My Animal Totems

Freeway. Medicine Hat Gelding.

Since the early beginnings of my Pagan path I've known that horses are a permanent animal totem of mine. They simply have had such a huge impact on my life that I don't think they could not be a totem. Freeway was one such horse who had a major impact on my life. Though I had him in my life for less than a year, he embodies everything I sought for in a horse.

However there have been others totems over the years to come in and out of my life.Totems do not have to be a permanent one. There are times in your life when a certain animals lesson is important.

The Tigress taught me how to be more assertive in my life. She also taught me how to reserve my energy for the most important matters and when to exert my energy. For any new witch, learning to control ones energy is a major lesson.

At the beginning of motherhood the turtle fascinated me. This was a time of grounding with mother earth and seeking out her bounty so it makes sense that I would need turtle energy. This is also a time when our finances was careening out of control. Turtle taught me to slow down, get a hold of our credit and spend less and live more simply.

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Lately I have been drawn to the Dragonfly. Though this creature is often overlooked because of its small size and the fact that it's an insect, it's message is no less important. Dragonflies teach us to see things from a different angle. It takes two years for a dragonfly to reach maturity so whatever plans we have in motion may take that long to reach fruition. This makes a lot of sense right now to me because its been about 1 yr and 7 months since we made the move to Ohio. If I've calculated correctly, it will take another 5-7 months to save enough money to move out of MIL's home making our transition almost or just over 2 years. That seems like such a long time. Certainly more than the few months I originally thought it would take!

 What have been your animal totems over the years and the lessons they brought you?

Unorthodox Spiritual Healing Methods

What lengths would you go to prevent or cure an illness? Most of us turn to modern medicine or herbs for healing before we seek out other less common methods. Some of us turn to energy or Reiki healing. What about the less common methods? There are healing methods that are rich in culture and tradition that perhaps we haven't heard of. Some may even turn your stomach sour. But do they have any place in your spiritual healing practice? Only you can decide.

While watching National Geographics Taboo episode on faith healing I learned of two unorthodox healing methods today. One I feel may have benefits, though there is an ick factor that many could not get past to try it. The other is rich in ritual and animal sacrifice. Something I think many of us would be squeamish about.

Method One: Urine Therapy

Pablo Falcon is a Native American healer and believer in using urine therapy. Every morning he drinks his own urine. I think every one's reaction at first would be disgust. But lets think about it in an academic way. It's true that our body knows it's about to be sick before we develop symptoms. Think about the common flu. Many get the flu shot each year in hopes of staving off illness. However the flu shot is just a best guess at what strain of the flu is likely to be rampant during the flu season. What if you could develop an immunity to the exact strain of flu that will go around? Our bodies make its own anti-bodies by fighting off small doses of the illness. Over time the immunity builds up. Urine is also said to aid in treating other illnesses like HIV/Aids, allergies, dandruff, diabetes, herpes, heart disease, rashes, and much much more.

Though I can see the benefits, I don't believe I'll be downing a glass of my own urine anytime soon. I have much more faith in modern medicine and herbs. Ask me again though if I should ever develop a disease modern medicine doesn't cure.

Incan Ritual/Animal Sacrifice

Moving onto the second healing practice. Inca or (Caraway) people have been doing animal/blood sacrifice for centuries. Today I watched a man on the Taboo episode rip apart a guinea pig with his bare hands and inspect its entrails to diagnose disease for his mentor. They also used animal fetus' as offerings to their Gods for good health, luck, etc...
Personally, I find this repulsive. I don't believe any deity would want you to kill one of their creatures as an offering. I also don't see how they make a correlation between inspecting entrails and making a diagnosis in a human. I can see this having a placebo effect if they are very devout believers though. Certainly prayer has its place in healing. I just can't agree with the killing of innocent animals. If you are going to make a sacrifice, I believe it must be personal. An animal is not personal enough to me unless it was a beloved pet, and even then I wouldn't do this. I'd be more willing to spill my own blood than an animals.

