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Samhain Knocks

11/1/2019

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I'll be honest, and yes, I know it's been months since I made a post, in fact the things that have kept me from doing that are part of why, this Samhain / Halloween season, I am not feeling my favorite time of year.

I've been on social media very little in the last six months. I haven't been producing a lot of content either. I have certainly been remiss. Speaking of witch, my podcast and this blog have been at a standstill. I've barely been able to pick up, or get excited about my cards.  I'll write more about that soon, but in a nutshell, my life has been very trying, very complicated and I've lost my dearest friend and familiar. Speaking of witch, again (or speaking of bitch); MERCURY RETROGRADE!

For now, I'd like to wish you all a Happy Samhain. I hope your ancestors were kind if  they came to visit you. May you and they be blessed. What is remembered lives. 

Here is a wee poem to keep you in the mood. 


Samhain Knocks

Ancestors
Dust and Bone
Who warmed this hearth
Who built this home
Every cell holds their history

Blood of generations
Made a memory palace
Of my heart
Their whispers echo in the dark

The past lives forever
When we remember

Remember
Remember
Remember

LM 2017
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LET THE WANING MOON WORK FOR YOU!

4/20/2019

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So we just had this amazing (aren't they all?) full moon. You've gone out and howled at it. You've  taken advantage of that lunar energy and have done some powerful spells to transform your life. Now the Moon is in its waning phase. What are you going to do?

Now is a good time to take stock and magically Marie Kondo your inner life. (Yup. I'm gonna ride that trend too) What is not sparking joy that you need to let go or purge? Now is the time to work on that. It's a great time for banishing, healing and letting go of toxic, hurtful and unproductive things.

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Personally, I've decided to concentrate in a more targeted fashion on letting go of the residue of  toxic relationships left over from CAYA Coven. My friend Sunsmith's death really brought the importance of  this home for me.

At first, I thought, ding dong, the witch is gone and I can have my friends back. Nope. Many of these people are little more than damaged shells and are clearly  uncomfortable around me. Some have created a new thick denial bubble and are just repeating toxic behaviors under a new name. Some are wary of me, I think, because they don't know where I stand.

​I think in many cases, I'll never be close to these people again. It makes me sad. I need help letting it go and I also want to put energy into diffusing harm that those who are, albeit in denial,  just continuing the same tainted work. This is something worth using waning moon energy for and it will probably be an ongoing monthly practice.
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Another thing I've realized after some introspection  is that my main motivation these days unfortunately, has become fear. This is mostly due to my disability and resulting insecurity caused by my low income. I can't do much about my circumstances, but I can work on my fear. Fear, like worry, is often useless. Fear can save your life if you listen to it at the right time. Worry can spur you to make changes.  But most of the time, they just make us feel like shit and take up time we could be putting toward more productive thoughts and activities.

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Since candle magic is my jam, I'll be doing some work with black candles but I'll also be tempering the purge with candles and workings that evoke compassion for those who've lost their way that I must let go, and some self love / self care work too. During waxing moons I can do work for positive change and growth. I'm actually excited about this!

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The new moon won’t be here until May 4th, so that means a lot of time to focus on issues we may have been procrastinating about. This is the waning gibbous phase. Someone mentioned today that she always thinks of gibbons and Mr Miyagi. The gibbons thing is definitely something my brain has always pictured, but now the little guys are waxing on and off in my head. *giggles* 
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  • April 19-21: The moon will be in Scorpio for most of the weekend, so that is a great time for digging out these roots of spiritual corruption and also dealing with things you’ve hidden away, secrets, shame issues.
  • April 21-23: Late Sunday afternoon the moon slips into Sagittarius which is a great time to embrace you adventurous self, work on fears of trying new things, temper impulsive behavior that might be harmful.
  • April 23- 25: Late Tuesday, April 23 our waning moon moves into Capricorn. Are you stuck around money or practical issues? What do you need to dig in and get done?
  • April 26-28: Friday morning, April 26, the moon skips into Aquarius. This is a good time to think about the bigger picture. Use this opportunity to get out of yourself and spread some kindness to others. Plant a seed of love.
  • The 26th and 27th of April designate the Last Quarter phase.
  • April 28-30: Late on the 28th as the moon appears as a waning crescent, Pisces will give you opportunities to work on spreading some of that love to yourself. Give your feet that pedicure. Tell yourself you are awesome!
  • May 1-3: Finally, the first three days of May bring us into Aries. All that raw energy is great, but if you have anger issues this would be a good time to focus on tempering them.
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Of course, waning moon is good for working on issues you want to let go, regardless of what sign it is in, the signs just give us a boost in particular areas. 

