Psychic Readings Without Permission

I thought I was done posting for the day, but I have sort of an educational post combined with a rant. First let me say I am a Psychic Medium. However I don't do readings for people unless they ask and I feel they really need it. I just don't like people coming back asking the same questions over and over again. I feel people become dependent on a reading to help guide their life.

Theresa from the TV show, Long Island Medium, says she is a psychic and after watching the show I'd say that she has some ability. However she walks up to people and starts doing readings without their permission. I understand when a spirit really wants to communicate. I also understand walking into a crowded area and just feeling anxious and needing to say something to someone. However you CAN control it. This is what Theresa is not doing and to me this behavior indicates that the reader is not quite as adept as she believes herself to be. It is also incredibly rude IMO to read someone without their permission. She says she can't control it. There are ways to control such as Psychic Shielding which I've discussed previously in my Spiritual Protection post.

If you are a psychic medium, how do you feel about this? Is it OK in your opinion to walk up to someone and start reading without their permission?

New Banner & Grab button.

Hello Everyone! So I've been playing around in Gimp and came up with a new Banner and grab button for my blog. If you haven't already grabbed my button, do it now! Its on the right. :)

Tell me what you think about it. I worked hard doing it. I'm not the best at creative graphics but I think I did a pretty good job.

If you haven't already check out my 31 days of Samhain post. Please join in! I'd love to hear your thoughts on each topic.

I'm wrapping up the 44 days of Witchery. If you've been counting, I didn't do them all. Basically because I don't have much to say about the ones I left out, and I'd like to move on anyway.

I'm still working on my story for the All Hallows Grim blog Party. If you haven't joined in the fun, head on over to Pagan Culture and put your name on the list.

And now since I've been putting out at least one post a day (Sometimes more) I think tomorrow will be a little break for me.

Blessings, love and light all!

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Something that inspires you.

I know the Praying Hands is often associated with Christianity, but the story behind the image is something that really pulls at my heartstrings. It inspires me to do the best that I can and to help lift up people when I am able. It also reminds us that we never make it in this world alone. Anyway, I'll let it speak for itself.

Albrecht Dürer
1471 - 1528
The Praying Hands

Back in the fifteenth century, in a tiny village near Nuremberg, lived a family with eighteen children. Eighteen! In order merely to keep food on the table for this mob, the father and head of the household, a goldsmith by profession, worked almost eighteen hours a day at his trade and any other paying chore he could find in the neighborhood.

Despite their seemingly hopeless condition, two of Albrecht Durer the Elder's children had a dream. They both wanted to pursue their talent for art, but they knew full well that their father would never be financially able to send either of them to Nuremberg to study at the Academy.

After many long discussions at night in their crowded bed, the two boys finally worked out a pact. They would toss a coin. The loser would go down into the nearby mines and, with his earnings, support his brother while he attended the academy. Then, when that brother who won the toss completed his studies, in four years, he would support the other brother at the academy, either with sales of his artwork or, if necessary, also by laboring in the mines.

They tossed a coin on a Sunday morning after church. Albrecht Durer won the toss and went off to Nuremberg. Albert went down into the dangerous mines and, for the next four years, financed his brother, whose work at the academy was almost an immediate sensation. Albrecht's etchings, his woodcuts, and his oils were far better than those of most of his professors, and by the time he graduated, he was beginning to earn considerable fees for his commissioned works.

When the young artist returned to his village, the Durer family held a festive dinner on their lawn to celebrate Albrecht's triumphant homecoming. After a long and memorable meal, punctuated with music and laughter, Albrecht rose from his honored position at the head of the table to drink a toast to his beloved brother for the years of sacrifice that had enabled Albrecht to fulfill his ambition. His closing words were, "And now, Albert, blessed brother of mine, now it is your turn. Now you can go to Nuremberg to pursue your dream, and I will take care of you."

All heads turned in eager expectation to the far end of the table where Albert sat, tears streaming down his pale face, shaking his lowered head from side to side while he sobbed and repeated, over and over, "No ...no ...no ...no."

Finally, Albert rose and wiped the tears from his cheeks. He glanced down the long table at the faces he loved, and then, holding his hands close to his right cheek, he said softly, "No, brother. I cannot go to Nuremberg. It is too late for me. Look ... look what four years in the mines have done to my hands! The bones in every finger have been smashed at least once, and lately I have been suffering from arthritis so badly in my right hand that I cannot even hold a glass to return your toast, much less make delicate lines on parchment or canvas with a pen or a brush. No, brother ... for me it is too late."

More than 450 years have passed. By now, Albrecht Durer's hundreds of masterful portraits, pen and silver-point sketches, watercolors, charcoals, woodcuts, and copper engravings hang in every great museum in the world, but the odds are great that you, like most people, are familiar with only one of Albrecht Durer's works. More than merely being familiar with it, you very well may have a reproduction hanging in your home or office.

One day, to pay homage to Albert for all that he had sacrificed, Albrecht Durer painstakingly drew his brother's abused hands with palms together and thin fingers stretched skyward. He called his powerful drawing simply "Hands," but the entire world almost immediately opened their hearts to his great masterpiece and renamed his tribute of love "The Praying Hands."

The next time you see a copy of that touching creation, take a second look. Let it be your reminder, if you still need one, that no one - no one - - ever makes it alone!

Author Unknown

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Wyatt's 4 Month Check Up

So today was his 4 month checkup. I can't believe how time flys! I really was dreading taking him to the doctor today. I hate getting his vaccines, but I do believe they are for the best. I know a lot of moms are choosing to skip vaccines for various reasons, and that's their right as a mom. But I just feel that they do have a good purpose and the risks are worth the benefits.

So he got two shots and an oral vaccine today. The doctor checked him out and mentioned "Rice cereal" at 6 months which we will just ignore. Evidently DH's mother has been saying that Wyatt should be eating solids. She hasn't said a word to me about it. Probably because she knows it wouldn't go over well with me. He's had a taste or two which I don't like doing but tolerate. He won't be getting any solids on a regular basis till I feel he is ready. I have such an awesome hubby to not mention his mothers "suggestions". He knows it would irritate me. But he told the doctor what she's been saying, so now I know.

