SPRING!!!

So, got a nice view of Spring finally showing it's true coming!! So happy, immediately grabbed up the bucket of dryer fluff I've been saving and 'decorated' some of the trees heehee

Yea, the zoom really shows off that window screen hehe but you can tel what it is LOL There was a male with her, checking it out, when I first saw her...Hopefully these babies make it, as the last to make a nest in here (kitchen window) lost her's or something...I saw the eggs tossed right below it, which birds don't do...so not sure...

Anywhoo, today was a productive day - and no fights with the hammer this time LOL - didn't get my Never-Ending Dance art done...4hrs between the grass and trees (coloring) and getting started on last week's Pagan Art prompt (halfway painted though) so taking a break til tomorrow. Hoping to get a third drawing (a Triple Goddess one) started and have three to list on etsy by the end of the week hopefully.

Almost forgot about it being Post It Note Tuesday, so here's a little quick one for today:

New Book! :D

Yup, finished To Ride a Silver Broomstick. I didn't love it, but it wasn't a bad book at all. I am now on to Moon Magick by D.J. Conway. I am liking it so far, only a couple chapters in, but it's the first book in a long time that hasn't been an obvious "beginners" book, so it's a nice change of pace.

Today was a nice productive day. Got all my housework done up, tidied up and reorganized the bedroom, put a nice layer of the white paint down on my Pagan Art Journal (still not positive what to do for the prompt sadly...) and found an old paint by numbers I'll never finish, so slapped a layer of white paint on it to possibly create something for my etsy shop on it :) Also cooked a nice dinner for hubby and me (I'm Vegetarian and have never cooked much meat, so slowly expanding my horizons from burgers and nuggets, etc. LOL) I also had a small fight with a hammer today (I can't say who won, but my near tears frustrations definitely made the wall lose a little...Hopefully no one moves my calendar for a while o.0 hehe ooops Thumb still hurts to put pressure on too, so I'm thinking I lost...)
Anwhoo, tomorrow will be an art filled day! I am hoping to finally get my Never-Ending Dance picture colored (yup, it's inspired art for me too, hoping to list it on etsy as well) and get a Triple Goddess sketch started. I'm not sure what I want to do on the paint by numbers card yet, but we'll see. I also want to dig out some fabric I can use to start on some type plushies (possibly some Goddess dolls of my own idea) Also really need to start doing my workouts and would like to try out bangs, so will do some hair cutting as well hehe This being said, I probably won't be on here too much tomorrow...Hope you're all having a magickal week!

Charm-ing Giveaway!

Another awesome giveaway over at Confessions of a Country Witch! Your choice of a beautiful pendant from Laughing Vixen Lounge (up to $14 with choice of colored ribbon or chain). So head on over to Willow's blog to check out the details and definitely go check out some of the interesting necklaces and charm bracelets at Vixen's etsy shop!

Celtic-Faerie-Kitchen Witch

So...with reading over some of the traditions listed on To Ride a Silver Broomstick, I have come to a slight realization. Where I figured myself simply eclectic following along a slight Gardinarian path, I believe I may fall more under the Celtic traditions, and of course being a friend of Faeries (I hope hehe) I'd like to study into the Faerie tradition, and of course I believe most Witches these days have a good sense of Kitchen Witch in themselves ;)

Of course thinking all these things doesn't really help me learn them....Books, oh how I love my books, are what I need. I'm not sure which path all of you consider yourself on, but I am wondering if any of you know of some good reads on these specific traditions? I would greatly appreciate any titles or pointers.

A God-like Giveaway!

I'd like to give a quick shout out about an awesome giveaway going on at Confessions of a Country Witch! The absolutely wonderful Nydia from Bringing Up Salamanders has graciously donated on of her God dolls! A stunning Green Man doll!

Her amazing etsy shop, CariocaWitch holds many of these, and other, creations. Check her out and head on over to Willow's blog for a chance to win this little guy!

The Charge of the Goddess

So, haven't really posted much about Silver Ravenwolf's To Ride a Silver Broomstick. I'm a little over halfway through the book and am quite pleasantly surprised. She is a wonderful author, although seems to sometimes take an attitude of "this is what I believe/do so you should too" with certain aspects, but always makes sure to mention that it is just her process on it. I do also love how anally organized she is though hehe
I had never read this version of the charge of the Goddess before and loved it. It inspired the story I did for Pagan Culture's Pagan Fiction in 113 Words or Less which I have also decided to expand to hopefully submit to Realms of Fantasy magazine.

It is Midsummer Night's Eve -- the longest day of the year. This a unique time, full of unlimited power and mystery. You are standing in a large, secluded clearing, backed on three sides by the dark, evergreen skirts of Earth Mother. Behind you expands a rolling corn field in the cycle of infancy.

