Honey of a Cold!

It is the second week of October and we’ve already had our first snow! I was not ready for the flakey, cold, white stuff.

I’m convinced the reason adults don’t like snow is because they have to drive in it. Until I started driving, and almost wrecking, in the snow, I absolutely loved it! Now…I grumble every time I see it. That is…unless I don’t have to leave the house. I feel like Jekyl and Hyde when it comes to the fluffy flakes.

When the temperature starts dropping, I start thinking about staying healthy during the winter months. If there is one thing I can’t stand it is cold medicine. Have you ever noticed how yucky it tastes? There is no reason we, as intelligent beings, have to put ourselves through such torture!

It is this time of year I start making my own cold medicine. I also start thinking chamomile and green tea! I count myself among the lucky ones who rarely ever get sick. I think it is because I drink a lot of tea. I also think it is because I reach for my cold medicine the first time I feel a tickle.

Did I hear you ask, “What is your cold medicine made out of then?” Oh, I do love questions! The answer, is simple:

Honey
Lemon
Freshly sliced Ginger – two to three peices (optional)
A Jar

Such a simple concoction! Take a sterilized jar, a freshly sliced (washed and dried) lemon, and some fresh honey. Put the honey and lemon in the jar, until it is full. Place a nicely sterilized lid on the jar, and seal it tight. Then place it in the refigerator. After about three weeks, take one spoonful of the honey/lemon mixture, add it to a 8 oz cup of boiling water. Drink.

There is no peeling the lemon, but you might want to remove any seeds you run across. If you add ginger, please remember ginger is a very strong root, and a little goes a long ways! I do like to cut any brown spots off the lemon rhine, just because I think it looks better in the jar.

After three weeks the lemon and honey should start to jell. If it doesn’t, mix it a little bit, and let it sit longer. I just slice my lemon thinly, but you can cut it into smaller bits. Don’t cut it into large slices – remember, the thinner the better! We want the juice to mix well with the honey.

You can just keep adding to the jar when it gets low instead of making a new batch each time. I find making this rather relaxing, and love to give it as gifts. We add a few more ingredients to ours…I’d share, but I don’t want to ruin our fun!

Blessed Be!

Brightest Spirits

Mabon begins my favorite time of year. The time when leaves start turning, harvests are brought in, the air becomes crisp and cool, and the smell of herbs, and fruits, fill the air with happiness. It is a magickal time where we turn inward, and start self reflection. The days become shorter, and darker, and we rest.

No matter how many times I’ve watched autumn approach. I am always inspired by the magick of it. I have the undeniable urge to spend every waking second outside. The colors of autumn are my favorite colors. The oranges, the reds, even the browns are absolutely beautiful!

This is the best time to begin counting our blessings. Mabon is our Thanksgiving after all. It is more than that though. The world begins to fill with the holiday spirit at this time of year. No matter what your beliefs are it is an undeniable fact. The holiday spirit is real, and such a joy to see!

Although the days become longer, and daylight wanes, the spirit of the holidays is the unseen brilliance that spreads. It moves from person to person through a smile, a touch, a laugh, or a kind word. It shows on our faces, in our eyes, and in our deeds.

It is that spirit, that inner brilliance, which moves us quickly through the colder months. We may not welcome the storms, or love the snow all the time but, we are happier and nicer at this time of year.

So, for tonight, I wish you a glimpse of the magick yet to come, moments of brilliant realizations, and an unfailing holiday spirit. When darkness comes, it is the light within which shines brightest. May it never waver, but shine brighter than the brightest bulb.

Blessed Be My Friends!

Acceptable Celebration?

I’m always fascinated with people around the holiday’s, both pagan and non-pagan alike. Facebook adds a unique perspective on people, and holidays. Take this past weekend for instance – Easter for all my Christian Friends.

It was fascinating to see how people behaved. I watched my Christian friends post quote after quote, picture after picture, bible verse after bible verse. My pagan friends…. I saw them post status message after status message about not having religion shoved down their throats. As a Pagan/Witch, I often have those same thoughts, but what I saw transpire on Facebook woke me up.

