Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion

Wicca is a diverse religion with no central authority or figure defining it.

Wicca often involves the ritual practice of magic, though it is not always necessary

Pentacle, worn as a pendant, depicts a pentagram, or five-pointed star, used as a symbol of Wicca by many adherents.

Beliefs in Wicca range from hard polytheism to even monotheism.

Wicca is typically duotheistic, worshipping a god and goddess traditionally viewed as a mother goddess and horned god.

The term Wicca first achieved widespread acceptance when referring to the religion in the 1960s and 70s

Application of the word Wicca has given rise to "a great deal of disagreement and infighting".

The Goddess and the God may be regarded as the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine

The God and Goddess are generally seen as lovers and equals, the Divine Couple who together co-create the cosmos.

Traditionally the God is viewed as a Horned God, associated with nature, wilderness, sexuality, hunting and the life cycle

The Horned God is given various names according to the tradition, and these include Cernunnos, Pan, Atho and Karnayna.

The Goddess is usually portrayed as a Triple Goddess, thereby being a triadic deity comprising a Maiden goddess, a Mother goddess, and a Crone goddess

Some Wiccans, particularly from the 1970s onwards, have viewed the Goddess as the more important of the two deities, who is pre-eminent in that she contains and conceives all. In this respect, the God is viewed as the spark of life and inspiration within her, simultaneously her lover and her child.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Walter Veith Responds To Eud And Is Banned In German Churches By German Adventist Leaders

