I’ve learned a lot about the process of dealing with significant health situations. I’ve learned to drop 50 lbs.* so I have avoided going down the diabetes path on which my mother struggles.
I am doing well in working with asthma and clinical depression symptoms.
Here are some things I’ve discovered along the way …
Recognize what you get from the physical illness
“What do you mean, what I get from the physical illness?” my friend, Penny, asked. “I am forced to be stuck in my bed. I’m in pain.”
I nodded. I remained quiet. She would see it, or she wouldn’t.
“Oh … If I’m sick, I don’t have to go back to my parents’ house for Christmas,” she said. Considering the abuse she endured, her body seemed to have given her the only “correct excuse” for not going back to her parents’ home like “a good girl.”
Every situation is unique. This depends on the individual and their situation. For example, I take appropriate medications for my medical issues. Look to get support from medical professionals and mental health professionals as needed.
How does this relate to us, Wiccans? If you’re not listening to your body, you might have trouble listening to the Goddess. What does this mean? Look at the whole situation. Do you need to devote significant effort or attention to your health? Is it time for you to stop toxic situations in your life? Sometimes, it’s as if your body says, “Wake up. This way of living is not good for you.”
I suggest that you take a whole-life view of health and wellness.
Willpower is a lie.
This comment sounds extreme. How many times have you heard someone say, “I just have to have the willpower to stop ____?”
If you think willpower is simply a matter of gritting your teeth, clasping your hands together and saying, “No! I won’t do it!”—you might have a bumpy ride.
My own husband hides cookies out of his sight (in a cupboard). Why? Because it’s easy for a person to fall into a habit of “see cookie—eat cookie.”
He’s not trying to rely on “willpower.” Instead, he’s using a strategy.
I know from personal experience that simply setting up “rules” for a diet can result in failure. You make up rules, sometimes impossible rules, to live by.
And when we don’t live up to those rules, we get mad at ourselves. This approach to willpower does not work.
What does this mean for us, Wiccans? Let’s move beyond trying to use willpower to make sure that we do a ritual or be active with the Craft. Instead, aim for making ritual an organic part of your daily life. Perhaps, you’ll do a ritual in the first 15 minutes after dinner (This is similar to how my husband and I have a routine of going for a walk after dinner.)
Do you want it bad enough? – Why?
I note two types of want – 1) Want to manifest something and 2) Want to throw out something.
How deep is your want? This relates to how we Wiccans manifest things via magick. We need a powerful desire to manifest what we want.
If you do not have the deep, powerful emotional connection, your spell is likely to fail. That’s harsh to know. Still, this knowledge can empower you.
When you do a ritual, be sure to tap into your Deep Want.
Here are examples:
I want to be healthy so I can enjoy years with a new romantic partner
I want to be healthy so I can avoid diabetes that runs in my family
I want to be able to move, so I do NOT run out of breath going up a flight of stairs*
In summary, take a whole-life view of your health and wellness.
We, Wiccans, are fortunate in that we can integrate our spirituality with our being healthy on the earthly plane.
Blessed Be,
Moonwater
*P.S. I mentioned how I dropped 50 lbs. If you are called to lose weight, take my online course Goddess Style Weight Loss—which is available Jan. 2019. Sign up at GoddessStyleWeightLoss.com
A reader asked me: What are some of the quickest, easiest ways for psychic & spiritual protection?
I’ll share three different methods you can use to protect yourself. (There are many possible methods of protection.)
Protection Method #1: Use a Sigil
Sigils are magickal symbols that hold an intention. You create a sigil by using the following simple process. First, write out your desire on a scratch piece of paper; you can use a single word or a phrase.
Examples of Phrases Related to Protection:
· Protect me through the night
· Protect me from energy vampires
To keep this example simple and clear, I’ll just use the word “success.” Cross off all of the repeated letters in Success. You end up with S, U, C, and E. (You want only one of each letter that appears in the word.) Next, scramble the letters, getting S, E, U, and C (for example). Now comes the fun part: Combine the letters together in an image.
Protection Method #2: Wear a Protection Necklace
Wear a necklace of hematite and amethyst. The hematite grounds you, and the amethyst turns all energy into white light.
Protection Method #3: Take a Ritual Bath
Ritual bathing can be a great way to get rid of the nasties that may cling onto your aura. Bless and consecrate your soap and shampoo. Set these aside for use only during your ritual baths.
How to make a sachet with cleansing herbs for a bath:
Use a stocking or cotton cloth, and place inside selected cleansing herbs. The total amount of all herbs will be one tablespoon.
If you use a cotton cloth, gather the corners and tie them with a string. Make sure the sachet is closed and secure. This keeps the herbs from clogging your drain.
Place your sachet in the bath water then sprinkle in some sea salt and let steep for 5 or so minutes. Then enjoy.