Some Waning Moon Spell Ideas

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This young witch isn't doing videos anymore, but this is a really great little tutotial on a simple candle working. You can use ginger instead of cayenne for that hurry up zap!

Moonology Cards For This Period

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BONUS: Here is a quick look at some of the crystals and stones I carry with me on a daily basis!

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NEW MOON IN ARIES - APRIL 5, 2019 ENERGIZE & MANIFEST  YOUR DREAMS

4/5/2019

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A Project I'm Excited About
Some New Moon Candle Magic
​And Farewell To A Friend...

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So much has happened since my post last month. Some of it has been challenging, but much has been just lovely. I continue to count my blessings when it comes to the wonderful people in my life. One of the things I am most excited about is a project that I have been working on for a little over a decade. The Empress Dammit has showed up in a number of locations / incarnations on the web and in person, because I am The Empress Dammit, but now she finally has a home, her very own website!

This is a work in progress, and there is a lot of content to consolidate, fill in and build. I’m very excited about it though. The Empress Dammit hopes to assist you in claiming ownership of your, SELF: esteem, knowledge of value, love, etc and own your Empress vibe. For survivors of abuse and violence, I hope this will be a valuable healing tool tool. This is related, of course, to the Empress archetype in tarot so most of the imagery is female, however, this is a gender neutral Empress. Use whatever title you like, but also know that the Empress in this case is not meant to be specifically female! Check it out. I think you’ll like it.

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Here are the beautiful Moonology cards for today’s New Moon. Think, fresh start and don’t give up!

New Moon Manifestation!

It was so nice to say goodbye to Mercury retrograde at the end of March. There have been a few lingering after effects, but now we are pretty much out of it. Time to get ready for the new moon!  What do you want to put to manifest in your life?

Friday, April 5th (today) finds the new moon in the sign of Aries. Now is a good time to harness that active energy and passion. Starting a new moon working with a goal to be achieved by the full moon is one of my favorite ways to manifest. If you don’t have time for an elaborate ritual, simply charge (put your intentions and energy into) a votive candle and burn it a little each night leading up to the full moon on April 19th. That’s two weeks of magical energy working toward your goal!

Want to harness this energy to work a longer game instead? One of the exciting things about this new moon being in Aries is that since Aries is the sign that starts out the 12 month cycle of the zodiac signs, this is also a particularly great new moon to support the start of a long-term project, particularly something you feel passionate about or will need a lot of energy to change or accomplish. Pick something you aspire to complete this year.


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One of my previous year long moon spell candles

Moon Candle Magic

Here is one of my favorite moon candle spells that can be adapted for many purposes. I find crafty spells like this particularly effective because you are putting creative energy and intent into them from start to finish.  

I suggest a 7-Day votive candle for this spell.
You may choose to use red to represent Aries / Mars, but you can also pick a candle color that represents what you want to put this energy into, green for financial or business growth, for example, or pink for self- love or a relationship, Etc.

You Will Need:

  • A 7 day or large votive candle in a glass container
  • Something sharp to scratch words, symbols or sigils into the surface of the wax.
  • Paper cut to size that can cover the candle
  • A pen or pencil
  • Stickers, printed or cut out images or paint, markers, glitter, anything you want to use that represents your desires and will make your candle pretty
  • glue stick or craft glue that dries clear

Optional candle dressings:

  • Essential or candle dressing oil
  • Dried herbs, flowers, powders, stones, glitter, etc to boost or symbolize your intention

Gather anything else you might use to boost your ritual or enhance your frame of mind. You might want to have music playing, incense, particular crystals, herbs, flowers, libations, etc. If you have a patron deity or one you want to call on for aid in this goal, use a picture, symbol or statue. It's really up to you what tools you use, or how much of a ritual you'd like.

