Healing

I jotted this down one day, before I was going to facilitate a Reiki circle in the evening. I shared it with everyone who attended and it seems to be appropriate to share it today. Whoever needs it will find it.

When we are experiencing periods of self-doubt, insecurity, pain, fear, anxiety, depression - whatever challenge it may be - it would serve us to remember that we are releasing aspects of ourselves that were created based on what we have been exposed to in our lives, yet no longer need. All of these feelings are keys to a process of transformation. We can stay in the same place or move through the feelings, acknowledging them, releasing, forgiving, be it ourselves or someone else, then moving on, free. This is healing.

Underneath these experiences of transformation, which can be frightening and difficult sometimes, and at other times easier to work through, we benefit by remembering self-love and self-awareness is where to find relief and a more clear reflection of who we really are. When we see who we truly are through love, the pristine essence that we will find is the Wise One or Higher Self, the one who, while knowing fear, defeat, or suffering, is the one who is Light, Power, Force, and Liberation. Finding that Wise One and allowing ourselves to move through the experiences as part of a learning process, sets us free.

Don't become too caught up in the journey to "arrive" - remember that all these experiences benefit us in some way by moving us along our path. We may not consciously know exactly what that benefit is, but we have evolved thanks to those experiences. Would we have liked to skip some of them? All of them? Sure, they aren't always pretty or nice, they are frightening. But that's what we are here for, to experience and heal. This process is for our progression - if we allow it to be. 

Winston Churchill said it best, " When you are going through hell, keep on going." In other words, keep going, you will get to the end and make it through.

Blessings dark and deep!

Positive & Negative Thinking

Stay in a positive frame of mind; think only positive thoughts; don't say or think negative thoughts; if you think a negative thought, immediately restate it in the positive. Have you heard any of these? A lot of this is from the Law of Attraction mentality. There's nothing wrong with that, but... does it really serve us as much as most think? Or is it just another way of pushing down or repressing what we don't want to deal with?

In my capacity as a spiritual advisor and teacher, I advise staying positive all the time, or at least as much as one can. Yes, I am aware how hard that can be, I have my own demons to wrestle. I do feel that wallowing in the negative is unhealthy, but after reading what I am about to share, it has made me think that contemplation and acknowledgement of the negative may be more useful and healthier.

I just began reading Tarot and the Chakras, Opening New Dimensions to Healers by Miriam Jacobs, so although I can't really review the book, the following paragraph gave me much food for thought:

"The power of positive thinking has its merits, but how can thinking only be positive? It is better to realize that no situation, no matter how difficult or complicated, lasts forever. And it is very important to realize that any charged emotion associated with difficulties, past or present, can be released. Negative thoughts tend to accumulate and stagnate the flow of air. It is like a stuffy room or strong winds. They can affect our emotions, and our physical body as well. In order to change negative thoughts, it is important to be aware of what the thoughts are connected to and find a way to accept them before attempting to do anything about them.  There is great value in differentiating among your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This is best done by simply being present, rather than by judging or over-thinking. In energetic terms, that suggests a state of stillness and peaceful acceptance. After acceptance, change can happen. The charge of counterproductive thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations can be released, transformed, and healed."

Well, that is a lot different than just restating the issue in the positive. Exploration of the why, where "it" comes from are really important for full healing. But... there are some things we may never be able to figure out the whys and wherefores of - past life issues, other issues no amount of exploration can find. That's OK, as long as we don't bury it by putting on a happy face and pretending all is well in our life when it isn't. Acknowledgement is key, I think, not just stating those affirmations.

I'm a great one for over-thinking, so maybe I'm over-thinking this issue. It sure does strike a chord for me, though. I still don't advocate wallowing in one's misery - we've already experienced whatever trauma has led to these feelings, but we're still here, we're still OK... for the most part.

Thoughts? I love to know what others feel, think about this. Not sure I clearly articulated how this made me think, but it has my brain going!

Blessings dam and deep.

Pride & Prejudice Documentary

Here is a most informative radio documentary about Jane Austen and her novel, Pride and Prejudice, this year celebrating the 200th anniversary of its publication. A great deal of interesting information with lovely music and clips from various productions pepper the documentary. Something I learned and I didn't realize, there is a Pride and Prejudice opera!!! Jane and opera, I am beside myself that two great loves are combined. This will be a must listen to, at least, if I cannot find a DVD or live performance.

And why am I posting this here, a witchy, goddess blog? Well... in my opinion, Jane was definitely a sorceress, weaving words into magick. Perhaps you agree?




Blessings nine!