May these three protection methods bring you comfort.
Are you considering the question of whether to go public with your Pagan faith?
Recently, one of my readers asked: “How do I tell my mainly Christian friends/family I’m Wiccan?”
“That’s a vital and complicated topic,” I thought. “Can I answer this in a brief article or would this be something to cover in half a book?”
Here’s my answer to my reader:
Are you sure you need to go public with your Wiccan faith? Many Wiccans stay in the broom closet and are just happy with that. They have real and intense reasons to keep their faith private.
I have deep empathy for your situation—my own parents dragged my brother and me to their Christian church in our early years.
It’s important to consider many issues before you do something that is irreversible.
1) You will lose some people.
Many Christians have been told by their religion-leaders that Wicca is evil. So, these Christians feel terror about Wicca. Doesn’t it make sense that several people may react poorly to you telling them you have different beliefs than they do? You may be shunned—for a lifetime. Are you willing to lose some friends and family?
2) Are you ready to go public?
For many Wiccans, the cost of going public has been to lose their jobs and other opportunities because of their beliefs.
In this day of social media, several authors suggest: “There is no privacy.”
Many of us have stories about how someone said, “I’ll keep your secret,” but later that person blurted out one’s private information. How do you feel about the whole online world knowing that you are Wiccan?
3) Are you okay with the possible backlash?
Remember, many Christians have been misinformed about Wicca. Those individuals consider Wicca to be evil. How do some people treat those they consider evil? Have you seen the consequences of those who think they are righteous and they’re only “punishing” evil-doers? People who are afraid tend to react in a rash manner.
After due consideration … here are some methods to express one’s Wiccan faith publicly.
a) Let the other person start the conversation
I always wear a pentacle necklace. When some people see it, they make a comment. This opens the door for me to explain what the pentacle means. In this way, I’m able to share some of my beliefs and let them know some facts about the Wiccan spiritual path. (Warning: It depends on where you live. Since many Christians believe Wicca to be evil, you might open yourself to violence if you openly wear a pentacle. Please know that I live in Northern California where such an occurrence is unlikely.)
b) Start with common ground
“Margaret, I noticed that you’re concerned about taking care of the environment,” Amanda said. This is an example of starting with common ground. You can talk about how you also have a deep appreciation for nature. You can mention that walking in nature is like going to a sacred place for you. Some Wiccans mention that they have a “nature-focused religion.”
Some people who believe in one God say that they have a feeling of awe when they see the Grand Canyon or a waterfall. The feeling of awe in the presence of nature can be common ground.
c) Talk about “The All” if that is part of your Wiccan Faith
Some Wiccans believe that “The All” began the universe. Then The All manifested as the Goddess who gave birth to the God … and so forth.
A Christian might be able to understand “The All” as approximating what they view as “God, the Father.”
d) Show Your Wiccan Faith in Action
Take up an environmental cause—if that fits for you. Here are options: Do cleanups in your neighborhood and demonstrate the positive things about your beliefs. Volunteer at an animal shelter, or perform some other charitable work. In these ways, you demonstrate the life-enhancing actions that you do, inspired by your Wiccan faith.
Please do a lot of reflection. Get some advice from people you trust. Practice the actual words you will use for your tough conversations about your Wiccan faith … if you decide to cross this irreversible threshold.
Starting January 15, 2018
I lost 45 lbs.
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
“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
“Moonwater was telling me about her weight loss program, and it sounded like something I could do that didn’t cost me more than the normal groceries I buy, anyway. I started with an egg omelet in the morning with mushrooms and spinach. … In two weeks, I lost 7 lbs. I had a couple of days of eating what I wanted but not overeating. Then right back to Goddess Style. I feel great and eat what the Goddess gives us.” – Denise Kopplinger
As a Wiccan I found this an inspiring read. Written in a way that makes it accessible to everyone irrespective of their current knowledge. – Shona Cathro
I don’t generally write reviews on books I’ve read…but this time i feel lead to. This book spoke volumes to me, as if the author knew exactly where I’m coming from and what I’m struggling with. It’s not often a book can make me cry, but this one did by making me see the many blocks I’ve put up in my life. I knew they were there, but I’ve gotten skilled at pretending they’re not. Thank you for helping me see I’m not some freak because of circumstances throughout my life that have caused the blocks, and that i need to stop hiding from or burying them and face them one step at a time. – Crystal Sparks
This book is a must have for all of those starting out on the spiritual path of Wicca and for all of those who are just looking for some light and love in their life. MoonWater SilverClaw uses her knowledge of Wicca and her personal experiences to not only teach the Law of Attraction in a clear manner but to help you use the Law of Attraction to better your life.
