Back into the Swing of things. Hecates Lesson

Back into the swing of things

            After all the holiday rush, and the busyness of life in general, I find my way back into the swing of things. As a witch and a woman I find that I have become increasingly able to flow with the waves of life. It may or may not have something to do with being a Pisces as well. I try to allow life to happen, and take me where I am needed. It is sometimes not ALWAYS where I would like to be, but much like the Doctors Tardis I have found that is always where I need to be. Life is one giant lesson, and we are all its students. So, I go where I am taken I stay there for however long I am needed then when the lesson is learned I come back on to the main path. That is exactly how I have felt the last two months. I will try my best to return to a regular swing.

            Today, I want to talk about some of the lessons that Hecate’s temple teaches. In the temple of the Dark Goddess Hecate we learn of what many people call our shadow selves. Hecate is the Goddess of the passage into the underworld, of death, of change, and of our shadows. She stands at the Crossroads of life’s journey and holds a torch (or lantern) and provides for us some understanding of the road ahead. She is often depicted as a bent over hag cloaked in black and hooded. One of her methods of teaching is she removes her hood and reveals to you your own true shadow. This is not meant to frighten or scare you but only so that you may be aware of it and overcome its hideousness. She does this because she knows that only once you have released your shadow and your fear you are then able to move on past her into change. Effectively dying, or leaving your old self behind and immerging transformed into the light. She is not necessarily the goddess of the underworld, but rather the Goddess of slef-transformation.

            To apply or acknowledge Hecates lesson we must first identify our shadow selves. We bring back the symbolism of Hecate’s veil. When she lifts her veil what you are seeing is not her but rather your true self. No matter how horrifying it seems. To identify our shadow selves look for what annoys you in other people. What is it that you get so negative about? What about that certain somebody can you completely not stand? This is our shadow selves. From personal experience one of the things I couldn’t stand was certain friends being to controlling. It seemed like no matter what someone did they would always get annoyed. The lesson I learned from this is simple. I was really being to controlling. I was really passing judgment of people that did not deserve it. In truth, we were both being far too judgmental and negative of issues than was necessary. I know now that one of my personal issues that I work to overcome is to not be so judgmental of people.

            Don’t get the lesson wrong. I’m not saying that the people who don’t annoy you aren’t the problem, because the qualities that annoy you are still present in them. Hecate’s temple teaches that these qualities are not only in them but in you as well. So yes, that one person on your mind right now is exactly what you are thinking they are, but have you ever stopped to say “Hey, maybe I’m to blame as well”. Accepting the fact that we are not all perfect people and we do make mistakes and have flaws is not only necessary to Hecate’s teachings but also essential. Acceptance and acknowledgement is what Hecate truly teaches at the fundamental core of her lessons.  The power to over come our fears and shadows is a spiritually profound phenomenon. However the power to accept ourselves in EVERY aspect of who we are, be it light, dark or in between is where the true enlightenment comes from. Hecate’s lantern is just that, one of enlightenment. The road that she travels on with you may be dark, but she teaches us that from this darkness we learn acceptance and we turn it into enlightenment.

            To bring the energy of Hecate’s Lantern into your life, I would suggest several things. Keep a journal someplace where you can write and learn about yourself. Make notes of traits in people that annoy you and see if you can find that issue and flaw within yourself. Every once and a while, sit in a dark room with nothing but a single candle or lantern lighting the room and meditate on the dark side of yourself and thing about how you can acknowledge, accept, and move past it into enlightenment. Learning about the Darkness of ourselves is how we find within us the true light. 

Day 28. A Witchy I want It now

I Want the handmade charmed book of shadows from Tallpoppy Studios , for a completely novel reason. I loved watching the show growing up, and I still love it today. 

Day 27. A picture of Nature. Elemental Earth.

Sexy.