Time of Change

The season marches on and we enter that time where we walk between the worlds more than usual, without conscious intent to do so. We are carried away, not against our wills, but perhaps without consent. Visions, dreams, the gathering of the harvest of wisdom, these things are more fully realized now, during this season. That is the way of the witch, the sorceress, the priestess.

I am experiencing changes beyond what I had thought possible. While I have always considered myself to be a Dianic/Feminist witch - when I have had to label myself - I find now that this label may not be an accurate one.

Apollon, who has always maintained a presence, be it distant, in my life, has stepped forward, no longer willing to remain in the background of my spiritual practice. Along with Him, Ares and Hades, have reached out, into my mind, making Themselves known. And those Goddesses I am dedicated to, They are there, beckoning more strongly than ever.

A spontaneous journey brought all of this to my attention. Hekate, standing there, nodding Her head, speaking without words, telling me this is my path now, a branch from the old tree, a way through the forest that I must take. Hestia has given me a new flame to merge with the old, I cannot turn away from it, refuse it. It is not in my nature to refuse the gifts of these Artes.

All of this is causing change in the mundane world. Old acquaintances are becoming new friends; old friendships that have grown stale are drifting away like crumbs in the wind, without regret. Ideas are forming, coming together into creation; thoughts run madly all the time while sleep evades me. Of course, I know that things will fall into place, smooth out. I also know this is what must be endured if I am to make progress. I must let myself be taken, it is the way of the priestess.

Tis the time of the Season.

Blessings nine.  

Every Witch Needs One!

Ha, look what I've got! This is very cool, at least I think so and I am quite delighted, but then I usually am. One of the customers at the shop had this and naturally I asked where she got it; she was happy to tell me she found it at a local shop. When I called that shop, they didn't have it anymore so off I went to Amazon and thanks to Prime, I had it in two days... and for about $5.00 less.

OK - my former wallet just bulged with all kinds of stuff; no way with this one! A few credit cards and some cash. License and car stuff is now in a cute little card holder with a jeweled owl. Misc. change and various business cards - another little wallet. But... it's so adorable I don't mind it's limited capacity. And, after all, while my iPhone can do so many things, this has communication skills no iPhone has! Just kidding... sort of. In any event, you can tell I am happy as a clam with it.

32nd anniversary for the witch and her consort today. I am feeling old... 32 years married, feels like yesterday. I can remember sitting with the DH and prepping the antipasto trays the day before while my mother and aunts made lasagna, baked ziti, sausage and peppers along with other goodies. We had a houseful and a yard full that day. We were married by a justice of the peace whom I had known since I was a child, in our backyard. A witch and a Jew - we weren't getting married in a church! Well, it has all worked out just fine and we've both learned a lot of lessons, which is as it should be. Most of all, we love each other more than ever and that's just good.

Speaking of witches and such, there's been a great deal of magickal and healing work that was needed this month; it has kept me busy. Luckily, all is resolved with the exception of one issue that is still in the works. Such is the life of a witch.

I am preparing for my annual Vestalia rites. I celebrate this June 7th through the 15. You can read more about what I do here: http://witchofstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/vestalia-june-7th-15th.html , as well as here: http://witchofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/06/vestalia.html and here: http://witchofstitches.blogspot.com/2011/06/vestalia.html
I will likely post about this year's rites as well, which I hope will be shared with most of our students.

My Divine Feminine discussion and meditation group has brought me wonderful new women friends as well as reconnecting with old ones. The group has really come together and we are accomplishing a great deal. I look forward to our monthly meetings.

I have also been at the shop every Wednesday evening for our Reiki circle, leading the meditation. Last night, my boss's DH and I did a joint meditation that was quite interesting and well received. I have had some folks suggest I record my meditations, so that is another item on my to-do list. I am putting together some of my powders, potions, charms, and artwork to sell and hope to have that going by July. You can find my FaceBook page, LadySpell Designs, here:
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/LadySpell-Artes/201958023209323 - if interested.
There isn't much there, just my chapbook, Enchanted, right now, but, if inclined, please do like my page.

Well, I'm off to brew some coffee and put some cornbread in the oven. My old dude loves cornbread and he's done a great job as witch's consort so it is the least I can do.

Blessings nine!

Solstice Thoughts

I need some sprinklings of healing magick. Every year, after the big days - the Solstice, Christmas Eve and Christmas, I feel this let down. This year is a bit worse - the autumn and Yuletide season just flew by leaving me rushing along behind, never quite catching up.

I'm not alone in these feelings. I've spoken to many folks who feel the same and there are a lot of them out there - where did the time go? Is it that we are older? Is it the fear of 2012 that so many seem to have? I personally have no issues with 2012 because I know exactly what happened with that calendar!