UPDATE REPORT: Walter Veith Responds to EUD and is Banned in German Churches by German Adventist LeadersOn the left: Bruno Vertallier (president of the Inter-European Division), on the right: Walter VeithAn inquiry is currently underway in Germany concerning Walter Veith and anti-semitism charges. In our previously published report, the circumstances and dialogue that took place in this incident are outlined. On December 4, 2012, the EUD made the decision 45 in favour, 4 opposed, and 1 undecided to ban Walter Veith from speaking in German SDA Churches for the second time. The previous ban took place in 2004 due to his lectures on Bible translations and what was termed as "conspiracy theories" which were highly disapproved of by German leaders. The ban was lifted in 2010, but now has been reinstated.Readers should note that there have been no complaints from Jews in regards to Walter's comments, nor have any non-SDAs had issue with the contents of his series. All complaints and disapproval originated from fellow SDA brethren, specifically those associated with the private news agency EANN (similar to Spectrum), and from Church leadership that sided with the accusers. The ban from speaking in German SDA Churches stems not from any public offence actually made, but rather from leadership so desperate to be politically correct that they rather sacrifice truth. Or is there a more sinister reason for their strong opposition to this message?The following letter was sent on December 5, 2012 by Walter Veith to Bruno Vertallier in response to his November 30, 2012 letter of disapproval and request to meet.Dear Brother VertallierThank you for your letter to which I would like to respond. Firstly, I never received any e-mails from you as you might have sent them to an old address and our telephone lines have been stolen so you would not have been able to reach me on the land line. Secondly, from the tone of your letter it is obvious that you did not accept my explanation of the 'small yellow cloth' phrase and I therefore assume that you suppose that it was intentionally derogatory towards the Jews as a people. It seems as though some people are bent on assuming evil intent because that is what they want to hear. The fact of the matter is that my lectures are too close to home for some and therefore every word is placed on the gold scale to find something objectionable and they refuse to accept my explanation that it was an issue of language barrier and nothing else.Let me spell it out for you: In my home language (Afrikaans) all diminutives are endearing and express empathy and we even have double diminutives and triple diminutives to express feelings. In German diminutives are often deemed derogatory and since German and Afrikaans share phrases it is natural for me to use Afrikaans nuances when speaking German. In fact I got into trouble before in Germany for saying that someone had a 'small heart' (kleines Herz) as opposed to 'large heart' (groes Herz). In Afrikaans someone with a small heart (klein hartjie -which by the way is a double diminutive) is kind, full of empathy, gentle, easily hurt, or endearing, but in German it means 'hard-hearted' or 'stingy'. In Afrikaans one would use the phrase 'small cloth' to distinguish it from the opposite extreme such as a large cloth like a bed sheet and no one would even think to interpret it otherwise. I therefore reiterate that I did not mean it in a derogatory sense and that I harbor no anti-Semitic sentiments. Moreover, having grown up in Africa and not in Germany, I was never associated with discrimination against the Jews nor did I ever side with or share any sentiments with those who did. On the contrary, discriminatory ideologies are abhorrent to me.My statements have been wrenched out of all proportions and since the actions of the SDA leadership in German-speaking Europe during the war were not exactly exemplary (as is clear from their apology in the 2005 declaration on anti-Semitism and also the recent reiteration of that declaration) I assume that you overreacted for fear that the past should haunt you. In line with that declaration, I too am against all forms of discrimination on the grounds of race or religion and stand firmly for religious liberty but I draw a clear line of distinction between the theological issues and the racial issues involved. It seems to me that some find it difficult to distinguish between the two because they carry this burden of guilt. The fact that the SDA church in Germany shares this guilt does, however, not give them the right to transfer this baggage onto me and to swing to the opposite extreme of discriminating against the 'antitypical Jews' who preach the Three Angels' Messages. If they do this, then their confession becomes a repentance of King Saul without the change of heart, because they demonstrate by their action that they are just as willing now to repeat their folly as they were then.As Seventh-day Adventists we have been called to present a particular message - the Three Angels' Messages - which will end in the clarion call to all who are trapped in Babylon to 'Come out of her, My people'. The false ideologies must be laid bare and Babylon will be exposed or else no one will know what they are to come out of. The trumpet must give a certain sound so the people can rally under the Lord's banner. This is the aim of my lectures and this should be the aim of every SDA evangelist as we are admonished 'not to let anything else occupy our minds'. Modern Babylonian ideologies are closely associated with a literal state of Israel and must therefore be exposed as false and this alone is the aim of my lectures. The preaching of the Three Angels' Messages is uncomfortable to those within our ranks who wish to be so politically correct that they are willing to sacrifice truth for worldly acceptance.The German leaders never consulted me before issuing a public statement to the churches and thereby did not follow the Biblical process as outlined in Matthew 18:15-20, thereby aligning themselves with the accusers. Furthermore, the legal procedures that have been initiated against me are also out of harmony with Scripture and since the leadership has not distanced itself from this process, they too are in breach of the Biblical admonition in this regard. Your letter to me clearly shows that the EUD position is no different from the above and therefore I now have no choice other than to place this response and some concerns of my own in the public domain as well.The modern ecumenical tendencies in our midst becloud the presentation of the Three Angels' Messages and it seems that our representatives in Europe (as published recently in a German SDA journal) cannot even give a reason as to why we believe that the papacy is the antichrist or why we as a church deem it necessary to hand out the 'Great Controversy'. Are we not admonished against ecumenical associations and will this not be a stumbling block to the propagation of our message? Why is it that not a word of remonstrance is heard when false practices are brought into the church? Most of leadership seems unconcerned when Spiritual Formation comes into our ranks like a flood in spite of the fact that it has its roots in Jesuitical spirituality (as dealt with extensively in my lecture 'The Jesuits and the Counterreformation'). We go even further and advertise books with these sentiments in official church publications. Why was there no public rebuke when a speaker at one of our institutes in Europe advocated blessings by Wiccan witches and why was this speaker even permitted to speak at other SDA institutes? Were those involved ever given letters of rebuke? I am aware that this is not only a European problem and that other institutes have permitted Jesuits and other such speakers to speak at Adventist forums.Why is it that our youth is led astray at official gatherings with music and performances that have no semblance of heaven? I have watched shocking videos of youth and church leaders in Europe engaging in events that would even make other denominations blush. Are we so bent on apostasy that concerned brethren are driven to cry between the porch and the altar for all the evil that is done in Israel? Even Conference Presidents have expressed their deep sadness with regard to this issue to me personally. Again, I acknowledge that this is a worldwide problem, but that the leadership should lead the way in this apostasy, is indeed astounding.Why is it that we willingly adopt the practices of non-SDA mega churches and emerging church theologies that change our message and our outreach to one of 'correction of social injustices' rather than a message of salvation? It seems this is the new wave. Did those who teach these things ever receive letters of rebuke? Is it right that these new methods should be drummed into our students and that we should embrace these practices when we are not only admonished by the Spirit of Prophecy that we should steer clear of such things but are even warned that they would come in like a flood. Do we really want to be part of this fulfillment of prophecy or should we do all in our power to stop it?Why is it that there was no official letter of rebuke from Europe when most of the delegates of that territory voted against the clarification of our position regarding the literal Six-day Creation? Why are evolutionary ideologies not only embraced in our ranks, but the 'princes of Israel', who are supposed to lead the flock in the ancient paths align themselves publicly with this apostasy? When the testimonies that were once believed are marginalized and relegated to the 'trash heap of nineteenth century literature', then the road to perdition is sure to follow. Why are leading figures allowed to slight and ridicule the testimonies and no action is taken against them? Does the Spirit of Prophecy not form part of our fundamental beliefs?Where does Europe stand when it comes to the ordination issue? Irrespective of where we stand on the issue personally, why are there rumblings of secession from the ranks because pet theories are placed above church unity? Did Christ pray in vain for unity? Is it necessary to print an additional watered-down evangelically-minded Sabbath School lesson book just to avoid the sentiments expressed in the Spirit of Prophecy and hereby cause divisions in the church in Europe and indeed in the world?The list could go on and on but I will leave it there. There are many voices of concern regarding these issues, not least of which is that of Elder Ted Wilson who stands out like a beacon of hope and I believe that God has placed him there for a time like this. It is shameful how he was and still is treated by some in our ranks. We can no longer remain silent in the face of these things or else we will be found wanting. We will have to meet these challenges head on ("Iceberg ahead - meet it!") and may God be gracious to us during the shaking which must come.Regarding the issue of Freemasonry and the Jesuits, these matters are clearly outlined in the Spirit of Prophecy and I feel that further discussions would not be fruitful. If we disregard the Spirit of Prophecy, how will we ever understand our SDA mission? Therefore nothing that I could say would change your perceptions. I have stated my case in the past and up to date have never received any reply regardingthese documents and I append them again for your clarification.I wish to assure you that I love Christ and His truth, as given to our pioneers, with all my heart. I believe that this church will go through to the Kingdom and I will continue to do all in my power to call people into its ranks and it is my prayer that the church will unify on the true Advent message as it was preached from 1842 to 1846 {GCB, April 6, 1903 par. 35; 1 MR 52.2}. I thank God for the pioneers and godly Adventists who as late as 1952 published our first declaration of fundamental beliefs under the official auspices of the General Conference in the book "Principles of Life". I stand by this Adventism and by the grace of God will not be moved.I wish to make an appeal to you in the words of the Spirit of prophecy:SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS ARE NOW TO STAND FORTH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT, A PEOPLE DENOMINATED BY THE LORD AS HIS OWN. UNTIL THEY DO THIS, HE CANNOT BE GLORIFIED IN THEM. TRUTH AND ERROR CANNOT STAND IN COPARTNERSHIP. LET US NOW PLACE OURSELVES WHERE GOD HAS SAID THAT WE SHOULD STAND.... WE ARE TO STRIVE FOR UNITY BUT NOT ON THE LOW LEVEL OF CONFORMITY TO WORLDLY POLICY AND UNION WITH THE POPULAR CHURCHES.--LT 113, 1903. {2MCP 559.2}Your Brother in ChristWalter VeithAppended Documents:Walter Veith's response to BRI (May 2004) - no response received to date."You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the Word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you." ~ Martin LutherSOURCE.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Originals Spoiler Will Hayley Turn During Pregnancy