Through simple guided meditations and tips on living a happy healthy life this book takes you on a journey that will teach you how to love yourself, better your self image, and rid yourself of the negative energies that prevent you from reaching your goals.
This book covers many wonderful topics that will teach you basic magical practices as well as the theory and idea of “like attracts like” From setting up an alter to casting a circle and how to perform and find the magick that you are seeing in your life this book has so much to offer.
MoonWater SilverClaw is truly an inspirational writer for a newer generation of Wiccans and those seeking to use the natural energies of the earth to make changes in their life. Her writing style speaks from the heart because she has been where the reader is, she has used these techniques and steps to better her own life and now she is helping the reader use the Law of Attraction to better theirs – Amazon Customer
This is an absolute gem for the witch with issues. Rituals for things like self-esteem are something i have never seen before. Moonwater’s writing is engrossing and draws the reader in. I am a witch with PTSD M.S. and other issues and this book made me feel hopeful and capable. – t’air
Ms. SilverClaw has written a book that is really great for the beginner wanting to learn about Wiccan or wants to start practicing the art of Wicca. I found this book wonderful, easy to read, and extremely helpful and informative. It covers everything from what Wicca is, the history of Wicca and how Wicca became misassociated with evil, along with how Wicca can help/save people’s lives. Ms. SilverClaw also discusses practicing Wicca either in a Coven or Solo, and all the things you need in order to have in order to perform your ceremony, and she explains what each item means. She explains how to create spells and gives examples to use, and explains the pitfalls of creating certain types of spells. Ms. SilverClaw has truly created a book that is a cast all net the seems to cover everything that I needed to know to begin practicing Wicca. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their first book on the topic and wants to start practicing the art of Wicca or is just curious about the topic. This is truly a Must Have book. – Tamra L. Shipman
“I don’t think I’ll ever do that supper ritual again!” my friend, Amanda said.
“What happened?” I asked.
“We invited the spirits of our dead friends and family members to the ritual supper, and they did NOT leave! Over the next days, I felt really depressed. I later learned that my friend, Alex, was hovering near me. I was being haunted,” Amanda said.
This is a real problem if one fails to do the appropriate precautions for a specific Samhain dinner, titled a “Dumb Supper.” The word dumb refers to “unable to speak.”
We (my coven) will soon hold our annual Dumb Supper. This is a ritual meal eaten without talking or even making a peep.
You invite your deceased loved ones by setting a place for them at the table. It is so nice to visit with departed friends and family members. Sometimes, you can hear them, and sometimes they show signs that they are present. For example, one of my coven mates told me she saw a sign swing back and forth waving “Hi.” It really moved her heart.
Be sure to “kick out” departed friends and family members after the celebration is done. You do not want them hanging around. After you have shared your time with them, make sure they go back to the Land of the Dead where they belong.
I have heard of situations when a departed family member desperately tried to express his sorrow and attempts to apologize. Unfortunately, the living family member felt depressed or even scared.
Here is an example of language to send the spirits away: “Thank you for participating during our supper. We now send our departed family members and departed friends back to the Summerlands. We now Close the Veil. So Mote It Be.”
* * * * * *
Ever wonder what you should and shouldn’t do during Samhain? Here are some quick tips for this Sabbat. This is just a partial list.
The Do’s:
Honor your departed friends and family.
Samhain is my favorite Sabbat. We honor those who have crossed the Veil with offerings and recalling memories of them when they were alive.
When you make offerings and bring up memories of your loved ones who have crossed over to the Summerlands, you bring them alive again in your own heart and others’ hearts.
Some things you can do are simple. You could fix their favorite meal or drink. Give them a toast with that drink with good energy and love.
The most important thing … Have fun!
This is a joyful time where we get to get to visit with our departed loved ones. Do you think that they want you to be sad? No. Our departed loved ones want us to be happy.
When you see or hear your departed loved ones, allow a smile to rise to your face. And, it’s also okay to have tears of joy when being reunited with departed loved ones.
The Don’ts:
Don’t get upset with the Mundanes.
Don’t fret over the general society’s way of celebrating Samhain. Yes, they have taken and distorted some things from us, Pagans. Be kind. They don’t know any better. Instead, enjoy the festivities. You don’t have to be a downer to the Mundanes. Hand out candy. And have some fun.
Don’t do your ritual on the October 31st .
There will be too many distractions with answering the door and handing out goodies to the little ones in the evening. This is the reason why many witches celebrate on either the weekend before or after October 31st.
Don’t forget the Ancestor Altar.
Having an Ancestor Altar is really fun, and it’s a must for Samhain. Decorate your altar with pictures of passed loved ones and include your departed pets! Witches love their animals. And yes, they go to the Summerlands, too.
Just imagine … those of us who have had a lot of pets over the years, we’re going to get mobbed with love when our numerous pets greet us in the Summerlands!
