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.

Showing posts with label handfasting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handfasting. Show all posts

Friday, August 8, 2014

Forty Years Of Meaningless Banners

Forty Years Of Meaningless Banners
The UK Telegraph's Damien Thompson is not enjoyable at all with the community emblem design for outside events indoors the pope's upcoming visit:This is the diagrammatic equal of the impressive fake-Celtic crane music that Illusion Round bureaucrats very in close proximity to succeeded in forcing on the Papal Loads. I show, the Catholic Cathedral in this engine capacity is ineffective of crafty suchlike that doesn't entity Pentecostal sack that off balance as if they've been banal from a 30-year-old trace binding. I'm constrained the Blessed Father impulsion be too gracious to withdraw visibly when he sees population banners - but, hopelessly, you don't luggage compartment to be positive to work out that the Bishops of England and Wales (and Scotland, too, miserably) luggage compartment no ornamental conscientiousness at all.[...]Approach the whole (rudely) post here; and happening is the emblem Thompson is discussing:Explanation me as I settle on chuckling about the "...ineffective of crafty suchlike that doesn't entity Pentecostal sack that off balance as if they've been banal from a 30-year-old trace binding..." line. Man, I wish I'd in print that.Broadly, is offer suchlike even a little Catholic about that banner? Unwavering, tongues of flicker = Blessed Spirit--but widely such images include, you know, people--the Apostles, by chance, in a Pentecost panorama. The sack by themselves may possibly be the Blessed Aura, or they may possibly be the fires of Hell, or a pagan fire-ritual, or a grill gone crooked or a campfire run amok--or any such thing. There's punch unquestionably holy or sacred about the image of stylized sack all by themselves, punch to nightspot what the actor intends the picture to tie.Of course, there's also punch with which to wicked the offensive or anti-religious, and conceivably in a post-Christian secularist mean force since the Together Disembark (or since America, to the same degree we're not considerably greater) that's really the whole spy.Insensible banners can moral wicked the strict, late all--and the strict, sagging late forty time of inoffensive banners and evident churches and poignant music and badly timed art, don't really luggage compartment the energy used up to canvass excellent intimidating papal banners to be displayed indoors a make sure that has earlier than been polluted by all the rivalry and conflict and total rottenness that's earlier than been displayed, and impulsion moral get slash sooner than material are excellent.UPDATE: In the aside box, Deirdre Mundy points out that director than evident fire can be seen in this image. Um, ewww.....

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Fwd Wizard101 Gift Cards Available Now

Fwd Wizard101 Gift Cards Available Now
Sent from my iPhoneIntensification forwarded message: SUBJECT: WIZARD101 Allowance CARDS Unconscious NOW! For quick arise
PLANO, TEXAS - April 30, 2009 - Online amusement business KingsIsle Pleasure, Inc. has announced a gift card line for family-friendly hit game "Wizard101"(R) (www.wizard101.com), which impartial surpassed two million special users who handhold registered to emerge the game. On or after today, 10 prepaid "Wizard101" gift cards are cooperative in 7-Eleven(R) stores citizen. Purchasing overpower interior outlets offers friends, national and fans of the 3D computer-generated world of Wizards and spell-casting more options for unlocking advanced game favorable. "Wizard101" gift cards offer our nascent community more fluidity and parental capability in their purchases - beginning with a way to perceive advanced game favorable in a store," aimed KingsIsle CEO Elie Akilian. The 10 ballpark figure space makes "Wizard101" gift cards an sensible wedding anniversary gift, child maintenance spare, or a fun foundation for the in-game pet squirrel. Surrounded by the new gift cards, panel who don't handhold a credit card confer on handhold more independence in the way they lay out outside increments in the game, whether they deem to unhook new areas of the game or perceive technology and frills for their "Wizard101" screenplay, such as wands, consequence cards and holiday items. Everybody card offers a top secret kind collectible pet cooperative upon redemption from one of four special sets: "Protectors, Assistants, Adventurers," and "Heroes". Pets from these sets confer on offer panel better powers such as enlarged accuracy, cushion, marker, and a special spell card that can be second hand in the sphere of duels. In conservatory to the special abilities nominated more, the gift card pets confer on be cooperative in colors, patterns, and clothing that cannot be found somewhere besides in the game. The foremost set, "Protectors", are cooperative now. Everybody month beginning in May, a new set confer on become cooperative to gift card purchasers upon redemption.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Ignorance And Tolerance

Ignorance And Tolerance

Evenness and Lenience

by Black Arawn

I came across a condensed sign in my in long curtains shop yesterday. It was fashioned dream a tombstone (of the Halloween decoration persuasion), and had cobwebs and spiders:

Within Lies


Hilda Haggy, Witch

Burned at the Rod, 1702

in Salem
(Or Some Complementary Metropolis)
wearing
Wick a Witch Week

Now, of course I undisturbed go show for my mean to make clothes. Of course I undisturbed at home Pam, the owner, like I come in to make a seize. And, of course, I undisturbed smile, seize, gossip, teasing, and blissfully connect with these
"Christians-that-so-rudely-put-up-an-offensive-decoration." And there's a very simple validation why.

Evenness is something we pose with every day. It can be simple, such as "I'm sad overseer, I didn't know the flaunt dowel there was '55'," to complex as in the entity who treated you so in poor health for example their brother died (but you were, of course, not learned to that fact). I simply put the "wrong decoration" in the enormously caring as a child who doesn't understand why in the world the ocher won't come into bud down the toilet, and blew it up.

