A Crossroads

So, I've been on a bit of a mental break for the past few months.  I've debated if I want to start the blog back up again.  While reading a new Pagan book this morning, I decided it would be a good idea.  This year has been a blur of constant stress.  Between co-workers who treat me as an outcast because of my Pagan faith and "green" values and parents who constantly harass me because I dare to challenge their students with hard work and accountability, I've been nothing but a bundle of nerves.  So, I abandoned my blog.  I honestly don't know why I did it in the first place.  Writing here gave me hope and understanding.  I connected with many of my readers on Facebook and speak with them privately about Pagan issues.  Why did I throw away my connection to what I've been looking for?  I guess I couldn't balance it all.  My faith doesn't bring me paycheck, teaching does.  So the world of stress took over my life.

Thankfully summer has finally arrived.  Today work crept in to provide me with some stress: One of the parents who gave me more grey hairs than I can count is still complaining.  Her son slept through my first period class all year and how *dare* I hold him accountable for doing nothing with a failing grade.  I must have some nerve.  But it's done.  It's over.  I took care of her bitching.  She got what she wanted.  Hopefully my cell phone and house phone will stay quiet for the rest of the summer except for when friends come calling.  I want to see pleasant people's names come across my caller ID for the remainder of the summer.  School can ring me in September.

So, what does all of this mean?  Is the Green Witch back?


Yes.


I'm not sure where I'll begin in my writings again.  I suppose talking about my house and the Pagan elements I've added around it would be a good place to start.  It's the only positive I've had since I last wrote in March.  I know I'll share about the Mets/Yankees game I'm going to tonight.  I'll be the lone Yankees fan in a group of Mets fans.

Until tomorrow.
Blessed Be.

PS - I guess my internal witch clock knows best when to start over.  I just realized today is a New Moon.

Witchy Library

What books do you think should be in every witches' library?  I'm looking to expand mine but because I've just bought a house, spending money is out of the question.  So, I wanted to share my "Wish List" with all of you and see what you all felt was essential for every witch to have in their library.

Willow's Wish List
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Kin of Ata Are Waiting for You by Dorothy Bryant
The Witches' God by Janet and Stewart Farrar
The Witches' Goddess by Janet and Stewart Farrar
Meaning of Witchcraft by Gerald Gardner
Real Magic by P.E.I. Bonewits
The Spiral Dance by Starhawk
Ancient Ways: Reclaiming Pagan Traditions by Pauline Campanelli
Aradia: The Gospel of Witches. by Charles Leland (Translation by Mario and Dina Pazzaglini)
An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present by Doreen Valiente
Cunningham's Encylopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham
Dictionary of Ancient Deities by Patricia Turner and Charles Russell Coulter
The Grandmother of Time by Z. Budapest
Wheel of the Year by Pauline Campanelli
The White Goddess by Robert Graves

I know there are a few books on here that I really should own by now.  I just haven't gotten around to buying them as I've been busy reading some of the more obscure authors out there as well as the blogs of my fellow readers.  This list comes from a book called Dedicant: A Witch's Circle of Fire by Thuri Calafia.  I'm a little beyond the material covered in the book but its interesting to look at a beginners book that takes a different persepective on the path.  I'm enjoying the read but I wanted to here from others out there.  So, what do you think of this list?  What should I already have/must have on my shelf?  Have you read any of these books?  What did you think of the ones you've read?

Elementals: Water

Video taken by Willow at Niagara Falls

Water
Direction: West
Time of Day: Sunset
Colors: Blue/Gray
Represents: The Goddess, maturity, emotion, psychic ability, intuition, love, subconscious mind
Sabbat: Mabon
Herbal Correspondences: apple, ash, burdock, catnip, chamomile, cypress, elecampane, geranium, henbane, hyacinth, ivy, meadowsweet, myrrh, orris root, poppy, rose, star anise, willow and yarrow
Zodiac Signs: Cancer,  Scorpio, Pisces
Tarot Suit: Cups
Used for: healing, cleansing, and purification

Water has always been a source of power for me.  This past weekend the hubby and I visited Niagara Falls and I cannot begin to tell you how much I felt the power of the place within me.  I stood watching the water fall in front of me, mezmorized by its beauty.  If we didn't have an 8 hour drive in front of us, I would of stayed there until the park closed.  I cannot wait to go back so I can see it lit up at night as well as from the Canadian side (we forgot our passports at home).