What I saw taking place was a group of people celebrating their beliefs, and another group condemning them for doing it. I was a bit confuddled. Granted, our last holiday was March 21st, and our next one is April 30th. We didn’t really have a reason to celebrate this past weekend. We also didn’t have a good reason to belittle others for celebrating their holiday.

We always ask for religious acceptance. We fight for it! As Pagan’s we are to often belittled, tormented, hounded, backed into a corner, etc., etc., etc. because we don’t follow the ‘norm.’ Yet, what I was seeing taken place on my Facebook was ‘us’, pagans, doing exactly what we didn’t want done to us.

We celebrate our beliefs. It is one of our favorite things to do. We dance, sing, rejoice, and share our beliefs with others. Yet, let a Christian stand amongst us and celebrate their beliefs….and we are the first to shoot them down. We say things such as, “……your way is not the way!”, or, “…go push the flock mentality elsewhere…” My favorite saying, when approached by Christians is, “I am not a sheep, I do not need a shephard.” I am as guilty as the rest.

It took seeing it on a grand scale to really bring it home though. I love my Pagan friends, and respect them greatly. I also love all of those I call family, and friends, who are Christian. I love them no less, or respect them any less for their beliefs. Yet….isn’t that exactly what I do when I belittle their beliefs?

In many ways, I was completely floored by the behaviour. We/Pagan’s claim to be nature loving, understanding, and accepting. How is telling people not to preach to us about heir beliefs, on their holiday, accepting and understaning? Is their behaviour really an attack on OUR beliefs? How can we be so self-centered to believe their postings, about their religion, is an afront to us? They are posting to celebrate!

Celebration of a belief system is so fundamental to our mental and physical well being. It is only our own insecurities which make it personal. I say let them celebrate! Let them post pictures, and scripture, and quotes, and whatever it is they feel inspired to post. And let us see it for what it is….Celebration!

And if we take it personal then we are no better then those we struggle against. We can not say we accept religious differences if we cannot, will not accept one of the religions which has caused us the most torment. Our belief in nature is not limited to trees, plants, and the like, it also includes Human Nature.

At what point do we lay aside our differences and say solemnly, “I accept you completely!” Isn’t this the tenant we believe in, Harm None? When we don’t accept others ‘as they are’, we do the greatest harm. We are no better than bullies!

No, I don’t want a Christian at my door preaching to me, and trying to convert me. I don’t want to chase away Jehovah witnesses with child eating, satan worshipping comments. Granted, the last one has its fun moments but,…. it just helps perpetuate a stigma we’re trying to fight. Human Nature does the best of me sometimes though. 

Life is so much more when we stop putting our own limitations on it. Let me leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” – Buddha

Blessed Be My Friends!

Love is in the Air…..Carefully

It is the time of year where people start thinking about Love. Valentines day is just around the corner, and we’re being unindated by hearts, cupids, and visions of red.

I love February for many reasons. Valentine’s Day is not one of those reasons. It is this time of year when we start getting hit with requests for Love Potions, spells, brews, etc. We’re use to it. We have endless numbers of all of the above.

I’ll be the first to admit I love falling in love. I love being in love. I love love! It is the most awesome feeling! I wish the happiness for everyone. What I don’t wish for everyone is…love potions, spells, brews, etc. They are far to dangerous for John Q. Public, because they are so often mis-used.

We follow the strict tenant of “Harm None” in our belief system. Love spells….harm many. People don’t think before they use them. They want so-and-so to fall in love with them. They don’t like being alone. They know if so-and-so would just spend some time with them…. I know all the reasons for wanting to do a love spell. I’ve heard them, or thought them. I also know the one main reason for NOT doing a love spell – Free Will.

When a love spell is done with a specific person in mind, you remove their free will from the equation. You exert you will over them. At which time “Harm None” becomes void. You cannot go in to a love spell wanting so-and-so to fall in love with you. It is the most dangerous, and unethical way to go about it. Not only will you end up hurting the person, but you’ll also end up hurting yourself.

