Within 24 hours, I come at you with a 3rd blog entry. I have been blogging a whole lot lately, so please bear with me.
Anyways, I was thinking about where my path had stemmed from and when it actually started. I guess you could say that I didn't really notice it until my freshman year in high school (I'm a senior in high school now, so...) .
It all started when I was 7. I was entertained with the idea of magick. Something about it had drawn me in. I read books that had had magick within them, and I used to create my own world with elements and faeries. I was completely lost in it as a child would be.
When I was in 8th grade, I started to see a huge change. I was into things like intuition, the laws of karma, and all of those types of things. I absolutely believed in self-control and if something needed to be said, I wasn't one to hold back. It seemed as though when I got mad, something was controlling me to say mature things. I thanked it each and every time. I believe it was the God and Goddess controlling me, and I didn't know it yet.
By my freshman year in high school, I had a unique friend. She wasn't exactly into church, and she introduced me to types of divination. She read my numerology (which was a 2) and said that I was bound to be a leader and do great things. I laughed at her when she said that, but now I'm starting to see what she means...
She also used a Ouija Board while I was on the phone with her. You could hear and feel the spirit she was talking to. I never really believed in such things until then. She also read my palms and taught me a little about palmistry. She had tarot cards, too, but her mother had threw them away, claiming that they "belonged to and served the devil."
Also in my freshman year, we had this huge research project due about a Greek God or Goddess of our choosing. As much as I wanted to choose Apollo, the God of music and light, many people had chose him. Instead, I chose Artemis, Goddess of the hunt. I found that she was independent and the twin of Apollo. I had so much respect for mythology after this, and I literally obsessed over this project. I lived, breathed, and ate the project until I had to present. I had to edit my 10 minute speech because I had acquired so much information about Artemis.
In my sophomore year, I found myself going back to church, but as soon as I did that, I began looking up spells and became a Christo-Witch. That contradicted everything in my opinion. I just couldn't make up my mind.... Until my junior year.
I actually met a pagan through a music program that unites our school district. He was goth and Pagan, so I thought he was quite unapproachable. I was wrong. He was one of the most awesome people I've met in my life. I found that surprising, not because I had heard that goths were so distant and cold, but how a Pagan, something that I was taught was wrong, was amazing and confident in what he believed in. He also developed a small crush on me, and I was pretty much liking him, too. I thought that if I got some more religious tolerance under my belt, I could actually date him and make this work. Unfortunately, we didn't end up dating, but, about a week later, Wicca became my obsession.
I researched it night and day, tried a new moon ritual, tried keeping a Book of Shadows, and researching Gods and Goddesses to work with. In about 2 weeks, I had known most of the basics, and did a dedication ritual to the God and Goddess. It was about a week or 2 after Imbolic. I took notes, tried to memorize things, and now I have the days of the week correspondences memorized. I also have some colors that I mostly use memorized.
I fully couldn't grasp the idea of a Goddess until I reasoned with it in a Christian way. "Ok, so God... The Christian God, has a masculine and feminine side. The feminine side would be the Goddess, right?"
Long story short, it's been about a year since I actually got into Wicca. In my opinion, it was only a matter of time before I got into a great religion. And now, I'm starting to learn from a mentor so that I can continue on my path, form my own coven, and become an effective leader.
Well, that's my story, but it's still not written to its fullest.
Wishing you many blessings,
Dawn )O(
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wicca 101: Rituals and Circles
Hello, this is Dawn, and this is my 2nd post of the night. In this entry, I promised that I'd explain what it means to cast a circle, why should you cast a circle, and most importantly, how to cast a circle.
Since tonight is an esbat, or full moon, this means that Wiccans will hold a ritual. Most Wiccans will cast a circle, conduct their rituals inside of this circle, then close it. This is so all negative energies are kept out and pure energies are kept in.
Before we get to casting a circle, let me state things that prefer to do before conducting a ritual. Sometimes, I like to clean the place that I am going to have the ritual. Seeing as I've been a little more bold, I clean the table in the living room. Depending on my mood, I may also clean my body. To me, it symbolizes that the Maiden (new moon) is reborn or that whatever is living will have to deteriorate and start anew (Full moon). Then, I cast my circle. Here's where you, once again, do what you feel is correct.
