my money back, and the online retailer denied my request. So, I went to the payment vendor and asked them to resolve it.

The payment vendor sided with the online retailer.

I was furious. And, I even felt like giving up.

Have you ever felt like a company was too big and you were too small to get any form of justice? If so, you can probably relate to this situation.

On the edge of giving up, I talked the situation over with a family member. That’s when I resolved to speak up. I looked at the payment vendor’s website and found the “Appeal” button. I clicked it and typed up my comment.

Will I prevail in this dispute with the online retailer? I don’t know.

What counts is that I’m proud of myself for not giving up and for speaking up.

I realize that this may be a smaller issue—just about some money.

But in the recent two days, I realized the important point: We had better get used to speaking up.

As I write this, the current man in the White House has been caught admitting to being a sexual abuser.

Still, at this time, at least six men have been identified as sexual abusers. Some of them have lost their lucrative money-making deals and careers.

People are standing up and saying: We will NOT tolerate such abuse and oppression.

Wiccans Honor the Goddess

One of the reasons I like Wicca is: It gives women the power to run and lead their own lives—to be assertive and strong without any fear of ridicule or shaming.

In our community, we are strong Priestesses, and we have compassion and love for all. We are equally valued with the Priests of our spiritual path.

Wiccans Living In Society

I realize that many of us will not wear our faith out for all to see. (If you met me on the street, you would likely see my pentacle necklace.)

However, we, Wiccans, can support women who speak up.

When the powerful take advantage of the vulnerable, sometimes it is hard to fight and stand up to them. The solution is to stand together.

We Need to Stand Up with the Women Who Call Out the Abuse

Have you noticed the systematic oppression of women? Think about it. If a woman reports abuse she is likely to lose her job and future opportunities. Some individuals say, “What are you talking about?” Consider this: How many employers want to hire a whistleblower?

If a man gets punched in the mouth, and he stands up, he is applauded.

If a woman gets sexually harassed, a number of individuals do what they can to shame her. They say, “You should have known better. You brought it on yourself.”

We have been hearing in the news lately about the men who took advantage of women working for them. This really angers me. I was sexually assaulted when I was young. I was afraid of being shamed. I was also afraid of being called a slut—and other forms of bullying perpetrated by my peers and society.

If you are a woman, you know what systematic oppression means—and how it feels to be harmed by it.

Progress Can Be Achieved

It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. — Eleanor Roosevelt

Women created their own movement and worked for 72 years until women were granted their right to vote in the USA. The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified by the states on August 18, 1920.

In April 2007, Wiccan U.S. soldiers gained the right to have a pentacle on their tombstones. This required a lawsuit. A plaintiff was Selena Fox, a Wiccan high priestess with Circle Sanctuary in Barneveld, Wisconsin.

During April 2007, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs settled with Wiccans so the pentacle was added to the list of 38 “emblems of belief” allowed on VA grave markers.

Progress Begins with You Today

Remember: Standing together we are more powerful than alone.

What small step can you do today to stand up against oppression?

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.

Wiccans and Rising Up from Discouragement and Disappointment

November 17, 2017 / Moonwater / 2 Comments

The car roared through the intersection and barely missed me.

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

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.

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