Dec 29, 2011

PaganBlogPrompts: Out with the Old..


Out with the Old!

http://paganprompts.blogspot.com/2011/12/out-with-old-in-with-new.html



for me its more like out with the clutter!  And I think that before the new year begins is a perfect
time to de-clutter. Most people do it in the spring. But I think now would be much better. Then I
can feel like I'm starting the year new and fresh instead of bringing over all the old trash with me
into the new year.

I'm trying to make life changes. I don't refer to them as resolutions. Thats not ever worked for me.
I don't stick to them. So, I'm trying to live a healthier more balanced life. And clearing out my clutter
is definatly a step in a healthier direction for me. I'm not good with putting something away when I'm finished
with it. But I want to be better about that. I want to have a pretty home and for it to feel warm and cozy. Like
an old witches cottage tucked away at the forests edge.

Today I am starting with my bedroom. Which is also where my wiccan altar is. Where I do my thinking, studying,
praying, rituals... My bedroom has always been the center of who I am and where I like to be. It's a personal space.
Not just where I sleep. All my magickal beings are there with me. So, its the most logical place for me to start.

Over the past 10 months I have been on a path of change, learning, expansion, spiritual knowledge. It can only get
better from here :)

Dec 28, 2011

KWW - Steamed Broccoli


Kitchen Witch Wednesday
Steamed Broccoli

Well, for the 1st time since I joined KWW I feel like I'm actually writing about something that I know about.

Today, I am steaming some broccoli. I am even thinking of getting creative and adding some chopped almond slivers and raisins.

Broccoli has many healing elements to it. I read about 4 years ago that it is believed to completely irradicate H-pylori. Which I have had before its associated with peptic ulcers. And causes people to be very sick to their stomach. Unless of course you have your broccoli on hand! Of course my husband will be non too pleased to come home and smell it. *hee hee*

The healing powers of broccoli is very fascinating.
I encourage everyone to visit this page:
http://www.holistic-medicine-works.com/broccoli-nutrition.html
to learn more.

Running off now to finish my yummy broccoli!
btw -- broccoli is not suppose to mushy and gross. If it is,
it has had all the important nutrients cooked right out of it!

Dec 27, 2011

Life as a city witch.: Boxing Day Blues.

I also go through depression and I think this a wonderful way of dealing with it, getting through it, and being constructive :)
yeeeah to Sue )O(




Life as a city witch.: Boxing Day Blues.: I used to always suffer with the Boxing Day blues. As my husband is non witchy and it is only recently that the DD's have become involved -...

Holidays over- Yeah!!

I am pretty happy for the December holidays to be over with. For the last several years I get sad at this time. And christmas had become meaningless to me. I know that Jesus was not born in the winter muchless on December 25th. And christmas is so commercialized. It's a buy me this, buy me that civilization. And material things just shouldnt be that important.

I was rather hoping this year would be different for me. I had plans of celebrating Yule for the 1st time. But then I got sick right before I was to start making my candles for my family and got down and didn't have any energy to put up decorations, or make
my special gifts I'd been planning for months, or to make my 1st yule log cake. And now that I have enjoyed christmas with my
grandkids and family. And the dark clouds have lifted. I'm very happy to be past this time. Theres also a lot of controversy around christmas. I wasn't expecting that. I learned a more new things. And even went a step further and expressed my thoughts and view on the subject. Which is pretty pretty rare for me to vocalize a view about something, especially on such a strongly religious subject.

Now I am looking forward to getting back on track with my meditation and dedications. I miss my morning dedications. And reading, learning, studies... So I'm looking forward to that and to learning about the next sabbat. I can hardly even believe I'm almost through a whole year of sabbats! I started with Beltane. Started on the path of wicca just about a month or so before Beltane. The ending of march.


Dec 20, 2011

Why Would...





why would a woman stay with a husband that is not there for emotionally. EVER! All the difficult parts of her life have been handled on her own. When she should not have had to be alone because she had a husband. Isn't that what marriage is about. Togetherness. Love. Comfort. Figuring things out together. Doing fun activities together. Growing, evolving as a couple...

Why would a woman stay when she does not recieve affection, comfort, support, togetherness.
Why would she? And for 24 years!

For love... Because she loves unconditionally. Because maybe someday things will change. Because maybe he didn't mean those things he said. Because she has a big heart. Because she is afraid of change. Because she likes the things she has accumulated as a couple from him making good money and while she was making good money....