Daily Witchcraft

Today the Moon is in Pisces. My ruling sign. Pisces ruling heavenly body is generally accredited to the watery planet Neptune, however since Pisces is water, the Moon plays a huge influence on the constant ebb and flow that a Pisces lives. When the Moon is in my sign, it is always a harder day than normal. Since Pisces are primarily emotions when the moon pulls on me, it can either benefit me greatly, or leave me lacking sorely. It is even worse when this happens during my Moon time (which luckily, I'm not in). For others the Pisces moon can also be beneficial or not. You may experience inward thinking on how you feel about many things, and your focus might turn to how others feel about you. Pisces moons are good for spells of love and affection, and also spells of healing both inward and outward. And remember if you find yourself over reacting to the small things, just ground and center and rethink "Should I really be getting this upset?" Burn candles of light blue, and soft calming incense when the moon is in Pisces to calm the ever turbulent Pisces waters.

Day 26. A Witchy Podcast

A Darker shade of Pagan 

^Link above. )O(

Day 25. How do your close ones feel about your Witchy Path?

Do they know? Why, or Why Not?


I was, extremely lucky and unfortunate to have been born into a family that was already Pagan and followed an Earth Worshipping Path. I know that, and have been told that by tons of people. I know so many people whose parents don’t know, or even…they spouses don’t. And this isn’t something I could live with. I have had so much support from friends, family and lovers throughout my life, and sometimes I’m easy to forget how lucky I am.

Although, my family doesn’t call themselves witches, they still do worship the goddess and god. Each in their own way.

Witchcraft was something that I discovered myself and simply applied to my own inherent gifts, abilities, and beliefs. 

Day 24. Moon Sign

Day 24. Moon Sign. Sagittarius. :) The Archer, which is cute...because Aretimis is one of my goddesses, and I love bows. :D

From my Natal Chart

More than anything, Lunar Sagittarians have a need for personal freedom and space. They are extraordinarily happy and easygoing folk, as long as they don't feel caged in or cooped up. Lunar Sagittarians have a simultaneous need for activity. Meeting new people, going out in the world, and travel are all important to their sense of well-being. They love open spaces, and, in their homes, a roomy and bright environment. There's a bit of a teacher in Moon in Sagittarius, and definitely a helpful spirit. They easily forget appointments and the like, and some are even considered irresponsible. However, it is hard to stay angry at a Lunar Sagittarian! They are so cheerful and upbeat, and their optimism is catchy.

Day 20: A picture of a Tarot or Oracle Card, and its meaning.

Tobaira of the Waters:

Tobaira is the card of healing, empathy, and all emotions. She is one of my favourite cards, and has a fantastic connection with me. She is the Queen of Water and she plays the role of healer, teacher, and companion (sounds familiar). She is also about giving and receiving equally, teaching us that healing is a two way street

Day 19: Fire Element

Day 19: Fire Element

I got to thinking Thursday night, when I posted about fire I said "It doesn't really resonate with me" I wasn't really thinking clearly at the time. Yes, I am a water element, and fire isn't really something I go out of the way to worship, i just never realized how much fire or fire energy I actually use. I use a lot of candles during rituals, and I do a lot of fire burning rituals. In fact, one of my favourite altar piece is a Lantern. Hecate carries the Lantern, and she holds it at the crossroads. She offers you light for you path. And it wasn't until I was walking the circle with my lantern around the circle, that I actually realized how significant Fire actually was to me.

Day 18: Have you had any Paranormal Experiences?

Day 18: Have you had any Paranormal Experiences.

I think, there is far to many to even name. I have been seeing, feeling, and hearing, more than just spirits since I was very little.
When I was younger, I often stayed in a very large, very old Plantation house near Ponce Inlet that my step fathers parents owned. In the middle of the house there was a large room that probably was used for ballroom dancing’s or some other sort of gatherings in days long, long past. It had been carpeted, and we now used it as a room for storage. However, this room connected to three medium sized bedrooms, (about 8 by 12 each) These rooms where probably used for different social gatherings as well or perhaps powder rooms or something similar. However, I know undoubtedly these four rooms were “haunted”. I can’t tell you how many times I heard music just coming from the walls of the ballroom. I was asked, many times Why I was dancing and spending time in this room, My reply was most often “I was dancing to the pretty music”.
However, the other three rooms, I was absolutely terrified of, to the point where I had to tell my mother and stepfather to lock the doors because it made me feel safer.
Upstairs in this house, there was three bedrooms, and a bathroom, a large middle area (directly above the ballroom). I had the far bedroom, my sisters room was directly next to me, and my parents had the master bedroom at the top of the stairs. Across from my sisters bedroom, across the large middle room there was a smaller room. I was also terrified of this. I always could see an image of a taller middle aged man standing in the door way. I am almost certain that this was a butler/servant quarter.

