More New Beginnings

Last night was surprisingly wonderful. After a full-day of no relief from migraine, I thought any type of Blue Moon celebration was out. But, Psyche and Horus would not hear of that!

Daughter - who will now be known as Freya - wanted to see my Tarot cards. Mind you, these have not seen the light of the Moon in many months. I performed a simple reading - unfortunately, I didn't explain very well what type of question she needed to be asking the Cards, and the answer I got was screwy, and so was her question! We tried again; this time, a longer read.

Not having any idea what she might be thinking, I used a basic Celtic spread. Each card in each position made total sense to her. A few times she gave me the, "Well, DUH!" answer, which was eerily funny. However, the best times were those when Freya gave me the saucer eyes of, "How the heck did They know that?!"

The gist of the reading was right on; Freya knows that what she wants to do and needs to do are nearly the same and just not that difficult.

With full egotism, I will state ... I still got it!

Peace

Wanted: New Head

No post yesterday - No post today

Migraine

Bleh.

Rejoice to the Heavens!

Thanks be to the Goddess and God - and anyone else out there.

Today my Daughter arrives.

Love and excitement exude.

Yet another moment when the English language fails to find the words to describe my Joy!

Peace

Making sense of Dreams

I've had a lot of dreams lately - A LOT. They are short dreams, and, I wake after each one. I'm not remembering them, which is driving me bonkers (well, OK, it is making me more bonkers than usual :)

I finally remembered a dream, the one from last night. I'm not going to share it, as it would mean absolutely nothing to you. I will share, though, highlights from a dream I had a few weeks ago when it was made semi-official that my Daughter would be moving in.

I asked Daughter if she wanted a particular food. She laughingly said, "Oh Mom, you don't know me very well, do you?" Then Patrick (my spouse) and my ex were laughing and having a good time and said, "You don't know her very well, do you?" Finally, Patrick and my ex's wife were talking and laughing and Patrick said, "I think they know her better than you." I ran out of the room, into Daughter's room and it was full of baby clothes. I woke screaming.

The next morning, I got it. I was/am afraid - afraid of being a bad Mom. I thanked the Goddess for boosting my courage to confront this. I also thanked her for the strength I found in myself to say, "Eh, I will be a good Mom."

Now, with only a few days left, I'm asking the God to keep reminding me why I need to get my house in shape for her arrival!

Peace.

Days of Birth

Cake Courtesy of Here

At the risk of revealing my true identity (I feel like Batman :), I would like to announce that the anniversary of my birth occurs at the end of this week.

When I was a child, I was always thrilled when the Date would fall on the Friday before (US) Memorial Day - I was convinced this was a 3-Day Week-end just for me. Of course, as I got older, I still wanted that 3-Day Week-end, but, was disappointed that it wasn't just for me. Selfish? Of course!

I went through many years of not wanting to celebrate my birthday.

I love presents - at any time - and cake - who doesn't?! Looking back, I realize it was the person I was with that attributed to this - he would either forget the Date or decide to celebrate at a different time because he was busy. But, the biggest factor was that I did not feel worthy - of living another year.

Finding my Center, trusting myself, asking for help - from people, animals - and learning about the Goddess and God - trusting them - gave me the strength to continue and to look forward to the Date.

I will admit, I am disappointed when cards do not include money, when I hear, "Oh, was it? Gee", or "No one makes that cake anymore", and especially when there are no gifts under the Birthday tree. Selfish? Yep, still am.

This year, I got early Gifts, a card with a bookmark, and the Right Cake! The best gift this year, will be my Daughter moving into our home. This happens in less than a week. The excitement is mounting on our side. Having my Daughter as a late Anniversary of Birth present is the only present I will ever need.

Peace.

p.s. You can be sure, next year, I will want the cards, gifts, cake and money :)

How excited can one circle get?

Very, if it comes to all of those in my circle.

I've managed to excite 3 blog friends, one long-time friend, one friend I made through my Brother, Bridgette, couple of college friends, my Spouse (who is now named Patrick), my Parents, and, gee, there two more people....oh, yes...Me & My Daughter.

Why you should ask? On the twenty-ninth day of this glorious month of May, my Daughter will be moving in with Patrick and I.

Yes, you read that correctly - MOVING IN. And, not for a short time, either. Until she graduates from high school - she can stay longer, if she likes.

The joy is just flowing through and around all of us.

This will mean a lot of interesting blogging, I'm sure.

Peace

Finding things

Some things to share

This is fun

This is informative

This is not politically correct but I want one!

Stuff to buy

Peace

Wheel of Life

When I first started learning and practicing my Religion, I would hang on every "read" of my Tarot or Bibliomancy. Now, I realize these are just tools to help me make decisions.

There was a time in my recent history when I relied on yearly predictions - not what would happen during the current year, but in what year something would happen. I learned faster than was comfortable for me that, depending on the daily decisions I make, the particulars of a coming year would change. However, the general "outline" of the year would be right on.