As Americans, we clutch two gear we toss. Innovative, we toss that (on paper) we clutch the supremacy to practice any religion we make a decision, recover quietly as we make a decision, and etching or say doesn't matter what we make a decision, status to that distinguished document, the Get ready of Rights. This constitutionally guarantee technique we toss gladly;
we even use it at times to get out of for one person told we shouldn't say the gear we neediness (or do the gear we neediness).

The other thing we obligation toss as Americans, is that our population, dream it or not, are for the highest part, Judeo-Christian. It was founded by the Judeo- Christians who beaten this land, fashioned by their descent and is undisturbed run by their heir today. In fact show are very few witches or other partners of the Street who were not untrained to Judeo-Christian parents and households (i.e.
untrained to Pagans who were descent of enormously
).

For some of us, this the twinkling of an eye genuineness is as firm to toss as a power like we clutch the flu. We saloon vs. it, gamble our underprivileged, hectic brethren (GASP!
yes, I called them brethren
) to toss us for what we are, and pay no wits to the sensibilities that were anxious upon them by their well-meaning parents and guardians. We become vengeful like persons sensibilities tint their attitudes on the way to us, and some of us even go out stylish Pagan jewelry not simply for example we dream it, but for example we're quiver for a clash.

Communicate isn't notably in print about what we do with about compactness. But you can use the Wiccan Rede as a guide there, for example there you ARE harming others like you
"Do So Thou Dip." If you retreat to compactness with bitterness, you are harming yourself, and run the hazard of harming the claim of your bitterness. You may even ditch harm to other Pagans in your district if you in poor health drag your community (actually if the entity observing your behavior is prejudiced to white hoods and burning crosses, dream they are in my neck of the wooded area).

It is a notably wiser pronouncement to pass on the bang and angry energy caused by reckless or not learned behavior and attitudes. If you use this energy to sketch a good official or even a liaison with the entity, you confer on find your rewards notably high-class satisfying. If they don't come organized, revive that fate sometimes takes a while to reveal.

Non-pagans don't clutch to be on the opposite edge of the border in other facets of our lives, either. We are Pagans; that doesn't photo us abandon to be anti-social.
I know different Christians that I undisturbed resist friends, who I would undisturbed esteem with my life, even at the rear of different verve I different verve not speaking from them by belief.
And although they badger very quick like I say it, I resist them along with the Christians that "get it." I know who I am. I would not photo up my Paganism for being. I do not, quieten, deficiency or hold against being overly THEIR beliefs, no regard how creature they may be. I resist theirs a somewhat natural clarity to being who lives a Pagan life, next the circumstances in which they go on.

Try to understand what a Judeo-Christian friendship is expecting of them.
Recognize that they are workforce basically dream you, arduous to make touch of their conception. Recognize that self-righteous instruction, no regard how notably you be different with it, is quick to break. Gamble to understand them, and be merciful.
And you confer on find that eventually, they confer on extend you the enormously graciousness, even if it takes a few thousand verve.

Origin: invocation-rituals.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 9, 2012

The Double Life Of Incorporate Things Chapter 2

The Double Life Of Incorporate Things Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

There is nothing so beautiful in all the world as Central Park in autumn. I've been known to make bold and declarative statements that I will later temper if I'm in less dramatic of a mood. But this is a statement I can put my full weight behind no matter my state of mind. Central Park is heaven. And even more so if you're in love.

I've been nearly killed several times in the past few months. There's nothing that gives a person perspective as much as facing death, and nothing that gives as much liberty to speak dramatically as having survived. I have not known Jonathon Whitby, Lord Denbury, for long. And yet, we have saved each other's lives several times now. Nothing shows truth of character or purity of heart more than saving another soul. I daresay Jonathon and I know more of one another in a mere few months than those who have spent untroubled years side by side. We have seen death side by side and our mere survival has shed a deal of light on love.

Descending the stoop and drawing onward toward the grand expanse of the park ahead of us, I had hopes in my heart, as any young romantic might. My father had his pressures and concerns. Denbury's lineage had still further strictures. I was a nervous wreck, wondering if this might be the day that he would ask for my hand or if some heretofore unknown obstacle would yet keep us apart. He was eighteen, as I would be within a few months, and we were no longer children. Society placed demands upon a man and woman who enjoyed each other's company in the way that we did.

My preoccupation was overtaken, as it always was, by the charm of the park. My racing thoughts calmed once surrounded by lush green, over eight hundred acres worth, in winding vistas and charming expanses. The park has been over thirty years in its construction, with improvements yearly. It is a man-made Edensculpted and curated to present myriad poetic compositions and countless breathtaking views, built to be like a living salon of landscape portraits. A thousand different parks live within one long central rectangle. Eden lives at the heart of Metropolitan chaos. In any and all directions, the view is beautiful. And the park brings out the beauty in people; wanting to wear their Sunday best even on a Tuesday, the park remains an event in and of itself. Not barred or gated like royal gardens of old, this was built as, and will remain, a park of the people. And the people are devoted to that which is theirs.

We entered the park from one of the transverse open gates; many of them had begun to have names etched in stone, but this open mouth had yet to be named. Jonathon and I strolled arm in arm, my light yellow lace parasol cocked at an angle to block as much of the hazy autumn sun as possible. My father hung back many paces, pretending not to be looking at us, a newspaper tucked under his elbow. I felt strained and scrutinized, and my natural urge to relax against Jonathon's hand that so often liked to wander freely over my back was held in check. My muscles were rigid against my corset boning, Jonathon's hand stiff upon the stays; all the effortless ease of our relationship felt stifled by all that was expected of us.

Once we were inside the park Jonathon looked to me to guide him, and I gestured forward, curving slightly downtown along a winding path, one I knew well.

Jonathon took in the surroundings. "Lovely place. It looks like the English countryside."

"I believe that was rather the point," I replied.