What unorthodox healing methods have you learned or seen? Have you tried or would you be willing to try one of these healing methods?

Most Important Ancestor Item

Grandfather's WWII wooden carved horse.

What is the most important item in your life? Is this something you might risk your life over? If there was a house fire and everyone was safe and I had time to get this item out of the house without major risk to my life, the above horse statue would be it. To others it's just a piece of carved wood. Pretty but otherwise nothing special right? To me it is everything associated with my grandfather.

Grandpa was a WWII veteran. Click link to learn more about his role in WWII. When he came back from the war he brought this horse with him. It originates from Germany though I don't know much more about it. After the war Grandpa kept it in his bedroom on top of his dresser. Each weekend that I visited the first thing I would do is go to his bedroom with him and he would show me the horse and tell me he brought it back from the war. He would remind me that one day when he died I would have this horse to remember him by. I wanted that horse right then. I always begged to take it home but he always denied me.

In 1994 I was living in Kentucky at the time. We learned that my grandfather had lung cancer and not much time left to live. So I went to Ohio to stay with my grandparents for awhile. In mid-December, my grandfather died. When my mother picked me up to take me back to Kentucky I was given a box and told not to open it until we got home. All the way home I held that box in my lap. I knew what it was and to be honest it disgusted me. When I finally did open the box I just wanted to give it back. If I gave it back, maybe it would bring my grandfather home. Of course I was old enough to know that wouldn't have been the case. I felt guilty for receiving something I really wanted only after someone I loved died.

Today the horse has an honor on my ancestor alter. (When I have the space for an altar that is). The horse along with a slice of lemon are symbols of my grandfathers presence. The lemon is because when I visited my grandfather we also had another tradition of going out to eat. My grandmother would have tea with lemon on the side. I would eat the lemon and my grandfather would tell me not to eat it because he could taste the bitter flavor of the lemon. I'd always laugh and eat it anyway.

I write this post today because for some reason this horse and my grandfather are on my mind. I have this irrational fear that I've lost the horse. Because I live with MIL most of my things are packed away. The important items went in boxes and is scattered throughout MIL's house. I haven't seen this horse in a year and I suppose that is the problem. Once in awhile I like to hold it, dust it off and commune with it for a bit. It's my way to recharge its energy. I haven't been able to do that for too long. I suppose I'll have to find it and set up the ancestor altar even for a short time.

Is there an item that is very important to you? Please share what it is and if you use it in your religious practice.

Healing Prayers for Colorado Victims

I've been reading a bit about the Colorado shooting victims and my heart goes out to all those who have lost and injured loved ones. I can't imagine experiencing such a tragedy. I'm lighting a candle for all involved to find healing and love in their hearts.

1 Year Anniversary!

A year ago today I decided to make my own blog. At first I said "Salem's Creations" was just a temporary name. I didn't think it really fit with the theme I wanted my blog to be. Over time I left it as is and I think its served my blogs purpose well. I originally created a blog because Cafemom was changing their journals so that no one could really see them unless they specifically went to the persons profile. I'm so glad to a few fellow bloggers that gave me the idea of opening Salem's Creations. I hope this past year I've taught a bit about Eclectic Wicca and learned more about myself and other bloggers faith as well.

Happy Anniversary Salem's Creations!

For those who regularly follow my blog, what was the first blog post of mine you read? What blog post of mine was your favorite?

PBP: Mercury Retrograde & The New Moon

Prompt: Mercury Retrograde and a New Moon

Mercury Retrograde stared 14 July and runs through 8 August.... But interestingly, the Retrograde started right before a New Moon.

Retrograde is a time for RE- reconsidering, re-evaluating, reviewing, reflecting, etc. While the New Moon is a time to start something new.

How do/can you balance these seemingly opposite energies?