So, where am I going with all this? If you are still reading, you will find out :-)

In 2000, I read that my life would have difficult change, I would be separated from someone I loved and it would not be until 2002 that I'd start to "re-settle". That year, I was separated from my Daughter, I escaped an abusive situation, and my life was jumbled.

In 2002, I read that I would not be with the person most important to me - in fact, our relationship would be tested - I would learn more self-sufficiency, have a dramatic change in careers, and, in 2007-8, settle into my "true world".

Whoa! I have to wait 5 more years?! What in the Psyche is going on?!

I re-read my Cards, specifically when it came to my Daughter. Yep, struggle, patience, money, time. *sigh*

In 2002, my (step) Dad had a heart attack and stroke - I learned how to be calm in such a situation, as well as how to haul and stack wood and throw it into a wood-burner. I could not find a full-time job, and began something off-the-wall (cannot explain as I may expose myself). and, in early 2003, I was served with papers - my ex wanting full custody of my Daughter.

In 2004, I had yet another odd career change (similar to the one I'm going through now). The Tarot and Books did not change much. However, the 12th year in cycle (Chinese Year of the Pig) will be successful in relationships, love, career and money. Well, hoo-rah!

Here I am in 2007 - Year of the Pig - 12th year in their cycle - my career has changed and is so far successful, the relationship with my spouse is changing (for the better), and my Daughter will be where she belongs (finally!) this year.

I'm not sure there is a point to all this. I had the need to share.

Peace

Merriment Coming Soon

This last week has been full of surprises. Most good. Especially this one.

Now, don't break out the bubbly just yet BUT

Remember this post? Well, thanks be to Themis and Demeter, resolution is nearly complete.

I have it IN WRITING from my Child's father that, yes, Child will be here for her next school year AND for this coming full summer. Yep, I have "permission" to bring Child here the day after her last day of school for this year.

I can guarantee that, the day Child arrives, you will hear the most glorious music from the Heavens and Earth, Animals and Persephone, and Us.

Yes, I will keep you posted.

Peace & Joy!

It ain't me - It's everybody else!

I used to make fun of Christians who gave their problems to their God. Then, I realized that, for the intelligent people, this was just a way of allowing things/issues to take care of themselves. Yesterday's issue has been resolved, well, almost.

It seems that spouse (I have to find a pseudonym) was concerned because his mother received a call from someone looking for his 2nd-son (her grandson). What is odd is that neither one of them has heard from, seen, or talked to 2nd-son for over 15 years. Spouse asked me to contact 1st-son to see if he knew what may be happening. 1st-son said he had no clue. If he found out anything, he would let us know.

Spouse is concerned because his mother is now upset (oh, this is a story in itself) and, even though he has no contact with 2nd-son, he is still spouse's son. We don't stop caring about our kids just because we haven't seen them for a while. It is one of the reasons I married him.

I suggested to spouse that he 'give' his problem to his God. He gave me the "pbth" so I gave it to my Goddess. Spiritual help via proxy!

Peace

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy. ~Leo Buscaglia

Something is not right with my spouse. I'm not sure what it is, though.
I usually do not worry about such things but, this morning, my spouse was unusually distant - as if spouse perceived I had done something "wrong".
I'm writing this here just to get it out.
Yes, I must go speak with my Goddess and God to help me work through this. I know they cannot fully resolve it, but they can give me a way to express what I feel and help in dealing with it.

Peace

Witty Quips

...I don't have one for today.

After a long weekend and re-bearing myself yesterday, I awoke today to a gorgeous Sunrise, Phoebe singing, new green Buds, and lanky Deer.

I thank Rah, Ryha, and Artemis for the Beauty they have given us!

Peace

Don't forget me while I'm gone

Because of new job, I have to go out of town for some training.
While I'm away, enjoy these inspirational thoughts.

You might be a Red-Neck Pagan

If you call the Quarters by invoking "Billy, Joe, Jim and Bob"....

If your favorite robe has the logo of a manufacturer of major farm equipment on the back....

If you call the Gods by hollerin' "Hey y'all, watch me!"....

If you've ever harvested ritual herbs with a weed-wacker....

If you've ever blessed chewing tobacco ....


Lightbulb Jokes

How many Gardnerian witches does it take to change a light bulb?

It's a third degree secret.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How many Pagans does it take to change a lightbulb?

Six. One to change it, and five to sit around complaining that lightbulbs never burned out before those damned Christians came along.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How many Discordians does it take to change a lightbulb?"

Blue fish Tuesday


Peace

FOWL!

Remember this post?

I did my very best not to count chickens before their hatching. I was just trusting that cooler heads would prevail.

They have, but, not.

So, how to relay this without giving too many details? I'll give it a go.