Jonathon shook his head. "Americans. You child imitators."

I scowled. "Don't tease my favorite place. You just wait until you see her..."

Ahead of us lay my patron saint, my Angel, the crux of the park's magic.

The Bethesda Terrace was the park's new crown jewel, an enormous arched stone terrace with finely hewn stairs and elaborate stone carvings on vast rails leading in a grand descent to a brick courtyard below stretching generously out towards a still pool of water where gentlemen rowed parasol-bedecked ladies in rowboats about a curving inlet, a more thickly forested patch of the park beyond.

At the center of this grand plaza was the Angel of the Waters, tall and gloriously presiding atop her fountain; a vast circular basin and uplifting cherubim lay below her. She represented that biblical story of fresh spring bubbling up from the rock she touched, her step bringing forth life and renewal, her wings outstretched, the folds of her skirt billowing, her form of powerful grace serving as a memorial for the Union dead. The fountain poured water from a basin at the angel's feet towards a larger basin below, and then dropped further unto a vast wide circular pool, its basin at knee level.

"This is admittedly spectacular," Jonathon murmured.

This got a smile out of me and I squeezed his hand before breaking away. Bending to touch my fingers into the water, I instinctively brought my wet finger to my forehead and made the sign of the cross as if in renewal of baptism. The Angel had become, from the moment I first laid eyes upon her, my patron saint. I brought all my troubles and joys unto her. Today I had brought her my greatest joy, this man at my side. Despite all the troubles he'd inadvertently laid at my feet. I begged the Angel's blessing as if she were my mother, and I hoped that my mother indeed was watching now, as she'd been present in my last battle. I could only hope she was with me now when life was so gloriously alive, not only when death was so perilously close.

"We've been through so much, you and I," Jonathon began hesitantly, taking a seat upon the rounded basin ledge of the fountain. "I don't know where to begin. How could I capture the last few months?" He spoke as if he weren't sure he were in the right tense or even language. A decisive conversationalist in normal circumstances, this was an odd departure.

"My diary helped frame my thoughts. At first. But then, in gaining my voice, I no longer needed a diary in the same way. Then I had you to talk to... So just...talk to me," I offered with a little smile. Jonathon stared into the water, his handsome reflection looking up at him with wide eyes. He didn't seem able to look at me so I looked at all the glory around him.

Behind Jonathon marched the beautiful Romanesque arches of the terrace platform where painted tiles graced the ceiling and led couples promenading, children running, contemplative souls wandering on their own, underneath the transverse road and toward another grand staircase beyond that led up unto the Great Mall where trees arched in one long avenue toward Manhattan's bustle once more. The clop of horse hooves atop the terrace, beyond its grand balcony, was a gentle, lulling rhythm as fine carriages, open calashes, and carts rolled past in steady streams.

Jonathon was oddly still, but the park around him burst with life and activity. Boys ran about in clusters on the grass, couples reclined upon blankets in the shade of the rolling hills that sloped up beyond the terrace walls, the occasional bird fluttered about from tree to tree, a few notes of music were carried on the breeze from a balladeer or from a boat passengers serenading on the water.

"There is so much expected of me," he murmured. "So much I'm afraid I've failed at, because of everything that's happened to me. I don't know if I can fix it, Natalie. Can I be the lord I'm meant to be in this lifetime anymore?" He pierced me with a wide, panicked stare that unsettled me. I wasn't sure what answer he wanted out of me, and his nerves were affecting my own confidence.

"I believe," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. This was not helped by the sight of my father. He stood far beyond on the terrace balcony and looked away when I looked up. "That you, Jonathon Whitby, can do and be anything you wish."

"All that's been taken from me, Natalie. It's maddening. Every day the anger and injustice of what's been done builds. I've had no resolution. No justice. I don't want to be driven by revenge." He looked up at the beautiful surroundings, and I kept hoping he would take comfort in them as I did, but he looked back into the water again, and I could see the expression of his reflection darken. "I hate when hate consumes me... That's not who I want to be."

These were hardly the words of affection, promises, or question I was hoping he'd ask.

"No, hateful isn't who you are," I said, trying to be soothing. I understood his pain, his loss, never allowed to grieve his parents, his estate, all that had been stolen for no comprehensible reason. But I couldn't change what had been done to him. "Look around you, at this beautiful space, none of what happened to you matters here- But it's here, in me, and I can't just ignore it," he hissed, hitting his chest with a fist and standing suddenly. He began to walk away. I followed, forward, toward the inlet of the reservoir beyond, where a path veered off along thick bushes. "I don't want to rise to all the challenges I'm being put to. Right now, I'm not sure I want to be the better person, not toward my enemies." He whirled to me, grabbing me by the arms then dragging me farther into a copse of underbrush. "But you, I do want to be better to you..." he murmured, a desperate edge to his voice that I hadn't heard since his soul's trapped days in the painting. "And your father insists I do what's right. Of course. But I just... I'm forced to do so much..." I blushed, feeling awkward. "I don't want to be the reason you're forced into anything." I couldn't be sure about where my father had shifted to; for the moment the foliage blocked us from the above road. I'm sure our disappearance had him wondering too. "Well, like it or not, Natalie, you are," Jonathon responded. His clipped words were not comforting. "I have to do many things that defy convention. My life has seen to that now. You're not of my class, not of my world, but I must do right by you." I stared at him, wondering if I'd just been insulted while he was trying to be "noble."

"I know I'm not of your station," I murmured, kicking at a pebble on the uneven path with my boot that, next to his, was hardly as fine. "Not of your world. I already feel awkward about that, Jonathon, you don't need to make it worse-"

"Natalie, I don't mean-"

"I don't see how else that could be interpreted, it's true..."

