I saw a post on facebook about this. The guy had it completely wrong so I felt some clarification was needed. What we mean by avoiding negative thoughts isn't to ignore that you're behind on rent or that you're sick. What we mean is to change your way of thinking. Don't think "I am going to lose my job" instead think "I am going to keep my job". Also avoid thinking anything with the word "no" in them because it gets bleeped out. So thinking "I am not going to be late" becomes "I am __ going to be late". Instead try to word it differently so you can keep it a good thought. "I am going to be on time" or "I will be early".
I'm sure some of you recognize a little bit of this from my post about affirmations in may of 2013, but I felt the thought should be explained too. The reason we say to watch your thoughts is because every thought you have contains energy, especially the ones that have any emotion. Frustration, Anger, Joy, Hope. So put some hope in and say the positive mantra for what you want to happen.
A good example of this working. I tried pot once, just curious about it (I don't like it btw, it makes me feel like I'm carsick and on the tilt-a-whirl.) and a week or two later I had to take a drug test for a job opening. Everyone was worried if I would pass it or not and I was like "That was a while back, and I hardly smoked any. Whatever was in my system is surely out by now. I will pass the test."
And sure enough I did pass the test and have the job. I had no worry, I was confident that I would pass the test and kept saying that I would. My belief was strong enough to counter-act everyone's fear of me failing. I also believe that it was because the outcome would have effected only me, not them, so their statements didn't apply.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Cleansing with nothing or In a dorm.
I had someone ask me the other day about cleansing to help with negative energies. Several ideas came to mind and I'm sure many of you reading this now are probably thinking of at least one of the ideas. However, as per usual I'm posting for those that can't get their paws on the items needed.
1. You can sprinkle salt around the area you wish to cleanse, on the floor and furniture and along window sills. Any area where the salt will be able to land on. Let it set for a few minutes to neutralize the energy of the room then clean it up.
2. Include Salt in cleaning solutions. Mop Water, Windex, Laundry, Dishwater. The salt will remove all energies clinging to the items.
3. Bless some water and flick it around the area. You can put the water in a bowl, or a cup and just dip your fingers in and flick the water around. Or if you have an empty spray bottle you can use that to spritz it in the area (in this case I like adding scent to the water when able).
4. Replace smudge sticks with incense or scented disinfectant spray. Incense will work just as well as any smudge stick, and I've heard good things about dragon's blood. However it's whatever scent you feel smells cleansing or lightening. Though sometimes you can't burn it because of the smoke, in which case the spray will make for a good substitute. I know it seems a lot like the water, but "disinfectant"...
5. Or, if you can't even get your hand on salt, water or anything else listed above then this step is for you. Physically clean the area and focus on knocking out the negativity along with the dirt. As you're dusting, you're wiping away the negative, as you're sweeping, you're knocking out the energies, etc.
You can also include all these steps in one go if you're able to and like.It's whatever you are able to do, what feels right to you, and what your situation entails.
1. You can sprinkle salt around the area you wish to cleanse, on the floor and furniture and along window sills. Any area where the salt will be able to land on. Let it set for a few minutes to neutralize the energy of the room then clean it up.
2. Include Salt in cleaning solutions. Mop Water, Windex, Laundry, Dishwater. The salt will remove all energies clinging to the items.
3. Bless some water and flick it around the area. You can put the water in a bowl, or a cup and just dip your fingers in and flick the water around. Or if you have an empty spray bottle you can use that to spritz it in the area (in this case I like adding scent to the water when able).
4. Replace smudge sticks with incense or scented disinfectant spray. Incense will work just as well as any smudge stick, and I've heard good things about dragon's blood. However it's whatever scent you feel smells cleansing or lightening. Though sometimes you can't burn it because of the smoke, in which case the spray will make for a good substitute. I know it seems a lot like the water, but "disinfectant"...
5. Or, if you can't even get your hand on salt, water or anything else listed above then this step is for you. Physically clean the area and focus on knocking out the negativity along with the dirt. As you're dusting, you're wiping away the negative, as you're sweeping, you're knocking out the energies, etc.