I'm currently working on a water meditation.  As soon as it is finished I will share it with all of you.  I think I'll complete it on our camping trip this weekend.  I'm going to be making a few posts today to make up for the ones I'll be missing while we're away.  I know it seems like I've been away a lot lately but I'm trying to make up for some lost (fun) time.  I spent almost all of my summer doing work for my Graduate class.  I only have 3 more weeks left before the school year begins and I start writing my thesis.  This little witch needs some Nature time!

Witchcraft Wednesday: The Realm of the Spirit

What are Spirit Animals?  Are they the same as familiars?  As Spirit Guides?  All three of these are easily confused and all are different. 

Spirit Guides are like, to use a Christian reference, Guardian Angels and are given to us at birth.  You can request their pressence during a ritual if you'd like to speak/communicate/meditate with them or, as I tend to do, just talk to them any time you feel you need guidance.  They are meant to guide/help you through life and help you learn a spiritual lesson.

Familiars are individual animals that are inhabited by a single spirit.  These animals will usually seek you out rather than you seeking them.  These animals tend to be drawn to magick and rituals and don't need to be "asked" to attend.  They can also enter and exit the circle without a door being cut for them with your athame/finger.  Familiar's can enhance your magick and they are more able to communicate with you than a regular pet.

Spirit Animals are the spirit of a breed of animal and not one animal/pet in particular.  These animals possess all knowledge and habits of their breed.  This is the animal that you feel best represents you and can be found through deep meditation.  It may take more than one session of meditating before you can see your Spirit Animal.  They can take messages for you or aide you in your magick.

All three of these can be very powerful and helpful to you while you seek direction on your path.  Don't fret if you don't have a familiar.  It just may not be the right time for it.  Spirit Animals can be difficult to see or sometimes you may just have a particular animal you've always identified with.  For instance, I've always connected with Horses and Crows.  Crows, despite their dark symbolism and connection with death, have always followed me.  They often appear before I receive good news.  I even have one that took residence in the tree outside my classroom.  He would often "talk" to me in the middle of my lessons.  My students didn't think it was as adorable as I did.

Witchcraft on a Shoestring: How to Deepen Your Practice without Breaking the Bank

Since I don't have a lot of time to post today (Graduate work comes first!), I thought I might share an article that may be helpful. Let's face it. The economy isn't doing well and being a witch can get pricey. Deborah Blake is one of my favorite Pagan authors and this article makes a lot of sense. Plus, it's pretty grounding. Being Pagan should never be about owning tons of "things;" It should be about becoming one with the God and the Goddess. Read away!

Witchcraft on a Shoestring: How to Deepen Your Practice without Breaking the Bank

Witchcraft Wednesday

Lughnassad (also known as Lammas) is fast approaching and for those of you who are celebrating, now is a good time to start preparing, even if it's just in small ways.

Lughnassad marks the beginning of the fall harvest or the day when the first grain is cut.  This Sabbat gets is name from the Celtic God Lugh, who is both king of the Gods and is associated with the Sun, magick, art, strength, courage and music.

As fall approaches, the God begins to lose his strength.  However, the Goddess is already carrying the God and he will be born again at Yule.  Even though the sun is dwindling, we celebrate the plentiful harvest that arrives with this time of year.  Lughnassad is the bread festival.  Decorate your altar with grains and fruits and vegetables of the harvest.  Bake homemade bread with your seeds you planted at Ostara.  Your intentions grew within those seeds and now you can put them within you and make them possible.  Now those intentions can grow within you.

Lammas Bread Recipe
This is a link to a wonderful Lammas bread recipe.  Some of the others that I've tried are too doughy and don't taste as good.  However, it does take four days to make.  So, if you want a project, this is the recipe for you.

If not, try this one.  It's much easier and uses pre-made ingredients.  I don't like to use it because I like using things I've grown.  I might have to use it this year because I have no grains in my garden. 

