One Girl's Journey

I’ve not been on tumblr for three or four months. For one, tumblr is a time sinker for me. I...

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:18:16 -0500

I’ve not been on tumblr for three or four months.

For one, tumblr is a time sinker for me. I spend too much time on it. Another reason is because of how people act. People keep pointing fingers at others, and spewing vitriol and hate. I don’t want that in my life. Another reason is that tumblr eats up bandwidth like Cookie Monster eats up cookies.

For those that are (still) interested, you can find my musings at www.faeriesdescend.wordpress.com

I may come back. I may not. I dunno. We’ll see. I just wanted to pop in and say hi, I’m not dead. I’m just elsewhere.

Photo

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:19:00 -0400

Photo

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:22:57 -0400

Opium - Dead Can Dance

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 13:38:36 -0400

Sometimes
I feel like I want to live
Far from the metropolis
Just walk through that door
Sometimes
I feel like I want to fly
Reach out to the painted sky
A prisoner to the wind
A bird on the wing

Sometimes
I feel the ocean in my blood
See rain from the sky above
Her salt brined tears
And now
Those tears leave taste on my tongue
Like the warm rush you get from
Black opium
Black opium

Sometimes
I feel like I want to leave
Behind all these memories
And walk through that door
Outside
The black night calls my name
But all roads look the same
They lead nowhere
They lead nowhere

The God in lessons.

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:52:28 -0400

I dunno what to title this so I’m just leaving it blank.

Last night was the first night in two months that I was able to go to lessons. It felt … I was elated to be there, but I was so distracted, I could barely focus and it was hard to keep my eyes open. I’m not saying that I wasn’t paying attention, I was. But when she read the Charge of the God, I heard the words, was putting images to them, but forgot them as soon as they were spoken.

It was really weird. I was sitting in the recliner, legs tucked underneath me, just being there with the Spirit. I felt His presence. It was weighing me down, comforting, soothing. He felt heavy, but I didn’t feel crushed. I could barely move, I didn’t want to move. I just felt so peaceful. It’s hard to describe.

It was a good lesson, with lots of great discussions between all four of us. L really needs to come out of her shell, though. I love hearing what she has to say. I did try and bring her out, though.

After, we were given homework. I was given to research Odin. I just sat there and grinned and said, ‘thanks! I’ll even do Loki, too!’ J was given Pan and I can’t remember what L was given, but they were all really good for each of us. :)

Next week, we’ll be given a walk-through meditation. After that, we’ll have to come up with our own. That’s exciting!

Update

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:16:00 -0400

I’ve been taking a break from tumblr.

I’ve been tired of seeing all the nasty shit, pointing fingers, accusations, ridicule and far too much drivel coming out of the pagan community.

To be quite frank, it’s really off putting. I came here to learn. The few times I have said something, I was put down, ridiculed and ended up feeling like an idiot. Not a nice way to feel. And before you tell me anything about how I should act, feel, or whatever, how about you just stuff it and try to imagine, try to remember how you felt upon coming into the community.

I’m very upset and have been for some time. I realize that this may fall on deaf ears, or will be ignored completely since I’ve seen several posts like this being degraded and shredded and disputed with.

I am intelligent. I know this. I also know that my inadequacy to word things hampers the message I want to convey, or I skew it somehow.

The point is: shut the fuck up if you can’t play nice with others.

If you’ve been practising for ten years or fifty years, that’s great. That, however, doesn’t automatically mean others need to respect you. You need to earn our respect, the way we earn yours. Putting other people down and making them feel like shit is not the way to go about it. You may not give a flying fig at how others see you, but you really really should.

Again, this may fall on deaf ears, and I may get shit for it. But I’m tired of seeing people hurt because people’s heads are so far up their own asses they don’t know what’s going on around them. You are not the be all of the universe.

In short, fuck you.

If this doesn’t apply to you, ignore this message. <3

Feeling suicidal? Can't talk on phones?

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:54:47 -0400

https://www.imalive.org/

thegreenwolf: northernwildlings: thegreenwolf: sicariuswolf: ...