Let's hear your thoughts on this unique overlap. How will this affect your life in this and coming weeks?

________________________

I actually don't see them as opposite energies at all. I don't know about others but every time I start something new there is always a re-evaluating, reflecting and reviewing of my choices to make sure it's the right choice for me. I'm a planner. I think of every possible outcome (and some very impossible ones) before I act. Sometimes I'm successful in predicting what will happen, other times I am not.

When I'm in the shower is when I do a lot of my reflecting. Last night I was thinking about several months ago when I had a job interview. I had my hair cut because I wanted to look my "best" and as a way to honor my new beginning. I didn't even think I'd not get the job. I went in with the attitude that I would be hired. I was that confident/cocky.

Thinking back, I think I was over-confident because I've honestly never not gotten a job I was qualified for and wanted. Times change though and I was not hired. It was then that I regretted cutting my hair. I know I've talked about my hair and how it's an extension of my energy in a past blog. When I cut it is a symbol of new beginnings. Of letting go of the old and stepping into and accepting change. Since then I have not cut it, and now I wish to let it grow as long as I can get it. It is a building of energy.

For now I do not feel it is my time to start something new. It's a time to prepare for a large change. So I continue to self-reflect and evaluate where I am going in life. Mercury Retrograde and the New moon combined is a perfect time to find that answer. So maybe change is closer than I think.

Orange Peal Candle

So earlier this week I saw a Pinterest post on Facebook from one of my friends. It showed an orange made into a candle. You cut the candle in half leaving the pith (white part in the center) intact. Fill it with cooking oil and light.

So while at the grocery store this week I thought it would be neat to do this as a project with my daughter. I bought some nice oranges and me DD and DS had ourselves a little citrus picnic. If you use a spoon and cut around the outside edge you can pry the fruit out fairly clean and then fill one end with olive oil. You can also cut the other end into a shape and place it on top to make a nice little effect.

I must inform you at this time my DH, who is the only one with a lighter in this household, was at work. So I had to use toothpicks like a match. Thankfully we have a gas stove so I at least had a flame.

It took me three tries before I gave up lighting them with just my little "matches". These little makeshift candles do not light easily. I even covered the tip of the pith in the oil in hopes that would help light it faster, but it did not. It was probably because my makeshift match wasn't very strong and kept trying to go out on me.

So I waited until my lovely darling of a husband came home with the only household lighter. Ta-da. We got it lit. It's lovely while lit. I didn't smell anything while it was flaming which disappointed me because I hoped it would smell like citrus. The moment you blow it out it stinks like burnt oil. So I do not recommend using these indoors or for aromatherapy. 

I do however like the idea of burning them during Summer solstice. I just love the natural aspect of these candles. You can use other types of oil if you wish. Olive oil is just what I had on hand. I do recommend you put them in some sort of fireproof container. I used this small cast-iron skillet just for the test. The oil did leak through the orange a tiny bit after awhile. But this sat overnight so you probably won't be leaving yours sit so long.

If you have made candles out of other fruits or natural elements, what are they and in what ways do you like to use them in your Pagan rituals?

George is Dead

George the parsley plant is just about dead. I noticed him getting droopy like his older cousin did before she died. Now, George has no hope, and I give up. Evidently I am the worst Green witch on the planet. Maybe there's some fungus in the soil or something killing it. The stalks got really thin and turned almost white just like the other one did. (I used the same soil as the first plant). So maybe that's it. I really don't know. But I know no one over watered it this time.

For now, I just give up. I don't have the money to be investing in potting soil or fertilizer. So I guess that ends that experiment.

RIP George

How was your weekend?

Are you a Paraskevidekatriaphobic?

Paraskevidekatriaphobics — people afflicted with a morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th. 

____________________________

Happy Friday the 13th! I've never been into numerology. Nor am I fearful of any number or day or combination thereof. I don't believe we have any more chance of bad things happening on days like today than any other day. Other than if someone is extremely fearful of a certain day and goes out and drives like an idiot or do other dangerous activity they normally wouldn't do. Then I can see your chances of having an accident increase.