You can also include all these steps in one go if you're able to and like.It's whatever you are able to do, what feels right to you, and what your situation entails.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Clearing out 'Clutter'
Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted here. I'm sorry folks, life just got too cluttered for a while there. Which leads me to today's post,which is all about clearing the clutter from your life. How to tell if you have clutter is simple, just ask yourself "Do I have enough available time to do projects that I want to do?". If the answer is "No" then perhaps you are involved in too many things.
To Clear out clutter first, make a list of what you are required to do. Things you can't just stop doing, like work/school, cleaning, errands, etc. Make a note of how often and how long you do them. Next make a list of fun things. Things you can just stop doing, like visiting, tv, clubs, hobbies, etc. Again make a note of how often and how long you do them. This is what my list looked like.
Required:
Work - 40hrs/week (8 hrs 5 days a week).
Cleaning - 1 hour daily or 4hrs/week.
Errands - 4hrs weekly.
Fun:
Coloring on Gimp - between 3-6 hrs depending on picture.
Reading - 4hrs daily.
Studying - 2 hrs daily.
Visiting - 3 hrs weekly.
Dragon Pals - 5 hrs daily.
(20+ hrs total daily)
I was staying up late into the night and getting up extra early in order to do all of this. I had no time to relax or take care of things I wanted to do. So I went through the list and crunched them down. This is now what my list looks like.
Required:
Work - 40 hrs weekly.
Cleaning - 1 hour twice a week (I don't generate a lot of trash, so I have no need to sweep every day (for example))
Errands - 2 hrs weekly (I re-routed my path to do errands so that I can make a big circle rather than drive zig-zag accross town).
Fun:
Coloring on Gimp - 3 hrs when all else is done.
Reading - 2hrs daily.
Studying - 3 hrs daily.
Visiting - When free to do so.
Dragon Pals - Quit
Flight Rising - 1 hr daily.
(16+ hrs total daily)
My schedule has reduced down a lot emptying out some free time. Sometimes I have friends come over to visit rather than go visit them (like when I'm cleaning).
Now you play with your lists. See which fun items you can do without, or spend less time doing. See which required items you can do simultaneously or ways to decrease the time spent on them. If applicable to you, share the load with others (like partner, roommate, kids, etc.).
To Clear out clutter first, make a list of what you are required to do. Things you can't just stop doing, like work/school, cleaning, errands, etc. Make a note of how often and how long you do them. Next make a list of fun things. Things you can just stop doing, like visiting, tv, clubs, hobbies, etc. Again make a note of how often and how long you do them. This is what my list looked like.
Required:
Work - 40hrs/week (8 hrs 5 days a week).
Cleaning - 1 hour daily or 4hrs/week.
Errands - 4hrs weekly.
Fun:
Coloring on Gimp - between 3-6 hrs depending on picture.
Reading - 4hrs daily.
Studying - 2 hrs daily.
Visiting - 3 hrs weekly.
Dragon Pals - 5 hrs daily.
(20+ hrs total daily)
I was staying up late into the night and getting up extra early in order to do all of this. I had no time to relax or take care of things I wanted to do. So I went through the list and crunched them down. This is now what my list looks like.
Required:
Work - 40 hrs weekly.
Cleaning - 1 hour twice a week (I don't generate a lot of trash, so I have no need to sweep every day (for example))
Errands - 2 hrs weekly (I re-routed my path to do errands so that I can make a big circle rather than drive zig-zag accross town).
Fun:
Coloring on Gimp - 3 hrs when all else is done.
Reading - 2hrs daily.
Studying - 3 hrs daily.
Visiting - When free to do so.
Dragon Pals - Quit
Flight Rising - 1 hr daily.
(16+ hrs total daily)
My schedule has reduced down a lot emptying out some free time. Sometimes I have friends come over to visit rather than go visit them (like when I'm cleaning).
Now you play with your lists. See which fun items you can do without, or spend less time doing. See which required items you can do simultaneously or ways to decrease the time spent on them. If applicable to you, share the load with others (like partner, roommate, kids, etc.).