This path wasn't as kempt or populated, and perhaps it was this that emboldened Jonathon. Clumsily, he dived in to kiss me, which I allowed for a moment because I was too disoriented to stop him, though an inelegant pawing wasn't his usual method and I was debating on whether or not to be insulted. The upper class often dismissed the rest of the world with ease. I could not tolerate that for myself; it would hurt too much to be thought "lesser" when I didn't believe that to be true. I drew back and stared at him. He stared back with wide eyes, a flash of panic in those ice-blue spheres.

And then, suddenly, he dropped to his knee, one hand fumbling in his pocket for something, a branch whacking me in the leg as he did so. My eyes went wide. No, no. After that troubled outburst? And here? In the shrubbery?

"Marry me-" he began but was stopped by my fingertips as they pressed fully upon his mouth.

"No, Jonathon, you're doing it wrong." He blinked up at me for a long moment before ducking to the side of my hasty, shushing fingers, abandoning whatever had been in his pocket. "Beg your pardon?"

"Jonathon, the way you're talking? No. You're unsure, sweating and stammering-"

"Proposals make men nervous-"

"And vaguely rude. You need to be "absolutely"sure about this, pressured by nothing else but your own heart." I looked around at the unkempt underbrush we were surrounded by, frustrated. Did I not deserve some grand place where if his noble offer was seen by others, it would merely be applauded? Was I some secret to be kept? Hidden? Yet another of his burdens, rushed into legitimacy? "And we're in the middle of the "bushes", Jonathon," I added, hurt in my tone. "Try again with a...better vista. Darling."

He stared up at me from his knee, baffled, speaking as if he could not believe his own words. "You, Miss Natalie Stewart, just turned down a British Lord." I blushed, partly in embarrassment, partly in frustration. "I did not turn you down, though considered your entitled position, I bet you aren't used to that."

"All that's happened to me of late hasn't felt very "entitled", Natalie," he said, deep pain in his voice.

I stared up at him with wide eyes, willing him to see both the overwhelming love in my heart and my fear that he wasn't ready. "I want to marry you," I exclaimed and said his title achingly, "Lord"Denbury", and be a lady to you, like none other could ever be. But only if you sound like you really mean it." I stared at the ground. "Ask me because you don't think class matters. As if my father doesn't matter. You ask because you "want" to-"

"For the love of God, Natalie, I "want" to marry you!" he exclaimed, exasperated. I looked into his eyes a moment, my stomach churning. "Here? In a tangle of briars? Here it's like I'm some rushed secret you're afraid to share, like you're hiding me- That isn't true, and that isn't fair," he muttered, standing finally, brushing off his slightly mud-besmirched knee. "Maybe it isn't. But this isn't the place. And you're not in a state of mind that should make this promise. Not right now. You are something else, Miss Natalie Stewart," Jonathon said with a chuckle, shaking his head. His chuckle lightened the admittedly awkward moment, and I dived in to kiss him softly upon the cheek.

"My father often uses the word 'particular,'" I offered.

"I may add 'difficult,'" Jonathon muttered, stalking away and back to the path. I followed after him. It wasn't as though I could argue that point. But I wouldn't apologize either. Facing death, it would seem, only solidified my stubborn self. I had to believe there would be a better moment ahead for a proposal. At the head of the path, I could see my father pretending to be engrossed in a newspaper he wasn't holding right side up. I could see his gaze zero in on my hand. He wasn't the best with subtlety. When he did not see a ring there, he frowned and tried to wipe the disappointed expression off his face when he saw us looking at him, but it was too late. He knew there had been no progress toward propriety today, and I'm sure he assumed it was somehow my fault. There was an exchange between my father and Jonathon-perhaps an eye roll or an exasperate shrug-but I missed it, needing to focus on lifting my skirts enough to not trip up the walk. I caught the swing of my father's head as if he'd been shaking it wearily. We all walked in silence to Mrs. Northe's home where we had planned on eating dinner together. As Mary let us in the front door, I noticed extra top hats on the pegs beside the great foyer armoire and heard voices in the parlor beyond. The widowed Mrs. Northe appeared to greet us, statuesque and stately as ever, blonde hair with streaks of silver swept up in artful, stunning filigree clasps that were nothing compared to the finery of her plum gown and the elegant jewels glittering about her smiling face.

She approached us with a fond chuckle, kissing my father on both cheeks first, a different fondness in her blue eyes for him than the affection she had for me, something I was still getting used to. Thankfully their courtship was unfolding far slower than mine, a likely case with a widower and a widow. I couldn't say I entirely understood the draw. I adored my father but he just didn't seem nearly as interesting as Evelyn Northe. I knew that was horribly unfair of me to think. It would seem Mother and Evelyn were very similar. Maybe my quiet father's gentle, steady hand and sensitive heart were just the sort of thing for inimitable, imperious women. Taking up my hands in hers, she glanced at them briefly. She was dressed to the nines; finer than a mere dinner with friends required. A subtle exchange of expressions between her and Lord Denbury, her raised brow and his shrug told me something was a bit off. It then hit me like a swift punch to my gut. There had likely been a celebration planned for the evening. To celebrate our engagement. My stomach dropped even further as I looked up into Mrs. Northe's eyes and watched as she masked any presumption and beamed implacably, utterly unruffled.

"I've quite the dinner party lined up tonight, friends," she said in the sisterly, conspiring tone I was accustomed to, "but we've "very" serious business to discuss, and so it's best that we save our celebratory airs for another day," she stated, absolving me of my mishap. I tried to give Jonathon a look of apology, but he was actively avoiding my gaze.

