Chicken Pot Pie

Now that  the days are getting cooler, here's a wonderful recipe that's guaranteed to warm your insides!

Ingredients:
2 pie crusts - unbaked (ready to bake or homemade)
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced (1/4 inch thick)
2 stalks celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick
4 Tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground dried thyme
3 Tablespoons dry sherry
1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
3 Tablespoons minced parsley (fresh)


Directions:
* Heat oven to 400 degrees, place oven rack in middle position.
* Place chicken and broth in a stock pot over medium heat. Cover, bring to a simmer and simmer until the chicken is done (about 10 min.)
* Transfer the chicken to a large bowl; reserve the broth in a separate cup or small bowl.
* Place oil in the stock pot, turn heat to medium high.
* Add the carrots, onion and celery. Sauté until just tender (about 5 min.). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
* Shred the chicken meat into bit-sized pieces, then place the vegetables into the bowl with the chicken and set aside.
* Heat the butter in the now empty stock pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook 1 minute.
* Whisk in the chicken broth, milk and thyme. Bring to a simmer, continuing to simmer until sauce thickens (about 1 min.). Season with salt and pepper, stir in the sherry.
* Pour the sauce over the chicken-vegetables mixture, stir well. Stir in the peas and parsley.
* Line a 9x13 inch pan with one of the pie crusts. If using ready to bake pie crusts, roll the dough to fit the pan.
* Pour the chicken mixture into the pan and top with second crust.
* Bake in preheated oven until pie crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Tarot Tuesday

I'm using the beautiful Baroque Bohemian Cat's  Tarot ( Gold Edition) by Karen Mahoney and Alex Ukolov which you can find at Magic Realist Press. The original Baroque Bohemian Cat's Tarot was my first deck and it was love at first sight! I have been hooked  ( gotta love that "buy now" button!) ever since. I have the First Edition as well, which has Hermes in it as the extra card but the Second and Gold editions have "The Tarot Reader" as their extra card. Anyway, before I digress too far...the card today is The Knight of Wands.

This has got to be my most favorite card in the deck... have any of you ever known the gallant, sweep you off your feet, love 'em and leave 'em type? Well, if not, here's your guy! The Knight of Wands is charming, irresistable and totally without scruples...the typical "bad boy" your mother warned you to stay away from....but oh how charming he can be!

Usually the court cards and their purrsonalities (couldn't resist the pun, sorry) resemble people in our lives and can also reflect qualities within ourselves. When the Knight of Wands makes his appearance in your reading, he brings great energy and charisma and you can easily find yourself getting swept up in all his enthusiasms. This Knight is hardly the "long term commitment" type and gets bored very easily.

If this Knight feels like it is referring to our own behavior we must stop and ask ourselves..."Am I getting caught up in my own qualities and energy that I am forgetting to be caring and thoughtful towards others." It's never easy to look at ourselves in a less than perfect light and falling into the Knight of Wands attitude could be very easy to do if you are not careful. If this does not seem to fit you, then it is a warning that Mr. Right is probably more like Mr. Wrong and you may need to keep that irresistable charmer at arms length!

Manifesting Monday

The law of attraction ( Putting your desires  out into the universe and these desires are manifested.... You receive the thing that you desire) seems to be a fairly simple way to realize your desires. You decide what you want, believe that you will receive it, leave it up to the universe, and you receive what you desire. You put the energy into believing and the energy works.

Casting a spell is a more involved way to manifest your desires. For some, spells are the best way to manifest  and spells written by them are very personal and in some cases more effective. The ritual of preparing for and casting a spell helps focus the energy and the intent of the person doing the spell is also very important. When the person has written the spell and finished the preparations, then it is time to cast the spell.


What is it that you would like to manifest in your life? One fantastic way that I have found to manifest what I need in my life is to do things for others rather than focus simply on myself, not out of the hope that the law of attraction will take effect but because it's the right thing to do. I think that by helping others, you begin to shift your focus and realizing your wishes comes along so much easier.

