text:
I hope all is well with you and your family Vanessa.
Hi Vanessa,
I'm sorry I didn't come on here sooner-I've had a long list of issues and haven't been on Care2 much.
About 4 years ago I was in a coven that tried to take over my life-I thought they were my friends and "family" so didn't notice what was going on until my, at the time boyfriend, commented that they didn't like him and was trying to drive us apart. I started to notice things after that and slowly cut ties with the group. For a long while after I kept noticing a run of very bad luck, which I thought was just coincidence until I talked to one member who hadn't been as bad as the rest and had been very kind to me, who told me that the coven was angry I'd left so was sending me bad energy. Now, once I got done being angry, here's what I did to protect myself.
The day before a new moon I scrubbed the house. Deep-cleaned it you might say. Once everything was clean I sprinkled salt everywhere-floors, furniture, counters, everywhere. (Salt can stain so be careful, you don't want to destroy your things)
I let the salt sit all day while in all the rooms of the house I burned sweet grass. (I prefer sweet grass cause I like the smell but some people might use sage or incense, use your favorite purifier, that way it has meaning to you.)
I took a long bath with oils and while I soaked I thought every angry, hateful thing I could about those people. I envisioned the bad thoughts flowing out of me into the water and when the water had cooled and I pulled the plug I envisioned all that anger going down the drain. I then took a quick shower (mostly to wash off the oils) and when I stepped out I felt very peaceful. Now, when I run into those people I think of that very peaceful moment and stay calm.
Late in the day I swept up all the salt and threw it away. I was diligent in areas that get lots of use (counter tops, floors) but left some in the corners and a light sprinkle under furniture. This was to help keep protection down from bad engeries coming in the house-without having everything gritty and salty. (This treatment also helps to get rid of fleas
Over most of the doorways I hung a sage leaf and in most windowsills I put a piece of crystal. It doesn't have to be big (my fiance's family are one step from being fundamentalist christians so I can't be too obvious) and most of mine are tiny, just enough to give protection.
The next day things didn't magically become all better, but by the next new moon things were definitly looking up. I used the new moon for that reason (since the new moon is 'growing' full--I felt we needed to 'grow' toward a happier life) but you use whatever phase of the moon you feel has meaning to you.
And always remember, Karma can be slow but She always catches up in the end. Those people will get justice without you having to do anything.
For example, the coven that was attacking me folded not 3 months after I did the cleaning ritual. The priest and priestess lost their home, their teenage children chose to leave and live with other relatives, and they had to move in with friends. Most of the other members got in trouble for one thing or another, some ended up in jail.
The point is, protect yourself and clean yourself out of angry, hateful thoughts. This stress can hurt you physically. Protect your home from bad energies. And since it sounds like they are family, I won't say learn to live with them (I'd be a hypocrite if I did since I can't stand my fiance's family) but try and maintain a calm detachment. Carry around a worry stone made out of crystal-it gives you something to channel anger and it can deflect negative energy from you. That has helped me-whenever one of the in-laws starts nagging or cutting me down I just shove me hands in my pockets, concentrate on the worry stone and say polite, non-commital things.
Do you believe in God? If you do, I would recommend a book by Yehuda Berg named The 72 Names of God.
There are good meditating tools in it that I feel would help you out.
Actually, even if you don't believe in a God & feel there are higher energies beyond us - it would be worth taking a look at.
hi im just looking for pointers its a long story but oh boy i need direction,im married and been with my husband for 12yrs and just found out recently that his family is useing me as a guine pig, and is doing anything possible to break us up, we have three beautiful kids,i dont want my kids to get affected for them practissing spells on me and my husband and my husband has know clue whats going on , should i ignore or do i help myself and my family and whats the correct spell not to harm because i dont want to be like them there very evil people i dont know what to do looking back they have done so much underlined mean stuff that ive had it i feel so drained can anyone point me in the right direction please thank you....
Is anyone coming in here anymore?
How long per day would you recommend for meditation and can you do this with other things going on like kids running around or the dog barking?
Thank you that would be wonderful
I have two candles and two stones for Mabon but that is all I have sinve everything is packed up and waiting for us to move.� What sorts of things could I do with just those items for Mabon?
I would think that controlling astral projection should be about the same thing as controlling anything....practise and control of mind and body. Maybe she needs to try a stress relief program: yoga, tea time, lavendar bath and sheets etc...if she can work on the problem that triggers the projection, she can control it.
We are so glad to have you back but we wish it were under other circumstances. I have some information on possible spiritual attacks though I have not experienced one myself to my knowledge nor had to defend myself against one. From what I understand about them though they are actually extremely hard to do. The person doing them would have to have a high level of training in occult practice and be a very driven self controlled person...barring the training and skills needed he would have to find a REAL knowledgeable person who could perform these tasks for him (which is equivilant to finding a good hitman and sometimes even priceyer (sp? ) While some cute little lady dressed up as a gypsy at a new age bookstore might think she can determine or perform these things, we all know thats just not true. Finding a person who can really perform this type of action (harness, direct it and control it much less) is few and far between.
I have no idea who your ex is, and he may be one of these people as you both may have a lifetime of occult background...so assuming this is a possibility, may I ask what type of things are happening that are leading you down this road of thought?? More specific information may help us determine what actions you can take to figure out who it is, if it is a true psychic attack�or something else (in some cases self attacks are inflicted without the self even being aware of it which actually is a lot more common then you would think and a lot easier to do and to fix).
I understand and I won't post it.
I don't do a lot of spells unless I really feel I need to so I have not had experiance with this sort of problem. I wish you luck and hope someone here can and is able to help you. Blessed Be.
Merry Meet all!
I know it's been a very long time since I last posted in this group but I am in need of some help.� I think I have an ex-boyfriend that is trying to harm me and my friends spiritually.� Is there anyway that I can find out for sure if it's him?� And if it is him... do you have any suggestions to get him to stop?
Any and all help is most greatly appreciated!
May the light shine before you always,
if you cant find anything let me know and Ill get you the number to wise woman herbals. their local here in oregon. and they are awesome. they have a variety of quality herbal products. I know this due to a friend that works there.
David gave some good advice!! I'm not sure spell work is the right answer here either. Prayer, meditation,�etc may be better avenues then a spell. Bless a good luck token perhaps to give to her if you really feel you need to be more active. I just have a very bad feeling about you working spells in favor of this woman. Ofcourse, you may do what you wish, but my advice is to step back and seriously look at the situation and how much you should do....especially as you are pregnant. Spells can have effects on your energy and body (because you are putting energy out into the world), think about yourself in this situation too..yourself and your child!!!
I have to say this is my favorite group to come to!�
I am very hesitant to agree with you that you should help this person. Im also not crazy about the wording. If you truly want to help the family maybe you should request that Brighid do what is in the best interest of all parties but especially the kids. Ask Hestia to bless this woman with gifts of family knowledge, hearth and home. Making a specific request that you don't know for certain will be in the best interest of the parties is not a good idea. It sounds as if this woman is looking for a pity party. And if her family is truly liars etc, then there is a good chance that she is as well since she was raised by them. Be very careful. Your heart is in the right place. Good luck.
Merry Meet I am looking for some input and anything that can help me to help this woman.� I have known her for 11 years.� She has not always been the most trustworthy person her mother father and brother are bent on making her life miserable since she was born.� The one think I know about her is she loves her 3 kids that her mother has taken from her but her mother treats the two older boys badly and pitts them against each other.� I wrote a spell and I was hoping that someone can help me to fine tune it. This is the first major spell I have ever written and I want to let you know that I have thought many times about writing a spell to help her.� It has�meant a lot to�me to be able to help her since I met her.� If I were a millionaire her problems would be solved by now but I am not. So here is my spell:� I will leave her name out.
