Blessings of The Crone Moon of 2012!

Waning Moon Cresent 12/11/12 taken by Priestess Najah

Beautiful magickal morning!  I awoke to freshly fallen snow and the last sliver of the Waning Moon of 2012.  We bow with reverence to the Crone Moon, to the Old and the Wise as we prepare to welcome in the New!

The New Moon arrives on 12/13/12.  Now is an excellent time to let go of that which no longer serves us.  We are preparing for the newness of the Solstice, Yule, and the New Year of 2013. 

I woke this morning to perform the final cleansing of our home of this year.  How silent and sweet the was the quiet of the early dawn.  As I crept silently through my home, I gave thanks for all the blessings of 2012 and felt the excitement of the Solstice and 2013 come upon me.  How grateful I was to see the Silver Cresent in the sky.  I am grateful I could capture the moment on film.

Last night we put up our outside lights.  Now we can begin the indoor decorations and the making of the Yule log!  We are blessed to have Oak from neighbor's tree for our log.

As we move toward these days of revery, blessings, joy and excitement I give thanks for all my blessings.  I also know there are many for whom these days can be hard ones.  I also remember those who may suffer during these times.

May the light of the Great Mother Goddess always shine down upon Us.

Blessed Be.

Priestess Najah

Mayan Calender, Goddess Ixchel

"Ixchel, Ixchel".

Many years ago we landed in Cozumel, Mexico for our honeymoon.  It was bliss.  I was at once enchanted and moved by the water, the island, the people.  I snorkeled and played in the ocean from dawn until dusk.  I truly felt at home in the turquoise waters of Cozumel.

While there we spent the day at Xcaret.  A beautiful, pristine otherworldly water nature park.  While there I lost my shoes somehow, and spent the entire day and night walking barefoot.  As the foot is a prime location for sensing, my senses opened through the bottom of my feet, and my mind, heart and Spirit, became one with Xcaret and the Mayan people.

In the evening, we were blessed to attend a Mayan village ceremony.  I can still smell and see the copal burning.  We passed through the village filled with Mayan elders, shamans and villagers, all engulfed in the magick of copal smoke.  It was my first introduction to the powerful Copal.

While we were on the island we also spent time at San Gervasio, which has temple ruins to the Goddess Ixchel.  We walked through Her gate.  We walked in the silence of the ancestors.  I have never forgotten it.

Now we make our way to the Winter Solstice and to the close of the Mayan Calendar and the long count.  Goddess Ixchel is calling.  A new beginning and time await us.  A psychic shift is upon us.  Can you feel it?

I have no sense of fear or dread.  Only excitement and growing deep feeling of atunement and connection to the Goddess, in this highly magickal significant time.  For some the day will come and go without notice.  For many we will feel the power and the presence.

Here in Colorado we will attend the Mayan Millennium Ball, where we will gather with like-minded Earthkind, Shamans, Priestesses, Musicians, and revelers and honor and create ceremony for this most wonderful time.   I can hardly wait.   In my work with the Goddess Ixchel, I was led to the following prayer:
"Ixchel, Ixchel, la misión y el trabajo esperan ya; Ixchel, Ixchel, nadie puede ocultarnos tu verdad." Which means "Ixchel, Ixchel, the mission and work are waiting for us; Ixchel, Ixchel, nobody can hide your truth from us." 

Blessed Be,
Priestess Najah

All Hail The Holly King!

Breaking the illusion. I am grateful that as traditions and religions change, disappear or go away, the Sun and the Moon remain constant. The Wheel turns and the Seasons change. At MidSummer, when all was bright and hot, the days were actually growing shorter and the nights were getting longer. In our fast-paced, tech-savvy, world, I'm sure few of us notice these things. But notice them or not, they occur. The Holly King, King of the Waning Year was in full force. Now we make our way to Winter Solstice, the longest night and celebrate the death of the Holly King, the waning half of the year, and embrace the light, the Oak King, the waxing half of the year, as the days slowly grow longer taking us through Spring and Summer. How wonderful to be aware of the Seasons of Change. All Hail The Holly King!

 

Bright Blessings to All,

Priestess Najah

The Long View

Last night we watched "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"  .  It touched my heart for many reasons.  In the movie, the owner of the Marigold Hotel says " “Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it is not yet the end”

I've been thinking about this quote.  If I truly believe, know I have lived before and believe in reincarnation, why I am in such a hurry to do all, know all, be all, now?

I thought about the perspective of life from a culture which has been in continuous existence for thousands of years.  I thought to myself, one would slow down and not be in such a rush.  And in the words of the above quote, if things were going badly I would truly relax in the knowledge that all will turn out all right - eventually.

Thats not to say that one shouldn't work to improve things or make things better, this is more about the stress of trying to be in control.

I feel that one of the good things about our culture is our innovative status and the ability to bring new things into the world.  However one of the things I feel we lack is the reverence of old things and a long window into the past.  This is one of the reasons why I have so enjoyed my trips to China and England.  The ability to see and connect with the past is very important me and more importantly the reverence for things which have gone before us.  And also the ceremonies that still exist in those countries honoring their old ways and traditions while still living in the modern world.

This is what I am trying to accomplish, a practice of the Old Ways while still living in the modern world.  However now I too have a longer view.  It doesn't all have to be done today. 

Blessed Be
Priestess Najah

Tending the President Obama Altar

Today I awake with joy and happiness in my heart that President Barack Obama, has been re-elected for a second term. 

Millions of people voted and worked very hard to bring this vision into manifestation.  For my part, I voted and I tended and kept an altar for him for four years:

On the eve of the last election in 2008, I lit a candle for then candidate Barack Obama.  I felt called to do it. No one asked me to do it, it was just what I felt needed to be done.  When he won the election four years ago, I decided it would good idea to keep the altar going for his entire term.  Little did I realize how the altar which was very small at the time, would grow into the beautiful space it has become!  On the altar is a hat my friend gave me from his hometown of Chicago, an Obama doll which was a Christmas present, the Esquire magazine which had him on the cover, one of my prized possesions - an Obama cover comic book, a homemade Obama Christmas ornament - which was a gift, candles that burned in significant ways, and the latest addition, the 2012 Obama-Biden bumper sticker!

All these items came to the altar of their own time and accord.  I learned a lot about tending an altar and making such a committment.   For starters, the purchase of candles became quite expensive and time consuming.   I've never asked for any financial support, so I had to find ways to adjust the frequency of lighting the altar, so I wouldn't break my pocketbook.  Then there were the times when I didn't agree with some of President Obama's decisions and I had to keep the altar.  That was a time of spiritual growth and dedication to my committment.  I am grateful to the Great Goddess for her bountiful blessings upon my work.

Now that President Obama has been re-elected, my charge and committment to the altar is done. I have done my duty.  But will the altar come down?  Will I stop tending it?  Is it still necessary?  These are questions I will need to answer for myself.  We will just have to see.  And if you are reading this and have any comments or suggestions, I appreciate your feedback!

Bright Blessings,
Priestess Najah

The Wheel Hath Turned

Last night we gathered in the dark forest.  A secret place.  The fire was lit, the cauldron smoking.  It was the time and space my heart has yearned for so very, very long.