Tarot Tuesday

I haven't been feeling well since last night, so my post today will be short.  Today I did a 5 card spread asking about a friendship that I happen to be dancing around picking up again.  These were the cards in order:

3 of Pentacles (R); The Empress; The Sun; The Hierophant (R); Death

This person was a part of my life before I met my husband.  In fact, we used to date.  The final card, death, is my advice.  I need to break away from this person.  It's only going to lead to disaster, most likely for my marriage.  Deep down, I know that the intentions this man has for me are not really for friendship.  He wants me back and I must let him go.  The Death card does not always mean "killing" or harm.  In this set of cards, I take it to me the letting go of my past.  This man is from there and there he must stay.

Sundown on Sunday: Weekly Tarot Spread

Along with keeping up with my blog, I'm also diving back into my tarot.  If only my weekly spread were a bit more inviting.  All would be wonderful if the two of cups didn't appear in the reversed position.  I worry that it means there will be distrust or disharmony in my marriage.  The knight riding on that white horse to save me (the Knight of Cups) is my husband.  He showed me a new way of life, a new perspective on things.  He made me whole.  The two of cups makes me fear that I will lose that.  The celebration that appears in the three of cups is a little hard to feel with that reversed card.  

Elements Series from The Domestic Witch

 The Domestic Witch is running a series on understanding Elemental Powers and being able to use them in your own craft.  Part of understanding the elements is knowing which element you have a natural affinity for.  Below are 25 questions she has posted to help you understand your natural affinities along with my answers.  I figured I'd post my answers here so I can easily access them as well as sharing them with my readers.

1. Which element do you feel you connect with or understand the most?

Water.

2. What are your hobbies and interests? 

Swimming, Snowboarding, Hiking, Biking, Cooking, Organization, Crafting, Knitting, Reading, Blogging, Teaching, and Pagan-y things.

3. How do you move through activities? For example, do you stay with one activity for a long period of time, restlessly go from one thing to the next, or do several things at once?

I tend to do several things at once and I tend to stay with them all for a long period of time (although blogging took a bit of a break).  I dive into things and I submerge myself in them.

4. Where are your favorite places?

Upstate NY, especially the Adirondacks and Catskills; Vermont; New Hampshire; Texas

5. What is your preferred divination method? Or do you prefer to rely on proven facts only?

Tarot.  I just started working with a pendulum. 

6. What color is your hair, eyes, and skin tone? Do you tan or burn easily? Is your skin oily, dry, or soft?

I have very dark brown hair (almost black) with red highlights, dark brown eyes and light olive skin tone.  During the summer I get pretty tan and I have soft skin.

7. What are your favorite colors?

Black, dark blues, purples and reds.

8. What is the style of your clothes?

I'm pretty eclectic.  I have some "hippie-ish" clothes, goth clothes, punk clothes,  my "teacher clothes" and then just regular t-shirts and jeans.  It depends on the situation I'm in.  I have many different interests and I must change my style of dress to the situation.  

9. Are you sensitive to hot or cold temperatures?

I hate humidity.  I love the winter and I think all my wishing is what caused all the snow this winter.  I'm ok with summer heat as long as there is no humidity.  Summer on Long Island is murder because of the humidity.  I'd rather be in the mountains during the summer.

10. Do you refuse to sit or walk barefoot on rough or uncomfortable textures such as grass or concrete?

I've had issues with sand since I was a baby.  When I was about 9 months old my parents took me to the beach and I would not leave the towel.  I wouldn't play in my sandbox.  I've been getting better as I've gotten older, but I'm not a huge fan of sand beneath my feet.

11. What interests you? Do you have talents in art, music, sports, or science?

I was an opera singer in high school.  I now sing in the car and the shower.  I was also a competitive swimmer.

12. Do you follow you heart or your head when making decisions?

My heart.  I've been learning to think more before I act though and it has benefited me greatly.  Following your heart gets you in trouble.

13. What's you favorite kind of music? Does it have heavy bass, is acoustic, or ethereal?

It really depends on my mood.  I like a lot of different kinds of music.  However, almost all of it, even the piano stuff, has heavy bass.

