We Did it!!!

graphic by my bestest friend Sadie

Recipe - Yule - Breakfast Casserole

Again...I found this recipe on Wiccan Glade...but had to pass it along. It's quick and easy and REALLY good.

Silver Raven Moon's Breakfast Casserole

I believe the original recipe for this came from a friend so many moons ago. Over the years I tweaked it to the current recipe.

6 eggs
6 slices of bread
2 cups milk
4-6 oz shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
16 oz Sausage (bulk) (for rich flavor use pork, for a healthier alternative, use chicken or turkey breakfast sausage)
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
Ground Pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup diced veggies of choice (red pepper, onions, broccoli, etc.)

Cook and crumble sausage meat. Drain on papertowels. Break bread into small pieces and place in a large bowl. Beat eggs, mix with milk, salt, mustard and pepper. Pour over bread pieces and stir. Add cheese, sausage and veggies if using, then stir again. Pour into greased baking dish (11 x 7 x 2) and chill overnight in refrigerator.

Heat oven to 350’. Bake for 40 minutes. Makes 8 – 10 servings.

During this festive time of year, life can be hectic. Add some ease to your life by preparing this hearty breakfast/brunch dish the night before. In the morning, just toss in the oven and bake. Enjoy!

Gems - Tigers Eye

I figured I'd start with Tiger's Eye because surprisingly it's one of my favorite.

The following is from The Wiccan Glade:

Combines the energy of the sun and earth, making it very peaceful. This stone helps with clarity, intuition and releasing introversion and fear. Used in treatment of disorders of the eye, throat, reproductive system and intestines. It also helps improve night vision and spinal alignment. Tiger's Eye clears negative energy from the Solar Plexus, returning the negative energy to the sender. It also makes one invisible to negative energy sources and protects them against psychic attack. The Chakra most associated with it is the 3rd Chakra, also known as the Solar Plexus.

Now keep in mind I almost always have on the amythest bracelet that Elise gave me or the Amethyst necklace that Sadie made for me. But I always always always have my tiger's eye goddess on me. It is either on my chain with my pentacle or in a pocket or hell stuck in my bra. I'm completely serious. I have another co-worker that is witchy like me and she'll randomly pull gems out of her bra to make sure she still has them.

To me leaving the house without my tiger's eye and my pentacle(s) is like walking around unprotected. I work in a call center with a lot of people. I've talked about energy leeches before...for me tiger's eye is a must. For other people it may have a different effect. I have another friend who Tiger's eye kinds tweaks them and makes them aggressive. For me...it's protection...

Say what you need to say

I'm a huge John Mayer fan as it is. Went with the hubby to see him live over the summer. He's an incredibly talented singer/songwriter/performer. Helps that he's absolutely adorable to boot...lol Anyway I went to his site today like I usually do about once a week to see if there's anything new (and to get some insight on some things I got from my guides) and I find this song I've posted below. Now does this apply to a "pagan blog about my journey/studies" Hell yeah it does. Listen to the words...

Say what you need to say

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You better know that in the end it's better to say too much
Then never to say what you need to say again...

I spend so much time holding back and filtering myself. Thinking it over and over and over...and did I mention over again? Yeah I do it a lot. Well I'm not doing it anymore. I'm not living with Regrets anymore.

Tools of the trade - Color Properties

I don't know if you would consider Color Properties a "tool" per se. But I think it's important as far as dealing with Magick since they correspons to certain things. Now I'm learning with most things...everything depends on the intent. I've used white for many things...it's kind of a catch all. I've also learned that if something feels right for something and it's not the "defined" idea for that color it doesn't make it wrong...

Colors and their Magickal Meanings:

Red

Physical Energy, Strength, Passion, Sex, Courage, Element of Fire, Career Goals, Fast Action,
Blood of the Moon, Protection, Driving Force, Love, and Survival.

Orange

Action, Ambition, Business Goals, Success, Justice, Selling, Orange is a Lesser Aspect of Red.

Copper

Passion, Money Goals, Professional Growth, Fertility in Business, and Career Maneuvers.

Gold

Wealth, The God, Safety and Power of the Male, Happiness, Playful Humor, and Promote Winning.

Yellow

The Sun, Intelligence, Memory, Breaking Mental Blocks, Accelerated Learning, and Logical Imagination.