To make the transition of Child's arrival and entry into education easy, I made some phone calls and got my ducks in a row. Legal council stated yes, this was all good and, yes, we should do this as easy and simple as possible.

The other party's spouse would not have it that way.

I made a simple phone call to a person who thinks in black and white and was met with negativity. Adding to that were the rantings and berating by the spouse. Not only does this person not trust me, but they are convinced that I always lie. I would love to contact this person and state that I have proof the Earth is round, we are stuck here by Gravity, and the Sky is (generally) blue. But, of course, I'd be lying.

Today - with brain dripping out of my ears and eyes, due to migraine evil - I spoke with 2 of the 3 independent parties involved. Both agreed that what I did was correct and necessary; that what ex and their spouse did was definitely not smart - as a matter of fact (to quote) "not called for and not in the best interest of..." the Child. Relayed all the conversations to legal council. Legal council agreed and, even though not an independent party, agreed the situation was beyond cuckoo.

So, where does that leave us?

• With independent people still in agreement - Child is better here, with Us than there, with those turkeys.
• With legal council at the ready to do necessary paperwork.
• The other side scratching their heads because, after all, who could not like the ex's spouse - the person is so forgiving, and loving, and trusting.
• Child still caught in the middle of all this chicken scratch.

I'm just thankful that Child does not know (at least, I'm not telling her) what the adults are doing - whether good or bad.

Thanks for reading!

Peace

Blessed Beltane

One of my favorite blogs has posted some information about today's glorious Sabbat, too. I'm just adding to the mix. (btw, has anyone ever commented on how Sabbat is close to Sabbath....)

One of the best-known Celtic traditions for Beltane is the lighting of the Beltane fires. These huge fires were set to welcome back the sun for the light (summer) half of the year. All the hearth fires were extinguished on May Eve, and then they were relit the next day from the Beltane fires.

The fires were started with nine sacred woods, each with various magickal properties. People would gather and dance around the fires through the night, jumping over the flames to ensure a successful and prosperous summer.

• Birch - The Goddess, or female energy
• Oak - The God, or male energy
• Hazel - Knowledge and wisdom
• Rowan (Mountain Ash) - Life
• Hawthorne - Purity and fairy magick
• Willow - Death, sacred to Hecate
• Fir - Birth and rebirth
• Apple - Love and family
• Vine - Joy and happiness

Among the various symbols of Beltane, the Maypole is probably the most well known, even to non-Pagans.

On the surface, the tall Maypole is simply a phallic symbol to reflect the fertility of the season. But it originates with the ancient Irish story of the Bile Pole. The Bile Pole was a sacred tree of life that grew up through the Earth to join the Heavens above and the Otherworld beneath. A similar story to the the Norse tree, Yggdrasil.

One does not simply put up a Maypole at Beltane, the pole must be draped with ribbons and flowers, and it must be danced around. In the past, it was the young children who did the dancing. Long ribbons are attached to the top of the pole, usually in pastel Spring colours. Half the ribbons would be taken up by the boys, and the other half by the girls.

Note: They stopped the May Day celebration in our town - held by Christian Scandinavians. Why? Some "better" Christians thought it was too pornographic - scantily clad young girls dancing around a phallic symbol.

Oh, my....

Peace

...And all others of senseless violence

Peace

That field hath eyen, and the wood hath ears.

My lovely Daughter knows this all too well. She communes with Nature, always has. Yet, she does not feel it this way. She knows she can tame a stray kitten; she also knows she could tame a stealthy Snow Leopard.

Soon, if Demeter and Themis have their way, my wonderful Child will be here, where she belongs, and she can begin to reconnect with her Goddess and The Wood.

What has brought this wonderful possibility? Here are the high (and low) lights:

• Child, in plea for attention, acted out in a way which involved authorities.
• Child and all adults in her life (some fit the term loosely) were convened by an independent party.
• Wife of Child's father was chastised - more than once and on record - for the way in which 'she' interacts, deals with, and generally controls Child's life.
• Child's father agreed with my rendition of events and beliefs in raising Child than he did with his own wife.
• Child's father agreed that it is (finnally!) time to allow Child to live with me.
• Independent party will do their best to make certain Child moves here before next school year begins.

Please, thank your selected Supreme Being - God - Goddess - Life Force for helping me/us in this endeavor.

And, of course, I thank each and every one of you for all your love, support, prayers, blessings, gifted energy for helping me through this and having a successful outcome.

Once more is certain, I will post about it.

Peace

Children are born as individuals. If we fail to see that, if we see them as clay to be molded in any shape we like...

"...the tougher ones will fight back and end up spiteful and wild, while the less strong will lose that uniqueness they were born with"
Melvin Konner (20th century), U.S. professor of anthropology and psychiatry. As quoted in Childhood, a viewer’s guide produced in collaboration with Thirteen WNET (1991).

Yes, something wonderful is happening. More later....