Wyatt is now 17.95 lbs and 27 inches long. He's such a big boy! And he's a trooper. I think the shots hurt mom more than baby.

A famous pagan/witch!

Hmm. A famous Pagan or witch. Well, Right now I am watching an old rerun of Bewitched. I fell in love with the show when I discovered the series on Netflix a few years ago. I ordered every series and watched them with my daughter. Anytime I see it being played on TV I tune in. I still find some I've never saw or even if I have watched it before its entertaining to watch again. Samantha is my favorite of course, but Andora is a close second. And who could forget Aunt Clara!




As far as a "real" witch, Sully Erna is one of my favorite musical artists, and he happens to be one hot witch. :)

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Flower of your choice, and its magical properties.

Roses is my most favorite flower. When we think of roses we think of relationships and love. Its our flower that says I love you, I'm sorry, and I still love you. It says I care about you.

Roses represent:

• Passion
• Luck
• Healing
• Ultimate Love
• Psychic ability
• Healing

Deities associated with this flower are: 

• Cupid
• Demeter
• Eros
• Adonis
• Hathor
• Isis

Different flower colors have different meanings. 

• Red Rose- Romantic Love, Beauty, Courage, and Passion
• White Rose - Purity, Reverence, Heavenly, Humility, Youthfulness and Innocence
• Pink Rose - Appreciation, Grace, Admiration, Thankfulness
• Yellow Rose - Joy, Friendship, Delight, Happiness
• Orange Rose - Enthusiasm and Energy, Desire

The yellow rose is my mothers favorite

The Rose by Bette Midler is a favorite of mine and it makes me think of my mother and grandmother. I remember the day we heard that my grandmother, Minnie Lee Belle Smiley, had died. My mother and I were cleaning the house and one of her brothers showed up at our door to tell us she had died. I never really knew my grandmother, apart of my name is LaBelle, which is after Minnie. I've continued the tradition of having a form of Belle in my daughters name (Sierra Belle) in honor of Minnie. This song always reminds me of the love and sadness felt that day. 

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My Breastfeeding Mommy Weakness

I posted this on another blog but I thought it would be a good topic to post about. My son, Wyatt, is 4 months old and is a Nummie lover supreme! Breast feeding is easy now, but it wasn't always that way.

My first weak moment for me is a time when I felt like my body was not my own. Wyatt was only a couple weeks old then, and the term "leech" came to my mind. I'm not sure if that was a little bit of PPD or what, but I felt so guilty for feeling that way. If you've ever felt that way, its OK to just unlatch and take a breather.

I remember about a month after he was born I had a mommy breakdown. My nipples were cracked and bleeding so bad I was flinching every time he latched. This was before we had his tongue tie clipped. Trust me, if you have a baby that is tongue tied, find a doctor to clip it! The night of my mommy meltdown I was exhausted. I sleep on the couch and had his bassinet right beside me. He was waking every two hours to nurse still. That night I cried as I was feeding my son. I just couldn't stand the pain any longer. Using my own milk didn't help sooth my nipples. Nor did any cream. Our local Wal-Mart didn't carry nipple shields, so I sent my husband to the store at 4 am to buy bottles. That night I felt like a complete breast feeding failure. I let him feed our son while I got a good nights rest.

The next day I went back to breastfeeding our son. I had my husband feed him one bottle a day for a few days till my nipples healed. Then went back to breastfeeding full time. His tongue tie was also clipped by then, so we were having a better time with latching. Soon it became an afterthought to just pop the nipple in his mouth and lay back in our recliner while he had lunch. My husband is such a trooper. In those early days he took care of everything while I just nursed in the recliner. He brings me water and food and takes care of the house and our DD while I relax and breast feed. So I just want to say having family support you in those first weeks post-partum (and beyond) is a wonderful gift!

Before the baby, I said I'd only breast feed to 6 months. When I got pregnant and did a lot of research. I then changed my mind and said I'd go to a year. Now, I don't see us stopping at 6 months, a year, or maybe not even 2 years. I'll let him decide that.

So I hope whoever is reading this, perhaps you just have your brand new little one in your arms or just found out your pregnant, I just want to say I've been in your shoes, and while its not easy, its completely worth it!

Wyatt. 4 months old

P.S. This has all been typed while breast feeding my son! You get really talented at multi-tasking! 

Something that I think people who don’t know much about paganism/witchcraft should know.

Generally those who are non-Pagan/Wiccan, don't know much about us at all. Most haven't even heard the term "Wiccan". Which honestly, is fine by me. Those who are curious and more open minded will seek the information for themselves. Which is why I enjoy doing educational articles on my blog and talking privately with people who approach me for information.

• All the normal misconceptions come to mind such as we don't believe in a devil, therefore we aren't devil worshipers. 
• We don't believe in sacrifice. 
• We aren't Harry Potter wannabe's. 
• Spells/Magick/Prayer is energy work. The more good energy I put into my work, the more good energy that comes back to me eventually.

 I try to stay positive. I am by no means perfect. I do have a temper and it sometimes gets the best of me. But I'm a pacifist at heart which goes well with the "Harm none" law. I think what most people don't realize is that Wicca is not just a religion, its a way of life. I'm like anyone else in that I have hopes, dreams, and worries. The difference is that I deal with those hopes, dreams, and worries in a different way because I live my life the Wiccan way. Which is at one with the Lord and Lady and all that they touch.

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World Milksharing Week!