14. What kinds of things do you use to better your mood? Candles, a warm bath, garden, or a good book?

I love to read or relax in my pool.  I'll also go for walks or take a hot shower.  

15. Do you have any health issues or physical impairments?

 I suffer from depression and anxiety.  

16. What are your biggest fears?

Failure.

17. What types of spells and rituals do you favor? 

Off the cuff.  I also enjoy doing my rituals outside whenever possible.

18. Do you collect anything or have extensive knowledge about a particular subject?

I collect old books and records.  I have an extensive knowledge of Victorian literature and Shakespeare.

19. How old are you? What stage of life are you in?

I'm 26 and I've been married for two years.  I'm not ready for children and have no plans to ever have any.

20. What are your best traits and talents? What are your worst traits and bad habits?

I'm a loyal friend, but I only keep a small group very close.  I always plan for the worst case scenario and am obsessively organized.  I analyze situations and it can be a downer - it plays into my anxiety.  I'm also very stubborn.  I'm sure there are more but I cannot think of it right now. 

21. What is your career or occupation?

I'm a high school English teacher.

22. What do you keep on your altar?

It changes by season but here is a picture of what it looks like for the most part:

24. What's your favorite season?

Winter.

25. What is your Sun Sign, Moon Sign, and Ascendent?
Sun Sign: Scorpio, Moon Sign: Taurus Ascendent: Pisces

I've been absent/Thursday Herbal: Holly

I'm not sure if it's because I couldn't find inspiration, because I've been a bit depressed or because I became so involved with my Graduate classes.  I'm more inclined to think it's a combination of all three.  I did feel better when I blogged on a regular basis, so I know I do not want to give it up.  Plus, I was starting to gain a small following.  I noticed I lost a few followers because of my month long absence, but maybe because I plan to post on a regular basis again they'll come back or I'll gain some new people.  I do want to extend an apology to those of you still following.  I'm back and I honestly mean it.  I've spent the past few days looking at my life and my mental state.  I realized how much more at peace I was when I wrote here (almost) everyday and how much more in tune I was with Nature, the Goddess and the God, and the craft.  I want my faith to be with my at all times and I feel that I've let it slip away from me in the past month.  Perhaps it's fitting that I've come to this conclusion as the Celtic calendar changes from Oak to Holly.  Holly, of course, is the focus of my post tonight.

So, thus I begin the new(ish) blog format.  Thursday will be an herbal/plant reflection.  I've started reading a lot about gardening and canning and drying my own herbs.  I don't have a place to do any of this in yet, but I want to be knowledgeable enough so I can jump right in when my husband and I purchase our own home.

Holly

• symbolic of strength gained by challenge
• was once hardened in flames and used as spears
• believed that when heated, holly was as strong as iron

• associated with the spirit of vegetation and the waning forces of nature, personified as a mythical figure called the Holly King.  
• The Holly King rules nature during its decline from the mid-summer solstice (Litha - Jun 21^st) through to the mid-winter solstice (Yule – Dec 21st).  At each of the solstice Sabbats, the Holly King and his brother the Oak King engage in ritual combat for the attentions of the Goddess, from whence the victor presides over nature through the following half of the year.

• Magickal Uses:  
• When planted around the home it protects the inhabitants and guards against lightening, poisoning and mischievous spirits.
•  As a charm to enhance dreams, nine Holly leaves gathered on a Friday after midnight, wrapped in a clean cloth to protect against its needles, and tied up using nine knots was placed under a pillow to make dreams come true.
• Holly is used for magick associated with the element of fire and Holly incense is used to consecrate the athame.
•  The Holly tree deity associations are with:  Lugh, Tannus, Taranis and Thor.  

Holly Spell (from Llewellyn's Witches' Datebook 2010)

If you wish to grow stronger from everyday challenges and overcome them, enlist the help of the holly spirit.  As you gaze into the candle's flame, feel it filling you.  It blesses you with the ability to face any challenges in your path with insight and strength.  