Pink

Romantic Love, Friendship, Compassion, Healing of Emotions, Peace, Affections, Caring, Nurturing, Maturity, Romance, Less Intense than Red.

Green

Earth, Abundance, Fertility, Tree and Plant Magick, Growth, Monetary Success, Element of Earth, Personal Goals, and Healing.

Blue

Good Fortune, Opening Blocked Communication, Wisdom, Protection, Spiritual Inspiration, Calm, Reassurance, Element of Water, Creativity, and Peace.

Purple

Psychic Ability, Third Eye, Spiritual Power, Hidden Knowledge, Self Assurance,
and Symbolizes the Devine

Silver

Telepathy, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Intuition, Dreams, Astral Energies, The Goddess, and Communication.

Brown

Influence Friendships, Special Favors, and Represents Soil.

Black

Protection, Repelling, Negativity, Binding, and Shapeshifting.

White

Spirituality, Goddess, Peace, Higher Self, Purity, Protection, All Purposes, and
Symbolizes the Moon.

Where do you draw the line?

Almost a year ago I was taking classes at a local metaphysical shop. We had Witchcraft 101 and 102 classes. Our teacher was amazing. (I've mentioned Tara before...and probably will many more times) The energy in the room after class was infectious. I would go home practically buzzing. (You get 10-11 witches chantiing a spell as you study the element of air and you will definitely go home with an energy high!) Anyway...after that the shop started branching out in their classes. One of the first ones they offered was Hoodoo. Now if you look up Hoodoo on the Llewellyn Encyclopedia (I'm only going to repost certain portions that pertain to my pndering here since I have the link to the page right above it...lol) It talks about the following:

Like most traditions of folk magic, hoodoo directs its workings primarily toward success in everyday life. Spells for drawing money, winning at gambling, attracting a mate or keeping one from straying, avoiding legal troubles, or winning court cases play a substantial role in the hoodoo repertoire. Methods for cursing or "crossing" another person are also an important part of the tradition, and there is a correspondingly rich lore of spells for "uncrossing" or countering curses, either by preventing hostile magic from being used in the first place by nullifying spells that have already been set in motion, or by "turning the trick" (that is, sending the spell back on its originator).

Now I admit I was interested in it at the time. I wanted to learn everything I possibly could. I was practically like a sponge. But I missed the first class. My son was extremely sick. I figured I could make it up later and get with the teacher to see what I had missed. Well then the next week my Oldest was extremely sick. And I missed that class too. Keep in mind there was a yahoo group and I was kept up to date with what I was missing... Class three was coming up the next week and one of the homework assignments was to collect Graveyard Dirt. And it's exactly what it sounds like. Dirt...from a graveyard. This gave me pause. But the teacher seemed nice enough. She was friends with Tara...sure...why not. Well needless to say things kept coming up and I never made it to the classes. Looking back I see this was a HUGE flashing neon sign that I just wasn't supposed to take those classes.

Anyway I'm babbling and not getting to the point. Well the person that I "cut the cord" with grabbed onto hoodoo and held onto it like a little kid who didn't want their toy taken away. They embraced it. Now they are close with my ex husband who I have court proceedings coming up with. She's been prominent in my dreams lately and they haven't been happy go lucky dreams either. They have been ugly and hateful and downright scary!! I'm beginning to wonder if they have been using this in the "curse" fashion they learned in those classes. Now the question is what to do in order to protect myself and my family and keep myself within the Rede. I don't want to harm anyone...but I need to protect my family...

Sunday Funny

Home again

Time to relax and recharge from the trip. The kids are watching a movie, the quick non turkey dinner is done and there's what was left of the turkey in a HUGE pot on the stove cooking to make soup. Hopefully something more along the line of what I have this blog here for soon. I'm just exhausted

A new lesson from the Goddess

Every day lends to new lessons from the Goddess. Today was a perfect example of that. Black Friday. This was a lesson in patience and dealing with other people's energy projections and energy leeches if I've ever seen on. My Mom and I went out today to try and get some of the Christmas shopping done for the kids. We get a lot done but every year we end up asking ourselves why we do this. And we end up doing it again the next year anyway. There are always a ton of people. Which for a witch with that much energy around can be suffocating. I'm also noticing since my attunement that I'm more open to the enrgy around me. I hit my Mom and I with some Aura clearing spray before we left. By the time we finished not only was I physically tired by completley drained as well. I hit us again with the spray and then as we all sat around talking after some left over Turkey for lunch I realized that I should have had better blocks up around us. Needless to say an hour later I had fallen asleep in the chair and tok a nap. Oh well...at least I know better for next year.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I know today is a really short post but I'm running between families houses now. Already had dinner and heading to DH's Aunt's house an hour away for dessert.