I label what is in front of me north, what's on my right east, what's on my left west, and what's behind me south. I call the elements. North can be whatever your heart desires, but I label that Earth. Water is west. East is air. And South is fire. With what I have in my possession, I am able to have representations of everything: a cup of water, a candle that will be lit when I call fire, a pine cone for earth, and incense for air. I then light the incense. Once again, do whatever feels right.
Calling the elements can be as simple as, "air, I welcome you into my circle," or it can rhyme and all of that jazz. Normally, I would say, "Air, may you guide me in the right direction. I welcome you into my circle." Move onto the next element. I go counterclockwise.
"Earth, I ask you to ground me..."
"Water, allow me to relax in your body..."
"Fire, warm me in your flame..."
Great. You have called all of the elements. Now, it is time to welcome the deities. So, call them and politely welcome them to your circle. Don't demand them. Welcome them. Then you do your spiritual work.
Cake and ale is not actual cake and ginger ale. It's a sweet treat that you take one bite of and take one sip of in honor of the God and Goddess. I usually grab tea and something to bite, then uncast the circle. Uncasting the circle is like casting the circle in reverse and bidding the deities and elements farewell (going from the one you recently called to the first one called). You politely say that they can leave the circle. Remember, you are in sight of the God and Goddess, and you should completely act like it.
After closing the circle, and if there's tea and what-have-you left over, then you can finish your cake and ale after the circle is gone. At least that's what I do...
I hope that this helped you guys who are new and wanting to cast your circles and have rituals. These are the basic esbat rituals...
Much love,
Dawn )O(
Since tonight is an esbat, or full moon, this means that Wiccans will hold a ritual. Most Wiccans will cast a circle, conduct their rituals inside of this circle, then close it. This is so all negative energies are kept out and pure energies are kept in.
Before we get to casting a circle, let me state things that prefer to do before conducting a ritual. Sometimes, I like to clean the place that I am going to have the ritual. Seeing as I've been a little more bold, I clean the table in the living room. Depending on my mood, I may also clean my body. To me, it symbolizes that the Maiden (new moon) is reborn or that whatever is living will have to deteriorate and start anew (Full moon). Then, I cast my circle. Here's where you, once again, do what you feel is correct.
I label what is in front of me north, what's on my right east, what's on my left west, and what's behind me south. I call the elements. North can be whatever your heart desires, but I label that Earth. Water is west. East is air. And South is fire. With what I have in my possession, I am able to have representations of everything: a cup of water, a candle that will be lit when I call fire, a pine cone for earth, and incense for air. I then light the incense. Once again, do whatever feels right.
Calling the elements can be as simple as, "air, I welcome you into my circle," or it can rhyme and all of that jazz. Normally, I would say, "Air, may you guide me in the right direction. I welcome you into my circle." Move onto the next element. I go counterclockwise.
"Earth, I ask you to ground me..."
"Water, allow me to relax in your body..."
"Fire, warm me in your flame..."
Great. You have called all of the elements. Now, it is time to welcome the deities. So, call them and politely welcome them to your circle. Don't demand them. Welcome them. Then you do your spiritual work.
Cake and ale is not actual cake and ginger ale. It's a sweet treat that you take one bite of and take one sip of in honor of the God and Goddess. I usually grab tea and something to bite, then uncast the circle. Uncasting the circle is like casting the circle in reverse and bidding the deities and elements farewell (going from the one you recently called to the first one called). You politely say that they can leave the circle. Remember, you are in sight of the God and Goddess, and you should completely act like it.
After closing the circle, and if there's tea and what-have-you left over, then you can finish your cake and ale after the circle is gone. At least that's what I do...
I hope that this helped you guys who are new and wanting to cast your circles and have rituals. These are the basic esbat rituals...
Much love,
Dawn )O(
Wicca 101: Spells
Hello, again! It's me, Dawn, and I'd thought that since tonight is an esbat (more commonly known as a full or new moon) that I would talk to you about the subject most people would love to know most about: Magick. Many people know this as spellcasting.