___________________
___________________

how many of us women do such stupid things for love. Sacrifice our own happiness in the name of love...

Dec 15, 2011

KWW - Sugar Cookies!


Merry Yule!











An old favorite for yule time for me is decorating sugar cookies!!

    



I will be baking my sugar cookies with a very good friend. That will make it twice as fun and twice as special and twice as memorable. I am so excited.
I even bought new cookie cutters too! *big giggles*




Since I'm learning about pagan and wiccan traditions. I thought that I would provide a link to the history of cookies. Maybe that will be a fun read.
http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/CookieHistory.htm


Other Stuff
I also got a brand new toy today!

Dec 9, 2011

Kitchen Witch Wednesday - YuleLog


I always look forward to the holiday cooking.
I try to keep them traditional as much as I can. It's not always easy finding those recipes. There is SO much available online.

I've never made a yule log before. But this recipe sounds good to me.
So keep watching for me to post more yuletide recipes that I will be making.
And as always photos will follow!

 

Yule Log Recipe

 

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
  • 1 can (16 ounces) coconut-pecan frosting
  • 1 can (16 ounces) milk chocolate frosting, divided
  • Large marshmallows
  • Baking cocoa

Directions

  • In a bowl, beat egg yolks, sugar and vanilla on high until thick and lemon-colored, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low; beat in chocolate and water until blended. Add flour and baking soda; mix well.
  • In another bowl, beat egg whites on high until stiff peaks form. Fold in the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly in a greased and floured 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, sprinkle a kitchen towel with confectioners' sugar. Invert cake onto the towel. Starting from a short end, roll up cake in the towel. Place seam side down on a wire rack to cool completely. Unroll cake; spread coconut-pecan frosting to within 1 in. of edges; roll up cake without the towel. Cut and reserve a narrow diagonal slice from each end of the cake. Reserve 2 tablespoons chocolate frosting for mushrooms. Attach diagonal cake slices with a little of the frosting to opposite sides of cake with remaining frosting. With the tines of a fork, make strokes in the frosting to resemble bark on a tree trunk.
  • For the mushrooms, half marshmallows widthwise. Flatten half of each marshmallow for cap of mushroom; roll other half between palms of hands for stem. Attach caps to stems with the reserved frosting. Dust tops of mushrooms with cocoa; place around the log. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 slice) equals 610 calories, 30 g fat (10 g saturated fat), 106 mg cholesterol, 337 mg sodium, 80 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein.
Originally published as Yule Log in Country Woman November/December 1995, p54

Nov 30, 2011

Kitchen Witch Wednesday ~ Coffee Cake


Home made coffee cake!
I have been thinking about my dad's home made coffee cake all day long today. I think I'm excited to make some. So, this week for Kitchen Witch Wednesday, I will share my family's recipe for our creamy coffee cake.

This is adapted from my great grandmother's recipe. I'm thinking the part that changed is the dough. We don't make the dough from scratch. But I'm thinking of adding something more homey and crafty to it this year. so maybe I'll find a good recipe for making sweet dough. So, in the modern age we buy 1 box of sweetroll mix.
1 large sour cream (16 oz I think)
                                        1 pint of heavy whipping cream
a drop or two of either lemon juice or white vinegar

Prepare ground cinnamon and sugar (heavy on the cinnamon) in a small bowl that you can easily shake/sprinkle from.

In medium mixing bowl stir together your sour cream and heavy whipping cream and lemon juice or white vinegar. Cover with towel and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl prepare the sweetroll mix as directed on the box.
Shape into ball. Leave in bowl, cover with towel to let rise a bit.

In a large cookie sheet with a tall edge on it, pour out your sweetroll dough. Start to softly shape it into the pan. It will take some time to get it all spread out to all of the edges. I just kind of push it with the base of my hand and keep working it softly and gently. When its spread to all of the edges
you will go around the edges the edge of your hand using it like a hammer to form an edge (crust) around it. And make it look like a swimming pool. *lol*  Cover with towel. Let set for 5 minutes.

Then go back and this is the fun part! -- fold your fingers down and use your middle knuckles to punch little knuckle divits all over the dough. (not the crust though) Punch, punch, punch... Not so hard to tear it though.

Let set 5 minutes.