The Originals Spoiler Will Hayley Turn During Pregnancy
THE ORIGINALS SPOILER: WILL HAYLEY TURN DURING PREGNANCY?

There was a lot of fan reaction to the HAYLEY "loophole of nature" pregnancy plot twist revealed on the backdoor pilot of The Vampire Diaries spinoff The Originals. Although the fans were surprised apparently the cast knew about it. As we get closer to the premiere, there are a lot of questions both the cast and the writers have been thinking about and plotting storylines around.

From the Director's Cut just released on The CW website, it looks like there will be a power play between Elijah and the witches over who has control of Hayley and her hybrid baby and pregnancy. The witches want to use Hayley and the baby to force Klaus to do their bidding. Elijah wants to protect his family and help Klaus regain control of New Orleans. The bottom line will probably be the same. The witches will be free of Marcel's control be able to practice their magic again.

There have been many questions, such as would it be born a hybrid, what supernatural powers might it have, will it be a girl or a boy, etc.? Recently Joseph Morgan, who plays Klaus, the hybrid daddy-to-be, asked another question that's been on everybody's minds, including Julie Plec's.

JOSEPH'S QUESTION TO JULIE


Does it turn every full moon when it's in the womb? How does she deal with that? With the claws and everything else.

Julie thought that question was really great and revealed that she and the writers have been pondering the same question. Her answer seemed to both surprise and please the cast, especially Phoebe Tonkin, who plays the pregnant Hayley!

JULIE'S ANSWER TO JOSEPH'S QUESTION


Well, I will tell you this: We did have dialogue in the original episode, and I think we are putting it into the episode that will be our first episode in October. We're talking about Hayley's pregnancy and how do you know, and she says, 'Look up.' And it's a full moon, and she says, 'I'm not turning.' You know, that's werewolf culture. When women are pregnant that's the one time the curse releases itself so the werewolf bloodlines can continue to procreate.

Sounds like a pretty good answer. After all, if the baby and or Hayley transformed during the full moon, then chances are neither one would survive. As the pregnancy progresses, we may learn more about female werewolves with child ala Julie Plec!

The Originals premieres with a whole new pilot on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013 at 8/7c on The CW!

Source: healing-magic.blogspot.com

Yoga For Health

Yoga For Health
Yoga is a reputation which refers to the union of the everyday with the God or the Heart with the Leader Heart. This reputation is several a epoch recycled to demote physical file or seek permission Yoga postures (Yoga asanas) as several public notice yoga masters are coming up with the sight of making money with this magical word. Yogasana is a part of the advanced picture. According to the eight washout path of the grown-up saint Patanjali, Yogasana is one of the eight components that would aid in achieving the authority of union of the Heart with the Leader self.