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Get Grounded!

When you have gathered everything, and are ready to start. Make sure to ground yourself. I like to take a deep breath and as I exhale, I picture a golden cord growing from my spine down deep into the earth, forming roots that spread out. I take a second breath and send that cord up through the top of my head up into the sky where the glow stretches out like the branches of a mighty tree, touches the moon and mingles with the stars. I take a third breath and as I exhale, I imagine that glow spreading out to surround me like a protective sheath of light.

Once you are ready,  you can start to perform a ritual, invoke any elements or deities you want help from and / or start your candle spell. Whatever you are going to do is crafty and can be as simple or elaborate, casual or structured as you wish.

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On one side of the paper you are going to write your intention. I find it is really effective to write it as a letter to yourself. Write it as if you have already achieved your goal. Think about the things you'll be proud of at the end and give yourself credit. The more passion you put into writing it the more real it will become. When you sign it, feel free to add sigils or symbols. You can wrap this paper all the way around the glass or size it so that it is small enough that one side of the glass is unobstructed, which will allow you to easily read your letter at the end of your spell.

When you're done writing, use the glue stick or craft glue to attach it letter side down to the candle. Then, you can decorate the outside by drawing, collaging, pasting images or stickers that reflect your goal. Finally, dress your candle and scratch your desired words or symbols in the top.

While you're crafting, focus on your end goal. Imagine the power of the new moon coming down and infusing your candle with energy. Once you've finished decorating it, sit with your candle, continuing to put this energy into it. You can sit silently or create a chant or rhyme to repeat while you charge it up.

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Once you're done creating, light your candle and let it burn a while. Feel the energy jump starting your desire. You may want to let it continue to burn until you go to bed. Even though these votives rarely explode and usually go out if tipped, I don't recommend burning any candle unattended or while you sleep!

  • Each day, leading up to the full moon, light the candle and focus on your goal. You can use a mantra or affirmation as a boost. Do this up until the full moon.
  • On the next new moon, light your candle again visualizing your end goal and getting a new infusion of energy.  
  • Light it again on the full moon, thinking about the progress you've made. You know your dream is becoming reality! Picture yourself having attained your goal. What will it feel like? Make this visualization as vivid, rich and detailed as possible.
  • Repeat monthly on every new and full moon.
  • On the twelfth new moon you want to repeat the original pattern of lighting every night until the moon is full.
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As the candle burns your letter will slowly be revealed.  By the end of the 12 months, it may happen sooner,  you should have reached your goal or know exactly what you need to do to get rest of the way! Hopefully, your candle will be all burned down when your spell is complete on the night of the final full moon. Sometimes, leftover wax means your end goal needs more time. You may find clues in the wax that remains. This is called, candlemancy. You can dispose of the candle holder as you would any other spell materials or keep it. Do what feels right. I sometimes save them to use with a votive when I want a boost of that same energy.

The spell I have described is for a long term goal,  but it’s highly adaptable. This can be used during waning moons for getting rid of bad habits. You can use it for full moon magic or for short term manifesting from one cycle of new moon to full moon. Have fun with it!


You can read more here about how to take advantage of the new moon in Aries on Yasmin Boland’s blog. If you aren't up to doing a ritual or a spell, you might want to meditate and take in the energetic vibration of this amazing symbol from her site!
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Moonology. Yasmin Boland

A Great Loss

One of the things I’ll be using this energy for tonight is to honor and say goodbye to a friend. Recently, I had started attending The Temple of Bones / Hounds of Hecate; a Hecate worship, that takes place on the new moon. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with several former coven mates (survivors of C.A.Y.A. Coven)

This happy reunion included my friend, shaman / priest, Sunsmith - Joe “Skip” Dane. I was really looking forward to seeing him on Friday, however, he suddenly passed away on Monday, April 1st. I am so grateful to have reconnected, but I am also in shock and full of sorrow from his loss. He was a wise man, full of great conviction and integrity. I will always hold him in my heart with enormous respect and affection. He was a mentor and teacher to many. My love goes out to all who he has touched, especially those closest to him and family.

