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...