Can You Never Find Good Online Pagan Groups?

I have over 100 people who follow both my blog and Facebook page, but other than blog comments I rarely get to interact with all of you unless you're on my friends list.

So I've decided to create a Facebook group. It is closed so when you comment only members who are in the group will see what you've shared with us.

I'd like to invite all Pagans, or those who want to know more about Paganism, to join.

Click the banner to join!

The Gauntlet of Change

Don't be like this guy. Please be safe this New Year! 

Magickal Graphics  

It's hard to believe that we are on the last day of 2012! Can I just say, "WE SURVIVED!"

Not just survived the Mayan end of the world prophecy, but survived all the crazy things happening in our world. Which leads me to think about those who didn't survive, like the people who died in natural and un-natural disasters. I think we can all agree that the Sandy Elementary students and staff lost will always be in our hearts.

We cannot dwell on sad things though. The living must go on. So what will be new in your life? I will continue to work on manifesting good things in my life. I hope that DH will be able to find a better job. I hope that within this new year we will be able to bring my dog Kota home. She's been away from me for far too long.

What I will not be doing is making a New Years Resolution. I think resolutions are just setting yourself up for failure. If you were not willing to change something about yourself at any other time of the year, then you won't change them at the beginning of the year either.

Of course, I do wish all those good luck if you do decide to take up the gauntlet of change. I have thought about trying to loose weight again, but I go back to my belief that if I wasn't willing to change before, I won't now. I think instead of calling it a resolution,  I will say that a good change to manifest for my whole family would be to just be more active. Perhaps do more physical things as a family but not worry about whether we are loosing weight or not.

Will you change anything about your life this coming year? Or are you content to make no New Years resolutions?

PBP: Buy or Make Tools?

Prompt: Who Makes Your Tools?

credit: daillywicca.com

A lot of Pagans perform rituals. Even those who do not, still have at least one tool that belongs to their practice, whether it be a Book of Shadows or a candle....

When it come to the tools of your practice, does it matter who made them or where they come from?
Does something you made yourself have more power? Or can you simply purchase what you need, then cleanse and charge it for your use?

Remember, what works best for you may not be for everyone, so please don't get too 'preachy' on this subject...

~Magickal Graphics~  

I definitely believe the more energy you put into the tool the better that tool will work for you. That doesn't mean you have to craft every single tool you use. It can be as simple as buying a statue that isn't painted, and doing the painting yourself. It doesn't need to be perfectly painted! As a matter of fact, imperfect art is absolutely perfect for my craft. Which is why I set out to make clay art to sell. I've been a bit lax in making more art. That's because I'm a busy homeschooling momma with a toddler. You can see my imperfect art in my Pagan Creation Etsy store. The Isis statue you see in my store is a apart of my current altar. I also have a Cernunnos statue I use on my altar that I made.

My Cernunnos statue. Pic taken while he was still in the mold and drying.

There are some things that you may not be able to craft or just feel like you don't have the talent to do. That's OK too! That's what cleansing and charging is for.

My Book of Shadows is just a simple notebook. Your tools do not have to be fancy or expensive. We are the craft of the wise. It's not wise to spend all your money on an expensive item when it's not necessary. Often the most simplest of tools is what you feel most connected with.

Samhain On The East Coast

Well hurricane Sandy is coming and it looks like it's going to change plans for most trick or treaters. We are in the south east part of Ohio so we may have snow next week.

I had already decided weeks ago that we would not be joining a group this year for Samhain. I felt a need to stay home and keep it all in the family. Especially since this will be the first time we will do a ritual in our new apartment.

My ritual also involves bringing out my genealogy records. That's what I love about rituals, you can use virtually anything that has meaning to you! Have you ever used your family tree during Samhain or when evoking your ancestors? So many pages and I only know the stories of a short few; which is sad when you think about it.

Someone posted a poem on FB yesterday that I thought really put my feelings into words perfectly. I'll also be using this poem in our Samhain ritual. I do not know the author of this poem, so if this is your work or if you know who wrote it please tell me so I may give credit.

STRANGERS IN THE BOX
Come, look with me inside this drawer,
In this box I've often seen,
At the pictures, black and white,
Faces proud, still, and serene.