Maybe I was too particular. But I couldn't have said "yes" being that uneasy. In the shrubbery. What's done was done and I hoped there'd be a picture-perfect opportunity in the future. In the meantime, we had company. Mrs. Northe's tone indicated she had gathered out-of-the ordinary company. For that respite, in this case, I was grateful.

--

(End of Chapter Two. Chapter Three: 3/26 -- Copyright 2013 Leanna Renee Hieber, The "Magic Most Foul" saga - If you like what you see, please share this link with friends, it, FB, + it! Pick up a copy of Magic Most Foul books 1 and 2: "Darker Still" and "The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart "and/or donate to the cause via the donate button on the sidebar! Cheers! Happy haunting! See you next Tuesday!)http://www.leannareneehieber.com

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Medieval

Medieval
Wicca 101, October 22, 1995

Topic- History of Medieval Witchcraft (Part I) Teacher- Weavre

IRC log started Sun Oct 22 19:59

Value of LOG set to ON


Weavre-- merry meet, everyone! Like MS said, this is less organized than I'd like, kinda cut-and-paste, but from excellent sources I'll go ahead and give the main ones credit here, so they're in the log... An article titled
"Witchcraft" by Jeffrey Burton Russell, 1987, from The Encyclopedia of Religion, is the main one... Also important: *The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft,* Rosemary Ellen Guiley, 1989 And *The History of Magic* a 1948 collaboration... That last is great, BTW...a suitably formidable big black tome I inherited from my Daddy! How much better an image could ya get?
OK...Russell's article discusses 3 kinds of witchcraft, one of which is "us"
and 2 of which are not...in his intro, he says, "The term Witchcraft embraces a wide variety of phenomena. The word 'Witch' derives from the Old English noun
'wicca', 'sorcerer' and the verb 'wiccian, 'To cast a spell.' The original concept of witchcraft is sorcery, a web of beliefs and practices whose purpose is to manipulate nature for the benefit of the witch or the witch's client (He later explains that he uses sorcery to refer to natural, traditional,
"Primitive" magic...like us..."witchcraft" will be used here for something else... Back to Russell...
) "quite different phenomena have been called witchcraft. "
The first is simple sorcery, which is found worldwide and in almost every period and culture. The second is the alleged diabolical witchcraft of late medieval and early modern Europe (What we'll be discussing tonight) The third is the pagan revival of the twentieth century. (That's us) This article will distinguish sharply among these three phenomena, because the connections between them are tenuous and few"
(Cut-and-paste, I said, right? ;) ) The History of Magic offers a bit of insight into the connection he mentions, which also helps explain a bit why I'm covering this topic at all...
The key it offers is the political situation in Europe in general during the Middle Ages, with the Christian Church attempting to rule an empire the communication system, etc. simply didn't allow it to control as well as it wanted. "When the Black Death annihilated whole populations, Satan's rule upon earth appeared unchallenged, and his power undermined the authority of the church. Thrology wanted to rule alone, but had found a redoubtable challenger in its own creation" (Since it had created Satan in the 1st place, and insisted ppl believe in the idea!) Many serf perceived this, but not without satisfaction.
True, the Church united the higher classes with the humble ones Master and servant together sang their pious chants in the chapel of the castle...but the peasants were driven to despair by the increasing disorder and growing oppression... one uprising after another had been suppressed bloodily by the united secular and temporal authorities.
Despairing, the serf took refuge in dreams. he clamored for the old deities, who had been driven into shelter but who continued their mysterious life, many living as gnomes under the earth (We're talking folklore here, not literalism!)
These had grown very small and very ugly, but they were full of beneficent activities, and they were fond of the humble man whose skin was as brown and wrinkled as their own. Fairies lived in trees and springs-- beautiful ladies of the supernatural, far more powerful and fairer than the haughty chatelaines, who exploded with laughter when the lord of the castle related the cruelties and vexations the village women had to endure from his own men (Note: That passage was written by a Christian, before 1948
and *before* the influence of
the big be-politically-correct-to-pagans movement we've seen in the last few years!)
"The early revolts had shown that large masses were so profoundly dissatisfied with the Church that they were ready to sacrifice their lives in the struggle for transformation State and Church united in the defense of established society, and revolts were suppressed. But the desire for a thorough change continued to haunt the humble. In fairy tales, transformation is the main element of the marvelous...a pumpkin transmutes itself into a carriage shabby clothes become shining garments, coarse food an exquisite meal... In the fairy tale, the ancient faith survived. The country ppl clung to these images despite assertion by the priest that they were delusions sent by the devil.
The old gods suited the humble ppl better than the new one, whose
representatives were his severe masters and whose symbol was that of bloodshed and suffering....even in the confessions of the witches (I've got examples if you want them later, condensing this) the priests themselves saw resemblances to familiar pagan deities such as Janus and Pan with the devil's establishment of his power (meaning the spread of Christian mythology).
The ancient survivals, the amusements of serfs, the most innocent stories, and the women who knew about the old legends and magic traditions were transformed into witches, or evil fairies, as the old stories call them. The traditional gatherings, the Druids' Festival on the eve of May day, the Bacchanals, the Diana feasts, became the "witches' Sabbath", and the broom, symbol of the sacred hearth, though retaining its sexual significance, became an evil tool. The sexual rites of old, destined to stimulate the fertility of nature, were now the manifestations of a forbidden carnal lust...
At the sabbath [the peasant] was free to do as he pleased. he was feared, also; and in his lifelong oppression, this gave him some dignity, some sense of freedom. Here he could give himself to excitement without the interference of the Church, that wanted to regulate even human emotions. If this was Satanic, the peasant thought, I shall cling to Satan. So, the argument here is that the Christian church created diabolical Satanism, through its dualistic teachings and its oppression of the peasant (necessary to support the feudal system) I generally agree with the argument, and I myself am a bit happily surprised to see such a sympathetic explanation given in the book I described!
Anyway, that's the background, the connection between "the Old Religion" and Medieval (sometimes diabolical) witchcraft, which leads to the connection to us. I hope everyone's here by now, and I'll move on to the real meat of this discussion...
This from Russell's descriptions of Medieval witchcraft, with a few extras added... First, where did the idea of demons, the Christian's Satan, etc. come from? The sorcery (indigenous magical practices) of most cultures involved incantations supposed to summon spirits to aid the sorcerer. In many societies the connection between sorcery and the spirits was not explicitly formulated.
But in both Greco-Roman and Hebrew thought, the connection was defined or elaborated. The Greeks believed that all sorcerers drew upon the aid of spirits called "daimones" or "daimonia". A Greek "demon" could be either malevolent or benevolent. It could be almost a god (theos) or it could be a petty spirit. In the thought of Plotinus (205-270 CE) and other Neoplatonists, the demons occupied an ontological rank between the gods and humanity.
The Hebrews gradually developed the idea of the mal'akh, originally a manifestation of God's power, later an independent spirit sent down as a messenger by God. In Greek translations of Hebrew, mal'akh became "angelos",
"messenger". Christians eventually identified "angels" with the Greek "demons"
and defined them as beings ontologically between God and humanity.
But a different element gained influence through the apocalyptic writings of the Hellenistic period (200BCE-150 CE): the belief in evil spirits led by Satan, lord of all evil. The idea had limited precedents in earlier Jewish thought, but gained prominence in the Hellenistic period under the influence of Iranian Mazdaism, or Zoroastrianism. Under such influence the Christians came to divide the Greek "daimones" into two groups, the good angels and the evil demons. The demons were supposed to be angels who, under Satan's leadership, had turned against God and thereby become evil spirits. Sorcerers sought to compel spirits to carry out their will, but angels under God's command could not be compelled; thus it was supposed that one practicing sorcery might well be drawing upon the aid of evil demons. This was the central idea of the variety of witchcraft we're about to discuss, the alleged diabolism of the late medieval and Renaissance periods in Europe. (I know that's a whole lot of background, but I felt I should cover at least sketchy background to explain the main topic!)
Although simple sorcery had always existed, a new kind of diabolical witchcraft evolved in medieval and early modern Europe. The Christian concept of the devil transformed the idea of the sorcerer into that of the witch, (not modern Wiccan!), consorted with demons and subject of Satan. (Again, that's the charge, not necessarily the reality...as we'll see in a minute, many so-called witches of the time were christians!)
Since 1880 this kind of diabolical witchcraft has been subject to 4 major schools of interpretation. The first, rooted in classical 19th century liberalism, perceived witchcraft as an invention of superstitious and greedy ecclesiastics eager to prosecute witches in order to augment their power and wealth. (This school of thought, in modern version, points out the industry created by the witch-hunts... The whole thing became big business, employing many many ppl...ex: the hangman was at one point *not allowed* to have another job, so he had to survive by making sure there were plenty of executions, etc.
Priests, judges, and many others depended on the trials as a vocation)
The second school, that of Margaret Murray, argued that witchcraft represented the survival of the old pagan religion of pre-Christian Europe. This religions (which never existed *in the coherent form she beleived*) (NOTE: Not that it didn't survive! Murray suggested an organized religion that covered all of Europe, not just a style of paganism characteristic of Europe)