Lets take a break from the Pagan posts to talk about Milksharing. Its World Milksharing Week! As a breastfeeding mom, I'm all for milksharing. It hit the news a few days ago about a father to a 9 month old decided to go on an all mothers milk diet. Unfortunately it looks like his blog has been taking down. I know a lot of people were upset that he was drinking it instead of the milk going to an infant. I think a lot of people over reacted without taking into consideration that,

• The milk is theirs to decide what to do with it. No one has the right to say what someone should do with their milk. 
• Donating milk isn't always easy. Milk banks have a lot of rules on what milk can be accepted. 
• Giving it to others can become expensive if its being shipped. Think about how much they had! In this economy not many people would be able to ship it. 
• IMO there are health benefits for adults to drink it too. 

There is a happy ending though. A mother of quadruplets has been given the milk, and evidently they worked out the logistics of getting the milk to her. 

About 10 years ago I had a coworker pat my belly and revel in the joy of new life forming. I was 3 months pregnant at the time with my daughter. Before my daughter was born, he was dead from cancer. We watched month after month as my friend went from a scrawny 110 pounds down to pure bones. He tried marijuana to help his appetite. However after awhile my friend just gave up. He stopped Chemo, he stopped eating, he stopped answering the phone or even leaving his house. Breastmilk may not be a cure for cancer, but it might have been able to help him keep weight on him. That would have given him the energy to continue the fight for life. Even if it had no physical effect for him, the hope it could give might have been enough for him to continue the fight.

There hasn't been enough research on the benefits of breast milk for adults. We are still fighting the good fight to raise awareness for its benefits for kids! But the more we raise awareness for the natural uses of breast milk the more accepted it will become for both children and adults.

Here are some links I found on Breast Milk uses for health reasons.

Breast Milk the New Wonder Cure? - By Louise Atkinson.

There's little doubt that breast milk helps keep babies healthy, but could it be a miracle cure for adult illnesses, too? 

That's the suggestion from a number of studies on its use as a treatment for conditions as varied as cancer, diarrhoea and diabetes.

In the latest research published last week, a Swedish team reported that the sizes of bladder tumors were reduced just five days after patients were injected with a breast milk compound. 

The team at Gothenburg University had been looking at the antibiotic properties of breast milk when a researcher noticed that cancerous lung cells in a test tube died on contact with breast milk.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1268987/Cancer-arthritis-diabetes-acne--breast-milk-new-wonder-cure.html#ixzz1Z0vV18S3

Breast Milk contains Stem Cells

The Perth scientist who made the world-first discovery that human breast milk contains stem cells is confident that within five years scientists will be harvesting them to research treatment for conditions as far-reaching as spinal injuries, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

But what Dr Mark Cregan is excited about right now is the promise that his discovery could be the start of many more exciting revelations about the potency of breast milk.

He believes that it not only meets all the nutritional needs of a growing infant but contains key markers that guide his or her development into adulthood.

To wrap this up, I'd just like to leave you with these final words. If you are OK with drinking milk from a cow or goat, then why wouldn't you be OK to drink milk from a human? Its just Milk, so drink it. :-) 

Faerie of your choice.

I don't discount their existence, but haven't made up my mind if I believe faeries exist or not. I suppose its possible. One of my friends use to say there were Faeries in her store. I certainly felt a different energy in the area she was talking about, whether it was the fae or not I cannot say. I am fascinated with any Scottish Lore, so perhaps I should do more reading on faeries. I know they are mischievousness and certainly shouldn't be taken for granted. I also love faerie artwork. See my signature for proof. My art files have at least 10 different faeries.

One of my favorite fictional books are about the fae. The Meredith Gentry series by Laurell K Hamilton is about a faerie princess related to both the unseelie and seelie court who must fight to stay alive and possibly one day rule. Its a wonderful story full of twists and turns and of course sexy hunks! My favorite is Frost or the Killing Frost. Dole is another favorite of mine. Don't you just wish these kinds of series could just go on forever? One day I hope they will make a movie out of it. Wouldn't it be the next great Harry Potter type series! Oh but Hollywood would ruin it by making all the sex scenes PG-13. Those are my favorite parts. *Wink*

So there you have it. They are something I should probably research better. Until then, its never a bad idea to set a potted plant beside the door just in case.

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A pagan/witchy artwork.

I absolutely love the Goddess art of Jonathan Earl Bowser. His artwork just speaks to me. I could sit and look at it for ages and never tire of it! If I had the money I'd certainly buy a few originals. My all time favorite of course has to be Isis. She is so beautiful here and I love the colors of the sunset and the flowing gown and wings. Its so beautiful! His artwork reminds me of the PBS guy. You know the old hippy? Bob Ross was his name. I loved to watch him on Sunday mornings. While he was painting his "Happy little trees" I was waiting for my mother to pick me up, and bemoaning the fact that I had to leave my great granny. But we had a good time watching TV, sharing stories and just being together. So thinking of art makes me think of my great granny. I really miss her! I think she taught me a lot about how to be a parent. I wish I had all the stories memorized that she did. I slept in her bed when I visited and we would snuggle and she'd tell me little bedtime stories and fairy tales.

Sorry I got off track! That's OK though. :)

Isis. By Jonathan Earl Bowser

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Mabon: What I am letting go

This year has been all about big changes in our life. In a way, its a small death. I've given up a job I loved, moved 200 miles away from the place I grew up, have given birth to our son, my daughter changing schools, etc... I know this change is right, but it isn't easy.

So I am giving up the life I had in Kentucky. For the first time, I am no longer 10 minutes away from my mother. Now let me explain, that I have a love/hate kind of relationship with my mother. She gets on my nerves, but I still love her.

I already know that it will be about a year before we start seeing our change come to fruition. Were more than halfway through now. We just have to keep our head up and keep pushing forward. I hope in the end, its worth it.

I think Mabon is a good time to sit back and notice the good things in life. To be thankful for what we have, to let go of what is toxic in our life. I can't say there is a lot of toxic things in our life at the moment. Despite living with my In laws we all get along fairly well. What drama does come up, I try to stay out of.

So I am thankful for my family, my friends, and thankful that I am finally getting back to my writing. Its a creative outlet I've missed!