Above you hangs the moon. She is full and heavy, dripping her milkwhite light on the planet below, like a mother's breast that anticipates the nurturing of a child. The remainder of the heavens expands about the glowing orb, velvety and black, pricked by a multitude of winking stars. You take a deep breath -- heavy-sweet with the odors of a cooling summer day. The field, the dark, the sounds of the night, the forest and the moon all collide in time that does not exist.

As you look around the clearing there comes the realization that you are one among many -- old and young, robust and slender. They, as you, have come from many distant places to be here this night. A sea of faces, each barely masking the taunt anticipation behind them, utters whispers that merge with those of the nocturnal insects. An atmosphere of peace and unity with both worlds prevails.

A hush, like the roll of a soft wave, moves across the crowd. Silently, the people form a circle. A lone cloud scuttles to greet the face of the moon and veils its brilliance for a second.

In the darkness, man, woman, and child join hands. As the light once again filters down among the people, you hear the awed murmur of the crowd. The center of the circle, empty only moments before, is brilliantly lit by the aura of a single woman.

She is like no other. You search you memory, but you can remember no equal, neither in this life time or in any slips of memory that your stingy brain has allowed you to recall.

Her stance is straight and proud. Her strong yet delicate arms rise to the heavens, drawing down the light of the moon into her breast. Into her soul.

She is swathed in shimmering material that any human has yet to make; you marvel at how it ripples about her, like fine flesh that kisses the night.

Some in the crowd see her as a raven-haired beauty; others see her as a white-blonde princess. Yet there are those who observe a fiery, red-headed warrioress. To you her skin appears a musk-honey color, but to the man next to you it shines with polished ebony. It is then you realize that you are connected to the thoughts of all in the Universe. To look upon her radiant face is to have the air stolen from you lungs, and gasp, eyes fluttering in mild fear of drowning in the logic of nothing. The sensation flashes by; you are left with steady breath and a pumping heart.

To look within her is to experience the Divine . . . The Goddess!! The logical mind does not well accept the creative premise of divinity. Therefore, you internally debate whether you are looking upon human flesh or a figment of the heavens. You have been told by others that the human is Aradia, Queen of the Witches. Some have said she is the incarnation of the Goddess herself, others say she is the daughter of the Goddess, as She could not enter her full self in human flesh. Regardless of the debate, you know that you have waited a very long time to see her. Although the humans here are total strangers to you, you finally feel that you are home. This is the place where you belong. She speaks. Her silver voice rings loud and true. In amazement you watch as the tallest trees around the clearing bow down in reverence as she begins The Call:

Hear my words and know me! I shall be called a million names by all who speak! I am Eternal Maiden! I am Great Mother! I am the Old One who holds the immortal key! I am shrouded in Mystery, but am known to every soul!

She lowers her arms and holds them open toward the people circled around her. A small girl-child in the crowd cries out in fear, erupting the peace of the circle. Her horrified mother attempts to remove the child as the little one breaks into a lusty squall.

But Aradia only smiles and beckons the small one to her. She holds her arms in a cradling position, and where they once were empty, the child now materializes, encircling the child to her breast. The mother is left guiding only empty space from the circle.

If there was one among the crowd who does not believe in her reality, it surely blossoms in that moment, as the child nestles into aradia's shoulder in peaceful contentment.

Still holding the child, Aradia gestures one elegant arm to the sky and speaks:

Hear my words and know me! Whenever the moon rises in the Heavens shall my children come to me. Better it be once a month when the moon is full, shall ye assemble in some secret place, such as this, and adore the spirit of I. I, who am the Queen of Witches!

And under my watchful eye, my shildren shall be taught the mysteries of Earth and Nature, of the ways of all Magick! That which is unknown shall be known, and that which is hidden shall be revealed, even the secluded soul shall be pierced with my Light. From my cauldron shall be drunk all knowledge and immortality!

She pauses to caress the head of the girl-child, then lowers her gently to the ground. The tot scrambles quickly back to its mother, the cherub face serene, radiant, and blessed.

Aradia begins to glide slowly around the circle of people, looking intently into many shadowed faces. She speaks:

Ye shall be free from slavery and ye shall dance, sing, and feast. Music shall surround you, for mine is the exstasy of the spirit, and mine is also the joy of the earth!

Her eyes grow large and luminous and her voice flares with raw power as she proclaims:

I do not demand sacrifice! For behold, I am the Mother of all living things!

She places the palm of her right hand on one man's forehead. She shouts:

Create and heal!

The softens her voice and winks at another:

Be strong, yet gentle.

She turns quickly to an old woman:

Be noble, yet reverent.

She then tips the chin of an attractive young lady:

Bring forth and replenish.

And pivots with a seductive laugh. She moves about the circle, touching each individual, murmuring encouragement of hopes and dreams, laying aside fear and hatred.

And, as does the cycle of the Moon ever begin to wax and wane and to grow forth again, as do the seasons from one to the next flow in smooth rhythm, from sowing to reaping, to seeming death and rebirht . . . so will my children know their own pattern in both worlds!