These are just some of the do’s and the don’ts.
Consider asking others about their experiences. We can learn from each other.
“Moonwater was telling me about her weight loss program, and it sounded like something I could do that didn’t cost me more than the normal groceries I buy, anyway. I started with an egg omelet in the morning with mushrooms and spinach. … In two weeks, I lost 7 lbs. I had a couple of days of eating what I wanted but not overeating. Then right back to Goddess Style. I feel great and eat what the Goddess gives us.” – Denise Kopplinger
As a Wiccan I found this an inspiring read. Written in a way that makes it accessible to everyone irrespective of their current knowledge. – Shona Cathro
I don’t generally write reviews on books I’ve read…but this time i feel lead to. This book spoke volumes to me, as if the author knew exactly where I’m coming from and what I’m struggling with. It’s not often a book can make me cry, but this one did by making me see the many blocks I’ve put up in my life. I knew they were there, but I’ve gotten skilled at pretending they’re not. Thank you for helping me see I’m not some freak because of circumstances throughout my life that have caused the blocks, and that i need to stop hiding from or burying them and face them one step at a time. – Crystal Sparks
This book is a must have for all of those starting out on the spiritual path of Wicca and for all of those who are just looking for some light and love in their life. MoonWater SilverClaw uses her knowledge of Wicca and her personal experiences to not only teach the Law of Attraction in a clear manner but to help you use the Law of Attraction to better your life.
Through simple guided meditations and tips on living a happy healthy life this book takes you on a journey that will teach you how to love yourself, better your self image, and rid yourself of the negative energies that prevent you from reaching your goals.
This book covers many wonderful topics that will teach you basic magical practices as well as the theory and idea of “like attracts like” From setting up an alter to casting a circle and how to perform and find the magick that you are seeing in your life this book has so much to offer.
MoonWater SilverClaw is truly an inspirational writer for a newer generation of Wiccans and those seeking to use the natural energies of the earth to make changes in their life. Her writing style speaks from the heart because she has been where the reader is, she has used these techniques and steps to better her own life and now she is helping the reader use the Law of Attraction to better theirs – Amazon Customer
This is an absolute gem for the witch with issues. Rituals for things like self-esteem are something i have never seen before. Moonwater’s writing is engrossing and draws the reader in. I am a witch with PTSD M.S. and other issues and this book made me feel hopeful and capable. – t’air
Ms. SilverClaw has written a book that is really great for the beginner wanting to learn about Wiccan or wants to start practicing the art of Wicca. I found this book wonderful, easy to read, and extremely helpful and informative. It covers everything from what Wicca is, the history of Wicca and how Wicca became misassociated with evil, along with how Wicca can help/save people’s lives. Ms. SilverClaw also discusses practicing Wicca either in a Coven or Solo, and all the things you need in order to have in order to perform your ceremony, and she explains what each item means. She explains how to create spells and gives examples to use, and explains the pitfalls of creating certain types of spells. Ms. SilverClaw has truly created a book that is a cast all net the seems to cover everything that I needed to know to begin practicing Wicca. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their first book on the topic and wants to start practicing the art of Wicca or is just curious about the topic. This is truly a Must Have book. – Tamra L. Shipman
A bright cheery day—I didn’t know what shadow would come my way.
I brought the family car to a stop at a red light. I glanced at my Dad. He was in good spirits. We just completed getting the car washed. We were homeward bound.
My car was in one of two left-turn lanes. To my right was a sedan car also preparing to turn left. The light signaled “green” for me to execute the left turn.
The sedan cuts off our car, making an illegal U-turn.
I brought the car to a gradual stop, giving ample time for the car behind me to respond to the situation.
CRUNCH–the car behind me rear-ended our car.
My neck snapped back.
All that I could do was think of the Gods. I prayed to the Gods that the outcome of this accident would not be as extreme as I thought it was.
I said something like: “Lord and Lady, may this not be as bad as it seems.”
I’m grateful to note that my father was not injured. Considering that my neck injury was significant, that was great news. Apparently, the headrest was set at just the right level to help him. Mine, on the other hand, doesn’t touch the back of my head so I got a serious case of whiplash.
I’m healing. But our car still needs work.
When unexpected trouble arrives, remember the God and Goddess are here to support you in times of need.
As a Wiccan I found this an inspiring read. Written in a way that makes it accessible to everyone irrespective of their current knowledge. – Shona Cathro
I don’t generally write reviews on books I’ve read…but this time i feel lead to. This book spoke volumes to me, as if the author knew exactly where I’m coming from and what I’m struggling with. It’s not often a book can make me cry, but this one did by making me see the many blocks I’ve put up in my life. I knew they were there, but I’ve gotten skilled at pretending they’re not. Thank you for helping me see I’m not some freak because of circumstances throughout my life that have caused the blocks, and that i need to stop hiding from or burying them and face them one step at a time. – Crystal Sparks
This book is a must have for all of those starting out on the spiritual path of Wicca and for all of those who are just looking for some light and love in their life. MoonWater SilverClaw uses her knowledge of Wicca and her personal experiences to not only teach the Law of Attraction in a clear manner but to help you use the Law of Attraction to better your life.
