"What Is...?" Wednesday

The Tarot as Spirituality

Tarot cards are much more than just a form of divination, for instance they can be used in a variety of ways.... they can be used during meditations as gateways to

Morgan's Tarot Monday

The Path

"The path begins in the middle and stretches as fat as the eye can see, beyond the desert, into the mountains in the south-east. From there it joins Interstate 10 and leaves it again about a quarter of a mile beyond the third rest stop. 

"What Is...?" Wednesday

Thelema

Thelema (They-LEE-mah) is a Greek word meaning "will" or "intention". It is also the name of a spiritual philosophy which has risen over the past several hundred years and is now gradually becoming established worldwide.

The central goal of a Thelemite (as adherents refer to themselves) is to discover and perform his or her True Will, which is generally defined as the innermost Nature or proper life course of the individual. The techniques used to achieve this goal fall under the heading of Magick.


There are also strong political, ethical, aesthetic, and cultural aspects to Thelema. Although there is no strict literal doctrine concerning these matters, Aleister Crowley wrote many articles and essays regarding his ideas about the proper behavior of individual Thelemites and for an ideal Thelemic society. These ideas have continued to develop into modern times. However, the primary themes involve personal freedom, a recognition that men and women have an inherent divine nature, and that Love is the basis of the Great Work.


Thelema may not be a religion in and of itself but because of the influence of Aleister Crowley on Gerald Gardner certain Neo-pagan beliefs and practices seem similar to it, although the intent or reasoning behind why each philosophy does things a certain way is often different. Thelemites, unlike many Wiccans do not openly profess their beliefs, unless of course they are professing them online. 

Not all adherents of Thelema consider it a religion or subscribe to the philosophy of True Will as outlined in Aleister Crowley's writings. Thelemites may or may not believe in the necessity of Canon or Theology as outlined in this article. Many require nothing more than an acceptance of the message of The Book of the Law as interpreted by the individual, each for him/herself.

There are seven main divine names associated with the Current of Thelema, all but one of which is expounded upon in The Book of the Law. These are Nuit, Hadit, Therion, Babalon, Hoor-Paar-Kraat, Heru-Ra-Ha, and Ra-Hoor-Khuit. Thelemites hesitate to call these energies “Deities” or “Gods” or “Goddesses” in the classical way that people often refer to, say, Isis as a Goddess. 

Their philosophy is that although these divine names or “energies” can and will appear god-like in aspect at certain times in magical work, they can also appear to be energies that are manifestations of an initiatory process, or energies that are represented by various paths, magical processes and formulas, or they can become avatars embodied in human flesh much like the Hindu Deities.

*Sources for this article can be found here and here.

Serenity Sunday

In earlier times, farmers would often haul stones from ancient circles and build their homes from them, as they held special significance being from those sites. Later, houses were built upon the cornerstone principle in which it was significant because all other stones or bricks were then set in reference to the cornerstone.

Over time, the cornerstone became part of a symbolic celebratory process and placed in  prominent outside corners of  buildings, almost like a cultural representation of the peoples that designed and built them. Some cornerstones included time-capsules that represented the era that a particular building was erected or items specific to the town or city that it was built in, so that future generations can look at these items and ponder on them.

What is the cornerstone that makes up your spirituality...? What is included in the foundation, in which you set all of your beliefs around...? Are there any specific traditions that you include in your beliefs, that you pass on to your children (like a time-capsule for the future)...? Meditating on these things helps to focus ourselves in our daily practices and ground ourselves in the important aspects of our beliefs and why we hold them dear.

My List:

1.) My kids

2.) Laughter

3.) Good friends

4.) Sunny days

5.) Red Rooibos tea

6.) Honey roasted peanuts

7.) Jasmine flowers

8.) Chocolate cake

9.) Mylar balloons

10.) Fried oysters

“Witches”

I got this today in my inbox and watched each video on YouTube.  It was such a great series of videos, I just had to share...I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.




The Biography Channel special “Witches” will be re-aired again this Monday and Tuesday. The show features interviews with Llewellyn authors Christopher Penczak and Silver RavenWolf.

Original airdate was 10/08; it is re-airing 4 times this fall.

Biography Channel: “Witches”

Original airdate: 10/30/08

2009 Airdates:
Friday 10/30/09
Saturday 10/31/09
Monday 11/16/09, 8 pm (upcoming)
Tuesday 11/17/09, midnight (upcoming)

You can also watch the Biography Channel’s “Witches” episode on our YouTube channel!

Part 1 includes interviews and early comments from Silver RavenWolf and Christopher Penczak, then discusses the European witch hunts.

Part 2 focuses primarily on the details of the Salem witch hysteria/trials.

Part 3 covers the end of 17th century through modern times, evolution of Halloween, and Hollywood witches; the segment ends with an early biography of Laurie Cabot.

Part 4 begins with Laurie Cabot; Christopher Penczak appears at about 2:20 in this clip.

Part 5 starts with Silver RavenWolf; this segment focuses on Silver and Wicca.

Part 6 features an interview with Roberta Stewart, the Wiccan widow who won the VA Pentacle suit, and more comments from Silver RavenWolf.

Just Another Pet Peeve

I usually don't have much trouble with people giving me a bad time about my spiritual beliefs but I have this neighbor who seems to delight in scoffing at what I have experienced to be real. Usually I just let it roll of my back and pay no attention to folks like this but this one seems to have crawled under my skin, I'm not really sure as to why.... it's not like I even care what he disagrees with.