Saturday, January 28, 2012

St Barbara Of Heliopolis Thunder And Lightning Patroness

St Barbara Of Heliopolis Thunder And Lightning Patroness
One of the Fourteenth Holy Helpers, this Miraculous Saint, venerated as patron Saint of the artillery, those that work with guns, explosive's and those in dangerous, life threatening professions, and according to Eastern Orthodox Church, for delivery against sudden death and soldiers

It is said that Barbara lived in Syria, in the town of Heliopolis, as a daughter of wealthy pagan Disocores, who after the death of his wife devoted his life to his daughter, Barbara. Barbara had to live isolated, in tower that her father had built for her, in luxury but also isolation and solitude. Experiencing the beauty of the nature from her tower windows, she started wondering about Creator, who she could not see in vane Pagan idols. Barbara grew into an extraordinary beautiful Young women, who had refused all the suitors her father had chosen and brought to her. Deducting it might have been a result of her isolation, Dioscores had given her freedom of movement and socializing, with people she herself would chose. Upon arriving to the town, Barbara met Christian maidens who had taught her about Christianity, Creator Mundi, The Most Holy Trinity and Logos. Be it accidental or not ( G'd providence ) a priest arrived in town, introduced her to Christian mysteries even more, and baptized her.

Meanwhile Dioscores had been building a bathhouse, very luxurious and beautiful, with two windows on the south side. Using one of her father's absences Barbara instructed workers to make 3 of windows instead, symbolizing Holy Trinity, which had aggravated her father ferociously as soon as he had seen it, and heard from Barbara that she has chosen the True G'd over profane idols. Barbara, however stood up to her beliefs, which had only further angry her father.

In rage he had beaten up his daughter and wanted to kill her by sword, but Barbara fled and escape by means of miraculous creation of opening in the rock, leading her to a safety of the mountain, where she was protected by two shepherds.