Go back and do it again, the dough will be all nice a puffy and make sure your just getting it all punched down with dents.

Take your cream mixture and carefully pour it in the center. It will fill the pan right up to the crust.

Now take your cinnamon mixture and shake it evenly all across the top and all over the crust too.
Let it soak up the cream and have a nice even coating of it over the top.

Now lets bake her at 350 degrees for about 20 - 25 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.

Now, my dad advises me not to eat it right away and burn myself. *lol*
But I will say it is best all warm and gooey! Whats a little scalded tongue....

I hope you will enjoy your wonderful Clayton's Coffee Cake! (my maiden name)
http://momsawitch.blogspot.com

Nov 29, 2011

A Lot Going On...


wow lots going on again. I've been doing rituals for job success. And I recieved a wishing bracelet in one of my 'new witch' kits from Under The New Moon. The note with the wishing bracelet said to put it on. Make my wish & before the string on the bracelet wears out, my wish will manifest. Indeed!

On Thanksgiving day, I got a call asking me to help care for someone's mother. Who used to be a resident at the retirement center I used to work at. She is actually my mother in laws patient. And my m.i.l. is on vacation right now. And there was an emergency with the husband. So, I went out that evening and got her ready for bed. And have been going out every morning and some days staying until after lunch & going back in the evenings
on some days. Just depends on who is there that can help.

It's really really good to be working again taking care of people!! I'm a C.N.A. (certified nursing assistant)
And I've been out of work since mid June. So, close to 6 months.
And now the husband had to have emergency kidney surgeries. And is going to be starting
chemotherapy also.

I've also been working on my forum a bit more.
The Witches' Garden
http://thewitchesgarden.ning.com
I'm really hoping that I will be able to keep it. I'm on a free trial of it right now.
And the middle of December I'll be billed $25.00 a month
So, I'm hoping to keep working even after my MIL gets back to work too w/ our patient.
She works 3 days a week. And I have been offered to pick up the other 4 days.
Which was actually a dream of mine. *giggle* - to just work 4 days a week. :D

And I've also got a lil sale going on at my shop -
Sacred Oaks Alchemy
http://faerycharm.net/sacredoaksalchemy/index.php

Here we are headed into December. But it doesnt feel like christmas to
me at all!

Nov 23, 2011

KitchenWitchWednesday-01


::: My 1st Kitchen Witch Wednesday :::



Kitchen Witch Wednesday A kitchen witch blessing as you stir your food with love and contentment.

Stirring round and round with my power hand
Goddess Brighid please guide me now
Through love health and work all is grand
This to you I vow...


~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I love writing quatrains. I'm not saying I'm actually good at it. But
it is fun & creative. I hope that with time I will get better at it, and the
right words will arrive on my lips.

Join Emerlyn Rayne in her Kitchen Witch Wednesday as I have.
Originally started by Emberlyn Rayne at Mom's a Witch




Nov 9, 2011

The College of the Sacred Mists Online Wiccan College

I felt compelled to speak of The College of the  Sacred Mists wiccan college today. I can no longer attend because of my financial woes - of being out of work. Which is only $25.00 a month to attend. Not a huge amount and good price for all that they offer.

But I just want to send out a huge compliment to all who make the college a wonderful place to be. And also I love the teaching system they use. I was only there for a short time. But I utilized a lot of the extra courses. And they are valuable tools to me that I use everyday.

The exercises they teach. What all is involved in the homework. I really value the knowledge and experiences gained through Sacred Mists, on an everyday level. I loved the deity research at the end of each lesson in addition to the homework. And it is the shielding teachings that I use everyday that I am particularly fond of. The visualization that I used on my sheilding experience is still with me. And I call on it often.

I do not know how many people this will reach. Or even how many it will reach who attend or teach at Sacred Mists. If it even reaches one person I think that will be enough for me though. That means there is at least one person in the universe who knows my thoughts, gratitude and love I have for Sacred Mists. I miss it dearly. Maybe someday I'll be able to go back...

Nov 2, 2011

New Candle!

New candle added to My Etsy Shoppe yesterday

November Rayne

This candle is poured with parafin wax with out any color added to the wax.
It has silver and green glitter added throughout the candle.
It is crafting in modern chunky style in the ways of the olde craft
using correspondences for love, prosperity, and protection.