Through simple guided meditations and tips on living a happy healthy life this book takes you on a journey that will teach you how to love yourself, better your self image, and rid yourself of the negative energies that prevent you from reaching your goals.
This book covers many wonderful topics that will teach you basic magical practices as well as the theory and idea of “like attracts like” From setting up an alter to casting a circle and how to perform and find the magick that you are seeing in your life this book has so much to offer.
MoonWater SilverClaw is truly an inspirational writer for a newer generation of Wiccans and those seeking to use the natural energies of the earth to make changes in their life. Her writing style speaks from the heart because she has been where the reader is, she has used these techniques and steps to better her own life and now she is helping the reader use the Law of Attraction to better theirs – Amazon Customer
This is an absolute gem for the witch with issues. Rituals for things like self-esteem are something i have never seen before. Moonwater’s writing is engrossing and draws the reader in. I am a witch with PTSD M.S. and other issues and this book made me feel hopeful and capable. – t’air
Ms. SilverClaw has written a book that is really great for the beginner wanting to learn about Wiccan or wants to start practicing the art of Wicca. I found this book wonderful, easy to read, and extremely helpful and informative. It covers everything from what Wicca is, the history of Wicca and how Wicca became misassociated with evil, along with how Wicca can help/save people’s lives. Ms. SilverClaw also discusses practicing Wicca either in a Coven or Solo, and all the things you need in order to have in order to perform your ceremony, and she explains what each item means. She explains how to create spells and gives examples to use, and explains the pitfalls of creating certain types of spells. Ms. SilverClaw has truly created a book that is a cast all net the seems to cover everything that I needed to know to begin practicing Wicca. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching for their first book on the topic and wants to start practicing the art of Wicca or is just curious about the topic. This is truly a Must Have book. – Tamra L. Shipman
Mark held the gargoyle and said, “This is so cool. I really inherited something good.”
If only that were true.
Mark noticed that he was hit with a number occurrences that people often call bad luck. Things like: the alarm clock fails which makes one late for work. Appliances malfunction. You name it.
Mark paused and reflected: The previous owner of the statue had a streak of bad luck—job loss, divorce and then death!
Mark placed an amethyst crystal inside the statue. You see, amethyst turns all negative energy into white light. Problem solved, right?
Three days later, Mark checked on the crystal, which had turned completely black. Next step, he packed the statue with blessed salt. But things still kept going wrong in his life.
What to do? Mark took the cursed statue to a bridge over a body of salt water and tossed it in. Why? Using both salt (in the water) and earth (the floor of the bay), Mark had found a way to protect himself and other people from the cursed statue’s influence.
Negative or pesky entities have many forms.
I’ll now share four methods for dealing with negative entities/energies.
Strike an Iron Bell (or other iron object)
Some Wiccans find it helpful to strike an iron bell as a self-defense method when dealing with unruly Fey individuals.
(A number of Fey individuals can be suitable allies for humans. The Fey are known as powerful entities. Still, some of them may cause havoc.)
If you need to defend yourself, know that the Fey find it painful to hear a person ring or bang on iron. Such noises drive them away. Why? Because iron severs the connection to the natural energies of the earth, trees, water and other energy-generating elements.
Iron will bind the Fey’s magick. Additionally, the Fey use the above energies for their magick. These elements are the source of sustenance for the Fey. So, if they are around iron for too long, they can die.
Use Loud Noise
Chinese individuals set off firecrackers to scare off demons and baneful spirits. This is one reason that Chinese individuals use fireworks during New Years celebrations.
Make Holy Water with Blessed Salt and Water
Wiccans often use salt to purify a space or even a person’s home. Negative entities often cannot stand being in contact with Wiccan holy water.
Burn Sage to Purify an Area
When you burn sage, you purify the space it is burnt in. Just waft the smoke from the burning sage around the space while speaking aloud: “I am clearing this space of all negative entities and energies.”
In summary, the effective witch* uses methods like those above to stay safe and to live well.
Nora struggles to leave a message on Susan’s voice mail system. Feeling hurt, Nora realizes that she’s left eight messages with no replies from her friend.
Susan has dropped Nora, and it’s probably because Susan freaked out when she heard that Nora is a Wiccan.
We Wiccans have to endure a certain form of loss because of our spiritual path.