If you’ve ever watched the movie “The Craft,” you’ve seen a glimpse of what can go wrong. Yes, I know, it is a movie and what they show is a bit over the top. It can happen though. You don’t know what affect your spell will have on the person. Do you really want to take a chance?

The great thing about life is, it really does want you to find love. The whole mythos of having an ‘other,’ or ‘split apart,’ or ‘soulmate,’ is realistic. We need to feel whole, needed, wanted, loved, or we wouldn’t search so hard for it. The person we choose for ourselves, is not always “the one!” We often learn this the hard way, because we rush.

In a world filled with divorce, and broken relationships, do we really want to rush? Mr/Mrs. Right could because our nightmare by rushing in and not thinking about what we need. The best love spells are created so we draw what we need to us, not what we want at the time. Our wants change, but our needs will always remain steady. We just have to know ourselves, and what we truly want, before attempting a Love Spell.

Remember spell crafting is all about intention. Knowing what we need in a relationship is part of that intention. Asking for someone who is handsome is a want. Asking for someone who is stable in their job, is a need. The universe knows what you want. It knows it before you do. It is looking to you for guidance on what you need.

For example, in my life, I need someone who is above average intelligience, holds all life sacred, is willing to put themselves under public scrutiny no matter the cost, an infallible honesty, a slightly warped sense of humor, and holds the belief work is the ultimate equalizer. These are things which are important to me. Deal breakers so to speak.

When I first started on the magick path, some 30+ years ago. I had a Love Spell, or Potion, which was my favorite to create for my friends. Then one day while mixing it I really read the words. It stopped me in my tracks! The spell is beautiful. The ingredients are fun. The words, are dangerous. I share it here ONLY to make a point. Please, never use this spell unless you rewrite it! The Spell is Love Potion #7:

Three hearts of precious wild pink rose
That under sun and starlight grows;
Three silver spoons of honey gold
Awaken powers of the old;
Three silver spoons of brandy wine,
You shall be mind, you shall be mine;
You shall be mine ’til you I free
This is my will, so shall it be!

Even without using a persons name, or thinking of a specific individual, this spell takes away a persons free will. You’re exerting your will, fully. It is more dangerous than saying, “I wish so-and-so would fall madly in love with me.” A wish is just a request to the universe, you shall be mine is a command.

So, this Valentines season, while you’re thinking of love, or the lack of, be careful. A well meaning spell can spell disaster if done the wrong way, for the wrong reasons. And, not all spells can be recalled, or nullified, once sent out. Are you really ready to live with the consequences?

Take care, and Blessed Be!

2012 Bookless Adventure Seeking

I was going to write this post about the new book I received for Yule. It is a fantastic book, by a fantastic author but, there is something else on my mind. I’ve learned to listen to my instincts, so I’m listening now.

While the book is important, and I want to share it with you. There is something more important. You see, for the past year, we have been working diligently to support the Pagan community locally. Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! It is amazing to see, and be part of this bright blessing.

That being said though, we’ve run in to a couple of snags. The first one being space. We have grown to large for the space we’re in. An unfortunate occurance, but so very wonderful! The second snag is the classes. While they are fun to, and on great subjects, I’m seeing the true need to have everyone seated around tables.

When people sit in comfortable seats, at differing eye levels, and with easy distractions you very quickly go off course. Phones come out, and people start text messaging. Something which is irritating to the person trying to lead the discussion. We can’t continue with the current setup. I’ll either go crazier, or people will stop showing up.

I don’t want to fail at this venture. There is such a need in the community for a Pagan group. Group…..isn’t the right word but I am really hesitant to call it an organization. I worry about the day we have to start finding funding, or worse, charging for classes. I also worry that I’m not the person who should be leading this sort of venture. I feel driven to do it though.

Something is telling me this is the path I need to take. It’s my instinct again, and I know what happens when I don’t listen. So….what is the plan? I’m going to take a step out of the Coven Craft play book. Setting up a Coven is much like setting up an organization.