O, how this spring of love resembleth The uncertain glory of an April day - S.

Have you seen this? Amazing.

I understand that different cultures have different rules and different ideas about indecency. Damn, in this country in the 70's, it was "obscene" for school age girls who had reached puberty to wear shirts that showed off their mid-driffs (well, it was in most of the country, except California).

What do I find Amazing then?

• That (paraphrasing) cases like this are filed by people who seek publicity, thus bogging down the "country's judicial system".
• That the woman was chastised by the judge for not resisting Gere, even though she knew it was a friendly gesture.
• The people filing the claim ignore what Gere has done/is doing/wants to do for India.

Of course I realize that India is ruled more by religion beliefs - their government is generally faith based.

Just another reason I like Paganism - we want everyone to live happily and only bind one another from harming - "Make Love, Not War"

Peace

And in the maddness of fools, I walk silently

I'm so very happy the weather has "broken".
The buds of the trees and shrubs, the love songs of birds, the return of green to the ground carpet.
I'm ready to sit in the energy spaces of my yard and absorb the newness of the dawn.

Peace

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes - D. Bowie

Did you know that David Bowie's real name is David Jones? He decided to change it to Bowie so as to not be confused with famous Monkee, Davy Jones.

Moving over to the New Blogger has been an exercise in stupidity; not mine, the one of Blogger.

Why can I not have a picture as my background? HellifIknow!
Why can I not use a CSS and must now use XML RSS? See above.

Luckily, I happened across this lovely template while scampering the net.

Thank you, Alex, for noticing and commenting.

Peace

Finding Inspiration Hiding in the Open

I am so glad I found this blog. I will admit to reading it lots, but not commenting much. When I read this post, I was inspired and another proverbial light bulb went off. (btw, if anyone can think of a Pagan/Wiccan similar saying to "light bulb going off", I'd love to know it.)

Back to point...

I, too, have been broken many times. Each time, I lose a part of my "old" self and, usually, it is replaced with a new piece. The new isn't always bright and shiny and pretty, but I am again, whole. There are instances when the new piece doesn't fit in the exact spot the old left; this leaves holes, spaces, crevices in need of filling. The filling comes eventually; unfortunately, it is not always with what most people would consider good or perfect stuff. The breaking, replacing, reforming makes me a better person, on the whole.

I know I will never be the same person as I was when I was born, at 12, or any other age - for that matter, a nano-second before just now. When I break and must find the right glue to put me back together, sometimes the pieces get switched, or put in storage for repair, or tossed away. I never want to be the same after a gluing as I was before the break. I would learn nothing, I would not grow, I would not like me, either.

The Goddess and God give me the tools to put myself back together - Themselves, family, friends, animals, chocolate & tea.

I realize that they, too, allow me to fall apart - just as Earth cycles - to make room for growth.

Mostly I realize, it is up to me - with the Free Will blessed to me - to not let myself fall so deep in the whole that I cannot find my way out to find the necessary glue.

Peace

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? - K. Gibran

Peace

I am accustomed to sleep and in my dreams to imagine the same things that lunatics imagine when awake. ~Rene Descartes

Writing my dreams has been interesting. I'm not sure how helpful, but interesting.

I've asked to dream about more things Spiritual or that will bring me closer to my true Soul. If the dreams of this week are the answer, I'm not sure I want to know myself further.

My most recent dream had me facing 2 fears - my fear of public restrooms and my fear of being alone.

The one about restrooms stems from school days. Starting in 6th grade, each time I'd go to the restroom, I'd get beat up or taunted by the "burn-out" girls. So, I stopped going, unless it was an emergency. I'd wait all day until I got home, which caused a few problems in those 6-years. I've dealt with the fear - so I thought.

The one about being alone has to do with many things: my search for a place to 'belong'; lack of positive attention from my father; moving so much before I was 10; not feeling loved; being easy prey for boys/men.
What I didn't realize was that perhaps I have pushed away men and women who were good friends.

I've got to look up the God and Goddess (or multiples) who help with dreams and working through issues. I also need to learn to ask my Champion Goddess and God for different guidance.

Peace

All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.

My therapist has suggested that I start keeping a dream journal and a daily written journal. Neither of these should interfere with my blogging. Actually, it may give me entries. We shall see.

Opinions?

p.s. I handed in my resignation to the part-time job yesterday. Went a little too smoothly. I start my new adventure at the end of the month.

Peace

New Moon & New Opportunities

Life.

We all go through it in different ways. Even identical twins have separate experiences.

Regroup.

The Collective Life here hasn't been horrible; it hasn't been the best, either. It may be getting better.

Yes, Daughter arrives this coming weekend! But that isn't all.

I have been offered another job. One in an office; one that allows me flexibility. One that, doesn't pay great right away, but the pay grows as my job does. I'm negotiating through email. I think I'll take it.