On top of that, I spent the better part of my years there, terrified of my own room. Not because of any spirits, but because when I was laying in bed, I could hear very distinctly the sound of little feet literally pattering around. I commonly saw things that I called “Rat Men”. And It would scare me to the point where I would be crying, and when my mother would come in to see why, she would look around and see no rats anywhere. Years later, I realize now that I was living with goblins. They never hurt me, and I’m sure now that there initial intent was to simply play with me. Mischievous as they are they have a tendency to gather around Faery Children and scare them. Nowadays, I freely welcome them, and other Faerykind in all the places in my life.

There have been many more accounts, of friendly ghosts, restless spirits, dark shadows, angry souls, playful sprits, mischievous fay, and my fair share of mythological creatures.

I have been fortunate enough to been able to deal with them each in their own ways, and never have any issue with them. I consider myself very lucky and gifted in my ability to communicate with them, and I owe a great deal to some of them for what they have taught me. 

Day 17: A Picture of Nature Fire

Day 17: Picture of Nature Fire Element

This one was hard for me, Fire doesn't resonate with me very well, being a Water Element. So I figured I'd use a bonfire

Day 16: Facvourite Witchey Websites

Day 16 Favourite Witchey Websites.

I don't particularly have any specific Witchey Websites, I have a few Witchey Blogs I read, and then there is Cybermoon Emporium which has a lot of very cool Witchey things. If I should ever get enough money to buy really cool Witchey clothes It would be from the Pyramid Collection website. Of course, i love writing in my own blog, which could be considered Witchey. I gather my Witchey things from various websites, Including pagan/witch pictures from Deviantart, music, invocations, dances and plenty of world knowledge from Youtube, and Holistic Remedies from all over the internet including HerbMentor.com. And of course, Facebook, where I connect with many many witches.

I consider myself a traditional witch, however I would be completely lost without the use of the internet. I think, even the most traditional witch has at one time used the internet for something. At least nowadays. Witches are infamous for being able to make the most mundane thing magickal, its what makes us Witches. We should be able to utilize the environment and the tools that we have to better learn and practice. This, in my honest opinion, includes the internet. I don't think I would join or be part of A "NeoPagan" Coven that only practices over the internet, all though I'm not discrediting this...it is simply that this idea doesn't really resonate with me.

Day 13: What are some Witchy Books that Influenced you.

Day 13: What are some Witchey Books that influenced you?

I have read several books on the subject, but a few of the ones that helped me define my version of Witchcraft are:

-Grimore of a Green Witch, Ann Moura

-Solitary Witch, Silver Ravenwolf

-The Green Wiccan Herbal, Silja

-Cottage Witchery, Ellen Dugan.

-Moon Spells by Diane Ahlquist (Borrowed from Oracle)

Most of my knowledge has been adapted from Priestesshood, or the Internet as well. I have also spent a lot of time writing and working on my own Books.

Page from a Witches Book: Cleansing, Consecrating, and Empowering

Cleansing, Consecrating, and Empowering Magickal Tools
A Magickal Blessing and Binding.
By Faewynn Lunaise Evenstar

Witchcraft can be a very tool heavy practice, and then sometimes require very little tools. Either way you should always cleanse consecrate and empower your magickal tools. Even if you are 100% sure of where they come from. Here are some CCE Tips:

·         The Phases of the moon are important for various types of Cleansing and Consecrating. Before CCE, leave your new objects or stones out in the light of the moon (Or lack there of). Sprinkle a mixture of blessed water on the tool as well

·         Perform CCE on Full Moon for Light Aspect Tools, and on the Dark Moon for Dark Aspect CCE. You can also perform on the proper Waxing or Waning of the moon.

·         You may want to write a specific blessing that binds the tool to you. Or you may want to write a specific spell to charm the object with an enchantment (I.e like protection or healing) You can write a general all encompassing blessing or make a specific blessing.