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Magick: White, Black, Gray
There are some (Christians and similar mainly) that would say all magick is black. However I'm going to explain what I consider for each shade and perhaps give some examples to help make things clearer.
White Magick: What I consider white magick is the magick done to benefit someone else with the other's permission. An example would be if someone asked you to do some healing magick for them, or you get permission to perform magick to help the other balance their emotions.
Grey Magick: To me, grey magick is two things. Magick done for the self, and beneficial magick done without permission. I consider self-magick grey because of the controversy behind wither or not you should cast for yourself. Some consider it to be greedy and not good, while others say there is no reason you can't use magick to help yourself along. A good example of beneficial magick done without permission .. say you have a friend that is so terribly sick that you can't get permission from them to help heal them. You're not sure if they want the healing or are giving up, but you do know that they have given permission before.
Black magick: Black Magick to me is any harmful magick or manipulative magick done. Some say that there is nothing wrong with cursing someone, but I believe Karma knows the situation better than we do and can give a more Fair justice than we as humans are capable of doing. Manipulative magick is any magick that controls someone, like casting a love spell on that hot boy or asking that the teacher give you an A.
Banishing people is something I"m unsure of. At the very least I would say it is grey magick. Because one you are casting it for yourself (maybe another) and two you don't ask the permission of the one you are banishing. However it's something that occasionally is needed, and something I'd do after all mundane attempts has failed.
These definitions and explanations may not be true in your eyes, you might have a different opinion about what is white, black or grey but as I said earlier: This is how I see things. A good rule of thumb in my book, Never cast for another without their permission. You don't know if they want the results or not (look at what happened in Practical Magick when the Aunts gave her just a push in a love spell!) and you can't know the entire honest to goddess truth behind it as well as they do so you can't judge for sure.
White Magick: What I consider white magick is the magick done to benefit someone else with the other's permission. An example would be if someone asked you to do some healing magick for them, or you get permission to perform magick to help the other balance their emotions.
Grey Magick: To me, grey magick is two things. Magick done for the self, and beneficial magick done without permission. I consider self-magick grey because of the controversy behind wither or not you should cast for yourself. Some consider it to be greedy and not good, while others say there is no reason you can't use magick to help yourself along. A good example of beneficial magick done without permission .. say you have a friend that is so terribly sick that you can't get permission from them to help heal them. You're not sure if they want the healing or are giving up, but you do know that they have given permission before.
Black magick: Black Magick to me is any harmful magick or manipulative magick done. Some say that there is nothing wrong with cursing someone, but I believe Karma knows the situation better than we do and can give a more Fair justice than we as humans are capable of doing. Manipulative magick is any magick that controls someone, like casting a love spell on that hot boy or asking that the teacher give you an A.
Banishing people is something I"m unsure of. At the very least I would say it is grey magick. Because one you are casting it for yourself (maybe another) and two you don't ask the permission of the one you are banishing. However it's something that occasionally is needed, and something I'd do after all mundane attempts has failed.
These definitions and explanations may not be true in your eyes, you might have a different opinion about what is white, black or grey but as I said earlier: This is how I see things. A good rule of thumb in my book, Never cast for another without their permission. You don't know if they want the results or not (look at what happened in Practical Magick when the Aunts gave her just a push in a love spell!) and you can't know the entire honest to goddess truth behind it as well as they do so you can't judge for sure.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Growth
Obviously there are many types of growth the average witch goes through. You grow in body, mind, spirit, and more. Everything that enters your life, be it good or bad, is a point of growth for you or another. Let's say someone enters your life and you can't possibly grow from them, perhaps you were meant to help them grow.
When growth (for you or the other) is no longer available, then you'll part ways. I know it's sad, but at this time the growth will be finished as well as the interaction. A good example of this is a close friend that you no longer talk to or care for as much as you once did, eventually the two of you stop talking or interacting at all. You never forget that friend, but both of you has grown as much as possible from the friendship and are moving on to more growth.