I hope to write more of a tribute to Sunsmith in a later installment. He deserves that. Tonight , the temple will be extra somber. Another dear friend, Robyn, made this beautiful memorial image when he heard that Sunsmith had passed. Thank you so much for letting me use it. Sunsmith will be intensely grieved for and missed, but he will also be a powerful and wise ancestor to call on. What is remembered lives!


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Hail Hecate! Hail and Farewell Sunsmith, blessed friend, ancestor, guide

Hail Hekate, Mighty Eternal Queen,
Divine Mediator,
She who walks between the worlds,  
Torch-bearer who shines Her light
Upon our path.
Hear me now,
Mistress of Death,
Welcome this departed soul.

I call upon You,
Great Light,
Embrace this soul as they pass through
The gates of death.
Guide my beloved safely
To the other side, 
Offer them comfort,
As they cross the threshold
From this life to the next.

Be with us now in our time of grief.
May we know the peace of eternity.
Let the light of their memory burn bright,
Give us the faith to know that all
That dies shall be reborn.

Hail Hekate, Mighty Eternal Queen,
Divine Mediator,
She who walks between the worlds,
Torch-bearer who shines Her light
Upon our path.
Hear me now,
Mistress of Death,
Welcome this departed soul.


-CYNDI BRANNEN

Blessed Be
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THE SLOTH IS MY PATRONUS?

3/13/2019

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Why Does It Take Me So Long To Post?

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Mercury retrograde ain't helping!

However, even before Mercury kicked my bootie, the first couple of months of the year were pretty challenging! We have neighbors who generously share internet with us at no charge and we were not getting a regular signal from their Wi-Fi!

I am disabled and also carless at the moment so getting places to use WiFi has been challenging. Those disabilities also make me pretty slow in general! Suffice it to say, it's been a rough start to the year.  

Today Facebook and Instagram had a major glitchfest world wide, and were just plain down in some places, making them the poster children for Mercury Retrograde!

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I decided that today might be a good day for a break from social media.

I cancelled a doctor appointment that felt like a time waster. I called the dispatcher and cancelled the service that picks me up for appointments hours before I needed to, They sent a driver anyway.  I read a book. I looked at pictures. I finished out a couple blog posts out of half a dozen partially written ones. And when my roommate returned from smog testing his car, I borrowed it to go out for tea and internet. 

So, huzzah! TWO posts: This one and a (Hardly, almost) Daily Divine post. A spread for when you JUST CAN'T EVEN!

Mercury Retrograde is always a good prompt to take more time. Think things through, Take time out for self care, nature, a cuppa tea! Read a book. Treat yourself gently. Embrace your slothy self!

(Play hookey and go see Captain Marvel)

Like I said, I am slowly chugging away at a few more blogs. They always take me so long because of physical pain and focus problems, but even after I finish, it takes more time to add illustrations, spell check and edit, and add categories.  I want them to be quality reading for you. 
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25th Annual PantheaCon

2/15/2019

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If you are a witchy, pagon, magical practitioner or want to learn more, live in the San Francisco Bay Area or will be visiting this weekend, you might end up in San Jose at PantheaCon. Sadly, barring Zeus appearing as a pile of gold (I am NOT going to say, Golden Shower) and me spending him on entry and transportation, I will be unable to attend or participate this year. This is the 25th annual PantheaCon. You can get more information HERE!

There is something for just about everyone at PantheaCon. There are amazing hospitality suites. Workshops and panels for just about every issue, theater, rituals and concerts. I recommend just about everything!

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Here are my recommendations for some  workshops / events to check out while you are there!