Have a wonderful Mabon,

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A favourite pagan/witchy movie.

I have to admit I am a total witchy movie liker (Yeah I'm making up words). I know they are fake, they give witchcraft and Paganism in general a bad name. But they are so fun!

My all time favorite witchy movie has to be the Harry Potter series. Its so thought out and filled with twists and turns. JK Rowling is one of my most favorite authors. So for a witchy movie, Harry Potter is at the top.

 

And then we have the other movies like Practical Magic, The Craft, and Race to Witch Mountain. All great movies. And who could forget Elphaba! As a kid I was afraid of the Wizard of Oz. I never wanted to watch it. But then the book, Wicked came out, and I fell in love with her. Such a misunderstood character!

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A picture of a witchy I-Want-It-Now!

I know it seems like a simple thing, but it really isn't. Its not particularly witchy, but can be with a little tlc. Its a house. Or rather, a home! This is what is missing in our life. Well that, and the funds to get one. I've picked a picture of a lovely little (or not so little) cottage with a lovely garden. Before DH lost his job in DEC we were working on buying a home. Plans fell through though and it was a good thing because we would have lost the house. But it was lovely. 4 bedrooms, in the country, two car garage, and room for the garden I want. Someday I'll get that. Until that happens, I can only dream.

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Have a wonderful Mabon!

To all my Pagan, Witchy, and Wiccan friends, have a wonderful Mabon! Last Saturday we celebrated Mabon with Lynn and the members of Innana's Spiritual Center. We had a lovely ceremony at the Yoctangee park in Chillicothe. Then we had a potluck dinner with good friends and camaraderie. I was going to take pictures of our Mabon tree for this post, but alas I was wrestling a 15 lb baby the whole day and forgot.

I've saw a lot of great posts about Mabon cooking lately. From Pumpkin pies to bread, it all sounds wonderful. I think I'm just going to stick with making sloppy joes for dinner and maybe I'll make muffins or a cake today. I know I could get a lot more elaborate, but I think I'll focus on my writing. :)

So again, Happy Mabon!



~Magickal Graphics~

For those who do not know what Mabon is, here are some informational links.

Earth Witchery - Mabon
Joelle Sacred Grove- Mabon

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A witchy podcast.

Mostly I listen to rock music. One of my favorites is Godsmack. So here's a few for them, as well as a few folk music selections.

 

Godsmack -  Serenity

Sully Erna - Sinner's Prayer

Witches Chant

The Earth is my Mother

We all come from the Goddess

This last one is Susannah Martin by Touchstone. Since I am related to her, I've loved listening. I believe one of the band members are related to Susannah too. If your unaware of who Susannah Martin was, she was one of the women hung in the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.

One Small Step for Gay Equality

       Hooray for the repeal of Don't ask Don't Tell (DADT)! If you've heard the news and are Gay and Lesbian friendly your jumping for joy (Maybe just on the inside) for an injustice righted. I have a few friends who are gay and I have to say they are the most happiest people I know because they are not denying their mind and body of what they need to be happy.

     I know gay rights have a long way to go before we see equality, but this is just one more small step toward a new beginning for this country. My dream is that everyone finds their special loved one, whether they are male, female or trans gendered no one should be denied love (OR marriage) because of sexual orientation.

     Its hard to understand why DADT started to begin with. So in the interest of learning, I looked it up! The U.S. Military has had a long history with using public opinion to decide who shall and shall not serve in the military. All you have to do is think about black history and we know that at one time all African Americans were barred from the military. Same with women. When public opinion starts to change, so does the laws surrounding it.

    Sodomy (Defined as anal and sometimes oral between two men) has been banned in the military since the Revolutionary war. In WWII the military began psychological tests to try to identify and deny entry into the military based on sexual orientation. However when the military suffered a shortage of personnel, gays were allowed in the military. So I guess they were good to enter only when they needed bodies to catch the bullets right?!

   In 1980 the DOD stated in a new policy that, "Homosexuality is incompatible with military service". DOD Directive 1332.14, January 28, 1982, Part 1, Section H. This new policy resulted in approximately 17,000 men to be discharged from service.

   In 1993 President Clinton asked Secretary of Defense to come up with a policy that would end discrimination of Gays in the military. What they came up with is DADT. Gays would no longer be discharged for being gay, unless they were caught having sex (Sodomy under the law).

  And now today, Tuesday, September 20th 2011, we make another historic change in the military by allowing everyone to be open about their sexual orientation. Hopefully one day, this change will spur change in public opinion. With all the hate that we have in this world, why is love made illegal? Gays are not all about sex. Gays are not sexual predators. They are simply attracted, and in love with, someone who happens to be of the same gender. There is absolutely nothing wrong with love! And I propose that it is the solution to stopping so much hate in our society.

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How do your close ones feel about your witchy path? Do they know? Why or why not?

For the most part they are pretty open to my path. DH is spiritual. He doesn't claim any religion but he's studied many. He marches to his own tune so to speak. He's most close to Native American Shamanism. He's taught me a lot over the years and without him I'm sure I wouldn't be the same me today.

My mother "claims" to be Christian, but honestly I have never saw her to step foot in a church. She does believe that you don't need a church to be a good Christian, nor do you need to dress in your "Sunday" best. She doesn't know a lot about Wicca, but once in awhile she gets curious and asks. Other than that, she doesn't really live her beliefs.


My father isn't in the picture, and the rest of my family I do not have contact with. Overall we are not a very tight nit family. We couldn't be in the same room without knock down fights happening.

DH family doesn't really say much either. They are also not very religious.

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So I don't want to add a bunch of people I don't really know to my personal Facebook. So I created a page for my blog. You can follow me here.

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How was your Weekend? Happy Monday!