It was a clear night.  The stars shining so brightly and the Moon, white and bright.  She cast a white light on the dark trees and my soul tingled.  It was Samhain Ritual.  It was simply powerful and profound.  I am grateful to be a member of the Circle of Graces, for the Living Earth Community.

Now the Wheel has turned.  Time to take down the Halloween decorations, put away the Samhain ritual tools.  Sad yes, but we must follow the turn of the Wheel.  Next comes Yule!  Time to break out the Holly,  mistletoe, and prepare for the coming of the Winter Solstice!

Blessed Be the Old Ways and the Holidays.

Priestess Najah

Blessed Samhain! The Great Mother Speaks to Me!

I took this photo in the morning night sky today, date October 30, 2012.  The Blessed Mother, She speaks to me.

My last post I was down in the darkness.  There is no denying Her presence in my life this day.  She is the Light which shineth in the darkness. 

Samhain approaches.  The season of the dark and letting go.  Yet there She is, clear and bright! 

We've experienced one of the greatest storms ever to make landfall, on the east coast of the United States.  Is it any coincidence this storm occured on the Full Moon?  I think not.  She says to me, "I will not be forgotten.  I will not be disrespected.  I Will rise up and wash your shit away!".  Blessed Be Mother, Blessed Be.

I bow my head in respect and open my heart to Her joy and guidance.  I have been humbled yet strengthened.  I look to the light.  Let me stand in the Waters of peace and joy.  Let me listen, heed and learn.

As is tradition during Samhain, we scry. We use divination to touch deeper into areas of ourselves, which are hidden.  This morning using Ellen Dugan's Witches Tarot  I had one of the most profound readings I've ever experienced.  I highly recommend her deck.  Center yourself, feel the beauty of this time and perform a reading for yourself.  Use the darkness and the light of Moon to look within and see what Spirit is saying to you.

Tomorrow is Halloween proper.  I'm looking forward to the day and night.  Of course I've got my clothes ready and gifts to bear.  I'm so excited.  For once here in Denver the weather will be warm!  We won't have to bundle up over our costumes! 

To celebrate  Samhain with my community  Living Earth , we'll gather in some secret place and light the bonfire! Blessed Be the Season of the Witch, The Great Goddess and The Moon!

Priestess Najah

Doubt

The Moon was hidden from me this morning.  Only the tips of the clouds showed her light.  It was an eerie scene.

In my cards this morning I got "Temperance", one of my least favorite cards.  And then the 7 of Coins.  The reading said:

"Doubt, the temptation to give up".  "The Seven of Coins means that, although they are taking their time, rewards for your actions are on their way.  Still, you might have doubt that you made the right choices - but rest assured that you did.  Its just a matter of time before you see it.  In the meantime, you'll feel a bit of stress and could suffer from insomnia".

Shut my mouth.  My feelings summed up correctly and true, for yes, I have had great doubt in the last few days.  Magick and prayer have seemingly failed to bring out an outcome I had deeply hoped for. 
I'm being guided to be patient, even though my heart breaks for what seems to be bad outcome to a situation.  I am being asked to accept that even at this juncture, the true story has not been told.  Hard to accept when you want things to be the way you've hoped for.  The Serenity prayer and One Day A Time axiom holding true.

For the past several days I've felt that the Magick, works and prayers I have performed have not worked.  It has been a tempering of my ego, a slashing of my soul, to accept the fact that sometimes your work does not produce the desired result. Its so easy to believe in the fairytales, the Magickal texts as gospel.  Yet I know this Earth is a beautiful brutal place.  Sometimes the Princess doesn't come down from the Tower.  Sometimes she stays there and dies.  I saw that first hand on my recent tour of the Tower of London, in London, England.  Sometimes the Sorcerer gets imprisoned and scratches his legacy on a wall, for others to see hundreds of years later.  I recall how much that affected me.  I dropped sage in that Tower to let his Spirit know I was there, a fellow practitioner of the Magickal Arts, and that yes we are still carrying on.

I feel its my ethical responsibility to share Magick and Conjure and even prayer, may not bring the expected results in the timeframe one has hoped for.  Ultimately we are not in control and learning that is a brutal slap of reality.  I abhor the cold and the dark and yet it comes.  I am powerless to change it.  I can only change my attitude or where I live.  I abhor it when my loved ones are hurt and yet I can't stop the events the set those things into motion.  I feel sad when my friends are hurt or when I hear about the countless acts of violence that make innocent people suffer, yet I can do nothing to change them.  I feel anger when I read about racism and its resurgence in America and yet people are who they are and I can't change that either.

It seems I'm walking in the shadows, which is so appropriate for this time of year.  Since I am such a Summer and Flower lover, each leaf that falls brings me a bit of sadness.  I know the season of cold and dark is approaching and I also know and  have faith Spring and Summer will return once again.  I suppose this is truly what this time is about.  Its about loss and letting go and also believing, knowing,  Sunshine and Flowers will return. For those who have loved ones who have departed, ancestors on the other side, it's about knowing we will be with them again, so we set a place for them and honor their Spirits.  Its also a time for us to let go, and for me it will be about doubt, and of those things that make us sad.  We will cast these things into the fire and let the smoke rise and take them away.

Blessed Be, So Mote It Be.

Priestess Najah

A Bucket, A Mop and A Broom

In the early hours of the dark of the morning, I move silently through my home.  I wash the floors, smoke the space and carry a candle.  I'm performing my house cleansing, an act I repeat on a regular basis.

I was taught this procedure by the one of the best, cat yronwode.  Several years ago I studied with her and completed her Hoodoo and Rootwork correspondence course.  It changed my life and was one of the best studies I have ever undertaken.

Cleansing my home on a regular basis takes me into all the nooks, crannies and spaces that one may not ever touch.  In our busy lives its hard to slow down and wash down your floors, windows and rooms.  Who has that type of time any more?  Yet each cycle I find myself drawn to the ritual even though physically I may not feel up to it.  But Spiritually it has become such an ingrained act, that I awaken and go through process, called to it from a Higher Place.

Its good to routinely cleanse your home, space, office or business on a regular basis.  Things build up.  Arguments happen, funk gathers, people may be in your space that you don't particularly want to return.  Over time this can have a cumlative negative effect on the Spiritual sanctity of your space.  And to add further to it, if you practice Magick, you definitely want to be cleansing your space on a regular basis.

When I arise in the dark, lit only by candle, moving by stealth through my home, I connect to the Old Ways.  A spirit arises in my soul that lifts me to another world and I love the feeling.  Not to mention how wonderful my home smells and feels when the cleansing is done.  When its complete I can rest assured for another cycle, my home is cleansed, blessed and protected.

With all the muck that we go through in our world, a practice of routine cleansing is essential.

Here's to all your works and may they be successful ones.

Priestess Najah

The Goddess Minerva Revealed - Bath, England

On our recent trip to London, England we took a day trip to Bath, England.  We rode the rail from Paddington Station in London, to the train stop of Bath Spa.  It was a wonderful hour and one half ride through the English countryside and a nice respite from the maddening pace of London.

While in Bath, we toured the Roman Baths where the Goddess Minerva revealed herself to us.  We tingled with awe as we toured the baths that were built by the Romans in honor to the Goddess Minerva.  It is beyond words to see and touch stones that were placed 2000 years ago.  

http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/

"Bronze, gilded head of the goddess Sulis Minerva whom the Romans worshipped in Aquae Sulis (Bath).