You Will Need:

1. A few holly leaves or other symbol of holly
2. A Green Candle
3. A needle or tool to carve with

Ritual:

1. Carve the holly symbol on the candle.
2. Light it and say: 

 I salute the blessed holly tree,
In justice's name I do decree,
As every challenge comes my way,
The flame will temper my swordplay.

Flower Moon

Tonight is the Flower Moon or the Planting Moon.  The wildlife comes to full awakening in the month of May.  The late spring heat drives life forward and brings forth the early crops of the season.  Many people will enjoy the 3-day holiday weekend picnicing, going to the beach, enjoying parades and (hopefully) remember those who honorably served in the military and all its branches. 

The Flower Moon is a time for expanding and growing, metaphorically and in your garden.  For those of you that planted at the last full moon, it's time to move those plants to larger pots.  For those of you who have grown weary in your mundane lives, it's time to move yourself to another "pot."  Perhaps you need to quit the job that you dread going to every morning or just build up the courage to put in for that promotion.  If you've been out of work, maybe it's time to get back out there with your resumè. 

If you're going to be performing a ritual tonight and you're lucky enough to have nice weather (unlike those of us in the Northeast - thundershowers - whoo!) you may want to draw on that spring energy.  Light a few candles, grab those drums and head outside.  Dance around under the light and power of the full moon.  If you practice with your family, read or act out some spring themed myths from the pantheon you and/or your family feels closest with.


This myth is one of my favorites.  It's not a spring myth, but a moon myth.  Even though my mother's ancestors were Comanche Indians, I still love to read other American Indian myths.  This one is from the Pueblo tribes:

Why the Moon Has One Eye

Long ago, Moon and Sun were made to always keep watch over all of the children of the earth.  They kept their bright eyes on the earth all the time.  

Sun looked down from the sky during the days.  Under his bright light, the flowers and trees and other plants grew.  The birds flew and sang, and the animals went about their way.  The people also worked and played all throughout the day.  And that was good.

Moon looked down from the sky during the nights.  Her eyes were just as bright as those of her husband, the sun.  So it was that there was never any darkness.  Just as it was during the days, the flowers and trees and other plants grew.  The birds flew and sang, and the animals went about their way.  All throughout the night, the people worked and played.  And for a while, that was also good.

But because there was no darkness, it was hard for all the children of the earth to rest.  The flowers and trees and other plants grew without stopping, and they began to grow tired.  The branches of the trees hung down in weariness, and the corn found it hard to stand tall.  The flowers could barely lift their heads.  Because they were always flying and singing, the birds grew hoarse and their songs were no longer so beautiful.  The animals became so tired that it was hard for them to get food.  The people were so worn out from alwas working and playing that they no longer laughed and smiled.  They just walked about as if they were carrying great weights on their shoulders.

The moon and the sun saw that things upon the earth were no longer good for their children.

"We must do something so that our children can rest," the Moon said.

"I will give up one of my eyes," Sun said.  "Then it will no longer be as bright during the daytime."

"No," Moon said.  "It should be bright during the days.  There must be light so that our children can go about their way.  I am the one who must give up one of my eyes.  Then there will be darkness in the nights and things will be good again."

So it was that Moon gave up one of her eyes.  Now the night was no longer so bright as it had been.  All of the children of the earth - the plants, the birds and animals, and the people - could rest during that time of darkness.

Even though her light was less than before, Moon's one eye was still quite bright.  So it was that she decided to close her eye a little bit at a time throughout each month until it was all dark.  Then she would begin to open her eye again.

Although Moon has only one eye, the Pueblo people say that she is even more beautiful than she was before.  The sun is also beautiful, but his yes are so bright that no one can gaze directly at him without feeling pain.  Moon's light, though, is so gentle that even when she is at her brightest, the people can gaze up at her to give thanks for the gift of darkness that she gave through her sacrifice.  

- from The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales by James Bruchac and Joseph Bruchac, PhD. 

Saturday Musings

I've been neglectful.  I'm sorry blog and blog readers.  It's not even that I haven't had the time to write.  I've had plenty of time.  I've just been so tired all the time.  I know why I'm tired, but I'm still confused on how to fix it.  I know I'm not normally too personal on here, but I suppose since I'm sharing my faith in the Goddess and the God, I guess being personal should be more a part of my writing.