However, there are some growths that never end. A good example of *this* would be that close friend that you're still as close to today as you were when the friendship first began. My theory of this is multiple. The two of you are constantly growing with and because of each other. Another thought is that your spirits are connected, either because you've been close in a previous life or because they are part of your life lesson.
A warning though, not all things are meant to be dealt with. Some of them may just be making you grow so that you stand up for yourself. If you don't feel improvement from the event or person perhaps you are meant to learn to cut ties from it. A good example would be a neighbor that is always inconveniencing you. The growth here is for you to have strength to say "enough is enough" and stand up for yourself. You may still be able to help them grow, but if no matter what you do the person is constantly bringing you down then there is no growth available there.
When growth (for you or the other) is no longer available, then you'll part ways. I know it's sad, but at this time the growth will be finished as well as the interaction. A good example of this is a close friend that you no longer talk to or care for as much as you once did, eventually the two of you stop talking or interacting at all. You never forget that friend, but both of you has grown as much as possible from the friendship and are moving on to more growth.
However, there are some growths that never end. A good example of *this* would be that close friend that you're still as close to today as you were when the friendship first began. My theory of this is multiple. The two of you are constantly growing with and because of each other. Another thought is that your spirits are connected, either because you've been close in a previous life or because they are part of your life lesson.
A warning though, not all things are meant to be dealt with. Some of them may just be making you grow so that you stand up for yourself. If you don't feel improvement from the event or person perhaps you are meant to learn to cut ties from it. A good example would be a neighbor that is always inconveniencing you. The growth here is for you to have strength to say "enough is enough" and stand up for yourself. You may still be able to help them grow, but if no matter what you do the person is constantly bringing you down then there is no growth available there.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Interacting with Altar
Yay! Another alter post. However, it is important that you interact with your altar regularly. Think of a room, if you never go into it, or have anything to do with it, then eventually it will become stale, full of dust, and isn't as welcoming as you would like. Your altar is just like that, if you don't interact with it, and just ignore it, then it will grow stale, be covered in dust and won't be as welcoming to any deities or beings that wish to visit it.
Cleaning Altar: Not only should you clean and cleanse your altar space when you first set it up, but you should do so regularly to keep both physical dust and clutter as well as metaphysical dust and clutter clear from it. Keep it looking and feeling nice. It doesn't have to be as regular as cleaning a real room, about once a month should be just enough to keep your altar clean and cleansed.
Updating Altar: Think of your house, it has furniture and some stuff that stays year around, but some things change throughout the year. Decorations, items are added and removed, and more. Just like you're altar. You should keep it with the seasons, change the cloth (if possible) to match what season or Sabbat you are celebrating. As you grow and change, so will your altar. You might add or remove tools and decorations as new stuff and information present themselves to you.
Praying: No, not in the Christian use of the word. Any kind of spell work or meditation or wish. Perhaps light an incense on your altar and say "This day is blessed" or light a candle for a short time and focus on a goal or desire you have for the day, week, month or year. You could also just take a moment each day and say "thank you" for whatever reason, or to greet your altar and/or the deities and beings that are welcome there.
Those are just some basic ideas that should get you started and being comfortable in interacting with your altar. Perhaps you know of other ways, or you will discover new ways to interact with it. The altar is not a piece of furniture to be used only when desired, but something that should be cared for and visited with. It's alive... kind of like a dog or cat. Those need cleaning, company, and will grow and change with the seasons. You wouldn't ignore your pet, don't ignore your altar!
Cleaning Altar: Not only should you clean and cleanse your altar space when you first set it up, but you should do so regularly to keep both physical dust and clutter as well as metaphysical dust and clutter clear from it. Keep it looking and feeling nice. It doesn't have to be as regular as cleaning a real room, about once a month should be just enough to keep your altar clean and cleansed.
Updating Altar: Think of your house, it has furniture and some stuff that stays year around, but some things change throughout the year. Decorations, items are added and removed, and more. Just like you're altar. You should keep it with the seasons, change the cloth (if possible) to match what season or Sabbat you are celebrating. As you grow and change, so will your altar. You might add or remove tools and decorations as new stuff and information present themselves to you.