There are a lot of fabulous tarot workshops on offer:

Tarot, Divination, & Ethics -  Laura Perlin
Making Friends With The Scary Tarot Cards with Madame Pamita
Tarot Spread For Walking In Beauty - Rachel Pollack
Apres Le Deluge Tarot as Reclamation - Thalassa
Tarot Reading Circle - Mary Greer
Palmistry Tarot Mashup: How To Read The Hands In The Tarot - Madame Pamita
Oracle Deck Co-Creation in Color - Calyxa Omphalos
The Life and Work of Pamela Colman Smith - Mary Greer
Tarot As Spiritual Psychology - Rachel Pollack


A few other things I highly recommend:
Yes They Are! Meeting and Greeting the Queerest of the Gods - Circle of Dionysos
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The magic of Initiations, Elevations and Dedications - Jason Mankey
Sharon Knight and Winter in Concert
I'll Fly Away: An Old-Time Good Spell Feri Pagan Tent Revival - Students and guests and Dust Bunny Feri Initiates
Honoring the Ancestors of Justice and Strength  - Crystal Blanton, Jacki Chuculote, Elena Rose
Spark Collective Heart Circle - Spark Collective
In The Face Of Fear - Irene McCalphin


There are a couple of things, I don't recommend and this is just my opinion.

I would take a hard pass on Kooch Daniels’ Palmistry class which seems to show up every year. The reason I don’t recommend it is that when I attended it was a total disorganized mess and a big portion of it focused on cold reading your clients rather than just reading their palms. She also paraded my palm around insisting that I had this rare double lifeline, which I later was told is not the case. So, I dunno. That’s my warning.

I’m also no longer recommending Orion Foxwood’s books, workshops, etc to anyone. H recently showed his support for a cultural appropriator who was being viciously defended by obvious racists. When called out for it, he made more excuses and in a display of precious white male fragility, refused to engage further, stomped his foot and deleted all evidence of the disagreement and his original offensive statements. You can get a taste of what he did HERE.
In the Vender Room I highly recommend you check out my friends Bob and Lisa's bling at The Dragon's Treasure Booth! Eye Scream Jewelry is also fabulous. The Fairy Oddmothers has fun stuff too.

Most of all, if you go, have fun and tell me all about it!
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How To Imbolc : On Less Than A Shoestring!

2/1/2019

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My Imbolc observance is going to be very different this year. I’m back to being a solitary practitioner again. I've definitely been feeling the pre-Imbolc winter vibe. I've been in a state of stuck at home, hibernation under snow drifts of depression, one of the worst bouts I've experienced. It has not helped that I’ve  had absolutely no work this year. I have less than $4 in my bank account and my car is not driveable so I have no way to get supplies even if I had some scratch. Most of my magical supplies are still boxed up and stored in another city for the last couple of years so, I haven't had an official altar dedicated to Brigid in some time. 

So, no fresh flowers and none of the things I used to put out for Imbolc, but I am soooo ready in my soul. What to do?
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​How To Imbolc On Less Than A Shoestring?

Well, the good news is, Brigid understands intent. She sees what’s in your heart. While a fancy traditional altar is great, you can always find a way to be creative with what you have around the house or what you might find outdoors. Once I got to work, I was surprised how well it all came together. The best thing is that it feels so good to have a dedicated space to Brigid. Even though I’m not going to keep the altar in this location, it works for now and the energy in my entire room has changed. Blessed Be!
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*A side note:  I'm having some trouble transferring some photos, but I will add photos of my altar, hopefully tomorrow, or possibly this evening.