Brighid- I call upon you to help (this woman) to get her life and�3 children back.� I have faith that with the right opportunity she and her 3 children will have a wonderful life together.� There has been a lot of lies and deciet around (her) and her mother, father, and brother. I ask for your help to show her the path of light and honesty. She deserves to have her children and not be brought to her knees by her mother, father and brother and the state.�She needs to be shown how a true mother is.
I try to come here, but now that I'm working full & sometimes over-time, it's hard.� I sure miss everyone!� I may get a few days off work in early June, I hear.� July through Sept, I'll be working every night, 90 nights straight through the Summer, with no nights off, and I won't be able to be�on here then, until Oct.�
BB, Sunny�
An incantation is something recited ritually, (like a charm or words/phrases in a spell) or something recited repeatedly, like a mantra,(to achieve a desired mind-state)�or maybe a chant (such as one used in raising energy in ritual, or to invoke a deity).
Incantations vary, depending on what their desired effects are.
BB, Sunny
What type of incantations can you use for a spell or a ritual for a Sabbat?
for always asking the best questions, you know, the kind that make me think, or learn something new, or simply appreciate the beauty of things...
Bless you too, Mels!
While�Doreen Valiente is generally reputed to be the authoress of this piece,�I believe she�composed her version based in the main, on C.�Leland's "Aradia, Gospel of the Witches"....but there were probably other influences, as well.�
And just to keep things interesting and varied, there are infinite adaptations of this poem, (for example: Starhawk's "Charge of the Star Goddess").
No matter where it originated, it IS a most beautiful poem, isn't it?
Here's what I'm told is Doreen's version:
Listen to the words of the Great Mother, who of old was called Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Diana, Arienrhod, Brigid, and by many other names:
Whenever you have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, you shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me who is Queen of all Witches.
There shall you assemble, who have not yet won my deepest secrets and are fain to learn all sorceries. To these shall I teach that which is yet unknown.
You shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that you be free you shall be naked in your rites.
Sing, feast, dance, make music and love, all in My presence, for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit and Mine also is joy on earth.
For My law is love unto all beings.
Mine is the secret that opens upon the door of youth, and Mine is the cup of wine of life that is the Cauldron of Cerridwen that is the holy grail of immortality.
I am the Gracious Goddess who gives the gift of youth unto the heart of mankind.
I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal and beyond death I give peace and freedom and reunion with those that have gone before.
Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for behold, I am the mother of all things and My love is poured upon the earth.
Hear the words of the Star Goddess, the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe:
I who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters,
I call upon your soul to arise and come unto Me. For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return.
Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold -- all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without.
For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.
And here's a link to one of Doreen's likely sources (from Leland's "Aradia, Gospel of the Witches")�for it:
(Hope the links work; if they don't, you can find a lot of info on The Charge of the Goddess,, by doing a simple Yahoo search...)
BB, Sunny
What was the original version or close to it of the Charge of The Goddess?
To me, a spell does not have to consist of specific words or incantations, ritualistic materials. It can be as simple as concentration and specific action. A spell can be simply the desire and action to manipulate the energies of the universe and world around us to achieve a specific effect. In other words, if you want something bad enough that you repeat it over and over in your head with all your heart, you are focused in your action...than this can constitute a spell. By that defination, you intentional (possibly subconciously but still intentionally) performed a spell in essence to create harm to your ex and his mistress or atleast their relationship as your desire was� 'I hope you have a cold and dark relationship with the other woman' and� 'wanted him and the other woman to feel what he has been making me feel'. Coupled with the act of sealing specific items from you, her, and one of his possesions (a broken symbol of your faith and love with him) in a container and giving it back to the earth...'the charm I made him, the trinket his mistress gave him and the third piese of the crystal) I took and seales in a glass and buried in the snow in the back yard' constitutes a spell. You had specific thoughts and specific actions and "hoped" for a specific outcome.
"The other things (the charm I made him, the trinket his mistress gave him and the third piese of the crystal) I took and seales in a glass and buried in the snow in the back yard, I can't dig yet as we get frozen ground here, so until Spring the items are buried in the snow. All the time I was doing this I was thinking. I hope you have a cold and dark relationship with the other woman and that he didn't deserve anything I made him that would bring him luck when driving, and that I wanted him and the other woman to feel what he has been making me feel"
You may want to consider undoing this and deciding on a better course of action for these items..and a better place for them other then your property.
I think the items buried in the snow constituted a spell, there seems to have been definite intent put into your action.
I don't think putting the other crystal under his car seat, was a spell, but it really depends on how badly you wanted your ex to end up with negative energy.� If you were simply disposing of the crystals in a way you thought appropriate, I would have to say it wasn't a spell.� You are really the only person who knows whether it truly is, or wasn't, because only you know the true intent behind your actions.
I don't see any accidental actions, in what you described, so in my opinion, no, you performed no accidental spells.� I won't say you didn't cast a spell, though...when you buried the items in the snow.
Regarding the situation involving your daughter, it sounded pretty darn intentional, but I don't think you're asking about that, are you?
I have to agree......during highly emotional times, is the WORST time to be messing with spells, charms, anything. If you do perform spells or anything during this difficult time for you, you may want to practise some meditating, deep breathing, calming exercises and try to really focus your frame of mind before doing anything. HARM NONE and the consequences of your actions are not anything to play around with. You also may try to seperate yourself as much as possible from him, his time, his things, to help keep your emotions level. *just my two cents*
IF there are any others around you that work with crystals etc, you may consider having them help you when performing spells and such to help focus you on the task and keep you from wandering into negative energies and thoughts.
Love and Light
it is the worst time to do any type of witchcraft, because at those times we are neither in a clear (objective) frame of mind, nor are we grounded.� Magick�done while under stress can pack a powerful punch; and it can backfire just as powerfully.� And right now you sound both hurt, and angry, -that's a very volatile situation, IMO.
I don't think so, because "intent" is a vital part of spellcasting.� If the intent isn't there, neither is a spell, IMO.
Firstly, let me say that I'm very sorry you are and will be going through this painful process.
If you know anything about the symbology of rose quartz, and imbued it with your thoughts about it, or your intent for it's purpose in your soon to be "ex"s life, Im not in the slightest bit surprised it shattered.� (You do know rose-quartz's reputation in matters of love and healing, right?)
There is another thing to consider, sometimes crystal wands are made of more than one piece, and are joined together, with silver and/or decorations, they're lovely, but for ceremonial or ritual use only, if they are handled incorrectly, or forcefully, they can break due to that as well.
My guess is that it is your ex's wand, it broke for reasons to do with him.� I would leave the stone (wand), and it's message, with him.
You may, of course, do as you see fit, if he returns the stone (wand) to you.� If you do decide to keep it, I would definitely cleanse it of his influence, by any or all methods available, (burying it in the earth is one method).� (I wouldn't bury it near my home.)I Honestly, I wouldn't accept or keep it.� My reason for this being, if it carries his energy, intent and influence, wouldn't keeping it around me keep me connected to him in a way?� I don't think (were I in your situation) that I would want that....
But that's just me, and this is your decision....
about a rose quartz wand I bought for my husband a few years ago. This wand is about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter and about 8 to 9 inches long.
Last month my husband informed me that he had met another woman and wanted a divorce which will be final on Dec 14th also my birthday. Anyway, as he was unpacking this wand at his new house it broke into 3 pieces? I would like to know as much as I can about the possible reasons it broke like this. My daughter has explained some to me. And says if there was so much negitave energy comming from my husbane so as to cause the crystal to break like that, then I shouldnt even try to clean it. And that I should just bury it in the back yard?� Anyone have anything to tell me about this?
please, don't laugh, (yep, I watch�her!)�but Martha Stewart's guest�on TV�did a darn good job demonstrating how to make them
but why buy them, when you can make the lovliest decorations yourself?� And nature provides the rest.