Orange chunks from my 'Alluring Autumn' candle were added which
has the scent of warm honey and melted butter. Brownish/Wine colored
heart chunks also add to the creativity of this candle. The hearts are from the same
wax blend as my cinnaberry candles (scented with cinnamon & hollyberry).
A few green wax chunks are also added, as well as shavings of non-colored
parafin wax. Giving this candle a special pock/chunk look. As well as a couple
of secret ingredients...

Dressed with a light olive green organza ribbon tied in a bow binding the
love, prosperity, and protection to this candle.
Dried rosemary and roses are sprinled throughout this candle.
Infusing it with love, harmony, protection, prosperity, joy, and an uplifted spirit.

This candle would be perfect in a ritual or to scent your home...

Nov 1, 2011

Samhain-November 1st 2011



HecateGoddess of Witches . Associated with Isis . Thought to give
instruction to the arts of alchemy . moon goddess . triple goddess .
Associated with magick, witchcraft, crossroads, walls, gates, and doorways .
torch . sword . dogs . thunder shrieks yells and barking dogs are heard upon her travel...


I had a wonderful ritual last night on the eve of Samhain. I'll get to that later. 1st I must say how enlightened I am to have just learned the truth of Hecate today. I (and I have no idea why) thought she was evil. I don't have a reason for thinking that. Now that I have learned of her history I have the overwhelming feeling that she is deeply sacred. An extremely important Goddess. I want to know more about Hecate and Morrighan...

Now for last nights ritual. Interesting! I used what words came to me. I'm not huge on planning. So, I didn't write out my ritual word for word. I'm a wing-it sort of person. *lol* Drives my sister insane. Guess I truely am a hedge witch. *hee hee* I also used parts of Scott Cunningham's samhain ritual from his renowned book: Wicca - A guide for the solitary practitioner. And also borrowed from Ann Moura's samhain ritual. I didn't cast a circle. But I think that I will tonight. I had also decided that it would not be necessary for me to do a naming ceremony. But then all of a sudden at the end of my ritual, I was gazing into the flame of my black candle that I created myself with different shades of orange dripping down it. All the words just came to me. And I claimed my name bestowed to me through dream.

For my rememberence of the dead part of my ritual I spoke to my grandma. I let her know how much I love her and how proud she would be of me if she were here to see all that I've done and all that I've become. Continued on to say that if she would like to come through the doorway just for tonight for a moment, she is welcome to do so. Then I sat silent for a moment with my eyes closed memories of her and I swirling around in my head. Just then I started to hear this loud crackling sound. I tried to not break my visualization. But I did look. And a dried rose i used to decorate my samhain candle came into the bottom of my candle. How I have no idea. Since I didnt put any roses near the wick. But it was so perfect since my grandma Jennings loved roses. She had a rose garden. And my grandpa picked a fresh rose for her everyday and brought it in and it was put into a special goblet glass of water.

I also said good-bye to the past year of bad thoughts, terrible experiences, sadnesses. Wrote down on a piece of parchment paper the thing I would like to rid myself of most. And welcomed the new year, new joy, new experiences, new knowledge in the coming year and welcomed happiness.

I also incorporated samhain correspondences such as black and orange candles. I had another candle on my altar which I also made and it turned out w/ an image of a black cat on 1 side. It was suppose to just be a swirly design with dark candle coloring. *lol* My altar cloth was black with gold triple moon in the middle. and a pentacle in the center. I made my own incense. Not so sure I'm very crazy about the scent though. It may end up in the trash. *lol*
Ingredients: broom wood, red sandalwood, mugwort, patchouli, rosemary, yarrow, myrrh resin, flax seeds, frankincense resin, 11 drops of cedarwood oil, 2 drops of ylang ylang oil.

My ritual was performed at 12:30 at night. Wind blowing. A cauldron in my window burned an orange candle. Which when it was extinguished the wick kind of has a crescent moon shape to it. And the glitter inside the candle all went to 1 side to also make a crescent moon shape. ??
I also had candles in other windows in my home to guide the spirits.
Today is perfect. cold, somber, snowy/rainy dreary! Very calming and comforting.


Some of my Samhain / Halloween Pics:
My 1st Samhain
October 31st 12:30 a.m.
Samhain Altar
Stones: moonstone, carnelian, garnet
candles: black and orange - handmade by me



Samhain Candle Cauldron
placed in my bedroom (magickal space) window next to my altar.