Your heart begins to beat its own primal rhythm as she moves -- no, glides -- toward you. Your stomach does those familiar flippity-flops when you realize it is you she has singled out. She stands but a breath in front of you. You feel her warmth envelop you with the perfume of musk, or is it lavender? She is so beatiful you think your eyes will never see normally again.

Her hand delicately touches you shoulder, sending a rapturous vortex of power jolting down your body, then building in your belly. She speaks in a whisper that, amazingly, all can hear:

And ye shall say these words . . .
I Will love and harm none.
I Will live, love, die, and live again.
I Will meet, remember, know,
and embrace once more.
For the free will of ALL, And with harm to None
As I will
It now is done
So mote it be!

You speak the words. The people speak the words. She backs to the center of the circle, never appearing to move; but there just the same. Her power churns through every molecule of your system.

The circle begins to fill with drifting notes of pan pipes, whirling into a foggy spiral toward her. Where she once stood alone, now soidifies a towering being -- half beast, half man. His body is covered in fine, golden iridescence. His bronze, muscular arms encircle her gently, as if she were made of the lightest faery wing.

Two large, twisting horns protrude from His head, glowing with a light that appears to be all its own. His visage does not frighten you, for you realize that this is the God, the consort of the Lady, and that he is the golden half of her silvery being.

They smile deeply at one another. Their separate bodies slowly melt together into a single, blazing entity of light. And the human circle is plunged into darkness.
Your fearful heart turns your eyes to the heavens, but it is only another cloud that has passed before the face of the moon.

The light returns almost as quickly as it was stolen. Perhaps . . . not quite as mystical as before. All eyes turn to the center of the circle.
And it is bare. 

Quetzalcoatl

So, first off I'd just like to say a big thank you to Willow and to say how excited I am to be participating in this event! First blog party for me, so am hoping you'll enjoy what I have for you today. After hearing about this party, and quickly jumping on board, I decided this was the perfect excise to finally sit down and find my personal Patron. I researched into a couple of my books, but of course any books with just a mention of Gods and Goddesses normally only mention the more 'popular' names and pantheons, so I took my search to wikipedia. Yup, amazingly large amount of information on many pantheons. I read and read and read. I went through all of the Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Japanese, and Mayan Gods with little luck. I have my favourites in a couple but none that truly spoke to me. I was on my last page of the Mayan Gods and told myself if I didn't find one after this last one, I was giving in for the day and would resume my research the next. Well, I skimmed through the information and a name jumped out at me Quetzalcoatl I have no clue where I'd heard this name before, but I know I have....for some reason I was drawn to click his link and read on about him. I'd never thought to look at the Aztec pantheons. I think he wanted it that way. While we don't have a whole lot "in common" for personality and such, I do respect him, and feel connected in subtle ways. I have gathered some information on him for you today. The first section is mixed from wikipedia, the section after my drawing is from http://www.paganbookofhours.org/index.html

Quetzalcoatl

A feathered serpent deity. Often considered the God of the Morning Star due to the myths about his death (in remorse, he threw himself onto a lit funeral pyre. His ashes became birds who took his heart and flew into the sky, thus his heart became the Morning Star) He was known as the inventor of books and the calendar, the giver of maize to mankind, and sometimes the symbol of death and resurrection. He was also against any live sacrifices. (this last part spoke to me, as I have been Vegetarian for nearly 12yrs and an Animal Rights activist)

Day: November 21st

Colors: bright red, gold, green, blue

Element: Air

Altar Decorations: multi-colored cloth, many different colored feathers, plate of chocolate

Daily meal: Mexican food, chocolate

Invocation

"Feathered serpent

Creature of the earth that learned to fly

You who brought gifts of civilized and culture to a troubled people

You who fought against the unnecessary sacrifices of the greedy Gods

Once a God, now a man, always a mystery

You who sailed away to the West and one day promised to return

Who is always fair, 

Brighten our minds with thoughts and dance and run

And finally leave the Earth

And fly"

I hope enjoyed my little piece. Also, for anyone interested in seeing more of my art, I'd love for you to visit me at  http://www.Lilac-SilverFox.deviantart.com

Blessed Be

On a complete side note I am SOOOO excited to be the winner of TWO giveaways!! The lipbalm set from this same blog party AND also a three book set from Pagan Culture's Oz giveaway!! *dances like idiot* Sooo happy!!  Make that THREE giveaways now!!! Won the candy Ostara giveaway from SpiritPheonix too!!! *dances again* Also joining in on Post It Tuesdays!

52 Weeks of Pagan Art Journaling

So, I am officially caught up on this fun project! Now to share the pieces I've done so far to date!

Week 1 - Intent

Basically - spiritual growth, happiness, relaxation, etc. Which it definitely has been so far.