Praying: No, not in the Christian use of the word. Any kind of spell work or meditation or wish. Perhaps light an incense on your altar and say "This day is blessed" or light a candle for a short time and focus on a goal or desire you have for the day, week, month or year. You could also just take a moment each day and say "thank you" for whatever reason, or to greet your altar and/or the deities and beings that are welcome there.
Those are just some basic ideas that should get you started and being comfortable in interacting with your altar. Perhaps you know of other ways, or you will discover new ways to interact with it. The altar is not a piece of furniture to be used only when desired, but something that should be cared for and visited with. It's alive... kind of like a dog or cat. Those need cleaning, company, and will grow and change with the seasons. You wouldn't ignore your pet, don't ignore your altar!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Fluffy Bunnies
There are many types of fluffy bunnies, some that are worse or better than others. Fluffy bunnies read one book or maybe two and suddenly consider themselves an expert. Or perhaps they got all their information off the internet and is TOTALLY misinformed. Though some fluffy bunnies are willing to be corrected, not all are. It's those that don't want to be corrected we have to worry about, because they will just turn around and teach their own twist on things to others, not allowing others to learn their own way with gentle guidance. They are frustrating, annoying, and a pain in the arse.
A good fluffy bunny, while allowing to be corrected, will also be respectful of other members and the one they approached. They admit errors, will allow facts to be corrected and are open minded to new ideas or viewpoints. These are the ones we don't mind having around, because they are excited but willing to grow and improve.
A bad fluffy bunny generally shows no respect for other members, is ALWAYS right on all believes and if you express how you believe and see things you will be corrected on it and told what is the truth. They use terms like "only close minded" or "those full of hate" to comment on who wouldn't agree with him. Some claim to have more power than they actually do (able to become something else, able to make bad spirits nervous, etc.) and cannot stand being in any position if it's not a leading role. They don't listen, and only hear what is said. They refuse to cooperate, or support, only putting in their own ideas.
This is why a year and a day of constant studying is SOOO important in the craft. It prevents you from becoming a fluffy bunny, No way will you learn all there is to learn from this amount of time, but you will learn enough to be able to participate respectfully among the other members, you will learn enough to where you're only making mistakes and not a fool of yourself.
Fluffy bunnies, you are not impressing anyone. When you step up claiming that you are such and such, those that are more experienced can see through you. We can see that you are full of it, we know our facts and often laugh at you rather than respect you when you do this. If you want respect, then you have to earn that respect both by being respectful in turn and actually knowing a little about what you are talking about. I know magick is exciting, but take the time to learn and you will be better for it!
A good fluffy bunny, while allowing to be corrected, will also be respectful of other members and the one they approached. They admit errors, will allow facts to be corrected and are open minded to new ideas or viewpoints. These are the ones we don't mind having around, because they are excited but willing to grow and improve.
A bad fluffy bunny generally shows no respect for other members, is ALWAYS right on all believes and if you express how you believe and see things you will be corrected on it and told what is the truth. They use terms like "only close minded" or "those full of hate" to comment on who wouldn't agree with him. Some claim to have more power than they actually do (able to become something else, able to make bad spirits nervous, etc.) and cannot stand being in any position if it's not a leading role. They don't listen, and only hear what is said. They refuse to cooperate, or support, only putting in their own ideas.
This is why a year and a day of constant studying is SOOO important in the craft. It prevents you from becoming a fluffy bunny, No way will you learn all there is to learn from this amount of time, but you will learn enough to be able to participate respectfully among the other members, you will learn enough to where you're only making mistakes and not a fool of yourself.
Fluffy bunnies, you are not impressing anyone. When you step up claiming that you are such and such, those that are more experienced can see through you. We can see that you are full of it, we know our facts and often laugh at you rather than respect you when you do this. If you want respect, then you have to earn that respect both by being respectful in turn and actually knowing a little about what you are talking about. I know magick is exciting, but take the time to learn and you will be better for it!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Visual Exercises
I talked about this a little before, but now I would like to go into more detail. No matter how much you progress, its something you're going to need to do on a daily basis, treat it like you would any other exercise you were serious about doing. Your visualization will improve and/or stay in shape if this is done regularly.