You can decorate your home with greenery and berries, and make�your own�candles and wreaths.�
There are a lot of books with beautiful Sabbat ideas, such as Witchcrafts by Willow Polson, and Sabbats, by Edain McCoy.� (There are many other books, with info on decorating, too).
(You're more than welcome, I'm merely passing on info others were kind enough to share w. me, after all)
Are there any online stores that sell pagan decorations for holidays like christmas and thanksgiving?
A friend on another site helped me w. this; you may have to copy the last link into your browser letter by letter, don't think the link posted in it's entirety, Mels...
BB, Sunny
Aveta was a goddess of childbirth and midwives.� (This is from Wikipedia).� There are others, will look for more when I have time, ok?
BB, Sunny
Wiccan policy...I had to ask several wican/pagan people I know about this because I had never heard or even concidered your question before. The consensus was that as long as you didn't hurt anyone (including self) that they were ok. If you drink too much on night and have a massive hangover the next day that isn't exactly helpful to you is it? But, if your in a lot of pain and a puff or two of marijuana helps would that be hurtful or helpful?
There is no set rules/policy for drugs and alcohol (at least, that I know of) and thats just my take on things. Blessings
thanks to the joys of websters dictionary always being anti-pagan here is what they say a grimoire is:
n : a manual of black magic (for invoking spirits and demons) ok now that we all have had a good laugh on that one. A grimoire is nothing more then some ones remote control instructions of a book of shadows. it is some ones written form of stuff that has worked for them where as a book of shadows is what you have collected and what has worked for you. most of these over the counter book of shadows are nothing more then a grimoire.
Chris I am unsure about this question.� I think if you do them it is probably best not to do them while you are working in the circle.� However others may have a different view.
is there a spell to find an unknown or lost sister?
Hurrah for this thread!
I have a question about vices.
What is the Wiccan 'policy' on things like alcohol, smoking, drugs, pornography, gambling etc?
I drink and I gamble occasionally (just the fruit machines for fun)
I don't smoke but occasionally have a puff on a joint if there's one going - I don't do any other type of drugs but I'm wondering where all this stands with the Old religion...
Hmm... very interesting.� Thank you so much for the info.� I will meditate on it and then maybe some answers will come to me, but your suggestions are great!!� Thanks,
After thinking about the last post, I did a research on dimes and the paranormal..here are some other snippits I found:
"I had seen the psychic, Sylvia Browne, counsel somebody on "The Montel Williams Show" about finding dimes coming out of nowhere while she was showering... that it was the spirit of our loved ones telling us they're still around and watching over us... basically reassurance that everything's going to be okay." and "P.S. Before finding the two mystery dimes in the car, I had noticed several dimes in odd places for the last few weeks, but didn't consider them, because change is known to be on tables, etc. from time to time around our home. These were instances of lone dimes - no pennies and nickels and quarters with them - just a dime. " from http://paranormal.about.com/library/blstory_june03_12.htm
Sound familiar??
Another thought is March of Dimes..no any children with cancer or not feeling well??? Something to check into? Maybe you should participate in a March of Dimes event or help coordinate one. I know that is a little random, but sometimes we have signs, it is up to us to figure out what they mean. (and sometimes we could just get lucky?)
My husband and I finally figured out that the dimes we keep finding all over are from his recently deceased mother. What is the significance of dimes? -Diane
�Some people find quarters, pennies or nickels. It is just the coin that your mother in law chooses to leave behind.
the only interpretation, regarding those dimes, is the one you find, for yourself.
I will list one or two associations, regarding dimes.� One of them is that to me, they tie in with Mercury/Hermes, messenger of the God/desses.� Perhaps they are a message regarding communications, or travel, for you.� Another association is that of President Dwight Eisenhower.�� Wasn't he president during the depression, and if so, maybe the dimes concern matters involving poverty, resourcefullness, or ingenuity.� If I'm wrong about the time-period in which he was President, (I probably am, I think it was President Hoover in office during the Depression)� then you may wish to look up President Eisenhower, and find out during which �period he was in office, and see if there's a message for you, in that, or in his personal bio.
ust a few thoughts I had, while clicking the "submit" button on my earlier post on this subject...
I often find a lot of pennies, but one day, I found nothing but dimes.� I found three that day, on the ground.� The next day, I found none, but I did find a quarter
We receive cost-of-living increases at work, and occasional increases in other areas as well, such as unemployment benefits, etc., maybe there's been one assigned to us by Fortuna, (Goddess of Luck) since a penny simply doesn't buy what it once used to?
I think along practical, (if slightly irreverent) lines..
Yep, i'm finally back in the swing of things and posting to groups... missed you all and hello to all the new members!! � I have a question...
My daughter and I, as well as a friend, have all been finding dimes everywhere.� Not pennies, not nickles, and not quarters... but dimes.� Is there any significance in this or what?� This has been happening now for a little over a month.� We all have been going through some pretty tough things in our lives if that helps at all.� Any help would be greatly appreciated.� If anyone needs more info or has questions please feel free to ask me.
Blessed Be,
What type of Spirit board do you have? Is it homemade or a store bought Ouija board. If its a regular�Ouija board, �there should be instructions on it. I agree with Sunny. Usually you concentrate and ask the question, while your fingers are on the disc.
Spirit boards are very tricky. You never know what spirit your going to get. It can be good or bad. Not all spirits are truthful either. You should start off by asking questions that only you will know the answers. More like what is my middle name, where was I born.
Most of the witches I know will not use one without being in a protective circle. They also bless it and put a protective symbol on the under-side.��Then do a banishing ritual when they are done.
Spirit boards can be very powerful.� Needless to say I don't think its something that should be used lightly. �
That said, enjoy.
Never had one, or a reason to get one, so I wouldn't really know how to operate one....
I think you place both hands on the planchette, and then close your eyes and formulate your question...
I imagine that if you keep your eyes closed, the planchette would be in a different spot each time you open them, and hopefully near a letter, or series of letters that would form readable words or sentences that you could read.
I've never used one, so tell me how your board works out, ok?
Thank you Sunny!
Does anyone know how to get a spirit board to start talking after you get it home?
The "moon-void-of-course" is the brief period between the time the moon exits one zodiac sign, and enters another.� The next "Moon-Void-of-Course"�begins at 1:53 pm, (Eastern Time) when the moon exits Pisces, and it ends at 8:07 pm of the same day, when the moon enters Taurus.� It's traditional to avoid spellworking during the moon's void-of-course-time.
The "New Moon" is the beginning phase of the moon's cycle.� It marks the beginning of it's "growing" phase, from no moon at all, (Dark Moon) to the time of it's fullness, (Full Moon).� During the first day or so of the New Moon, you may not see a moon at all, in the sky.� Shortly after this, you'll see a sliver of a crescent of the moon, "Diana's Bow".....
This question comes from To Stir A Magick Cauldron by Silver RavenWolf.� Starting on page 88.�� She talks about Ancient Ones, Watchtowers which I would like to learn more about.� She talks of different energies that can be called on.�
sylphs Etc.
Has anyone every read this book or is familiar with any of this information?� Silver RavenWolf says it is good to learn all you can about all these energies that can be used.
Mels,� tell us more. I am not familiar with what your talking about. But it sounds interesting.
but I'm afraid I still don't understand what you mean...why would one substitute ones totem for�one of the�Quarters?� And while I'm aware of the meaning of lineage, why would this be called on in Circle?�
I can't speak for the other folks here, Mel,but�I call Quarters generally as (Spirits of the North, East, South or West).� Others call them differently, I'm sure.� I've heard some refer to them as Guardians, Watchtowers, Elements, Angels, Elementals, etc.
I'm sorry, I'm not familiar with the term "totem's blood".� What does that mean?� (Thank you.)
Sunny thank you for the alter dedications!