It seems to me that too much focus on what you need or want and your intention does not have a chance to go out into the universe and become realized. You must let it go and know that the universal mind knows what is for your highest good.

Serenity Sunday

The Leaves

The leaves had a wonderful frolic.
They danced to the wind's loud song.
They whirled, and they floated, and scampered.
They circled and flew along.
The moon saw the little leaves dancing.
Each looked like a small brown bird.
The man in the moon smiled and listened,
And this is the song he heard.
The North Wind is calling, is calling,
And we must whirl round and round,
And then, when our dancing is ended,
We'll make a warm quilt for the ground.


Anonymous




My List:

1.) My kids

2.) Watching my kitties on their webcam

3.) Cool autumn nights

4.) Packages in my mailbox (Goodies from Magical Enchantments....coming
soon!)

5.) Wonderful comments ( I  love reading them all, they  brighten my day!)

6.) Fresh coffee

7.) My sewing machine

8.) Breakfast in bed

9.) Laughing with my best friend

10.) Patchouli incense

How Blue Is The Moon.....

In our modern times, a blue moon is the second full moon of a month...but why call it blue? It doesn't look blue....So where did this term really come from? I did a little research and found that the term "blue moon" started appearing around the very early 1900's as a phrase "Once in a blue moon" meaning something rare or seldom occurring.  The moon has actually appeared blue in the case of major volcanic eruptions and when the ash rose high into the atmosphere, the ash clouds made it appear as blue.

I found out these blue moons occur, on average, about every thirty two or three months and in 1999 there were double blue moons as one appeared in January and because February only had 28 days, the second blue moon occured in March. Just in case you missed them the first time, this double delight happens about every nineteen solar years....so in 2018 and 2037  the  twin blue moons can be seen again.

Blue Moon Spell For Wisdom And Intuition:

Items Needed

* One blue candle (any size or shape)
* One white candle (again, any shape or size)
* Two matching candleholders
* A small representation of the four elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth)
* A fresh white flower in a vase
* Matches
* A safe flat surface

Directions:

Set out these items in a way that is pleasing to you. Light the blue candle that represents the blue moon and the white candle next (which represents the moon goddess Selene.) Ground and center yourself and begin drawing down the moon. When you are finished, tip your face up towards the blue moon and request wisdom and protection by repeating these words...


"On this night of Selene's magical blue moon,
Lady, hear my request and grant me boon.
Bless me with intuition and wisdom both day and night.
Work your loving magick in each aspect of my life."


Close this spell with these words:

"I thank the goddess Selene for her time and care,
as this blue moon gently hovers in the night air."

Ground and center yourself and allow the candles to burn until they burn themselves out, keep the flower until it begins to fade and then dispose of it in a compost pile or bury it in your garden.

Bright Blessings!

Prosperity

Prosperity- a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition, esp. in financial respects; good fortune.


Abundance- an extremely plentiful or oversufficient quantity or supply.


At first glance, these two words seem remarkably similar but upon closer examination you can see that prosperity is to flourish and abundance is to have a lot of.....I never really put much thought into these words and their use but until I started trying to bring about a more prosperous environment around me, I began to realize there is a world of difference between these words and I started to delve into how to bring about the good things in my life.

There are many ways to be prosperous, financially, spiritually, materially and these are the ways in which most of us wish to manifest in our lives. I prefer to use the word prosperity rather than abundance because it brings to mind the impression of having too much...like bills, rain or even worries and that is usually why we ask to be prosperous in the first place.

There are several theories as to "the secret" of prosperity and I have been one of those individuals myself on occasion. The law of return is a good one, it goes like this: what we give out will return to us, so if we become active in our communities and  show concern and kindness to our neighbors...the thought is that those good deeds shall return to us.  But what if that does not happen? Then we are sent right back to the drawing board to see just where we might have gone wrong.

I have made the observation that maybe deep down inside, we don't feel like we may be worthy of asking for prosperity. The Universe and the Gods will provide for us, but often times only if we ask. You just have to remind yourself that you are deserving of good times. We are part of divinity and as such are more than worthy to ask and recieve prosperity in our lives.