Good Monday morning everyone. So how was your weekend? Mine went pretty well. Normally on Wednesdays I go to the women's group at Innana's Spiritual Center. They are lovely Pagan ladies and we chat about various topics. I skipped last weeks meeting because I wanted to save some gas so I could go to their Mabon harvest celebration on Saturday. I was going to get pictures of everyone and our harvest tree, but alas, I was busy with my 4 month old so it never crossed my mind. I must give a thumbs up for baby wearing in the circle! My daughter was a trooper though, she didn't feel like participating so she held Wyatt for a while so I could be in circle. But at the end she got tired and that's when I popped Wyatt into my Moby wrap and we were good to go.

If your in the Chillicothe Ohio area drop by Innanas for a visit. They have some exciting things happening there. There is a woman's retreat as well as some other things. I unfortunately won't be able to go to some of those. But I continue to go almost every Wednesday and some Saturdays just for some social interaction.

Sunday I wrote a bit more on the All Hallows Grim Blog Party. I have the outline almost complete and I have a couple of paragraphs written. So far I think its going to be more sexy than scary, but that's just my style.

Dh's mom made a fantastic Sunday dinner. She is an awesome cook. She made sweet rolls, homemade chicken noodles and mashed potatoes. Yummy!

Well I hope your coming week is fantastic! Happy Mabon everyone.

Your moon sign.

I don't do a lot of astrology stuff. So I am just going to post what this website says and make comments.

Moon Sign for 04 November 1979 02:00:00 EST:

Taurus Degree: 11° 56'
People with the Moon in the same degree

Practical, reliable, easygoing, understands the true value of things. Likes good food and gardening, hates unpredictability.

The Moon in Taurus is often a sign of good practical skills. Those who were lucky to be born with such a Moon are usually talented cooks, [NOT! Dh had to teach me how to cook, and I'm still not that good. Yes, I've burned boiling water. lol ] and they enjoy doing everything themselves. [I am a bit of a control freak] They prefer a calm, stable life, with everything known years ahead. [True, I love to plan and organize, though my house is usually the most disorganized thing about me. lol ]  It is important for them that everything they own is of good quality and that their home is comfortable. They know how to deal with plants, [NOT! I kill plants. Though I would love to have a veggie garden one day. I'd have to learn how to do it. ] and time spent digging in the garden is the best way for them to restore their energy.
Routine everyday activities like cooking, washing or gardening are not difficult for the Moon in Taurus, and he or she often feels a need to do something like this because this is a sure way to get satisfaction from the practical results of their actions.[Only time I like to do those things is when I'm angry! ] Some of them like to have plenty of food in their house: they feel more confident if there is always something around which they like to eat. [True, and the proof is connected to my ass ]
The physical body of those born with the Moon in Taurus also feels that it should have a good supply of nutrients, but if left to its own devices it might quickly accumulate unwanted extra weight, especially considering that the Moon in Taurus loves good food and knows how to relax and enjoy itself. The neck and throat may be quite sensitive with such a Moon, so it is always good to keep warm, and avoid food and drinks which irritate mouth and throat. [I've always had problems with my throat, so this is interesting. ]
Food for the Moon in Taurus should contain plenty of vegetables and salad, as well as vitamins, and it should be of a really good quality. Moderate activity and exercise are always beneficial, but life should be predictable and stable, without abrupt changes.
If asked what they want to do to recharge their batteries after a period of stress, Moon in Taurus individuals often say that they need to eat something savoury. An ancient truth works here: if there is good food in the house, nothing is lost. [Nope, sweet or salty]
Taurus Moons can be superb parents, although sometimes they think that the most important thing is to feed their children properly, forgetting their other needs, such as intellectual pursuits. [This is just too vague. Any mother should be willing to sacrifice their own needs for their children. ] Nevertheless, their children will always remember their parents' home as a Home Sweet Home.

Working on my writing

So I am doing a story for the All Hallow's Grim Blog party. I know its going to involve dragons, fair maidens, magical amulets, and a little romance. I thought about doing it as an erotica story. I was going to have the dragons be able to change into human form to mate. But now I don't think so. I think bestiality might be a little no go area for me though. Not sure what I'll do. I also find it hard to write scary. But I have a twist in mind. ;)

What do you think? Is having the fair maidens loose their virginity to a dragon something I should stay clear of? Or maybe just make the sex implied instead of explicit?

A favourite candle.

My favorite candles are hand made by me! I really got into making candles years ago when a candle making company contracted my ex-boss to make a printed bottle for their candle scents. I was curious and went on their website and found a lovely supply of candle and soap making supplies. I spent that year making my own candles for personal use. I even sold a few. Christmas was candles for everyone. It was lovely. :) One of my favorites to make was a black Lily of the valley candle in a scull cast. The person I made it for loved it. :)

I made my mother a Chakra candle that has a dolphin and mermaid on it. She refuses to burn it and has it to this day.

I remember in high school our history class did a projects workshop where we made things like they would have in the Renascence. One of the things I did was dip candles out of beeswax. That was a fun project. :)

The Perfect Marriage

Note: The following may ruffle a few feathers. I hope that you can see my words are offered in an attempt to show another way.

Most people will tell you that there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. Their view of marriage is mostly harmonious with a few screaming fits in there somewhere.

I say, if you are screaming at one another then you don't have a perfect marriage. And yes, its possible!

Lance and I. 2008

At 16 years old I started dating Lance, my future husband. At 18 we moved out of my mothers house (HE was living with us). On my 19th birthday we were being married. Everyone around us told me I was too young, he was too old (10 yrs difference). That we should wait for me to "live" a little. etc. etc... I believe the "expiration date" on our marriage was somewhere around 5 years according to some people. Here we are 14 years later and going strong.

I say if you scream at your partner and call them names then you don't have respect for them. Therefore the marriage cannot be healthy. Lance and I came from homes where it was common to hear our parents fighting, calling each other names, basically doing everything but physical violence to hurt one another. Then of course there was the "make up" days. This is very hard for children to witness. Some people say its necessary for kids to see so they will know how to deal with conflict. But this is no way to deal with conflict. You deal with conflict by talking and compromise, not screaming and insisting on only one persons view is correct. The power struggle so many couples participate in isn't healthy. Couples should work together, not try to be the top dog in every fight.