 I'd love to hear about what you think about Friday the 13th. Is today unlucky for you? Or is it just a day to chill and watch old horror movies? Can't say I am a horror movie fan.

Of course there is the Pagan connection with the number 13. There is "suppose" to be 13 witches in a coven. In reality all covens I've been apart of have way more than 13! No one can really say when the number 13 became unlucky. Its been suggested that because counting on your fingers and toes only goes up to 12, 13 represented the unknown and mysterious. Makes a little sense I suppose. Man has always been fearful of the unknown.

If you follow Norse mythology, Loki is the 13th God who raised Hod the blind god of winter to kill Balder the Good by throwing mistletoe at him. 

There is also a Christian link to the number 13. Thirteen disciples were present at the supper - one being the traitor Judas.

As far as Friday getting a bad rap. If you lived in ancient Rome and was sentenced to die, you'd be killed on a Friday. I'd say that's pretty unlucky indeed! Though to ancient Pagans Friday was also the sabbath. Christians of course didn't like this so dubbed it the "witches sabbath".

Are Fridays a special day of sabbath to you? I don't subscribe to any day being more holier than another to pray. For me, every single day should be the day I pray, honor the God(dess) and do good works.

Are you a Paraskevidekatriaphobic?

Source

Weather Magick

I always hesitate to talk about this next personal story because I am afraid people will want to throw me in the loony bin when I tell it. Even some Pagans have given me funny looks after I tell them. You know the indulgent child, "yes honey you just saw a fairy next to the pond" type look parents sometimes get? Yeah well its not so cute when they do it to an adult.

In 1994 my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had been a secret smoker for years. Secret only because his bitch of a wife always complained and threw his cigars away any time she found them. She's not a bitch just for that btw. Lots of other reasons!

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Anyway, I was there to visit Grandpa and my brother who happened to be living with our grandparents at the time. My grandfather had asked us to walk to the store a few blocks away and buy him coffee (another thing limited in the household) and a cigar. He felt that if he was going to die, he might as well die happy. My brother and I agreed and we took off on foot for the local store.

Halfway there and it begins raining pretty steadily. My brother is the type of person to complain about the least little inconvenience. He wanted to go back. I kept pushing forward to make our grandfather happy. I finally got fed up with his complaints and screamed, "I storm command you to stop." At the time I half jokingly did it. I felt like Storm from the X-men commanding the winds and rain.  No one was laughing though when a few short moments later, the downpour stopped completely. You know how rains downpour, then lighten and then eventually stop? There was no light period. One moment it was raining hard, the next it just stopped.

This is another example of how our uncontrolled energy (or high emotion) can affect the natural energy around us. I was young at the time, and was just embarking on my Pagan path so didn't quite understand how I did it at the time. The weather has its natural flow. To disrupt that flow I think is a bad idea. Though once in awhile I think Mother nature needs our help. Like now, I'd love to do a little rain dance and cool things off!  

When you were a child, did you perform any magickal works without realizing it?

My Little Rambling Doodles

When I'm bored I have a note pad and write anything that comes to mind. It doesn't have to make sense to anyone but me and honestly sometimes I don't even know what their about. I just write whatever words come to me. I thought I might share a few of them here with you. It shouldn't matter that you don't know what I'm writing about. Perhaps the words will still ring true to some aspect of your life. I hope you enjoy my ramblings and find something here worth your time.