The head is slightly larger than life size. It would once have had a separate helmet attached to it. The head was cast in bronze and then gilded with layers of gold leaf. It looks as if it were chopped off the body.

Minerva was the goddess of wisdom and military success. When the Romans came to Bath they found the native Celts worshipped a god of the spring who had similar powers. They combined the two into Sulis Minerva who could then be worshipped by both Celt and Roman at the Spring.

It is thought the head comes from the statue that stood in the Temple of Sulis Minerva. It was probably broken off when the Temple was ransacked perhaps by Christians in the sixth century.
It was found by chance in 1727, by workmen in a trench in Stall Street, Bath near to the site of the Temple."
Source http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/explore/Object_Details.aspx?objectID=batrm_1978_1

My spirit shivered as I saw the stone where the Romans entered the Temple to worship the Goddess Minerva.  The stone was worn down to a smooth curve from the thousands of footsteps that crossed it. I imagined myself living in those days, going to honor The Goddess. How wonderful it must have been to live in a society where The Goddess was openly honored, revered and respected.  With my love of hot water, spas and baths, I easily imagined myself living in Bath, England during Roman times, working and living in the Temple of The Goddess Minerva.  I see myself quietly stealing along the hallways carrying jars of sacred water to the Temple. 

The Goddess Minerva is honored for many things.

"As a goddess of wisdom she is often depicted as an owl. Among other symbols related to Minerva are a house (the first goddess who built a house), a spire and helmet (as a goddess of war for a good purpose), an olive tree (a symbol of peace and victory), a butterfly (a symbol of life and happiness and prosperity) and others.

The cult of the goddess Minerva has existed since antiquity to the present day. Creative modern worshippers have suggested various ways to honour her in one’s social or private life, adapting to personal taste, needs and understanding. Such acts of devotion to the goddess may include: support to students; encouraging young people to pursue education and to respect their teachers; offering your expertise in teaching the others the skills you possess; using your knowledge to make the world a better place, etc."  Source http://www.minerva.bg/en/company/goddess_minerva.html

I was able to purchase a hand carved small bust of the Goddess Minerva.  While in the gift shop there was also a placque (recreation) of a stone plate of the Triple Goddess.  The image had been found during the excavation of the Temple.  In addition while touring the Roman Baths we also viewed a stone tablet of the Goddess Luna.

I honor and bless the element of Water.  Now I have added the Goddess Minerva to my pantheon of Goddesses.  The Goddess Luna is with me each night as the bright Moon. 

Blessed Be The Goddess!

Priestess Najah

Wonderful, Magickal, London, England

I've returned from my trip to London, England. 

Short and sweet, I loved it!  London met and exceeded my expectations.  We did so much and saw so many things that's it hard to blog about it.  I'm still overwhelmed by my experience.  One of my favorite things was my reading of "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens, while we were in London.  Oh my heart.  I cried, I became angry and then I cried some more.  One of the highlights of our trip, was finding "The Grapes Pub" where Dickens danced on tables as a boy and is now owned by Sir Ian McKellan, "Gandalf" of The Lord of Rings Trilogy!

Notice the photos of Charles Dickens on the wall to the left, and the statue of "Gandalf" behind me!

Another great moment was visiting three of the top Occult Bookstores in London.  We visited "Treadwells", "Watkins" and "The Atlantis Bookstore". I returned with truly a prized possession from Treadwells, which is Doreen Valiente's "Where Witch Craft Lives".  This is a unique publication.  Only a limited amount of copies were published, and now one of them belongs to me!

I'm still processing and integrating all I saw and experienced.  I am excited to see where and how the Goddess leads me after my visit to London.  It truly was a magickal experience and I'm very grateful I was able to share with my husband, and that we both had an experience that was beyond words. 

Bright Blessings to All,

Priestess Najah

A Halloweening We Go!

This is Bob.  He's our resident ghoul:

He's absolutely ecstatic it's Halloween time!  He loves hanging out and greeting everyone and wishing them happy hauntings!

I love Halloween. 

When the wind blows and the leaves rustle, I feel whispers nudging me.  The light is changing, the dark is darker.  Shadows seem to move.  Trees seem to wave secrets.  The twilight calls. 

This year on Halloween proper, I intend to light a fire and sit.  Chill out by the fire with a nice glass of mead and listen to the night.  Hopefully we'll get some kids stopping for candy.  I always get a little nostalgic for Halloween as it was, when I was a kid.  Before the time when you had to take your kids to a "trick or treat street" or a specific place for trick or treating.  We just used to dress up and set out!  We had such a great time going from door to door, the neighborhood just crawling kids trick or treating.  It was a special time and I'm glad I was a kid before it changed.

We're lucky to live in an established neighborhood with neighbors that know us and bring their kids by.  I get such a thrill when the door bell rings and there are little monsters and goblins on my steps!

I've already watched one of my favorite movies, "Practical Magic".  By the time Halloween rolls around I'll have watched "Poltergeist" the first one, "Hocus Pocus" and of course "The Nightmare Before Christmas.  I'm also looking forward to attending one of the great Witches' Balls in the city.

A Happy Halloweening we go!

Priestess Najah :)

Merry Ole England!

Hip, hip hooray!  In a few days I will cross the big pond to London, England!  I am so excited that at times I can hardly believe it's going to happen.  Traveling to England has been a dream of mine for many years.

I believe I became infatuated with all things England, when I saw Mary Poppins sail down through the sky, in Mary Poppins.  I was just a little girl in 1964, when Mary Poppins' magic came into my life and I was never the same afterwards.

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" became one of my favorite words.  And the ability to jump into chalk sidewalk pictures opened a portal in my mind.  And lets not forget magical Trafalgar Square where the old woman sat feeding the pigeons.

As fate or Spirit or Magick or The Goddess, would have it, our hotel is located close to Trafalgar Square.  We'll be able to walk to it!  And let us not forget all the Magick I have studied.  You know I'll be on a Magickal trek through London.  We'll be visiting bookstores, taking haunted walks, as well visiting museums and eating lots of fish and chips.  And of course hanging out in Pubs, where I will take my journal and write.

To our even greater pleasure we're due for rain.  Foggy London days! 

I can hardly wait.  I know the Goddess, my past lives, Magick, the Occult and so much more await me in London.  It is the trip of a lifetime.

Cherrio!

Priestess Najah

"I was born an original sinner"

"I was born an original sinner, I was born from original sin and if I had a dollar bill for all the things I've done, there be a mountain of money pilled up to my chin. HEY!...there was a woman in a jungle and monkey on a tree, the missionary man he was following me". Sing it Annie, Sing it!!!

Yesterday I learned Hobby Lobby is suing the Department of Health and Human services, in regards to providing insurance coverage for the Morning-After Pill.  I was livid and a bit sad, because I love to shop at Hobby Lobby, especially around Halloween time.  In fact, I had just been in the store the day before, before learning of their of their stance on the Morning-After Pill.

 

I have known for a long time Hobby Lobby is a Christian organization and respected their right to close on Sundays, so their employees can practice their faith and be with their families.  In fact I thought it was pretty cool, that they chose to do so.  But denying insurance coverage to their female employees based on their faith based practices crosses my personal line of integrity.  We are in a war in this country for equal rights for women.  Things continue to move towards dangerous grounds of turning back long hard fought rights to health care and human services.