Amazing...every New Moon since Yule has put a new opportunity or new joy in my lap.

Thank you Goddess.

Peace

My Kind of Story

And who said humans were totally rotten to wildlife? (click the sentence for the story)

Peace

And what makes you so special?

As seen on Autumn's Blog..

Here are the rules if you want to join in.
1) Go to Wikipedia
2) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year
3) List three events that happened on your birthday
4) List two important birthdays and one death
5) One holiday or observance (if any)

• 32-year-old Erik Weihenmayer, of Boulder, Colorado, becomes the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
• George Lucas' film, Star Wars, is released, and becomes an instant hit.
• Scopes Trial: John T. Scopes is indicted for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution.

• Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist and philosopher born
• Igor Sikorsky, Russian inventor born
• Marie-Madeleine Pioche de la Vergne, comtesse de la Fayette, French writer passses

• Ancient Latvia - Urbanas Diena observed

What's yours?

Instant Karma?

So, yesterday, I was suppose to go to a "cattle call" for a job at a financial institution. I have been applying for jobs at this place for almost a year now. I have made follow-up calls, only to be told, "If we want to interview you, we will call you."

I didn't go.

I got dressed, printed my resume, drove downtown...I went to the bookstore instead.

Yes, I don't care for the retail job I have now; and, the pay 'sucks a duck'. But, I do have flexibility at the job - as long as I give enough notice, time off isn't a problem.

I just didn't go.

After an hour in the bookstore (I saw many, many lovely books!), I started home. Only 5 miles out and

KA-POP!

My front, left tire went flat.
There is a (now) funny story on that. If you want me to post it, just ask.
Let's just say a nice man stopped and changed my tire for me. He said I was too pretty to get dirty *flirt*
Husband arrived about 5 minutes after nice man left. He just smiled and said, "Of course he helped you - you are gorgeous." Yep, he wants something :)

I'm wondering, did my tire blow out because I didn't go to the cattle call and told husband I did? Or was it just time for the tire to go?

Off to the tire place today. whoo-pee

Peace & thanks for reading!

Posting

Posting this photo so I can update my profile.

Found this photo here.

Also at the cool new place I found, you can find your Goddess Sign. Mine is Persephone, which, after reading about her, makes total sense! Find yours and share!

I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. ~Mark Twain

I'll be away again for a bit.

I want to leave you all with good wishes for a Happy-Blessed-Meaningful-Colorful Ostara.
I know my Spiritual Sister Bridgette will be making the most of the day.

Peace

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about

Psyche is the Greek Goddess of the soul. She supports you in self-discovery and personal growth. Psyche shows you the way to integrate all of your experiences into your being and transform them into positive change.

"I am Horus, the great Falcon upon the ramparts of the house of him of the hidden name. My flight has reached the horizon. I have passed by the gods of Nut. I have gone further than the gods of old. Even the most ancient bird could not equal my very first flight. I have removed my place beyond the powers of Set, the foe of my father Osiris. No other god could do what I have done. I have brought the ways of eternity to the twilight of the morning. I am unique in my flight. My wrath will be turned against the enemy of my father Osiris and I will put him beneath my feet in my name of 'Red Cloak'."

These are the images I had with me during my recent trip. Everyone looks for "signs" in their life; I am no different. Each individual finds and interprets signs to fit their individual needs, wants, and desires. These are mine which I wish to share with you.

While away, after every encounter I had with someone - whether individual or as a group - I took the time to reflect on the verbal and non-verbal interactions. I accepted each challenge or difficulty as a sign for me to understand more about myself and what I want. This was most evident by my 3+ hour conversation with a man from Wisconsin.

I've never had a fear of flying; I am just not keen on landings. Seeing clouds in the form of Hawks the day of my trip assured me I was in good hands/wings.

As much as someone in my "circle" wants to destroy my relationship with my Daughter, I realize no one can cut that bond. I will continue to do what is just and right, in the way that suits me (and my Daughter) best - I am unique in my flight.

Peace

What I did on my Summer Vacation

OK, it wasn't Summer and it really wasn't a vacation.
I cannot reveal all that occurred, but I can tell you some.

I did get to see My Daughter. She got taller and more beautiful. She is going through a difficult time and was "thankful" (her word) that I was able to be with her through some of it. I was amazed that the 2 'adults' (using the term lightly) she lives did not speak with her at all about what to expect, what would probably happen, or even ask her how she was feeling through the whole thing. I mean, damn stupid people! Sorry...

On my flight back from seeing her, I 'met' a very nice man who - although said he was happily married - was trying to pick me up. That was a mixed bag of feelings - flattered that someone who wasn't too bad looking would say I had a "pretty face" and "wonderful laugh" - trepidation to not give him the wrong idea or to be stalked by him. It worked out OK. The most interesting thing was his telling me about Metaphysics. Which, I know nothing about, but now, wonder if I shouldn't find a book on it. From what he described, it would help me in my Spiritual quest. I'll let you know.

