I've been gone for a long time from this blog, I know. Well, 2009 wasn't so kind to me, but I've changed a lot of bad things and moved to a new place, and got away from a negative vibe that was haunting me. So, on with the show.
My focus lately has been on Gnostic teachings of the original Christians, the Nag Hammadi Texts, and a new interest in Astro-Theology. And I recently went back to one Sunday of Mormon Church. One Sunday in 7 years, not counting the two funerals I attended. Wasn't much difference. Except all the hugs and "we miss you's" etc. That was to be expected. The little kids I used to teach in Primary are teenagers now. I don't know how many times I recited that my oldest child was 20 now, and my youngest almost a teen. I was only there because I felt like doing something nice for my mom, who was injured and couldn't drive for the past month. But everyone there looked so hopeful, so sure that I had an epiphany and was returning to their fold. There I was, sitting in the meetings with my pentagram ring and my triquetra-hematite necklace. I didn't feel anything but awkward at all the attention. I also didn't feel shame, guilt or remorse for the decision I made to leave the church. I'm on the right path for me, and I know it.
If I were to continue attending, just to be there with mom and take her to church, there is no doubt in my mind that sooner or later, the bishop would be asking to speak with me. There is a file on me in the office. I am a Resigned former member. There was no "court of love". There was no process of excommunication in the works. I simply wrote a letter and told them to remove me from the membership list. That was November of 2002.
I jumped through all the flaming hoops they laid out for me and still they could not give me what they promised. I will have to wait till the afterlife just like everyone else. And I am not going to spend THIS life sitting in endless meetings, and feeling guilty and ashamed of myself. Does that mean I'm going to do the exact opposite? If you ask a staunch Mormon, the answer would be yes, naturally. If I'm not in church feeling guilty, what would be the exact opposite? Sitting in a bar whoring around? Joining a BDSM club and hitting the Swinger's scene? Would I naturally be smoking and drinking and doing drugs, smacking around my kids, and living with STD's?
I'm really shocked at the assumption that morality and religion go hand in hand. Is there no such thing as a moral, ethical person without the Judeo-Christian stamp? Are all non-Christians immoral and unethical people? Have we no moral compass or sense of right and wrong? Really?
One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Abraham Lincoln, although I don't know for sure he said it. "When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad. That is my religion."
What sets us apart from animals? Our sense of right and wrong. An INBORN moral compass. A gift from the Creator. The power to use logic and reason in our choices. And what does religion do? It seeks to take credit, to squash down our abilities to think for ourselves, to hand over autonomy in exchange for the promise of eternal life. We are not allowed to question, to doubt, to haggle over details, or even have hurt feelings about the way we are shuffled through like sheep. If the Brethren have decided, have chosen, and have pronounced it, then there is no more debate. The thinking has been done. It is left to those in charge, and doubting them is equal to doubting your god. Wow. No thank you. I prefer to muddle on through with my own thoughts and opinions and reason and logic. What I have discovered is that I flow through life like a river flows to the ocean. My thoughts and opinions change with the ebb and flow of life's experiences. I am not secured in a walled-in shelter. I am taking huge risks in being disappointed, in being shocked or confused. But I'm not living under a threat of eternal doom either.
Has anyone stopped to consider that we are all asleep and need to be awakened to the full knowledge and understanding of our divine nature? This is what the Gnostic Christians taught, generations before Jesus. The "resurrection" we need is not from death back to life in a literal sense. It is a transformation between ignorance and truth. Our 'resurrection' comes from gaining knowledge. The only good in this world is knowledge, and the only sin is ignorance. Yet the Mormon way would keep us all dependent upon others for all our wisdom and knowledge, and slam the door on anything that would cause us to question, to reason for ourselves, or to doubt.
If I were to have a vision, right now in this very room, of Joseph, Jesus and God, all together commanding me to take up a pen and write down their words and then go out in the world and tell everyone I know, no one would believe me. Even if it was true, it wouldn't matter. It would still be up to me to get others to believe and trust in me, in my character, and in my ability to relate the experience. If I was extremely good at charisma and charm, I could gather a small following. If I continued to claim more visions and experiences that only happened to me, and I was able to convince a few people that I had seen and spoken with Deities from heaven, it would still be balance upon the precipice of my word, my character, and my ability to convince others. There would be no magical, mystical quality about it. And it wouldn't even have to be true in order for me to accomplish it. I could do just as well with a lie as the truth. Real miracles are subject to the same fate as a lie, and I question and doubt that the Creator would use such means to convince us of anything. Is it more probable that a miracle might have occurred, or that a lie was told?