Sheila thank you as well.� I have never experienced this with him.� I was a daddys girl as well and these dreams force me to realize just how much I miss him.
Hi Mel, you are not weird, my father died 5 years ago. And he contacts me all the time. Some times in dreams, some times things will be moved from there normal place, & some times I think I hear my name being called in the wind. Everyone says it because I have his ashes in my bedroom next to my alter, that it makes the power stronger. I was a daddy's girl, & miss him very much. So it helps to know that he's still watching over me. I hope this makes you feel better about the dreams. And it's not weird it's a blessing.
With all my blessing,
Earlier you asked a question about altars.� I'm sorry I haven't been online much lately due to work overload; I'm just now getting around to meeting overdue obligations, or earlier committments...and trying to answer questions.� Regarding altars, here are two altar consecrations/dedications/Blessings...the first one is mine, feel free to adapt it as you wish.� The second one I found online in several places, and I listed the address of one of them.
Ritual For Altar Purification, Dedication, and Blessing (# 1)
I generally don't perform this ritual in a circle, but it can be done that way.
To purify my altar, I employ the elements to cleanse it. I sprinkle it with salt, then I smudge it with a bundle of white sage and cedar,or cedar chips and frankincense; I pass a lit red candle around it,and then I asperge it with a solution of bay leaf in lemon juice, (deosil, to banish any previous influences attatched to the altar or it's components), while visualizing a ball of yellow light surrounding the altar, absorbing all residual energies present in it, and then dissipating, taking the present energies with it. I generally state " This altar is clean", at this point. I then place and light a Blessing incense of frankincense and myrrh on my altar, and place two candles on it, (white, and gold), and invoke the presence of the God/dess in whose name I dedicate my altar, and into whose service I place it, while vizualizing a blue white light gathering around and permeating my altar. I then state: "I dedicate this altar to the Goddess and God, in their many aspects. I ask their Blessing on it, that it may only serve the greatest good."
I then thank the God/dess and the elements for their presence and assistance.
Altar Consecration and
Dedication Ritual (#2)
To consecrate and dedicate an altar (not alter) to the Lord and Lady, first find the place where you wish to set up the altar. This place must not be disturbed, for it will take on sacred and holy energies, and you will not want anything to happen to this area.
Use some quiet meditational music if there is some available. Remember, the more energy and work that you put into your altar, the more magickal energy it will take on. You may even use an energy bell or Tibetan bell to signify that you are beginning to call those spiritual guides to assist you with your present work. Action is the key!
Once you have found that place, take a smudge wand of Sage, light it and begin to clear the air around the altar. Constantly, keep Love and Light in your consciousness. Now, move to the four elements and ask for their guiding presence. Use a compass if needed to find the proper directions on the Earth.
North =Earth
South = Fire
East = Air
West = Water
Around = Spirit
Ask for their blessings and honor their assistance. Next, begin to set up the altar, placing each item you wish on the altar gently and reverently. Use the Consecration Ritual if you need to consecrate any magickal tools. You'll know what those items are as time passes. The altar will change its appearance as the seasons change. On your altar can be anything you wish, anything! Some altars are outside, some are inside. Some are clean and orderly, while others are cluddered with anything and everything around them. Yet, you must keep this place of sacredness, honorable to the God and Goddess.
You may wish to use two 7 day candles (buy at 99 cent store) to represent the ever presence of the God and Goddess in your life. Black for God, White for Goddess. Red of fire, incense for Air, small bowl of water for west, and something of the Earth for North. Once your altar is set up the way you want it, spend a few moments in quiet meditation thinking about what this altar means to you. Now, allow the altar to fill you with its magick and energy. Feel the magick around you. Breathe in the Love and Light from the Lord and Lady. Visual yourself revitalized because of it's presence. See yourself becoming more healthy, whole, and wise. Now, visualize healing for someone else, maybe someone you do not even know. Send them Love and Light.
When you are ready to end your dedication and consecration ritual, sound the bell once again, thanking all elements for their presence and assistance. Send them back to their humble abode harming none on their way. Now, thank the Lord and Lady for their presence in your life. Take a deep breath of the fresh magick around you and repeat:
So mote it be!
It is done!
Allow the Lord and Lady candles to burn constantly, replacing them week after week, month after month, year after year
(from http://www.geocities.com/theanonymous_ph/altar.html)
PS. A personal note on the second�ritual:
�Please observe candle safety if you allow candles to burn non-stop!....-Sunny
Sorry, I've never heard of Astara, (although the name is similar to that of a friend of mine, nor do I know anything about their teachings.
Seems to me though, that if they're of good quality, they won't have to mail info on them, people would flock to them...no?�
Anyone else hear anything about them?� Are they new?� A lot of online pagan teaching sites, (for financial reimbursement) have sprung up in the last few years.� The idea of teaching Wicca for financial gain is anathema to many traditional Wiccans....
I'm open minded on this one, I wouldn't consider not paying for medical assistance, why would I be offended at contributing an energy exchange for spiritual assistance?� (Money is the most commonly accepted energy exchange, these days)
I'll keep my ears open on this one, Wendy.
If you follow the "pagan" group you may lready know that drumming plays a central role in the path I walk. Tuesday night my core drumming group was taking a lesson and was learning an Ghanian tune called anacon. When we stopped learning and started playing I found I was hearing a men's chorus of chanting voices singing along. I had my eyes open and could see than no one was opening their mouths. The voices were singing to the rhytm we were playing, in a tune that related to but was different from the drum tonality.
It is the second time in 3 weeks this door has opened to let me hear through the door into a spiritual realm. I'd like to be able to do it more consciously rather than by chance. So my question is - got any suggestions on that? =)
has anyone here heard of Astara Inc.
one of my local Pagans recieved a mailing from them in regards to
their "Degree
> The Book of Life, hailed by many lifelong students of the arcane
and mystical
> as� an outstanding achievement in spiritual instruction".�
any info y'all?
Bright Blessings....hope you are enjoying the season!!
wendy wendy
got in from work, and decided to wind down by clearing my emails, my Care2 email is routed through Yahoo.� Saw this post...
I don't know whether wasps are in the bee family or not, (I like bees, I do NOT like wasps!) but they may have made a nest somewhere in your home, possibly in the walls, or crawlspace, attic, ventilation ducts, etc.��If you want to remove them,�you may have�to track down where they're coming from.� Do you know how that live wasp got into the closet?� Does the closet have a trapdoor leading to an attic, by any chance?�
I must admit, when it comes to wasps or yellow-jackets, my organic ideals fly out the window...and I resort to whatever works, to get rid of them....I do not try to trap and release wasps or yellow-jackets, (as I've done with bees),�nor does the "harm none" part of the Rede influence me overly, when I deal with the beasties....� Much luck, Mels.
However you decide to deal with the wasps, you may want to find out if there is any symbology related to them, like there is for bees...
Much luck with the wasps, Mels...and I hope they are of the non- aggressive type.
Thank you Sunny!� I think I understand.
Also I would like to know if a wasp is considered to be in the bee family?� I have found 3 in the past few days and I would like to learn why they are in my house.� I found one dead by my alter, another dead by Gwens crib and another live in the closet of Gwens room.
"Is the time from the new moon to the full moon a good time to finish a spell?"
I'm not sure I understand your question, Mels.� Are you asking whether the waxing moon period is a good time to bring a spell, that you began�during an earlier moon-phase, to a close?�
I've found waxing moon phases great times to both begin (and end) spells involving growth and increase, and waning moons excellent times for spells of decrease, (such as for trying to change bad personal habits...(smoking).
I think there is an optimum time to perform all spells, but that doesn't mean they cannot be attempted during other times...
For example, say I wanted to do a spell to increase personal happiness.� I would consider doing this spell of increase during a waxing moon phase-NM-FM.
