Lately I have been having an interesting time finding 'magical' objects where I least expect them. What struck me the most was a nice gift my mother gave me. My mom gave me a necklace with an arrowhead on it. I don't think she could have possibly known what this would mean to me. Because of my mom's gift, I now have a wonderful athame/energy pointer that I can wear and thus have with me anywhere. Plus, my mom made it, so I have an object with the power of the person I came from. Lately I have been wanting objects of my grandmas, but didn't consciously consider my mom. She did it for me. So, super awesome magical object on my neck!
I also found something I thought I had lost for good when cleaning out a storage area. When I got my university ring, I decided I wanted a ring with my magical name engraved and did so with a thumb ring. I lost it awhile back, before I moved from my last place. When I moved, I thought it was gone. So it is nice to have it back.
Lastly, I had been wanting a staff, but hadn't thought too much about where it would come from. I went to the Texas Renaissance Festival with some friends a little over a week ago. I knew they had walking sticks, but figured they were always expensive and they wouldn't have something I could make my own. Dagon (my best friend) and I both found sticks that were rather plain, so most people wouldn't even consider them for magic.... we are going to most likely attach talismans to them and such, but it's amazing that we found them when and where neither of us could have guessed our staffs would come from.
Wednesday, November 7
Tuesday, November 6
Pagan Living TV
I was contacted by a group looking for support, and just wanted to pass their information on to ya'll. Show support for Pagan organizations and share the love!
Pagan Living TV is a non-profit that makes a weekly news program to discuss issues from a Pagan perspective. You can find them on the internet or local cable in some areas. Their website is http://www.paganliving.tv but you can also find them on youtube and Blip.tv.
This launches December 21st. I cannot wait to find out more about it, and I hope some of you will check it out as well!
Pagan Living TV is a non-profit that makes a weekly news program to discuss issues from a Pagan perspective. You can find them on the internet or local cable in some areas. Their website is http://www.paganliving.tv but you can also find them on youtube and Blip.tv.
This launches December 21st. I cannot wait to find out more about it, and I hope some of you will check it out as well!
Monday, October 15
Creativity in Practice
I have been playing around lately with the idea of getting a new athame, and have realized that the blades I am considering are not really traditional athames, and may not even be things people normally consider. For example, for a bit I was considering using a straight razor and have now moved on to possibly using throwing knives, which thus far makes more sense. I will expand on the idea of throwing knives as athames once I have that more clearly worked out in my head, but for now I want to address the differences in practice that comes from ideas such as my non-traditional athames.
Never will you hear me say I am like anyone else. I am very proud of the fact that what works for me may work only for me and no one else even has to understand it. However, I am very aware that there are many people out there that believe deviation from the norms of 'Pagan' practice are incorrect. This is not a viewpoint I can stand behind. I have always embraced differences between myself and others. I grab on to symbols and use them specifically because they mean something to me. In this way, I don't consider what others take that symbol to mean when I am using a symbol for myself. I may take bits and pieces of my belief from things I find in other places, for example I am not going to rewrite the symbolism of the pentacle when it already works for me.
But, when we move past symbols, I understand that different traditions have certain restrictions for tools and such. I do not follow a specific tradition, thus I don't feel like these restrictions are important. I mentioned an athame. If the traditional black handled dual edged blade works for you, use it. If you believe you have to make your own blade, good! I like black knives because I like black. My first real athame that I still use has a wood handle. However, it is mass produced and has started to become bland to me. I like flash. Those aspects that put us into magical space work well with my mind. So, at this point, I want an athame that reflects the darker side of me. Now, let's take that a step further. Not only do I think that the athame does not need to follow traditional conventions, I also do not think that the athame has to follow traditional symbolism. In my mind, an athame is not only a phallic representation. A blade can be a symbol of the goddess just as easily as it can be a symbol of the god. Again, I will expand on this in a later post, but for now the basics we just need to realize that traditional conventions do not need to apply if they do not work for you.
Even further, there are ideas in Paganism that most people believe to be universal. My example here is the elements. Most pagans use the directions to represent the same elements such as East for Air. Now, this is a simple convention that is understandable. For some reason, I was never able to memorize the traditional correspondences for direction and element. Only when I examined these things for myself and decided what element should be in what direction was I able to memorize it. Again, not everything works universally for everyone. Embrace that!
I will leave you one more thought on this idea of creativity. Examine every aspect of practice. Just because you have been taught something does not make it true. Perhaps it is true for your teacher, but it doesn't have to be true for you. Re-think everything. Take what you know and question it. Is there something that could do the job more efficiently? Send me your thoughts below.