You need strong leaders, lots of organization, and diplomacy. I know strong leaders. I’m fairly organized – I have my disorganized days like everyone else. And, I’ve learned to be very diplomatic thanks to work. The question is though…am I a strong enough leader.

I’m really questioning that right now. Whether I can lead as affectively as needed. I have the ideas, the drive, the knowledge, and experience. I know people will follow but, …. just because people will follow does not mean you’re a good leader. I need to take stock in my strengths and weaknesses.

The future is a wonderful place. We’re building it everyday. The Pagan community is a strong place. They deserve a strong leader. If that means I have to step aside once established, then so be it. For now, I’ll do the best I can with the help of the wonderful people around me. We can, and will, make a difference.

So…new book aside, here’s to the next great journey. 2012 is going to be a great adventure!!

Herbs for Everyday

A friend of mine recently bought a house. Not usually a real noteworthy affair to anyone but the new home owner…right? Well… in this case you’d be wrong. You see I have some of the smartest friends, and the coolest if I do say so myself!

This wonderfully talented, very lucky, smart friend bought a fabulous house. It is large, but not to large. It is beautiful, but not to beautiful. It is situated perfectly to be fairly self sustaining. It has a great fireplace, where they’re able to keep a beautiful fire going and have not needed to turn on the heat, so far. It has a sun room, apple trees, large kitchen,….and I am so very, very jealous!

I am also very proud of my friend. She doesn’t just talk the talk about saving the environment. She is actually doing something. There is more she wants to do, and she has fantastic ideas. I would love to help her by giving her some fantastically brillant advice and ideas but…. all I can think is…”She is SOOOOO lucky!!!” Really not much help.

So…in an effort to actually come up with some helpful ideas I’ve sat down and done the one thing I know best. I’ve made lists! Everything should start with a good list. Let’s take a look at mine:

Herbs to grow for strengthening your immune system:

Echinacea
Horseradish
Garlic
Oregano
Sage
Rosemary
Thyme
Ginger

Fair warning when growing horseradish though. Unless you have a large space which needs filled, grow horseradish in a container. It is a very agressive plant and can be hard to get rid of because it sprouts from any little root piece left behind.

A More Traditional Healing Herb Garden:

Apothecary Rose (Rosa gallica officinalis)
Calendula
Feverfew
Aloe
Garlic
German Chamomile
Sage
Comfry
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Peppermint
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)

I always have health on my mind. I’m a huge fan of herbal remedies, and give full credit to herbs for my on going wellness. It has been many years since I’ve had a cold, the flu, or any illness which slows me down. I’ll be 103 touting the benefits of herbs. Just watch!

The Kitchen Herb Garden:

Basil
Chives
Cilantro
Dill
Marjoram
Mint
Oregeno
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Tarragon
Thyme

One word of wisdom here – once you start growing, and harvesting your own fresh herbs….You will never, ever go back to store bought!

For a great Tea Garden, grow the following:

Peppermint
Chamomile
Lavender
Lemon Verbena
Lemon Balm
Rose Hips
Bergamot
Marjoram
Jasmine
Coriander (aka Cilantro)
Thyme
Violet
Rosemary
Stevia

It should be noted that unless “tea” uses the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis, it is technically not a tea but an “herbal infusion.” Tea would be so much more boring if we actually followed that rule though. So I say…the heck with it, it is ALL tea! I do encourage growing “tea” because it does have so many uses. In our area though, it is harder to grow – not impossible, just harder.

I think that is enough lists for one day. It gives a good jumping off point. Just remember when planting your herbs – always plant lavender for luck, rosemary by your garden gate, and have handy the 9 healing herbs of catnip, cayenne, chamomile, coltsfoot, comfrey, platain, garlic, ginger, and lobelia. you’ll never go wrong with any of them.

One last note though – while I am a firm believer in herbal remedies, always see a doctor first. Herbs can heal a lot of things, but if you don’t know the underlying cause of the illness, you will only be treating the symptoms. Safety first! See a doctor, then grab a cup of tea.