To tell you the truth, most don't need the physical casting of a spell, but most consider this common. What I just found out moments ago is that prayer can be considered a spell. Depending on who your mentor is, this can vary, so you don't really take what I'm saying at face value. Once again, what you think matters when being Wiccan.
There are different methods in casting spells. I usually cast a circle to keep positive energies in and negative energies out. (I will explain this in a post following this, so do not worry!) If you do not want to cast a circle, then it is fine. Some decide to get their spells online, while others write theirs. Once again, it is up to you. However, it is more powerful if you write your own. There are many kinds of spells that you could conduct, and that depends on what you want to achieve.
When conducting a spell for love (as an example), you can use correspondences to strengthen this spell. The color red is for passionate love, and you would most likely cast it on Friday. As a note for any love spells, you must be careful. If you follow the Wiccan's Rede, you do not want to tamper with one's free will. If it is more of a general spell to find love, and it is not aimed towards anyone, I would say that that is better. Still, you would want to be very careful.
There are so many things that I could tell you guys about spells, but this will have to do, seeing as though Wicca 101 is covering certain topics briefly. In the future, I may post about different spells I have used and how they work.
Wishing you many blessings,
Dawn )O(
To tell you the truth, most don't need the physical casting of a spell, but most consider this common. What I just found out moments ago is that prayer can be considered a spell. Depending on who your mentor is, this can vary, so you don't really take what I'm saying at face value. Once again, what you think matters when being Wiccan.
There are different methods in casting spells. I usually cast a circle to keep positive energies in and negative energies out. (I will explain this in a post following this, so do not worry!) If you do not want to cast a circle, then it is fine. Some decide to get their spells online, while others write theirs. Once again, it is up to you. However, it is more powerful if you write your own. There are many kinds of spells that you could conduct, and that depends on what you want to achieve.
When conducting a spell for love (as an example), you can use correspondences to strengthen this spell. The color red is for passionate love, and you would most likely cast it on Friday. As a note for any love spells, you must be careful. If you follow the Wiccan's Rede, you do not want to tamper with one's free will. If it is more of a general spell to find love, and it is not aimed towards anyone, I would say that that is better. Still, you would want to be very careful.
There are so many things that I could tell you guys about spells, but this will have to do, seeing as though Wicca 101 is covering certain topics briefly. In the future, I may post about different spells I have used and how they work.
Wishing you many blessings,
Dawn )O(
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Starting to Step out of the Broom Closet
Hey, guys! It's me again.
So, today, I wanted to talk about getting the courage to step out of the closet. It's extremely hard to do, especially when most of your friends happen to be another religion, especially Christian. Nevertheless, I have gotten a little more bold with my religion, Wicca. Yesterday, I took some steps out of the Broom Closet.
Something that I was bold enough to do was explore into a bookstore. As though it doesn't sound all that exciting, I dashed for the "New Age" section. Alright, that's somewhat bold, right? What's even more bold is picking up the last tarot deck and asking my cousin that is agnostic but leaning toward Christianity if I should buy it. And let's face it, when you live with Christians who disapprove of any sort of divination, I admit, it's bold. Especially when you do a reading and have to find a hiding spot for your precious cards. This is nothing like buying candles and incense, now is it?
Another thing I did was to change my religion on Facebook from Christianity to Wicca. The only thing is I have to hide it. Why? It's because... Well... A couple of ministers are my friend on Facebook, and it'd look funny to delete my best friend's dad, mom, and grandfather. (In case you couldn't tell, they have a strong faith in Christianity.) So, only I can see my religion, and no one would flip.
Oh, and my best friend who lives in this religious family seems to feel the need to discover a new religion. She's only 14, but I can see she loves to dowse and has a wand. I suppose that sooner or later, she'll discover Wicca and love it. Anyways, this gives me the idea to give her a reading with my tarot cards. She's been wanting one, but... I don't know if it is possible to do one in her house....