 

Annie Lenox's song "Missionary Man" is my personal war cry.  I especially love the lyric "there was a woman in the jungle and a monkey on a tree, the missionary man he was following me".  Exactly.  Following me.  Why?  Why am I as woman and my body deemed any of their business?  It goes back to long held patriarchal beliefs that women are sin, dirty, responsible for the downfall for mankind.  Bullshit. 

 

Rise up Goddess, Rise Up!

 

 

Happy Birthday Marie LaVeau!

Tomorrow is the birthday of Marie LaVeau , who was born on September 10, 1794 and left this earth on June 16, 1881.  Shrouded in mystery, feared and admired, few facts about her life remain.  We know a few things.  Her home on St. Ann and Rampart streets in New Orleans still stands.  She worked tirelessly in service to the poor and the rich, sharing her knowledge and power of the Old Ways.  Old ways of Voodoo, Hoodoo, Conjure, Witchcraft.  All the terms apply.  She was a religious woman and of strong faith. 

I've been to her tomb; http://www.craftandconjure.com/blessed_marie_laveau  One cannot practice the Art of Conjure without feeling her presence in New Orleans.  I feel blessed to have paid homage to her tomb.  

Sometimes I imagine what it must have been like to meet her.  Did one knock on her door with a secret knock, when you needed her help?  What if you were lucky enough to study with her?  How many gris-gris bags would you have to make?  How many floors would you need to wash to gain her approval?

She speaks to my heart.  I look into her eyes and see power, knowledge and secrets.  It is known and documented she performed works for the Queen of England; Bivins, N.D.P.  Seems if one was in trouble, one knew where to go.

Lyle Saxon in the book, "Fabulous New Orleans" 1928, closes her chapter:

"In the Old St. Louis Cemetery on Basin Street is a neat brick tomb, with the following inscription: Famille Vve. Paris nee Laveau.  This is all that remains of the former greatness of the all powerful Voudou Queen".

How wonderful to prove him wrong!  Happy Birthday Marie LeVeau! 
 

Kung Fu Priestess

I take my faith seriously.  I practice my Craft as a religion.  I follow the cycles of the Moon closely, honoring the Full Moons and celebrating the turn the of Seasons.  I follow the turn of the Wheel and take my cues from Her seasons.

Several years ago I followed a desire which had been with me for many years.  I had longed to study T'ai Ch'i.   I grew up being a martial arts enthusiast and a lover of Asian culture.  Along the way, as a young adult I developed asthma.  I had read somewhere or learned somewhere that T'ai Ch'i was an excellent remedy for asthma, as it helped to slow down your breathing and cultivate your Ch'i, the energy of life.

Years passed before I acted on my desire to study T'ai Ch'i.  It just seemed to be one of those things I never got to, yet the desire was always lurking around in my mind.  Then in 2009 I finally took the step and began to study T'ai Ch'i, which was being taught at a senior center.

As I began to study T'ai Ch'i, I shared my experience with one of my very best friends.  Little did I know that she had been a Shao-Lin student for many years.  I had been to her home several times, seen her weapons, but it was just a subject that never came up.  I truly believe it is one of things that you don't see or understand until you are ready.  In sharing my experience, she asked me to show her my T'ai Ch'i.  After showing her the tiny bit I had learned, she suggested I might enjoy coming to her school, The Chinese Shao-Lin Center.  This suggestion scared and un-nerved me.  I was comfortable in the senior center.  Going to a real school was more than I was prepared to consider.  However, I also ran the suggestion by a trusted co-worker, and he too having studied martial arts as a teen, thought I would enjoy the structure and discipline of martial arts as it is taught in a formal school.  Thankfully I listened to the advice of my friends and I joined the Chinese Shao-lin Center (CSC) in 2009.  But I only went to learn T'ai Ch'i.

The CSC has a marvelous program of offering free classes for a month.  For one month you can take all the classes you like, for free, in T'ai Ch'i and Kung Fu.  I used all my free T'ai Ch'i classes and was hooked.  However while taking my free classes I noticed all the different belt levels.  There were belts of white, yellow, blue, green, brown, and the all hallowed, Black.  Intrigued, I asked how one achieved the belt levels of advancement.  A senior student told me "you get those from studying Kung Fu".  Hmmm.  Study Kung Fu?  This was not what I had come to learn, but those belts and the training looked awesome.  I took one free class and decided to learn Kung Fu.

However, beyond those serendipitous moments, another truth lie hidden.  In my study of The Craft I had come across a beautiful used copy, of Ed Fitch's "Grimore of Shadows".  Ed Fitch is a pioneer of the Old Ways, having been around during the days of Scott Cunningham, the beginnings of Wicca and Raymond Buckland.  In studying Ed Fitch's grimore, I came across a passage that read:

"Study of Defensive and Martial Combative Arts"
"The world is not a peaceful or tranquil place, and it is seldom prudent to fully trust outsiders - even those appointed by the Law - with the safety of oneself, one's family or those of one's coven.  All should be encouraged to take some training in Karate, Hapkido, Judo, Ninjitsu, Aikido, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, or other such martial arts which have a strong (if subtle) metaphysical and Magical philosophy behind them."

There it was in Black and White.  Ed Fitch extoling the virtues of martial arts and the benefits of training for a practicing Witch.  I knew then and there I had to continue with my studies.  I needed to see the course through to develop as a person, a human being, a Priestess and a Witch.  And so I committed to learn and study Kung Fu, honoring the commitment I had made to myself and to the Goddess.

My study and training in Shao-Lin Kung Fu has only really just begun.  On Sunday, August 26, 2012, I was thrilled to achieve my First degree Black Belt in Shao-Lin Kung Fu:

I have no idea where this journey will take me now.  I remain open and committed to the Craft and to Shao-Lin Kung Fu.   I am grateful to Ed Fitch for publishing his knowledge and to my school, The Chinese Shao-Lin Center, where I study under the wonderful guidance and training of Masters Sharon and David Soard.

Blessed Be, So Mote It Be,
Priestess Najah

To Be A Witch In This Age

This morning I was giddy.  I woke up earlier than usual, which for me means 4:30 a.m.  I just couldn't sleep.  I was hoping to catch the New Moon Crescent in the sky, but alas She wasn't there.  However I was rewarded with peace and quiet, the dark of the morning, and beautiful stars overhead.

Then I sat down to begin reading my latest gift, The Witches Tarot Deck by Ellen Dugan.  My deck had arrived by mail yesterday and I could hardly wait to delve into it.

After reading a couple of chapters, I posted on my Priestess Najah Facebook Page:

"Blessed Be Ellen Dugan! I received my Witches Tarot yesterday and it is absolutely magickal and fantastic! I am as giddy as a schoolgirl Witch! And the full size book, what a treat. Ah, to be a Witch in this age. Thank you, thank you!"

As I thought about what I written, what stood out for me was "Ah, to be a Witch in this age".  What did I mean by that and where did that statement come from? 

It was if some other self had written the post.  A Witch in this age.  It had been a very magickal morning.  I was in my Witchy Mood Mind Self. 