To quote Thomas Paine in The Age of Reason :
"In every point of view in which those things called miracles can be placed and considered, the reality of them is improbable, and their existence unnecessary. They would not answer any useful purpose, even if they were true; for it is more difficult to obtain belief to a miracle, than to a principle evidently moral, without any miracle. Moral principle speaks universally for itself. Miracle could be a thing of the moment, and seen but by a few; after this it requires a transfer of faith from God to man to believe a miracle upon man's report. Instead of admitting the recitals of miracles as evidence of any system of religion to be true, it should be considered as symptoms of it being fabulous. It is necessary to the full and upright character of truth that it rejects the crutch; and it is consistent with the character of fable to seek the aid that truth rejects."
So, if we want to put anything to the test, it would be a man's character. His ability to see a vision, relate it to others, and become a prophet rests on his moral character. It would not matter if the vision or miracle was true one whit. Because he was the only witness to it, then we would all have to rely upon his word. Having never met Joseph Smith personally, I would then have to rely upon accounts from others, and put my faith and trust in their character. It still would not matter if it was a lie or not. My belief would rest upon witnesses, not upon whether or not I believed such a miracle could occur at all. It is a thousand times more likely that no such miracle ever occurred. And I get that understanding from studying the character of the man who made the claim. This is why it is so upsetting to read volumes of Mormon history, to read the history of polygamy, of other "vision" claims from the same man. It's upsetting to discover just ONE lie in the story. It casts doubt upon the man. That's why there is such a movement in the church to maintain their beliefs and stand firm against any doubts. How would that be accomplished? Willful ignorance. The desire to NOT know any different. The desire to keep believing because so much time and effort has been invested in the cause and it would be TOO painful to realize it was based on a lie. Some people would rather live this way. And to me, that is the real sin. Turning down the use of the one gift our Creator gave us, the use of REASON.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Casting Spells
Spell Casting is a safe and simple way to improve a situation by using your wishes to harmonize natural energies.
A spell is the combination of words and objects used to focus magical energy and direct it into ensuring the desired result. Casting spells can help you deal with areas of your life that cause problems and give you the confidence you need to overcome them. By working with words and objects that symbolize the goal you are seeking, you can direct and focus your won natural energies.
The Ethics of Spell Casting
All true Wiccans follow the ethic, "An it harm none, do as ye will", meaning you should not cause harm to anyone with your spells, including yourself. By using the power of your imagination, focused and heightened by concentration, will-power and belief, you can start to cast spells safely and positively.
Spells help your unconscious mind focus on your wishes and attract the outcome that is right for you. Use natural ingredients to harness the magical energies around you.
Spell Casting Through History
Witches and their beliefs have been demonized in recent times, but for thousands of years spells were used to help protect people from life's sorrows and pains. In the Middle Ages, local witches combined the roles of doctor, midwife, and vet, dispensing herbs to heal human and animal ailments and to aid births. Without a local pharmacy, they found their own ingredients, and an extensive knowledge of herbalism was essential. The traditions of herb and Moon lore, learned by witches, were usually oral. These were passed down and adapted through time.
Spells can be divided into three broad categories: Blessing, Wishing, and Protection.
Blessing Spells
Blessing spells are used to improve existing conditions. Within a rural community, such spells may include blessing crops and encouraging the appropriate weather to ensure a good harvest. Blessing spells can also heal people and animals, bringing more happiness and positive influence into a person's life. They can be used to purify places and buildings, removing unwanted influences. Blessing spells remind us of our connection to the people around us and our environment--for example, you may cast a blessing spell for along and happy life on a newborn baby or on a newlywed couple to ensure their future happiness.
Wishing or Attraction Spells
Wishing spells are cast to improve your quality of life. They include:
*Spells to improve your current job situation or help you find a new one.
*Spells to help you overcome nerves and perform well during exams.
*Spells to improve your luck.
*Spells to attract love into your life.
When you perform wishing spells, remember you are seeking to attract what is right for you. It is better to do spells to attract the "right" job or lover rather than a specific person or career, which may not in fact be right for you.
Protection Spells
Protection spells were among the most popular kind cast in ancient times. These can include:
*Protection when traveling
*House protection from burglary or negative influences.