I wish I knew the people,
These strangers in the box,
Their names and all their memories,
Are lost among my socks.

I wonder what their lives were like,
How did they spend their days?
What about their special times?
I'll never know their ways.

If only someone had taken time,
To tell, who, what, where, and when,
These faces of my heritage,
Would come to life again.

Could this become the fate,
Of the pictures we take today?
The faces and the memories,
Someday to be passed away?

Take time to save your stories,
Seize the opportunity when it knocks,
Or someday you and yours,
Could be strangers in the box.

Will you be changing your Samhain or Halloween plans because of hurricane Sandy?

Moving Forward

At last! I can finally say we are moving forward. It's been a long hard road, but we are finally going to move out of my MIL's home. We just signed the lease today. We'll have to wait till DH's day off this Saturday to move. But I've been doing all of the paperwork and getting utilities in our name. We stayed and walked around the apartment for a bit and Sierra is in love with her room.

The bad news is that we have very little household items in our name. DH's aunt is giving us two love seats, one of them is a sleeper sofa. We have a table that Dh's PC can go on. Other than that, we don't have a lot and not a lot of money to buy things either. I've posted on Freecycle asking for some essentials. We also won't have Internet for a few weeks, so I'm sorry to say I won't be able to write on my own blog or indulge myself in reading your lovely blog posts. It's just a temporary hiatus though so I'll be back with fresh content and much happier for having my own space!

I'll leave you with this. It's my latest clay creation. They are Elder Futhark Runes. They are carved on both sides. I also will be working on a clay box for these to go in. Once I'm finished they will be going in my new Etsy store, Pagan Creation. I may also do a little something for a giveaway in October. So stay tuned for that!

So until next time, Blessings, love, and light to all.

SWC

A Year & A Day

I don't often write or share rituals for other people. However a friend of mine asked me to direct her in the right direction and I couldn't deny her. I came up with this simple ritual for dedicating yourself to a year and a day of study. This is NOT an initiation into the Wiccan faith. This is just something to recognize in yourself and to Deity that you are dedicated to learning all you can within that year, and then deciding if Wicca is for you.

Text I've put in brackets are instructions and not spoken words for the ritual. 

A Year & A Day Ritual

August 30^th, 2012

Set up your altar

What you'll need

• 2 white taper candles to represent the God/Goddess.
• 4 small candles
• 1 yellow to represent the east and air.
• 1 blue to represent the west and water.
• 1 red to represent south and fire.
• 1 brown to represent the north and earth.
• You can add crystals or anything else of spiritual or ancestral significance to you.

Calling of the Quarters & Deity

[Walk in a clockwise circle while saying...]

Lord of the Sky, Mother of the Earth, I call you forth to witness this rite. May you shine your blessings upon this work tonight. [Light both taper candles and place on altar.]

[Face north with the brown candle. Light and say...]

From the North, I call the steady beat of earth. My you guide my spirit along my path.

[Place candle on the ground at your feet. Please be careful of the fire!]

[Face South with the red candle. Light and say...]

From the South, I call the element of fire. May its passion encourage me forward.

[Place candle on the ground at your feet. Please be careful of the fire!]

[Face the East with the yellow candle. Light and say]

From the East, I welcome the rays of the sun and its breath of life giving air.

[Place candle on the ground at your feet. Please be careful of the fire!]

[Face the west with the blue candle. Light and say...]

From the west, I welcome the stormy emotions of water.

[Place candle on the ground at your feet. Please be careful of the fire!]

[Stand back at your altar, which should be in the center of the circle btw!]

[say...]

These four directions I do so imbue. These hopes and wishes will come true. I set before myself a year and a day to decide what path my life with take. I ask the Lord and Lady to enter my heart. Guide the way, this is my start.

So Mote It Be.

The Wishing Pot

I do a wishing pot when I want to manifest something in my life. In your case, you are looking for wisdom. You'll need an essential oil or flower to add to the water. Here are a couple choices. If you can't add an oil or flower, just choose salt for purity.

SANDALWOOD - Spirituality, meditation, sex, healing, psychic awareness

PEPPERMINT - Purification, mental energy, psychic powers

ORANGE - Purification, heightened awareness, luck

LOTUS - Healing, luck, opening to spirit

Add water to a large pan.