Cauldron Candle
I thought it was interesting how the wick shaped like a cresent moon
after being burned.



Then I noticed how the glitter all went to one side forming
the shape of a crescent moon too. As you can see the
glitter started out all over the entire candle.
(look around the edges)
The next few pics are of my grandkids Evey (11) & Dante (7)



Oct 31, 2011

The Thinning of the Veil...

Samhain - pronounced [Sow-In]
Observance Date: October 31st-November 1st
Moon Phase: Waxing
Waxing Moon: Draw your intents, wants & desires to you.


I feel as though my own veil into myself is actually thinner today. I feel like so much is so clear. Feeling full of energy and happy. Is it that I am more intune with nature and the universe now than ever before. Because of all of the knowledge I have gained over the past 7 months? Is it because it is the witches new year and the veil between the other world and this world is thinner. A door is open...


Samhain is a time to connect with our loved ones who have passed into the other world. Our ancestors, pets, familiars, family members. It is a time to remember and pay respect to those who have walked this well worth path before us. A time to remember those who suffered the burning times and at all other times to I believe. It's not just at the 'burning times' that witches suffered. I think this is a good time to remember all who have suffered at the hand of others. Whether it is any kind of slavery, religious unjustice. This kinds of things happen every day still. As I look back at american history we have not been a kind and understanding people. I do not understand the forefathers. Why do we not like and why are we cruel to people who are not are exact duplicate? I am speaking of going into another country and kidnapping people and making them our slaves. Why? I don't get it. I am also speaking of all of the cruelty reaped upon the native americans. Who I feel were here before the white man. I feel very close to the native american culture. They were (are) truely in tune with nature. Respected the land. And all we did is destroy and steal from them. I also speak of the injustices that are done in modern day. People are still ridiculed, fired, ... for their beliefs today.


Okay, got a bit off course there. But I wanted to get that off my chest. *lol*


Today I am going to make moon cookies for the 1st time. I don't know if any tricker-treaters will want them. As home-baked goods are frowned upon. But it is something that I feel strongly about today. Home baking, family, crafts, feels like a theme of today for me. I'd like to make some herb bread too. And making fried chicken for supper. It will be a very early supper. I don't want my grand kids Evey and Dante having candy for supper!


I didn't think I would feel any different today, than on any other day of the year. But I feel very loved. Like Isis has her arms around me letting me know I am loved. And that I am going in the right direction. I keep getting goosebumps. *lol*


I intend to put candles (safely) in my windows of my home to guide and welcome spirits of  the other world. I will have a big ritual. I have a lot of ground to cover. I'll probably go out trick or treating with my grandkids too.


I'm SO glad that I'm all better from being sick! It's like a miracle. I've never gotten well so quickly. And I've always had to go to the doctor to get well. But its like a real miracle that I actually got well without any antibiotics. What a blessing.






Oct 28, 2011

Candle Crafting...




I am having so much fun making candles. I just knew that I would love it and the creativity would come naturally to me. The ideas come faster than I can get them created. *lol*
Today I think black and purple and orange candles will be on my to do list.

Just 3 days to Samhain & my naming ceremony. I'm SO excited. Have been doing some research in my books and online for more Samhain ritual ideas & getting the feel for what this special sabbat represents...

I've also been doing a lot more experimenting with herbs. Making different natural loose incenses from scratch. I've created one that I just love called 'Autumn Forest' & I've followed recipies for others. Such as Silver RavenWolf's  'sunshine brew'. Personally I would love to learn how to create the original 'witches brew natural incense' I just loooove natural loose incense & to burn them on the self-igniting charcoal discs. I go through a lot of those. *giggles*

I should be posting more pics later on today. Be sure to check out My Etsy. And my other pages that I post pics to her on my blog. (books page has been updated as well as candle crafting). And be sure to stop by and friend me on Facebook,(my personal acct) and I've also created a facebook page for my craft shoppe. I'd be honoured if you'd stop by & 'LIKE' my Sacred Oaks Alchemy fan page.

Blessed Be,
              Raven Sylverwolf )O(

sigtag by me
Outlines purchased at Berliner Barin
Lines painted by me

Oct 24, 2011

Hedge Witchery

The last couple of days I've been reading Hedge Witch by Silver Ravenwolf. And have been trying some of the suggestions in there for candle crafting. wow! I feel so so good and positive and filled with happiness, peace & joy. I also did a small low magick ritual last night for the 1st time in probably a month or so. I slept so good and sound & actually had some good dreams! Woke up feeling really great too.