• The truth reveals what the heart believes. What is there is only sometimes seen.
• Joy is my grandmother born anew. Joy is my deeds done in Lew.
• Faithful is my heart with loves embrace. Mindful is my soul of heartaches kiss.
• In a blaze of gray you inhabit my home. You attack my feet and cuddle my soul.
• In the beauty of Belle you grace our life. Standing tall and strong like a mountains call.
• Steed so white to blind your might. Lady so fair and hair so rare.
• Unto grace I came and from grace I shall go.
• Patience my mind and into my soul. A virtue seen but never to hold. Quiet my mind and still my heart. Breath so faint as the worlds do part.
• A wish come true is a wish we dared to make.
• Hope to fill the soul, the goddess' wings take hopes flight.
• A husbands love is a souls mate. Recognition of self reflected therein.

Change Comes With Lessons

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a
well. The animal cried piteously for hours as
the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the
well needed to be covered up anyway;
it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and
help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began
to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the
donkey realized what was happening and cried
horribly. Then, to every one's amazement he
quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally
looked down the well. He was astonished at what
he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his
back, the donkey was doing something amazing.
He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel
dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it
off and take a step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey
stepped up over the edge of the well and
happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds
of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well
is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of
our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out
of the deepest wells just by not stopping,
never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.

Give more.

Expect less


NOW ............

Enough of that crap . . The donkey later came back,
and bit the farmer who had tried to bury him.
The gash from the bite got infected and
the farmer eventually died in agony from septic shock.
They buried him in the well.

MORAL FROM TODAY'S LESSON:

When you do something wrong and try to cover
your ass, it always comes back to bite you.

You have two choices...smile and close this
page, or pass this along to someone else to
spread the fun.

A blogger on Unleashed Diva Living Out Loud has posted a daily OM that I really like.

Each day offers us an opportunity to renew our resolve to the universe that we are ready for change.

 This past year has been a hard one for me and my family. It hasn't passed without learning a few hard lessons. So here are the lessons I've learned that I hope has prepared us for change and a better future.

1. A Savings account is a must! I've preached this before but I let my DH decide that we just couldn't keep one. To be fair, we squandered a lot of money on games and take out food. DH has this need to spend money to be happy and I hate to cook. Its basic Bipolar and lazy behavior. Even now he's wanting to spend $60 for a game when we can't afford it. I keep saying no, but usually (and because he's the one working) he gets his way. I really need to stress to him that this can't happen anymore. When he lost his job we couldn't even pay for THAT months rent let alone another month, which would have been useful for planning on what we were going to do. Making snap decisions when it involves your family's living and job situation proved to be a bad mistake. In the future we need to be more solvent. 
2. Clean up our credit. This I was already trying to do. But we have our work cut out for us now. A year of not paying being able to pay bills tends to do that to you. 
3. Become more active. We led a very sedentary and lazy lifestyle before. This needs to change not only for my happiness but for all of our health. We use to do a lot together as a family. Somewhere along the way it became too much to go do stuff. We became bored with everything. Becoming more active will help us bond more as a family and lead a healthier lifestyle.
4. Lead a more spiritual life. When my DD was little I hated to visit the local coven because I didn't want to be that mom always chasing around the child and never having any fun. Even if we don't go to groups now, we need to be more spiritual at home. I do most of the spiritual work, and that becomes exhausting. I need DH to step it up and help out. I don't want to feel like I'm forcing DH to do a full moon ritual.

My main goal right now is to save money and move out of MIL's home. This is an absolute must for my sanity and happiness. We can't do that without saving money. So, here is my resolve. I am ready to do what I must to make my goals happen. I am ready to spend thriftily, to make more homemade meals instead of wasting money on take out like we did before. To make an effort to lead a more spiritual life daily, and to help my DH do the same.

Happy 4th of July

Wishing you a very merry Independence day!

What are your plans for today? I plan to get a little reading and writing done today and then later we'll have a nice family dinner. Not sure if there will be fireworks because the ground is really dry. If you have a chance to see fireworks today show off some pictures of the event! 

Blessings, Love and Light

SWC

Accidental Witchery

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I think that we can all agree that our emotions have a direct correlation with our energy and how it effects outside influences. With high emotion, things tend to go a little wonky. Today was one of those days.