I, too, have lost friends when they found out I was Wiccan. A couple of people even stood up and moved away when they saw the pentacle I wear. Others merely stare.
Misguided people buy into the lies that popular TV shows and films paint against Wiccans.
We Wiccans know that we have nothing to do with an evil figure that Christians believe in.
Many people simply do not understand how Wicca is life-affirming and loving.
How to Deal with Negative Energy Thrown You Way
Take a deep breath and realize that some people have been misled. It’s not completely their fault. Some elder/authority figure (including certain priests) press untruths upon their flock. See if you can hold some compassion for the misled.
Have further compassion that many people are barely holding things together with job losses and financial difficulties—and all of the regular calamities of modern life. Because these people are running on a deficit of energy, they just don’t feel they can seek out a Wiccan and ask to hear the truth. (Worse yet, they think they already know “the truth.”)
If someone says some misguided statement to you, hold your calm. Take a deep breath and reply: “I’m not sure where you heard that. That has nothing to do with me and what I do. And I know many Wiccans who have nothing to do with that. Our spiritual path is life-affirming and loving.”
Only talk in positives and never put down the other person’s faith.
As we strive for better treatment, we stay true to being kind, compassionate and respectful. Let our exemplary behavior prove the good path of Wicca.
Announcement – Meet Moonwater at Feb. PantheaCon 2015!
Come meet me in person at PantheaCon this year at the Double Tree Hotel in San Jose, California, February 2015. I will be there with my books and giving out ribbons. It’s likely that I will be in and out the COG-New Wiccan Church (NWC) Suite throughout PantheaCon. I’ll have my three books, and I will be also signing books. I’ll have some handcrafted jewelry, too.
I hope to meet you in-person.
Blessings,
Moonwater SilverClaw
For more of Moonwater SilverClaw, consider some of her books:
On Monday September 23rd, I was reminded of the importance of celebrating small victories.
Life is meant to be celebrated.
In the days before September 23rd, I was running frantically with so much to do: Getting ready for my upcoming Oct. 19th workshop (in California) and getting my first workbook completed and then available for people to purchase online (available here). I was tired.
I took a belly-flop on the couch. I expected my sweetheart to offer me at least a score of “9.2” for my maneuver.
Instead, he asked, “How are we going to celebrate?” It had been months of work on my workbook with my sweetheart editing portions of the book daily.
Celebrate? I was exhausted and I could only think of the rehearsals for my workshop and other projects with deadlines.
Still, he was right (Don’t tell him.) It’s important to pause and celebrate a little success.
Along the same lines, my sweetie writes in his daily gratitude journal–that’s where you note what you’re grateful for. Perhaps, you had a good phone call with a friend. Maybe you took a walk for exercise. He writes in his gratitude journal just before he goes to sleep each night.
It’s so easy to forget the blessings in our lives. They happen everyday. Some may be small but they are there. However, many of us only remember the things that troubled us during the day.
It’s like a stubbed toe that screams pay attention. But we miss acknowledging all the other toes that are just fine. We concentrate on that which gives us pain.
But what about the joys in our day? The cat that purrs with affection as you caress it; your partner smiles in the morning; and you hear your favorite song on the radio. How about when your loved one makes your favorite meal?
I invite you to push forward the joys and blessing of your day. Pause. Pay attention. Push the “stubbed toe” into the background.
How do we push the joys and blessings forward? Write in your gratitude journal. Then you’ll think about your day in a different way. Sometimes, I think of a day as glancing out the window and seeing two things: a pile of garbage next to a glorious rose. When you write in your gratitude journal, you’re looking at the rose.
When I write down the “roses” of my day, I’m always surprised about how many actually occurred.
How about you? How many positive things are in your life right now? You’re reading this, so your eyes are working. You’re breathing. You’re probably looking forward to something even, perhaps, a favorite TV show.
I find that consciously choosing to look at the “roses” of life helps me focus on the beauty and joy that I experience. Soon after I started this writing in my gratitude journal, I realized that I didn’t just have one rose, I really had a rose garden.
Now, you can take this a step further. In addition to remembering the roses of your life, show your gratitude. Do a simple ritual at the end of your day. After noting my blessings in my gratitude journal, I take a candle and offer it as thanks to the Gods for the blessings I enjoyed.
Tea light candles work great for this. They are small and don’t take too long to burn. This way you don’t have a candle burning when no one is around. (Never leave a burning candle unattended.)
This candle is a small gesture to the Gods in thanks for all the blessings they provide. Since starting this ritual, I have noticed even more blessings occurring in my life.
The nice thing about this ritual is that it doesn’t take much time and it doesn’t require a big fanfare. As long as your ritual is heartfelt and sincere the Gods will be pleased.
If you live with someone who isn’t Wiccan, lighting a candle in not a big inconvenience. Simply let them know that this is a positive part of your daily life.