·         If you choose, once a year you can rebless and CCE all your tools.

·         After you CCE for the fist time you can then inscribe any magickal symbols you desire, including your magickal name.

Light Aspect Cleanse Consecrate and Empowerment Spell.
To be used for CCE spells for any Light Aspect Magick

Any magick with positive intentions or things that benefit you or someone else

Such as: healing, courage, protection wisdom, knowledge, strength, or love.
 Also use the Light aspect Empowerment for all your regular tools.

Perform this spell after the Circle Casting is Complete and at the appointed time during Ritual/Esbat

***You will need***

·         A white altar candle

·         Representations of the four elements

·         Sage

·         A Pentacle (Can be drawn)

·         Optional: A tool-specific blessing

Set up and place the materials on the altar. Place the Pentacle on the middle of the altar the white candle above it and in a half moon shape place the four elements around the pentacle. To The left of the white candle Water, Then Fire. To the Right of the white candle Earth, then Air.

Sage the object fully.

Cleansing and Consecrating

      If you have not done so light the Altar Candle, and the incense and the Fire Candle. Place the Tool to be blessed on the Pentacle, and raise your hands above you.

“By the might o’ gods above,

And in thy names o’ trust an love

By thee words of Witches Rune,

And by thee light o’ fair moon”

Pick up the tool, and cover it in blessed water.

“Cleanse this too, for mine own use,
By ebb of tide as ocean moves,

Pas the tool over the Earth and take some salt in your hands

And smudge the tool with it

“Pass to thee, they strength of earth,

Grace of tree and use of worth,”

Pass through incense

“Float with will, by magick thought,
assist in the work that I may wrought

Final move through the flame of the fire candle

“By Passion of Fire, doth I imbue,
in thy light I maketh new.”

Empowering

      Return object to the Pentacle. Close your eyes and breath as if you were grounding and centering. Draw Energies from the earth and the universe for a few seconds. Now Open your eyes, place your hands above the tool and channel this energy into the object.

“Hear thine words, by witches wise

Empower this tool before my eyes

Give to thee, strength, power, and will

So it may no longer lie still.

Give to thee Divine Power

On this, thy sacred witches hour

Work for me, and my own,

My clan of heart, hearth, and home.

Bound in love trust to thee,

And as I will so shall it be.”

Exstinquish  white altar candle, incense and fire, before opening the circle transcribe any magickal symbols or names. Then, say Item Blessing. 

Day 12: A picture of Nature (Air)

Coffee and Cards

Days Outcome: The Faery who was kissed by Pixies – This Card is love. Pure and simple. Unfettered and unbound love. This love is about both giving and receiving. Morna, the faery displayed on the card is the Queen of Love, all kinds of love; Brotherly, sisterly, parental, friendly, unconditional or conditional. She is about using the power of love to help open our hearts. One of her main jobs is to remind us to love without conditions and to be sure that when we do feel love, we are centered within ourselves. We should not loose ourselves in others so completely that we can’t let go of them. She reminds us that everything and eceryone in Faery glows with is own light, and so do we. “Much of that light is the glow of love” Jessa Macbeth writes. She says remembering that is important. Applying this to myself isn’t always simple. Today, I will probably get a lesson in this, or I will be able to complete this energy in my life. Allowing for the flow of love and light. 

Days Energy: Strength- A pretty self-explanatory card. The strength card is not only about physical strength but the strength of will. Triumphing over something that almost seemed impossible or, WAS thought impossible. It can also mean, the strength of stability. What may appear weak in form, can overcome weakness if one has mastery of herself. This is how the Maiden is able to tame the lion. In essence she is “Lion-hearted” In Character. 

Day 11 Witchey Tools: Oils

Day 11. Witchey Tools Oils- I specifically love oils. I love to make my own, and their magick is so simple, they can be added to water and sprayed around the house as air fresheners and a simple way to bless homes quickly. There are so many types of oils and so many ways to use them I couldn't even begin to explain them all in great lengths. My favorite oil to use is lavender, because not only does it have a millon and one holistic remedies and uses, but it also has just as many magickal uses.