A good health would be a natural shrewdness if the Yoga happens. Yes, it has to become obvious. We can seek permission relief the trickle by means of some hard work nearing meditation.

For feat a fitting meditation, the body has to be strong sufficient to sit in a competent attitude. Too the nomad consider has to be brought under wear. Yoga asana would help cause these in the essential stages. An advanced meditator may vote for to be in power feat asanas or seek permission get the dole out hope against hope in the consider and body with clearly meditation.

A good build up and a satisfying consider possibly will be a achieved by a fitting practice of the yogasanas (yoga postures) lay aside with a competent diet. But, for the spiritual jaunt to expansion quicker, it is plain to make meditation, a relaxed part of the life. Beside meditation, the increase of the everyday center would be several epoch quicker. In this increase trickle, a picture would become over divine, renouncing the Ego and lime hygienic love.

Meditation has a function effect on the consider and the body. Set even as the closing dispute of meditation is to transcend consider and to smack relief, lay aside the way, one would be blessed with a good health and a strong consider to remain in this world gloriously.

Important articles

* Meditation and Chance
* Cure by means of Reiki


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

South Staffs Water And Smartreach In Trial To Connect Hard To Reach Meters

South Staffs Water And Smartreach In Trial To Connect Hard To Reach Meters

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Trial of SmartReachs long-range radio communications solution for up to 1,000 smart water meters in Kinver

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SmartReach selected because of its proven ability to communicate with meters in hard to reach locations

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Builds on existing successful trials of SmartReachs communications solution for energy and water smart meters

SmartReach, a collaboration of Arqiva, BT, BAE Systems Detica and Sensus, together with South Staffs Water, have announced a new trial to connect up to 1,000 smart water meters in Kinver, South Staffordshire. Many of these meters are in underground chambers, under metal lids, creating a challenge for most communications technologies.

Smart water meters provide much greater visibility of the use of water by individual households. Reliable, continuously available smart meter data can help identify unusual consumption patterns that indicate leaks on peoples property. It can also support improved management and reduction of leaks across the water network, as well as providing valuable data to optimise future network investments.

Colin Wayper, Network Director, South Staffs Water, commented, We selected the long-range radio communications solution from SmartReach because it is proven to connect to smart meters in the demanding British environment, even in locations where other communications technologies tend to suffer from patchy or unreliable coverage. The SmartReach solution also offers long term flexibility, with the potential to cover water networks as well as the metering of homes.

Sean Weir, Programme Director, SmartReach added, Smart water and energy metering has the potential to deliver billions of pounds worth of energy, water and operational efficiency savings for utilities and their customers. Achieving these benefits depends on proven, reliable smart metering communications technology. Weve already demonstrated that our long-range radio solution connects to over 99% of energy and water smart meters with a single installation visit. We are looking forward to building on this success by delivering a highly reliable service for South Staffs Water and its customers.

SmartReachs trials (http://smartreach.com/trials/home/) have proven the suitability of its solution to connect first time to smart meters wherever they are across Great Britain. The technology behind SmartReach has also been widely deployed in the US, with 15 million smart meter and grid end points using Sensus long-range radio technology.

ENDS



ABOUT SMARTREACH


Arqiva, BT, BAE Systems Detica and Sensus are working together to promote the SmartReach solution for Britains smart meter and smart grid programme. The SmartReach solution is an end-to-end data communications network that will provide a dedicated, secure, resilient and universal route to supporting the Governments mandate for providing all homes and small premises with smart meters by 2020.

www.smartreach.com

ABOUT ARQIVA


Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, operates at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets.

The company is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK and has a significant presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK's five mobile network operators, and the emergency services.

www.arqiva.com

ABOUT BT


BT is one of the worlds leading communications services companies, serving the needs of customers in the UK and in more than 170 countries worldwide. Our main activities are the provision of fixed telephony lines and calls, broadband, mobile and TV products and services as well as managed networked IT services.

In the UK we are a leading communications services provider, selling products and services to consumers, small and medium sized enterprises and the public sector. We also sell wholesale products and services to communications providers in the UK and around the world. Globally, we supply managed networked IT services to multinational corporations, domestic businesses and national and local government organisations.

www.bt.com

ABOUT BAE SYSTEMS DETICA


BAE Systems Detica delivers information intelligence solutions to government and commercial customers. We help them collect, exploit and manage data so they can deliver critical business services more effectively and economically. We also develop solutions to strengthen national security and resilience.

We integrate and deliver world-class solutions to our customers most complex operational problems - often applying our own unique intellectual property. Our services include cyber security, managing risk and compliance, data analytics, systems integration and managed services, strategy and business change and the development of innovative software and hardware technologies.