Add essential oil, flower, or salt while imagining the water being imbued with wisdom and purity. Write your wish on a piece of paper. Write a letter to the Lord and Lady. Speak to them as if they are your best friends. Express your feeling of something missing in your life, and ask that they grant you wisdom and guidance.

Fold the paper and add into the water.

[Poem: Read this aloud at altar.]

Mystic fog so thick and true, only a light to guide me through.

As I walk the path of fog, mystic forces walk along.

Hand in hand Spirit guides me,

along this path set before me.

No fear shall enter my mind today,

the light shall guide the fog away.

Spirit that guides, reveal your name to me.

I'm open to your thoughts and love for me.

At the end of this mystic path,

brightness of mind and spirit I will have.

So now I walk with no fear in me,

For I have your guidance, love, and mystics power within me.

So Mote It be

[Pour the water with your wish on the ground, saying... An alternate is to dig a hole and bury the mixture.]

To the spirits of the earth, I consecrate these hopes and dreams into your womb. If it be for the greater good, may these wishes be granted with all due speed.

Releasing the Quarters & Thanking Deity

When a witch creates a sacred space, we must release the energy that we've brought forth. So it is very important to release the quarters and thank the deities.

Essentially you'll be going backwards from the pattern you did the opening in. This is called widdershins or counter-clockwise.

[Face the west, extinguish the blue candle and say]

From the west, I calm the stormy waters. I thank you for your presence and release you.

[Face the East, extinguish the yellow candle and say]

From the east, I thank you for your breath of life giving air. I thank you for your presence and release you.

[Face the South, extinguish the red candle and say]

From the South, I extinguish the flames of passion. I thank you for your presence and release you.

[Face the North, extinguish the brown candle and say]

From the North, I thank the steady beat of the Earth. I thank you for your presence and release you.

[In a counter-clockwise motion, walk the circle while saying...]

As I prepare to end this rite, I thank the Lord and Lady this night. Go if you must, stay if you will. By the rite of my ancestors, so mote it be.

[extinguish the two taper candles.]

And you're done.

Wicca Is Not A Feminist Religion

Image Source

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?

Life Without Mom

You ever wonder how life would go on without a mother in  your life? I'm pretty sure I could survive without my own mother. But I don't believe my family would survive without me. As a matter of fact, I fully believe they'd be lost.

Morpheus - The Dream by ~Shelob-

Not that I have any wish to go anywhere. But once in awhile I need a mommy break. So my routine is after dinner I take a 1-2 hour nap while everyone else is doing their own thing in the living room. If I didn't do this I'd be one very cranky witchy momma - which is not a pretty sight.

Mainly DH plays on Facebook, my DD watches TV, and my little man gets in trouble. Yesterday he got in particularly big trouble. See my daughter thought it would be nice to give my toddler son his sippy bottle. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, however my son has discovered he can make puddles of water if he bends the nipple on the sippy. He did this yesterday, on top of the cable box. Needless to say it was toast. Thankfully no major catastrophe happened. But I had to go buy a new cable box for my MIL. Ah the joys of parenting!

It makes me wonder during my little rendezvous with sweet sweet Morpheus if my children aren't just on their own. Obviously some lack of supervision happened yesterday. While I'd like to put all blame squarely on my husbands shoulders, I know it won't do any good because he is who he is and its futile for any woman to try to change a man.

Still, I hope some lesson has come out of this. For one, get a new sippy that doesn't leak (IF they exist). Two, find a new place for the cable box.

Charging for Psychic Readings

Today I came across a negative comment about a psychic charging for her services. I know there is a lot of opinions about whether psychics are real and whether the ability to do psychic readings should be considered a gift or a service. This post is of course just my opinion, so your going to have to decide for yourself. Bottom line is this, no one forces you to get a psychic reading.

When you go to a psychic you should be completely aware that not all psychics are created equal. The "quality" of your reading will depend on several factors such as the psychics personal ability, training, and even what's going on in the readers life at the time. Many psychics find it difficult to do readings if they are ill or there is something distracting going on in their life. A good reader will recognize when they are not up to doing a good reading and refuse to provide this service until the problem is solved.