Everyone have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving

Wednesday's Goddess - Kali

This is what I found about Kali on About.com. Kali I think is often a misunderstood Goddess. She is the Dark Mother and while the responses you get from her may seem quick and painful at the time she's really a no B.S. type Goddess. I think if she is one of the Goddesses you connect with you just have to realize that to get the result you want...it might take a little bit of pain and sacrifice on your part.

The fearful goddess with a heart of a mother

The love between the Divine Mother and her human children is a unique relationship. Kali, the Dark Mother is one such deity with whom devotees have a very loving and intimate bond, in spite of her fearful appearance. In this relationship, the worshipper becomes a child and Kali assumes the form of the ever-caring mother.

"O Mother, even a dullard becomes a poet who meditates upon thee raimented with space, three-eyed, creatrix of the three worlds, whose waist is beautiful with a girdle made of numbers of dead men's arms..." (From a Karpuradistotra hymn, translated from Sanskrit by Sir John Woodroffe)

Who is Kali?
Kali is the fearful and ferocious form of the mother goddess Durga. She assumed the form of a powerful goddess and became popular with the composition of the Devi Mahatmya, a text of the 5th - 6th century AD. Here she is depicted as having born from the brow of Goddess Durga during one of her battles with the evil forces. As the legend goes, in the battle, Kali was so much involved in the killing spree that she got carried away and began destroying everything in sight. To stop her, Lord Shiva threw himself under her feet. Shocked at this sight, Kali stuck out her tongue in astonishment, and put an end to her homicidal rampage. Hence the common image of Kali shows her in her mêlée mood, standing with one foot on Shiva's chest, with her enormous tongue stuck out.

The Fearful SymmetryKali is represented with perhaps the fiercest features amongst all the world's deities. She has four arms, with a sword in one hand and the head of a demon in another. The other two hands bless her worshippers, and say, "fear not"! She has two dead heads for her earrings, a string of skulls as necklace, and a girdle made of human hands as her clothing. Her tongue protrudes from her mouth, her eyes are red, and her face and breasts are sullied with blood. She stands with one foot on the thigh, and another on the chest of her husband, Shiva.

Awesome Symbols!Kali's fierce form is strewed with awesome symbols. Her black complexion symbolizes her all-embracing and transcendental nature. Says the Mahanirvana Tantra: "Just as all colors disappear in black, so all names and forms disappear in her". Her nudity is primeval, fundamental, and transparent like Nature — the earth, sea, and sky. Kali is free from the illusory covering, for she is beyond the all maya or "false consciousness." Kali's garland of fifty human heads that stands for the fifty letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, symbolizes infinite knowledge.
Her girdle of severed human hands signifies work and liberation from the cycle of karma. Her white teeth show her inner purity, and her red lolling tongue indicates her omnivorous nature — "her indiscriminate enjoyment of all the world's 'flavors'." Her sword is the destroyer of false consciousness and the eight bonds that bind us.

Her three eyes represent past, present, and future, — the three modes of time — an attribute that lies in the very name Kali ('Kala' in Sanskrit means time). The eminent translator of Tantrik texts, Sir John Woodroffe in Garland of Letters, writes, "Kali is so called because She devours Kala (Time) and then resumes Her own dark formlessness."

Kali's proximity to cremation grounds where the five elements or "Pancha Mahabhuta" come together, and all worldly attachments are absolved, again point to the cycle of birth and death. The reclined Shiva lying prostrate under the feet of Kali suggests that without the power of Kali (Shakti), Shiva is inert.

Forms, Temples, and Devotees Kali's guises and names are diverse. Shyama, Adya Ma, Tara Ma and Dakshina Kalika, Chamundi are popular forms. Then there is Bhadra Kali, who is gentle, Shyamashana Kali, who lives only in the cremation ground, and so on. The most notable Kali temples are in Eastern India — Dakshineshwar and Kalighat in Kolkata (Calcutta) and Kamakhya in Assam, a seat of tantrik practices. Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Vamakhyapa, and Ramprasad are some of the legendary devotees of Kali. One thing was common to these saints — all of them loved the goddess as intimately as they loved their own mother.