It all started off good. My in-laws were leaving to visit family and they decided they wanted to take my kids with them. OK no problem. I love to have a bit of time to myself. I blogged, I took a semi-long shower. Any mommy can appreciate the novelty of an un-interrupted shower.

I even did a bit of laundry and designed my new writing blog. Just as I was throwing the wet cloths into the dryer, my DD comes in and says, "Mom they didn't put Wyatt in his car seat on the way home!"

My daughter is the most mild mannered person I know. So when something has her angry I know she's serious. Those words immediately set me off too. Evidently it was too inconvenient to cool the car off before they put my son in his seat. So instead, MIL put my 1 yr old son up front with her. Can you imagine a witch about to blow her top? Yeah, that was me.

I immediately went off on her (as politely as I could manage putting it at the time). I told her she can't do that, its a safety issue, CPS could get involved, bla bla bla. She just said, it was hot. I don't give a flying fuck. Put my son in his car seat!

Folks, I feel betrayed. A month or two ago she took my son for a drive 5 minutes away. I didn't know she had even left the house at the time. She didn't use a car seat then. I told her the same thing I told her today. So she KNOWS to use a car seat. I get that she's from a different generation that never used car seats and that's why I gave her a second chance, but just ignoring my wishes isn't going to happen anymore. She is no longer allowed to take my son anywhere.

I had to get out of the house for awhile. So I packed the kids up and went to the YMCA for swimming. Then we visited my DH at his job for a talk about him backing up my new no MIL/baby transport rule, and we did a little shopping before coming home.

Shortly after we came home MIL/FIL left again. Now this is where it gets a little accidental witchy. They went back to the same family they had visited earlier that day. Once out there, the battery on their car died. (Oops. lol). They had to borrow a battery to come home.

When I'm mad, I stew on it awhile. Since my focus was on my MIL and their car as this unsafe missile that could have killed my son, I'm only surprised the engine didn't blow.

I know its a bit uncontrolled of me, but lights tend to flicker when I am very angry, things go boom. All without me meaning to.

Have you experienced anything breaking or odd happenings at high emotional times?

Another Blog: Beating Down The Devil

Hello to all my bloggy friends! So I've been thinking about my writing more and more lately and deciding if I wanted to do this. I figured I'll try and if it doesn't work out that's fine. No harm in trying something new is there?

Beating Down The Devil is about a jaded young divorced woman whose been abused in the past. She's trying to move on in her life but men are the devils and she's having none of their crappy nonsense. She's a no holds bar, tell it like it is in the meanest way possible kind of woman. But she has a soft center if just the right kind of guy would treat her right.

I'd like to invite you to follow me on:

Click image to go to new blog!

Go read the first entry now!

Vagina On My Car Please

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I think we've all noticed many cars with the fish symbol on the back of cars. Its a well known Christian symbol. However like most symbols, its meaning has changed over the years. All symbols seem to be adapted to other uses over time. Usually there's nothing wrong with that.

Christians today use the Ichthys or fish symbol as a sign that the follower has been baptized in the waters of Christs love. However like most other Christian symbols, it has a Pagan origin.

I must admit, till today I didn't know this. We learn something new every day don't we! Nothing wrong with that. So this post is as much a learning experience to me as I hope my readers will learn something as well.

Today I found an intriguing article called Six Famous Symbols That Don't Mean What you Think. 

The Ichthys is actually an ancient fertility symbol of a vagina. I never made the connection till I read that, but I just had to laugh that all these people have a vagina symbol on their car. (Admit it, its pretty funny). I'll never look at the fish symbol the same way again.

Image Source

 Atargatis is an ancient Syrian goddess most closely associated with the Ichthys. Her physical form is a mermaid, and her sacred animal is the fish. She is a great mother goddess of fertility, earth and water. Atargatis' worship spread throughout Rome and Greece, so like so many other Goddesses with different names, Atargatis and Aphrodite have been closely linked.