Week 2 - Heart/Love

Couldn't think of anything visual for this really so just used my favourite metallic pink and wrote out the most important things in my heart.

Week 3 - I Believe

Faeries, of course. I also believe in the beauty in all of Nature - even things considered pesky weeds by others (yes, horrible painting of a dandelion there LOL)

Week 4 - Nature

For some reason the very common seasons trees was stuck in my head for this one, and this my crappy trees were created for it LOL

Week 5 - Letter to myself in 5yrs in relation to my Path

"I hope by now to have grown much closer and in harmony with the God and  Goddess. I'd also hope to have built upon my relationship with the Faeries. Five years is a long time, so I imagine a lot has changed, but I know my main path will remain the same."

Week 6 - The Goddess

My original thought on this prompt was more of a globe bellied woman, but as I started painting, this is what emerged instead. More of a Gaia figure, I suppose.

Week 7 - Water

My little water spirit kind of got squished while creating, but I still enjoyed it. Yes, that is the Cancer symbol as well, as I am a Water sign, Cancer, and even though I'm on the cusp of Gemini, I am a very true Cancer.

So, these are my paintings, and cannot wait for the next prompt. If you are ever interested in my art, outside of these as painting is not my strong point, please check out my deviantART page Lilac SilverFox

Happy Ostara!!

First day of Spring...and I've got two blankets and the space heater cranked and still have frozen fingers.... LOL Oh well, I know Mother Nature doesn't follow the calendar now hehe On a side note though, it's been a Nature magickal weekend for me, and my father. Today hubby and I went for a cruise for some groceries and coffee and I saw my first hawk since the Fall. My dad said (from my description over the phone) that it was a redtail hawk. Also saw a bunch of geese for the first time yet this year - for me - and of course several robins and other fun folk flying about. OH, and a little off course, but chickens. Fancy chickens eating in the front yard of one of the farm houses down the road. I want pet chickens, seriously. Anyway, my dad saw much more majestic animals this past few days. He saw a large moose while driving to the bush (cuts wood) and an adult bald eagle. Stunning both I'm sure!

I put up my drawing of the Green Man and have a little pot that I'm planning on trying to plant from an acorn I've saved for a couple years now LOL Found it randomly yesterday and then the little green plastic pot was randomly in our front yard today so I thought it'd be a fun test. Gunna google on it to make sure, though my mom said she's pretty sure you need to crack it open and then just plant the seed(s)...So we shall see cuz we still have a huge bag of potting soil in the garage barely touched. So, technically I'm celebrating Ostara tomorrow as I don't have the privacy to do much tonight, and I've also been dead tired all day so would rather wait until tomorrow when I'm more prepared.

I did; however, copy out the Llewellyn's Ostara ritual to look over for possible future use, which I shall copy below. I hope you all had a wonderful and magickally filled weekend!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For this ritual you will need two small chalices or cups of water or wine, and if you’re working indoors, you will need two bowls in which to pour the liquid. You will also need two candles and some matches. A ritual blade or wand is optional.

Place these items on a small altar, table, or other flat surface. In a pinch I’ve used the stereo. At other times I’ve no trouble using a flat rock or even the ground itself.

Arrange the candles so that one is to the extreme left of the altar and one to the extreme right. Place the chalices of water or wine beside the candles. If you are working indoors, place the bowls on the ground on either side of the candles.

Begin by offering prayers of thanks to the God and Goddess for the blessings of Ostara. List aloud each one. Go slow. Be thorough. As you do this, dip your fingertips in each chalice alternately and flick the water around your immediate area to impart those blessings. Use caution if you are indoors or, if you’re using wine, go through the motion of aspersing without actually touching the liquid.

Focusing on the candles, think about them representing the winter behind you—the time of year with the greatest darkness—and say:
I stand at the center and balanced be,
The charge of seasons meets here in me.
From wintertime’s dark and lonely nights,
To summertime’s warm and lively light.
(Take the matches and light both candles.)
Now at the center at Ostara am I,
Not light or dark to dominate the sky;
But a time of lengthening light and day,
As we pass from balance to summer’s days.
(Extinguish one candle to represent the balance of light and dark.)

Take the chalice to your right and hold it up, saying:
God of the Sun and Lord of Light,
I honor your spirit in which I delight.
Pour the water or wine onto the ground to your right or into a bowl to be poured onto the ground altar. Then take the chalice to your left and hold it up, saying:
Goddess of the Earth and of the night,
I honor your spirit as the earth turns light.
Pour the contents of this chalice onto the earth or into the bowl.

You may spend as much time as you want at your altar, speaking with your deities, meditating, or just contemplating the meaning of your ritual and of Ostara. When you are ready to stop, extinguish the candle with a private word of thanks to your deities. Take any water or wine collected in the bowls and pour it outside onto the face of Mother Earth to complete your offering to the deities.

Awesome Lip Balm Giveaway!