Tools of the Trade - Candles

Candles are one of my favorite and I think easiest of the tools there is. I mean...come on...it's a candle. With everything I know caution needs to be used and it's all based on intent. I had a friend as me for some advice on a money spell this week and immediately I said a green candle...but I did tell her that white will substitue for any of the colors if needed. Now witch or not I have always had candles around my house/apartment/room. I love candles. I always have.

There are a few different schools of thought as far as extinguishing them. Some say that you shouldn't "blow" a candle out because it offends the spirts. That you should use a snuffer. Others think it's fine to just blow a candle out. It's really a personal preference. Sometimes I blow them out...sometimes I don't...depends on how the room "feels" at the moment.

One thing I'm learning as with everything else is it's all in your intent. Another thing I learned is black candles don't exactly mean bad spells. I've used black candles to cast a spell to suck the negativity out of the house. (And with my ex husband. OMG was there negativity in that house. I don't think a witch jar could even help with that much negativity.


Some Color symbolisms and associations:

White: Spiritual truth and strength; breaking of curses; meditation; household purification.

Yellow: Persuasion; confidence and charm; aid to memory and studying; Virgo; Gemini.

Green: Healing; money and prosperity; luck; fertility; Sagittarius.

Pink: Love and friendship; entertaining; morality; overcoming evil; Cancer.

Red: Sexuality; strength, physical health and vigor; passion; protection; Scorpio; Aires.

Orange: Courage; solving legal problems; concentration; encouragement; Taurus.

Blue: Psychic and spiritual awareness; peace; prophet dreams; protection during sleep; Aquarius; Virgo.

Purple: Ambition; reversing a curse; speeding healing during illness; extra power; Pisces; Libra.

Brown: Protecting pets; solving household problems; attracting help in financial crisis; Capricorn.

Gold: Intuition; protection; Leo.

Gray: Stalemate; neutrality; cancellation.

Black: Evil; loss; sadness; discord, banishing

When using candle magick in healing, try to apply similar principles as used in color healing. Used a colored candle that has the curatives traits which meet the needs of the illness. During and after the practice always visualized the afflicted person as completely healed.

hmm why do I have the urge to say duh?

Daydream to Reduce Stress
Many experts agree that visualization techniques—including meditation and even daydreaming—can lead to reduced stress and anxiety.

According to Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association), spending as little as 10 to 20 minutes meditating can relieve even chronic stress—and enhance your ability to deal with stress. MHA also reports that 62 percent of Americans employ meditation for stress relief.

So the next time you find yourself stressed out, use your imagination to daydream your stress away.

Sources:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica
.net/go/information/get-info/stress/stress-coping-with- everyday-problems/stress-coping-with-everyday-problems

http://www.mentalhe althamerica
.net/index.cfm?objectid=ABD3DC4E-1372-4D20-C8274399C9476E26
guided-imagery.htm

Praying

Nothing too insightful for today. Right now I'm praying to the Goddess that my BFF's daughter will be alright. She's 1 and has Cystic Fibrosis. This morning they are taking her to the hospital because she's sick and they have to keep an eye on her lung functions. When I found out they were taking her in last night I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. I always knew it would eventually happen...but it's when it actually does that you smacked upside the head with Reality. So now I'm going to be sending healing energy and vibes to K as they take her to the hospital and pray to the Goddess that everything goes smoothly and they get to bring her home quickly.

Stonehenge

Swiped from my dear Sadiekins. Well the idea for Sunday...I love Eddie :)

Reiki Attunement

HOLY CRAP WOW!! Is the first thing that comes to mind. Tara's energy has always been infectious for me when I'm around her but today I went over and we hung out and I had my first degree attunement. Talk about an energy high. I got a glimpse at one of my guides during one of them (it's broken down into 4 parts. It's a woman. She has extremely long hair almost to her knees. I couldn't tell the color but it was darkish...not blond. She was wearing almost like peasant clothing, a skirt and blouse. She was standing by a river. She had a smile that was gentle and made you feel safe. I will definitely have to explore who she is and see what she has to tell me. Tara also told me I have a male guide as well. That he's "family" or at least he's around when my family is. He has dark hair and a dark mustache. I'll have to check with my parents and see if that fits any description they know. I think that might be the male energy I felt at Samhain.