I know I have lived before.  I know I have practiced the arts before. I know I've been a healer, a scribe, a Witch.  In a few weeks I will travel to London, England.  Besides all the obvious tourist sites, I will definitely be visiting sites and places of an occult nature.  I can hardly wait to see what transpires and manifests.  My soul has longed to visit London for aeons.  It is as if a homecoming is awaiting me.

To be a Witch in this time.  We have the internet.  People and institutions are up and out.  I can write about Witchcraft.  I can have a Facebook page, a Blog and  a Website.  I can go to Pagan Community gatherings and have a good time without fear of reprisal.  I know I am blessed to live in a state and community where I can be who I am and live a good life.  I know for many others it is not the case and yet still, the Wheel has turned and more and more of us are up and out.  I pray everyday for all Witches, Pagans and Believers everywhere.

So yes, it is good to be a Witch in this time.

Blessed Be,

Priestess Najah

Lilith Awakens on True Blood

"Blessed Lilith, Primordial Mother, She who hath been banished.  She whom is hidden, lying in wait for our consciousness to remember, to know we were created as whole, as powerful, not to be subordinate, but as equals, as the Great Living Mother who gives life unto all."

Lilith has awakened on True Blood.  I'm a True Blood fan, dipped in the waters of Conjure and Magick, and one of my truly favorite places, New Orleans.

Not one to be a spoiler I won't go into details about Lilith and her character on True Blood.  But I will say this, the writers have done their homework.  Lilith is present and she will not be ignored.

Perhaps the mainstream know their religious history and perhaps not.  As a child I went to a private Baptist elementary school.  The Bible was part of our daily curriculum.  No where in those teachings did I ever hear of or learn about Lilith.  Not until I came to the path of the Goddess and the Divine Feminine did I learn about Lilith.

One of my most beloved books is "The Witches' Goddess" by Janet and Stewart Farrar.  The Witches' Goddess gives detailed history on the history of Goddess worship and devotes entire chapters to prominent Goddesses, such as Isis, Ishtar, Ma'at and Lilith, just to name a few.  Truly a book no practicing Witch, Pagan, or Practitioner of the Old Ways, should be without.

From the chapter on Lilith:

"The disturbing Lilith...being the most dangerous and subversive threat to the established male order, was buried in the furthest depths of Hebrew unconscious. ~ Jean Markale

...As recorded in the Talmud, Adam's first wife was Lilith...but Lilith refused to subordinate herself to Adam or the male God - even physically: when Adam insisted Lilith always lie beneath him during intercourse, she quarreled with him, flew up into the air and vanished.

It is significant that...Lilith (is) condemned to become (a) night-owl, perfect symbol for the dark-side magic of the feminine principle, of which patriarchy is terrified.

Doreen Valiente (An ABC of Witchcraft, pp. 225-6) sums up the accepted picture of her as 'the archetypal seductress, the personification of the dangerous feminine glamour of the moon.  Like Hecate is visualized as an old crone, Lilith is instead the the enticing sorceress, the beautiful vampire, the femme fatale. '

Lilith the True Mother of All Living must be reacknowledged - so that she and Eve can become one again. "

Years ago I attended Sara McLachlan's Lilith Fair.  I had a great time.  The fair was dedicated to Women and it raised over 10 million dollars for charity.  I purchased a CD from the fair and played it over and over until it skipped.  I was captivated by the beauty, power and strength of the Women's songs.  At that time, never did it occur to me to learn who Lilith really was.

One of my favorite quotes is  "The Goddess is Alive and Magick is Afoot".  It would appear with the popularity of such shows as "True Blood", She is indeed making a resurgence.  The word "Goddess" is becoming commonplace now.  I even see it in TV commercials.  Is this all just coincidence?  I think not.  I truly feel in my heart the Wheel is turning and I am grateful to be here in this time, in this moment.

Blessed Be,
Priestess Najah

Misinformation in the Media

Today I was led to an article on Current.com regarding minority religions; http://current.com/groups/news-blog/93866911_struggle-for-acceptance-media-visibility-and-minority-religion.htm

 

The article cited "Hoodoo" as a religion with the following quote:
"Practices like animal sacrifice are also played up by the media for tantalizing headlines. Voodoo and related faiths, like Santeria and Hoodoo, are called into question when a dead animal is found or a seemingly ritualistic crime is committed. Yet, Deos notes, the use of animals in Voodoo is very rare, and when it does occur, it is in...

the context of a ritual of thanksgiving, and the animal is cooked and consumed by the community as a meal."

SIGH. Even in an article describing the misinformation regarding minority religions, once again, Hoodoo was described as a religion and it is NOT a religion! Furthermore, most practitioners are deeply Christian (which I am not obviously). Sad, they didn't take the time to check their facts.

This I why I do not use the words "Hoodoo" or "Voodoo" to describe my practice. I've already written a blog article about the differences, http://sistermoon13.blogspot.com/2012/07/hoodoo-voodoo-conjure-witchcraft-what.html

Hopefully my comments will help to educate the public on what Hoodoo and Conjure is and what it is not. Furthermore I do not use animals in ANY type of sacrifice or work. This is against my personal code of ethics. I find all I need through the use of prayer, Nature, herbs and roots, oils and candles and the blessings of the Goddess.

May we all be thrice blessed as we continue to carry on.

Lady Hops

Lady Hops

A few years ago I planted a little Hops plant.  Over the years we've watered her and loved her and affectionately called her "Lady Hops".  Today for the first time I took a photo.  You can clearly see the womanly figure! 

I love the Earth and I love gardening.  It soothes my soul.  I love planting, weeding and watering.  I love searching for kitchy things to add to my garden.  For the first time this year,  my husband and I grew zucchini.  Hard to believe its taken years before I tried zucchini, but oh it is wonderful fresh from the garden with our tomatoes.

Even though I do truly enjoy the change of seasons, summer is my all time favorite. What a treat it is to see the Goddess personified in my Hops plant.  Its as if she is wearing an elegant evening gown. 

We  just passed Lammas, or the first harvest day.  I know we're heading towards the end of Summer, and I believe its going to be a beautiful Fall.

Blessed Be!

"Oh, To Be In Salem"

Today Laurie Cabot of the Cabot Hermetic Temple in Salem, MA, posted a photo on Facebook, of their new High Priestesses:

This photo made me happy and it also made me sad. 
I am happy to see The Craft is strong and practiced and celebrated and revered by such wonderful people. Sad because that type of ceremony and guidance was what I thought I would find when I set out on the path many years ago. Sad that what I see in the picture seems not to be the norm of the experience of a modern day Witch. These Witches and High Priestesses are thrice blessed to have Laurie Cabot and her training as part of their path.

I've been to Salem twice.  It's what I thought it would be, cobblestone streets in the old part, Witch Stores, Craft stores, cemeteries, and history.  I'm sure most of us know the history of Salem and the Witch Trials.  And being a modern day Witch, I know that Salem also has its unfortunate share of Witch Wars.  But none of this matters to me.  To me Salem is my pilgrimage for all things Witchy and what I love about practicing the Craft.

When I set out on my path many years ago, I thought I would find what is captured in the picture above.  I thought I'd find a teacher, a coven, a group to hold me, guide me, direct me.  What I found was lies and deceit.  I had a teacher for while, and for reasons only the Goddess knows our relationship came to an abrupt end.  I was forced to dig deep into my own soul, to know in my heart my path and continue on.  And Blessed Be I did.