So, as part of the amazing 15 Days of Welcoming the God blog party, giveaways are all around! This one is open to all locations, and is such a treat, especially with the Winter season still clinging over here!

A fun 5 set lip balm pack from Steam Bath Factory

So, head on over to Confessions of a Country Witch to see how you could nab this awesome gift!

Another Awesome Giveaway!

Pagan Culture is hosting yet another generous giveaway for another very intriguing book! Bittersweet by Marcia Colette is an interesting piece of Pagan fiction which you could win a copy for yourself to read!

Even the cover gives me eager goosebumps *giggle* Anywhoo, head on over to Pagan Culture to see how you could possibly score yourself a copy!!

New Book!!

So, finished re-reading the Complete Idiots Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft about a week ago now. Got some things I still need to copy out from it, but have been busy catching up with the 52 Weeks of Pagan Journaling projects and stuff for the Welcoming the God blog party that I didn't pick up the next book to read until last night.
I was originally going to re-read Cunningham's Solitary books next, but when I opened my little cupboard of books I decided I wanted to read some thing new to me. (besides my two Solitary Cunningham books are needing replacing after lending them to someone with spiteful cats >.< ) so I dug out the two Silver Ravenwolf books a friend had given me last year (along with quite a few others as she had bought a bunch then decided Wicca wasn't for her) I have never read Silver's work and was always told she was "fluffy" and wrote a lot of 'teen love spells' and crap so never really took her seriously (although still have always wanted her gigantic Solitary book!) but last night I was like, well I should read these anyway and make my own opinion of her as it is. I mean, why spend like $40+ on a book by her if it turns out I don't like her writing?
This being said I looked over the two books I have and decided on To Ride a Silver Broom Stick, as it seem more introductory, etc. and while I've only read the first chapter, I'm enjoying it. She's got a few little "writing assignments" that I may do when I get the chance, but so far she seems to be a decent author over-all.

Can't say much about the book itself yet as I was too tired to read past the first chapter last night. Hopefully I'll read a few more tonight! On a side note, I drove for - legally - the first time today. Not very far and definitely not very fast, but yea LOL Also got this 5 disk Tae Bo workout thing with this weighted "amplifier" bar (Billy Blank's Tae Bo Amped series) for $20 and a $2 little book light so I won't keep the hubby up all night while I'm reading... LOL I'm also caught up with the 52 Weeks and will post those up soon. Stuck on exactly what to do for this week's prompt though lol

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, Full Moon, and Ostara coming Monday :)

The Breath of Spring

Well, first off Happy St. Patty's day to those who celebrate in any sort of way.

Secondly, while I still see the recesses of snow and there's still a tiny nip in the air, Spring is very obviously fighting her way through today. I stepped outside while doing some housework and simply looked around and took a deep breath. I can smell it on the horizon. The birds are out and fluttering around, and I even saw my first robin (for those that have been seeing them for weeks shush...we're slow ditching the snow and I honestly haven't been outside much whatsoever) and am excited. I stopped, glanced around, closed my eyes and just took a few deep breaths. It felt wonderful. So cleansing and empowering. It felt like the perfect day to do some small spellwork - although I was somewhat planning on it anyway due to the double luck of the day for this specific spell (Thursday being ruled by Jupiter according to my book) and while it was a short and sweet spell, it felt good. I'm not much one for day time spell work, but the Faeries are blessing me with their presence I see and we all need to try something new now and again, don't we?
I shall post the spell below for any wishing to understand it. Before, I'd like to cover something quite creepy and almost scary last night. I had been doing a lot of cleaning and painting and so started a wax burner (Sage and Citrus, burning it again today too) and the candle was burning itself out come late afternoon...Well, I didn't really notice at first, but the flame began growing again once all the wax had burned off (just a tealight mind you) and in an hour or so it began to jump around like mad! It basically caught itself on fire...No wax no nothing, and the flame was just rolling about in the metal tin left from the tealight....It was creepy....I got up to blow it out and of course with no wax it tipped up and slid up against the back of the burner (lovingly catching the ribbons on the outside, but they like melted so no outward fire) and so I jumped over, grabbed a water bottle and filled up this little spray thing we have and shot in some water...WELL...it was not happy with that....It literally ballooned the flame out back at me like I had shot in gasoline and not water then promptly dissipated....Even the hubby said it was pretty 'fucked up' how it happened...Either the Faeries are angered with me, or something was last night....

Anywhoo, not that I'm one to spell and tell, I did enjoy this spell. I altered it as I don't have any rosemary oil or loose sage herbs. Burning the sage wax and simply sprinkled the herbs on the play bill I made to wrap it up in....oh, and using pink string as I have no gold. I was thinking of using vegetable oil, but I have a very small candle holder and worry about the herbs catching as I have made a "stuffed candle" before and man they catch good! LOL

A spell to banish money woes. 