Binding Spells
Binding spells are cast to stop an individual acting maliciously or negatively in a manner that causes harm. Such spells also help the person causing the problem to realize the harm they can do. They are NOT curses.
For example, if you are sexually harassed at work and wish to prevent the perpetrator from behaving in this manner, a binding spell would reflect their negative energies back on them and make them realize how they are harming others.
A spell is the combination of words and objects used to focus magical energy and direct it into ensuring the desired result. Casting spells can help you deal with areas of your life that cause problems and give you the confidence you need to overcome them. By working with words and objects that symbolize the goal you are seeking, you can direct and focus your won natural energies.
The Ethics of Spell Casting
All true Wiccans follow the ethic, "An it harm none, do as ye will", meaning you should not cause harm to anyone with your spells, including yourself. By using the power of your imagination, focused and heightened by concentration, will-power and belief, you can start to cast spells safely and positively.
Spells help your unconscious mind focus on your wishes and attract the outcome that is right for you. Use natural ingredients to harness the magical energies around you.
Spell Casting Through History
Witches and their beliefs have been demonized in recent times, but for thousands of years spells were used to help protect people from life's sorrows and pains. In the Middle Ages, local witches combined the roles of doctor, midwife, and vet, dispensing herbs to heal human and animal ailments and to aid births. Without a local pharmacy, they found their own ingredients, and an extensive knowledge of herbalism was essential. The traditions of herb and Moon lore, learned by witches, were usually oral. These were passed down and adapted through time.
Spells can be divided into three broad categories: Blessing, Wishing, and Protection.
Blessing Spells
Blessing spells are used to improve existing conditions. Within a rural community, such spells may include blessing crops and encouraging the appropriate weather to ensure a good harvest. Blessing spells can also heal people and animals, bringing more happiness and positive influence into a person's life. They can be used to purify places and buildings, removing unwanted influences. Blessing spells remind us of our connection to the people around us and our environment--for example, you may cast a blessing spell for along and happy life on a newborn baby or on a newlywed couple to ensure their future happiness.
Wishing or Attraction Spells
Wishing spells are cast to improve your quality of life. They include:
*Spells to improve your current job situation or help you find a new one.
*Spells to help you overcome nerves and perform well during exams.
*Spells to improve your luck.
*Spells to attract love into your life.
When you perform wishing spells, remember you are seeking to attract what is right for you. It is better to do spells to attract the "right" job or lover rather than a specific person or career, which may not in fact be right for you.
Protection Spells
Protection spells were among the most popular kind cast in ancient times. These can include:
*Protection when traveling
*House protection from burglary or negative influences.
Binding Spells
Binding spells are cast to stop an individual acting maliciously or negatively in a manner that causes harm. Such spells also help the person causing the problem to realize the harm they can do. They are NOT curses.
For example, if you are sexually harassed at work and wish to prevent the perpetrator from behaving in this manner, a binding spell would reflect their negative energies back on them and make them realize how they are harming others.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Using Magic Wands
Magic wands can help you to channel the mystical forces surrounding you and focus this power into the object of your spell.
A wand functions as an antenna. When pointed upward and used with ritual and focus, it enables you to draw down magical energy. When spell casting, you can then point the wand at an object to release this power down your arm and into the wand, where the energy is intensified by its crystal tip. You can also focus on directing your own energy into the wand. Thus, double-pointed crystals work very well on wands, enhancing power from yourself and external forces.
Harnessing tree magic
A wand is imbued with the properties of the tree from which it is make. Willow is the most popular choice of wood, but you can make wands from most trees and reserve individuals wands for specific purposes. Birch trees, for example, signify renewal and a birch wood wand could be used in spells to bless new projects.
The Uses of Magic Wands
You can use a wand for a variety of purposes when practicing magic and rituals and casting spells.
*Sleeping on a willow wand is said to make your dreams more vivid and meaningful.
*Rowan wands can help to enhance your clairvoyant abilities.
*Wands can be used to cast sacred circles, which you can then step into and cast a spell.
*Place a wand on an altar at a Wiccan celebration as your offering to the ritual.
*Enhance the power of your spells by using wands to focus more energy on your intent, whether it be for love, prosperity or healing.
*Use a wand made from a specific wood to celebrate a seasonal festival. A holly wand, for example, could be used to perform magic at a Winter Solstice ritual.