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 17:46:55 -0400

thegreenwolf:

northernwildlings:

thegreenwolf:

sicariuswolf:

thegreenwolf:

Hey! I have some book-related news: preorders for my newest title, and a giveaway of free books! Read on:

First, I just turned in the final tweaks and edits for my next book, New Paths to Animal Totems! It’ll be out from Llewellyn Publications this December (just in time for the world to end) and it’s my first try at writing for a more general audience—without watering down the material. You can read more about it at the link above, though one of the things that struck me as I was re-reading it is how unlike other introductory books on totemism this one is. It’s not just a collection of “here’s what this totem means” definitions and a mess of quick exercises. I really got into the environment and context of animal totems, instead of just treating them as “animal spirits floating above your head”. By the end of the book you won’t just know what animal totems are and how to work with them, but you’ll also have a wealth of information that can be applied to both totemism and other spiritual explorations as well. A great standalone text, or a nice complement to my other books, too!

So—with that said, I am officially opening preorders for New Paths to Animal Totems! You can preorder here on my website and there’s also a preorder listing on my Etsy shop. The website link also includes links to where you can preorder it on Amazon, Powells, and from Llewellyn itself. However, ordering directly from me pays me the most for my work (and you get your copy signed!)

**************

The OTHER book thing is that I am doing another giveaway! See those three books in the second picture? They’re three of the brand-new Llewellyn periodicals that I have writings published in (I’ve been writing for the periodicals for years). I wrote twenty-five of the spells and activities in the Witches’ Spell-a-Day Almanac this year, and the Magical Almanac includes my article “Everyday Totemism”, specifically about working with tertiary totems. You can find two of my articles in the Witches’ Companion; “Pagans and Cultural Appropriation” looks at the issues surrounding cultural borrowing (or theft) in neopaganism, while “Pagans & Mental Health” explores the relationship that the pagan community has to mental illness, and how to be more sensitive and responsive in including pagans with mental illnesses.

All of these are exclusive writings, found nowhere else! But you could get to do some reading for free. Just reblog this post—no need to follow me, though I won’t complain if you do. Reblog it by the midnight that starts Tuesday, August 21, 2012 and you’ll be entered in a random drawing to win one of the three periodicals in the picture (no, you don’t get to choose which one—it’s random!). You only get ONE chance no matter how many times you reblog, though.

….aaaaaaaand GO! (And thank you :) )

Even if I don’t win, I think I’m going to be buying those books you have listed here when I get some money. Your writing always peaks my interest.

Many thanks for your support :)

Sweet! Congratulations on your book publication! I can’t wait to read it. Also: awesome giveaway.

Danke :) (And a bump up in case people missed it yesterday.)

Reblog if you want a nickname in your ask.

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:39:48 -0400

From Order, Chaos: asksecularwitch: eupheme-butterfly: asksecularwitch: talysia:...

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:13:33 -0400

From Order, Chaos: asksecularwitch: eupheme-butterfly: asksecularwitch: talysia:...:

asksecularwitch:

eupheme-butterfly:

asksecularwitch:

talysia:

standard-pirate:

what if when your handhelds are dying the red light is actually their way of screaming in pain as they die and then they do die they experience heaven but then you charge them and…

this is why I love tumblr

Kayumanggi ang Kulay Ko: STOP SCROLLING FOR A SECOND. JUST STOP.

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 17:03:03 -0400

Kayumanggi ang Kulay Ko: STOP SCROLLING FOR A SECOND. JUST STOP.:

notkorra:

EVERYONE JUST STOP FOR A FUCKING SECOND AND FUCKING LISTEN TO ME.

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES IS IN DANGER. MY CITY IS HALF-WAY SUBMERGED IN WATER. WE’RE PRACTICALLY FUCKING ATLANTIS RIGHT NOW. FOR MORE THAN THIRTY FUCKING HOURS, IT’S BEEN FUCKING RAINING NON-STOP. NON-STOP.

AND…

What Your Favorite Color(s) Says About You

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 22:00:40 -0400

psych-facts:

spiritualseeker:

White: Symbolic of purity, innocence and naivete, white has strong connotations of youth and purity. If you are an older person, your preference for white could indicate a desire for perfection and impossible ideals, maybe an attempt to recapture lost youth and freshness. It may also symbolize a desire for simplicity or the simple life.

Red: The color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive—or someone who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic and can’t stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life.

Pink: This color embodies the gentler qualities of Red, symbolizing love and affection without passion. Women who prefer Pink tend to be maternal. Pink desires protection, special treatment and a sheltered life. Pink people require affection and like to feel loved and secure, perhaps wanting to appear delicate and fragile. Pink people tend to be charming and gentle, if a trifle indefinite.