But I could just as easily accomplish my goal during a waning moon phase, by slightly changing my intent, that is, instead of working towards an INCREASE of happiness, I would work on a DECREASE of unhappiness, or misery, during a waning moon phase.
Either way the intent of my spell would be achieved....
Thank you I have not gotten far into her book as of now.� I am excited about reading it more.�
Where would anyone recommend getting incense that are not usually in stores?
Mels,� You will find that the "Green Witch"� by Anne is alot more than closness with nature.� When you get into it, it is very involved with the Teutonic tradition, and Runes, and using runebinds, ect. and correspondances in working with magic. The words are different and her tarot is based upon her book.� A lot of work is involved IF you follow her outline in witchcraft.� as it is an old alphabet used and Runes are used alot for many things.� and visualization, centering and grounding.� her beliefs are good and strong and her book can be a challenge.� you will see more of planetary involved and times and planets used along with the odham and runic symbols, sygils, etc.� she is good but VERY through.� her magic work is by no means as easy as some.
hope you enjoy the book.� I have the Grimoire.� and enjoyed reading it.�
BB, Sandi
I have more on Inanna.� will post if some else has not done so.� Drs. have been my agenda for week.� and about 6 topics in works.lol
Thank you Sandi!�
Also I want to know if Brigid is�and how she would be related to Brigit?"
(that part about the "Angels" cohabiting with the daughters of Man)� Some people attribute that to Angelic visitation, some to otherworldly visitation, and teaching, for they apparently taught their mates some arts and skills.
According to legend, these beings�"armed them" (the daughters of Man) with useful knowledge they didn't possess before.� (In Bibical terms, they were "corrupted", and the daughters of Man later gave rise to a race of "Giants"...who were of course "evil"....Now what I'd like to ask is, were these offspring giant in stature; or in knowledge, or in unusual abilities?� And were they literal, or figurative offspring?� (Sometimes thoughts and concepts can be considered our offspring, too, they are implanted within us, and we give birth to them.� But I don't think people thought abstractly like this in bibical days.)
Are you looking for other records on these (angelic or otherwise) beings, who might also be considered helpful guardians in the sense that they imparted knowledge to the daughters of Man, and possibly some unusual traits to their half-human offspring?
I hope you find this guardian, I am waiting to read more about it.� Sounds very interesting and I would love to know more.� Hunt Lady! You are like a magnet for knowledge.�� Blessings, Sandi��
�Most wiccans have many� volumes that evolve from their first BoS that include their progress and new items of interest, spells, poetry, etc.��As it is a life long learning process as you grow and acquire more knowledge you place it in your BoS.� The notes that I began with have long since been rewritten and place in their correct section and in chronological order, a good reason to date�everything.� I don't even know the volumes I have, they grow too large and heavy to carry so I have to move things around.� Another reason that I like the Grimoire for spells, etc. and my BoS has a lot of personal poetry, attempts (lol) at being artistic.�� Even now I have notes and pc� work (not much on the pc) that I need to get placed in my BoS and Grimoire.� Like the images of the Witches Runes,� more on my Muse and animal spirit guides.��� I am sure you will want other opinions to see how they do their BoS� everyone has their own unique technique.�� Good Luck and Blessings, Sandi
Aha! Tsandi, I think you are thinking of Devas then if you are going by the the Ancient Hinduism texts. The Devas were known as guardians of all living things on earth. If that is so, you may want to check this site which gives some explanation of Devas and the various types:
If this is NOT what you are looking for, then I guess we will all just have to keep looking until we find what you ARE looking for Until then, we are all learning some very interesting things
BB, -Sunny
I found this, is this what you mean?
The MahabharataIntroduction
mahaabhaarata is the largest epic in the history of mankind. it originates form bhaarata (india) - the land of king bharata, son of duushyanta and shakuntalaa. mahaabhaarata is one of the two itihaasa (historical account) scriptures of sanaatana dharma (Hindu-dharma), the other being the raamaayaNa. It describes events that took place in ancient bhaarata around 5000 BCE (before common era - also known as B.C.) The main event was the appearance of Lord krishNa - the 8th avataara (incarnation) of Lord vishNu towards the end of dwaapara yuga (the penultimate age among the four ages in a mahaayuga which corresponds to a complete cycle of the earth's percession). A greater account of shrii krishNa's life can be found in the shrii bhagavata puraaNa (one of the 18 puraaNas which are among the older Hindu scriptures written after the four vedas). shrii krishNa's revelation to arjuna also known as shriimada bhagavada geeta ("the song celestial" - popularly known as geeta) are also in the mahaabhaarata. In the bhagavada geeta, bhagawaan krishNa reveals the essence of the vedas. The puraaNas, mahaabhaarata and the bhagavada geeta are considered (both-independently and together) by many as a fifth veda. Among the four most popular sets of Hindu scriptures - the vedas, puraaNas, itihaasas and tantras, the itihaasas (raamaayaNa & mahaabhaarata) are the most popular among Hindus all around the world today.
In conclusion, the salient features of the mahaabhaarata are: A historical account especially of the kuru and paandu dynasties circa 5000 BCEThe appearance of bhagawaan shrii krishNa �The bhagavada geeta
It is a religious, spiritual and historical manual. Many have been inspired by the message of the geeta - including Mahatma Gandhi, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Leo Tolstoy, etc. to name a few in this century. It continues tp affect almost a billions around the world. The theory of karma and karma-yoga are among the many practical things that krishNa tells us in His geeta.
When you find it, let me know because you now have my curiousity thoroughly piqued.
Tsandi, I assume you are speaking of Guardian Angels? The only lore that I have knowledge of concerning Guardian Angels is the stories I learned when I was a Mormon. They believed that there was a great battle in Heaven because God wanted�Lucifer and Jehovah (his two sons) to bow before his newest creation: Man. At this time, all entities in Heaven were Angels. Lucifer refused and because of this, God sent Jehovah and his Angels (led by Michael) to kick Lucifer and his Angels out of Heaven. After this time, God set aside some Angels to be Guardians of Mankind to keep them safe from Lucifer and his Angels. So in a sense, I guess you could call that a contract of sorts.
The job of a Guardian Angel (and we all have one) is to watch over us. So even if we do not physically call upon them but we are in distress, they will come to us. Sylvia Browne also calls these Guardians our Spirit Guides. So there is a connection there to why we all seem to have Spirit Guides as well.
Not sure this has helped you any, but I hope it has
Tsandi, not sure, I'm interested in the answers you get as well.
Mels, go to your profile, go to pic, and upload a new pic.
Can anyone explain to me how to change the picture on my profile?
Great site!� It cleared the meaning up for me.� Good stuff.
Blessed Be
Wendy, it has been my experience with Spirit Guides (Animal Guides, etc.) that just recognition alone is enough for most of them. I do have one muse - which is a form of a guide - who practically demands praise and worship often, but then, I think she sees herself as a goddess of sorts Your main concern now should be learning how to work with Eagle energy. Here is an excellent website that teaches you how to work with your guide:
I just wanted to hear it from another......when you feel like a spirit guide has presented itself...is there a process to be followed with that guide?
Offerings?� Praises?� Or just keep a heads up?
Blessed Be
Mells in one of my groups I posted about writing your own spells and rituals. You belong to the group, cause I posted the info because you had questions.
Also, to get ideas, read others' self initiation rituals to get the feel. Meditate on this, get in mind what you wish to tell the Lord and Lady and promise them, then write your ritual.
Hope that helped.
I would like to get some help and ideas on writing a self initiation ritual, if I could that would be greatly appreciated.
Last night, as I gave praise to my God and Goddess......after I laid down and closed my eyes a vision of an eagle came before me, out of nowhere.�
Would anyone like to expand on what this might mean?
Don't know why I didn't think of the simplest, and under the circumstances, most appropriate, solution....I put some earth in my smudge-pot, for it's next use�
Sorry brain dead tonight.�
Past life regression is not against the Rede.� Please use care or work with someone who knows what they are doing.