This ritual is a great way to say “I noticed” and “thanks” to the Gods. They will appreciate it. This ritual also helps you be happier and healthier.
Please leave a comment and let me know if you do something like this or if you have a different way to honor the blessings in your life. I’d love to hear your perspective. Thanks.
I have a treat for you. My friend Heather Greene is guest blogging today. She will tell her story about how she found the Craft.
But first I want to share a few thoughts and a recipe of mine.
This is one of my favorite times of the year. During this harvest time we celebrate ripening of our labors. Now we reap the benefits.
One of the best things is how spiced foods start to appear during this season. And with that thought in mind, I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes with you. It’s my pumpkin bread recipe.
Moonwater’s Pumpkin Bread
Makes 2 loaves.
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. allspice
2 tsp. nutmeg
3 cups sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups of fresh pumpkin → 16 ounces if using canned pumpkin
2/3 cup water → if pumpkin is canned
1/2 cup water → if pumpkin is fresh or frozen
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 325 F. Combine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, water, oil and pumpkin. Stir until blended. Add nuts. Mix well. Pour into two 9×5″ loaf pans. Bake 1 hour 30 mins. Cool slightly and take out of pans to let cool on a rack. This tastes best if you wrap, refrigerate and wait a day to eat it. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be frozen.
I love this bread. It’s great for parties or have a slice for dissert. One of the coolest things is it can be put in the freezer to be stored for a future date. This is wonderful if you have lots to prepare for a party and need the time for other things.
I hope you enjoy it, and if you have any recipes to share I would love to see them, and try them! Please use the comment box below to share.
And now for the main event Heather Greene’s post!
Heather Greene
My Journey to Wicca
“The reaches opened before us and closed behind, as if the forest had stepped leisurely across the water to bar the way for our return. We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness.” – Joseph Conrad, The Heart of Darkness
Spiritual awakenings are funny in that they can happen at any given moment – in church, in the car, in the plumbing section of Home Depot. They sneak up on us and seize our minds, bodies and hearts. Then they send us soaring at lightening-speed into another time and space where everything is suddenly crystal clear – for only one moment. When we return an instant later, we are more confused than before but forever changed in some indeterminable way.
My spiritual awakening happened in high school after reading The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. The novella blew my mind and kept me in philosophical ecstasy for weeks. I jumped at any and all opportunities to discuss the story’s deeper meanings. In hindsight, I probably lost a few friends that year and it was no coincidence that was the same year I earned my reputation. From that point forward, I was known as the enigmatic, artsy girl who was unofficially voted most-likely-to-be-a-poet. Not a bad reputation by high school standards.
To this day, The Heart of Darkness stills sends my heart a-flutter. The book essentially deconstructs human society. It not only challenges the morality of European Imperialism, it also breaks down deeply rooted Western cultural constructs such as good and evil. It posits that our values and ethics are social impositions rather than anything signed, sealed and delivered by an absolute natural order of existence or some supreme being with a playbook. We, humans, have determined what is good and what is evil. We have constructed our reality.
See, it blows the mind.
Shortly after reading the book, I started my writing career. I wrote fictional tales about horribly impossible and depressing situations that ended with twist of hope. Most of that work was ignored; up until I wrote a suicide story. That one landed me in the counselor’s office where I yelled, “No I’m not going to commit suicide already! Have you not read The Heart of Darkness?” There was an implied teenage “duh!” in that outburst.
So there I was, an enigmatic future poet and angst ridden teen, feeling totally ready to birth my spiritual life. Considering my ethical world had been created solely by art, literature, philosophy and science, I had nothing to go on except a secular world view. In many ways, I was lucky. Unlike many Pagans, I didn’t have to shed a religious belief system before entering into a new one. I just had to step in and see how the water felt.
Not long after the “Suicide Story” incident, I began to journey through the thick forest of the Occult. First I dabbled in Astrology. I can remember working through what seemed like endless hours of painful mathematics to produce one single birth chart. When I had enough money, I finally bought an Astrology program and a computer to go with it. After awhile I expanded to Tarot, Palmistry, scrying, astral projection and crystals. The world was my magical oyster and I was willing to entertain all it had to offer.
By that point I was well into college. During one summer break, I took a weekend house sitting job for a New York City lawyer. While staying in her Upper East Side apartment, I discovered some funny little herbs in tiny plastic bags. A neighbor, who had stopped by, said very casually, “She’s a witch.” I was struck. What?! A Witch? My mind was blown yet again! I should really consider myself lucky to have anything left at this point.
At the very next opportunity, I rushed into a Barnes & Noble and went straight to the Occult section. After careful consideration, I purchased Raymond Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft. Sitting there on the muggy A-Train packed in with all the other tired commuters, I clung to my new book as if I was harboring the last Golden Ticket to the Wonka factory. This witch book was sacred, somehow, and filled with all the answers.