I wake up frequently through the night in a panic.  It's been happening for years now.  I was on anti-depressants for over 3 years and a little over a year ago I phased off of them.  I didn't like the weight it put on me nor did I like the shadow I became.  But, I'm still waking in panic.  I've tried to keep the journal by my bedside and write down the things which wake me, but I can't seem to remember/know what it is I'm waking up for.  It's always the same.  I shoot up from a deep sleep, look at the clock, realize it's 2:37AM and I don't have to be awake until 5:30AM.  This process will repeat every hour until I wake again at 5:27AM and curse silently that I could have slept 3 more minutes until the alarm went off.  Then, I don't want to get up.  I'm tired.  I love my job teaching, but I pray to the God/dess everyday that work should start at 9AM instead of 7:20AM.  I think their deaf on the issue as nothing has changed.

So, since I'm tired all the time, physically and emotionally, I've decided to actually do something about it.  I know I need to start going to the gym again and eating healthier (again).  When I became ill 3 weeks ago with the sinus infection, I just made excuses for myself to slack off.  But, I've done all this before and waking panic still plagued me.  So, I thought a little bit of magick, prayer and craft work may help me.  I thought that it was about time I made myself a dream pillow.  I don't necessarily need to have a specific type of dream, but just the ability to dream and rest.  I'll be heading upstate next weekend to go camping and I can hopefully gather some supplies from the store I usually buy my herbs from.  I'd get started this weekend, but there is too much bustling around for birthdays and graduations.  But, the most important part of this is that I have a plan to help myself and maybe just the planning will help put my mind at ease, even if it's just slightly.  

The Hawthorn

On May 4th, the Celtic Tree Month of Hawthorn began.  The Hawthorn tree is the guardian between the realms and is considered a protective and purifiying tree.  The month of May is also considered a month of lust and passion, probably because of the energies of Beltane which begin the month.

For those of you who are looking for love, this spell I found may open your heart or remove obstacles in finding it this month.

You Will Need:
- Some Hawthorn Blossoms or a picture of a Hawthorn tree
- A pink or lavender candle

Light the candle and say:

Hawthorn tree of power this night,
Open my heart to love's delight,
Free my thoughts and cleanse my mind,
And help me find a true love mine.

Then, scatter the Hawthorn blossoms in the wind or burn the picture and spread the ashes.

- Original spell by Mickie Mueller

Monday Mutterings: New Moon

Grandmother moon is returning and as usual, I will spend the evening of the new moon meditating.  New Moons are a time to plant your seeds of intention for the Full Moon.  These are the things you want to work towards in the coming days and then, with the next New Moon, you can look are your intentions, wishes and/or hopes and re-evaluate them.  Are these your same dreams?  Have they come true?  Have they changed?  It's also good to not cross off or check off your intentions as they do come to light.  Take note of them or do a tarot reading to see if the intention is complete.

Some ideas for a New Moon ritual:

• Start an intentions journal. At each New Moon, write down your wishes for yourself in the coming months/year(s).  As you work with your spells or with yourself, take note of which intentions come true and which ones don't.
• Tend to your garden.  While you water your plants or give them compost or fertilizer (we put coffee grinds in with our tomatoes), think of how you'd like to grow yourself.  Picture yourself as the plant and how you'd like it to grow.
• If you have children, you can do the first ritual in scrapbook form.  Have your children cut pictures of things that they dream for themselves.  If you're an avid scrapbooker, you may want to do this for yourself.  Sometimes having an image of the intention can help you meditate.

Post-Beltane Reflections

This past Saturday I attended my first (large) Pagan group gathering.  A friend of mine was selling her wares at the craft/show portion of the gathering.  I unfortunately did not get to dance around the maypole because I had to proctor the SATs that morning.  Perhaps next year.  I was excited to feel such positive energy from the majority of the people there and I did not really know any of them beyond my small group of friends.