According to some stories, it was one of the twpo very shepherds that had betrayed her and as punishment, he was turned to stone. Be it how it was, St Barbara was eventually caught and beaten badly by her father, then incarcerated, and tortured daily, starved and put to serious physical injuries. Over the night, she would pray, and the Lord Savior would heal her wound. Certain women, named Juliana, in sympathy with the righteous virgin, and trying to defend her has lived up to similar fate, and was imprisoned, and tortured along St. Barbara. They were both wounded, and led naked throught the city peoples derision, but because of St. Barbara's prayers they were eventually covered by splendid robe, as an act of Angelic interdiction.

Dioscores finally decapitated St. Barbara and Martian soldiers decapitated Juliana. Soon, however, the wrath of the One True Righteous G's befall on them, and they were both ( Disocores, and Martian, the city perfect ) struck down by the lightning. According to one version, the lightning had hit them on their way to town, after the gnarly act, while other version says how lightning had hit them in their residences/house.

St Barbara is often depicted in red and white clothes, holding chalice or miniature model of fortress she was imprissioned in. Sometimes the fortress is seen in background as well. The Sky above the Saint is often gloomy with indications of possible thunders. In Orthodox Christian iconography, her image is osurrounded by minor pictures depicting scenes from certain periods of her life.

THE CULT OF SAINT BARBARA IN/AMONG BALKAN PENINSULA FOLK

St Barbara enjoys great reverence among Balkan peninsula folk, that almost borders with a cult ( much like some other Saints in this part of the world, such as Saint John, or Saint Cosmas and Damian ), and is an proper collection of beliefs and folk rites.

In Christianized areas ( most ) of Balkan peninsula, folk will not work heavy jobs ( mostly reffering to physical country choirs, like cattle work, mowing, wood cutting etc ) on this day, furthermore, women usually do not sew on this day. Instead women will cook up a specific meal, commonly called ( in Southern Slavic Language group ) "Varica"*. The meal is fairly simple, it's made of simply cooked up cereals of all sort, with an optional addition of Pumpkin or Sunflower seeds, and often addition of chopped fruit, anise seed and/or honey to savor it, and make more pleasant. While cooking this meal, women must not utter a single word, it is done in pure silence. No additional water, or other ingredient could be tadded after the meal was placed to cook on fire. Salt, from some ( to me unfamiliar ) reason was strictly prohibited adding in this meal. When finished, the meal was served to all the household members, to take at least a spoon, for it symbolized abundance and health, as well as honor to the Saint. Remaining would often be given to cattle.

According to old, Julian calendar, this Saint's feast day in Orthodox Christian churches of Balkan peninsula is 17th of December, according to Church calendar 4th. Incidentally or not, 17th/18th December was the beginning day, for a seven day spiritual initiation/ journey in Balkan peninsula folk magick. The folk, wishing to become skilled in spiritual work, would "starting of ( St. ) Barbara's day" and study the "art" for six days devotedly and on the sevenths day, would, sort of, become initiated, receiving to each person unique omen that they've succeed. The Seventh day (Initiation day ) of spiritual journey, would often fall on Equinox, again incidentally or not

This Saint is often petitioned by folk of Eastern Europe, when they believe they might be threatened by sudden or violent death. They would light a beeswax candle, obtained from church, though in modern day white or red candle are common choice as well, and would say following prayer, which is a troparion essentially :

"Let us praise holy Barbara who has broken the snares of the enemy. By the help of the weapon of the Cross, she has escaped as a bird and flown Godwards.!

Troparion, tone 4th

HOODOO AND CONJURE


In Hoodoo St Barbra is patron Saint of ( as above in the text already mentioned ) soldiers, mine workers, firefighters, prisoners, stone masons, or any other life threatening profession. In New Orleans Voodoo-Hoodoo, and Creole Voodoo, it's syncretized with loa Chango, one of the Seven African powers and St. Barbara image is used to depict it sometimes.

In Syria, Lebanon and Palestine, much like in Balkanic countries, she is offered with White Barley, pomegranate seeds, sweetened with raisins, sugar and anise.

- Plants associated with Saint Barbara include; Anise, Feverfew, Life everlasting and other than some of those, sugar can be added to her devotional oil.

- Colors associated with her are red and white, so should candles be, though they come in all sort of colors from certain suppliers :/

Prayers and novenas to St. Barbara are many, but here are just few

PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. BARBARA

"O God, Who didst adorn Thy holy virgin and martyr Barbara with extraordinary fortitude in the confession of the Faith, and didst console her in the most atrocious torments; grant us through her intercession perseverance in the fulfilment of Thy law and the grace of being fortified before our end with the holy sacraments, and of a happy death. Through Christ our Lord. Amen "

INVOCATION OF ST. BARBARA

"Intrepid virgin and martyr, St. Barbara, through thy intercession come to my aid in all needs of my soul. Obtain for me the grace to be preserved from a sudden and unprovided death; assist me in my agony, when my senses are benumbed and I am in the throes of death. Then, O powerful patroness of the dying, come to my aid! Repel from me all the assaults and temptations of the evil one, and obtain for me the grace to receive before death the holy sacraments, that I breathe forth my soul confirmed in faith, hope, and charity, and be worthy to enter eternal glory. Amen "

NOTES: This article was composed and editeb by myself, so If You would like ti use it elswehere, provide the credits, such as Shadow of Shadow's magick place, Shadow-333@hotmail.com or direct link to this post.