Unfortunately the book didn’t have any answers. At least not to the questions that I had yet to really ask. What it did have was a key to a door that led to a pathway of spiritual growth using the language of Witchcraft.
Not long after, I began to practice in earnest. Over the following year, I bought more books: Cunningham, Starhawk, Margot Adler and Silver Ravenwolf, for example. I organized my very first solitary Samhain ritual. When not attending to my film student duties, I dabbled in spell craft. Then, on one faithful day, I bought myself a silver pentacle and began calling myself a Witch.
It wasn’t until then that I realized the depth of what I was doing. This was more than just carnival games and Halloween hocus pocus. It was more than counter-culture and The Wizard of Oz. I found something powerful; something that I now defined as good even if the world defined it as evil.
After several years of solitary practice, I decided to join a Wiccan coven. It seemed the next appropriate step. I’ve been with that same group now for sixteen years. The communal experience strengthened me, gave me tools that I could never have found alone and, most importantly, offered me a community of like-minds who were on a similar path. Many of those people have become treasured friends and family.
But the journey is not over. It is never over.
What I can say now, in clarity, is that it all started with that book – The Heart of Darkness. There in that place, where all the social constructs are gone, there is nothing but raw, unbridled, animalistic humanity – body and blood, love and lust, hate and rapture, and spirit. It is the elemental point of beginnings. It is only from that point that we can see the world for what it is – a stack of cards. It is only from that point we can see ourselves, explore our past and find our motivation. It is honesty at a critical level. Deep within the Heart of Darkness, we are pure. Coming out from that space is the journey of a lifetime – and it just may blow your mind.
Heather Greene is a freelance writer living in the South. She has a masters degree in Film Theory and History with a background in commercial media and technology. She spent the first part of her career working at a major Madison Avenue Ad agency and its production subsidiaries, as well as an systems engineer at a Fortune 100 company. In 2001, she left it all behind to become a independent writer and has been doing that ever since.
Heather has been practicing Wicca for almost twenty years in both solitary and group settings. Her other interests fall into the creative realm. She finds peace dabbling in the artistic energy that always seems to encircle her life through music, dance, color and words. Currently, she is entertaining the muse through her own writing and through music as a songwriter. She finds power and inspiration in all that is reflected in nature’s beauty, family and friends.
I never expected to be a writer, but the Gods visited me in a dream. I have dyslexia: Writing was the furthest thing from my imagination. In fact, my degrees are in art and web/graphic design.
But the Gods gave me a task: Write a book for beginners of the Craft that is straightforward and easy to read.
When I awoke, I felt excited but scared about how I could possibly accomplish this book-writing task. I knew the demands of writing a book because I have close friends who are writers.
How could I possibly write enough to fill a whole book?! It was agony to merely read the first book in the Harry Potter series due to my dyslexia.
I started to compare myself to other writers by thinking “I’m not a ScottCunningham or a Starhawk. What am I to do?
I kept thinking about all the other writers of books I had slowly read. Their books were so good. I couldn’t match that. The anxiety grabbed me in the chest and I had trouble breathing.
But I strongly believe in the Gods. I know the Gods would not set me up to fail. They love me, and if they say I can do it, I can.
The hardest part for me wasn’t the task itself, but the constant comparing that I did, placing myself against other writers.
With all of my misspellings, I took blows to my self-esteem each day. My mind raced with negative thoughts of no one will care about what I have to say; no will read it, and this will never help anyone.
With all this negativity in my mind, it’s a miracle I got anything done.
I slowly began to realize something. I cannot compare myself to anyone else. Why? The book I’m writing is a snapshot in time of me. It’s about my truth. No one can write it for me.
I was so busy comparing myself to others when in reality there is no comparison. There can’t be. I am me, no one else, and all those racing thoughts were not true.
Someone will read my book (my editors, for example)
People will be able to easily read it because my editors will smooth out any rough sections (I love my editors!)
Someone cares about what I have to say (that someone is me!)
My book has already helped someone, me.
My book taught me a valuable lesson: Don’t judge or compare yourself to others.
We all have gifts, different levels of ability. These combinations make us unique and strong. No one else has our particular knowledge and unique set of talents, and this makes each of us special.
Comparing my special to your special cannot be done. It’s like comparing strawberries and octopi. Because our experiences in life are all slightly or dramatically different (as in different cultures). You just can’t compare the two. They are not the same.
All I need to do is remember strawberries and octopi.
You’re special. Drop comparing yourself to others.
Bring your own special gifts to bear.
The Gods love you and enjoy when you express your creativity.
GoddessHasYourBack.com 