Our rules in marriage are simple. Don't be rude. If you wouldn't say it to a stranger, don't say it to your partner. Have respect, tell each other "I love you often". Don't tell the other to go away. Always talk about what we are thinking. Talking does NOT involve raised voices and slamming doors or throwing items. Come up with a solution that is best for the entire family. Don't be a dick just because your having a bad day.

I hope everyone has The Perfect Marriage. But if you don't, perhaps its time to talk with your partner and implement a few ground rules.

A favourite scent.

I don't really have an all-time favorite scent. I do have a couple that I like more than others. Strong scents (No matter what kind it is) gives me a headache. So you won't find me wearing perfume. I use essential oils sparingly and the scent can't be something too strong or musky.

Vanilla is a favorite of mine. I love Vanilla bean candles.
Dragons blood also smells good. Again not too strong. I use the oil to anoint candles.

Rose is also a favorite scent of mine. I remember as a child my mother had a black poodle bottle from Avon that was rose perfume. She made it out to be like this great big expensive thing. In reality I could buy a vintage bottle of it for $20. I thought about buying it for her because when I was a kid, I had my friend over to our house and we were playing in the bathroom with makeup. Then my friend sees my mothers perfume. We ended up using the entire bottle of perfume. Maybe thats why I can't stand scents that are too strong now! lol

Black poodle Avon Bottle. Isn't it cute!

Why have dogs if you don't know how to take care of them?!

First of all, I'd like to apologize to my readers because this post will be a rant. If you don't like them, please just skip over this one.

I am a dog lover. I have always owned dogs. I cannot remember a time where there was not a dog in my life (Other than right now where I've been forced to keep my dog in KY with my mother temporarily).

I go on a forum (I'll keep that forum anonymous). There, people ask questions and others answer them. Daily I see stupid questions about dogs. I can't help it, I know its just going to irritate me, but I open them anyway. Almost always the following happens,

D'Oh!

The latest stupid dog owner is someone who just got a lab/boxer puppy. These two breeds are notorious for being very high energy dogs. They are NOT lap dogs. They (As well as all) dogs need training. If they are bored they are destructive.  Yet this woman said (And I don't believe her for a second) that the shelter she adopted from told her to wait till the puppy was 6-7 months old to train. Why would you wait to train when the most informative years is when they are younger! By 6-7 months they have already developed bad behaviors that will have to be undone by even more extensive training. Please people, if you don't know how to train your dogs yourself, please seek a professional trainer.

This woman actually said, "You can't walk a puppy. "

Maybe she can't walk HER puppy, but thats only because the puppy's owner is ignorant. If you don't know a thing about dogs, please do your research. The Internet is there for a reason. Educate yourself!

A picture of a tarot or oracle card, and its meaning.

I use Ralph Blum's Rune card tarot deck. Its the only deck I've ever used and honestly I only use it to get me started on a reading. Then I just go by intuition. The card I like best is The Journey (Raidho).  It has a picture of a mountain with an R symbol around it.

I like this card because I feel that life should be about the journey, not the destination. If your not happy in life, change it. Don't say you'll wait for later because life is not a guarantee. This card teaches us to take pleasure in the now. 

Here is Raidho's meaning.

Raidho: (R: Wagon or chariot.) Travel, both in physical terms and those of lifestyle direction. A journey, vacation, relocation, evolution, change of place or setting. Seeing a larger perspective. Seeing the right move for you to make and deciding upon it. Personal rhythm, world rhythm, dance of life. Raidho Reversed or Merkstave: Crisis, rigidity, stasis, injustice, irrationality. Disruption, dislocation, demotion, delusion, possibly a death.

Spells are not Lifes band-aid

I'd like to spend a moment away from the 44 days of witchery to discuss spells, and why I don't share. It isn't that I'm selfish and don't want to share my hard work. Its that I believe if you are casting spells, you should know how to write your own as well as know when you should and should not use them. This means you've already studied, hopefully with another practitioner, and have learned how to create your own spells and the ethics of their use. Not that I have anything against learning from books, but I don't think it should be your only source.

Here's the thing, spells are not natures band-aid for life's troubles. If you only use spells to try to fix your life, then your no different from the people who consider themselves Christian only when they are as my mother says, "Up a shit creek without a paddle."

I don't want to make it sound like its a bad thing to turn to the Lord and Lady for help. Its certainly not. But it is when thats your only reason for doing so. Don't forget that you need to do the work associated with whatever change you wish to bring about. I think we all know it would be nice if we could get instant gratification, but it just doesn't work that way folks.

So remember, honor the God(dess), be thankful, and do the work! Not every situation is appropriate for spells. If you are in doubt, ask a friend. :)

Blessed Be,

SWC

Have you had any paranormal experiences?

Yes! Many paranormal experiences in my lifetime. I can remember when I was a child I was afraid of going to sleep because I would wake up and see people standing at the end of my bed or looming over me. As soon as I tried to focus on them they disappeared. But while in that half awake sleepy phase I could feel and see a shadow there. Most people would tell a child that they aren't really there, but I know they were! I still wake up sometimes and see those shadows.

I've gotten better at seeing and interacting with Spirits. They no longer frighten me, but they can still startle me sometimes. One of the strongest experiences I've had was when we were living in an old farm house. Almost every night I would wake up and see a man looking in the window. Then he would disappear. Well this time I was pregnant and already loosing sleep. So I put a blanket over the window. That night he appeared standing over me inside the house this time. And he was mad! So was I. I told him this wasn't his house anymore and to get out! I was very forceful about it. (Hey I was hormonal give me a break). The blanket fell when he disappeared and I never saw him again. That guy freaked me out a bit. I think he was the first owners of the home. I'd gage him to be from the 1930's maybe. I think his habit was to look in to see if his wife was asleep when he went out drinking. He seemed to be that kind of drunk redneck kind of man.