What you'll need: 
A bill of play money, let the value depend on what you're asking for. 
A green candle 
Rosemary essential oil 
Dried basil 
Dried sage 
Piece of silver 
Piece gold of yarn or string 

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, sit quietly for a moment in front of your altar and take a few cleansing breathes to ground yourself.

When you are ready think about the changes you want to achieve in your finances. Continue to think about money coming toward you as you mix your basil and sage together.

Next, anoint your candle with the rosemary oil. When the candle is covered in the oil, roll it through the herbs, remembering to continue to see money coming your way. 


Place the piece of silver in the bottom of the candle holder and then place the candle on top of that. Lay the whole thing over the bill of play money.

Light the candle and hold your hands on either side of the flame and infuse it with your will then say... 

"Money, money come to me, 
As I will so mote it be. 
I only wish to fulfill my need. 
I do this out of love, not greed." 


Allow the candle to burn out and cool. Take the piece of silver (which will have melted wax on it) and wrap it in the play money. Tie the bundle tightly with the gold string and leave on your altar while you wait for your spell to come to fruition. 

I'm not sure where this spell is taken from. A new friend from the newer group I'm on posted it up for me.

Oz Book Giveaway!

Oh, I am so excited to shout out about this awesome giveaway from a good friend on here!

Head on over to Pagan Culture and see what a generous giveaway she is holding! Three intensely intriguing books: The Royal Magician of Oz Trilogy by James C. Wallace II. 

What's even more awesome? You get the chance for up to THIRTEEN entries! w00t!! The contest ends March 21, 2011 at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced March 22nd. Go Now!!

A Name That Fits

So, after long debate and though and reading the Wiccan Names section of my book I have finally settled on my Magickal Name that truly fits. I have thought of changing it for years, but SilverFox was a thought out name that I love and doesn't want to go any where, so I have added to it. Lilac SilverFox.

If you're curious as to why, Lilacs are a favourite flower of mine - but not simply for the looks or smell. We have a massive lilac tree in our front yard, soon to be two as my mom replanted some on the other side as well a few years ago. They remind me of home, family, memories of growing up, and of one of my best friends growing up (still best friends btw) as the lilacs bloom only a few days before he birthday every year. I want lilacs to be the prominent flower at my wedding, as well. They mean the world to me in their own tiny way....and thus needed to be recognized by me.

For anyone going ummm thought you were doing the 52 Weeks of Pagan Art Journaling? I am and am just in the midst of week three's piece. I'm not posting my catch ups until I'm caught up LOL Should be this week or next if I can get paint to dry quicker LOL Well, speaking of, back to it.
I'm also excited to say I shall be guest posting twice on Willow's Welcoming the God blog party! Need to get a second drawing finished and both pieces will be complete :D

Some Candles Finally

Well, took the hubby "out to dinner" tonight...Sort of a dinner for our 2yr this Tuesday. Just A&W (I love their veggie burgers!) but we haven't been able to eat out or order in anything in a while and use to go to A&W weekly before, so it was a nice treat followed by a quick stop at Dollarama (rather Dollar Giant but they closed super early!) for some conditioner and candles. Sadly the Dollarama here has crap for color selections, but I grabbed four 4 packs of small votive candles for $1 per pack. Got blue, white, red, and green. They also had yellow and pink...I thought I only had $10 on me, but could've gotten them all cuz I had $15 but oh well LOL

Don't have much to do with them yet as all they sold, besides tealights, are scented.....so waiting to really use them sadly...I will; however, light another tealight for Japan again tonight and send my love and as much healing as possible their way....

Can't wait to get to my mom's and get all my tools and stuff and then to have money to buy the rest I need sometimes lol Oh well, do with what you have. I've found a few very simple spells I can do with just candles, and some with just some paper and something to burn it in...so at the very least I have some of those and can do a little ritual for Ostara when it hits.

A Candle for Japan

Not sure how up to date everyone is with the news of the Tsunami and earthquakes and such, but I am just so sorry for all those who have lost loved ones, and those waiting to hear if their's are alright. Tonight I will be lighting a candle and sending my love along with it to all those in hopes no more lives are lost. A friend posted a nice status which I promptly copied and will display here as well.

"Mighty Mother, we call upon your power, Ease the storms, calm the seas, and save your children, SO MOTE IT BE!!"

Pretty Colors

So, haven't copied out much from the book lately. Almost done it though! Figured I'd post something up that's pretty useful and sometimes often forgotten, although many sources have a few marked out differently of course as well. Color Correspondences.