Anyway we did all four parts of the attunement and the energy rush/high is amazing!!! Tara said when I first got there that my energy was all over the place. She hit me with her aura clearing spray right when I got there...I love her sprays and ointment. Need to make some flying ointment too...

Recipe Friday - Crock Pot Ginger Oil

I know I wasn't planning on starting this untl next week but this one is fresh in my mind since I was reminded I need to make another batch :)I got this recipe from the Wise Woman forum. There are so many different uses for it. And some of them are listed below as posted by the original author of this Oil. The last time I made it the house smelled WONDERFUL!!!

Warm thy bones Ginger oil

2 cups fresh ginger root, cut into chunks.
3 1/2 cups XV Olive oil or Jojoba oil

Place ginger into crock pot on lowest setting, or low alternate heat setting. Cover with the Oil. Leave on for two days with monitering as not to boil or burn the oil. The cover should be left ajar to allow the evaporation of water from the ginger root.
Decant and strain your oil.
Let your oil sit in a clear mason jar for a day, and you may see some additional water - oil separation. Separate them by carefully pouring off the oil from the water, or by syphening out with a clean turkey baster.
Be sure to complete your oil so that it has no remaining water content, it will take some patience but is well worth it. You will NOT have the same glorious results by using dry root or the essential oil.

What to do with your ginger oil?

~Treat your cold feet to the warm protection and circulatory pump of ginger oil before you put your boots on for winter shoveling.
~Rub onto your woumb for supreme moontime comfort.
~Massage into stiff aching joints from dryness, fatigue, or arthritis.
~Rub into sore muscles before or after athletics
~Add to a bathful of hot water and epsom salts.
~Add it to a tamari salad dressing!
~Give it away to an aching elder
~make a ginger-eucalyptus chest rub salve
~massage congested breast tissue and lymph glands
~mix it with half glycerin for a very warm and erotic love lubricant!

Purse for a Witchy Friend

Holy Crap I did it. I had gotten this pattern for a purse. It looked really cute on the site. Well I went to the store and my oldest son found this fabric.



Well I finally finished it tonight... Here are a few pics. I have some more fabric to do some for my nieces and one for my MIL as well. This first one is for a good friend Tara.





Sadie has already said she wants one...I just need to get a few more supplies and I'm good to go on making the rest!

The Wiccan Rede

An' it harm none, Do what ye will.

The main principle behind Wicca and most pagan religions. It should be so easy to follow. At least you would think so. I mean it's not a huge laundry list of do's and don'ts. So why is it so hard to follow for some people? Are they just inherantly, for lack of a better word...evil.

So what do you do when you see something like a group you might want to be a part of but you know that some of the people involved don't follow the Rede...they use magick and the craft in a way that can and does harm others. Right now I just steer clear. I wish there was another way...but there's not right now. Maybe someday I'll come up witha solution

Organization

Ok so I've been sitting here trying to figure out how I'm going to organize things as I research and work my way through my own learning process. Yeah...Pisces here...not so much on the organizational skils *giggle*


Tuesday - Tools of the Trade
Wednesday - God or Goddess Research I think I'll start with Isis
Thursday - Maybe a crystal or Gem
Friday - Recipes, Could be food, ritual soap...whatever I happen to find or come up with

I think I'll start with that and work my way into more. I plan on keeping this blog going way past NaBlo I want to be able to come back next NaBlo and be able to see how I've progressed over the year.

*sigh*

Well I had planned on starting my themed week this week but tonight is one of those nights that I need to relax and meditate and chill out. I'm taking this as a sign that I need to plan it out better so I can do my research before I start posting those.

Until then...Blessed be

Empath

Did this for fun...