Took some more pictures of my new votive candles. They are brown in color aligning them with the element of earth. All of the colors, scents, herbs & spices used correspond with energies of love, fertility, good fortune & abundance.

Some of them have my little orange hearts dropped into them and some peeking out the top as well. Those votives are called ' Enveloped Love ' & I also made grungy candles (country prim) for the 1st time. They are interesting. My grungy votives are sealed in love with cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Which correspond with good fortune, positive flowing energy and movement.

They are all scented with hollyberry candle liquid scent during my cooking process.
Holly is symbolic of fertility. Holly being used by Pagans dates back hundreds and hundreds of years to the time of the Egyptian ancients.

When burned these candles will have your home flowing with positive energy, abundance, and love.
As the aroma of coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove burn on the outside. And the scent of hollyberry spilling over into your home will be intoxicating during the holidays.
Also perfect for your yule rituals & celebrations.

What witch would not want to draw abundance, good fortune and love into their rituals. These candles with their properties would be all the more powerful for use in your ritual if used during a waning moon rite...

I am selling them on my Etsy Shoppe - Sacred Oaks Alchemy in sets of 3 for $12.00 You may order all Enveloped Love, or all 3 Grungy, or mix and match. Convo me on Etsy to secure your proper order. I'm offering a 10% discount to my facebook sisters and brothers of the craft. PAGAN is the coupon code to use for the discount. The listing is for 1 set of 3. Also convo me if you desire more than that. I can set up a custom order for you.

Brightest Blessings,
Raven )O(

Oct 19, 2011

A Time of Change...

 Samhain is a time of change. Perhaps that is why it is now at this moment in time that my kids have come home. It is a challenge for sure. Compromise. Extra efforts are needed by all. Myself, my husband and my daughter. But it always seems like I'm the only one who gets bombarded with my emotions, plus everyone else's. And that I'm the only one that makes any extra effort, sacrafice or anything. Everyone else gets to just be themselves. And I'm stuck getting in trouble with my husband. Everything I do is wrong. Everything I think is wrong. Everything that I don't do is wrong.

They just got here yesterday. They had moved to Illinois back in July. I have missed them terribly. And its like I don't even get to enjoy my own family. I've tried to do everything right. I've tried to not make decisions on my own, without my husband. But it just doesnt seem to matter. He is mad no matter what. Every idea or anything I do is wrong anyway, no matter what.

I'm still planning on my special naming ceremony on Samhain night. I'm looking forward to it. I need to take some time to do some research. So I can plan my ceremony correctly.

I'm looking forward to Samhain very very much. I might even have 2 rituals. Or maybe just combine everything into one?? I don't know...
As Samhain is the witches new year. I want to make a resolution. I want to welcome the members of my family who have passed. And welcome them into my home and to be with me. I plan to
have a lit candle in my windows. Wherever it is safe to burn them.
I would like to make some special samhain candles with the correct correspondences. I have 2 candle books to look to for the aid in this.

Well - today is clean out the fridgerator and freezer day. *giggles*

I've also been doing some new work on my pixel websites.
My main site is Faery Charm - http://faerycharm.net
I have a pay members area, some freebies in the main area...
Some new goodies on my Shoppe & My Etsy
Love & Blessings ~ Raven aka Jules

sigtag by me
graphics by: Pammy

Sep 28, 2011

Stressful News.. Or Not?

This morning when I checked the mail. I got really mad, then really really stressed. But as I sit at my computer 30 minutes after the fact. I began to think I am a witch. Why am I wasting energy on stress. My Goddess & God will look after me. They always do. And always have. Why do I want to waste my good energy on filling my body with negative energy. Well I do not choose that path. I will take action to fight back. I will not lie down and go away. I am a witch. I am strong. I always rise above the ashes victorious like a phoenix rising from the ashes of chaos and destruction.

The piece of paper that arrived in the mail today is a denial of unemployment benefits. I've been paying my bills with my last paycheck and my retirement fund I cashed out. But it's getting low & was hoping to get unemployment since I was harassed at work by administration until I cracked and quit.

But I guess the way I worded it, unemployment got the idea that I quit because I was being repremanded. That is so NOT what was going on, on my last day. That was the end of the line. It was the last straw. And it was all bullshit!