I wrote a piece on Thought Of The Deity, about Brigid, and how I formed a relationship with The Great Goddess if you want to find out more. Imbolc is her day. Imbolc is a midwinter festival when we start to focus signs of the coming spring. New growth is in sight. We set intentions for transformation. We light candles to brighten up the dark of winter. The flames spark  new beginnings, creativity, fertility and positive change!
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If you are making your own Imbolc altar, here are some commonly used items you can use for inspiration:
  • Whites and Reds.  White is the melting snow. Red, the returning sun.
  • A Brigid’s Cross. ​ Corn Dollies.
  • Fresh flowers are lovely, flower crowns (A Brigid’s Crown), etc. Daffodils or other bulb flowers would be my go to if I could.
  • Traditional Imbolc stones and crystals include: Bloodstone, Garnet, Amethyst, Quartz, Moonstone, Peridot, Onyx, Turquoise and Ruby. I have most of these boxed up in storage but, luckily I have a few here that will do nicely.
  • Candles are a big element since Imbolc is a Festival of Light! It’s lovely to have white, green and red.  I have a few that will work so I am good there. 5 white candles in a wheel shape representing the 5 points of the pentacle (earth, air, water, fire spirit) are traditional to place in the center of an altar.
  • Floral scents are great at Imbolc, cream and honey scents, sandalwood and myrrh resin are all good candle or incense scents to have on your altar. I’ll definitely be burning some rose, lavender and sandalwood incense.
  • Herbs: If you can put herbs, especially healing herbs on the imbolc altar, that is a lovely touch.
  • Caldrons and/or Chalices: Caldrons for burning, for offerings and chalices with spring water  to represent her healing water. (Yes tap water is ok)
  • A small anvil or hammer. Sometimes an iron nail is used.
  • A willow wand or a wand that hints at *cough* “fertility”
  • Animals: Swan, Cow, sheep.
  • A goddess statue. Fairies.
  • Poetry: Yours or poetry books.
  • ​Offerings of cheese, milk, bread, blackberries, honey, apples
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When doing an Imbolc working it is good to spend some time in reflection and gratitude for the winter time when things,  AND YOU, have been resting, gathering energy to burst forth and put your new goals into action. As you light your candles, you can imagine all the things that have been holding you back melting away like the snow. As light returns, what goals do you want to focus on? What changes do you want to make? What negative influences is it time to let go? What  new thing do you want to kindle? 

Imbolc is a joyous celebration, but it is also a good time to dig deep and come to terms with things you have been avoiding

Today, will be the time that I sit down and focus on new goals for 2019. I’m not a resolution person, but goals, I can do. One of the things I have started to focus on which seems perfect for Imbolc, in particular, is to ask Brigid for assistance with doing some deep evaluation and letting go of some of the people and things I’m still connected to from C.A.Y.A. Coven.  Last year, when things blew apart, I actually had the urge to reconnect, but now I think that only a few of these people are going to be good connections in my life moving forward. There was a lot of toxic crap and I am going to be healing for a long time.

It's time to burn some things away!

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I keep getting signs of needing to let go: I've watched friends who said they were victims and denounced, “Yeshe” Rabbit Matthews, her transphobia and outrageous behavior, yet there's been little or no acknowledgement of harm they caused others (at her behest or not), Some have started new groups that retain names and practices connected to her, and despite insisting they don't feel this way, retain associations with infamous T.E.R.F.s and bigots. I’ve had a hard time with confronting or just dumping these people.  Knowing that cutting connections means less involvement in the pagan community as a whole and also difficulty when it comes to networking as a content creator, hasn't helped.

Besides this emotional waffling, I've received messages that are much more blunt; finding things that I either made or received during my time in C.A.Y.A. or purchased from the store Rabbit managed, that are damaged or ruined. I recently pulled a box worth about $50 full of seven - day candles from storage only to discover mice had  invaded the box, chewed on and shit in all the candles. I had been holding onto these items because I knew they would be hard to replace with my limited income. The truth is, they were also in storage because deep down I knew they were tainted and I didn't want to use them.

Yes, it’s time to let go. I’ll still process. I’ll still write about my experience and I will still warn people about this narcissistic, con-artist and predator.
So, that is going to be my healing intention for Imbolc. BIG stuff.

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The moon is a waning crescent tonight, which is perfect for banishing and clearing negativity so this is perfect. Since the moon is in Capricorn, I can also use this to help clear any negative junk I have clinging to ideas about money or creative projects.  And since it's Friday, I can work on issues I'm having that are interfering with love; self love!

What I will do tonight:

I'm not going to share my entire Imbolc ritual with you, but here are my plans:

  • I’ll meditate on winter and on the return of light and warmth before I start working on all the big stuff
  • I’ll light my candles!
  • I'll make a small food and libation offering.
  • ​Set my healing intention. Also, forgiveness and gratitude.
  • I’m also going to set some intentions for my creative work this year.
  • I may write a poem
  • I’ll do some petitions for healing for others as well.
  • I’ll do a reading for Imbolc.
  • I won’t have much in the way of a “feast” but I’ll drink some wine.