In regards to charging for a reading, many people when they see psychics charging automatically assume a psychic is just out to get your money and that their a charlatan. Well if they are charging hundreds of dollars this might be true. But let me ask you this, would you like to be charged for a service you provide? I'm sure you would. Psychics spend their time and energy to find the answers for you. They are just the conduit to the spirit world. That energy flow is exhausting, especially when the psychic is doing a psychic fair. Bottom line is its a service. One that you are not forced to buy. So if your against paying for a reading, don't. But don't automatically assume just because someone charges a small fee for a reading that they are frauds. At the very least consider it time spent with a friendly ear who is willing to let you vent your problems and weigh in on what you can do about it. You pay a lot more for a therapist!

My Witchy Contribution

I set up a temporary alter today for prosperity. I wish I had green candles on hand, but I don't so I had to improvise. Good luck to all lottery players today. I hope you don't mind that I will win though. *wink

Past Lives

One of the Youtube channels I follow is a lovely witchy lady named Kara. She's recently talked about Past lives, and since my reply is longer than Youtube allows I'm going to reply to her topic here.

Kara has a lot of good questions. Has our media influenced our minds to believe we've lived in another life? Can a fetus be influenced in utero? How fast would a spirit choose to reincarnate? Is time linear in spirit? Or is our perception of time in spirit different? Does our genetics have some influence on our memories?

These are all good questions. I replied to Kara saying,

I really don't think that TV has a whole lot to do with it. That connection goes beyond just a general interest or exposure to media. As far as reincarnating, I don't believe it would happen right after death. We need time to review our life. To decide what went right/wrong, what our goals are for the next life, and when and with who those goals are going to be accomplished.

And Kara replied,

@salemwitchchild Perhaps time isn't linear in our understanding of it while in physical being. Time in spirit form could be all at once. Our collective understanding of all there is could be instant and unlimited in that instance. Honestly, I think more that all that is is exactly what we think it to be for ourselves. Perhaps there is not one ultimate reality experience truth for everyone.

Well Kara, you have some interesting points. All I can say is what I believe and my own experiences. I've had a few visions in the past. The strongest and one I feel bone deep was me in a past life was when I was a witch previously. My "Sisters" and I were being chased by villager's that wanted to burn us alive. We understandably wasn't keen on the idea. So we chose our death in the sea. Hand in hand, we escaped to the shores and drowned ourselves. Which could be why I've never been able to learn how to swim. I've always been fearful of water over my head. And you cannot get me to eat fish even if I'm starving. All I taste is dirty water.

Infanta Margarita Teresa by 

Diego Velazquez. 1653

Another life I believe I had was a reoccurring dream. I haven't had it in years, but as a child it was almost nightly that I dreamed of being a girl in approximately the 1700's. My family must have been well off. My surroundings was a two story home and I was in a circular room overlooking the banks of what I believe was somewhere in Maine. I was maybe 7 or 8 in the dream and dressed in a very pretty dress. I remember feeling like a queen and was very happy. I danced in the circular room feeling my dress flow around me. To the right here I have found a picture that is approximately what I saw. Though the dress in my dream was not as wide. And it was somewhat more plain. I don't believe it had any kind of adornment on top.

The only other past life I suspect is true, is me being a Priestess of Isis in Egypt. Which is why I am so close to Isis now. I've had this one come up in Psychic readings. Whenever a reading mentions this I'm really not surprised. (It's came up several times by different readers).

So is time linear or not in spirit? I suppose it doesn't have to be. Or maybe it is linear and our spirit can choose to come back quickly. There are exceptions to every rule after all. If a spirit was in a hurry to reincarnate so they don't miss a certain era, then perhaps they don't need to take the usual time I believe most spirits take.

Now for the question of genetic memory. I'm pretty sure I'm not Egyptian. I know most of my family comes from Europe, Scotland, and Ireland. That could explain the little girl in the beautiful European dress, and the life during the Inquisition. But it doesn't explain my life as a Priestess of Isis. I've never really believed this theory to be true. 

So my lovely readers, what is truth for you? Do you believe in past lives? Care to answer the questions above and share your experiences?

PBG: Meditation

Pagan Blog Prompt, Do you meditate? How?

Does it help you deal with things? Or do you do it for clarification on tough issues?

Do you include any sort of meditation when working rituals?