What Kind of Empath Are You? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Precog You are a Precog Empath. You are a visionary & a human thermostat. You can predict outcomes and see where paths may lead. You are a good scout and a guide to others. Be careful of your dreams. Your sight penetrates the veil that hides the truth from mankind. (from "The Book of Storms" by Jad Alexander at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Empaths/) Precog 75% Healer 75% Judge 75% Artist 75% Shaman 75% Fallen Angel 65% Universal 65% Traveler 55%

A little more organization

I really need to get a little more organization when it comes to this blog. I need to check with my dear Sadiekins and see if she minds me hijacking something she does on her blog. Instead of sitting here wondering and floundering over what to write maybe it will come a little easier of I had some sort of schedule for some things. Maybe something about Tools on Tuesdays and recipies (ritual and otherwise) on Thursdays. I don't know something like that. I think if I organize a little more I won't feel the pressure of "Crap I haven't posted on my blog yet" And I really want to be consistent with it.

Reiki

I can't wait next weekend I start with Usui Reiki!! I am so excited about this. I know my BFF is going to be happy to because I'll FINALLY be balanced and not all over the place *giggle*

Recipes

Was trying to come up with what to write for today and decided to share some of my ritual soap recipes. Right now I'm using soap shreads because Lye in the house with a little one makes ne nervous He's 5 and a little too inqusitive. So I've been relying on shreads. Now all of these say Celtic Pentacle Mold...but that's just the mold I use you can really use any mold that feels right to you.

1/2 Pound shredded soap
1/2 Cup of Whole Milk
1 Teaspoon Eucalyptus Leaf
1/2 Teaspoon Lavender Fragrance
Celtic Pentacle Mold

Annual protection spell. Grind the Eucalyptus leaves in a coffee grinder to make a powder.

Healing

1/2 Pound shredded soap
1/2 Cup of Whole Milk
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon of Eucalyptus pure Essential Oil
One or two drops of White Camphor pure Essential Oil
Celtic Pentacle Mold

This is not only a good ritual soap for the witch, but for the ill person you are helping to heal.


Psychic

1/2 Pound shredded soap
1/2 Cup of Whole Milk
One Tablespoon Rose Petals
1/4 Teaspoon Bay Leaf pure Essential Oil
Celtic Pentacle Mold

Energy Leeches

Have you ever run into certain people or know certain people that after you've been around them you feel completely drained? I have and here lately it's happening quite often. The ones that come over to your desk and you give them a look trying to give the hint that you really have no desire to talk to them...doesn't always work though.

Once they walked away I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. I envisioned mirrors all around my cube repelling any of the negative energy that was seeping my way and especially their energy waves that seemed to be sucking my energy away. I went out at lunch and picked up a few things for some Christmas presents I'm making. I enjoyed the peace and quiet of my car. Rolled the window down some to feel the cool air and I feel slightly better now. I'm keeping the mirrors up and hopefully they will stay away for the rest of the day.

Witch Balls

So awhile ago when I was taking some Witch craft classes my teacher Tara (I've mentioned her before) were talking and she suggested that I check out Strega...Italian witch craft. Well in the process I found this link About Witch balls. Ever since then I have wanted one so badly. For some reason they just call to me. The unfortunate part is I'm a very hands on witch. I prefer to be able to pick up the item before I buy it. Make sure it's energy meshes with my own type thing if that makes sense. I haven't found one locally that fits me. I'm sure it will come eventually...when the time is right. In the meantime I work with what I have. But some day...I will have my witch ball...

Tools of the Trade - Oracle Cards

There are a lot of different tools witches use while they are practicing their craft. Some use runes some use Tarot Cards. I myself LOVE my pendulum. Although it does not appear to like certain people. (Another post for another time) You can do Stitchomancy...read tea leaves...candle Wax...the possibilities are endless. One that I like to use as well is Oracle Cards. A few months back I was asked to help out with the Harry Potter Release Party. I've mentioned her before I think but my friend and mentor Tara has asked me to help out. We were going to be doing Oracle Cards. The set I got was Trust Your Vibes, Oracle Card Deck By Sonia Choquette I LOVE these cards. I have a woman at work that I do readings for on occasion and use them for myself as well. I didn't think I'd like cards...because Tarot always looked so complicated. By I ended up likeing them. Granted by the end of the party I ended up with an energy buzz whish the hubby benefitted from...but the next day I had an energy Hangover.

My point is you won't necessarily like everything you try and everything is not going to click. You have to find what works for you and when you do work with it. The cards don't necessarily have all the answers but they are a good tool for guidance.