Anyways, there's some things that I've done. The next step might be to order a Book of Shadows online from Amazon or eBay. Although, my family will have no idea what thoughts I'll keep in it. And after school kicks in after break, I'll tell my 2 closest friends that I am Wiccan. It'll be some sort of a relief and a great support system. Then, they'll ask me exactly what it is and I can thoroughly explain to them what it's about.
That's my plan for 2013: to be more open about my religion and spirituality.
Wishing you love, happiness, and joy,
Dawn )O(
So, today, I wanted to talk about getting the courage to step out of the closet. It's extremely hard to do, especially when most of your friends happen to be another religion, especially Christian. Nevertheless, I have gotten a little more bold with my religion, Wicca. Yesterday, I took some steps out of the Broom Closet.
Something that I was bold enough to do was explore into a bookstore. As though it doesn't sound all that exciting, I dashed for the "New Age" section. Alright, that's somewhat bold, right? What's even more bold is picking up the last tarot deck and asking my cousin that is agnostic but leaning toward Christianity if I should buy it. And let's face it, when you live with Christians who disapprove of any sort of divination, I admit, it's bold. Especially when you do a reading and have to find a hiding spot for your precious cards. This is nothing like buying candles and incense, now is it?
Another thing I did was to change my religion on Facebook from Christianity to Wicca. The only thing is I have to hide it. Why? It's because... Well... A couple of ministers are my friend on Facebook, and it'd look funny to delete my best friend's dad, mom, and grandfather. (In case you couldn't tell, they have a strong faith in Christianity.) So, only I can see my religion, and no one would flip.
Oh, and my best friend who lives in this religious family seems to feel the need to discover a new religion. She's only 14, but I can see she loves to dowse and has a wand. I suppose that sooner or later, she'll discover Wicca and love it. Anyways, this gives me the idea to give her a reading with my tarot cards. She's been wanting one, but... I don't know if it is possible to do one in her house....
Anyways, there's some things that I've done. The next step might be to order a Book of Shadows online from Amazon or eBay. Although, my family will have no idea what thoughts I'll keep in it. And after school kicks in after break, I'll tell my 2 closest friends that I am Wiccan. It'll be some sort of a relief and a great support system. Then, they'll ask me exactly what it is and I can thoroughly explain to them what it's about.
That's my plan for 2013: to be more open about my religion and spirituality.
Wishing you love, happiness, and joy,
Dawn )O(
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Wicca 101: Yuletide Greetings!
Hello, guys! It's me again!
In case you couldn't tell by the title, I'm going to explain what Yule is about, the traditions, and ways to celebrate it.
So, Yule is the second Sabbat, or Pagan holiday, of the Pagan year. The first one is Samhain, or in Layman's terms, Halloween. (Yes, that myth about Wiccans and Witches going all out for Halloween is true.) Anyways, Yule is held on the Winter Solstice. It is celebrating the rebirth of the sun and the fact that days will get longer from then on. There's many Gods and Goddesses you can worship on this day. The 2 I'll be working with are Apollo, my main God, and Demeter, Goddess of birth and children.
Traditions of Christmas don't make sense, do they? Well, allow me to explain one: the dreaded mistletoe. Pagans don't really hang it up to get couples to kiss underneath it. Believe it or not, mistletoe is hung up for protection. A feast around or on Christmas is to get the family together and bond with each other. This is also true for Pagans, but it also celebrates the sun's return. If you catch onto these traditions, and you just SO happen to be in the broom closet, notice that you can celebrate Yule like Christmas. Notice how they're less than a week near each other. Yes. This also means that during this time, Pagans and Christians can celebrate different things in unison.
Now, ways to celebrate Yule can range for most people. Some can decide if they would love to open presents and have a feast on this holiday. Others can simply acknowledge and pray to a sun God or Goddess. Usually, a ritual is performed at night. I advise that you plan out this ritual in advance. It's really helpful than just winging it. Wear the colors of Yule: green, red, white, gold, and silver. Welcome back the energies of the sun. Devote yourself to the God and Goddess again, because this is a day of renewal. There are SO MANY THINGS you could do.
Since this day focuses on Apollo, I will most likely be creative and write poetry. I'll also write a Yule chant. I'll drink tea with peppermint, a spice of Yule, and meditate. I'll cast a circle and hold a ritual. Hopefully my plans have sparked something in your interest.
