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.

PBP: Candle Magick

Prompt: Candle Magic

Do you use candle magic in your spells/rituals?

How do you do it?

What would you recommend for beginners?

Candle Magick is one of the most basic magickal works IMO. I certainly do recommend it for beginners. Even if your not a beginner, it has its place in your magical repertoire.  Each spell is different, and I'm not a witch who shares spells. But with candle magick there's always a "formula" I follow. 

1. First, if you can, make your candle from scratch. I know that's not always possible and store bought candles do work. But the more energy you put into your purpose the better. 
2. Second, carve key words into the side of your candle such as prosperity for more money or new job, success, protection, love, etc... Choose the appropriate buzz word(s) for your purpose. 
3. Anoint your candle with an herbal oil appropriate to your purpose. You can find these oils at most metaphysical stores or you can make your own.
4. I like to place my candle in a bed of loose herbs as well. Please be careful of a fire. Never leave your candle unattended. As the wax melts it blends in with the herbs and adds energy to your purpose. 
5. Write your ritual and at the end, I always burn the paper I've written it on. While burning, I visualize my words as the smoke going up to spirit. 
6. Burn the entire candle. DO NOT reuse the candle for something else. Since most paraffin candles burn for many hours, you can extinguish the candle and re-light it later. In this case, save your written ritual and repeat it every time you light the candle. When you know your candle is about to go out for the last time, burn the paper.
   

I'm NOT a Gardening Failure!

I don't know how all those gardening witches do it. When it comes to plants I have a black thumb, but maybe not so black as I thought.

A week ago I bought a parsley plant in hopes of having fresh parsley on my meals. Its one herb I pretty much use on almost everything. Unfortunately one incident with over-watering and its life was over. It was a sad sad day my friends. But then I decided to try again. Can't succeed if you give up right? So I went out and bought parsley seeds and planted them.

I noticed today they are sprouting! yay. I feel like doing a little victory dance. Now if I don't kill it, I'll be doing good! lol

What accomplishment have you achieved this week?

NOOOO. I had the plant in the kitchen window sill. I had to open the window for it to fit up there but its the best place for it to get indirect sunlight. But a strong wind came and knocked it out of the window. So I had soil all over the counter and floor. I saved as much as I could. But its a conspiracy people! Maybe I'm just not meant to grow things. :(

Wicca Is Not A Feminist Religion

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There is certainly no denying that there is an imbalance in Wicca regarding female to male members. Just go to a festival and you'll notice women outnumber the men by a large percent. Even my husband technically isn't Wiccan though he shares a large part of the beliefs. This isn't to cast Wicca in a bad light. It just isn't his calling to label himself as any religion. So why is Wicca lacking in men?

Perhaps we just put too much emphasis on the feminine and so males don't feel comfortable in circle. Maybe we need to give men more roles and control in rituals. I also think its natural for women to focus more on the feminine. We are women after all. As a woman who grew up without a father, I haven't much need for the masculine. I try to bring him into my life because I do believe we should have an equal duality, but I don't feel especially connected to the Lord.

Then there's the stigma of people thinking that if your Wiccan and male you are gay. While homosexuality is becoming more accepted [especially among the Pagan community], I don't know any straight male who wants to be called gay. So I can see this as a major deterrent.

As a Wiccan practitioner how do you bring the masculine energy into your life? How have you tried to change pre-conceived perceptions in regards to male gender roles? If you are a male Wiccan or witch, what challenges have you faced in the Pagan community?

Ghost Hunt Anyone?

Have you ever gone on a ghost hunt? Personally I'd never pay to go on a ghost hunt, but that is what Waverly, Ohio residents get to do this Saturday at the Emmitt House. I've never been to the Emmitt house so I can't vouch for its spiritual inhabitants, but if your in for a little spooky fun it might be worth checking out. Entry is $20 and the event starts at 7pm on Saturday, June 23rd.

A number of paranormal investigators have been to the Emmitt house. Check out one of the videos below. 

Personally I don't see why I should pay to see spirits when I can communicate with them all I like. One of my favorite things to do before I had motherly responsibilities is take a stroll through a cemetery with my husband. Back then I wasn't as strong of a medium, but I did OK sensing the spirits.

Have you ever toured a haunted house? Did you have any sightings or sense any spirits?

Have a Wonderful Summer Solstice

Wow it is hot today! Today is Summer Solstice and we are burning up here. Well not literally. I'm fortunate enough to be inside in an air conditioned area. But I feel sorry for those out in this heat. I know I couldn't stand it. With my pale skin I'd turn into a boiled bright red lobster very quickly.

OK so I'm not a very good plant mom. Last week I bought a parsley plant thinking I'd be a little kitchen witch and have fresh parsley for my meals. I love parsley and put it in almost everything. Problem is, I do not have a green thumb. I watered the plant, and so did DD. Which means it got way too much water and it died. :( Poor plant. I'd do a little funeral but hey, I'm not that kind of tree huger. So, I bought Parsley seeds and planted them today. Hopefully within 14 days I'll see some sprouts. More than likely given my history with anything growing I won't see a sprout. But hey, I'm trying to be positive. Maybe I should talk with them? lol. What do you say to a plant?

I have some good news on DH's job. He was getting about 25 hrs. Because of an altercation in the Goodwill parking lot, the owner wants Dh to be at work more because he is "Intimidating" and can protect the other people who work there. DH is the only man on the staff, so I guess that makes him desirable for the job. Which works for us. Though technically he still isn't full time, he's at least getting 34 hrs a week. More money for us which means were one step closer to moving out of MIL's house. And that my friends, is my main goal right now!

Do you have any plans for Summer solstice? Any planting going on at your house? If so, I'd love some gardening tips because I really suck at it!

Magickal Graphics
Magickal Graphics

Early Morning Thoughts

So here it is at 7:30 on a Saturday morning with no plans because we have no money to do anything. Doesn't that suck?! I know I've ignored my blog all week. Its not that I've forgotten or been busy. I just have felt a disconnect with the world this week. I think its because I haven't been visiting my Pagan friends, doing anything witchy, and I haven't even been crafty. I did bake a pie the other day which made me a little happy. I poured myself into cooking 4 homemade healthy meals this week. I went all out and everyone was happy with what I made. Friday was a hot dogs and leftovers day. What can I say, this heat makes me feel a bit lazy!

Dh's job is going well. He seems to be happy other than it not being a full time job. Who knows maybe once he has more experience they'll give him more hours. I hope so because MIL is driving me batty yet again. I won't go into details though since I don't wish for this post to be a rant.

Little man had a doctors appointment yesterday. His doctor must think I'm a complete idiot or something. I may be on public assistance, but that doesn't mean I'm inept or don't know how to raise a child. He actually asked me if I had baby proofed the house. Well duh! I do have a 10 yr old I managed to keep safe from sticking her fingers in light sockets. I think I got it covered doc.
Anyway, little man got two vaccines, weighed 24 lbs and 30 inches long. Honestly I thought he weighed more than that. He certainly feels like he weighs more than that!

DD joined a summer reading program, and I've been reading more myself. I think part of my problem is that I am not doing any hobby right now. Crochet is kind of a winter thing for me. It just gets too hot handling all that yarn in warm weather.

If your in the Chillicothe area check out Inanna's Spiritual Center. There are a lot of Pagan things going on so drop by or call and ask Lynn what's going on.