Detica is part of BAE Systems, a global defence, aerospace and security company with approximately 90,000 employees worldwide. BAE Systems delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services.

www.baesystemsdetica.com

ABOUT SENSUS


Sensus is a leading utility infrastructure company offering smart meters, communication systems, software and services for the electric, gas, and water industries. Sensus technology helps utilities drive operational efficiency and customer engagement with applications that include advanced meter reading, data acquisition, demand response, distribution automation, home area networking and outdoor lighting control. Customers worldwide trust the innovation, quality and reliability of Sensus solutions for the intelligent use and conservation of energy and water.

www.sensus.co.uk

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:


Rocket Communications

Jo Ashford / Lawrie Benfield

Tel: +44 (0)845 370 7024

Email: jo@rocketcomms.net / Lawwrence@rocketcomms.net

Source: RealWire


Thursday, August 5, 2010

Pagan Blog Project M Is For Making The Choice To Leave Paganism

Pagan Blog Project M Is For Making The Choice To Leave Paganism
Today on my Facebook page, a fan commented that he had recently decided to leave paganism but remains pagan friendly. I was fascinated by this. I read stories all the time about people who come to paganism, but it's rare that I read about someone who leaves paganism.

So I decided to do some research on the topic. I was't surprised that an article at Pagan Wiccan About.com immediately came up. However, I was surprised that Patti echoed my sentiments about this unusual topic when she wrote, "...it is rare indeed to have a conversation about why someone might choose to leave a Pagan spirituality for another religion."

In the article, Patti shares stories about people who left for many different reasons. Among the reasons were going back to Christianity, deciding they didn't want to identify with any particular religion, and realizing they never really were pagan after all.

This past January, Star Foster decided to leave paganism. In this article she gives a touching and bittersweet account of why she made this choice and how it's affected her in the months since. However it's interesting that there is an older article written at Patheos as an April Fool's joke. Star joked about abandoning paganism to become a Pastafarian, a follower of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It reminds me of the idiom "There's many a true word spoken in jest."

BajorRon from the blog BajorRon's World, writes about how he decided to leave "organized paganism." He writes, "I still consider myself 'pagan' (though 'pantheist' would cover it probably better) but I will leave things like pagan forums and chatrooms, pagan events and conferences and membership of pagan groups and organisations."

Nightshade at The Purple Broom also writes about her negative experiences with the pagan community and how she felt like she didn't fit in, felt misunderstood, and got caught in the middle of pagan disagreements.

It is because of this dissension that people are not exactly abandoning paganism, but the label of paganism. Many feel the term is simply too general. While some love that paganism is an umbrella religion and spirituality, others are not so eager to embrace "Big Tent paganism" - a phrase I've borrowed from Jason Mankey. He blogs regularly about how there is room enough for all of us. His most recent post compares the different branches of paganism to kids in a sandbox. (Talk about your mixed metaphors there.)

The problem is not everyone wants to be in that sandbox. The majority of these people seem to be Reconstructionalists. Rogue Priest is such a person. He says this about paganism, "That term just isn't accurate: it doesn't speak to my beliefs, my practices, or my community. I am a priest of the Old Belief, a polytheist through and through, and more than anything else the Heroic Life is my religion." Many have chosen to identify themselves as Heathens, not pagans.

Yvonne wrote and interesting article at her blog Sermons on the Mound with the appropriate title The Pagan Umbrella is Leaking. Yvonne explained that part of the reason some are abandoning the term "pagan" is because of fluffy Wiccans. She doesn't use this term. Instead she calls it "watered down Wicca." She writes, "As a polytheist, initiated, Gardnerian Wiccan, I would really like it if eclectic Paganism was not 'watered-down Wicca. Create your own rituals; don't bastardize ours."

Ouch. Unfortunately, she seems to imply that anyone who practices eclectic Wicca isn't true Wiccan. I find that incredibly insulting to all eclectics. However, I can't deny that "watered down" versions of "all" pagan traditions exist. There are fluffy pagans, Reconstructionalists, Heathens, Druids, witches, shamans, and Wiccans out there. I would not go as far to say that they are "less than" but I will say dabbling does not make one an expert.

Briana wrote an interesting article on the topic. She argues that it's not the actual fluffy (watered down) Wiccans that give Wicca a bad name, but the stereotype of the fluffy Wiccan. Her article also brings into a question another issue. She writes, "Unfortunately for a lot of us in the Pagan faith, many people think that Pagan and Wiccan are synonymous, and they have a bad impression of Wiccans."

I once asked the fans of my Facebook page if Wiccan and Pagan mean the same thing. A third said yes, another third said no, and the rest of them said something in between. This goes back to the issue Reconstructionalists seem to have with the term paganism. It's all about specifics. The question begs to be asked though: Can Reconstructionalists really abandon the term paganism?