Just a little wicked wisdom from the neighborhood Witch!

Serving the Community

I have been reading everything I can find about Pagan support in communities. What I’m finding is….very little. And I’m frustrated.

Did you know the majority of American hospitals and hospices do NOT provide a pagan “chaplain”? For pagans facing death, difficult decisions, loss of family, there is no one available for them. Oh, well, there are of course the Christian and Catholic chaplains. We can’t forget about them.

That scares me. I don’t want to be lying in a hospital, again, and have my faith left in the hands of a chaplain who doesn’t believe as I do. I don’t want to be dying and have someone trying to “save” me. I want someone there who understands my beliefs. Who believes as I do. Someone willing to light the candles, cast the circles, burn the incense, and say a blessing. I want familiar.

Where does one start though to become a “chaplain”? Other than going to seminary. Is it enough to say, “I am Pagan, hear me roar!” and volunteer? Somewhere in my “there are always more rules then sanity” mind I know there has to be more to it. Someone, somewhere has worked their hardest to make sure “evil pagans” are kept out of acceptable society. A world where only “serious” chaplains should be allowed.

Yes, my frusrtation is growing. I would apologize, and in part do, but when you’ve heard the biased rhetoric for the majority of your life….your optimism fails a bit. What is worse is I know how large the pagan community is growing around here. Our groups grow by leaps and bounds constantly. And we’re still considered small by most standards.

Another thing…. local law enforcement. Are they trained to deal with ‘alternative religions’? That is probably a question I should ask my brother-in-law. In fact, that is a great idea. I mean seriously, how would our local law enforcement react to an occult crime? Would they turn it into a “satanic” crime, not knowing any better?

As our group grows, and as we become more open with our practices, it is something we really need to start thinking about. Putting together an educational class would be a good idea. Who would listen though? Where do we start?

My fear is, we will be doing all of this wonderful stuff for our pagan community and the outside world will start making our lives difficult because they don’t understand. I have read the transcripts of interviews conducted by police professionals. In fact, here is a short transcript of one interview:

Police Officer: “Do know anyone else who, or have you heard of anyone else who, practices the occult?”
Pagan Follower: “No. I don’t know of anyone who practices that kind of religion.”
PO: “Have you any knowledge of the use of statues in practicing the occult? What about the ritualistic killing of animals? Ritualistic dress, as in gowns, that type of thing? Do you have any books about witchcraft?”
PF: “Umm, Wicca witches and things like that? Yes in the kitchen?”
PO: “Wicca witches? What’s that?”
PF: “Well paganism, you don’t know about paganism?”
PO: “I don’t.”
PF” “It is not against the law. Paganism is basically about people who believe in mother Earth. It’s not witchcraft as in, you know, flaming voodoo sort of things.”
PO: “I have information that you were involved in devil-worshipping ceremonies. Have you ever been into devil worship?”
PF: “Not at all.”
PO: “The information we have is that it has taken place and that you did use it to dress up in a long white gown and wore masks, as did your wife, and that you carried out some sort of ceremony during which there was dancing, and that your children were dressed up in a similar manner to yourselves and there was music being played, described as Indian music. And also that during this, some form of chanting and praying took place. Further to that, there was information given to us that whilst this was being conducted, it was being videoed on a camcorder. Have you been in a position of seeing any videos which would depict serious sexual abuse? People being killed, and I’m not talking acting here? Have you ever drank the blood of a chicken? Have you ever witnessed anybody else doing that? Ever drink the blood of any other animal?”

This is where a little local law enforcement education might have came in handy. Movies and superstitions have made our lives complicated. We have to combate it with truth and education. The question becomes….where do we start?

It is something we need to be figuring out.

If anyone has ideas or suggestions, please feel free to email me. I will be more than happy to listen to anything you may have to add. I’m always glad to help and different view points.

For tonight though, I’ll continue in my reading and mayhaps do a quick inspiration ritual.

Blessed Be my friends, Blessed Be!