I also noticed that people tend to focus on the negative things that happen to them and also expect them as a regular thing. If they would just start expecting good things, than good things would have a chance to arrive. A great way to shift our focus from the negative to the positive it a gratitude list....Make it a point to write down five things that you are grateful for every day. Do this for a couple months and you will start to notice that rather seeing only negative,  we are more apt to start seeing all the things in our lives that are good. 

Every Sunday I have a post called "Serenity Sunday" this is my gratitude list. Each day I write down ten things I am thankful for and on Sunday I pick out a few from the week and post them on my blog. I can honestly say my focus has shifted and I no longer see the glass as half empty but half full instead.  I ask you today, why not start a gratitude journal and see if that doesn't help change your perspectives of prosperity and abundance...?

Hey everyone...I got an award! Anastasia over at Deep Inside My Broom Closet  just gave me the Kreativ Blogger Award and I'm so flattered, thank you so much Anastasia! Now, with this award are some rules....

Here are the award rules:

1. Thank the person who gave this to you.

2. Copy the logo and place it in your blog.

3. Link the person who nominated you.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that no one would really know.

5. Nominate seven 'Kreativ Bloggers'

6. Post links to the seven blogs you nominate

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

Wow, seven things that no one would really know...?

1.) I have a triple moon goddess tattoo on my lower back

2.) My favorite country singer is Willie Nelson

3.) I'm a gadget geek!

4.) I can speak kindergarten Spanish

5.) I'm a tarot collecting fool....(buy now, buy now!!)

6.) I'm a Master Gardener

7.) My favorite movie is Poltergeist...(go figure)

Now, onto nominating seven bloggers who I find inspirational...

1.) A Pagan Tapestry

2.) Bramble Patch

3.) Crochet And Garden

4.) Pagan In The Rough

5.) The Vintage Sage

6.) Tales Of A Wandering Witch

7.) The Whimsical Cottage

Tarot Shadow Work- Shadow Play

Deep in our unconscious is where our shadow lives, thankfully tarot is a way to unlock that part of us. When we dance, draw, sing or even listen to music, we can dig ourselves out of denial, anger, fear, shame and other shadow qualities. Now it's time for some play...

I know my harsh inner critic likes to nag at me whenever I consider doing something contrary to my age but I'm going to set that aside for now let my creativity have some time to come out for awhile. Everything I needed to know, I learned from my childhood belive it or not, by the time of around five our social connections are formed and so has our shadow. It is impossible to grow into the person we think we are without also develping a sense of who we are not.

When we are young, , we grow to resist undesireable behavior but later in life it becomes somewhat of a rule,  "I"  steps out to show itself while "not I" is pushed back into the shadow. "Not I" becomes the lost part of ourselves. Shadow work is definately a conscious and intentional process that requires us to aknowledge what we may have rejected previously. Then we can establish a new personal order that accounts for our destructive side.

Play then becomes a vehicle in which to address those repressed shadow parts and helps to begin to recover those lost parts of us. I must remind you though, we are not trying to change anything with shadow play but discover what those lost parts may be. Always keep the play safe by grounding and centering and casting a circle of protection and repeat this affirmation...." By embracing my dark shadows, I am allowing healing to begin and becoming whole again. I am finding wisdom and learning compassion."

Next week I will be giving exersizes that help in this play process and how to let you own healing begin.

Day Of Atonement

Yom Kippur is one of the most widely observed holidays on the Jewish calendar. It marks the highest synagogue attendance rate of any other day in the year. Despite its widespread observance and long hours spent in synagogue, Yom Kippur is a difficult day to understand.

The major theme of Yom Kippur, as its name implies, is atonement. The source for much of our observance of Yom Kippur is Leviticus 23:26-28 - "God spoke to Moses, saying: Mark, the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: you shall practice self-denial, and you shall do no work throughout that day for it is a Day of Atonement, on which expiation is made on your behalf before the Lord your God."