 So... this can't be the problem. ; ) What's going on? Just weird energy swirling around us? I don't know, but what I do know is that this will pass and I will be back to my old, feisty, effervescent self in no time at all. And that's the name of that tune!!!

In other news - and there seems to be plenty - I continue working on my project, A Book of Artes and Charms. I have three gals that want to be students/apprentices and I've decided with my magickal partner that we shall take them on. This is something that we really hadn't been interested in before, but these gals are just the right ones. They have that excitement and enthusiasm, the "I just can't wait" energy, it's quite lovely. Multiple tarot readings have been encouraging this path over the last eight months, so here we go. In addition, my partner and I will continue our "inner court" workings.

Stitching wise, well, I have not two, but three large projects just starting: Sampler Sisters of the Thread as mentioned before and only one line done, Autumn At Hawk Run Hallow not yet started but being carried everywhere I go, just in case, and A Marriage by Lizzie Kate. A Marriage will be stitched in time for our 32nd wedding anniversary at the end of May. I saw this on line, called my local shop and found that they had it. I scooted right over there to pick up the chart which comes with all the threads. It calls for 32 count Lambswool linen which I just happen to have an abundance of. The DH drove over with me which was a good thing as I left my wallet at home!!! However, that curtailed my shopping spree a bit. This is very different from what I usually stitch. I prefer traditional or primitive type designs, reproductions of antique samplers - that sort of thing. This one is much more modern looking, to me, but the verse is exactly what my DH and I always say about our marriage. So.... onward stitches! Of course there are a few smalls thrown in for a break such as "Cake For Jane Austen" by The Sampler Girl and a some others from various magazines and on-line freebies. I really plan to knuckle under and not buy anymore charts - well except the two whizzing there way from Europe, oh and Last Stitch Cemetery by Hinzeit - so adorable, I just couldn't resist, LOL, but it  isn't quite the New Year yet so it's all good. No comments from the peanut gallery, hehehe!

In any event, our Christmas Eve and Christmas day were both quiet, just the two of us and it was quite lovely. Christmas Eve dinner was spinach dip on crackers, pigs in a blanket and mini bagel pizzas along with homemade egg nog, shortbread and fudge for dessert. We then lit the fire and sat side by side, rocking, chatting and dozing a little, Sterling B at our feet. Christmas Day we slept in a bit, exchanged a couple of gifts, relaxed and chatted on the phone with relatives. Not a bad holiday although I did miss my Christmas Eve open house. Oh well, maybe next year, but we shall see. I really enjoyed just the three of us.

I hope much magick was had by all of you and you enjoyed yourselves. May the New Year be a wonderful one!

Blessings nine!

So September Arrives!

copyright 2010 E A Kaufman

... all things change and pass in the end,

and when they are past we must rest and forget.

That too is the law of the gods.

When the summer is over, the land must sleep,

root and stone and water and earth:

the seed in the furrow, the beast in the hole,

the leaf on the tree giving itself to the air,

lightly - lightly - no weight staying it

- to fall to the ground and to rest.

To rest and to rest, safe on the ground,

deep under the snow,

with nothing to trouble it, only to rest.

... Rest, rest and forget.

The seed to the furrow, the beast to the hole,

the leaf to the ground,

and all to rest and forget.

- from The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope -

Happy September! Ah... how I love the change from August to September. The great wheel of the seasons slowly, slowly moving. I  look forward to certain tasks - changing the quilt on our bed, mixing a new cinnamon and clove pot pourri. I also pull out my worn and spattered recipe for apple butter, waiting for new apples to arrive. And then... pomanders! Those clove studded oranges that leave my fingertips stained brown and scented with cloves and orange no matter how many times I wash them. Delish! They add that wonderful orange spice scent to my home along with the apple butter. Oh... and my favorite Fanny Farmer Apple Cake recipe - also spattered and worn - scrumptious, buttery and spicy. Casseroles, stews, soups - all the recipes come out and so what if it is still warm outside? Inside, Autumn is about to arrive! It all makes me feel so Septemberish. Ah, if only I could live in Autumn all year long!

And, of course, there are magicakal tasks too; brews, herbal blends to prepare; spells and rituals to review - all for the coming season - The Autumn Equinox and Hallows; dark moons and full moons. 

So tomorrow, upon rising, the September tasks begin! A delightful day ahead.

Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it.

If I were a bird

I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

- George Eliot -

Blessings nine!

The Merry Month of May Begins!

To view the May and June Goddess Celebrations calendar, click on this link from last year:

http://witchofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/05/may-blessings.html
The dates for the Dark of the Moon and Full Moon will be different, of course. This year, the Dark Moon is on May 3  at 2:51 AM EDT and the Full Moon shines gloriously on May 17 at 7:08 AM EDT.


