The Magic

I'd like to share with everyone a new addition to my life. A book called 'The Magic' by Rhonda Byrne. Also author of The Secret. Another way of having the magical life you want. Full of abundance, contentment, happiess. Through the magic of gratitude; the universal law of attraction. Since the universe understands like attracts like. When you are thankful for all in your life, and show gratitude for all we have. We invite more of the same into our life. So if we increase & draw to ourselves more of what we put out, why wouldn't I want to make it positive rather than negative.

Of course I already know all of this - being a witch anyway. I already live a magical life everyday, and incorporate magick into my business. (When I say 'my business/business' i'm referring to my Passion Parties home parties business)


I am loving this book! So much that I want to connect with others who are reading these books and practicing an attitude of gratitude.
The Magical Secret (my facebook group) - NOT an official group by the author Rhonda Byrne. To find out more about The Magic & The Secret & the gifts Rhonda Byrne offers ----> Visit The Secret.tv

The 1st practice to follow is each morning to write in an online journal/blog, local journal on your computer or a paper journal - listing 10 things you are thankful for in your life. The 2nd practice I have started each night to follow is to pick a magical rock. I have various stones, and crystals. I chose a polished amethyst of moderate size that I hold in my right hand. As instructed in The Magic, each night before bed I hold my magical rock in my hand and focus on everything that happened through my day. Finding the one that brought me the most happiness. I say thank you to the universe for that one thing.

I am now beginning in & ending my day in gratitude. Once I started doing this (and its only been 3 days) it is becoming easier to find things to be thankful for throughout the day.



 

Recycle Reuse Renew Mother Earth Projects: how to make a Calming Jar

Recycle Reuse Renew Mother Earth Projects: how to make a Calming Jar:   You will need:    Mason Jar  Craft glitter - 3 pouches (roughly 1/2 tbsp each)  Glitter Glue – 1.8 fl oz.  Hot Water  Directions  1.Boil ...

What a great idea! Looks fun, easy, inexpensive & happy!!!

Yule Ritual 2012-Smelling Like Christmas!

Making all the Christmas morning goodies tonight. Ok, just one goodie and one lunch fixin'. Candied yams at my son-in-laws request *lol* And the Clayton coffee cake!! Then at my daughter's house I'll whip up the cinnamon pull apart bread! woohoo!!

Left (Goddess area):

silver candle for my Goddess Isis, color of the moon and symbolic to the Yule season. The all Goddess, triple Goddess, creator of all and everything.
Chalice with water to represent the element of water.
One of my faery figurines to represent the fae and the element of air.
:::

 Center (both Goddess & God area):
my working candle is always at the Spirit area (top of the pentagram), my offering to the Lord and Lady (orange/clove pomander), my main altar decoration to Yule is the center area with pinecones, stones (citrine, tigers eye), herbs scattered about-sweet cinnamon stick, 2 laurel bay leaves, dried rosemary, dried juniper berries, myrrh, frankincense. My circle of pinecones is closed with a little Goddess medalion, and my bell.

:::

Right (God Area):
Sun God candle, bowl of salt & my california white sage stick that I used to 'clear my space of all negativity for my magickal work to take place'.
Cauldron with red rock that I normally use to burn charcoal with loose natural incense. But I am out of charcoal discs for incense. So I used it to burn a red candle symbolizing the Sun (called for by Scott Cunningham's Yule Ritual in Wicca for the Solitary Practicioner).

(above)

handmade autumn magic candle (smells like melting honey). I made it last autumn trying out a technique where I smear candle dye with a q-tip on the inside of a votive candle mold. Pour the wax. When I removed the candle it looked JUST like a cat! lol

The candle was orange in color, so I used it to represent the Sun/Sun God, return of the Sun! In the Egyptian pantheon the Sun God is Ra.

My herbs that I had gathered on my altar during my ritual, I later used my mortar & pestle to pulverize those herbs. Making them into a loose natural incense & sprinkled them all over my Sun candle and continued with  my ritual. Excellent wonderful aroma!!!
(juniper berries, rosemary, myrrh, frankencense, sweet cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves)

I had also previously sprinkled pine pure essential oil around on my altar and pinecones. That too was a wonderful aroma to have wandering through the air as I perform my ritual. It was a very long ritual too. =)

The orange (orange/clove pomander) in the back left is my gift offered to my God & Goddess Osiris & Isis; that I made on the eve of Winter Solstice.