But being solitary is sometimes a lonely path, especially for a social person like me.  I have come to know the value of a good mentor in one's life.  I have come to deeply appreciate teachers of integrity.  I have been blessed to find a wonderful community with whom to celebrate the Seasons and Full Moons.  But when it comes to a deep teacher relationship in regards to the Craft, I'm on my own. Perhaps this is part of my mystery, my journey.  I can honestly say the burn I received many years ago, still stings at my heart, especially when I see pictures like the one above.  Perhaps too, it's similar to the burn a lot of practicing Witches feel when they seek to come out and practice their faith in the open.  It's not too far back in history where we were persecuted for our beliefs and in some parts of the country and the world, we still are.

I seek to take the hope I see in the photo, the happiness in their faces and carry it into my own life and practice.  May we all be thrice blessed.

Blessed Be,
Priestess Najah 

Priestess of The Moon Tis' I

I waded in the water.  I felt smooth stones and sticks under my feet.  I stood for a while and watched dusk settle over the trees.  It was so quiet.  I heard the babbling of the creek and realized I was alone, yet not.  Birds flew overheard, breezes blew and I was certain Mother Nature's critters were also looking at me, I just couldn't see them, but I knew they were there.

Plum Creek, site our August Full Moon Celebration

I am a Priestess of The Moon, dedicated to the Great Goddess, Mother of All Living.  She goes by ten thousand names and sometimes I call to Her by those names, other times She is simply the Divine Blessed Mother who watches over me, sustains me.

I know the rising and setting of the Moon.  I greet Her each day and watch for Her in the night sky.  When I see the Moon I am at peace and feel secure.  I know all is well.

I work my magick by the Moon cycles.  When the Moon is waxing I work for increase, when the Moon is waning I work for letting go.  When the Moon is dark, I wait and go within.

I listen for Her guidance.  I meditate upon prayers dedicated to the Great Goddess, the Earth, our World, and the Great Mystery which is our Universe.

I love the Sun.  I love sunny, warm days.  I love sunrises and sunsets.  Yet, it is the Moon that fills me, guides me sustains me.  I've come to know that even our monthly calendar is based on the lunar cycle, not the solar cycle.

The Moon is hidden, even when She appears in the sky.  There is a side of Her that can never been seen, much like ourselves.  She too has a powerful shadow side and only one side of Her face is lit by the Sun.

Last night we celebrated the Full Moon in Aquarius. How wonderful it is to gather with others of like mind, and worship in Nature.  We don't need to go into a building for prayer and worship as the sky is our chapel, the Earth our floorboards, and the grass our pews.  Just recently watching the Olympics I was touched as London clearly honors and remembers their Pagan roots, by evidence of the Glastonbury Tor and the Maypole so prominent in the ceremony.  I felt the Goddess was happy to be remembered and honored.

I walked a lot of paths before I found Her.  I'm so happy and grateful She waited for me.  I believe She waits for others to remember and honor Her.  Our world has spun out of balance by focusing only on male perspectives and patriarchal religions.

May She continue to rise each night and may we continue to honor Her.

Blessed Be.

Priestess Najah

New Moon Conjure

Last month I missed the first silver crescent of the New Moon, due to the wildfires here in Colorado.  The sky was so cloudy that I didn't get to see the New Moon.  The first time I saw the Moon was when it was half-full and I was kinda bummed that I had missed the crescent.  Perhaps too, that is also why I had such an attack of the "Dark of The Moon Blues", because I missed the Crescent last month.

Thankfully this month the sky was clear and I intentionally went outside to view the Crescent.  I was rewarded by seeing the faintest sliver, hiding behind clouds.  I then knew I could begin my New Moon work. 

This cycle I had several candles to dress and fix.  Lots of people are in need, not to name a general need for all of my fellow Coloradans and everyone affected by the Aurora Shooting.

I laid all my candles out, gathered my herbs and oils and set to dressing and fixing them.  I love doing the work.  There is something very creative and healing about doing candle work.  I also dressed and fixed candles for my altars.  I light fresh candles on my altars on the New Moon and the Full Moon, and sometimes in-between, depending upon the work needed.

Here's to a New Moon cycle.  I wish you bright blessings upon your works and may they be successful ones!

Priestess Najah

Horror, Sadness - Century Theater, Aurora, Colorado

I live in Denver, Colorado.  I was here when Columbine happened and I was here yesterday, when I awoke to the news of the massacre at the Century Theater in Aurora, CO. 

Today I feel overwhelming sadness and grief.  Yesterday it was shock.  My soul and spirit at a loss, for words or comfort.  Of course I prayed.  I prayed and lit candles.  I vascillated between not listening to the news and being unable to tear myself away from it.

None of my family or friends were there.  Yet they were all my family and friends.  This is my city, my home, my town and my grief is such as if I was there.  I have been to that theater, sat in those seats.  I can barely comprehend what has happened.  I still sit in horror that we are being held hostage by the explosives in the shooter's apartment.  Evil.  The face of pure evil has presented itself. 

The degrees of separation are small.  My co-worker's son and daughter have 2 friends in critical condition from the shooting.  He came to work with red eyes as they had had such little sleep, anxiously awaiting news.  We're all trying to cope.  Coping as we know how through, faith, prayer, anger, disbelief, acceptance and back through it all again.

I have no great words of advice or direction.  I don't understand it and for that too I am grateful.  I don't want to understand it.  Understanding such horror means to me I have some type of relevance for the situation and I do not.

I'm very grateful for the country's response.  Flags flown at half staff, prayers, tweets, Facebook posts.  We need all of it.

Blessed Be, So Mote It Be.

Priestess Najah

Dark of The Moon Blues

I've got the "Dark of the Moon' Blues.  Add to that Mercury being in retrograde which strongly affects my sign of Gemini and no wonder I feel a little off kilter.

My life is so deeply tied to the Moon, that I know when She is gone from the sky and anxiously await the appearance of Her first silver Crescent.

When the first Crescent appears, I know I can begin to work my Conjure for increase and abundance of things I wish to bring into my life.  When the Moon is dark, I know it's time to wait.  Patience is needed and trust and faith, that the Moon will once again appear in the night sky.

Some use this time to go within and reflect.  It's also a good time for scrying if you're skilled in that art.  I recently used my scrying mirror I won at last year's auction, at the fabulous, first ever, New Orleans Witches Ball.  If you get the opportunity to attend the Ball, it is a must!  We shall return to the Ball in 2013.

So, I guess it's a time to be still and reflective, which is sometimes a hard task for a lively Gemini such as myself.  I guess it's the Yin/Yang of Gemini.  As lively as we can be, sometimes we can get melancholy, dark and brooding.  But I know new energy is just around the corner. 

Here's to the Dark of the Moon and quiet time.

Blessed Be,
Priestess Najah

Happy Friday The 13th!

Ooooh, it's Friday the 13th!  I just get giddy about this day.  Not only is Friday named in honor of the sexy-warrior Goddess Freya, 13 is the number of Full Moons in a year, the first year of puberty, a baker's dozen, as well as countless other good things.  Today I also learned 13 is the number of cards in each suite, in a deck of cards.