Ted Andrews, I think it is him has a book out about past life regression.� I know I have his Spirit Guide Book, he is a good author.�
Take care
BB, Sandi
Hi Mels
missed seeing you.� Public records are records that anyone can go into a courthouse office and obtain.� (like�real estate transactions, I�had to get criminal background checks on new or maybe new hires, the court docket is public record and published in this small town newspaper as news�lol, marriage and divorce license, things like that, and I am sure there are more). �You can�obtain some info�online but I believe it is a fee charged.� If it is private information like bank accts that you or whomever is not listed on, health and medical info is now private without a signed release.� The best advice I can offer is�to ask yourself if that person were you, would you want them to have that info?� and how would it be used? Is it in accord with the Wiccan Rede.
I know that isn't much to go on, but its a start.
Blessings, Sandi
and I hope this is the right place to post it...
I've been dealing with someone else's anger and negativity, for a day or two.�� One day wasn't too terrible, but I allowed myself to actually continue to interact with this person a second day, (my mistake, but then life's a learning experience� Sometimes when you continue to engage in something nonproductive, you give it your energy, I think, and maybe prolong it, and give it validity and life.� I�realized this today, and did a thorough cleansing of myself.� I was going to smudge my home as well, and my computer, (grin) while I was at it, too, but I didn't have any insulating material for my smudge pot.� I usually use kaolin clay, (kitty litter) to insulate my charcoal, but I had a new brand of kitty litter with these little blue crystals in it....
Now I didn't want to sit over a bowl of kitty litter, and pick out all these little blue bits of (?),-�just so I can have some insulator for my smudge-bowl.� I was out of salt, except for a little left in our shaker.� Does anyone�know of any other insulator I could have used?� I ended up using a sage bundle....this time.� Thought I would ask....
Sue is right.� There are many spirit guides that can be called upon.� Animal spirit guides are a bit different. You can have 9 total, with one that is with you from as early as birth. That info was from Jamie Samms. You can have many messengers in your life, they will come and go.
Spirit Guides, can be many.� Always test your S.G. to see if it is friendly or playing tricks. You do not have to work with any Spirit Guide you do not want to work with. And it should always be in a cast circle. Follow the rules for casting a circle and if you have to leave it cut a door out if you are a solitary and you can leave you consecrated broom to "stand guard" until you return. It in a coven, ask someone to cut you a door out and a door in and close the circle again.� This assures all energy raised stays within the circle and any uninvited enties do not invade your sacred space.
I hope this helps� Mels dear.
BB, Sandi
Mels, hun
My 1st question is what type of info are you trying to obtain?
To do a spell to gain personal information (though I am not sure what information you are seeking) basically is against the Wiccan Rede and Free Will and ThreeFold Law.�
Just as you cannot according to The Rede cast a spell to make a certain person love you, you can't obtain personal info that is not public info.
Does that make sense?� Not being sure what kind of info you are trying to get, if it is not public; don't cast a spell to obtain it. That spell could come back to bite you in the behind.
BB, Sandi
hope this helps a little.
After all, we're here to exchange energy with and learn from each other, no?� I think maybe knowledge IS the exchange of energy here, at WoW...I swear I learn something new from everyone here!
Hugs and BB,
Just flipping through the boards and saw this one...
From my research, there is no limit on the number of spirit guides one has, and there is no guarantee that the same ones will be with us for this entire lifetime.��Guides tend to come into our lives for specific purposes then move on when their function is fulfilled.�
However, each of us also has a spirit guardian who is with us for the long haul.� We only have one of those.�
Mels, not every pantheon has God & Goddess pairs, some do, some don't.� Some God/desses have no consorts assigned to them, some have been paired with many.� Some Gods are androgynous (male and female, simultaneously) in their aspects.� Some God/desses aren't human in aspect, or are human in some incarnations and animal in others....And every culture and age has it's own God/desses....
I'm sorry Mels, I have no idea about spirit guides, or how many are acceptable.� The only guides I've had experience with, that I'm aware of, were very much incarnate, as is�my current (chosen) guide.�
In the sense that everyone I meet is a teacher (and sometimes, also a spiritual guide), I wouldn't think there was a limit on how many spirit guides one could have.
You may want to get more opinions on this one, that was only my POV.
What do�bulls mean in dreams?� Also had anyone ever had a dream where they were possesed?� It happened a few nights ago to me but the High Priestess and her husband helped me.� it was crazy!
Very good answer ~ to the point and man to man.�
BB, Sandi
Sorry it took me so long to get back to your post Phillip....I am kindof swamped, right now, between the holidays, and the kids, and all the durned projects...(21 Yule baskets and another batch of candles...)
But I said I'd be back, and now that I've found the post, again, I am
It looks like Sandi has already covered the subject, (and well, IMO)....so anything I have to say will most likely be redundant.� Everyone has their own interpretation of the Rede, but the archaic phrases used in it, can be hard to decipher...
I still have trouble deciphering one version of it,�that mentions a "blue star" on the brow....
"Lady's Moon"...One of the many names of the Lady is-Diana.� I also think that "Lady's Moon" falls around the new moon, to about 3 days after it, when you can just barely see a sliver of it's crescent.� This moon is sometime's referred to as "Diana's Bow....
That's one of my favorite times of the month.� My most favorite time of the month is the period from full moon to dark moon, though, because it's a time of relaxation and restoral, for me...and I'm very appreciative of that phase!...(Have been�really tired lately)....Need more coffee, I guess...
As I got to the 23 line in the Rede.� My connection went down and all was lost.
Quick answers
Soft of Eye-� Be gentle. Sit back and listen.� Wise people listen more than they talk.
Line 6.�� "Deosil" is clock wise.�� �When the Moon is waxing (getting bigger) move around the ritual circle clockwise to bring good thing toward you
Lady's Moon New -� When then Moon is new and has just become visible in the sky agian after being dark
Beltane is one of the years major Sabbats.
hope this helps.�
i have to work on this connection.
Hi Phillip,
I am going to make a new post regarding the Wiccan Rede.� Hopefully, this will help and clarify some questions.� I know I appreciated�this one�to help undersand some of the "old world" language used in the Rede.
Please be patient as I have pc connection problems.� Will have it done as quickly as possible.
this cool site "The Wiccan Rede Project", that I would love to refer you to, if only I could find it....(Something seems to be eating or otherwise causing all my files to disappear from my computer, n I haven't a clue to where it's going!� Dratted Mercury retrograde?� Busy fae?� Or ?)
Philip, have to run for some Yule-Craftey supplies, will finish this when I get back...but I can start now.
On "soft of eye"� I would interpret that, like beauty, an interpretation of this is also "in the eye of the beholder", that is whatever it means to you, will be what it means...
To me, that phrase means to have a compassionate view, or to view the world and it's inhabitants compassionately.
"light of touch" to me means to act with gentleness, in all ways, even to the point of treading lightly on this earth.� (Not leaving avoidable damage) You can make a statement quietly, for example, more effectively than by ranting, or beating folks over the head with it..
Will be back soon, my ride's here....
BB, Sunny
dosil is also spelled deosil and it means sunwise, clockwise.
new moon really just means at the new moon
beltane is a holiday honouring the fecundity of the earth, new life springing forth from bud and branch, the love and mating of the goddess and her consort. it's usually celebrated 1 may, though some traditions vary ever so slightly about the date.
happy to see you here, am i, philip
I just read the The Wiccan Rede on the melcome mat page.
Goodness that struck a cord with me. It really took hold of me.
Its possibly why my "introduction" post is so defensive, I feel my old ways being threatend (for my betterment).
Is there a topic about what the Rede means in joeschmo speak?