Never will you hear me say I am like anyone else. I am very proud of the fact that what works for me may work only for me and no one else even has to understand it. However, I am very aware that there are many people out there that believe deviation from the norms of 'Pagan' practice are incorrect. This is not a viewpoint I can stand behind. I have always embraced differences between myself and others. I grab on to symbols and use them specifically because they mean something to me. In this way, I don't consider what others take that symbol to mean when I am using a symbol for myself. I may take bits and pieces of my belief from things I find in other places, for example I am not going to rewrite the symbolism of the pentacle when it already works for me.
But, when we move past symbols, I understand that different traditions have certain restrictions for tools and such. I do not follow a specific tradition, thus I don't feel like these restrictions are important. I mentioned an athame. If the traditional black handled dual edged blade works for you, use it. If you believe you have to make your own blade, good! I like black knives because I like black. My first real athame that I still use has a wood handle. However, it is mass produced and has started to become bland to me. I like flash. Those aspects that put us into magical space work well with my mind. So, at this point, I want an athame that reflects the darker side of me. Now, let's take that a step further. Not only do I think that the athame does not need to follow traditional conventions, I also do not think that the athame has to follow traditional symbolism. In my mind, an athame is not only a phallic representation. A blade can be a symbol of the goddess just as easily as it can be a symbol of the god. Again, I will expand on this in a later post, but for now the basics we just need to realize that traditional conventions do not need to apply if they do not work for you.
Even further, there are ideas in Paganism that most people believe to be universal. My example here is the elements. Most pagans use the directions to represent the same elements such as East for Air. Now, this is a simple convention that is understandable. For some reason, I was never able to memorize the traditional correspondences for direction and element. Only when I examined these things for myself and decided what element should be in what direction was I able to memorize it. Again, not everything works universally for everyone. Embrace that!
I will leave you one more thought on this idea of creativity. Examine every aspect of practice. Just because you have been taught something does not make it true. Perhaps it is true for your teacher, but it doesn't have to be true for you. Re-think everything. Take what you know and question it. Is there something that could do the job more efficiently? Send me your thoughts below.
Monday, October 8
Kitchen Witch Segment - Salsa
Salsa (for 1 or 2)
3 large greenhouse tomatoes (or 6-9 romas), quarters or diced
1/2 medium onion, diced
1-2 jalapenos depending on preference, seeded and cut in half
Cilantro (fresh is preferred)
Garlic (powder or fresh)
Add ingredients to blender or electric chopper. Mix until combined and chunks are gone.
Now you notice I don't have measurements on garlic or cilantro - this is preference. I use a lot of both.
This could be a nice addition to serve with your enchiladas we made!
So, let us have some fun. Salsa is a great spell for enhancing love. Be it between lovers or friends/family, this is fantastic. In order for love to remain, we must make sure other people do not come between us and the bond is strong enough to prevent that. So, we have protective elements to keep outside influences from breaking us apart from those we love and share this salsa with. These are garlic and cilantro, which we talked about in the enchiladas, onion, and jalapenos. This time the cilantro enhances love as the protection against outside influences - the love is strong enough to withstand it. Onion is a fun one. It is strong so it is a layer of protection. However an onion has many layers. An onion develops underground, thus represents the desires we hold within. Adding onion, while adding protection, also helps us to acknowledge those layers of desire or emotion within us and in sharing the salsa we share these inner things with each other. Jalapenos are spice which keeps out unwanted elements. They can help to keep out strife and unhappiness as we promote understanding and love.
So what is left? The main element of salsa is tomato. Tomatoes are red, and thus through color representations can easily show love. Also, there are many seeds, so the seed of friendship and love is planted within those who eat it. Oddly enough I have also seen that tomatoes are good for protection, so use that as you will. For me, the tomatoes are the love we are simply adding these other things to enhance the love that is the base of the whole thing.
Serve with corn tortilla chips to promote prosperity and the comfort and nourishment that love brings.
3 large greenhouse tomatoes (or 6-9 romas), quarters or diced
1/2 medium onion, diced
1-2 jalapenos depending on preference, seeded and cut in half
Cilantro (fresh is preferred)
Garlic (powder or fresh)
Add ingredients to blender or electric chopper. Mix until combined and chunks are gone.
Now you notice I don't have measurements on garlic or cilantro - this is preference. I use a lot of both.
This could be a nice addition to serve with your enchiladas we made!