Since in my last post I talked about reclaiming the word "Witch", let us also reclaim the number 13.  Information abounds on the net about the history of the Knights Templar and why this day became superstitious one.  Have fun reading about the history of the Knights Templar and the Friday the 13th, and all the other superstitions

How this day came to be associated with Witches and Black cats, I'm not exactly sure.  Just thinking out loud about this topic as I write, in my research I have come to understand that a lot of the superstitions are religious based and perhaps Witches got a bad rap, because of the 13 Full Moons in a year.  Who knows?

At any rate, Friday the 13th is a good day.  The number 13 is a sacred number, a good number and it's the current number of followers on my blog!  Thank you!

Go on and have yourself a Happy Friday the 13th!

Priestess Najah

Conjure - "Remove This Condition From Me!"

Yesterday wasn't good.  The day ended with me feeling emotional and defeated from a long standing work issue.

My Spirit was low and heavy when I awoke, as I was dreading returning to another round of drama.  It took me a while to gather my energy.  I then realized I needed to do some "remove this condition from me!" work.
Remember the old adage, "Physician Heal Thyself"?  It's always hardest to work for ourselves, yet this is exactly where most workers begin.  We begin by healing ourselves, our families and loved ones.

I performed my morning meditation and routine.  And then I set about to work.  I gathered 2 tealights, which I anointed with olive oil.  Next I gathered some "removing" bath crystals.  These are bath crystals made with herbs and oils, such a eucalyptus which is a very strong cleanser.  The crystals have also been blessed to do this work. I also gathered a bucket.

I lit the candles.  I stepped into the bath and poured the removal water over me, washing downwards, stating clearly and strongly, "Goddess hear my call to Thee, Remove This Condition From Me!!!".  I continued this process until I felt a change in my Spirit.

I gathered the bath water, stepped between the tealights and poured the water down the toilet.  It felt great to dispose of all that funk.

I finished getting ready for work.  When I got to work, to my great relief and surprise, the issue had been resolved and I had been vindicated!!  Blessed Be, The Goddess heard and answered my prayers and the work I had done was successful!  In addition this work was performed during a waning Moon, which is an excellent time to do banishing work.

As always I wish you Bright Blessings and may your works be successful ones,
Priestess Najah

Hoodoo, Voodoo, Conjure, Witchcraft. What is it?!

I can get bogged down in terms.  Sometimes if can't name something I can't seem to move forward.  Perhaps you've experienced the same issue.

I shun from using the word "Hoodoo" from the simple fact people confuse the word "Hoodoo" with "Voodoo" and I get tired of explaining the difference.  Short and simple - "Voodoo/Voudoun" is a religion with its own set of deities and ancient, time-honored practices.  It is a religion of the African Diaspora.  I respect the tradition and practices of Voudoun, and while there may be cross-over of certain techniques, I am a Pagan Priestess of the Goddess and it is not my practice to work within the African Traditional Religions.

Hoodoo/Conjure - think New Orleans.  Think of the South and slaves, American Indians and European immigrants.  Think of the Applachian Mountains.  Think of the Mountain people, gathering herbs and roots and pieces of leather.  Think of candles lighting in the dark and walks to the graveyard.  Think of washing yourself  down to rid yourself of something negative, or washing yourself up to bring in something positive.  Short and sweet you done got yourself some Conjure.  I love the word "Conjure".  It brings to mind images of stirring a pot, speaking a mysterious incantation and something wonderful arising from the cauldron.  Sounds similar to "Witchcraft" doesn't it?

Not all Witches perform spellwork.  Witches are just as varied as any other group of people, and the performing of spells is not required to call oneself a Witch.  However for me, spellwork is one of the things I love to do and what keeps my Craft strong.  Get it? Is it beginning to make sense why the word "craft" is included in the term "Witchcraft"?  To keep your craft strong you must practice it, just like any other art.  Part of keeping my Craft strong includes honoring the Full Moons, because I practice my WitchCraft as a Goddess religion.  That is my choice and it works for me. 
There are many similarites between Hoodoo/Conjure and the Craft.  The use of candles, the crafting of talismans or mojos.  The use of herbs and roots.  However traditional Hoodoo workers are usually of a Christian background and the Bible is used heavily in their work.  Normally you would find a Hoodoo worker within the community of a Christian church. 
A Witch would normally be found in the peasant community, gathering herbs, helping to heal the sick, bless homes, the farm, the cattle, and also helping with childbirth. Sounds like a Priest or Priestess, doesn't it.  I don't shy away from the word "Witch". I love it.  I reclaim it.  It has been misused and abused and it's about time it was returned to it's rightful position in our society.  I really dislike it when women are referred to as "Witches" in a derogatory manner.  Call them what you mean, say "Bitch" not "Witch"!

In this age of the internet, there are a plethora of sites one can go to find deeper meanings and explanations of the above.  I'm not going to list them here, for that is part of the journey of the Mystery.  If you wish to know more, have fun on the journey.

As always I wish you Bright Blessings on your Journey!

Tell Me About Conjure

What is Conjure and why do I practice it?  Why do I offer my services to help others?  Have you ever felt there must be something more you can do in a situation?  Do you pray?  Do you light candles?  Conjure work to me, is prayer backed by centuries of knowledge, using the gifts Nature has bestowed on us, to help us on our way. 
In my own life I have had many successful outcomes using the art of Conjure.  The work comes naturally to me although it takes time, skill, knowledge and effort to produce successful results.  I've been so blessed through my Craft of Conjure, that I feel it is my responsibilty to offer my services to assist others.  If you'd like to know more about me or my services, please visit my website; http://www.craftandconjure.com/

Storms Cometh

Last night Denver experienced severe thunderstorms and tornados.  As the sky darkened and swelled my thoughts turned to this great image of the African Goddess Oya. I thought about the Venus transist going on and how the storms are occurring duing a waning Moon. How can one use the power of storms and a waning Moon? Sometimes violent change needs to occur to uproot us in our lives. Sometimes we need a storm to shake us up and help us let go of that which no longer serves us.

Great Shape-Shifter... She of Nine Faces... Great Initiatrix, Great Finisher... Great Wind of Transformation... Guide Me in Your Ways... xo (image and text courtesy of Rosmarinus Stehlik)

As always Bright Blessings to You!

Honoring Death - Bless you Uncle Bob, Bless you Donna Summer

Every time one of my music idols dies, a little piece of me goes too. I feel their loss deeply and profoundly as their music makes up the soundtrack of my life. I realize they obtain their immortality through the love of listening to their music over and over. I'm still grieving so many wonderful musicians who have passed over lately and am grateful for their gifts and how they shared their music with me, helping me to celebrate, laugh, dance or cry through the moments of my life. My Uncle Bob passed last Thursday and I couldn't find the tears until Donna Summer, passed over as well. For some reason listening to her songs brought back my childhood memories of good times I had with him. In this tech age of instant soundbites of life and notifications coming in so quickly seems like we never get the time to sit and honor death. I know we all go this way eventually and yet it still makes me very sad, when someone passes that had such an impact on my life.

As always Bright Blessings to You.

A Magickal Land Called Beltania

We arrived at Beltania, which was located in Florence, CO on Thursday, May 10, 2012.  It was a beautiful sunny day.  We were greeted at the gate by joyful staff and graciously directed to our campsite.  As it was getting late in the afternoon, we needed to set up camp and I needed to get into sacred space, as I was delivering the Charge of The Goddess for the evening opening Ritual.