The cinnamon stick particles are really catching fire & taking off.(on the right side)

Anyone reading through any of my rituals for the 1st time, who does not follow the same or similar path might be scared of wicca, paganism, witchcraft, magick, shamanism, or the like... I am an open minded person. I had been curious about wicca and ancient teachings for many many years, and even I had some things wrong about paganism. Just because of the symbols we are fed by society. Heck! I thought Pagans/Paganism in general was something that did not even exist anymore. I had always heard that the Christian traditions were Pagan to start with a long long time ago. Such as May Day. I grew up with May day and it is a very special and sentimental day to me.

Now take the rituals that we perform. They have nothing to do with putting evil onto someone. That is laughable to me now. The sabbat (holiday) rituals have to do with giving thanks to the earth and universe for gifts recieved.

Curious what the use of herbs and oils are all about?
Herbal Grimoire

• Juniper Berry Properties - purifies the aura, clarifies thought, and protects from negativity
• Bay Leaf Properties- is a sun herb. Yule is a celebration of the Sun returning. December 21st (Winter Solstice) is the longest day of the year. After that night every day the Sun stays up a little bit longer, gaining in strength until it is at its most powerful. (summer) http://www.alchemy-works.com/herb_bay.html
• Cinnamon Stick Properties- also linked to the Sun. It is a fire herb. Associations include protection, abundance, love, hearth, home.
• Clove Properties -  Associated with the Sun, warmth, prosperity, protection. Encourages action, and its scent encourages confidence.
• Rosemary Properties - protection, love, clearing, purifying, Place under pillow to repel nightmares, inhale as an oil to improve memory. Use at both funerals and weddings because of its is benevolent associations. Associated with the planet Mercury.
• Pinecone Properties - Male, associated with the planet Mars. Elements: air & fire. Prosperity, birth, fertility.
• Frankincense (resin) Properties - Associated with fire and the Sun. Good for centering yourself for meditation, chakra cleansing (the third eye), purification of negative energy. Relaxing
• Myrrh Properties - purification, martial protection, healing of heart, spirit, or body. 

Stones and Gems I used ~ 

• Citrine Stone - citrine is a grounding stone. yellow in color. Relieves anxiety, depression,  promotes positive energy. Yellow is symbolic to creativity, the element of air, intelligence. Boosts self esteem. Aids digestive problems.
• Tiger's Eye - Associated with Ra the Sun God of the Egyptian pantheon. Encourages bravery.Elements: Earth, Fire. Grounding, helps energy flow freely through the body. Prosperity, reduces cravings & addictive behaviors.

Passion Parties 19th Annual Convention 2013

I've been looking online here there and everywhere at glitter high heels, cocktail dresses, gowns, earrings... Trying to find free & the best inexpensive deals for all my things I will need for convention. And figure out how to fit it all into 1 small carry on suitcase. I guess my husband thinks I'll be wearing shorts or something... It's all so extremely exciting! My very 1st convention.

Passion Parties Annual Convention is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every year. This year's theme for convention is 'Bringing Passion to Life'.
My sister Jenny & I will be there together this year. I've heard her talk about it over the years & can not wait to experience it myself. She is an executive director in the company and runs an amazing business. She has been a consultant for 7 years. And this past year was her most amazing year to date.

Here are some pics of things I'm considering online.
Passion Parties signature colors are purple and hot pink. I want to attend convention in clothing that I'm comfortable in. I want to be able to be myself, in the styles that appeal to me. I've met a few pagans in this company in the past year. The fact that there are so many like-minded people in this company makes it all the more exciting and comfortable for me. 

I especially luv luv luv the wine colored dress! Kinda struggling between going with company colors. EVERYONE will be wearing purple. Which sorta makes me want to go with a different color. I've worn purple all of my life. I always buy purple or lavender. *lol* 

And we can't forget the oh so pretty nails! These are some designs I found online that I like. I often bid for things at www.listia.com and sometimes I can send in a pic of a design I like, to get something similar... For Passion Power in Seattle last summer I wore really cute pink cupcakes *lol* 

  

Winter Solstice Pomanders

I made orange & clove pomanders w/ my daughter & grandkids Evey & Dante on December 20th this year. fun & rekaxing!

Thoughtless or Normal?

 Merry Winter Solstice to one & all! 

I feel very drawn to write today. I have found it increasingly sad in the past few weeks that there seems to be much thoughtlessness around me. I have heard people obsessing over facial creams and upset that they can not get the one they wanted, as if it is life or death. I have been sick for months & have to go out of state to start getting medical tests done. By which is making me loose out on work and let down my clients. Which I feel like a complete heel anyway when I let people down. But really? You think that housekeeping is more important than my health?  I've already lost 20 lbs from being sick. I have been throwing up for months and I would have expected people to be more understanding... *sigh*

I guess I am just especially surprised  that at this time of year the real lack of caring for others...

