The Power of Magick & Non-Believers

~Magickal Graphics~

I ran across this article on About.com titled, "Does Magic Have Power if Someone Doesn't Believe?"

I thought this would be an interesting discussion. My thoughts are that magic is energy. Whether it is positive or negative depends on the person sending it out. Someone who has no belief in deity or magic at all still sends out energy. So I think this is evidence that yes, magick still has power over those who are non-believers and that energy does return to them.

However, I do believe because they've closed themselves off to the possibility of magick, that they've also created a barrier that "keeps out" to some extent, positive and negative energy. So basically they've made it harder for the energy flowing to them to manifest a change in their life.

What do you believe? Does magick hold power for non-believers?

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.

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Pagan Blog Prompts: Prompt: Pagan Children

Prompt: Pagan Children

Posted by Shauna Lane

This prompt is primarily for parents, and can be used as a blog topic, or simply as a share for your family activities.

- Share with us some of the things you teach your children about Paganism and your beliefs.
- At what age did you start including your children in on ritual and/or activities?
- What are some activities you have used to teach your children about Pagan spirituality throughout their different ages and stages?


~Magickal Graphics~

Well lets take this one at a time.

1. I let my children ask questions. I answer them in age appropriate terms but always stress that this is what I believe. When they are old enough I want them to do their own research and make up their own mind. 
2. I include my children in ritual whenever they ask. Wyatt is almost 2 and participated in his own way. He wanted to ring the bell and blow out candles. Sierra didn't participate in ritual till she was 9. Again, it's their choice. 
3. I remember one time I took Sierra to a nature park. We were having a mother/daughter day and she really wanted to see the animals. Unfortunately it started to rain when we got there. It was only a drizzle so we endured it. Then the rain started to come down heavier and we had to go inside. So we sat at this big window looking out on the animals and we sang "rain, rain, go away." I told her about how I do spells and if we sing with all our heart maybe the rain would stop. It did. :)  I use different moments throughout our day to teach them about my beliefs. 

How does your spirituality affect your parenting?

A new blog I was introduced to me titled "The Baby, The Mother, and the Goddess". The author of this blog has a question. How does my spirituality affect my parenting?

I just want to say I have a new found respect for all those video bloggers out there. This is the first time I've attempted a video blog, and it wasn't easy! I think I had about 5 takes before I got something even resembling a coherent answer. I'm still not 100% happy with it. I thought it would be fun to try this way though just for the experience. :)

So without further ado, here's the video! Please like and share it and I'd love to hear your answers as well.

How does your spirituality affect your parenting style?

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?

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!

What Broom Closet?

Musings of  A Magical Mom asks:

Are you now, or have you ever been in the broom closet?  Why?  How did you/will you come out?

I must admit, I heard the term "broom Closet" much later than when I first decided to tell everyone I am Eclectic Wiccan. It never really occurred to me not to share who I am. Though in school I did select people to tell who I trusted. I knew those who were unfamiliar or unfriendly toward me didn't need to know. But I consider everyone's religion a need to know basis. So I guess I've never really been "in" a broom closet. I'd think that would be very hard to do for me. I'd feel like I was lying to friends and family and that's just not something I can pull off. I'm a terrible at lies because the truth is always written all over my face. 

The Pagan Afterlife

This is my first post for the Pagan Blog Project.  For the letter A I'd like to talk about the Pagan Afterlife. I've already discussed my Thoughts on the Afterlife. But this isn't a repeat of why I believe in reincarnation or what the meaning of life is. I'd like to delve into how we picture the afterlife to look. Is it a meadow where we can run around picking daisies to our hearts content? Is it a vortex where we meet our lost loved ones? Is it a bridge with rainbows? How do you foresee the afterlife to look, feel, taste, smell? Is it just like life? Are we always happy or can we be sad there too?

Ultimately we all must answer these questions ourselves. And I don't believe there are wrong answers because I believe our perception is what dictates our reality in the afterlife.

My perception of the afterlife is just a group of friends sitting around a table talking about what is important to us. Helping one another and working a little witchy magick when needed. Perhaps in the afterlife instead of helping one another we'll be looking down on our descendants and helping them. Whatever the afterlife is, I hope it won't be a boring meadow. I really hate daisies.

Do you believe in Aliens?

Harvey the alien by Aaron Sims

Do you believe aliens exist or once existed? Do you think they have visited us on Earth? Are they our creators of Human civilization? Have they helped us to evolve over time? Are Ancient Gods really the retelling of Aliens come to Earth?

Just about every culture has their own alien myth. Personally I think it's improbable that we are alone in the universe. And whose to say we'd recognize a being as an alien if we saw it? Perhaps they look just like us. After all doesn't the bible say that God created us in his image? Perhaps it was the alien who created the human race in his image.

If an Alien race was responsible for our creation, how would this impact your spirituality? Do you believe that proof exists and all Governments are covering it up?

I realize that's a lot of questions so if you have a blog, feel free to answer on your own blog and leave your link in a reply here.

Personally, I think it is possible that an Alien race created humans, though improbable that they are still visiting. I don't believe all Governments would be successful of censoring that information if it existed. But like I said, maybe we wouldn't recognize an Alien if we saw them.

As far as if Gods are really ancient Aliens, I don't think it would have a huge impact on my spirituality. Since  I don't worship any Deity as a physical being, rather they represent the type of energy I wish to connect with. It certainly would be fascinating if we ever learned the truth though! 












*Source

Pagan's Holiday Terminology

When a Pagan first starts his or her path usually they become stressed during the holidays. You have family saying Merry Christmas while you on the other hand are still finding your Pagan self and getting a handle on how to celebrate Yule. Honestly, I've been on my Wiccan path now for 17 years, and I still call Yule Christmas.

Now, I didn't grow up in a very religious home. Though my mother is Christian she did me the courtesy of allowing me to experience the holidays in a secular way. The day wasn't about the Christ child being born, though I learned the story when my grandmother forced me to attend church one season.

To me, Christmas was about being together as a family. To appreciate one another and to welcome the end of a long year. It's still what it's about to me. So even though I am Pagan, I don't feel the pressure to use Pagan terminology. I know that what I'm really celebrating in my heart no matter what I call it. For me it's just easier and less stressful for non-Pagan family to reference it as Christmas.

I've always stressed to do what feels right for you. If you feel you must call this Holiday season Yule, so be it! If not, that's OK too.

Anyone else still say Christmas instead of Yule?

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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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.

Source

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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.

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

Had a good Mommy night out

So for awhile I've neglected my spirituality. Its no wonder considering all we've dealt with the past year. Last week we found a Pagan spiritual center and attended a meeting there. Tonight I went to a woman's meeting. I was going to take Wyatt but he was sleeping, so I decided daddy could take care of the kids for awhile. I deserve a night out without worrying about being a mom.

I'm so glad I went. I kept thinking about it off and on all week. I'd say I wouldn't go, then say yeah I would. Finally I just figured if I've thought about it this much there must be something there for me, and I was right.
One of the ladies there had a migraine. One of the things I'm good at is Energy healing. So I took away her headache. I'm sure it will come back if she doesn't work on her Chakra's and meditation, but for now I gave her a reprieve. After taking away her headache I meditated to release the headache and got the message that I'd better get back "in the saddle" as it were. I really have been shamefully neglectful of Goddess.

I taught a little about how I do energy work and answered a few of their questions. We talked of other things and had a good time.
So 2 hrs away from Dh and the kids and no one was hurt. See I knew daddy could take care of it. ;) Though I was happy to be back and cuddle with my lil man.