Meditation

Meditation is something that is a good tool even if you aren't a witch. Just the relaxation of it can do wonders for you. I know some don't think they can do it because they say their mind goes a million miles a minute and they can't focus on just nothing...For that I suggest Guided Meditation. Get a CD...video....DVD...tape...and follow along with it. They have them at metaphysical shops and even at places like Barnes and Noble.

For me I meditate either by playing some music that is relaxing....some Enya maybe...and let the music start to relax me. I've also used a candle and my crystal ball and essentially gazed into it to into a trance like state. I've even done the guided meditation with Tara in a few of her classes.

The thing is you should try and do it every day. I'm not so good about this one. I really need to do it more then I do. It not only relaxes you but helps get rid of stress and helps get your body back intune a little bit.

*note to self* Must meditate more often

Break the cycle of negativity

Today started as one of those days that I wished I could do over. I was frustrated. I had heard the alarm but "blinked" and next thing I knew my husband was shaking me telling me it was time for me to LEAVE for work. So I pulled myself out of bed and threw my clothes on. Splashed some water on my face, pulled my hair into a ponytail and ran out the door...without my lunch or my drink...heck even my change. I was already saying this was going to be a bad day. The day continued much in the same fashion. Ran to pick up Lunch and dropped my bottle of water as I tried to get back in the car and watched it roll away from me in the parking lot. Got my oldests son's days mixed up for something makine me feel like an idiot.

Then I got back to my desk with my lunch and dented and scratched up bottle of water. A few emails back and forth with my BFF and a few deep breaths and I started to relax a little. I closed my eyes and took another deep breath and asked the Goddess to get me through the rest of this day. I realized I was putting out major amounts of negative energy. That's not good for me or anyone else around me. So I sat there and I said "Goddess if you are trying to test me today...you are succeeding...but what are you trying to teach me." The answer rang loud and clear.

I've been too had on myself...well a whole lot lately. I know I drive my husband and BFF up a wall with it. I'll call myself names and say I was stupid or I did something wrong. It's old "programming". From being with my ex-husband who breeds negativity and who's chief talent is making people feel less then they really are. It's time to break that cycle...that habit. I am worth more then that. To myself, to my family, to the people I surround myself with.

I believe it's time I start researching and looking for MY Goddess. The one that speaks to me. She has so many different forms. I know I'm drawn to some of the darker goddesses, Isis, Hecete...It's time to find my Goddess and spirit guides. It's time to get together with one of my favorite witches Tara and work on Reiki. It's time to come completely out of the broom closet and find my place.

You still think of them...

Looking at my BFF's journal it reminded me of someone that was a big part of both of our lives. Much like Sadie I'm not quite sure how everything blew up and fell apart but it did. You were supposed to be a big part of our lives and we were supposed to get through things together...the three amigos. Us against the world. But the Goddess has a plan. I'm not sure what that plan is but I know the God and Goddess will reveal them to us when they are ready. Hopefully you are happy and like Sadie said really happy and not the illusion that was put up before us.

Samhain Recipies

I meant to post these the day before Samhain but got sidetracked and with getting married and everything yesterday I just completely forgot. Here are some great Recipes for Samhain

This is from the book Halloween by Silver Ravenwolf
Witches' Brew

1 gallon apple cider (love)
1 orange (love)
1 apple (love)
3 cinnamon sticks (love & psychic powers)
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (fidelity)1 handful rose petals (love)
1 big pot

Pour apple cider into a large pot or kettle. Peel orange and squeeze its juice into the cider, discarding the pulp. Tear the orange peel into 1 inch strips, and add to the mixture. Core apple and cut into 1/4 inch slices, add to the mixture. Break the cinnamon sticks in half, add to the mixture. Add nutmeg. Warm over low heat for 2 hours. DO NOT BRING TO A BOIL. Stir often saying:

From the moon to the vine
From the vine to the fruit
From the fruit to this brew
May the Lady send her blessings
May the Lord grant your desires

Serve warm and sprinkle with rose petals.NOTE: Make this a family or group affair. When we make this brew, we all take turns stirring and saying the verse above. The whole family gets involved, making it extra special!