May begins with the great celebration of The Greening of the Goddesses and Beltane. My celebration last evening, was solitary and quiet, but very meaningful. The hedge was alive and stirring. 


Earlier, Sunday afternoon, I had a great longing to be out of doors, which I indulged with a visit to a local nursery. I picked up some herbs, including a nice stevia plant and a large oregano - a favorite herb! It is already very hot here in South Florida and I was sweating and blotting as I roamed about - oh the fifties, the sweat years of a woman's life! The heat felt good though, just what I seemed to need, I allowed the heat and sun to soak deeply into my bones. Listening to the fountains and looking at the water plants, I have begun planning an indoor water garden once again. We then went off to the garden department at Home Depot, where I picked up a sweet little Rabbit's Foot Fern and a little planter of mixed plants while looking at more fountain/pond materials. All plants are resting comfortably, including the oregano which is hanging close to my head!


While this celebration was quiet, the month ahead will be busy. Homage to Bona Dea and the Dark of the Moon on the 3rd, the Star Goddess on the 6th, Artemis on the 9th and the Rumanian Festival of the Fates on the 11th - that is one I never skip! All will keep me busy in the temple and at the hedge here at the Toadstool. On the Full Moon of the 17th, all over the world, devotees of Hekate will join together in The Rite of Her Sacred Fires for the second year. (http://sacredfires.co.uk/?p=297) Raven and I will celebrate that together and make whatever other magicks we can throughout the month, as time allows. Then... the Vestalia in June which I celebrate each year for nine days. You can read about my previous Vestalia celebrations here:  http://witchofstitches.blogspot.com/2010/06/vestalia.html   and here:
http://witchofstitches.blogspot.com/2009/06/vestalia-june-7th-15th.html


And just in case you think my needle has been idle, be at ease, that needle and my fingers have been flying. I am stitching a Hekate's Wheel on that lovely cognac colored linen I mentioned in a previous post, with black thread, which I will finish with a buttonhole stitch and little fringe around the edges. It will look lovely on our altar during the Sacred Fires Rite. Four projects have made it - finally!!! - to Cross Stitch Cupboard for framing. They have been lying in the basket of forgotten, finished needlework projects - well, at least it is a basket of finished projects! I continue with several dozen other WIPs (Queen of Perpetual Projects, that's me!) as well as making a scarf for my mother's friend and some collage and painting projects. Must not forget my Classics Challenge, I don't think I'll make the Master's Degree after all. I have finished three of my books and am half-way through the forth. Lizzie is busy.


If you would like to stitch a Hekate's Wheel for yourself, the free cross stitch pattern can be found, with two pages of charts of mystical symbols here:     http://crossstitch.about.com/od/freecrossstitchpattern1/ig/Wiccan---Pagan-Symbols/
The Hekate's Wheel is the last design on that first page.

 Earlier this morning, I drew a tarot card from The Tarot of the Crone deck. I chose Temperance... hmmm... how very interesting, I think!  A black-cloaked figure walks on a sliver of a green path under a dark sky illuminated by stars. On one side, a field of fire; on the other, a field of ice. The figure holds her hands out to each side, palms down, drawing up the power and essence of each.

This is a  card about mystical journeying to spiritual illumination. Although things may not be as clear as I would like them to be, in time the answers will come. Patience, balance and discipline - that is what is required and what I have. Really? I am finding the balance that I need in my life. From the companion book, I find more messages from this card: I draw in opposing powers and combine them to create what is needed and desired. Fire does not burn me, ice does not cut me; nor do I put out the fire or melt the ice. I know the hunger of fire and the bite of ice, but neither consumes me. I know the boundaries, but I do not allow them to to pin me in place. The power and passion is living within me, now is the time to use that power in all I do.

I am the one who brings beauty to life. I am the one to walk my path. Temperance is a dynamic process, a moving magick, and it makes a life full of meaning. Interesting, indeed.

I walk in beauty

I walk in power

And I create my path

With every step

And so the journey goes...

Blessings nine!

Hazel Dickens, RIP

(turn off my playlist below to listen to this)

Hazel Dickens passed away yesterday, the 22rd, at age 75. Her music was sort of bluegrass/folk/old time with a bit of rebel and feminist thrown in. Her voice was full of emotion.There was something about that voice and the songs she sang that kept me listening. I think she was pretty amazing.


Well, good journey Hazel, I know you will keep singing wherever your journey takes you. 


Blessings nine!

I Believe in Good Stuff!

I believe in pink.

I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner.

I believe in kissing, kissing a lot.

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.

I believe that tomorrow is another day and

I believe in miracles.