In Biblical and Rabbinic times, Temple rituals and sacrifices were the focus of the holiday. Among the highlights of the day was the scapegoat ceremony during which lots would be placed on two goats. One goat would be offered as a sacrifice in the Temple, in the Holy of Holies; and the second would be thrown into the wilderness. Once the Temples were destroyed, prayer and return, i.e. repentance, are the focus while the Temple ritual is recounted as part of the Yom Kippur liturgy.


The day of Yom Kippur itself is said to have the power to expiate some sins, while our renunciation of sins and our confession of them is said to be essential for a new year of life with a proverbial clean slate. Maimonides writes that today, when there is no Temple or sacrificial system, "all that is available is repentance." We are required to repent for sins between ourselves and God and for sins between ourselves and other people.


The Yom Kippur service builds in intensity throughout the day culminating with the final Ne’ila service. During the final hour of the day, all who have fasted and prayed gather strength from their friends and cry out for the gates of forgiveness to remain open as they are about to close. The cathartic moment when night time has descended is punctuated by the blowing of the Shofar, as all congregations of Israel exclaim, "Next year in Jerusalem."

It's difficult for me to understand sometimes because of my western religious upbringing (before paganism found me) but it's good to look at other cultures and their traditions and history...we are all connected and it helps us to develop tolerance rather than focus on our differences.

Tarot Tuesday

Today I am using Madame Endora's Fortune telling Deck and drew The Golem. My scanner is on the fritz so I had to go to find this card in Google images, so I apologize for it's quality. I don't use this deck as nearly as often as I'd like but I just loved it's artistry and graphics.

The Golem represents one who is indentured or motivated to do your bidding, such as a loyal friend who acts on your behalf or puts your intrests above theirs. When abused, The Golem may become an instrument of vengance or detruction.

I love the fact that this card can indicate the support of a great friend that comes to your rescue, kind of like a knight in shining armour. This card can also be calling you to come to the aid of a good friend because, after all,  we are all connected in this world and we need each other more than we may like to admit. We must always remember that with any relationship, friendship does need care and attention to ensure that it grows and flourishes.

On another note...This card reminds  me of building thought forms...when we raise a thought form and give it a job, pay attention to it and treat it with respect... it happily goes about it's business and does your bidding but if raised and then neglected they can become restless and somewhat ill tempered.

Modron and Mabon

Mabon is tomorrow the 22nd and also called the Autumn Equinox, a kind of Thanksgiving if you have it. The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year's crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n Fo'mhair, and honor the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees.

Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. At  festivals it is appropriate to wear all of your finery and dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. It is the drawing to and of family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. It is a time to finish old business as we ready for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection.

One legend is that of  Mabon and Modron. The universal story of Mabon and his mother Modron has been passed down   from the ancient proto-Celtic oral tradition. Mabon ap Modron (meaning "Great Son of the Great Mother") is the Young Son, Divine Youth, or Son of Light. Just as the September equinox marks a significant time of change, so, too, does the birth of Mabon. Modron, his mother, is the Great Goddess, Guardian of the Otherworld, Protector, and Healer. She is Earth itself.

Serenity Sunday

Releasing....such a powerful word. Each auumn the flowers and trees release their leaves and prepare to sleep for winter, for us it is a time to release the old energies and bring in  new energy. For me this has been a time of weeding out the unnecessary parts of my life, those things that do not serve my higher good anymore. Our energy will seem to lower for a while but we are simply following mother earth's cycles and before we know it winter will be over and spring will bring fresh life and the cycles start over again....Ah, the rythym of life!



My List:

1.) My kids

2.) A safe home for my cats

3.) Positive energy

4.) Fresh starts

5.) Meditation time

6.) School days

7.) Old green leather recliner (relief on my sore back!)