Jason Mankey argues in his article Running From the Word Pagan that you can't if you still participate in the pagan community. He argues, "If you don't want to be called a Pagan or be thought of as a Pagan, the only real solution is to probably divorce the Pagan Community and then not share your spiritual beliefs with anyone."

He also makes the great point that it might be hard for the rest of us in the pagan community to not call them pagan. He writes, "It's hard for me not to think of them as Pagans. Maybe it's just selfishness because I want all of those folks in my tribe, but I certainly don't call them Pagan out of disrespect." I think the pagan community as a whole shares the same sentiment. We don't mean any disrespect.

I WANT TO END THIS POST WITH A PERSONAL ANNOUNCEMENT.

I'm also choosing to leave paganism behind. Only in name. I've been struggling this past year with whether or not I consider myself to be pagan or to be Wiccan. After much introspection and resistance I am returning to the religion of Wicca. I find my personal beliefs and practices as of late are much more in line with Wicca than they are general paganism. However, I will follow the tradition of studying a year and a day before dedicating myself to the Wiccan path. I feel there's no better time to announce my commitment than today of all days, June 21st, 2013, Summer Solstice.

The overall pagan content of the blog for the most part will not change, but there may be a few more posts exploring specifically Wiccan themes. The purpose of my blog has always been to be informative about paganism as a whole and that will not change. I do hope that by choosing to identify myself now as Wiccan, I don't lose any readers. I've identified myself as a pagan for the last 15 years or so, meaning this decision was a hard one and not made lightly. I can no longer deny what is true about myself. I will not, however, stop identifying myself as a witch.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Sh Vadvanal Stotra With Meaning And Translation

Sh Vadvanal Stotra With Meaning And Translation
Shri HanumanShri HanumatVadavaanala Stotramshri-hanuman-vadvanal-stotram-part1

shri-hanuman-vadvanal-stotram-part2

Following is the transcription of the every word of the stotra into English. It is very difficult for me; however I have tried to give the best. Please hear the Stotra at a slow speed and at the same time try to pronounce by seeing the transcription. I will be very much happy if my work helps the devotee of God Hanuman.

Shri Ganeshaaya Namaahaa


II Om asya Shri Hanumaan Vadvaanal Stotra Mantrasya II

II Shri Ramachandra Rushiihi II


II Shri Vadvaanal Hanumaan Devataa II

II Mama Samasta Roga prashamanaartham SitaRamachandra priithyartham II

II HanumanVadvanal Stotra japam Aham karishye II 1 II


II Om Rhaam Rhim Om Namo Bhagvate Shri MahaHanumate Pragatparaakram II

II Sakaldig Mandal Yashotavitaana DhavaliikrutJagatritaya VajraDeha II

II Rudraavataara Lankaapurii Dahana UmaaAmala Mantra Udadhi Bandhana II

II DashaShiraha Krutaantaka SitaSwasana Vaayuputra AnjaniGarbhaSambhuta II

II ShriRaama LaxmaNaananadkara KapiSainyapraakaara Sugriivasahaahya II

II RaNapartotpaaTana kumaarBrahmachaarin Gabiirnaada II


II SarvaPaapaGarhaVaaraNa Sarvajvarochhaatana DaakiniiVidhanvasana II 2 II

II Om Rhaam Rhim Om Namo Bhagvate Mahaaviiraviiraaya Sarvadhu:kha Nivaaranaaya II

II Graha Mandala SarvaBhoota Mandal SarvapishaachaMandalochchatana II

II Boota Jwara Ekaahika Jwara Dwayaahika Jwara Tryaahika Jwara II

II Chaaturthika Jwara Santaapa Jwara Vishama Jwara Taapa Jwara II

II MaaheSvara VaiSnavaJwarana Chhindhi Chhindhi YakshabrahmaRakshasa II

II Boota Preta Pishaachaan Uchchaataya Uchchaataya II 3 II

II Om Rhaam Rhim Om Namo Bhagvate Shri MahaHanumate II 4 II

II Om Rhaam Rhim Rhum Rhaim Rhaha Aam Haam Haam Haam Oum Soum Ehi Ehi II

II Om Ham Om Ham Om Ham Om Ham II 5 II


II Om Namo Bhagvate Shri MahaHanumate ShrvanChakshu Bhutaanaam II

II ShaakiniiDaakiniinaama VishamaDushTaanaama Sarvavisham Hara Hara II 6 II

II Aakaasha Bhuvanam Bhedaya Bhedaya Chedaya Chedaya Maaraya Maaraya II

II Shoshaya Shoshaya Mohaya Mohaya Jwaalaya Jwaalaya II


II Prahaaraya Prahaaraya SakalMaayaam Bhedaya Bhedaya II 7 II

II Om Rhaam Rhim Om Namo Bhagvate Shri MahaHanumate II


II Sarva GrahochchaaTana Parabalam Kshobhaya Kshobhaya II

II Sakal Bandhana MokshaNam kuru kuru II 8 II


II ShiraShula GulamaShula SarvaShulaana Nirmulaya Nirmulaya II

II Naagapaashaanata Vaasuki Takshaka Karkotaka Kaaliyaan II

II Yakshakula Jalagata Bilagat Raatrinchara Divaachara Sarvaan Nirvishan Kuru kuru Swaha II 9 II