Audrey Hepburn

Reading Audrey's words, which were shared with me by my friend, Barbara C., inspired me to make my own "I believe" list.

I believe that laughing is the best medicine.

I believe that all girls, all women, are beautiful,

no matter how many calories they burn,

no matter if they are happy or broody.

(All creative souls must brood a bit for their art.) 

I believe that today is the best day.

I believe that tomorrow is another best day,

and the day after and the day after that, on and on.

Everyday that was is the best day.

Everyday to come is the best day.

I believe that all you need is love - really.

I believe gray hairs are starlights growing, shining from our heads.

I believe wrinkles are a sign of wealth, how rich one's life has been.

I believe in red. 

Strawberries, tomatoes, apples, red bell peppers and radishes (the red ones)

 are ambrosial  foods for sensuous women.

I believe red is power, but I still believe in pink too.

I believe we all need a little pink with our red.

I believe a kiss can make one's day,

even if it is just watching someone else receive a kiss.

I believe waking up to see your love smiling at you

is a wonderful way to start the day.

I guess I could just go on and on,

I have many beliefs in my heart, my red heart, trimmed with pink.

When all is said and done,

I believe that life is really good and one can always find that good,

no matter what is going on... we just need to believe.

copyright 2011 E A Kaufman  

Blessings nine!

Rough Week!

Whoa! What a week I have had!!! Woke up Monday morning to a note that a friend's mom had passed after a struggle with cancer. I posted a small tribute to her previously. The next email was from another friend who had moved to Texas. She had, we thought, successfully battled breast cancer a few years ago. She was in the hospital and had been told that there was cancer in her liver, lungs and bones. I immediately sent out a call to all the Reiki practitioners, healers and witches to send healing and energy. Latest note, she is home and the prognosis, with chemo, etc. looks good. X! Monday evening Mike received a call; his mother's cousin, whom he had seen the week before, had passed away! He was quite elderly, but still getting around and seemed to be well. Good grief, I think I've had enough.

I have suffered from anxiety since childhood and these sorts of events - normal life, I know - always knock me down. Luckily for me, being the big girl I am, I bounce pretty easily! Still, it has been a difficult week and thanks to close friends, my darling Mike (the man has the patience of a saint!) and Reiki, meditation, etc., I'm  hanging in there. Still, I'm feeling a bit like I want to run away to some magical place where I don't have to deal with my feelings. Oh ho, you say - me too! Not a good idea. But... life goes on, anxiety passes. After all, I'm a mermaid - I ride that wave and get along.

In other news, happier news, I have been keeping busy - stitching, reading, cooking, working at the crystal shop. Those crystals certainly take care of me! The energy of the shop is soothing, peaceful, healing. And, of course, there is my friend and boss, Sandy, and co-worker, Lucky, who can talk one through anything. Thank goodness for friends and a great husband. 

A couple of weeks ago Mike and I drove upstate to visit a friend who was visiting her boyfriend - they are both 81 and had dated in high school, but married others, lost them and found each other again! We had a great visit and they took us to a strawberry farm where I bought a mess of berries - strawberry time in Florida - and made some jam.

Now, for me, jam making has become a sort of Zen-like meditative experience, I love doing it and it leaves me with this wonderful feeling. I mean, just looking at the beautifully colored jars - ahhhh!  And, of course, the results are always good, but this batch - DELICIOUS! I'm not sure there will be any left for Christmas gifts!

Stitching bits:

One of the Small Fancies from Practical Blackwork, Acorns, along with Quaker Samplings III by Ellen Chester. I've also been stitching on, but no photo, Witch and Salem Remembered by The Primitive Needle among other bits. 


I  participated in the River of Stones project during January. I sent in five stones and one was accepted and posted to the Handful of Stones blog on February 8th. One of the five not accepted, actually my favorite, was about stitching:

Silver needle, threads soft, bright

My hand dances gently this way then that

Jewels appear on ivory linen

A task of infinite pleasure

copyright E A Kaufman 2011

Read and reading some books, as usual: Recommended by one of the Austen blogs I follow, Syrie James' Nocturne, which was good but not as good as her other two books, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and Dracula, My Love, which I recently read. I very much enjoyed India Black by Carol Karr, a mystery about a Victorian madam (yes, that kind of madam!) blackmailed into assisting Her Majesty's government in retrieving some important diplomatic documents from the French. Mystery writer Vicki Lane (a very favorite author) describes the novel as... "a kind of Fanny Hill meets Nancy Drew - through a world Dickens would have known." I agree and am hoping to read more adventures of India and her handsome spy sidekick. 