So, let us have some fun. Salsa is a great spell for enhancing love. Be it between lovers or friends/family, this is fantastic. In order for love to remain, we must make sure other people do not come between us and the bond is strong enough to prevent that. So, we have protective elements to keep outside influences from breaking us apart from those we love and share this salsa with. These are garlic and cilantro, which we talked about in the enchiladas, onion, and jalapenos. This time the cilantro enhances love as the protection against outside influences - the love is strong enough to withstand it. Onion is a fun one. It is strong so it is a layer of protection. However an onion has many layers. An onion develops underground, thus represents the desires we hold within. Adding onion, while adding protection, also helps us to acknowledge those layers of desire or emotion within us and in sharing the salsa we share these inner things with each other. Jalapenos are spice which keeps out unwanted elements. They can help to keep out strife and unhappiness as we promote understanding and love.
So what is left? The main element of salsa is tomato. Tomatoes are red, and thus through color representations can easily show love. Also, there are many seeds, so the seed of friendship and love is planted within those who eat it. Oddly enough I have also seen that tomatoes are good for protection, so use that as you will. For me, the tomatoes are the love we are simply adding these other things to enhance the love that is the base of the whole thing.
Serve with corn tortilla chips to promote prosperity and the comfort and nourishment that love brings.
Kitchen Witch Segment - Cheese Enchiladas
Cheese Enchiladas
Corn Tortillas
Cheese (shredded and block)
Enchilada Sauce
Cut the block into rectangles of cheese. Wrap each rectangle in a tortilla and lay it in a sprayed 9x13 or 9x9 pan depending on how many enchiladas you need. Pour the sauce over the enchiladas (1 can for 9x9 pan, 2 for 9x13 or as desired). Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and bake for 20 minutes at 350*.
Okay, an easy recipe that is super good...and lets you play a little. Most straight foward, I am going to use this for a protection spell. Use for protection of your home and of those who you love that eat this.
First off is the corn tortillas. Corn is a representation of the abundance of the goddess, so as you handle the tortillas call on the earth mother to protect those who consume the gift of corn she has provided you with. Cheese is dairy and thus is again a symbol of abundance, so thank the earth mother for this gift as well. Milk protects growing mammals by giving it the nutrients it needs, so feel free to apply this concept as you wrap the cheese in the tortillas.
Okay, next is the sauce. It is a coating that can serve as a protective barrier. Enchilada sauce contains peppers so it keeps away unwanted energies. Imagine a protective shield engulfing those who eat this as the sauce coats the enchiladas.
Over the sauce you can add spices to enhance the effect. Garlic, cumin, and cilantro are all great for mexican dishes, and all of these are great for protection. See each herb adding a level of protection to that shield we talked about and enriching it in their individual ways. For example garlic is protection by repelling, cilantro is protection though continued health, and cumin, being a spice you don't use a lot of because it is strong, can be protection through personal strength.
Add that last level of cheese as the comforts of the mother again to tie the whole dish together. Enjoy!
Corn Tortillas
Cheese (shredded and block)
Enchilada Sauce
Cut the block into rectangles of cheese. Wrap each rectangle in a tortilla and lay it in a sprayed 9x13 or 9x9 pan depending on how many enchiladas you need. Pour the sauce over the enchiladas (1 can for 9x9 pan, 2 for 9x13 or as desired). Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and bake for 20 minutes at 350*.
Okay, an easy recipe that is super good...and lets you play a little. Most straight foward, I am going to use this for a protection spell. Use for protection of your home and of those who you love that eat this.
First off is the corn tortillas. Corn is a representation of the abundance of the goddess, so as you handle the tortillas call on the earth mother to protect those who consume the gift of corn she has provided you with. Cheese is dairy and thus is again a symbol of abundance, so thank the earth mother for this gift as well. Milk protects growing mammals by giving it the nutrients it needs, so feel free to apply this concept as you wrap the cheese in the tortillas.
Okay, next is the sauce. It is a coating that can serve as a protective barrier. Enchilada sauce contains peppers so it keeps away unwanted energies. Imagine a protective shield engulfing those who eat this as the sauce coats the enchiladas.
Over the sauce you can add spices to enhance the effect. Garlic, cumin, and cilantro are all great for mexican dishes, and all of these are great for protection. See each herb adding a level of protection to that shield we talked about and enriching it in their individual ways. For example garlic is protection by repelling, cilantro is protection though continued health, and cumin, being a spice you don't use a lot of because it is strong, can be protection through personal strength.
Add that last level of cheese as the comforts of the mother again to tie the whole dish together. Enjoy!