Read More

skadisdottir: (In response to a post I saw about pagan art and...

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:52:05 -0400

skadisdottir:

(In response to a post I saw about pagan art and whitewashing)

Sigyn by Thorskegga

Clear and Haunting Visions: Question for Wiccans?

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:29:11 -0400

Clear and Haunting Visions: Question for Wiccans?:

shadowveins:

So I have a question for any Wiccans or other Pagans who want to help..

I’ve always considered myself Pagan, but I’ve never really worked with any deities. I want to start doing that, particularly the Wiccan Lord and Lady. I have books on Wicca, and I’ve been reading up on it,…

I has a crush on Crowdog66. <3

Ambiance: I would really appreciate it if the person who sent me hate would not...

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 20:10:40 -0400

Ambiance: I would really appreciate it if the person who sent me hate would not...:

crowdog66:

enchanted-f0restt:

I would really appreciate it if the person who sent me hate would not try and get an opinion from loveismyjudge because she seems to have understood where I have came from, maybe I did get slightly too excited and showed that on tumblr but off tumblr I have been taking it seriously, also I did not…

Disagreement is not hate. If I’m reading the right post, the person you’re referring to asked you some pretty pointed questions, but at no point did I see them calling you a filthy Satan worshipper who should be burned at the stake, or a child-murdering Pagan who whores themselves around at orgies.

See? Now THAT is hate. :) Pointing out possible errors in your approach isn’t even in the same ballpark.

Kayumanggi ang Kulay Ko: Good Pagan and Witchcraft Publishers

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:12:19 -0400

Kayumanggi ang Kulay Ko: Good Pagan and Witchcraft Publishers:

hellboundwitch:

spiritscraft:

tinypagan:

spiritscraft:

Because I am pushover:

American publishers (or have american distribution)

Avalonia

http://avaloniabooks.co.uk/

Three Hands Press

http://www.threehandspress.com/

Acorn Guild

…

Photo

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 21:47:59 -0400

Clear and Haunting Visions: sigh

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 18:49:38 -0400

Clear and Haunting Visions: *sigh*:

thiscrookedcrown:

tinypagan:

kotackaleaf:

crowdog66:

kotackaleaf:

crowdog66:

People who quote stuff in the #wicca tag without proper attribution…

Folks, please. Those “words of wisdom” you’re sharing didn’t spring full-blown out of the asses of the Gods, and a Google search takes maybe ten minutes, tops. So: take ten, find out who said ‘em in the first place, and give…

Sigh… the ones I do on the Wiccan-vampire blog literally come from me. So quit your complaining and shove it up your university ass. Oh and here is something that I have learned from my days on this earth. “Knowledge is gathered from learning and education while most say that wisdom is gathered from day to day experiences and is a state of being wise. Knowledge is merely having clarity of facts and truths.” got this from here http://www.diffen.com/difference/Knowledge_vs_Wisdom. So my words of the wise come from my own daily experiences of how I live and follow the Path. Thus mine do have something to do with Wicca. As long as my words have a foundation in Wicca I will keep posting them unter the Wicca tag. Now have a nice day.

I must say that considering that one of the latest pieces you posted on wiccan-vampire was a barely disguised reworking of Scott Cunningham (which he lifted, in turn, from an older Tradition), your protest of originality rings pretty damn hollow.

To wit, you posted:

The Law of the Power

The Power shall not be used to bring harm, nor to injure. But if need arises, the Power shall be used to protect one’s life, the coven, or the Wicca.

The Power is only to be used as need dictates. It is acceptable to work for one’s own gain as long as it harms none.

Accept no money for using the Power. It quickly controls the receiver.

Do not use the Power for prideful gain, for it lessens the mysteries of Wicca.

Remember that the Power is the sacred gift of the gods, and should never be misused or abused.

And here’s Cunningham’s version:

Law of the Power

by Scott Cunningham, Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner, 1988

The Power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or control others. But if the need rises, The Power shall be used to protect you life or the lives of others.

The Power is used only as need Dictates

The Power can be used for you own gain, as long as by doing so you harm none. It is unwise to accept money for use of the Power, for it quickly controls its taker. Be not as those of other religions.

Use not the Power for Prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and Magic.