So, I will appeal. It also did not help that I had to keep starting over on their digital form because it was timing out and not saving what I had typed out!! So, I will also tell them that.



Bright Blessings, Raven )O(



Sep 26, 2011

Link to me

I have decided to make a button for my blog for those who are interested...
The graphics are drawn & colored by me using paintshop pro X2

URL: http://wiccanmoonmagick.blogspot.com



Sep 24, 2011

1st Candle Crafting!












Took a shot at some candle crafting tonight. Wasn't sure how much wax would go and how far. If that makes any sense. *lol* So I started with 3 cups. Which to me seemed like a lot. But it wasn't sugar. So it didn't go very far. Just 3 votives and 1 wineglass. (soy wax flakes).

But I did achieve the color I was wanting. And I would like my glitter more spread out the next time. And I do like the scent that I used also. Most of this was just winging it. My thermometer didn't work. So I was really really winging it in that area!

Temp to add my scent & color is 160 F & pour temp is 150F. I was thinking it would cool really
fast so I was trying to hurry hurry hurry. I feel like I could have waited just a smidgen longer
to pour though.
So, here are some pics of my very 1st hand poured candle crafting experience.


soy wax flakes


  
      

 
                                                                                                           

The Mabon Season...






This week I have been celebrating the coming of autumn with crafts. Yesterday I went shopping w/ a friend & picked up some crafts that will be used in my candle crafting. All my supplies have shown up for my candle and incense crafting.

I'm so excited to be starting candle making. I've been interested in candles, herbs, alchemy for such a long time. And it really feels free and wonderful to finally be living my dreams.




I'd also like to share a link. I've just listened to my 1st pagan podcast today. Very interesting.
http://imbleedingprofusely.com/archives/4682/


Sep 12, 2011

Harvest Moon ~ Wishing Moon ... 2011

Our Harvest Moon ...

What does harvest mean to you. To bring forth, to finish, a new beginning, a new cycle...

I would like to share a poem I recently wrote about the moon.






Moon so big & bold
burning embers of silver & gold.
If only you were mine to hold
what divine mysteries would unfold.
(finished on September 3, 2011 - started on 9/13/11)




The harvest moon is a special moon. Also a wishing moon
I really don't have much to say. I feel quiet like it is a time of reflection for me. I am noticing a pattern though. And I do not understand it. I get sick and or moody right before the full moon. Once it is full, then I'm find & full of energy... I've been tracking this in my book of shadows for 3 months now.

Here is one of my harvest moon photos from tonight.






Sep 5, 2011

Mabon Approaching


With Mabon approaching I have been purchasing more and more candles, books, & supplies.
Autumn is my favorite time of year. I feel a calmness in the air. The esbat for the month of September is the Harvest Moon & it is also a Wishing Moon. I am wanting to have a naming ritual for myself to claim my true magickal name that I was given through dream some months ago. I had thought that the Wishing Moon would be perfect. Autumn being my favorite season as well as the sign I was born under - Virgo. So my birthday being this month. Actually tomorrow. September 6th. I thought September would be perfect for my naming ceremony. But then a few days ago. I wasn't even thinking about anything even related to my practice. All of a sudden this big thought just jumped right into my head. That Samhain would be more meaningful. And so it will be.

Samhain pronounced - [ Sow-in ] [ Sahm-hayn ]
is the celtic new year. A time when the veil is the thinnest between the worlds. And a time of reverence. A time to remember those who have walked before us. Those who have sacrificed and paved the way. And to remember our own dead ancestors in both our own families as well as in the craft.

I've always felt that Samhain or Halloween as I used to call it is such a magickal day. I only just now am learning why I have had those feelings.
Here is a wonderful page on Samhain.

Thus far into my path I have celebrated each Sabbat starting with Beltane. I will probably make Beltane as my 'a year and a day'. Unless I can find the date that I signed up with Seasons in Avalon. According to my lessons I am 7 months into my classes through there. I started my path the ending of March. All of the rituals and feasts, activities I've done with each of my very 1st Sabbats have been so wonderful and meaningful. I have documented them all through photography and journaling.

For my birthday my daughter Nicole is sending me a Barnes & Noble gift card. I'm wanting so badly to get this wonderful book I've heard about by Ellen Dugan. - Autumn Equinox.