The following recipes are from the book: Cooking By Moonlight, A Witch's Guide to Culinary Magic by Karri Ann Allrich

Pumpkin Moon Bread

Honor all the autum moons with this richly delicous bread infused with grounding aromatic spices. Why witches love pumpkin recipes is probably no mystery. This magical recipe invites love and cultivates both inner fire and spiritual protection

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar2 large eggs, beaten
2/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
1/4 cup orange juice
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. In a separate bowl combine the brown sugar, eggs, oil, orange juice, pumpkin and vanilla; beat until blended. Add the dry ingredients, and beat until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a rack to cool completely.

Moonlit Kitchen Tip
Lining the bottom of the loaf pan with butter parchment paper makes it easier to ease the loaf from the pan.Makes 1 9-inch loaf.

NOTE: Great for breakfeast with fresh fruit, or toasted and topped with cream cheese, yum!

Pumpkin Cheesecake
A creamy, delightful cheesecake with a hint of pumpkin flavor.
8 onces Neufchatel or cream cheese softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (14-ounce) can pumpkin puree
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon or allspice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspon pure vanilla extract
1 prepared graham cracker piecrust

Garnish
Whipped Cream
Freshly grated nutmeg

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.In a large mixing bowl beat the cheese with and electric mixer at medium speed, until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, sea salt, and vanilla, beat until smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared piecrust and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool the cheesecake in the pan on a wire rack.When the cheesecake is cooled, lightly cover and refridgerate for 2 hours.

Garnish chilled wedges with a dollop of whipped cream and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Marrying my Green Man

In less then 8 hours I go to marry my Green Man. Not many are lucky enough to find their Green Man. I'm not saying things are always perfect by any means. Every relationship has trials and things to work through. But for me...he is the one that clicks...the one that gets me...the one that puts up with my shit...lol Even if he's frustrated the hell out of me with something there isn't that urge to run like I've had in the past. just the fristration...lol We go good together...we fit. I know today's post doesn't exactly fit with the theme of the blog...but in a way it does because it has to do with my Green Man.

Today at 4pm we go and have the civil ceremony...we will do the handfasting later. But I can't wait. I'm nervous and excited at the same time... Below I put our song because it fits us so well. I've been through hell and back with past relationships And the road here may have been bumpy and broken...but if this is the end result...it's worth it.

Bless The Broken Road
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

[Chorus:]
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

[Chorus]

Now I'm just rolling home
Into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

First Day of NaBlo

Well today is the first day of the challenge. I was hoping to have something insightful to post, but the caffeine hasn't quite kicked in yet.

Last night went pretty well. We met some friends and took the kids trick or treating over by their house. The kids had a good time. We got home and got them in bed. BD hung out downstairs and I went upstairs to meditate and do a small ritual for Samhain.

I love this time of year...It's when I always feel the presence of my Grandparents the closest. This year seemed to be more though. Maybe because we are in our house now and away from the old place and the ex and all his negativity and negative energy. But this year if I concentrated hard enough I swear I could hear my grandfather's voice. I could smell my grandmother...even over the insence and candles I had burning. There was another presence in the house last night as well. It's a male presence, I believe it was BD's Dad.

After that I meditated for a little while. That was a little strange. Typically in years past anything I might see either in meditation or my dreams on Samhain come to be in one way or another. Not necessarily within that year...but they do. I was standing on my front lawn with my dear Sadiekins. I had a baby on my hip. Who's baby? That I don't know. I know it wasn't Sadie's...but that is all I know. I gather from what we were doing the kids were playing on the front lawn, but I'm not entirely sure. After that it got a little strange...It was like I was ripped from that to a spot I've only been at once before. It was the place I used for a ritual to "cut the cord" with someone who used to be in my life but it was unhealthy to keep them there...even in my heart and dreams. I let them go with light and love when I did...but the connection had to be severed. Anyway...I was ripped from standing there with Sadie and to that place again. She was standing there before me. Anger on her face and the green taint I had seen flowing through her before was still there as prominent as ever...maybe moreso. What looked like the end of the cord I had cut month's prior was dangling from her chest. If it was possible her face twisted up in even more anger and the cord shot straight at me and tried to reattach itself. I fought with it...trying to keep it away the best I could.

Suddenly I felt what I thought was BD's hands on my shoulders shaking me lightly and my eyes flew open yanking me out of that medetative start....talk about a headrush.

Still wondering what it was...if it was her or something else. Until I do I've put up mental mirrors to keep unwanted things out.

Must contimplate it more...