A wand functions as an antenna. When pointed upward and used with ritual and focus, it enables you to draw down magical energy. When spell casting, you can then point the wand at an object to release this power down your arm and into the wand, where the energy is intensified by its crystal tip. You can also focus on directing your own energy into the wand. Thus, double-pointed crystals work very well on wands, enhancing power from yourself and external forces.
Harnessing tree magic
A wand is imbued with the properties of the tree from which it is make. Willow is the most popular choice of wood, but you can make wands from most trees and reserve individuals wands for specific purposes. Birch trees, for example, signify renewal and a birch wood wand could be used in spells to bless new projects.
The Uses of Magic Wands
You can use a wand for a variety of purposes when practicing magic and rituals and casting spells.
*Sleeping on a willow wand is said to make your dreams more vivid and meaningful.
*Rowan wands can help to enhance your clairvoyant abilities.
*Wands can be used to cast sacred circles, which you can then step into and cast a spell.
*Place a wand on an altar at a Wiccan celebration as your offering to the ritual.
*Enhance the power of your spells by using wands to focus more energy on your intent, whether it be for love, prosperity or healing.
*Use a wand made from a specific wood to celebrate a seasonal festival. A holly wand, for example, could be used to perform magic at a Winter Solstice ritual.
How to Make a Magic Wand
Follow this simple and fun step-by-step exercise to create your own magical wand, adorned with brightly colored ribbons, pretty gems and elaborate feathers.
Wand Materials
To make your magic wand, you will need:
*a 10-12 inch long stick of willow or other wood
*a knife
*a double-pointed quartz or other preferred crystal
*sandpaper--coarse, smooth and very smooth
*almond or linseed oil
*a brush
*copper wire
*needle and cotton thread
*PVA glue
*ribbons, feathers, beads and shells
1. Ask permission from a tree to take its wood. Then cut a 10-12 inch piece. Thank the tree and leave it a gift.
2. Strip off bark with a knife, while the wood is "moist" and easy to peel. Later, return the shavings to the tree.
3. Sand the wood, first with the coarse paper, then again with the smooth. Finally, use the very smooth sandpaper.
4. Allow the wood to dry out for a few days. Then lightly brush it with oil until it is soaked through. Leave it to dry.
5. Glue the crystal you have chosen onto the top of your wand and wrap with the ribbons securing it with glue.
6. Now, you are ready to personalize your wand. Use a needle and thread to attach other magical items, such as beads, feathers and shells to the ribbons.
Using Advanced Wands
The more practiced you become at magic, the less elaborate your wand needs to be. Many experienced witches will used a plain wooden stick and do not worry about dressing it up.
Decorating your wand does not increase its magical powers, but the ritual of spending so much time on the tool's creation helps to forge a psychological connection, encouraging the flow of magical energies between you. Many beginners find this useful.
Using a Ritual Blade
Other rituals associated with creating your own wand include setting aside a special knife, which you use only for this purpose.
Wand Materials
To make your magic wand, you will need:
*a 10-12 inch long stick of willow or other wood
*a knife
*a double-pointed quartz or other preferred crystal
*sandpaper--coarse, smooth and very smooth
*almond or linseed oil
*a brush
*copper wire
*needle and cotton thread
*PVA glue
*ribbons, feathers, beads and shells
1. Ask permission from a tree to take its wood. Then cut a 10-12 inch piece. Thank the tree and leave it a gift.
2. Strip off bark with a knife, while the wood is "moist" and easy to peel. Later, return the shavings to the tree.
3. Sand the wood, first with the coarse paper, then again with the smooth. Finally, use the very smooth sandpaper.
4. Allow the wood to dry out for a few days. Then lightly brush it with oil until it is soaked through. Leave it to dry.
5. Glue the crystal you have chosen onto the top of your wand and wrap with the ribbons securing it with glue.
6. Now, you are ready to personalize your wand. Use a needle and thread to attach other magical items, such as beads, feathers and shells to the ribbons.
Using Advanced Wands
The more practiced you become at magic, the less elaborate your wand needs to be. Many experienced witches will used a plain wooden stick and do not worry about dressing it up.
Decorating your wand does not increase its magical powers, but the ritual of spending so much time on the tool's creation helps to forge a psychological connection, encouraging the flow of magical energies between you. Many beginners find this useful.
Using a Ritual Blade
Other rituals associated with creating your own wand include setting aside a special knife, which you use only for this purpose.
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