The whole thing outlined/explained would be awesome, but here are some specific questions:
-Soft of eye and light of touch
-speak ye little, listen much.
"Soft of eye" What does that mean?
"Dosil" Who? What?
"Lady's moon is new" Menstration?
"beltane fires" ?
A lot of this may just be vocabulary, I get most of the concepts as they are. I dig the rhyme stuff.
Philip (learn me good) Berens
Self dedication is just as sacred to the Lady and the Lord as being initiated in a coven.
I am a solitary Wiccan, so I� have�3 choices do it myself, find another that will, or don't dedicate.
But it is just as recognized (some disagree in traditions but that is in everything) as any dedication. the ritual is a bit different because your have to do everything, but get use to it if you are a solitary rituals are the same.
Someone once said "if it weren't recognized who dedicated the 1st Wicca Witch...... i thought that was pretty good.
hope i have helped you Mels dear.
BB Sandi
glad you have found most everything.� The� faes love shiny things .�� They are mischievious little darlings.If you� dont have your circle closed when its cast they will join you.� and they can help you, but if you are fairly new its advisable not to summon them in your sacred circle.��
they don't like to be constantly thanked.� They expect payment for services�� If they have helped you leave a bowl of sweetened milk out for them to give them silver coins & shiny trinkets and save your words
the work you were doing sounds like what faes like to do.� their time of day to contact� is dawn, duskm noon, and midnight and the equinoxes and solstices.
If you find them hard to leave your home, hang up an iron pan or anything of iron�� they don't like iron and some say it renders them incapable of magick
hope� this helps� a bit sweetie
BB and hugs
Mels, I am slightly confused. Is the God's name Epedite or Expedite? I do know that there is a ST. EXPEDITE
Saint Expedite is the patron of those who hope for rapid solutions to problems, who wish to avoid or put an end to delays, and who want general financial success. His aid is also sought by those who wish to overcome procrastination as a personal bad habit, as well as by shop-keepers and sailors. His feast day is April 19.
Expedite is typically depicted as a young Roman centurion holding aloft a cross marked HODIE ("today" in Latin) and squashing a crow beneath his right foot. Out of the dying crow's mouth issues a word-ribbon, CRAS ("tomorrow" in Latin). Thus Expedite destroys a vague tomorrow in favour of a definite today.
There is a cute pun in what the crow says: CRAS CRAS CRAS is how Romans imitated the sound of crows (in English, this is CAW CAW CAW), thus crows and ravens are said to always be croaking about "tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow." Expedite, by stomping the crow, destroys the vice of procrastination (pro-CRAS-tination means putting things off until tomorrow).
When Latin was a common language, Saint Expedite saw service as a mnemonic aid in adjuring people to convert to Christianity. Priests indicated the image of the saint with his cross and crow to warn pagans not to put off until tomorrow the religious conversion that could be accomplished today, because they might not live until tomorrow and thus would die unshriven.
(As a side note, the fact that Latin crows and ravens say CRAS explains why Edgar Allan Poe had a raven -- rather than some other bird -- declaim "nevermore" in the poem "The Raven." The narrator asks when he will see his Lost Lenore again. If the raven spoke good Latin, as might be expected, he would croak CRAS -- "tomorrow" -- but he disappoints the grieving lover by croaking "nevermore" instead!)
Saint Expedite is well-known in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Latin America. In the United States, he is greatly revered in New Orleans, whence he came by way of Spain. (Most people think of New Orleans as French, but for forty years, from 1763 to 1803, it was a Spanish colony.)
There is an old, humourously apocryphal tale about the arrival of Saint Expedite in New Orleans: The story goes that in outfitting the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the priests sent off to Spain for a large and beautiful statue of the Virgin, and many months later, by ship, they received TWO crates instead of one. They opened the first and it contained the statue of Mary, which they had commissioned, and then they turned to the unexpected second crate, which only bore the legend EXPEDITE on the outside. This they opened, to find the statue of a Roman centurion. In their simple ignorance, they mistook the shipping instructions -- EXPEDITE, meaning, "expedite this shipment" -- to be the name of a saint.
The story is both funny and miraculous, but it is not a true account of the origin of the image of Saint Expedite, for he can be found in other places than New Orleans, and there is no reason to think that the sculptors in Spain would have created such a figure unless asked to do so. Interestingly, as with the CRAS pun, once again, Saint Expedite is associated with word-play.
Candles burned for Saint Expedite are usually either yellow or red. If you are working with a statue or holy card of the saint and a plain offertory candle, it is customary to place a glass of water next to the image of the saint, forming a triangle with the glass at the front left of the triangle, the candle at the middle rear, and the statue at the front right. If a glass-encased votive candle with the saint's image on it is used instead of a free-standing candle and a statue, the water glass is placed to the left of the candle and the two objects are simply side-by-side.
A good day to burn candles for Saint Expedite is Wednesday, the day of Mercury, the messenger god of the Romans. In fact, Expedite is not only syncretized with that ancient deity, he is symbolized by the metal quicksilver (liquid elemental Mercury), and is also associated with the African and Afro-Caribbean spiritual entities Elegua, Legba, Baron Samedi, Bonsu, and so forth, those being the messengers and tricksters in the Lukumi / Santeria, Voodoo / Vodoun, and Obeah pantheons.
When Saint Expedite grants your request, his statue, holy card, or empty candle-glass is given a gift of flowers or flowers and a slice of pound cake. (One man from New Orleans told me that it should be Sarah Lee brand pound cake, although i think home-made would do as well.) It is often said that you must never seek the aid of Expedite unless you are prepared to give this tribute after the work is done, or he will take back all the good he did for you, and more besides. This accords with Expedite's position as an analogue to the various African messenger-trickster spirits, and is not typical of mainstream Catholic teachings about the intercession of saints. Some people also recommend publishing his name in the paper if he comes through for you, a tradition that is more often associated with Saint Jude.
The constellation of ritual beliefs associated with supplications to Saint Expedite among African-American Catholics was succinctly summed up by an anonymous New Orleans informant whose instructions for working with the saint were recorded by the folklorist Harry M. Hyatt in the late 1930s:
The following documentation on Saint Expedite in New Orleans comes from "Hoodoo - Conjuration - Witchcraft - Rootwork," a 5-volume, 4766-page collection of folkloric material gathered by Harry Middleton Hyatt, primarily between 1935 and 1939.
IMPORTANT: If this is the first time you have encountered Hyatt material
at this web site, please take a moment to open and read the supplementary page called
Hi Woodrow I would say you put my basic belief in a nutshell with your post.�
Hi Ravyne I will ask, trust me, I am realizing how much I really have to learn here.� I love that you also study Buddhism (me too) to be honest I am currently just following my spirit and spirit guides.� Due to circumstances I rarely get a chance to actually read a whole book.� That's why I love this forum!
Woodrow, I would say that your beliefs fall right into step with those of Wicca. The only differences that I can see between Wicca and Buddhism (since I study both)�are:
1)�most Buddhists do not believe in an afterlife as they prefer to live in the here and now; whereas most Wiccans believe in the Summerlands and some believe in reincarnation
2) Wiccans believe in Gods and Goddesses; whereas, many Buddhists see a belief in Gods as a cause of Suffering.
There may be other minor differences, but I think our similarities are much more powerful!
My basic belief is we are all one. we are all one thought, expressed in unlimited ways. It is impossible to harm another without harming ourselves as we are the same.
The only true values in life are what we can give to others. To truly love we must know that love is never wasted and by loving others we love ourselves.
Mels, I have been researching the name Epedite for a couple of days now and I cannot find ANY reference to this God. Where did you hear about him?
oh and btw, the Fae finally returned my brush to me after I put out an offering of shinny beads for them (the beads are gone though! )
Hi Mels
When sweet little faeries are invited or enter in the circle� they don't like to leave and they are mischieve makers, the little darlings.