What about my altar?

 Well sadly, I have never gotten the knack of making a Brigid’s Cross. I did have one someone made for me but that had to be disposed of in the ongoing purge. I also have no way to go get stuff for crafts so that is out for now. If I have a chance to be industrious this afternoon, I may root around for pipe cleaners or go outside to see if there are any long pine needles I could try with.

I also didn’t have any flowers so I improvised by draping a floral scarf with a white background across the front of the dresser that I'm using as the altar. I also used a little unicorn headband that has flowers on it to add a feeling of spring. Also since the unicorn represents Scotland another area where Brigid is sacred Oh, I thought it worked. I also hung a image of a tea set covered with flowers that also works because it includes a crystal ball and some tarot cards.
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 I've put up two of my favorite images of Brigid and also a Sulamith Wulfing image of a child carrying a large candle illuminating the night. I included a stack of poetry books and the Wildwood Tarot deck. I pulled the two cards that represent Imbolc: The Ancestor and the Pole Star.

I couldn't find my cauldron but I do have an incense brazier. I placed a  small basket which is kind of a cauldron shape that I will be putting messages and requests for Brigid into. I have a blue and white tray holding some of the items that I can also put offerings on and there is a green glass chalice filled with fresh water.

There are five candles​ although they're not in the the wheel pattern; a red candle in the center of the altar,  a really yummy smelling green pillar candle, two white votives and a gorgeous Imbolc candle that I got from Midnight By Verbena on Etsy! Thanks Clarissa! Just look at how beautifully it is dressed, and it smells amazing!
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​For crystals and such: a silver bracelet with turquoise, serpentine, a clear quartz point, tangerine quartz,  a garnet and picture window quartz which is wonderful for scrying. I might put some chamomile flowers o the altar if I have them or some chamomile tea.

Related Links:

Here is an older blog by  one of my favorite pagan writers, Jason Mankey on putting Imbolc into context based on where you are. 

You can find more of Clarissa’s fabulous scented creations HERE at Midnight By Verbena's Etsy store!

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Speaking of crafty witches, Lauren Wolfe, who makes fabulous magical jewelry, recently started a blog and this one has some wonderful ideas for beautiful, easy  ways to celebrate Imbolc, including making lavender milk!  HERE: is her, "Hello There February" post.

If you want some context, you can find more information about the abuse by C.A.Y.A. Coven's former high priestess HERE.  Note: while this site does contain things I have written,  I am not associated with it in any way and don't know who has compiled it.


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What in the heck is a: Cross - Cultural Polytheistic, Agnostic Pagan?

1/3/2019

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Aphrodite - Greek Pantheon
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Ganesha - Hindu Pantheon
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Brigid - Celtic Pantheon
That’s a more than fair question. I’m still figuring some of that out myself. Here is the best in a nutshell response I can give you for now, with hopes to elaborate further at a later point.

I have always been hard to pin. As a witch, I started out mostly studying Wicca, but I found that Wicca and most structured traditions don’t work well for me. I still employ some of the elements of more traditional rituals and I enjoy them when I am sharing in rituals with other witches. However, most of my magic is inspired in the moment and done on the fly as a solitary practitioner or with a partner or two. This is what works for me.
Although I do have a background in Anthropology and have found myself drawn to many cultures (my DNA results show I am pretty much a solid blob of boring Whitey McWhiterson genetic detritus) I never sought out any “exotic” gods or goddesses. I actually started out with Norse and Celtic deities because they made the most sense. Not very many of them vibed with me, however and others started “showing up.” Over the years I seemed to accumulate a plethora of random deities who wanted me to do this or that for a short or sometimes a long time. Some helped me and went away. Some wanted a major commitment, even a dedication. Most of the deities I have felt the most affinity for hail from Greek, Hindu and Egyptian cultures, but that’s not all.