The easiest would be a piece of paper, nothing special about it, other than it can change colors! Yep, imagine it being different colors. Or perhaps draw a simple shape on it (circle, star, triangle, all those shapes you learned in kindergarten), and make the shape change colors. Or you could make both change colors (red star, blue paper).
Let's make it a little more complicated now. With a plane sheet of paper, try remembering (don't cheat and look it up, you'd only be cheating yourself) how to fold.. a paper boat, one of those paper fortune teller things, a sailor's hat, or a paper cup. Or anything you used to make a lot of as a child. Try to remember you're favorite way of making it. Once you get good at them, why not concentrate on keeping the paper a certain color (blue, green, any color other than the normal color) while you fold the paper.
Want to increase the difficulty of either of these, give it a smell, or a sound, perhaps a taste. Make the paper blue, with the sound of trickling water and the taste of the ocean, perhaps the paper feels like water or it's made of water! That is only a simple example of how complex you could make it.
Be inventive, if it's a mild challenge then go ahead, if you can't manage it then make it a bit easier until you can! Work on them regularly, perhaps you can focus on the simplest for a week and slowly make it more difficult. Maybe you want to continue with the easier ones while you improve on more complicated ones (good warm up idea). How you do it is up to you.
The easiest would be a piece of paper, nothing special about it, other than it can change colors! Yep, imagine it being different colors. Or perhaps draw a simple shape on it (circle, star, triangle, all those shapes you learned in kindergarten), and make the shape change colors. Or you could make both change colors (red star, blue paper).
Let's make it a little more complicated now. With a plane sheet of paper, try remembering (don't cheat and look it up, you'd only be cheating yourself) how to fold.. a paper boat, one of those paper fortune teller things, a sailor's hat, or a paper cup. Or anything you used to make a lot of as a child. Try to remember you're favorite way of making it. Once you get good at them, why not concentrate on keeping the paper a certain color (blue, green, any color other than the normal color) while you fold the paper.
Want to increase the difficulty of either of these, give it a smell, or a sound, perhaps a taste. Make the paper blue, with the sound of trickling water and the taste of the ocean, perhaps the paper feels like water or it's made of water! That is only a simple example of how complex you could make it.
Be inventive, if it's a mild challenge then go ahead, if you can't manage it then make it a bit easier until you can! Work on them regularly, perhaps you can focus on the simplest for a week and slowly make it more difficult. Maybe you want to continue with the easier ones while you improve on more complicated ones (good warm up idea). How you do it is up to you.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Celebrating Sabbats 2
Last time I focused on those that were in the broom closet and couldn't talk about it. I gave tips for those in a group or those going solo for the time being. This time I will follow a similar concept, only instead I will focus on those that can express themselves but don't have *any* spare money. You can combine the two (like if both of them fit, hiding and no money) if you need, or adjust the tips and ideas if you have a bit more than this available to you.
Broke- Group
Yule: Gather Holly, Mistletoe, and other evergreens and hang them up as decorations. You don't need to put glitter or paint as in the olden times the items themselves were considered decorative. Perhaps a ribbon or something, it doesn't have to be glitter. You're group could agree to make gifts for eachother to exchange, or perhaps instead of giving gifts, perhaps you could exchange services (like readings, healings, etc.) or just bless each other.
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: You could celebrate the mundane way if possible (hunting eggs), or you could spend time planting a garden (if possible), enjoy the spring air outside (weather permitting).
Beltane: Singing, dancing, bonfire and playing games. If you plan those right, it'll just look like a family having fun. Feel free to invite rest of family to join in if they wish to, the bonfire might not be possible, but you can make up a game to play that requires nothing if needed.
Litha: Sing, dance, and make merry. This time of the year crops are doing well and everyone is joyful of the abundance. This holiday is mostly for enjoyment.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field as a family and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps just gather together and make music.