Another thing that happened - I bought me a lawyer. OK, I didn't really buy him, just gave him a few gagillion to get My Daughter where she belongs - with me! He agreed that I had bad representation the first time around; he also agreed that the ex's wife is not the one who should be having a say in how My Daughter is raised. Oh, and he 'knows' the 'right' people in the legal system down there.

So, all in all, it was a good week. I miss My Daughter and hate that I cannot save her from everything. I will get to see her next week again - so, blog lacking will occur.

I also had some interesting Spiritual 'things' happen. I'll save those for another post.

Peace

My Broom is now in the Shop

After being gone for a bit, my Broom is going to need a tune-up


Seriously, I've returned. I'll be posting this week. Anything in particular anyone want me to share?

Peace

Spirit of the wind Keep me safe

Everyone,

I will not be blogging this week. I have an errand to run.

Peace

Women, Lots of Pretty Women

There isn't a specific passage or chapter in the book for today's post. Just a generality.

In the light of the Da Vinci Code, there has been a re-awakening of the part women play in Christianity. I will not discuss the possibility of Jesus and Mary (Magdalene) having a child/children - I do not have enough knowledge to give an intelligent point of view. However, there are many references to women in the life of Jesus that makes me wonder - was Jesus born a Jew but accepting of Pagan philosophy?

Geez, this is heavy stuff!

It is mentioned that Jesus was in the company of those considered "unclean". This included women. Male followers of Jesus found this to be horrid and not the work of a true savior. After all, wasn't 'He' here to give his teachings and ways to 'God' only to those worthy? How could women be worthy? Women being worthy was not a Jewish view, but a Pagan one.

Many women followed Jesus while he "spread the Word of God". They gave up their homes, families, ways of life, to follow this man. When Jesus (supposedly) rose from the Dead, he revealed himself first not to a man, but to a woman - a suspected whore. At Jesus' crucifixion, "There was a crowd of women followers at the cross, when all but one of the male company had fled or stood far off." How Pagan of them!

I believe Jesus understood the strength and power of women and of the Feminine. He understood that, without women, life could not continue. I'm speaking not just of procreation, food, and shelter, but also of progressive thinking, curiosity, the want of better for future generations.

Modern Christians - both male and female - miss this point. Yes, there are places in the Bible that state women should be subservient to men. However, Jesus did not teach this. 'He' taught that all are equal under 'God'. Again, here is a difference between true followers of Christianity and those who just want to control.

I believe in the Sacred Feminine and the Sacred Masculine. I believe that the Goddess and God are equal, just as people are equal. I pray equally to the Goddess and the God. There will be some Pagans/Wiccans who will disagree with me; that is fine. Isn't tolerance and acceptance part of our faith, as well?

p.s. I'm sure someone will use this story to "prove" the Devil is a woman :)

Love your enemies and pray for those who afflict you

*Author's Note: All references to God (capital G) are to the Christian God. This is done out of respect for those who follow the Christian path.

According to Mr. Wills, Jesus "followers are not to aspire to the social register, but to seek out the forsaken."

Well, that makes sense for everyone, doesn't it?

His further point that "if they (Jesus followers) try to make that a privilege (know God thru Jesus) to be used against others or each other" the supposed followers they are keeping others from communing with Jesus/God.

This is SO very different than what the Falwell's and Swaggart's preach, isn't it? {I won't go to the Pope - the Catholics have their own form of Christianity I have a very hard time figuring out. } The idea that one sect of Christianity is better than another or people who say God speaks through/to them are better than the rest of us, that goes against what Jesus said. I'm sure there are Christians who believe they know and understand better what Jesus or God wants - there are those type of people in every religion (yes, even Wicca). But that, according to Jesus, does not make them better; if anything, it makes them worse - because this makes them "all pretense and exceptions to the Law (meaning the Law of God)."

In my readings of Wicca and Paganism, we are to accept everyone, whatever their belief system or religion. Of course, we be very careful not to allow murderers and rapists into our homes, but we will not deny them the right to speak directly to their god-of-choice ; nor will we make fun of them for doing so. {well, we aren't suppose to...}

More in my next post.

Peace

Time is what prevents everything from happening at once.

~John Archibald Wheeler

That quote has nothing to do with this post :)

I do promise you that my next post will discuss parts of the book "What Jesus Meant".

This post, though, is more of an update.

I start a low-paying part-time retail job today. I am not happy about this for a few reasons.

1. I applied for a part-time retail job, but it was for a specific department at a higher pay rate.
2. I intereviewed for a full-time retail job, entailing the entire store, at a higher pay rate.
3. I was offered (and accepted) the low-paying, part-time, entire store job.

Why, you might ask, have I taken the job?