Black Divination, banishing, absorbing negative energy, protection, binding.
Blue Truth, tranquility, protection, hope, honor, change, psychic ability.
Brown Stability, integrity, justice, sensuality, endurance, animals, concentration, grounding.
Gold The God, vitality, strength, success, action, courage, confidence.
Gray Vision, neutrality, absorbs negativity.
Green Abundance, growth, healing, prosperity, fertility, employment, luck, jealousy.
Indigo Insight, vision, change, flexibility, psychic abilities.
Magenta Intuition, change, spiritual healing, vitality.
Orange Courage, pride, ambition, enthusiasm, energy, friendship, communication, success, opportunities.
Pink Compassion, tenderness, harmony, affection, love, romance, spiritual healing.
Purple Growth, self-esteem, psychic ability, insight, inspiration, spirituality, success in business.
Red Sexual love, lust, passion, fire, willpower, courage, energy, strength, anger.
Silver The Goddess, spiritual truth, intuition, receptivity, psychic ability, stability, balance.
Turquoise Creativity, discipline, self-knowledge, honor, idealism.
Violet Success, intuition, self-improvement, spiritual awareness.
White Cleansing, peace, protection, healing, truth, divination, tranquility (can be used in place of any color).
Yellow Joy, vitality, intelligence, study, persuasion, charm, creativity, communication.

Feeling really oddly anxious this evening...I don't like it....Waiting for the hubby to get back from their union meeting so we can go grab something for supper, etc. Going to go to H&R Block and get my taxes done tomorrow...Really hope I get something decent back....we can't deal without any longer...

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Spring Fever

So...as I sit here sniffing and snotting while the ratties try to run across my key board, I am so proud of myself. haha I went ahead and completely scrubbed down and rearranged the bedroom....and cleaned out the closet, froggie tank, and now the rattie cages, oh and laundry...Finally testing the new washer and dryers capacity limits by doing out blankets too hehe

Oh yes, Spring Cleaning time has hit me apparently...and of course with it the dust and animal dander that's been sitting dormant under the bed and in the corners have now fully activated my allergies woohooooo.... -_- Hopefully, after the ratties cuz they creep them too, they'll calm down before I have to be making supper tonight...

I have ever so slowly started my 52 Weeks paintings. I found an old coil phone book and have used some white acrylic paint to blank out the wording on the front and first two pages. Think I'll collage the covers like I do my sketch books once I get some packing tape, hopefully this weekend if my taxes are nice to me this year lol I am going to a simple cover painting of a pentacle (with colored points though) and maybe some ivy around it or something to symbolize Spring a bit for when I started it....Once it's dry I already have my idea for what I'll do from the week one prompt so I'm excited to start. Gunna look for a nice off white paint this weekend to...the white I have just makes it look so stark and ...like sterilized LOL I don't like it haha

Anywhoo, my back is screaming at me too...my Goddess I feel old >.>; so think I'll go enjoy other's blogs for a while before the hubby gets home.

Update
So, room is completely rearranged and cleaned and somewhat organized. Hubby loves it, and I finished my little cover painting and the first prompt. It's drying right now so will have a pic tomorrow. Gunna try and finish week two's tomorrow <3

Luck Please!

Store in town just called and wants me to come in to 'chat' about my resume and hopefully getting a job there!!! Please send me as much luck as possible, I need this job!

Thank you!

Cannot wait til I can drive myself! Waiting another half hour cuz his dad's waiting to see if his stupid car is finished (he has a tuck...like f off) before taking me in. Gunna need all the best wishes in the world considering how bad this looks on me..... >.<

So, got to the interview. Lovely woman. Chatted and it went really well. She's got two other resumes, but is only really considering one other for nights, so here's hoping! *fingers crossed*

Magickal Names, Sacred Space, and 52 Weeks!

I'm excited. Not only have I signed on to try and do Pagan Fiction in 113 Words or Less I am now jumping on board for 52 Weeks of Pagan Art Journaling and hope Danni doesn't mind me sort of copying her idea with re-using an old book to paint on :) I'm a few weeks behind but want to catch up and then follow along with everyone. It shall be so much fun!

Now, onto some of my favourite little bits from the few chapters I read from The Complete Idiots Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft. Some questions on choosing your Magickal Name and choosing the location for your Sacred Space. Please, tell me your's and how you came about them!

Choosing your Magickal Name
1. Do you have an affinity for a particular God or Goddess whom you have read about?
2. Do you have a favourite myth or legend? What is it? Who are the characters? Which one do you identify with most strongly?
3. Is there a species of animal that is special to you? What qualities do that animals have?
4. Are you particularly drawn to one of the four elements? What about other natural substances such as different woods, or metals?
5. What is your favourite plant, flower, or tree?

Creating your Sacred Space
1. Would you rather be indoors or out?
2. Do you like to have a lot of things around you - pictures, knickknacks, and souvenirs - or do you prefer a space free of clutter?
3. Is there a space in your home or surroundings that feels particularly powerful or attractive to you?
4. Do you need to keep your ritual and magickal activities secret from those you live with?

I am so glad I decided to reread this book too. Now with taking some of the Witch School courses and reading a lot of the same categories but done differently I am much more comfortable with editing and making my own versions of rituals and a lot of the information is a nice refresher of things I have forgotten about.