I also discovered, at my local library, The Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle. Holiday Grind was a light and enjoyable mystery. I'm going to read the others in this series. Cleo is the pen name for Alice Kimberly and her husband. Alice writes the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, which are fun to read - if murder and mayhem can be fun and Alice achieves that!

So, right now I am embroiled in the antics of caterers Bernie & Libby Simmons as they try to solve the murder of Anabel Cobert in A Catered Birthday Party by Isis Crawford. This is another series I will be reading. Both of these series include lots of recipes, and I'm talking really good recipes, just like the Hannah Swenson Mysteries - recently read Cream Puff Murder and was as fascinated by the recipes as the story! For chocoholics, the Chocoholic Mysteries by JoAnna Carl, packed with chocolate trivia as well as a good mystery - most recent read, the Chocolate Pirate Plot. This mystery reading goes on while working on my Elizabeth Gaskell challenge.

All of this reading, cooking and stitching was squeezed in with the usual potion brewing, spell casting, tarot reading and ritual work of a witch. As you can read, I've been busy and all that busyness makes dealing with the other stuff a bit easier. The pleasures of needle and thread, books, cooking and home... 

Blessings nine!  

My Modern Paganism

(image courtesy of mariesfreebies.blogspot.com)

A friend sent me an article to peruse about why Wicca is not Celtic as many Wiccans and Pagans believe. This set off a whole discussion with myself about how modern Pagans practice their spiritual paths and the claims some make. I am not and have never been Wiccan. I am a hard polytheist, Goddess-oriented, leaning heavily towards the Greco-Roman pantheon, but not exclusively. I believe in many goddesses and gods, not archetypes as some Pagans do, but that They actually exist as individuals. I am a witch who practices the sorcerous and shamanic artes. My beliefs are just that, mine and I make no claim that they are in any way better or worse than other Pagan's. I make no judgement of other Pagans' beliefs or practices, unlike many on a similar path - fundies and the holier than thou are everywhere. OK, that's a judgement, but hey, I'm human! There are, however, in my opinion, some very silly ideas out there about modern Pagan beliefs that are simply not accurate , as there are within any spiritual/religious group. I am not alone is this assessment. One commonly held belief is that we Pagans follow an ancient religion. In reality, we do not; at best we attempt to reconstruct, based on available historical and intuitive information, a way to honor the goddesses and gods we believe in. Or... we have created a new spiritual road that many have taken to - similar to what has happened before in other belief systems. All religions began with someone's idea about the spiritual, again, in my opinion. 


 At some point the Pagan population, I hope, will come to the understanding that while we honor the Old Ones, we are not following some ancient path that has been in existence for thousands of years. Our lives are completely and utterly different from these ancestors who believed in these same deities we do, therefore our experience of the spiritual cannot be the same. There are, in fact, so many differences that to say that we do is simply not accurate and nothing will make it so. We can honor those same deities, we can attempt to duplicate some ritual ways, but ultimately our personal experiences of spirit is very different. Also, we can not know completely how these people conducted their rites or exactly what it is they felt about the gods. We can only do our best to somewhat reconstruct a variation  and be as true to the goddesses and gods and our spiritual selves as possible.

For example, I will never know what the Eleusinian Mysteries actually were. We know something of them, but much is unknown -  yet they remain very important to me. I can surmise based on endless and ongoing study, but, in truth, I will never know for they were completely secret and participants were oath-bound on penalty of death. So what do I do? I could, as some sternly exclaim, not attempt to honor those mysteries, their feeling is that it is somewhat sacrilegious to try.  However, I don't agree with that because I am constantly drawn to them, there is a reason for that. I won't give up. I don't claim to know what I really don't - deluding myself that such and such goddess or guide gave me the information. I base my practice on intellectual, emotional and spiritual data, so to speak. I take what I do know, based on historical and archeological evidence, combine it with what emotionally, spiritually and intuitively I am drawn to do and finally, evaluate the results. If it brings spiritual satisfaction and some sort of result that indicates to me  I am on the right path, I continue along. If not, I make adjustments, but keep searching, moving along that road to wherever it takes me. And there are many roads with partially hidden paths to turn off onto - some lead nowhere and one must turn back, others lead to a wise one's cave.

This path I, and those like me, have chosen, is constantly evolving as we learn and experience our deities, the spirits, the Otherworld,  which is how it should be. Nothing in this universe remains the same. All is, one hopes, growing, blossoming, dying off, returning to seed and once again sprouting into creation, most especially ourselves. We keep searching because we need to, we are meant to... or, at least, some of us are.

Blessings nine!

Resolutions - There's A Revolution!