Day Ten: Rising Sun Sign- Pisces

Imaginative and sensitive

Compassionate and kind

Selfless and unworldly

Intuitive and sympathetic

On the dark side....

Escapist and idealistic

Secretive and vague

Weak-willed and easily led

Pisceans possess a gentle, patient, malleable nature. They have many generous qualities and are friendly, good natured, kind and compassionate, sensitive to the feelings of those around them, and respond with the utmost sympathy and tact to any suffering they encounter. They are deservedly popular with all kinds of people, partly because their easygoing, affectionate, submissive natures offer no threat or challenge to stronger and more exuberant characters. They accept the people around them and the circumstances in which they find themselves rather than trying to adapt them to suit themselves, and they patiently wait for problems to sort themselves out rather than take the initiative in solving them. They are more readily concerned with the problems of others than with their own.

Day Nine: Favourite Mythological Creature

Sirens are one of my absolutely favourite Mythological Creatures, and for the Longest time I associated quite a bit with them. At least the Darker Side of them. Most people just view them as temptresses however, the specific Norse Mythology of them views them as creatures of great sadness, their song while still extremely tempting is also a lament. A Lament for their lost lives and lovers, as Siren themselves are born from women who take their lives in the ocean or die in grief after their lovers are taken by the sea.

At one time, I wrote a poem called "Spirit of the Sea" It was about a Siren who had lost her love and tried to love countless times afterwards but every time her touch would just turn men cold. It was written during a very dark time in my life, where I was really sad. Unfortunately that poem has been long since lost

Changing a house into a home.

If you read my daily cards yesterday, you can see that the focus of yesterday was change. So todays post will be just about that; Change. You can ask anyone, I hate change. If suddenly something changes, I get all worked up and upset. It may be because, as a water element I just prefer slower change. However, not ALL change is bad. Even I know this. Some change, including sudden changes are necessary for the benefit of yourself and the many. Sometimes change teaches us lessons, sometimes it offers us opportunities to better ourselves and the people around us.
    Currently, my boyfriend and I are living with some roommates. Both, pretty good friends of ours. However, my issue with this is it doesn’t feel like home. You know, that feeling you get after a long days of work and you sit down with your feet up and you go…”Ahh…”. Well, I don’t get that here. And it is frustrating. I like living with them, it is a good opportunity for me. Its cheap, clean, accessible, and the people are good people. Yet, I can’t make it my own space. Which, is something else that water elements like to do. Have their own space. Everyone else’s energy is always buzzing about, they’re always leaving it floating around and about. On top of that, it was the house that both roommates grew up in, so they feel a claim to the space. Leaving me just feeling like a guest.
    Although, this is the place I live. This SHOULD be my home. So, I’m going to work on changing the place to an energy that we can all feel comfortable with. I just bought a book called Cottage Witchery by Ellen Dugan, one of my all time favorite book, but my original copy seemed to have walked away. With the help from the book, some of my own magick, and hopefully cooperation from my boyfriend and roommates I’d love to change this into, our home. At the very least, I’d like to make it so that I am comfortable.

With all the anxiety issues I have, on top of being an empath, I have the unfortunate habit of collecting and keeping all their negative energy and all their straggling sorts of buzzing vibes and keeping it. I do my best to suffice, wearing a hematite necklace, grounding and centering often, but just can’t seem to do enough to keep the house level. So I’m really counting on help from this book.

The good thing about Cottage Witchery is it’s a relatively simple prospect, and can be as cheap or as expensive as you’d like it. The main prospect is about attuning the house with the natural flow of energy of the earth, channeling that through ones “Hearth” of the house and rippling that energy outwards. This can be done by adding different elements of magick to different parts of the house.

    And these elements don’t specifically have to be spells or charms, it can be all about what colors you paint the walls, flowers you bring in, and candles you arrange. The way you move your furniture has an impact on the overall energy of the house, the Chinese have been practicing this, Called Feng Shui for hundreds of years. Magick is not all about spells or rituals. It can be so much simple and far more subtle than that.
    That is what Cottage Witchery is all about. And these little and subtle changes are what I plan do to help me adjust.