Ever remember that the Power is the Sacred gift of the Goddess and God, and should never by misused or abused.

Now, are you saying that what you posted is completely your own creation, and not based on his (or the many variants of his that are floating around)? I’m genuinely curious on this point, because they’re very similar.

(Oh, and I stand by my statement that when sources can be named, they should be named. The people and groups who worked hard to bring the Wiccan community beautiful words and images deserve to be properly credited.)

Hmmm I am very sure I did not mention that in my last reblog. I am happy to fix that as soon as possible. But I seem to have directly said that I was talking about my words of wisdom. I don’t know why you would attack me for something I had posted before even getting into this conversation with you. Like I had said I will be willing to fix that but you my friend need to learn how to read clearly and effectively, I think you were taught that in 3rd or 4th grade if I’m not correct. I think being in a 4 year university has started to rot your brain of the basic knowledge everyone learns. I hope you have fun making people mad at your drive to make yourself better then everyone else here. Have a nice day though.

You, my dear, went from irritating and bothersome to being an ass. Maybe if you were better at following your own ‘words of wisdom’ you would have handled that situation better.

No. You do not get to insult a person because they proved you wrong. You were wrong. Admit it. Now get the fuck over yourself. Crowdog66 is university educated. Many of us are. You’re whining about someone being more educated then you? You’re using their education as if that’s something to be ashamed of? As if it’s a weapon to prove that they needed someone to teach them? What the fuck is wrong with being educated?

What I don’t understand is why can’t you admit that there’s someone out there who’s more knowledgeable than you. Crowdog66 has been ~~extremely~~ patient with you and has tried to unravel your web of misinformation to help people. And now you’re just flat out plagiarizing information from dead men that we all know.

You are a thief and you are acting childish. Several of us have called you on out your bullshit from various aspects of the witchcraft, Wiccan, and pagan fields. Don’t you think that’s a sign?

Ah, controversy! (Or, the practicalities of binding spells)

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 18:48:29 -0400

crowdog66:

I was recently asked about the practicalities of binding spells, and decided that it might make an interesting (if controversial!) article for #crowdog66’s wicca notes.

First, let me state that while I am indeed a Wiccan I believe that binding a person who is causing harm in order to prevent further harm from occurring is a justifiable course of action in certain circumstances — for example, in the case of stalkers, rapists, thieves, and murderers. (This is in keeping with my own Utilitarian ethics and my interpretation of the Rede as condoning all acts which lead to no harm or to minimal harm while making no statement concerning necessary acts of positive harm, especially those which prevent greater harm from coming to pass.) While of course I advocate using every possible non-magical option in those circumstances to enhance one’s safety, there are spells which can be used to put a magical bond on the subject who’s causing so much pain and destruction.

There will always be a lively debate concerning the morality of such magical courses of action. The conclusions I have reached are entirely my own, and I would never presume to tell another witch that they should perform bindings (or any other rite).

What follows is more practical than theoretical; if you’d like to see a theoretical treatment of the subject, just let me know and I’ll take a shot at it.

Practically speaking, I always make sure to get the wholehearted permission of the person afflicted by the subject before working any magic on their behalf, because that is, I think, only polite, and it ensures that the energies of both you and the afflicted person are pushing toward the same goal. Also, it’s a good idea to phrase the spell in such a way that if the afflicted person is not telling the entire truth (as sometimes happens with all human beings, unfortunately) the spell will not cause undue harm to the subject; this can be accomplished by adding a caveat that the spell will be triggered only in the case of objective harm to the afflicted, for example, although of course there are several different ways such a caveat could be phrased.

In my opinion and experience, the Rule of Three (assuming it exists in that form, which I’m not entirely convinced of) will NOT bite the caster in the ass on this occasion if proper precautions and purifications are undertaken, and unless the caster is also a rapist/stalker/thief/murderer. So with that squared away, on to the basics of two forms of “binding” spells (although one is, strictly speaking, more a “disconnection” spell).

(NOTE: Witch’s bottles have been around for a very long time. So have thread-cutting spells. I tweaked the details in each of these cases based on what’s worked for me personally in the past, but the root ideas belong to the ages. :))

Read More

reblog if you are a pagan/wiccan/white magick blog!!

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 18:21:47 -0400

candlelits0ul:

my dash is super dead. i need new people to follow!! reblogging is a (mostly) guaranteed follow!