Saturday, September 29
Divination Segment - Spirit Boards
I have never used a spirit board. I have never really been interested in them until more recently. The most popular spirit board is the Ouija board. Ouija boards are sold commercially as a game. When using spirit connection as a game, spirits that would otherwise best be ignored are called to the idea of messing with someone who is just trying to contact something. For this reason, even when using protection, I do not recommend working with the Ouija board. This specific board has a stigma to it and all of those negative associations can effect the outcome of the readings you might do with it.
However, I do believe a spirit board that is made in a different pattern can be very useful. Of course, any time you are asking for help from the spirits, it is a good idea to have some sort of protection. Be it an amulet you can call on if something happens, or a full blown circle, or of course anything in between, it couldn't hurt to be cautious.
If you are really ambitious, it would work best to make your own board. If you put your own energy and intent to something, it is easier to use it in the way you prefer. If you have a certain deity you call for protection, you can add a representation to them to your board. Make an inscription stating that this board can be used only to speak with those who have good and helpful intentions and that any entity must leave when the conversation is over. The possibilities are endless, but as with anything in magic, putting personal energy into something will always lead to a better result.
Have you ever used a spirit board? What was your experience like? Do you have any suggestions for people like me that have never used a spirit board? Please add your comments below!
However, I do believe a spirit board that is made in a different pattern can be very useful. Of course, any time you are asking for help from the spirits, it is a good idea to have some sort of protection. Be it an amulet you can call on if something happens, or a full blown circle, or of course anything in between, it couldn't hurt to be cautious.
If you are really ambitious, it would work best to make your own board. If you put your own energy and intent to something, it is easier to use it in the way you prefer. If you have a certain deity you call for protection, you can add a representation to them to your board. Make an inscription stating that this board can be used only to speak with those who have good and helpful intentions and that any entity must leave when the conversation is over. The possibilities are endless, but as with anything in magic, putting personal energy into something will always lead to a better result.
Have you ever used a spirit board? What was your experience like? Do you have any suggestions for people like me that have never used a spirit board? Please add your comments below!
Monday, September 24
Kitchen Witchery Segment - Alfredo Chicken
This is an amazing and super easy recipe. Also great when served with noodles.
Alfredo Chicken
Vegetable oil
1 package frozen boccoli, thawed(16 oz)
1 jar alfredo sauce(16 oz)
5-6 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves
1 green bell pepper, chopped
Preheat oven to 375*. Brown chicken breasts with oil. Transfer to sprayed 9x13in baking dish. Microwave broccoli according to package and drain. Spoon broccoli and bell pepper over chicken. In small saucepan heat Alfredo sauce with 1/4c water. Pour over chicken and vegetables. Cover and bake 15-20 min.
We discussed chicken before as making the most out of what you have. Also, it can be used to please a crowd of people and make people comfortable without breaking the bank. I am going to interpret this particular recipe as a comfort food that allows people to calm down and enjoy the company of others.
For this recipe we will ignore the oil since it isn't a major part. Alfredo sauce is different types of dairy products mixed with spices. Dairy is about fertility and nourishment. In this instance, let's use the abundance to multiply the joy and well being of everyone that eats this. Garlic is popular for this type of sauce, so garlic can be used to ward off all unhappiness or emotions that may bring down a gathering.
Next we have vegetables. Bell pepper is to me a staple in flavoring. Peppers have a sharp flavor but are healthy, so use the peppers to bring good health to your guests. Broccoli - this one is tricky. Haven't thought too much about this one. The original recipe called for florets, but I don't like only using certain parts of a vegetable that can all be eaten. So, since most people prefer just the tops of the broccoli, use the stems as well and have it symbolize the inclusion and happiness of all.
There you have it, a great dish to bring people together! Add pasta to represent comfort and nourishment of the earth to round it out.
Alfredo Chicken
Vegetable oil
1 package frozen boccoli, thawed(16 oz)
1 jar alfredo sauce(16 oz)
5-6 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves
1 green bell pepper, chopped
Preheat oven to 375*. Brown chicken breasts with oil. Transfer to sprayed 9x13in baking dish. Microwave broccoli according to package and drain. Spoon broccoli and bell pepper over chicken. In small saucepan heat Alfredo sauce with 1/4c water. Pour over chicken and vegetables. Cover and bake 15-20 min.
We discussed chicken before as making the most out of what you have. Also, it can be used to please a crowd of people and make people comfortable without breaking the bank. I am going to interpret this particular recipe as a comfort food that allows people to calm down and enjoy the company of others.