What are your thoughts? Are you too experiencing any of the same feelings? Have you seen a lack of caring lately in your community?

Now, off to read in my books to find a Winter Solstice Ritual ;) I'm sure Ann Moura or Scott Cunningham have something that I will like.
Blessed Be xo Yule & Winter Solstice Blessings 

*signature tag by me*
*Graphics by K4U* 

looking toward Yule

Wishing everyone a merry Yuletide!
Yule or by whatever name you call it - Christmas, Christmastime, Yule, ... It all has much the same meaning and symbolism. The Gift of Giving and Sharing. New Beginnings. Thankfulness. Love. Being thoughtful of others. Sharing our blessings...
I have been trying to learn more about the old traditions. I think of Yule / Christmas a time of being together with family. That handmade gifts are the best. The less is more, because its not about how much material things you have. It's about the time you spend with ones you love. And oh! Those homemade feasts! Cinnamon pull apart bread, real and creamy coffee cake made with real cream! Ham, dinner rolls, homemade chicken and noodles! oh my!!

I do not have much to give this year. Because of my financial status in work. (compared to years past) - which doesn't make me feel very good. So I am making my gifts this year. I just learned about making orange and clove pomanders last night. I had no idea that they take weeks to be ready. I still may take a bash at making them. I think it would make a really fun family project to do before Christmas. I think my grandkids would enjoy it too. Just thinking of the scents of fresh oranges, and clove, and cinnamon oh my! love those scents so much! In ancient times people made these as air fresheners.

 

The last 2 years that I've been following a pagan path, I've wanted so badly to make a yulelog with candles and decorate it with sprigs of pine branches, holly, and pinecones. As well as a bake a yulelog cake. Maybe my kids can help me to make this come true. I don't have a drill for the candles. Or really the log. *lol* A yule log cannot be purchased or bought in any way. It has to be your own, traditionally from the year before's wood harvest. Or it can be a log that is a gift. Ash wood is the traditional wood that is used. But in modern times pine has been substituted. I'll have to get together with my daughter and son in law and see what we can come up with. They have pine and juniper trees in their yard. *giggles*!!!

 

 

10 Blessings

Today I am writing my 10 blessings that I'm thankful for, in my journal...

1.  I am thankful for the all the passion parties guests purchases. Because every purchase brings me closer to my goals.
2. I am blessed to have a good running car. Because that enables me to get to my parties to make money to pay my bills.
3. I am blessed to have a family that cares & loves me. Because not everyone is that blessed.
4. I am thankful for the food in my home. Because it gives me fuel to have the energy I need to do my work.
5. I am blessed to have the use of my legs. Because I enjoy walking in the fall leaves.
6. I am thankful to have my eye sight to see all of the wonderful beautiful things in this universe.
7. I am thankful to have a large widescreen t.v. because I don't have to always wear my glasses to see the t.v. guide since the screen is so large.
8. I am thankful for the plants I have. Because they make me feel happy when I look at them.
9. I am blessed to have a pellet stove. Because I don't like to chop kindling
11. I am blessed to have footies. Because they make my feet all warm & cozy.
    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
    
    Everyone ready for Samhain!?? 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
           

Pinky Promise Giveaway - Blog - Pentel of America - Pens, Pencils, Refills, and Markers

Pinky Promise Giveaway - Blog - Pentel of America - Pens, Pencils, Refills, and Markers
I luv pentel inkpens!

A Pool of Thoughts...

 I have SO much going on right now. In a way I like being busy & moving forward on my path. On another hand, it does not come easily to me. It's a lot to juggle 3 jobs. I've never done that before. I've just always gone to work, come home, then get up the next day & do it all over again. *lol*

My Passion Parties business is really taking off & growing! 'You get out of it, what you put in.' So true!! As soon as I started giving to others to help them; no matter what my financial situation was. I started receiving gifts in my business. Leads for parties in Wyoming starting popping up for Jenny to hand to me. And have been traveling to do them no matter the distance or circumstances. I bought a Passion Sister a pkg of 250 business cards from Vista Print when she could not afford to do it for herself. All of a sudden I have started running into an old friend at the motel I worked at for four years, when we first moved out here to Wyoming. How many years have I been going to this motel to get an orange sunkist bottle of pop and never ran into any of the old crew I worked with. Then I started devoting Tuesdays to working my business for Passion Parties. And just all of a sudden I'm running into the manager all the time when I go there to get a cheap pop *lol* And she read my magnet on my car & said oh! I should have a party! I told her YES!! You SHOULD!! *lol* I didn't have any cards or anything on me at the time. But I did tell her I will bring her one later on. And so I did. I took her 3 biz cards, & 1 of my 'Shades of Winter' catalog inserts. Pointed out to her that these are our winter sales & on my website is the regular catalog & a shopping cart, contact form, other info, etc...