Well, in this part of our fair Country, there are few job opportunities. I've applied for many other types of jobs - all non-retail, full- and part-time, different pay rates - and have received rejection letters which included statements such as, "Your experience level is not as we require" or "We found a candidate that better fits our company".

The first one is pure bull$hit - I have many years of training in 3 different job classificaations. The second one makes no sense - how would you even know if I 'fit' with the company if you haven't even interviewed me?

I vow to the Goddess and anyone else listening - in my next life I WILL become a teacher the first time I attend college!

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

Dr. Seuss, what a guy.

There are some great posts about the Unique Family show from TLC on Autumn's, Sojourner's, and (a new place for me) Graceful. You should check them out :)
I did not see the show, so, I cannot comment. I know when the re-run appears, I'll be taping it!

I have been reading, "What Jesus Meant". Now, before you get your Pentagrams in a twist, I am not - repeat NOT - converting. I decided that with the time I have for reading, my curiosity, and my fed-up-ness with the "holier-than-thou" crowd, I'd read up on something I thought to be true.

When I first read the Bible, I was young and had no clue what most of it meant. The next time I read it - after a tragedy in my life - I had joined a born-again Christian 'club'. The minute I started asking questions, I was labeled as still having the Devil within me. eh. About 6 years later, I read it again; this time to figure out just what religion or belief system I might fit into. At that time, I began to realize that there were a lot - A LOT - of preachings and demands from "Christians" that were not supported by the teachings of Jesus. Of course, there were no good sources at that time (way before Mr. Gore invented the Internet) to help prove my point.

Then, while listening to NPR, I heard Garry Wills talking about his book. This man considers himself Catholic - although I'm sure the Pope would like to revoke his Union card - and a follower of Jesus. Yes, he has his own take on the writings of others about Jesus; but, I think he is truer to form than most. Mr. Wills has a good understanding of Greek and Aramaic, especially the "older" versions. This puts many of the writings about Jesus into better perspective.

As I said, I am not converting - NOT. I am, tho, thinking differently about the "real" Jesus and how - I hate to say this - I've been right about the Swaggart's, Falwell's, and Baker's of this lifetime.

And, interestingly enough, a lot of what people wrote about Jesus' beliefs and teachings are similar to Wicca/Pagan beliefs and teachings. Hmmmmmm

So, over the next few posts - and maybe intermittently after - I'll be writing about what I found in his book.

Oh, and, next month, while I'm away for a bit, I'll be reading "Misquoting Jesus" and re-opening Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft.

Peace

THE HELL WITH THAT: Wicca in the News

THE HELL WITH THAT: Wicca in the News

Incredible!

The price we pay for beauty

As near as I can figure, I'll need to post all the photos I want to use in my template in a blogger post and then refer to them. I just can't find another way to do it.
Flickr is no help; nor is Photobucket or ImageShack.

If anyone has any ideas, please, let me know! Until then, deal with this post!

And, it seems, I cannot use a link for my background! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

And in a glas he hadde pigges bones

So, changes to this template are not going well. I figured out that I'll have to start from scratch. Well, at least it will keep my mind off other things....

• I have to write a "thanks, but not at this time" letter to a potential employer. I wouldn't make money until I went through some training, and the pay is all commissions. Can't do that right now.
• I have to write a "thanks for the memories" type letter to someone I admire and respect. In another place, another time, the relationship would have been different.
• I have to gather 6 years of "stuff" to take with me on a trip next month. Not only gather, but put in chronological order, write notes on/about, write out the game plan, etc.
• *It looks like I will be working by the end of the week. It is not a job I wish to have; it is a job I must have. It is not a job in which I will be challenged; but it is money. I cannot tell you who it is for, but I can say it is in Retail - blech.

There you have it.

I'm still working on my spiritual-ness. I'll keep you updated.

Peace

*Edit: Found out the job isn't full-time, as I was promised. Well, I've become an expert at looking for work.

Change is Bad

The changes I want to make to my layout, template, content will

1. Delete the cool blinky things in my side bar
2. Delete my cool background
3. Make my links go into some sort of Internet black hole

So, what to do? Well, haven't decided. Will keep you updated.

Oh, did manage to add a Meez to my side bar. Check it out.

Change is good

I've decided to change a few things on my blog - additions, deletions, moving-tions. It will take a few days, but I hope you will like what you see.

Peace

Witchy Poo

Remember HR Puf-n-Stuff? No?! Well, go here and get some laughs.

Anyway, as I remember Witchy Poo really wanted to be an all powerful witch. She had some issues - like the green face and the horrid costume and the e-vil ways. This got me to wondering - have I been "hiding" power from myself because I'm afraid of becoming Witchy Poo? I don't know.

Over the next week or so, it looks like I'll have lots of time to think and research this idea. Along with finishing at least one of the books I started months ago and writing about that.

Anyone interested in knowing what I find and how my journey goes?

Happy VD!