I have the feeling it will be one of my more treasured books.
I am blessed that my family is supportive of my path.


Well I'm off for my morning dedication & prayer. Well, today it will be more like an afternoon one.
*lol*
I always feel so much better afterwards too. Its amazing. So full of energy. So awake and alert. And ready to
conquer whatever comes my way...
Blessed Be Isis )O(


                                                                 
                                                        signature crafted by me
                                                                                          outlines purchased at ALP
                                                                                                          colored by me


 

Aug 18, 2011

To be a Good Witch

Daily Affirmation:

Keep a clean & organized home, garden, yard.

My word is my bond. Keep my word. If I'm not sure if I will
fulfill my commitment. Do not commit.

Be good to the inviroment.

Help others whenever possible.

Get enough rest.

Meditate daily





Aug 13, 2011

Sister Wind Moon - Esbat of August

I've been tracking my mood, and sleep around the esbats the last couple of months.
I get moody, depressed, tired, difficulty sleeping. Then the night before the full moon
I require not much of any sleep at all. And am so energized that day...

An esbat is a time of high energy and power. Maybe that is why I feel energized w/out much sleep. I thought that it meant that the moon is most powerful though...

Aug 12, 2011

Connecting With the Earth...

I keep feeling really mopy sadly all the time lately. I feel better for a while after I've
done a ritual working of one sort or another, connected with Isis... I did do my morning prayers to Isis this morning. Was not overly abundant with energy today though. Just in a hum drum mood..

Then I ended up transplanting my rosemary plants back inside. And wow! I feel so happy. It's like digging my hands around in the soil, and touching the rosemary and whiffing it. That alone and all by itself gave me a happy bubble. *giggles*!!

Maybe connecting with the raw earth is what I'm missing out on lately.
Perhaps I need to sit and make a list of the ways I can connect with Earth.

I love autumn. It is my favorite time of year. In a way when I think of autumn here in wyoming I almost feel sort of lost though. Compared to thinking of it as a child in the mid-west. I'm from Des Moines, Iowa. When I think of back home, I see leaves of all shapes, colors, and sizes on the ground. I could easily gather tons of nature in my hands and bring inside to enjoy; just from walking around any neighborhood. Acorns, rocks, leaves, buckeyes just to name a few of the most common items found outdoors in my home town.

But here in wyoming I don't ever see any acorns. I do love to buy the cinnamon scented pinecones in the autumn/winter. I place them in wicker baskets around my house, with real cinnamon sticks...

I will have to try harder to bond with nature. Maybe go for a drive and find something wonderful & woodly...


my signature tag is created by me.
Graphics Purchased at: Andrea's Lil Pixels


Aug 11, 2011

With a prayer heard, she flew to the East...

I have continued in my morning prayers to Isis. Today is the 4th day. I kind of missed yesterday though. And that was actually the day I should have needed guidance the most. I was oh too gloomy.
Anyway, I always feel so good after my devotionals to Isis. I wanted the smoke from my blue candle float upward to the East as my prayers were carried up. A envisioned Isis with her wings spread far & wide glide upward into the East Sun.

It was overcast & gloomy when I woke up. Which doesnt bother me any. I like it cool and gloomy. Makes me happy! But now the morning sun is peeking up. Good Morning Isis!!

With Mercury Retrograde going on until the 27th of August I feel like nothing is going right.
My new camera shuts off when I plug the USB in to the computer to upload my pics. Which is very much bumming me out, since I've been documenting a lot of my life the last few months. When I buy new tools I take pics of them. When I have rituals I take my pics of my altar. Sometimes before & after... Then my dishwasher wouldn't function this morning. After an hour I realized it was the outlet. ?? What the heck! *uuuurgh*

I'm looking forward to the full moon of August 13th (Lughnasadh 15) The Sister Wind Moon.
I am planning to do my naming/initiation either on that night or Esbat (full moon) of September 12th. Which is also a Wishing Moon named the Harvest Moon. I'm more drawn to the September Esbat. It is my birth month. Isis rules over Virgo, Sapphire, and many other elements associated with myself. Autumn is my favorite time of the year. It just feels calming to me. I will also be claiming the Egyptian Pantheon as my spiritual path. I already have a personal relationship with Isis and Osiris.

Also, I have some homework to perform from my Seasons in Avalon on the Sister Wind Moon Esbat. So, I'm looking forward to that also.



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