Mabon: Celebrated Like thanksgiving really. Plan a picnic outside beneath a large tree, you could make it a game where before each serving of each item someone has to name one thing/person/event they are grateful for.
Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and let the children remember their lost loved ones in their own way before bed, while the adults do so in their way.
Broke-Solo
Yule: Gather Holly, Mistletoe, and other evergreens and hang them up as decorations. You don't need to put glitter or paint as in the olden times the items themselves were considered decorative. Perhaps a ribbon or something, it doesn't have to be glitter.
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: You could celebrate the mundane way if possible (hunting eggs), or you could spend time planting a garden (if possible), enjoy the spring air outside (weather permitting).
Beltane: Singing, dancing, bonfire and playing games. The bonfire might not be possible, but you could always play a one player game (not virtual, something that you have to physically do) or make one up.
Litha: Sing, dance, and make merry. This time of the year crops are doing well and everyone is joyful of the abundance. This holiday is mostly for enjoyment.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps just make music.
Mabon: Celebrated Like thanksgiving really. Plan a picnic outside beneath a large tree, you could make it a game where before each serving of each item you have to name one thing/person/event they are grateful for.
Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and remember your lost loved ones in your own way before bed..
Broke- Group
Yule: Gather Holly, Mistletoe, and other evergreens and hang them up as decorations. You don't need to put glitter or paint as in the olden times the items themselves were considered decorative. Perhaps a ribbon or something, it doesn't have to be glitter. You're group could agree to make gifts for eachother to exchange, or perhaps instead of giving gifts, perhaps you could exchange services (like readings, healings, etc.) or just bless each other.
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: You could celebrate the mundane way if possible (hunting eggs), or you could spend time planting a garden (if possible), enjoy the spring air outside (weather permitting).
Beltane: Singing, dancing, bonfire and playing games. If you plan those right, it'll just look like a family having fun. Feel free to invite rest of family to join in if they wish to, the bonfire might not be possible, but you can make up a game to play that requires nothing if needed.
Litha: Sing, dance, and make merry. This time of the year crops are doing well and everyone is joyful of the abundance. This holiday is mostly for enjoyment.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field as a family and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps just gather together and make music.
Mabon: Celebrated Like thanksgiving really. Plan a picnic outside beneath a large tree, you could make it a game where before each serving of each item someone has to name one thing/person/event they are grateful for.
Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and let the children remember their lost loved ones in their own way before bed, while the adults do so in their way.
Broke-Solo
Yule: Gather Holly, Mistletoe, and other evergreens and hang them up as decorations. You don't need to put glitter or paint as in the olden times the items themselves were considered decorative. Perhaps a ribbon or something, it doesn't have to be glitter.
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: You could celebrate the mundane way if possible (hunting eggs), or you could spend time planting a garden (if possible), enjoy the spring air outside (weather permitting).
Beltane: Singing, dancing, bonfire and playing games. The bonfire might not be possible, but you could always play a one player game (not virtual, something that you have to physically do) or make one up.
Litha: Sing, dance, and make merry. This time of the year crops are doing well and everyone is joyful of the abundance. This holiday is mostly for enjoyment.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps just make music.
Mabon: Celebrated Like thanksgiving really. Plan a picnic outside beneath a large tree, you could make it a game where before each serving of each item you have to name one thing/person/event they are grateful for.
Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and remember your lost loved ones in your own way before bed..
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Celebrating Sabbats 1
Today I will be with my group and a sister group celebrating Litha this evening. Which got me to thinking, I hadn't talked about how to celebrate the sabbats yet. Again I am basically focusing on those that can't be as outspoken for one reason or another. So on the next two posts I will talk about ways to celebrate if you're in the closet, or if you simply can't afford tools. I will cover both of those for solitaires and groups. Well not quite 'cover' more like give some suggestions that you can use or perhaps they'll spark some ideas for how you can celebrate it. As always only you know your situation and how you can do it. For this one, let's focus on those that are in hiding.