The ritual was wonderful.  Janet and Stewart Farrar, author's of the Witches' Bible, acted as High Priest and Priestess.  I could not of asked for a better Beltane gift.  Now, I did not get as emotional during the ritual as many of the other women there, as I have no interest in conceiving ever anytime in the near future.  I felt the magically energy around me during the ritual, but I could barely hear Janet or Stewart speaking.  Maybe it was because I was directly behind the drums or maybe it was for another reason (I wasn't meant to hear it).  I'm not sure if it was just the drums because my friends were also right behind them and could hear perfectly.  I'm more of the mind that I'm not ready to hear the words of a fertility ritual yet.  Let's just say, I wasn't rubbing the maypole for any reason.  I danced around it, but I dare not touch it.


I hope everyone had an amazing Beltane.  I'm still reeling from all the energy sprang from such a large group.  I never knew magic could feel that powerful.

Relaxation Spell

Last week was spring vacation for all the little kiddies and their very over-worked teachers.  I am one of those teachers who needed last week more than anything.  However, now that I'm back at work, all the stress that I left in my classroom is weighing back on my shoulders.  I fought with my former university for about an hour today.  I haven't attended there since 2006 and they were still trying to charge me for a class I never took, not permitted to take (I didn't take enough of the pre-requisites) and was dropped from by the professor.  Not only do I have my work stress, but now I have this wonderful migraine. 

All of this got me thinking about creating some relaxation and calming spells.  I've been a little lazy about working on my own spells lately and this is a perfect time for me to start putting my energies into more productive things, rather than my worries.

I've found that relaxation spells and calming spells work best when working alone rather than with a group.  I think everyone would agree that other people tend to make us more nervous and having them around may take our needed energies away from the spell at hand.  This is a very simple spell and can be used at any time.

What you need:
A Blue Candle
A White Candle
A Black Candle
An Orange Candle
Lavender Oil (optional)

• Run a hot bath and add the lavender oil (if you're using it).  Set up the  candles near the tub (if you can).
• Light the white candle and say: This candle represents me and me in all things.  This is the flame that I carry as I walk upon my path.
• Light the black candle and say: These are my negative thoughts and energies.  These are the things that distract me from my path and cause me to drag my feet.  Fear, tears, and disappointment is here.  These troubles leave me now forever.
• Light the blue candle and say: All these troubles are now past.  The light of this flame neutralizes the negativity that has surrounded me.  This candle represents the element of water.  Water, cleanse me of these worries.
•  Finally, light the orange candle and say: This candle represents the positive energy I want to bring into my life and give me balance.  Lord and Lady, please continue to help guide me and bless me with the light this flame brings.
• At this point, your bath should be filled.  Step in and sit quietly.  Picture that orange candle and it's energy surrounding you.  You may wish to submerge yourself in the bath water and picture the blue candle and the element water purifying you.  
• When you are ready, say the following:   

 

Remember the law of three

Without it, nothing will you be

Goddess and the God come sit beside

To help rid me of these harmful thoughts inside

Free me from this stress and pain

Let me grow and love and gain

With your love, I can love me

So mote it be

Monday Mutterings: Tarot

Last week I began doing (almost) daily tarot readings for myself.  The Domestic Witch's focus for this week is on the Hearth and Home.  This means that we should bring focus into the things we truly have a strong passion for.

Tarot is something that I began doing as a teenager and recently it has come back to my life.  Reading the cards was something that always came easily to me, especially since the decks I've always used have pictoral expressions of meaning.  Up until last week, I used the Universal Waite deck, but I purchased the Robin Wood deck on Amazon.  Immediately I had a strong connection to my new deck.  I've used the Robin Wood deck (most of my friends have it) and it has interested me for a long time.  I really have no idea why I've waited so long to purchase it.  Now, even though I'm pretty good at getting the meanings from just the cards themselves, I do like to have a reference.  At the suggestion of a friend, I purchased the book Tarot: Plain and Simple by Anthony Louis.  Anyone who is interested in tarot, beginner or not, should have this book.

I did not do a full week of readings, but the ones I did do were pretty interesting.  I will share one of them with you along with the weekly draw card.