I sat on my porch this afternoon and pondered this question in the glorious afternoon sun and tried to brainstorm to myself as to why this bothers me so much. My first few answers such as "Maybe it threatens him." and "This just goes to prove that ignorance is not bliss...." or "Could he possibly be giving me a bad time to get my attention?" didn't seem to make a whole lot of sense so I found myself continuing to mull this over while cooking dinner and cleaning up the dishes afterward. Then the thought occurred to me that I was giving this entirely too much thought and that was probably just what his intention was. I really think that it bothers me because somehow I feel threatened...like my beliefs can be taken from me, which I know is utterly ridiculous. Then the question that really needed to be answered was "Why would I feel that way in the first place?!"

Not too many years ago, I was wandering aimlessly, looking for something to believe in and had nearly reached the point that it was all just hogwash, smoke and mirrors like this neighbor has...then one day wicca found me...I can't really explain how that works but for the first time in my life I realized that this new concept made absolute perfect sense...it felt so right, like it had always been there...waiting for me to notice. I realize that no one can take my spirituality but I also know that to me it is worth more than any treasure of silver or gold or precious jewels and I feel protective of it. There are many out there that put the few of us in a very bad light whether it be out of ignorance or fad and it makes me angry. Please don't lump me in with those that wear it like a charade...something to use to draw attention to themselves, be true to yourself and the god and goddess...the universal spirit. It goes far beyond a spirituality...it is a way of life...a reverence for nature and creation...respect for all that is natural around you.

I hold my beliefs dear to me and somehow writing this blog just seems to reaffirm the path I have chosen to be the correct one for me. I resolve to not let those who like to dismiss me bother me...I will continue on believing and ask the universe that perhaps someday this neighbor might know the peace and wholeness that I have been blessed with.

Serenity Sunday

I am SO greatful this week to have my bathroom back...well, the kids are pretty darn greatful too since they don't have to run to the neighbor's house any more. Another thing I'd like to say a bit about is the freedom that we all have a share in...the ability to thank a higher power (how ever we choose to see that higher power) and the ability to express that gratitude. Let us not try to judge the differences but be thankful that there are so many colors that make up a rainbow that we call spirituality. Here is my list for this week:

1.) My children

2.) My cats

3.) Cinnamon Creme coffee creamer

4.) A working toilet

5.) The new feather bed mattress I just bought...mmm, snuggly!

6.) The freedom to express my spirituality

7.) My ability to disregard judgements made on me

8.) My fuzzy bunny slippers

9.) Yarn that I make afghans with

10.) Downy fabric softener

I know there are a couple strange things on my list but that's what makes gratitude so wonderful...the ability to take the small stuff that usually gets passed over on any given day and give thanks for it.

Elemental, Dear Watson

Wicca is a nature based religion and follows the tides of the moon and the path of the sun in my celebrations. I like to honor the world around me and one of the most important ways I integrate the natural world into my daily life and my expression of this is by honoring the elements. Generally, there are four elements that are recognized by all wiccans, these are Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Depending on the path (or tradition) a person is working like myself, I recognize a fifth element, Spirit. Each element has a different energy and fits into my daily life in its own special way. There are correspondences which focus on the energy of the element that I might be working with. I work a solitary eclectic path ( I do not belong to a traditional coven) and since I am in the northern part of the world, there may be differences in other paths and things in the southern hemisphere are generally opposite of the way I work with them.

AIR...the element of the east in most traditions and is where the sun rises . It is the place of new beginnings and morning is it's time. Air is associated with thought processes and mental working, intelligence and learning... birds, feathers, insects, clouds and the dawn are all associated with air.... its colors are generally yellows and pastels.

FIRE...as the sun moves South, it becomes noon time... the heat of the day. Fire is associated with movement and action, the fires of passion and anger and of our will. Lizards, salamanders, scorpions, deserts, spices, heat and the noonday sun are all associated with fire.... it's colors are reds and oranges.

WATER... is in the direction of the west and is the time of the setting sun, the coolness of twilight.... it is the rain, rivers and oceans and streams. It is the element of emotion and intuition... it's colors are blues and greens, turquoise and aqua.

EARTH... is in the North and is the dark, the time of rest. It is planting and nurturing seeds of all kinds, growth and abundance, but it also signifies the passing (or death) and returning to the earth. Most mammals and earth dwelling creatures are associated with the earth as are plants and trees, stones and seeds. Its colors are greens and browns and black.

SPIRIT... is an element that is difficult to explain and even harder to show. It is the hub of the wheel of the year and wheel of the elements... the top of the five pointed star. It's associations are different for everyone, and some will say purple, gold or white is it's color. I associate it with the manifestation of the goddess and god figure (the spirit evident in all natural creations).

I hope this explains a little of what I incorporate into my life in the form of rituals and spells or even charms. The more people know what goes into my spirituality, the less that there is to be fearful of. I firmly believe that tolerance is a commodity that sometimes falls by the wayside but hopefully, with a little education and understanding we will make great progress in this world.

Losing Yancy....

I recieved some very sad news today, my cousin Clint lost his oldest son, Yancy, in the war against Iraq. Yancy Levi Goodwin was born just four days after my daughter Caitlin on May 14, 1988 and was in the National Guard doing what my family has for decades, supporting the United States of America to ensure the freedom of all who call this great land home. My father and his three brothers (my uncles) were all Navy men and served in WW2, something he and all of us were very proud to speak of. Although I shudder at the mention of war and conflict, I am well aware that without them and so many more whom stood up for our freedoms, my spirituality and way of life would not be possible today. The loss of Yancy breaks my heart and I cannot help but join the ranks of friends and family members and all those across this great country in grieving the losses of our men and women so very young. Let us all remember that without their sacrifices we could not call ourselves Americans, free to choose our beliefs, convictions and blessings. Good bye Yancy and blessed be your sacrifice on the behalf of us all!