8.) Great freinds

9.) A beautiful yard

10.) My Dell laptop

Between A Rock And A Sore Spot

The last few days I have been busy unpacking my things, re-planting plants and upgrading my pond and now, it's really starting to look like a home. I hadn't realized just how much stuff I had gathered over time! My altar is all put up and decorated for the Fall Equinox, I have my yard looking spiffy and a pond that wows the neighbors.

About that pond....This is where my trouble began. I bought a pond form rather that put my old liner back so it will be much easier to clean and it's a bit deeper that what I had before so I can put my lily in it and not have to worry about wintering it in the shed....I had nearly all the rocks put in their places when I had the brilliant idea to put just one more  near  the left side so, I picked it up and was in the process of getting it positioned just right when my back decided to go out.

Whoo! Talk about a sudden sharp pain that made me go down on my knees! I kinda hunkered there for a few seconds and promptly decided I needed to lay down and take the huge pressure off my hips. Getting into the house was another story! I took my steps verrry slow and hobbled to the couch and boy did it feel so good to get off my feet. Now I'm on anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers and sporadic ice pack tratments. In my mind I don't FEEL 43 but every now and then my back decides that I need to be reminded!

Silly Picture Of The Week

I took this picture not too long before I sent my kitties away, I had a good laugh at Toodles trying to sleep on the back of the chair.

Tarot Shadow Work- The Gift Of Wisdom

This week, I'm working with the card Justice in conjuntion with the World card as I will be applying it to "The Gift of Wisdom." Wisdom is not something that you can buy from Amazon.com or something that we are born with, it comes from patience, stillness, listening and experiences....learning from our mistakes.

In the Star of Discovery, (card one) The World ...I am comparing it with the Justice card in position six, I find myself asking how does this apply to me? What is the gift that lies within the shadows? The Justice card's Shadow Qualities are "using only logic to make decisions...being out of touch with your Higher self and an "All or nothing" viewpoint." I, myself am very aware of the last on the list, I have always had a black and white outlook on life and it's situations.

The problem that comes with this mentality is that I tend to miss out on all the wonderful "grey" areas that life can offer. There are so many things that I have missed out on up until now and by working through this book, a whole new perspective has begun to unfurl before me.

I had the idea to draw another card that will represent aggression that I need to bring into my concious and drew The Empress. Her Shadow Qualities are inability to let go of relationships...feeling emotionally barren or separated....dwelling on pains from the past and holding on to destructive situations. I completely understand how I exhibit these qualities and by addressing them in my concious will allow me to become better aquainted with them.  I am not trying to 'fix" these aggressions at this present time but by bringing them out into the light, I am able to see them for what they are and how they became anchor's in the here and now.

After the events of the past week it all seems to be coming together and working on my shadow is beginning to blend into all aspects of my life and I'm happy to say that I am becoming a much better person and gaining in wisdom by leaps and bounds!

Welcome Wednesday!

Well, it's sure good to be back! I had hoped that the last few days would lift my spirits but sadly there were many difficult choices to make and all leave  me a bit sad and somewhat defeated. I suppose I should explain for it weighs quite heavily in my mind but there was a choice made by someone very close to me that left me between a rock and a hard spot. I have healthy boundries for my children and I and unfortunately they were crossed but not without warning.

I felt that this person was like a sister to me because I was an only child and I cherished that dear friendship. I had to walk away from that friendship this last week and make great sacrifices that broke my heart. I sent my beloved cats away to live with my ex-husband and now I'm not sure if my eyes will ever be dry again. He is running my kittycam now and it will be back up in just a few days. I Could not allow her to bring a person into my home that would jeopardize the safety of my children  and myself....I do not regret that decision.

I truly hope that this life treats her well and her mental outlook changes to a healthier one. I told her I harbor no grudges and someday i truly hope she can see clearly I did what I had to do, not out of spite but great love for her as a human being. I will go ahead with my life now a little sadder but a lot wiser I will be sending positive thoughts her way too.


Bright Blessings to all!

Time Off

I'm going to be taking a few days to sort out a few things....I will be back this next Wednesday as usual and feel much more refreshed! Thank you for your understanding and have a great weekend!