Just do a search of my blog and you'll see that not only do I believe in meditation, I believe it is a fundamental skill every Pagan should learn. I don't get to meditate as often as I'd like, but that's because I live with 4 other people not counting the baby who takes up most of my time. I'm lucky just to have time for a shower at this point. If you use the search feature on the lower left of the screen you'll see I've written quite a few meditations. I invite you to check them out and let me know if you do them. 

As far as using meditation in rituals, that's a big Yes from me. And there doesn't have to be a problem for me to meditate. Sometimes its just about starting the day right with a positive aura.

Eclectic Belief Diversity

Star Foster over on Pantheon asks:

"So think about this for a moment: is your religious practice reflective of what you truly believe? Must you practice the way you do because it is what you believe? Based on what you truly believe, can you change your practice?

In some way, the idea that practice is formed in accordance with belief makes sense. Druids do X because they believe Y. But then there are the eclectics, and this is where I get confused. Do eclectics practice in such diverse and idiosyncratic ways because it fits their beliefs? Or, and yes I know this is a touchy idea, does a lack of consistency in practice perhaps denote a lack of belief?"

As an Eclectic Wiccan, I'll say that it's because I believe in diversity. When I first began my journey toward Wicca I found a lot of different opinions of course. But what I found to be true is that I don't need to fit in anyone elses box but my own.  If I believe that my technique works, it will. "As I will it, so mode it be!".

When trying to follow someone elses "instructions" I was constantly worrying that I was doing it wrong and completely missing the point. I couldn't connect to the divine when I wasn't comfortable with the practice. The rite wasn't mine, so therefore it never worked for me. Once I made it mine by customizing what I did in ritual then everything clicked and I felt the wonderful presence of the Divine.

There is no right way for everyone. There is a right way for each one. Diversity is a great thing, and I encourage everyone to embrace it. If a traditional approach works for you, great. But not everyone can feel comfortable in that setting which is why so many people try Paganism and end up leaving it.

...to know everything, and nothing at all.

First let me say that I have been studying and Practicing Eclectic Wicca for approximately 15 years. In that time I have learned a lot about Wicca and I like to pass on knowledge through various outlets; one being this blog.

Recently I was emailed this from The Pagan Village. It is so true and relates to my point, so I'll share it. The one that really struck home for me is "To be a witch is to know everything, and nothing at all." As we age and become The Wise Woman I feel its our duty to teach the younger generation when they ask and are ready for it. But we should never say to ourselves, "I am done learning". From the day you are born to the day you die, you will learn something new. This is the way of the universe. To not seek new knowledge locks you into one perspective that is narrow and stagnant. Our life must be a positive flow, so therefore we should welcome new perspectives. We don't have to change our beliefs, we just have to learn how others view the world.

Later tonight on the Everything Pagan Page, the admin told us about WitchSchool.com . So to put words to action, I have signed up. I'll be taking Herbalism which I've expressed an interest in learning previously, and Pagan Law which I think would just be good useful information. I'd like to take aromatherapy as well, but I have to be honest with myself and say I'm too busy at the moment. With these courses I'm already overbooked as far as time. I have a 4 month old to take care of, plus writing, and eventually I will need to get a job! Though I'm not looking forward to that day.

So, there you have it. What steps do you take to learn new things about Paganism?


What Does It Mean to Be a Witch?

It's by anonymous.

• To be a witch is to love and be loved.
• To be a witch is to know everything, and nothing at all.
• To be a witch is to change the world around you and yourself.
• To be a witch is to share and give, while receiving all the while.
• To be a witch is to dance and sing, and hold hands with the universe.
• To be a witch is to honor the gods, and yourself.
• To be a witch it to BE magick, not just perform it.
• To be a witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all.
• To be a witch is to accept others who are not.
• To be a witch is to know what you feel is right and good.
• To be a witch is to harm none.
• To be a witch is to know the ways of the old.
• To be a witch is to see beyond the barriers.
• To be a witch is to follow the moon.
• To be a witch is to be one with the gods.
• To be a witch is to study and to learn.
• To be a witch is to be the teacher and the student.
• To be a witch is to acknowledge the truth.
• To be a witch is to live with the Earth, not just in it.
• To be a witch is to be truly free!

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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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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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.

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. :)

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

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.