What is something new you've learned recently?

To learn more here's some interesting reading: 

• True Origin of Christian "FISH" Symbol 

• Obscure Goddess Dictionary

Grow my Pretty GROW!

Is it weird if I name a plant? I'm thinking of naming it George. When I was little, probably second or third grade, I had to make a pet rock. I drew a face on it and I had to come up with its personality and life goals and then present my new "friend" to class. Problem is it never occurred to me to name it. So when I stood up in class and the teacher asked what my friends name was I froze. Thankfully a kind girl in the class helped me along by mouthing "George" to me. So my pet rock became George. Ever since that day, any inanimate object is a George.

Am I a George?

I'm happy to report my seeds are sprouting. Every day I can see George is growing very well. I tend to him daily, sometimes more than once. I don't keep watering George but I just pick him up, turn him because after awhile the sprouts start to lean toward the window to get more light. Hopefully all this attention and loving care is helping my babies grow.

Do you name your plants? What are their names?

Magical Herbs, Rants, Moon Magick and Lust

Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham

Isn't it great when the grand design works for us? DH works at the local Goodwill. Today he brought home a book called Magical Herbalism by Scott Cunningham. This is why I don't believe in coincidence. Out of a small county with the majority of its residents being Christian, someone decided to drop off a Pagan book that my DH knew I'd enjoy because of my new herb growing project. Yay for me. I can't wait to dive into this book.

He also brought along a romance book. You lovely readers know how I love my paranormal romance. This ones about the Fae. and Werewolves. Yay me! Its titled "Not your ordinary Faerie Tale, by Christine Warren." Can't wait to read this one too. Two great books, and no idea where to start. Do I want to read about herbal magick or do I want to dive into love and lust? Decisions decisions. lol

Aine over on the Deepest Well mentioned the approaching full moon and how energetic and restless we might be feeling.  She does mention its a time where we tend to blurt out in a not so nice and confrontational way our feelings. (See rant below to prove that). She also mentions its a good time to focus on goals and exercise. Right now, my goal is to save money. Now that my husband is getting a paycheck I've created a budget. Its all in its initial stages right now since I'm not entirely sure what he'll get on his paycheck. He's also doing a lot of overtime from what his "normal" paycheck will be. So it will be a few months before I can get an average of what he'll bring home. If I've calculated correctly, we'll only be able to save $150 a month. That means I face 6 more aggravating months in MIL's home before we can afford to move out. I wish I could say that I had something to sell or some other way to make more money. If I find a job we'd get more money but so far that search has been fruitless. So here I am, stuck making plans and no real action. Which is why I feel restless and helpless.

Now onto the rant. I try not to rant often on my blog because I hate to bring anything negative to it. This must be said however. I don't believe one single Pagan has not experienced judgement from the non-Pagan community. If there is such a Pagan out there I haven't met them. So it hurts my heart when I see it from a fellow Pagan. Today on a spiritual forum I saw another Wiccan say that you can't be a Wiccan if you cast "Incantations" (her word not mine) for "Money or lavishes" because she considers it to be personal gain and in her opinion, wrong.

Now the rede does warn about not casting for greed. See quotes from the Wiccan rede below.

Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.

Quote

When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.

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Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.

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"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

Not one word in the Rede says you can't cast for personal gain. That to me sounds like a Charmed TV influence. It does counsel against greed. I just wish people would focus on their own path and not focus on judging others. 

Young Love

Well here it is at 2a.m and I am thinking about my hubby, Lance. He's asleep and I can't join him because a certain daddies little girl has stolen my place. Magaly from Pagan Culture would like us to talk about our relationship beginnings for Art, Passion and Heart-told tales. If I told you everything I'd have to break this into two parts. So here's a shorter version. (I hope).

Lance in his younger years. On stage with his band.