II RaajaBhaya ChoraBhaya ParaMantra ParaYantra ParaTrantra ParaVidyaan Chedaya Chedaya II 10 II

II SwaMantra SwaYantra SwaTantra SwaVidyaaha PrakaTaya PrakaTaya II 11 II

II SarvaarishTaan Naashaya Naashaya II 12 II


II SarvaShatrun Naashaya Naashaya II 13 II

II asaadhyam Saadhaya Saadhaya II 14 II


II Hum Fat Swaahaa II 15 II

II Iti BibhiishaNa Krutam HanumatVadavaanala Stotram SampooraNam II

Shri Hanuman Vadvanal Stotra


Meaning/TranslationThis stotra is in Sanskrit and it is creation of Vibhishana- Ravana's brother. Initially this stotra starts with praise of shri Hanuman admiring his virtues and describing his tremendous power. Then very wisely, God Hanuman is requested by the devotee to remove all the diseases, bad health and all sorts of troubles from the life. Further God Hanuman is requested to protect from all sorts of fear, trouble and make us free from all evil things. Finally God Hanuman is requested to give the blessing, success Sound Health and everything we ask from him.

This stotra is very auspicious and powerful. Anybody reciting this stotra daily at least once; with full concentration, devotion and unshakable faith in mind, receives all the good things in life as described above. Please have a faith.

Following is the translation of the every stanza of the stotra. It is very difficult for me to translate since 1) Sanskrit is very ancient language in which each word, many times have many meanings. 2) My Sanskrit knowledge is elementary. 3) English is not my language hence finding exact word for Sanskrit word is also difficult. 4) However it is my sincere effort to give the best. 5) Any corrections, suggestions are welcomed.

1) This Hanuman Vadvanal Stotra Starts with bowing to God Ganesha. Rushi of this stotra is Ramchandra. Devata (god) of the stotra is Shri Vadvalal Hanuman. I recite this Hanuman Vadvanal stotra for curing all my diseases and for shri SitaRamchandra.

2) Now starts the praise of God Hanuman. He is victorious in all directions. He is victorious in all three worlds (Patala, Prithavi and Swarga). He has very strong body (Vajra deha). He became very furious and set Lanka on fire. Ravana having 10 Heads was feared. God Hanuman knows Uma amala Mantra. He looks like a very big and giant cloud having water in it. He is son of Wind and Anjani is his mother. He made God Rama and Laxman happy. He helped Sugriva by being leader of Monkey-army. At the time of war with Ravana's army, He was throwing Hills, mountains on the enemy army. He is Brahmachary means unmarried. He is very serious. He can destroy bad effects of the Grahas, He can destroy all type of diseases causing because of high body temperature. He makes us free from all sorts of troubles, however serious may be. He can destroy demons.

3) I bow to God Hanuman who is very powerful and strong and ask him for his blessing and removing my sorrows. He makes Graha Mandal, All living beings Mandal, free from all Demons, Ghosts.etc. Troubles from Demons and any dangers from anything and anybody are removed by him. Hence I request him to make me free from all above types of dangers, troubles. I request him to destroy ghosts, demons and evil crops.

4) I bow to Shri God Hanuman.

5) Om Rhaam Rhim Rhum Rhaim Rhaha Aam Haam Haam Haam Oum Soum Ehi Ehi Om Ham Om Ham Om Ham Om Ham. This is the Bija Mantra.

6) I request him to remove all type of poison from Demons, Ghosts and other evil things.

7) Those ugly things which are in the sky, God Hanuman please beat them, destroy them for me and make me free from there trouble.

I bow to God Hanuman and request him to make me free from the troubles of planets (which are not favorable to me in my horoscope). Please make me free from all types of bondages.

9) Please make me free from headache, body ache and from all sorrows. Please make me free from NagBandhan of Anant, Vasuki, Takshaka, Kaliyan and karkotak (the names of renowned big serpants from Naga Loka). Yaksha, the creatures leave in Water, The creatures leave under soil, the creatures move in the night, the creatures move in the day all of them are poisonous and troublesome to me, Hence O! God Hanuman please remove there poison. Make them poisonous less.

10) Please remove fear from King, thief, and also fear from enemy's weapon, Mantra and trantra and destroy them.

11) Please give me knowledge of (SwaMantra SwaYantra SwaTantra SwaVidyaaha PrakaTaya PrakaTaya) developing all good qualities in myself.

12) Please destroy all my troubles and difficulties.

13) Please destroy all my enemies.