My weekly draw card was Temperance.  This card is a card of balance.  The angel's wings in this deck are yellow which denotes illumination or inspiration.  However, in other deck's the angel's wings are red, the color of passion.  The angel is able to stand with one foot in the water, which usually is some connection to either travel or change.  From this card I knew that this week would possible involve me helping my life become more balanced or that focus for the week would be creating some form of harmony in my life.

On Thursday morning,  I drew the Six of Pentacles.  This card displays a nobleman holding the scales (which are balanced) and handing out coins to others.  This is a balanced man who has gained this through his devotion to charity/the needs of others less fortunate than himself.  The pentacles suit also tends to indicate some form of financial gain for myself or someone close to me.





Every card I drew last week had something that indicated a form of balance coming into my life or the lives of loved ones.  Interestingly enough, many things occurred that followed along with this theme: 1) I found out that I will be graduating from Grad School earlier than expected; 2) My husband and I found out we will be getting much more back on our tax return this year; 3) My raise came through; 4) My first coven meeting went very well and brought a needed pagan connection into my life; 5) Several friends became engaged this week.

I'm interested to see what this week's card will say!

My Altar

I couldn't really think of anything to post today, so I thought I'd post a picture of my spring altar.

Happy Thursday everyone!  It's beautiful outside on the East Coast, so go out and play!

Divination: Tarot

Even though I grew up in a very Catholic family, I have been exposed to Tarot reading and other forms of divination since childhood.  Both my mother and great-grandmother read Tarot (Spanish deck).  My mother still uses my great-grandmother's cards.  I don't understand her deck very much, as it is very different from the French spread that I've grown accustomed to.  I always found it strange that a woman who claims she's a devout Catholic would play around with things like Tarot cards.  I think there is a part of her that doesn't want to admit how much of the craft is within her family.

I bought my first Tarot deck back in high school.  I was exploring the path a little back then, but was still very nervous because of my parents.  At this point in my life, my mother would hang rosary beads or place crosses under my bed to "try to bring me back to church."  That didn't really help her cause since it just drove me farther away from the church and put a major strain on my relationship with her for a number of years.  So, I began my study of tarot with the Universal Waite deck.  I didn't take it very seriously then, but I would play with the cards and do occasional readings for myself and close friends.  However, I never made them a part of my every day life, which is what I've started to do now.

This week, I've been doing a daily draw from my deck.  I still use the Universal Waite because it's what I'm most comfortable with.  I think doing the daily draw will help bring me closer to my cards and give me a stronger understanding of their meanings.  I have my tarot journal, but I need to be better at keeping it.  My friend who started our coven actually created a great worksheet that I plan on using.  I think I'll continue the journal I have, because it's really pretty, but I'll use the set up from her worksheet.

So, this leads me to the purpose of today's blog post.  I wanted to bring in my tarot study to the blog as a part of my weekly reflections.  I think I'll close each week (Saturdays) with a reflection on my daily draws and see how they fall into my week once it's finished.  If any of you are experienced readers and would like to offer some advice/critique/help with the readings, I would greatly appreciate it.

Storm Moon Recap

Last night was our first coven meeting.  It was only four of us to start as some of the members are away for spring break, but it was wonderful.  Our ritual was very similar to what The Domestic Witch posted on her blog yesterday, so you can take a peek over at her blog for the ritual specifics.  It would be a bit redundant for me to post them a second time here.

We didn't get to see the moon herself last night, but the name of this March moon was quite appropriate as it is still storming here in New York.  There was a break in the storm, so we were able to go out into my friend's yard and spread our offerings to the Goddess and the creatures of spring.  In the distance I was able to catch the glipse of some spring rabbits running around.  It was quite fitting for the end of our first coven ritual. 

Something that all of us plan to grow and change along with our blessed seeds is in our health.  We all want to look better and feel better about ourselves which is why I cannot thank The Domestic Witch enough for her spring cleaning event.  It is really helping me keep focused on my overall goal for spiritual and physical cleansing.  We also all commented on how creating this coven is something we've all planned or hoped to do for a long time, but were not independent enough, from our parents and in our own selves, to actually do it.  I really think it will help bring our friendships closer together and really help us draw a great bit of power and energy into our projects. 

I hope everyone had an amazing full moon last night!  Blessed be.