The last spirit I saw was I believe to be my son before he was born. I was only 8 weeks pregnant. I should explain that I believe around this time the spirit is near but not "IN" the baby's body. Its still undecided if the embryo is going to survive those first few important weeks.

I was afraid that I would miscarry. I have lost a baby before and though I have no proof I think I was having multiple very early miscarriages for years. I couldn't sleep that night because I was worried about the light cramps I was having, but I was very tired. I remember going to the bathroom and pleading that I wouldn't see any red spots. (I didn't). I went back to bed and there standing by my bed was a young man that resembles my husband. Though his hair was like mine. He told me everything would be OK. That if I worried I could stress myself out too much. To just have faith that all would be well and that he loved me. I had an overwhelming feeling of love. It was at this time I also knew I would have a son. I held onto that message and anytime I felt myself start to worry something was wrong, I'd relive that moment in my mind and be OK. I never saw him again. Shortly after that the spirit no longer hovers because the baby is viable and the spirit attached. I'll never forget that visit though!

Lance & Wyatt. Like father like son!

And Wyatt is just like his daddy. Right now his hair is a combination of my hair and his fathers. Though as he ages I think it will turn darker. He definitely has my red highlights!

DD the Pretender

My lovely, darling, mini me daughter is a pretender. Once in awhile she gets tired of going to school. I think we all get tired of routine. But as a mom, its my job to make sure she goes to school. I remember from her preschool days the nurse advising that she only stay home if she has a fever or is vomiting. I thought that was pretty good advice. But I felt bad when a few days before the fever and vomiting began she felt crappy and didn't want to go to school. So I developed a little system. I'd offer her to stay home when she asked, but it was an automatic you must go to the doctor. I discovered DD does not like to go to the doctor, and if its not that bad, she just chooses to go to school.

This morning DD came in and it went something like this.

*Cough Cough*

DD: "Daddy I don't feel good"

(She always asks daddy first, because he's less likely to say no)

*Cough Cough*

DH: "Whats wrong with you"

*Cough cough*

DD: "My stomach hurts"

*Cough cough*

DH: "Then why are you coughing"

*Cough cough*

DD: "Because my throat hurts too. Can I stay home from school?"

*Cough cough cough*

DH: "I don't know, let me feel your forehead. Hmm. You don't have a temperature."

*Cough cough*

DD: "But I really don't feel good. My stomach hurts and my throat hurts and I have a headache."

*Cough cough, fake cry*

DH: "I don't know, ask mommy"

DD: "Mommy wake up! Daddy said ask you if I could stay home. My throat hurts, I'm coughing, and my head hurts."

*Cough cough cough cough, cry*

ME: "You have two choices, you can stay home and go to the doctor, or you can choose to go to school."

DD: "AHHH. I'll just go to school!" Coughing ends. :)

She would not make a good actress. lol

Picture of nature (fire element).

I love fire! I love the meditate to it as I discussed in my Elemental Meditations. I love to sit around a fire to roast marshmallow's or during Pagan sabots we sit and drum or dance around them. Fire is so energetic! I use to make my own candles which was so soothing and rewarding. Instead of rehashing all the feelings the element of fire gives me, I'll just say click on the Elemental meditation link. And enjoy the beautiful picture I found.

Blessed Be!
SalemWitchChild

Exciting new Addition! Chat on my blog!

Hello everyone. So I discovered I can create a chat area on my blog. :) Come on by and try it out. Its great! I get so tired of not being able to find a wonderful Pagan chat room. Maybe us bloggers can get together and chat in real time. Love and Light! SalemWitchChild

Pagan Culture: All Hallow's Grim Blog Party

Hello Everyone! So everyone is gearing up for Halloween/Samhain and Pagan Culture is doing a blog party. If your a writer you might like to participate.

I'm thinking of doing a sexy, dark erotica story. I have wrote erotica before but never published on the blog. What do you think?? Hmm. Perhaps I should read the TOS to make sure its ok to post here.

Anyway, go to Pagan Culture if you wish to participate!

Favourite witchy website(s).

Well I tend to stay away from most Witchy websites. I don't really know why. Years ago I joined a Pagan forum and it seemed most were really rude so I left. I guess maybe that first experience put me off of them. But I meet lots of Pagans around the net on other forums.

Some I go on Pagan forums sometimes just to check in and say hello. They are:

• Wiccan Together
• Pagans Unite
• Pagan By Design 
• Witchvox (Isn't every Wiccan/Witch/Pagan on this site?!)

If you know of other Pagan sites that are friendly feel free to add them in comments. 

The Baking Witchy Momma: Pizza!

So lately I've really enjoyed cooking again. Last week we made our own pizzas.  I have to say they came out better than any pizza we could buy. And so much cheaper in the end too! Ever only get a couple of toppings because you don't want to pay the pizza man 50+ dollars for everyone to get every topping they want? I normally only get a pepperoni pizza which is fine, its one of my favorites. But I have had to sacrifice my tastes so other family members can get what they want, and we still be able to afford getting the pizza.

My Pepperoni & Cheese Pizza for lunch

With baking there's no compromise so I love it. :) 

At lunch I made my "test" pizza. OK I was just hungry and craving pizza. But it was a good excuse. It came out great! The lunch pizza was only pepperoni and cheese. But the one I made for dinner I had pretty much everything I like on it.

I have to say, the TV makes the throwing pizza dough in the air and twirling it look easy. Its really not! I guess I need to make more pizza to practice.

The recipe I followed is:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm (Not hot) water. 
• 1 tbsp sugar

Proof the yeast for 5 minutes

• Add 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp oil. The recipe I was following said to use olive oil. But I didn't have that so I used vegetable oil. 
• Pinch of salt

• Mix until dough is a ball. You may need to add more dough as you mix.
• After you have your dough ball, Knead.
• Coat the top of the dough with oil. (So the dough doesn't crack). 
• Allow to rise. Approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hrs. If your home is cooler place dough in a warm area. My favorite place is in our gas oven while its off. The pilot light keeps the oven temperature slightly warm so it won't bake but allows the dough to rise faster. 
• After dough is double its original size, punch it down and knead again. 