I was discussing with some friends the idea of New Year's resolutions. I generally don't make resolutions, but I do like to write down some ideas, goals and inspirations that I want to keep in mind - perhaps those are resolutions after all. It seems there is a new revolution of which I was not aware - the "do away with new year's resolutions." Self improvement is now discouraged, accepting yourself warts and all, that is the new thing - only it's called being satisfied. Wow, what a concept! But is this really new? I mean, did people not know this? And should your goal/resolution, whatever - because that's what it is, be satisfaction? Shouldn't you just look at your life and say, all is well, I'm good? Keep moving along, living, being. laughing, crying, napping, whatever?


Well, excuse me, but I already have been there. Most people don't get through January without breaking those resolutions. Case in point - several years ago, I made a pact with a friend, a resolution at the end of December that beginning in the new year we would not buy any new cross stitch charts - if you cross stitch, you understand this completely, if not, no amount of explaining will help! In our utter and complete naivety, we really thought it was possible. On January 15 I came across The Blueberry Sampler - a border of blueberries, a house, a garden, a sun and moon - oh my!!! I sent the link to the sister-in-resolution. We ordered the chart on January 16th. Of course, we were not heartbroken or disgusted with ourselves or filled with self-loathing, as so many people seem to be when they break their resolutions. We thought, and still do to this day, that it was hysterically funny. In fact, I would go so far as to say we were... proud, we told everyone we know and continue to do so!!! What true stitchers we are, of course we couldn't resist that sampler. Oh - the sampler is still only half done - so what? Someday it will get done and sit with the pile of stuff that needs framing - I don't have any wall space left!!!


Here's the thing, if you want to make resolutions, lists of goals and ways to improve yourself - oh dear, that's another nit-picky thing, you are just fine as you are and don't need improving! OK - lots of people go overboard with the self-improvement goals, so knock yourself out if that's your choice. But be gentle with yourself too. We ARE good, all is well, most of the time - after all, into each life a little crap must fall. That crap will make you stronger, honestly, you will get on. Making resolutions and breaking them is just human, it will not destroy your life - unless you allow it to. Actually, I would go so far as to say that breaking resolutions is a tradition! That being said, many people stick to some and are very pleased and change their lives for the better - most just go about their lives and make new ones on the next new year.


I think having some resolutions or goals is not a sin, in fact it gives you a little kick in the pants to go forth and be what you can. Just don't over do it or take it too seriously and all will be fine. And if you break your resolution - laugh, shake your head and look at how wonderful you are - because we all are wonderful in all our imperfections. Then, just move on along, take the next step, make a new list or adjust the old one - or burn it! Whatever makes you happy. There's the point, be happy, because, really, I promise you, there is so much to be happy about.


Blessings nine1 

Then There Were Latkes...

And Mike said, "It is good!" This time, no blood sacrifice was made in the preparation of these latkes, all went well, not even a spatter from the oil. Thank the goddesses!!! The finger is healing well, but it is a mess. Sore as well, especially when I keep smacking it on everything. 

We lit our candles, ate all the latkes, down to the last crumbs and enjoyed every bit!

You may notice the additional decor - crystals and witches to the left, a little bowl of blessing dust to the right! We like to include an extra kick in the pants for our celebrations!

Blessings nine!

The Latke Incident of 2010

So... in my post yesterday, last paragraph, I made the statement that I would NOT grate any part of my fingers while preparing the potatoes for latkes - and... I did not. No, instead, while peeling the last potato, I sliced into my right index finger in two places. One slice was so deep, I ended up in the emergency room for stitches. The second slice only required a butterfly. I was sent home with a splint (because the big slice is across the joint), pain meds and an antibiotic. Thank the goddesses it was my right hand, I can still stitch!


The potatoes, for some reason of their own, kept slipping out of my hand, flying across the counter. Being left handed, I have an odd way of peeling - more scraping away from my hand, but the one, more serious cut, was toward me, a nice long slice with a deep hole. The other was at the tip,  can't figure out how I did it. Needless to say, we did not have latkes last night. My darling husband did what all good Jews do when their wives can't cook - he went for Chinese take-out. Ah, you may ask, didn't you go out for Chinese the night before? Yes, indeed we did - we love Chinese food. I will leave you with this little joke, a favorite of ours:


A Chinese man and a Jewish man are sitting and chatting. The Chinese man makes the statement that his culture has existed for five thousand years. The Jewish man says, well, the Jewish culture has existed for six thousand years. The Chinese man ponders this for a moment and then says, "So, what did you guys eat for a thousand years?"


And that my friends is the end of my story. Tonight, latkes, grated in the food processor. I'll just leave it at that and make no promises about anything!

A photo of the victim, culprit and supporting cast!

Blessings nine!