The Cultural Appropriation Land Mine

As someone who wants very much to avoid cultural appropriation, cross-cultural, seems a better term than, multicultural. Sure, if you believe in past lives, it’s possible that these were at one point my cultures, but that does not make me an expert, nor does a background in anthropology give me permission to don the trappings of another tradition. Yes, you can argue that deities are archetypes and that from culture to culture they are essentially the same, You can argue the history of religious blending, adopting and appropriating by invading cultures or mixing through trade and commerce having been a thing and therefore making it a non issue.. You can argue cultural appreciation. But, you shouldn't. I think those things are too "easy"  to argue when you are white. and have no real experience with having something so precious taken away from you.

I used to wear Sarees pretty frequently to rituals and pagan gatherings, and that was probably okay because I wore them with respect and genuinely loved the comfort and grace of the clothing.  I would get henna art from time to time, usually in the form of spiritual symbols that were meaningful to me. However, I never thought it would be fun to get traditional henna designs that actually MEAN something not appropriate for me and it never crossed my mind once that it would be cool to wear a bindi!
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I have seen many white pagan women slap a bindi on their forehead along with a sexy outfit at rituals, conventions or social events. I used to be in a coven where the very white High Priestess decided that she was the reincarnation of Tibetan Dakini, Yeshe Tsogyal, even bestowing the holy title upon herself. She also claimed to have been a Mongolian Princess. in a past life. She made false claims about her studies, teaching "Tibetan Buddhist chanting"  to mostly white people, She taught pasty people about the Orisha too.. People ate that horseshit up and she's still serving it out.

I used to want to live at a compound dedicated to Isis where a bunch of white women held rituals and read sacred texts, but I'm really, really uncomfortable and conflicted about that whole thing now. I have friends who worship and serve there and it is really important to them, but it's not for me,

​It's important to evaluate, what is genuine and what is just playing  cultural dress up. I'm not from India. It's not my culture, I may be blessed to work with Hindu deities but I am not Hindu. I don't wear sarees in public anymore.  I wouldn't consider doing a puja for someone either. ​ My goal is to be as respectful and sensitive as possible while walking my path.
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Personally, I do not feel it would be appropriate for me to call myself a priestess of Isis, Oshun, or Durga. Other white people who do this make me queasy, especially those who have decided they can  ordain themselves and then instruct others in a tradition that is not truly theirs to claim.. I'm not saying every white priest/priestess/priestx of a tradition practiced by people of color is out of line, but you must be respectful. You are a guest, hopefully an invited one.  My calling to work with these goddesses does not give me permission to educate people of color on how to worship them. I’m really careful to be respectful and to listen to any criticism. My relationship with these goddesses is very personal. You need to study, listen and make your own decisions.

Okay. Well, How Can You Work With So Many Gods And Call Yourself, Agnostic?

Some people think that agnostic and pagan or atheist and witch don’t make sense. Some of the most magical people I know identify as atheists. As an agnostic I like to say, some days I believe in fairies and other days I believe in the idea of fairies. When I meditate and talk to Aphrodite or channel Pandora, it honestly doesn’t matter if there is an Goddess acting as an outside force or if I am merely accessing some deep, imaginative  part of my brain. Focusing on the attributes I wish to embody and using Tara as a representative symbol of those attributes is just as powerful as the goddess herself radiating compassion down upon me. 

Magic.
It doesn’t matter if it’s measurably "real," it works anyway!

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Welcome Back!

1/1/2018

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Dearest Readers,

​A hearty cackle and a bit of wisdom for the new year. 

Sometimes witches have to make choices that are bitches.

Sometimes we have to learn to let things go,

But that doesn't mean you have to throw the baby out with the caldron water.

Babies are quite hearty, actually and with a little guidance they can still  grow into something magical and amazing. Sometimes that's just a different direction than the one you had planned for them!

So, out with the old blog. (I've archived it) In with the new. I'm not sure what this space is going to look like. Maybe it's going to simmer a bit before I know what else to throw in the pot. 

Much Love and Gratitude to Molly Blue Dawn
Much Love and Gratitude to you.

Best Witches, 

​-Lorelei Moon
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    Speaking of Witch - The (new) Blog

    Lorelei Moon

    Lorelei is an eclectic witch and experienced tarot reader residing in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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