Movie Night and Exams

So, random post for today as I didn't read any of my book last night. Instead, hubby and I watched Wicked Little Things and Legend. I am in love with both movies, but am wondering which version is better to be watching for Legend....I downloaded what I was told was the director's cut, original. I read through a bit and found out there's like 4 versions over the years or something...and the one I downloaded was the original (and I definitely saw a bunch of bitching comments about it not having the "Tangerine Dream" soundtrack...which I don't care, I'd rather watch the director's first vision myself) but I noticed at the end it was missing a tiny scene...The clip Danni posted showed the Elves/Faeries re-attaching the Unicorn's horn and him coming back from his slumber between Jack kissing Lily and waking her up....mine; however, did not show the Unicorn waking up and only showed Jack and Lily talking and kissing and then her running off home, him running off into the sunset and the Elves, Faeries, and Unicorns coming out of the woods to say good bye type a deal....It was still an amazing movie, for it's time of course (made the same yr I was born LOL) but missing that scene it made me wonder a bit I guess....
Oh, and for anyone wondering what Wicked Little Things is, it's a newer B movie type a deal about zombie kids. I enjoyed it lol

Anywhoo, enough rambling about movies. Did my first two exams at Witch School yesterday. Only got one wrong on the Coreelian Wicca - First Degree one. Failed the Introduction to Grimoires miserably - not worried though...It was more history than anything and was insanely long and dry for the first lesson in my opinion...Just finished and passed my first exam for Living the Wiccan Life. It seems to be a bit different as the option to take the second test is available already and I haven't even read the lesson yet LOL Oh well, I do enjoy this school and am hoping I can find the extra money soon to get a lifetime membership for all the courses they offer.

Alright....I now have a bit of a headache...Gunna find some lunch and see what the second lesson is all about.

UPDATE
Just wanted to post I decided to take the exam as available and got 92% :D

The Wiccan Rede

So, finished part two of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft last night. Found a couple things I'd like to post up. Most of you know the Rede in it's entirety....I know I have a couple followers who may not yet though...and I like to share anyway since I know, myself anyway, we sometimes forget the origins of things. Firstly, though another little list. Like the previous, Scott Cunningham (my absolute favourite author, may he rest in peace) created his own list as well.

~Know yourself.
~Know your craft.
~Learn.
~Apply knowledge with wisdom.
~Achieve balance.
~Keep your words in good order.
~Keep your thoughts in good order.
~Celebrate life.
~Attune with the cycles of the Earth.
~Breathe and eat correctly.
~Exercise the body.
~Meditate.
~Honor the God and Goddess.

The Wiccan Rede (or The Rede of the Wiccae as first written, dating back to possibly 1930s)
Bide the Wiccan laws we must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live - fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the circle thrice about, to keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch - speak little, listen much.
Deosil o by the waxing Moon - sing and dance the Wiccan rune.
Widdershins go when the Moon doth wane, and the Werewolf howls by the dread Wolfsbane.
When the Lady's Moon is new, kiss the hand to her times two.
When the Moon rides at her peak, then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the Northwind's might gale - lock the door and drop the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the West wind blows o'er thee, departed spirits restless be.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go - burn them quick and burn them slow.
Elder be ye Lady's tree - burn it not or cursed ye'll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn - let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned a Yule, light the Log and let Pan rule.
Heed ye flower, bush, and tree - by the Lady blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone an truth ye'll know.
When ye have need, hearken not to other's greed.
With the fool no season spend, or be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part - brighten the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should - three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in love ever be, unless thy lover's false to thee.
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill - an it harm none, do what ye will.

Book One

So, as I said previously, a main goal for me right now is to read all of my Wicca books cover to cover and one by one. I am beginning with Th Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft.

 There seem to be many new covers for this book out there now....Cool LOL

I read the first section last night and decided I'd put up one of my favourite excerpts from it as I go, or spells, etc.

What Do Witches Believe

In the 1970's, the Council of American Witches, an organization that no longer exists, drew up a list of the basic principles. We'll paraphrase them here:

~We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces.

~We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment.

~We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person.

~We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as both masculine and feminine. We value neither gender above the other.

~We recognize both outer worlds and inner, psychological worlds, and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal and magickal exercises.

~We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy.

~we see religion, magick, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and live in it.

~Calling oneself a 'witch' does not make a witch, but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A witch seeks to control the forces within him - or herself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony with Nature.

~We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know, and to our personal role within it.

~Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy of life, is that its institutions have claimed to be "the one true, right, and only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and beliefs.

~We are not threatened by debates on the history of the craft. We are concerned with our present and future.

~We do not accept the concept of absolute-evil, nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "The Devil" as define by Christian traditions.

~We work within Nature for that which contributes to our health and well-being.