Tarot Shadow Work- The Pain

This week, we move to the fifth position in the Star of Recovery... pain. The card I drew is The Fool which has the shadow qualities of lacking playfulness, rigidity and not listening to your inner voice. I personally am terrible at trusting my instincts or "gut" feelings because I learned not to trust my judgment and rely on those adults around me for their assessment of any given situation. That kind of blind faith in others' leadership is not always a good thing as in my case of an alcoholic home. Perceptions and the general view of life were distorted and looking back, I did not realize how that would affect me as I grew older.

The World card, missing the joy of the moment, affected my ability to experience joy because I was always worrying about what was going to happen next...how do I prepare and will it be another drama filled  situation. This created a certain amount of rigidity within me and allowed me to feel a like I may have had a certain amount of control over what was taking place in my life. Hindsight shows this feeble attempt to control my surroundings followed me to this day and it's difficult to just stop and realize it's okay, nothing terrible is going to happen if I take time out and just have some fun.

The human spirit needs joy and playfulness in order to remain healthy and I really try to stop myself when that old tape recorder starts replaying all those old messages in my head. I am learning to grow and move past that pain and anger and just stop and smell the roses. Suppressing ones gut impressions and keeping such a tight reign on oneself can result in many ailments like ulcers, high blood pressure and even stroke. It robs you of that childlike ability to approach life from a playful perspective and can make you old before your time.

Next week is the sixth position...The Gift Of Wisdom

Silly (but sad) Picture Of The Week

This is a picture of Jeffery and Teasdale when Jeffery was just a tike. Sadly Monday evening, Teasdale ( the big grey guy in the photo) passed away and even though he was officially my roommate's cat, my heart is broken. Poor Jeffery and my other kitties seem to be quite sad as well and we all miss him bitterly! He will be waiting (with my other fur children) at Rainbow Bridge to welcome us and walk with into Summerland.

Waning Moon Release Ritual

This spell is designed to help release the stresses and worries of our day to day lives. Though best done during a waning moon phase, feel free to perform it anytime you feel blocked, sad, fearful, negative, angry or bitter.(Make sure your phone is turned off and you won't be disturbed.)


You will need:


2 white altar candles
1 black candle
1 pink candle
Sage, frankincense or myrrh incense (for clearing)
Many small pieces of paper & a pen




RITUAL BATH: add salt to the water or tie the following herbs in a small piece of cloth: hyssop, lavender and rosemary. Run under faucet.


As you inhale the aroma of the steaming herbs, visualize the steam breaking up any tension in your body, and exhale. Ask your body and spirit to release any thoughtforms that are not in accordance with your highest potential, and be willing to look at where you might be harboring doubt, suspicion, or fear.


With each inhale, affirm that you are breathing in the healing energies of the Universe, and that you can transform yourself through meditation, patience and faith.


With each exhale, affirm that the outmoded thoughtforms are transformed into new energy that can be utilized for growth. energy is neutral, so it is up to us to redirect it.


Light your white altar candles and incense. They are symbolic of peace, truth and protection. Meditate for a few minutes on what that means to you personally. Is there anything in your life now that is not in sync with your personal truth?


Light the black candle. The color black is an absence of color, and therefore absorbs... the black candle will represent the absorbing/transforming power of the dark moon, and as we work with it, imagine the pain or anger being pulled out of you and absorbed and transformed by the energy that is symbolized by the black candle.


Take a small piece of paper (and write with as much emotion that you can muster) one thing you want to release / transform.


Light one corner of the paper, and immediately drop it into a flameproof / heatproof dish (a large ashtray or a ceramic pot with some soil on the bottom would be ideal).


Repeat with any and all emotions, fears, resentments, gripes, angers, resentments, excuses, obligations, etc. etc. etc.


Until you feel CLEAR! If you still feel bad, keep going for a while!


When you've cried, griped etc as much as you can stand, put out the black candle.


Light the pink candle. Put on your favorite music: something that makes you feel energized, happy and motivated! Now you need to focus on filling up the spaces left wher the old pain was! Time to fill it in with the affirmations of your choice...