The ritual was beautiful.  I delivered the Charge, while another beautiful male soul invoked The God.  We all stood on a hillside, in the evening light, in Circle, and stepped between two bale fires.  The Circle was cast, the Fires lit and The Goddess and God invoked for the entire festival.  What a glorious time was had by all!
We had workshops, drum circles, concerts, Highland Games, and the largest Maypole raising to date.  You can view a video of the Maypole raising here:
http://www.craftandconjure.com/beltania

We made so many new friends and had a great time reconnecting with others.  The Pagan community of Colorado is rich, vibrant and full of life.  We are deeply established and ingrained in the Colorado soil.   It refreshes my soul, heart and mind to gather with my community in Nature, to worship, dance, play and have fun!  We welcome all paths and faiths and this year there were many newcomers much to our delight.  We never proselytize nor seek to convert.  However when you find your way to us, we are here, we are here!

So now the Wheel has officially turned and we shall enjoy the beautiful Spring, as it makes it way to Summer.  Blessed Be!

As always, Bright Blessings to You!

A Land Called Beltania!

My heart is full and I give thanks for all my blessings! We are preparing for Beltania, where I will deliver (thank you Goddess) the Charge of the Goddess at Opening Ceremonies! I can hardly wait to spend time in Nature with my family and friends, dance the Maypole, drum, buy some cool stuff and hang out! It's gonna be a great time! If you're coming I look forward to seeing you. If not, I hope you can make it next year!

 

http://www.beltania.org/

 

As always, I wish you Bright Blessings!

Raven Magick

David Carson - Medicine Cards

Blessed Raven, sacred Raven.  Dark bird of mystery and magick, how thee stirs my soul!  The ravens have had babies! 

Spirit has blessed me to witness the cycle of life for a Raven family.  For about a month I've been quietly keeping my eye on the nest of two magnificent ravens.  I've been watching them fly, gather twigs, build and guard their nest.  Although a raven looks like a crow, they are two different types of birds, although related.  One can always distinguish ravens from crows by their call.  While crows "caw", ravens "aouck".  And ravens are much larger than crows.  Once you see one in flight or up close, you are sure to remember the difference between the two.

Why am I so excited about ravens?  This is the first time I've ever seen them build a nest and actually have babies! .  The last raven nest I saw was high a top a movie theatre.  I could see the nest, the parents, but definitely couldn't see or hear the babies.  The nest was way too high and far away.  However just yesterday, in the nest I've been watching I was able to see the entire family!  I can see Mom,  Dad and the babies.  I'm very careful not to stare too long or get too close.  Being close to a raven nest can be very intimidating.  They are very powerful, large, black birds.  Today, I actually saw the parents feeding the babies.

My magickal mind is spinning with meanings, correllations, hidden secret messages, as the Raven is the bringer of magick and the guardian of ceremonial magick and rites (thank you David Carson - Medicine Cards).  Stories of the Raven and the Full Moon are plentiful.  The Moon is Full in the sign of Scorpio this weekend, as well as it being a Super Moon.  Perhaps Raven will visit me in my dreams tonight.  We'll just have to wait and see.

As always, Bright Blessings to You and Happy Full Moon!

Magick Takes Time

I've been waiting for the Crescent Moon to appear in the sky.  I'm always keenly aware of the dark of the Moon, noticing and tracking on an intuitive level when the Moon is no longer visible.  As always, my first glimpse of the Crescent Moon was awe-inspiring.  When I see the waxing Crescent Moon, I'm childlike, gasping as if someone just gave me a great surprise.  I know the Moon waxes and wanes every month, but each month, when She appears new in the night sky, it's a surprise, a gift I never tire of opening.

Also, when the Moon is new and the Crescent is seen, it's also a cue to me that I can start working magick again. Through my studies and training, I do not begin new works when the Moon is dark.  Notice I said " I don't begin" new works.  There have many times where I may continuing a work while the Moon was waning, but I definitely don't start new works, until I see the Crescent Moon in the sky.

One of the most important elements of spellwork is having patience.  One needs to have the skill and ability to wait and use timing to ensure a successful outcome to a spell or work.  I get so many calls from people who want something immediately or the situation for which they need help is upcoming in a few days.  I find most people don't understand magick takes time.  As much as we would all love to be "Bewitched" and twinkle our noses and have instant results, a magickal worker must prep, plan, prepare and then work.

This cycle I waited to read my cards for the New Moon to Full Moon.  I pulled them early this morning as the night was fading and dawn was arriving.  I was still in a deep dream state, so I'm still integrating the message.  I also dressed and fixed and lit a candle on one of the several altars I tend.  It makes me happy to see the candles lit.  Its a good feeling.

As the Moon continues to Wax, I wish you all good works.  This is a time to be used for increasing and calling things to you which you need.

As always I wish you bright blessings!

Earth Day and Beltane Cometh Next!

 

As we celebrate Earth Day, as Witches and Pagans we know what's coming next. Beltane!! Also known as May Day, first day of May. We'll be attending Beltania in beautiful Florence, CO where we will attempt to break the Guiness World Book of Records, for the largest Maypole Dance ever held! It's gonna be a blast. Come on out and join us, and celebrate Beltane! http://www.beltania.org/

 

 

As always on this Earth Day and every day, I wish you Bright Blessings!

 

New Cycle, New Moon

It's a New Moon today and that means it's the beginning of a New Cycle, which I'm always happy about, because I always feel that I could use a new beginning!

For a while I thought I would step away from my blog.  It just seems too much at times to keep my Facebook page going, my Twitter account going and my blog going - all at the same time.  However I have become very encouraged by my stats as of late, so I thank everyone who reads my blog.  It means a lot and I appreciate you taking the time, to stop by and hang out with me.
In my heart I'm really a writer, an avid journaler, as I have journaled pretty much daily, since I was 8 years old.  Writing is in my blood, in my nature.  It keeps me sane.  So, I very much appreciate the space to write and share my feelings, knowledge and experiences. 

My thoughts today turn to spellwork and the Moon.  I always wait for the new Crescent to show, before I begin any New Moon work.  That's just me, you may choose differently.  The great thing about spellwork is that it's customizable!  One spell definitely doesn't fit all.  Of course there are guidelines and certain things you should pay attention to, depending upon the work you're doing, but most of all you need to make it your own.  One piece of valuable advice I received early on was " be sure to put you in it".  So I change words or items to suit me.  That way it's unique and mine.  Also it's a confidence builder to see you could change a little bit here and there and it's still powerful and it works.

My best thoughts today have been about belief.  One must believe in order for something to be true.  In my life I have called many things to myself.  Some good, some not so good.  But if I wanted it, I visualized it, I internalized it and then I worked on it and lo and behold it showed up. The laws of the Universe are equal. You can call good or bad things to yourself.  I truly believe in the phrase "thoughts become things".

I am looking forward to my Tarot card for this new cycle.  I just recently purchased the Universal Goddess Tarot deck and I am absolutely in love with it.  It's the most inspiring deck I've ever owned.  Below is one of my favorite cards - The Goddess Isis:

We will see what turns up, when the first beautiful sliver of  the Crescent New Moon, shows in the night sky. 

As always, I wish you Bright Blessings!