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough to the size you wish. 
• Place it on your pan and cut breathing holes in the dough. (This is so the dough will remain flat on the bottom). 

• Add your sauce and toppings
• Butter the outer crust of your pizza.
• Bake at 350 for approx 10-15 minutes or until the bottom of the dough is a light brown. 

Time may vary depending on your oven.

If you want to make a yummy desert pizza, instead of normal pizza toppings add a can of pie filling on top and bake. You can fold the pizza dough over to make a little pocket for it. My favorite to use is apple.

Enjoy!

Thoughts on the afterlife?

The Phoenix is a perfect symbol for reincarnation. It symbols Life, death, and rebirth and rising above adversity.

I believe that we are here to learn lessons in life so that we can become a more spiritual being. That means, we need many lives (Reincarnation) to achieve this goal. No one is going to learn every lesson in one life. Nor are we going to get every lesson right the first time around. I've talked about Soul Mates before. Basically I believe souls group together. We reincarnate together, we arrange times in our lives where we will meet. Some souls will stay together forever, some for a short time. It all depends on what each soul needs and how we can benefit each other in learning. I also believe once we've learned all we need to, we can choose to become guardian spirits for others. They are there to guide us if we listen.

When you mention reincarnation people always ask about spirits reincarnating in the form of an animal. I don't exclude the possibility. I think if the spirit has something to learn that can't be done in a human form, an animal may be the better option. So yes, I do believe animals have spirits. That doesn't mean that every spirit has been an animal in a past life. Matter of fact I think its more likely they have not.

I've chose to include a picture of a Phoenix for this entry because to me it symbolizes reincarnation perfectly. Its journey from new life and the journey to the end of its life, and then rebirth reminds us of the journey through our lives, and the adversity we face along the way.

Budweiser 9/11 Commercial

There is one commercial that Budweiser aired once to commemorate 9/11. I cry when I see it. I think its so beautiful.

Remembering 9/11

So when thinking of Sept. 11th 2001 there is a mixture of emotion. Most of it is sadness for the lives lost. But another part of me is angry. Angry that people would attack, angry that our lives have changed by legislation so much because of that day, and angry that this is the only tragedy that gets so much publicity.

Do we spend a month before the anniversary of Pearl Harbor asking, "Where were your grandparents at?" No we don't. I suppose as we age the publicity might die off. We'll be the ones rarely mentioned. But where are all of those flags we saw put up after the towers fell? If those people were so patriotic then, why aren't they as patriotic now? This is what I don't understand. I know there is a lot wrong with our country. I don't believe we've had a leader in my lifetime that has actually done more good than harm. I guess in the whole scheme of things, my opinion doesn't matter. I don't like to discuss politics that much so with this post, I'll shut up about the state of the country.

So here's my nod to a moment in time that hopefully won't be forgotten. But when it is shoved to the back of a history book and a holiday no one really knows the meaning of, at least we have the blog posts of those who were most effected by that day to look back on.

So where was I? I was at Glo-Marr Products Inc. located in Lawrenceburg, KY. I was 8 months pregnant with my daughter Sierra Belle. I worked there as a Print Dept. supervisor. However since I was pregnant I could not work with the printing materials. So I was working in the manufacturing dept. filling orders. We produced pet shampoos products.

That day we listened to the radio like any other day. I remember the music stopped and we were being told that there had been an accident involving one of the world trade towers. At that time we did not know the country was under attack. Everyone at work just stood around staring at the radio as if it could produce a video of events. Of course, after the second tower was hit, the president came on the radio announcing that we were under attack. I did not have any friends or family in New York. But my boss did and he was on the phone for hours trying to get through. His family was safe thankfully.

So to all those who have lived through the 9/11 terror attack, here's to your deeds, suffering and sacrifice. May it never be forgotten.

This blog is being posted Sept 11th, 2011 at 8:46 am in honor of all whose life was forever changed by the Sept. 11th terrorist attack on our nation.

A favourite pagan holiday that you celebrate.

Hands down it is Samhain (Oct 31-Nov 1) that is my favorite Pagan holiday. It is the last of the Harvest celebrations and one I'm always looking forward to. It is a time to mark the death of the God and the coming rebirth. Samhain is a time to honor our ancestors. They say this time is the thinnest between the veil of this world and the next. Divination is often done at this time to see what the winter might bring and commune with lost loved ones.

Some of my favorite past experiences at Samhain have been a re birthing ritual. Until I moved, we joined up with Linda Tipton and her coven Circle of the Blue Moon to do a Samhain celebration. We were made to walk along a path lit by tea light candles alone. This walk was very spiritual for everyone. In the end of the path was Ms Linda doing one reading for each person. You could ask one question of her. At the end you were "reborn" to the new year. I loved doing this. And I think it really marked a changing point in my spiritual life. I'll keep what I asked to myself. ;)

But we've had our fun times too. I remember several members drinking a little too much homemade mead. My husband played the designated friend and made sure no one fell into fire pits. He picked up quite a few people passed out in the bushes!

One year, it was so cold at Samhain (We always camped out) that we had to leave. It really isn't smart to camp out at the end of October. That year it was bitter cold. We got to a point where Lance and I could no longer feel our feet even while standing next to the open fire. So we left, found a hotel and came back the next day. I got pregnant that spring, so we never did another camping in October; especially with the baby around. We did visit for the days however. When we returned to work we were laughing at ourselves and quite a few people heard the story. To this day there is a UPS worker who reminds us of camping in October when he sees us.

Samhain is just a great time to celebrate family, the death and rebirth of life, and the changing of the seasons. Its a favorite of many Wiccans and its not hard to see why. We dance, we laugh, we sing and praise the Lord and Lady. And we remember those who have left us this year.

Blessings, Love, and Light