Always write affirmations in the present tense! Keep repeating them over and over until you feel great! Breathe in your new truth.


When you are finished, put out the pink candle, and save it and the black candle until the next time you do this exercise. For maximum effect or serious depression or apathy, do this spell 3 days in a row (finishing on New Moon day).

Serenity Sunday

I just received the most amazing coloring book I have ever seen! I'm so excited, I just ordered it and it came today....from not too far away from where I live too! I saw this little coloring book a few weeks back in Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom and after going to the book's  website, I knew I just had to have it!  It's called "Wild Magic...Celebrating the Earth Throughout the Year" and I cannot tell you enough just how cool this coloring book is!You have got to visit this website and check it out, there are lots of pictures to look at and see what it's all about. I am so anxious to go out and buy myself a box of crayola crayons and sit  in my old rocking chair by my altar and meditate upon the wheel of the year and color my little heart out! On to my list.....

My List:

1.) My kids

2.) My cats

3.) My good friends

4.) Crayons

5.) Rocking chairs

6.) Rainstorms

7.) Sleeping in on Saturdays

8.) Breakfast in bed

9.) Patchouli incense

10.) Hot bubblebaths

Brain Cramp

School starts this coming Wednesday and I don't think I could be more relieved! It's been a very long and stress filled summer with all the "There's nothing to do's...." So and so took my thing...." and my personal favorite "But I don't want to...."  I figured that since the kids will be going to school I would stretch my brain a little too and look into the subject of Quantum Physics. Oooo, brain cramp coming on!


I watch a lot of educational shows and happened accidentally upon one program that discussed this theory. It got my attention and I thought I would explore this a bit more since I like to approach my spirituality with a little solid science. I've been noticing that science has led to a lot of validation in the pagan/wiccan world because it is our belief that everything is indeed connected.

My view can be summed up in this way: Everything is sacred and alive (that is shares the spark of conciousness or intelligence)  and each part of the universe can communicate with each other part. For example, if a particle in one part of the universe vibrates up and down...somewhere else in the universe another particle begins to vibrate as well but in the opposite direction. That to me alone says there is proof that all are connected.


This theory that two particles coming in contact with each other and continue to affect one another even when separated is called "Bell's Theorum."  Bell thought that when two particles come in contact with each other, they leave a bit of themselves with each other and are not affected by  nuclear forces, gravity or electromagnetism but the contact that the particles had at one time. Hmmm, makes you wanna scratch your head, doesn't it?


This is just a milifraction ( Probably not a real word but it works for me) of the quantum physics topic but I'm going to stop here because later on down the line it's necessary to include calculus and formulas which truly will make my head spin! I hope you found this interesting, at the bottom of this post I have listed a few books on this subject if you want to explore these ideas further.


**And don't forget to stop by the Domestic Witch and check out her contest!**

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"The Hidden Domain" by Norman Friedman
"Wholness and the Implacate Order" by Routlege and Kegan Paul
"The Holitropic Mind: Three Levels of Human Conciousness" by Stanislov Grof
"The Perennial Philosophy" by Aldous Huxley

The Three-Fold Law

Three-Fold Law (or Law of Return as it is also called) is probably one of the more debated aspects of wiccan (and some pagan) ethics. The basic concept is that anything we do comes back to us in the end... often to a greater degree (as in three times what it is). If we do good... then good will be returned and if we cause harm... we put ourselves in danger of harm. Ethically it is equivalent to the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have done to you". But in the case of the Law of Return, there is a literal reward or punishment tied to one's actions, particularly when it comes to working magic.



The debate over the correctness of the Law of Return and its variations takes many forms. Some feel that it was created to keep new wiccans and pagans in check as they learned to work with magic, while others feel it is a remnant of christian thinking, being that a majority of wiccans and pagans come from a christian background. However, many wiccans/pagans today, including some authors and "community leaders", take the three-fold law quite literally.