They love shiney things and perfer to be "paid" for their help not thanked.� And they love jewerly and keys.� And they love to play with candle flames for tricks
Good luck and I love Faeries when I invite them to my casting.
Mel s. or anyone... I have not had the pleasure of contacting the fae nor know how.� It sounds great.� Could you or someone enlighten me on how to do that??� It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and blessed be.
it looks like the fae have scurried off with your book and money, Mels. You may want to put out some offerings for them to get them to return your book and money. They love sweets, shinny objects, trinkets, things that make chimming noises, etc. Be sure to let them know that the offering is in exchange for your book and money! They may return the book, but sometimes they will keep money as payment for not being given an offering sooner.
I haven't read any of Sister Moon's work all the way through, but I do know that she is a fairly new author. She's only been around for about 4 years or so as an author. She also has a book out called The Wiccaning: A Step-by-step Guide to becoming a Modern Witch. I have skimmed that one but not read it through. Maybe someone else here has read her work thoroughly and can give you an opinion on it!
Cosmic, there are two schools of thought on this in the Wiccan world.
1) eating the food yourself will draw the energy of your friends, the spirirts, et al into you and keep them with you always.
2) some Wiccans chose to bury the food offerings to show respect for those it was offered to.
Both are acceptable in my view and perhaps you can do a bit of both: eat some of it and bury some of it.
Hope this helps!
Love and Laughter,
Mels, one way to test your cats is to set up a small altar on the floor with a few non-flameable items at first like perhaps some tarot cards, small offering bowl, etc. and watch to see how interested your cat is in the items. If she comes over and lays down next to you while you work with the items, then she may be your familiar. Next try it with flameable items (incense and candles) if she shows equal interest but does not try to play with the items, then you can be sure she is definitely THE ONE! You want your familiar to show geniune interest, but not to destroy your workings. This is very important! You will be able to include her in your circle�without the fear of her interrupting you.
Love and Laughter,
Ravyne ��


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LandSource Communities, the parent corporation of Lennar Corp and Newhall Land, could emerge from bankruptcy with a 15 percent interest in the Newhall Ranch Project if creditors approve the purchase.
Judge Kevin J. Carey ruled yesterday that homebuilder Lennar Corp. would be allowed to purchase 15 percent of the Newhall Ranch project and other properties for $140 million, if a majority of the creditors vote in their favor.
Those creditors are expected to vote on the reorganization plan for LandSource ahead of a July 13 confirmation hearing.
Newhall Ranch is a proposed development with 21,000 homes planned for 15,000 acres. A 60-day review of the project's environmental impact report is currently underway (see full story here ) and will conclude June 26. A public hearing to discuss the report is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at Rancho Pico Junior High School.
Investors in LandSource include the country's largest public pension fund, the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS), which holds a 68 percent interest in the company. Should the reorganization plan be approved by a majority of creditors, the pension fund would lose all of its investment.
Officials reassured CalPERS members that their investment represents less than half of one percent of the pension fund's overall investment portfolio.
LandSource filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2008 after defaulting on loan payments in April 2008.
The filing came after several months of negotiations with lenders in an attempt to modify and restructure the company's debt, according to a release from LandSource. The problems began April 22 when LandSource defaulted on loan payments. According to Standard and Poor, the company's cash had declined to $25 million from about $115 million in early February.


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Canadian Rockies Day #5 - with OMD
Started Aug 14, 2012 | Discussions thread
Canadian Rockies Day #5 - with OMD
Aug 14, 2012
Alternating days with the Pany GH2 and Oly EM-5, today was with the Oly with reg43 14-54II lens on the landscapes and 70-300 on the long horned sheep... in the 3 images below
Full post at my blog with 16 images: 13 w/EM-5 and 3 with LX5 here:
Below are 3 of the 16 images.
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Final Score: Dallas 104, Philadelphia 102
Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Jason Terry nailed a fadeaway jump shot with 1.4 seconds left in the game to lift the Dallas Mavericks over the reeling Philadelphia 76ers, 104-102.
Dirk Nowitzki poured in 28 points, and Jason Kidd scored a season-high 22 while dishing out 11 assists for the Mavericks, who have won eight of the last 10 games.
Drew Gooden provided 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Shawn Marion added 14 points to the win.
Willie Green went for a season-high 23 points and eight rebounds for Philadelphia, which has dropped a season-high seven straight contests. Thaddeus Young and Elton Brand had 21 points each, while Brand also secured 10 boards in his return from a hamstring injury.
Andre Iguodala scored 19, and Samuel Dalembert grabbed a season-best 19 rebounds in the loss.
"It was on the baseline and goes way up in the air. Give credit to a good player that makes a shot. We just haven't had the luck to get one to miss and get one to make for us," said Sixers coach Eddie Jordan of Terry's last-second heroics. "It is a shame that we have come so close so many time and whether it is a shot by them or a shot by us, it just didn't go down or theirs went down."
Before taking the court, Sixers brass met with former star guard Allen Iverson in Dallas to discuss his possible return to the team. Iverson spent the first 10-plus seasons of his NBA career with the Sixers and is currently a free agent following his release from Memphis.
The Sixers rallied late, with an Iguodala jumper and consecutive makes by Young bringing their deficit down to 99-96 with 1:29 to play.
Nowitzki responded with two at the line, but Young came back with a three- pointer with the clock winding under a minute left for a two-point affair, 101-99.
Jason Kapono and Iguodala missed back-to-back shots before Kidd was sent to the line. He made just 1-of-2 shots with 9.8 ticks remaining, allowing Iguodala's three-pointer with 5.6 ticks left to tie the game at 102.
Nowitzki then inbounded on the right-wing side to Terry, who stepped back and released a medium-range rainbow over the outstretched arm of Green to give Dallas the lead.
"We ran something that was going to be him (Jason Terry) or Dirk, two good options. I thought the key on the whole thing was, he could have taken the shot quickly but he had the presence of mind to get the guy on his hip, use some clock and was able to get some separation and take the shot," said Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle about the call for Terry to take the winning shot. "I liked the way we fought them off at the end and were able to finish the game."
Philadelphia was left with a final shot, but Iguodala's jumper was inexplicably pulled out of the air by Dalembert en route to the hoop, ending the game.
"Not to put anybody at fault, he was open under the basket and I think we just didn't have enough time to get that much done. He just made a reaction play and he was just trying to win the game," said Iguodala of Dalembert's play.
Dallas scored the final six points of the first quarter for a 28-23 edge and surged to a 12-point lead early on in the second on another quick six points capped by back-to-back buckets from Marion.
Philadelphia drew back within six on an Iguodala three-ball with 6 1/2 minutes left, but the Sixers went the next five-plus minutes without a field goal, as Dallas cruised into halftime up, 57-43.
The Sixers cut the deficit to single digits on two Iguodala free throws four minutes into the second half, and four free throws from Green minutes later had the visitors down, 68-62, with 4:18 remaining.
A Green jump shot just outside the final minute made it a three-point game, but Jose Juan Barea came back to drain a three, and the Mavs held a 78-72 advantage going into the fourth.
Barea hit from long range again and added a layup for an 87-78 margin three minutes into the fourth, and a Kidd three-ball dropped for an 11-point lead with 6 1/2 minutes to go.
Game Notes
The Sixers have lost six in a row on the road and nine of 10 overall...Philadelphia moved to 0-2 on a four-game road trip and is only 2-8 as the visitor this season...The Mavs moved to 6-2 at home...Dallas has won seven of the last eight meetings with Philly, which is winless in its last five trips to Big D...Barea ended with 11 points while Terry had seven in the win.


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Estimated ArrivalArrives by 12/23
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Sophisticated style and functionality combine on this skirted storage bench. Its convenient hinged top makes access to books, blankets, or other odds and ends easy. Handcrafted in the USA.