Wishing you a blessed Yule,
Dawn
)O(
In case you couldn't tell by the title, I'm going to explain what Yule is about, the traditions, and ways to celebrate it.
So, Yule is the second Sabbat, or Pagan holiday, of the Pagan year. The first one is Samhain, or in Layman's terms, Halloween. (Yes, that myth about Wiccans and Witches going all out for Halloween is true.) Anyways, Yule is held on the Winter Solstice. It is celebrating the rebirth of the sun and the fact that days will get longer from then on. There's many Gods and Goddesses you can worship on this day. The 2 I'll be working with are Apollo, my main God, and Demeter, Goddess of birth and children.
Traditions of Christmas don't make sense, do they? Well, allow me to explain one: the dreaded mistletoe. Pagans don't really hang it up to get couples to kiss underneath it. Believe it or not, mistletoe is hung up for protection. A feast around or on Christmas is to get the family together and bond with each other. This is also true for Pagans, but it also celebrates the sun's return. If you catch onto these traditions, and you just SO happen to be in the broom closet, notice that you can celebrate Yule like Christmas. Notice how they're less than a week near each other. Yes. This also means that during this time, Pagans and Christians can celebrate different things in unison.
Now, ways to celebrate Yule can range for most people. Some can decide if they would love to open presents and have a feast on this holiday. Others can simply acknowledge and pray to a sun God or Goddess. Usually, a ritual is performed at night. I advise that you plan out this ritual in advance. It's really helpful than just winging it. Wear the colors of Yule: green, red, white, gold, and silver. Welcome back the energies of the sun. Devote yourself to the God and Goddess again, because this is a day of renewal. There are SO MANY THINGS you could do.
Since this day focuses on Apollo, I will most likely be creative and write poetry. I'll also write a Yule chant. I'll drink tea with peppermint, a spice of Yule, and meditate. I'll cast a circle and hold a ritual. Hopefully my plans have sparked something in your interest.
Wishing you a blessed Yule,
Dawn
)O(
Saturday, December 8, 2012
An Experience With Finding a Deity
Hey, everyone! Once again, I am posting an entry because I was reminded of the time that I found my first Deity to work with, which was (and still is) Apollo. I want to tell you about something about what happened that made it apparent I am connected with Him.
I remember, about March of this year, I was researching Wicca. Of course, I had just presented myself to the general God and Goddess. Like I had stated, I work with the Greek Pantheon and believe that certain aspects of The Lord and Lady are displayed in this pantheon. So, I had went on Wikipedia, and saw all of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. I had noticed that I was in the beginning of the alphabet.
So the mouse had hovered over Apollo and I stopped moving it. My hand began to involuntarily twitch. It almost made me click on the page for Apollo. It wasn't until after I moved the mouse that my hand STOPPED twitching. So, I moved it over the mouse once more, and once again, it twitched. I took that as a sign and have pleased Apollo ever since.
It's weird how the Universe gives you a sign when making such a decision. I should say that people should look out with these signs... Not only it is life-changing, it can be subtle, or it can be in-your-face, like my experience.
Just a little story to amuse you...
Much blessings,
Dawn )O(
I remember, about March of this year, I was researching Wicca. Of course, I had just presented myself to the general God and Goddess. Like I had stated, I work with the Greek Pantheon and believe that certain aspects of The Lord and Lady are displayed in this pantheon. So, I had went on Wikipedia, and saw all of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. I had noticed that I was in the beginning of the alphabet.
So the mouse had hovered over Apollo and I stopped moving it. My hand began to involuntarily twitch. It almost made me click on the page for Apollo. It wasn't until after I moved the mouse that my hand STOPPED twitching. So, I moved it over the mouse once more, and once again, it twitched. I took that as a sign and have pleased Apollo ever since.
It's weird how the Universe gives you a sign when making such a decision. I should say that people should look out with these signs... Not only it is life-changing, it can be subtle, or it can be in-your-face, like my experience.
Just a little story to amuse you...
Much blessings,
Dawn )O(
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