Since the idea that "We reap what we sow" is generally accepted among wiccans/pagans... the Law of Return can easily be considered a core belief. However... it must be acknowledged that it is neither a necessary nor a universally defining belief of The Craft. There are many wiccans and pagans, experienced and new alike, who view the Law of Return as an over-elaboration on the Wiccan Rede which encourages that we refrain from causing harm. A wiccan/pagan would not wish to cause harm since he or she believes it wrong to do so... not out of fear of the energy that would return.


The Wiccan Rede


(Full Version)


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Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.




Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.




Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.




When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.    When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's
insight.
Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.                               Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.

Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.

Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.




Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill:




"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"

Tarot Shadow Work- Clarity And Insight

This week is the fourth  position in the Star of Discovery and the card  is The Hermit. What an awesome card for me but at the same time a handicap as well. The Hermit is all about fear of isolation and boredom and even more scary for me is the Shadow quality of cutting myself off from the world because of my misanthropic tendancies...this is exactly the situation that I find myself in today. I seem to be caught in the merry go round of disdane for most of humanity yet needing that social interaction and it's left me somewhat crippled when I need to get out into the world and join the rest of my fellow human beings.

I think that I got the idea from childhood that most people were going to let me down, be less than honest with me and eventualy just take off and leave, I know this sounds totally irrational but deep  in my little brain, my chilhood of  an alcoholic/co-dependant atmoshere  left  scars that to this day are extremely difficut to overcome let alone address sometimes.

My anger, which lies very close to the surface, has a way of popping out when it's least convienient for me to express. What caused this anger? Many things contributed to it and it's hard to pick just one instance but to look at the whole picture I would have to say the lack of control I felt I had when I was young and maybe I took it to the extreme and automatically assumed it was always going to be that way so shove the world away before it has a chance to shove me away first. Again, not very rational but very easy to think when looking at from a child's perspective.

I am an adult now and it's time to realize that just because "daddy went away" and mama was a distant woman (and these abandonment issues) does not mean everyone I encounter will react the same way. Putting that realization into action is another story however.  I'm still working on that but just to see the whole picture is a good start for me. I continue to grow and understand where I came from and where I am headed  gives me a sense of peace and finally comfortable in my own skin. I am indeed a survivor!

Silly Picture Of The Week

It's a good thing for Lilo this is an extra large basket!

Over at Rue and Hyssop there's a terrific giveaway going on in honor of Rue's upcoming birthday so I encourage you all to go check it out!

Tarot Tuesday

I'm using my Fairy Ring Oracle by Anna Franklin today and the card I drew is  the third card in  the Summer Court, The Gruagach ( groo-ah-gock).  She is a long haired fairy in a plaid robe and is shown in front of a Scottish castle at the edge of a loch. Her name itself, means "long haired one" and this character likes to haunt castles and grand mansions but unlike the house dwelling brownie that is attached to a family, the Gruaghach is attached to the building itself.

In an upright position, the appearance of The Gruaghach in your reading,  often refers to matters concerning family roots; traditions; inheritance; ancestors, family money and heirlooms. This card is all about establishing firm family foundations and ties to our ancestors. What is your definition of family? Is it by blood or by spirituality? How can you strengthen your family and it's foundations?

In the reversed position (upside down) this card indicates empty forms and rituals...going through the motions but not feeling a connection. There may be family disagreements and petty squabbles...disputes about legacy and inheritance, perhaps even a change in residence.

The Gruaghach seems to have been more than just a  ordinary house fairy and although her name means "long haired one" it sometimes implies that  of wizard or sorcerer. They are ofted depicted struggling with the four animal totems of the season...the Stag of Samhain...the Unicorn of Imbolc.... the Dragon of Beltane and the Lion of Lammas and may have appeared to turn the wheel of the seasons.

The Graghach is going to be turning the Wheel very soon and ushering in the Autumnal Equinox (and not long after, Samhain) so this season let's think of ways to honor and celebrate our ancestors and family members!



On Another Note:

I'm so excited my favorite season arrived today in the mail!