Finishing the Truth & Misc. Musings

Time to finish up my Thirty Days of Truth and it has been thoughtful, helpful and interesting.


24. Make a playlist to someone and explain why you chose those songs.


For my husband Mike, over thirty years and still going, happy, strong, romantic. He makes my life really good.


1.   Hold Me, Thrill Me Kiss Me - Mel Carter - the first time we listened to this together we did this (to us) comedic little thing where we looked at each other with smoldering gaze, held out our arms and ran across the room, embraced & kissed. We still do this - even in the car - minus running across the room.


2.   Forever My Love - Carly Simon - our wedding song and I've played and sung it many times for him because it's true.


3.   Nobody Does It Better - Carly Simon - I sang in a band in my salad days and sang this song, my husband loved to hear me sing it. We saw the James Bond movie together too. There are other reasons, but I won't go into details; suffice to say, nobody ever did or does it better for me!


4.   You're My First, Last, My Everything - Barry White - because he is!


5.   Longer - Dan Fogelberg - another one I sang for him, one of those songs for us.


6.   Bolero - Ravel - remember the movie 10, didn't we all listen to Bolero and make love? We wore out our record. Enough said. 


25. The reason you believe you're still alive today. 


Because I'm supposed to be; I've got things to do - lots of things.


26.  Have you ever thought about giving up on life?


Yes, but when it came down to it, I love life and can always find something wonderful that keeps me going - even if it is something as simple as the rustling of leaves in the trees. There's always something to live for.


27.  What's the best thing you've got going for you right now?


My optimism - I may get angry or temporarily discouraged, there may be difficulties, but I can always find the answer I need and I just keep on keeping on. I have this complete and utter belief that, no matter what, things will work out just fine, always.


28.  What would you do if you got pregnant?


KILL MYSELF!!!!!!!!! No, not really, but at 54 with a few health issues, let alone the fact that I do not at this time, nor have I in the past, want to be a mother. I use to think I was too selfish, I have always wanted to just do my own thing. I no longer think I was or am selfish - I think I knew my own mind, my own needs and desires; children just weren't on my list. Freedom - that was top of the list. I know there are many women who do not and cannot understand this, in fact I've known several women who destroyed their marriages in their quest to have a child. I never had that kind of need for motherhood and don't understand that overwhelming desire some have . I also have a large family and have friends who are parents - some are really great parents, all love their children, but most of the mothers I know are consumed by their motherhood. In fact, I have encountered women who actually look down at women who don't want to be mothers or feel sorry for those without children - which is annoying and stupid on their part. There is more to life than being a mother - one can nurture and mother on many levels. If I got pregnant now, there would certainly be a difficult decision to make and it wouldn't please many people, but I would take care of myself first.


29.  Something you hope to change about yourself.


I hope to always grow and change, but if I had to choose one thing? Well, I hope to learn to handle my reactiveness in more productive ways, not do away with it because, after all, it is what makes me so passionate. I could just manage better with a little less of it.


30.  A letter to yourself.


Dear Libby - Always remember you are surrounded by love, the love of good friends and family, guardians and guides, acquaintances and the Ladies. You are never alone, the trees and stones, the animals and  the Land itself, all are there beside you, touching you. Your heart is always filled with good so don't be so hard on yourself. Everyday is a good day - make the best of it... and that includes taking naps and reading all day if you want to. Do the things that please you, that make you happy, that make your heart sing. It's all good.


So that's that. I am really glad I did this. I want to thank everyone who commented, encouraged and shared their thoughts - I appreciate you all and your own journeys and shared wisdom added to mine.

* * * * * * * * * 

So... yesterday I worked at my friend's shop. Among the number of things I accomplished, such as bagging and pricing sage wands and dusting crystals, I sorted, weighed and priced quartz crystal. This was time consuming and very interesting!!! We had to weigh each one so it could be priced accordingly, but we also had to look closely at each. Just about all were double terminated, but many had other attributes, such as being soul mate crystals, inner child, ETs, incredible clarity or a world within - it was fascinating to look at them so closely, with a magnifier, to find all the treasures. What a way to spend the afternoon - and get paid for it! There was also magical advice to be dispensed, candles, herbs and stones to sell and the usual books to recommend. After closing the shop, we were off to dinner with the husbands, for chinese food. 

Today I will finish decorating the Toadstool for winter, try to work in some stitching and there are a few new books to look at. Also, as my darling dear is Jewish, I'm making latkes for supper. He loves them and eats a pile. I will NOT grate any part of myself while grating potatoes, NO, indeed not!!! We'll light our menorah and have a lovely evening, laying on the sofa, stuffed full of latkes, sour cream & apple sauce! Sunday, lovely Sunday!

Blessings nine!