Hiding - Group
Yule: Christmas is already pretty pagan, except for the story it tells. Yule included decorating, eating, dancing, singing, and gift exchange. Perhaps you could decorate your place on yule, while singing and dancing, then do the eating and gift exchange on Christmas with the rest of the family?
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: Easter is already pretty pagan as well. Perhaps you can color eggs on Ostara (Unless Easter is too long away) and nibble on chocolate. Then hunt and eat with the rest of the family. If Easter is too far away, then perhaps you could make other Easter decorations (that could be both Easter and Ostara) to hang out and decorate with.
Beltane: Singing, dancing, bonfire and playing games. If you plan those right, it'll just look like a family having fun. Feel free to invite rest of family to join in if they wish to.
Litha: BBQ outside while listening to music and splashing in the water.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field as a family and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps plan a big meal and invite some family that you want to share it with.
Mabon: Celebrated Like thanksgiving really. Excuse could be "Don't have to wait till thanksgiving to be thankful"
Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and let the children remember their lost loved ones in their own way before bed, while the adults do so in their way.
Hiding - Solo
Yule: Christmas is already pretty pagan, except for the story it tells. Yule included decorating, eating, dancing, singing, and gift exchange. Perhaps you could decorate your place on yule, while singing and dancing, then do the eating and gift exchange on Christmas with the rest of the family?
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: Plant a garden of either flower, herbal, or other. If no room for a garden then how about planting a single seed?
Beltane: Sing some of your favorite songs while dancing, or make your own music. Perhaps drink some fruit (fermented or regular) juice.
Litha: Go swimming, tan under the sun, or just generally enjoy the outdoors.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps plan a big meal and invite some family that you want to share it with.
Mabon: Make a list of everything you are grateful for, then make a small meal and share with your dietie(s) while you express your gratitude
.Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and remember your lost loved ones in your own way before bed.
Hiding - Group
Yule: Christmas is already pretty pagan, except for the story it tells. Yule included decorating, eating, dancing, singing, and gift exchange. Perhaps you could decorate your place on yule, while singing and dancing, then do the eating and gift exchange on Christmas with the rest of the family?
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: Easter is already pretty pagan as well. Perhaps you can color eggs on Ostara (Unless Easter is too long away) and nibble on chocolate. Then hunt and eat with the rest of the family. If Easter is too far away, then perhaps you could make other Easter decorations (that could be both Easter and Ostara) to hang out and decorate with.
Beltane: Singing, dancing, bonfire and playing games. If you plan those right, it'll just look like a family having fun. Feel free to invite rest of family to join in if they wish to.
Litha: BBQ outside while listening to music and splashing in the water.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field as a family and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps plan a big meal and invite some family that you want to share it with.
Mabon: Celebrated Like thanksgiving really. Excuse could be "Don't have to wait till thanksgiving to be thankful"
Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and let the children remember their lost loved ones in their own way before bed, while the adults do so in their way.
Hiding - Solo
Yule: Christmas is already pretty pagan, except for the story it tells. Yule included decorating, eating, dancing, singing, and gift exchange. Perhaps you could decorate your place on yule, while singing and dancing, then do the eating and gift exchange on Christmas with the rest of the family?
Imbolc: Leave a light on in every room for an hour, and/or light a candle in each room and let it burn out.
Ostara: Plant a garden of either flower, herbal, or other. If no room for a garden then how about planting a single seed?
Beltane: Sing some of your favorite songs while dancing, or make your own music. Perhaps drink some fruit (fermented or regular) juice.
Litha: Go swimming, tan under the sun, or just generally enjoy the outdoors.
Lammas: First harvest, why not get out into the field and harvest your plants or herbs if you've grown some. If not, then perhaps plan a big meal and invite some family that you want to share it with.
Mabon: Make a list of everything you are grateful for, then make a small meal and share with your dietie(s) while you express your gratitude
.Samhain: Celebrate it the "mundane" way, only after trick or treating have a short dumb supper afterwards and remember your lost loved ones in your own way before bed.
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