14) Please give me knowledge, power and energy to convert all impossible into possible.

15) Hum Fat Swaahaa.

Here completes Hanuman Vadvanal Stotra.

Taken from
http://iouscript.blog.co.in/2009/08/05/shri-hanumatvadavaanala-stotram/

I sincerely salute the effort made, may the Lord Hanuman bless you. There are quite a few mistakes that i will try to rectify shortly.

J.s.sandhu(sandhu.jp)

This stotra is in Sanskrit and it is creation of Bibhishana- Ravanas brother. Initially this stotra starts with praise of shri Hanuman admiring. Shri Hanuman Vadvanal Stotram, As this mantra contains "BIJ Mantra,thus is very powerful it should be recited on wednesday to ward of all ills.


Sunday, August 1, 2010

Pastor Yanked From Capitol Over Jesus Prayer

Pastor Yanked From Capitol Over Jesus Prayer
Here is a story out of North Carolina today:"A North Carolina pastor was relieved of his duties as an honorary chaplain of the state house of representatives after he closed a prayer by invoking the name of Jesus. "I got fired," said Ron Baity, pastor of Berean Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. He had been invited to lead prayer for an entire week but his tenure was cut short when he refused to remove the name Jesus from his invocation. Baity's troubles began during the week of May 31. He said a House clerk asked to see his prayer. The invocation including prayers for our military, state lawmakers and a petition to God asking him to bless North Carolina. "When I handed it to the lady, I watched her eyes and they immediately went right to the bottom of the page and the word Jesus," he told FOX News Radio. "She said 'We would prefer that you not use the name Jesus. We have some people here that can be offended.'" When Baity protested, she brought the matter to the attention of House Speaker Joe Hackney. "I told her I was highly offended when she asked me not to pray in the name of Jesus because that does constitute my faith," Baity said. "My faith requires that I pray in His name. The Bible is very clear." When the clerk returned, Baity said he was told that he would be allowed to deliver the day's prayer - but after that - his services would no longer be needed. Hackney, a Democrat, and House Republican Leader Paul Stam released a joint statement to FOX News Radio:"It has been our practice in the North Carolina House of Representatives for many years to request, but not require, that our guest chaplains deliver a nonsectarian prayer. This is intended as a show of respect for all the religions practiced by the members of the House and the people we represent. In this instance, we allowed Pastor Baity to deliver his prayer, without interference, even though it was sectarian in nature. Nonetheless, we will review our procedures and guidelines concerning guest chaplains, and we will make sure we abide by applicable constitutional procedures. The House will adjourn within the next few days, but the results of this review will be publicly available whenever it is complete."Baity said he's not happy with the way he was treated. "When the state tells you how to pray, that you cannot use the name of Jesus - that's mandating a state religion," he said. "They talk about not offending other people but at the same time, if they are telling me how to pray - that's the very thing our forefathers left England for." The Christian Law Association helped Baity draft a letter asking for an apology and an opportunity to return to the state capitol and finish his tenure. "The First Amendment promises all Americans the free exercise of their religion, which includes the right to pray as their faith requires, even when they are invited to open state legislative sessions with prayer," attorney David Gibbs told "We trust that the North Carolina House of Representatives will realize its mistake and will offer Pastor Baity another opportunity to pray without requiring him to use a prayer that is mandated by government." Baity said he is still stunned by what happened. "You would expect this somewhere else - Cuba, Saudi Arabia," he told FOX News Radio. "You would never anticipate this happening in the United States of America." In a word - the pastor said - the decision is "anti-Christian."We are told that apostasy and godlessness would be the condition of the world at the time of the end: "However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8b) and, "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it [Jesus' return] will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction," (2 Thess. 2:3)."Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." (1 Timothy 4:1-3) The Bible states that if you deny Jesus is God, you are dead in your sins (John 8:24,58 cf. Exodus 3:14). Whom else would the Chaplain pray TO, except God? Denying him the opportunity to appeal to God in his prayer through Jesus denies God. Besides the obvious state of increasing faithlessness, there are two things that rise to the level of severe concern with this incident. First, it was a Chaplain who had been hired for the purpose of praying. His stance was not unknown to the Legislature, and his presence there was invited. It wasn't a case of intrusion, or incorrect doctrine or surprising comments in an inappropriate place. It was a prayer by an ordained minister. Secondly, this occurred in North Carolina. NC is a bible belt state, in the conservative and Christian south, with a high number of church-goers. 84% of the population claim Christianity as their personal religion in that state. It didn't happen in San Francisco, or Saudi Arabia, or Vermont. It happened in a place where the name of Jesus is lifted up in many venues, including the opening of the Legislative sessions. Removing God from a life, culture, nation has always brought judgment. This time will be no different. When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith upon the earth? By the looks of things, we won't even have to wait that long.

Credit: theartofastralprojection.blogspot.com