For this recipe we will ignore the oil since it isn't a major part. Alfredo sauce is different types of dairy products mixed with spices. Dairy is about fertility and nourishment. In this instance, let's use the abundance to multiply the joy and well being of everyone that eats this. Garlic is popular for this type of sauce, so garlic can be used to ward off all unhappiness or emotions that may bring down a gathering.
Next we have vegetables. Bell pepper is to me a staple in flavoring. Peppers have a sharp flavor but are healthy, so use the peppers to bring good health to your guests. Broccoli - this one is tricky. Haven't thought too much about this one. The original recipe called for florets, but I don't like only using certain parts of a vegetable that can all be eaten. So, since most people prefer just the tops of the broccoli, use the stems as well and have it symbolize the inclusion and happiness of all.
There you have it, a great dish to bring people together! Add pasta to represent comfort and nourishment of the earth to round it out.
Wednesday, September 19
Divination Segment - Pendulums
So I have been doing some research on pendulums lately, just because, and I have realized something very interesting. I am not sure why I never noticed it before. Pendulums especially, but really any sort of divination if you think about it, accesses your subconscious for answers. If you do not specify in a divination sitting what power you want to speak to, in the end you are just talking to yourself.
Pendulum specific. A pendulum doesn't have to be anything fancy. Any weight on a string will work. When choosing a pendulum, remember to let it choose you, and you will know which one is right.
Each pendulum has it's own language as much as each person has their own way of communicating with a pendulum. Make sure to take time to get to know your pendulum and if you have more than one, you might want to consult more than one for accurate answers.
When talking to the pendulum, statements work better than questions in my experience. Be sure to concentrate on the statement and do not let your ideas of an answer enter your brain as that will be the answer you receive.
The pendulum can be used to get to know yourself on a very intimate level. Remember, what you think you know may not always be true, and the truth may not always be easy to deal with. If this frightens you, you may want to make sure to call upon protection before doing any sort of divination.
Pendulum specific. A pendulum doesn't have to be anything fancy. Any weight on a string will work. When choosing a pendulum, remember to let it choose you, and you will know which one is right.
Each pendulum has it's own language as much as each person has their own way of communicating with a pendulum. Make sure to take time to get to know your pendulum and if you have more than one, you might want to consult more than one for accurate answers.
When talking to the pendulum, statements work better than questions in my experience. Be sure to concentrate on the statement and do not let your ideas of an answer enter your brain as that will be the answer you receive.
The pendulum can be used to get to know yourself on a very intimate level. Remember, what you think you know may not always be true, and the truth may not always be easy to deal with. If this frightens you, you may want to make sure to call upon protection before doing any sort of divination.
Kitchen Witchery Segment - Skillet BBQ Chicken
Love this one - super easy and very good.
Skillet BBQ Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz bbq sauce
1 can 7up (12 oz)
Put the chicken in a sprayed skillet. Combine sauce and 7up and pour over chicken. Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour until tender.
Okay, I know that it is controversial in paganism to use meat for 'spells'. I am not a vegetarian, and I believe the meat deserves to be honored and used just as much as the other ingredients in a recipe.Chicken is traditionally a cheap meat, so it can represent making due with what you have and making the most of it. Barbecue sauce normally has a sweet as well as a smokey taste. The sugar is an amplification of natural flavor and already present traits as well as a touch of happiness or sweetness to an unhappy situation by adding sweetness to the smoke. Smoke can be the power of air, or the potential trapped within the self. Now for the 7up. Lemon and lime are both associated with love or energy.
Put all these together and at the very base we are getting the most out of what we have to reach the untapped potential within ourselves for love and for change.
Blessed be!
Skillet BBQ Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz bbq sauce
1 can 7up (12 oz)
Put the chicken in a sprayed skillet. Combine sauce and 7up and pour over chicken. Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour until tender.
Okay, I know that it is controversial in paganism to use meat for 'spells'. I am not a vegetarian, and I believe the meat deserves to be honored and used just as much as the other ingredients in a recipe.Chicken is traditionally a cheap meat, so it can represent making due with what you have and making the most of it. Barbecue sauce normally has a sweet as well as a smokey taste. The sugar is an amplification of natural flavor and already present traits as well as a touch of happiness or sweetness to an unhappy situation by adding sweetness to the smoke. Smoke can be the power of air, or the potential trapped within the self. Now for the 7up. Lemon and lime are both associated with love or energy.
Put all these together and at the very base we are getting the most out of what we have to reach the untapped potential within ourselves for love and for change.
Blessed be!
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