Today is special to me for a few reasons. In about 6 years, I will be able to reveal the biggest reason*. For now, let's just say that I love flowers and chocolates and today is THE day for such!

Husband gave me 3 red roses and a huge box of chocolates. For all his faults, he still remembers how to make me smile.

Hope you all got through today.

Peace

*For my "regular" readers, you may email regarding this, if you wish.

I got taken in

I got taken in by a scam. It really is horrible. I'm fairly intelligent and still got taken in.

The worst part of the whole ordeal - the bank, the FBI, the RCMP (Canadian police), and the company being victimized know it is a scam and STILL they hold victims responsible for the monetary part.

WHAT?!

Yep, I've been on the phone for nearly 24 hours. This is just fuc*ing great, and not what I need at the moment.

So, I'm about to spend another 12 hours on the phone - after some rest and food. Wish me luck

Kind of Spiritual

Recent events in my Daughter's life have put me in the "get it done now" mode. Of course, there is still the "I've got to wait for other people" part of the whole thing. And, let's not forget the "You haven't been around so you have no rights" thing happening*.

*Note: For those of you who have been following the story, yes, this comes as yet the next installment of the wife's contradictions. If you want more on this, just ask.

I've asked for spiritual guidance. I haven't done it officially - with ritual and all - I just can't get myself quiet enough to do so. The quieter it is, the more I succumb to the fear - fear of failure, fear of loss, fear of being alone; mostly, fear of what worse could happen to my Child.

I have been spending more time at Beliefnet. I still visit other Pagan & Wiccan sites, but, at Beliefnet, I can find other ways of looking and thinking about the situation - mostly from the non-fundamentalist faiths.

The following prayer is from the Pagan section in Strength & Courage. As the tag line says, it is appropriate for any faith

Make me strong in spirit,
Courageous in action,
Gentle of heart,

Let me act in wisdom,
Conquer my fear and doubt,
Discover my own hidden gifts,

Meet others with compassion,
Be a source of healing energies,
And face each day with hope and joy.

- Abby Willowroot


Peace

Non-Spiritual Post

I have something horrible, heart-wrenching, and just sickening happening in my life right now.
I have feelings I cannot get out - in verbal or written word.
My heart is so broken and my gut so twisted, I have difficulty doing the simplest things.

Does anyone know how to get out - in words - feelings that just won't cooperate?

Psychic or something

Due to circumstances beyond my control (literally) blogging will be spotty (at best) for the next few weeks. This is one of those times I cannot - will not - "tell all" in my blog.

I would like to say, tho, that my post earlier today is a perfect fit for what is happening right now.

You can be assured that I will be taking more quiet time to meditate, read, and pray.

Peace

Challenging Faith

Everyone's faith gets challenged. I think the person who deals best with challenges is the Dali Lama.

Then, there's always this guy:
" The Goddess is alive and magick is afoot -- no matter how much that terrifies the spiritually insecure." - Issac Bonewits

A new place to visit

Note: The "p" on my keyboard is acting up.

I found a new blog to visit A Blog of Two Witches . I don't know what they will think of me, but I plan to add them to my every-other-day blog visits.

Here is something fun I found on their blog. It reminds me I must find quiet time - without interruption - to dig more through my Past Life book. You can get to the diagnosis by clicking HERE.

Your past life diagnosis:

---

I don't know how you feel about it, but you were male in your last earthly incarnation.You were born somewhere in the territory of modern Scotland around the year 950. Your profession was that of a banker, usurer, moneylender or judge.

---

Your brief psychological profile in your past life:
As a natural talent in psychology, you knew how to use your opportunities. Cold-blooded and calm in any situation.

---

The lesson that your last past life brought to your present incarnation:
The timid, lonely and self-confident people are everywhere, and your task is to overcome these tendencies in yourself and then to help other people.

---

Do you remember now?

Imbolc / Candelmas

Here is what I plan to do tomorrow. You are more than welcome to "steal" it :)

Tools:

• purple candle in holder
• white candle in holder
• bowl of snow or chipped ice
• matches

Ritual:

• Cast circle
• Place bowl between candles
• Light candles
• Welcome Goddess and God
• Meditate on all harm and bad habits you wish to banish
• Meditate on all healing and good you want to bring into your life

You may use any variation of the following speech:

I welcome to earth the increasing light
The lengthening day and shortening night
I celebrate the Goddess fresh and young
I celebrate the God the growing Sun
The land shall soon begin to arise
Sleeping life will open its eyes
I offer my thanks as I light this flame
As the Wheel brings forth life again
With thanks to the Goddess the Lord awakes
Thanks to the Goddess and all she creates

• Continue to meditate until the snow has melted.
• Pour the snow down the drain, remembering you are purging the harm and bad habits.
• If you have not broken the circle to pour the water, do so now.

Remember, this is the Sabbat to re-welcome light, to begin new and better ways.

Peace