I now have my extra nursing clients all scheduled in too. I picked up seven new housekeeping clients, in addition to my currently eight clients I already had. Now almost every day of the week is filled! WOOHOOOO!!! mo' money bebe!

I should be able to qualify to be paid as a 'Team Leader' and get my title officially changed now.
The first title elevation you do is 'qualified' consultant. You want to elevate to that level immediately. When you sign up you purchase a starter/demo package. That gets you to the consultant status only. When you sell 250.00 or more in retail products in 1 month, you are then qualified. And can begin growing your business ie: (booking parties, vendor events, signing consultants under you...)
I now have 1 qualified and 1 non-qualified consultant. When a consultant has 1-5 consultants signed under theirselves I then have certain qualifications to meet for my title to change. Team Leader is my next elevation title. To be paid a bonus check I must do:

1.  at least $300.00 in personal retail sales
2. have at least $100.00 in retail sales by my frontline. (or downline, which is consultants I have signed).
   
   I've passed my goal for personal retail sales. Now I have to make sure that my frontline has a combined total of $100.00 in retail sales.
   
   

Don't Understand this Sadness...

I should be so much happier than what I am. I don't know whats wrong with me though. I can't even recognize growth and accomplishment when I have it. I drove to Billings, Montana for the 1st time for a Passion Party. And I got orders. So that is a good good thing. I freaking drove to Billings. I went through with it. I didn't cancel. I didn't get scared and back out. I went through with it. I conquered it! That is huge personal growth. I do not drive anywhere I am not 100% familiar with. I live in a very small town. I don't ever drive into the big cities. That kind of anxiety has held me back in my life. Maybe I just have too much that I'm worried and scared about right now. And can't see the good things that are happening. I've been living off of my retirement and workers deferred compensation benefits for over a year now that  I accumulated while being a state employee for 6 years. That is all now gone and so the pressure is really on.

I'm in home healthcare now. But not making as much as what I've become accustom to. I was expecting this huge instant success in my Passion Parties business. But it hasn't happened for me this way. I keep telling myself its like magick. I will get out of it, what I put in to it. I havent been putting in enough effort, to receive the results that I'm wanting.

Finances have become so desperate now that I have to cancel all my monthly automated payments. My checking account was enormously overdrawn a few days ago. And its not that I'm spending money that I don't have. It is online automatic payments through paypal. So I'll have to cancel my forum I love. that is $60.00 a month (ning.com forum) http://thewitchesgarden.ning.com and my website for passion parties has a shopping cart on it. So, now I'll have to downgrade my site until I can rightfully afford it. *sigh* Passion Parties by Julie. I can't do anything about my prescriptions I have to have. I can't go without my imitrex (for migraines), can't go w/out my anti-depressant! Now I'm being treated for an ulcer & H-pylori. One of the h-pylori meds are $100.00!!! In November my husband will have the opportunity to add me onto his insurance. But I'm sure I'll have to hear about how that is going to cost him more money.... *ugh!* I feel like such a burden, not being able to pay my own way. I haven't had to rely on someone else money-wise for a long time. I do not like feeling like this at all!!

                                                                               siggie a gift from my pixel sis Jacqui

PBP-Harvest

What have you harvested this year?

How are you saving your harvest so that it lasts through the winter?

What other preparations are you making before the snow falls?

 

I've harvested higher self esteem! In the spring (back in April) I joined a wonderful company called Passion Parties. Part of my goal was to build a stronger me. A little more outgoing. And I am doing that. I am believing in myself more. Standing up for what I feel & believe to be right. Not settling for being treated like dirt & thinking that I deserve it. Knowing that I deserve more & demanding it, and not taking anything less than what I do rightfully deserve. I feel stronger in my spiritual beliefs as well. If someone had come up to me last spring and asked me if I'm a witch. I would have been shocked and possibly even denied it. But now I feel like I would embrace the opportunity to talk about my religion & spirituality. I own it now!

I have learned a lot about self worth from passion parties in the past 6 months. I find myself being less depressed too. And realizing how much a waste of time that is. There is no reason to feel bad about my weight or anything. I can make the choice to change it at any time :D When the time is right. It will happen...

Blue Moon 2012

Pretty well unhappy that I've been looking forward to our Blue Moon for months and now its all overcasted sky and I cannot see the moon at all!