Lance and I grew up together. I am 10 yrs younger than him. He remembers when I was born. He played games with me as a little girl and when I was about six I remember him staying the night with us and me following him around like a little puppy dog. Even then ladies I was in love. He treated me kindly. Though my brother was less than courteous and always telling me to leave. Lance and my brother would go in the bedroom and I'd be left out. So not right for my little puppy dog loving self.

Fast forward a few years and my family moved to Kentucky. I didn't get to see Lance for a few years and honestly, he wasn't on my mind everyday, but I never forgot him. At 14 yrs old, we received a phone call from him saying he had tired of his life in Ohio and wanted a change. He was invited to come to KY to stay with us. We wasn't sure when or even if he'd come. So that day driving home sitting in the middle of the old chevy pickup truck was an exceptional day.

I could see someone sitting in our chair at the front door when we got close to the house. As we got closer, ladies let me tell you my teen heart did a huge throb for this man. When I got to smell him, honey I could have died a happy young lady then. He was the most exciting thing to happen in my life at that point. I knew I wanted to get to know him all over again.

I got that chance for a couple of years. He would date women. Say the name Aimee and I might spew some hateful words. These "ladies" were not worthy of him IMO. Aimee is synonymous with stupid bitch to me. Several women he dated cheated on him and broke his heart. Each time I was there to comfort him and tell him he is loved. Though he hadn't quite realized how much just then.

He went on to date another woman named Cory. Cory was a hippy chick with a couple girls from a previous marriage. Lance may look tough on the exterior, but give him kids and he's just a big ol' teddy bear. He loved those girls and wanted to marry Cory. She was also a Wiccan midwife. Within the year Lance dated Cory, he learned a lot about his own spirituality. He met people in the Pagan community and formed friendships. I'd eventually have to be grateful to Cory for opening up a world that I also belonged to. Though it rankles my hide a bit to admit it. Perhaps she sensed that I was in love with Lance. Or maybe it was truly her selfish reason she gave him, but Cory left Lance. She said she wasn't ready for a man and that she needed to leave KY because of her midwife practice. (Midwifery without being certified is illegal in KY) Whatever her reasons, it opened up a doorway.

That year I was almost 16, and Lance was 26. He was even more devastated than he had been with Aimee. There I was again, picking up the pieces of his heart. I had matured as well. I just ended a 1 yr relationship with my first boyfriend. Our romantic relationship started slowly. Just talking about private things. Then went on to giving sensual massages and eventually even more.

Some people will say, "But you were a minor how could he!". Yes, I was a minor. I was a minor who knew what she wanted and went after it. Believe me he didn't make it easy to get what I wanted. We kept our relationship a secret for a year until my mother (oblivious to the goings on in her household) finally found us out. I'm not going into how it was found out because that is rather too personal, but lets just say I had a warning from a little green praying mantis friend. Being Pagan, I should have taken the warning to heart. I didn't.

Early in our relationship. I was maybe 19 or 20 here.

So here I was, at 17, my mother freaking out and saying one minute she was sending me to Ohio to live with my grandparents and threatening to call the police. I sat her down, and explained to her if she did that she'd not only hurt Lance, but me as well. I'm grateful that I had a mother who actually listened and understood my feelings. So she put some ground rules in place. I wasn't suppose to be "alone" with him. (Yeah right that worked out great. haha). After that, life went on almost as normal. Except now I got to date him out in the open. Finally a real date! We went out every chance we got.

OK when someone says "Kiss" we just can't help but laugh.

On my 18th birthday we moved out of my mothers place. On my 19th birthday we got married. Its almost 15 yrs later and I still feel that heart throbbing feeling every time he's near.

Its been a great time of joy. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. Our personalities balance and ground each other. Honestly our relationship is like no other. We don't fight. We've never had a problem we couldn't face together. He's truly the second half of my soul and I'd be lost without him.

The hat on DH's head says "Jingle this". DD's says "Princess". 

Our Family 2011.