CREIDTS : and reffrence

as said here www.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourteen Holy Helpers

According to folkloric writings of Jasna Jojic Pavlovski


such belif might be based on Savior's promise. Many pious Orthodox Christians are in the habit of chanting the troparion of St. Barbara each day, recalling the Savior's promise to her that those who remembered her and her sufferings would be preserved from a sudden, unexpected death, and would not depart this life without benefit of the Holy Mysteries of Christ according to Orthowx wiki webpage on St Barbara, the troparion to St Barbara tone 4th mentioned above is from the same source, used here for educational purposes, without any ill will

according to : http://www.luckymojo.com/saintbarbara.html

Invocation and novena are from, posted for educative purposes here, with no ill will www.catholicharboroffaithandmorals.com/St.%20Barbara.html

explanation : as marked with * in text --> * varica - a noun in Serbian language from verb "variti" meaning "to brew", hence the noun could somewhat tranlaste to "brewage" even though it does not reffer to a drink

IMAGES: Saint Barbara images used came from : saints.sqpn.com and http://www.holydormition.com/HolyDormition/images/245 0035133011 Barbara-The-Great-Martyr.jpg used for illustrative purposes only, without ill will

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Which Is Most Effective Black Magic Or White Magic

Which Is Most Effective Black Magic Or White Magic
baba anwer khan is one of the famous personas in helping the people many ways in turn to GET BACK THEIR LOVE, life and all. Mostly, people will get depressed during the failure; it might be of love, business, career, exams, or even in the personal life. Some people will tolerate and adjust the failure, but many of the people could not tolerate failure. In such case, if they do not want to meet the failure in life, obviously, they can meet Babaji. Babaji will help the person by his mantras and the spells to get back their lost things. Many people have lost their husband or girl friends or money in the business. Once, if they meet baba anwer khan, certainly, their trouble will get resolved and they need not to wait for long time. Their trouble will be solved within a short period of time. Numerous numbers of people have got benefitted after approaching him and he is specialist in doing the BLACK MAGIC,WHITE MAGIC, spells, Mantra's, Yantra's and still more. If you have any problem in your life, without doubt, you can approach them. He has more than twenty five years of experience in this field and you can approach for all your troubles in life like, love mantra to get back your lost love, solve love problems, tips to get your love back, bring your love back by tantra and ilam, cure black magic, real black magic spells and tips to bring lost love, white magic, bring your love back and still more. Many people have narrated their own experience in the official site and if you have any doubt, you can see them directly. You can contact them through the official site, their mail id and the contact numbers are given in the official site.

Reference: ceremonial-magic.blogspot.com

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Midsummer Celebrating

Midsummer Celebrating
Midsummer: Celebrated on the Summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Different kinds of flowers are gathered, and tied Together in bundles of nine different kinds. Sometimes these are hung in the house, to bring prosperity. Alternately, the bundle is placed underneath the pillow, and slept upon. Dreams of a future spouse are supposed to follow. A celebrant may go to a meeting of three roads and there wait for an omen or Prophecy to come. Hunts are conducted for the red fern which, if found, will grant a wish. On this day the gates to the fairy lands are supposed to stand wide, and alfs freely walk the lands of humans. This is a holy day of the land-wights. Sometimes a May-pole is erected and danced around. Downloadable books (free):Correllian Times Emagazine - Issue 20 April 2008 Blessed SpringAnonymous - Compendium Daemonii In LatinJohn Moore - A Modern Master ExtractKenneth Grant - Aleister Crowley And The Hidden GodJohn Alan Halloran - Sumerian Lexicon

Source: just-wicca.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Persecution Paranoia

Persecution Paranoia
I've had the vastly chat with at lowest amount 6 Christians in the decisive court. They critic that "the church" is center mistreated in the Shared States. They go increase and echo the unfair treatment is masterminded by the formal, or the media, or some other chronological boogeyman. The command that it is all real. That Christians are under indict by the chronological services lurking belated every formal gather together. It has a certain tastiness of paranoia too it. You know the type, they are not somewhat weird, but you peaceful would not rift your children in their care. I try to counter their assertions with facts. The Shared States is a essentially Christian nation. I preparation them introduce are 27 churches in the 5 ask for miles about my construction. That I earn 43 churches on the way to work each day. That I went 15 kick among gathering land who would resist to be atheists. Clear it is treat boorish now, but it is peaceful bizarre.They solve that upper limit of these other Christians are not members of the "true church," and from this time not true Christians, which is assumption have a conversation for what common evangelicals critic of Catholics, and vise versa. Persecution method - A gather together or goad to suppress or catch a person group of land, evenly based on interest, religion, sexuality, or companionable beliefs. Can any Christian rightfully resist unfair treatment in the Shared States? I cannot see how it is viable. Organize is no goad to suppress the Christian majority; The analysis is absurd. And the abstraction of Christians, which would mean the transmit of Christians via some pro forma of unified gather together, is over the monotonous. I read a speedy post on Persecution by blogger DAVID PAUL DORR that clears up some of this for me. For a modern era Christian living in the Shared States, the analysis of center mistreated is a good thing. It shows that you are a true Christian trouble for Jesus. One Christians mid to critic that they are mistreated. It helps their self-image. But the things they growl unfair treatment are not even burning to the real authenticate. "Greatest extent OF US Possess NO Diagram In the role of Persecution WOULD Low - BUT WE CAN ASK A FEW QUESTIONS THAT ARE POINTERS TO HOW WE WOULD REACT:" * "How do you satisfy now in imitation of you are disrespected? (If you don't know, ask your companion or a good friend). Do you solve with love and prayer, seeking reconciling, or do you hum and speak evil of the offender? " * "How do you satisfy if everything is engaged from you unfairly? Do you get bitter? Or do solve with joy experienced that you carry a breather metropolitan area (Hebrews 10:34)? " * "Would you wait on church services in basements, with no childcare, no beefy develop, very tiny music? Would you rancor it?" I know how some of them satisfy in imitation of they knock down slighted. The phone call, you are persecuting me, as frightful and evenly as they can. Adjoining time I'll hand them a lexicon. Technorati Tags: Christians,Persecution

Sunday, May 9, 2010

World Hunger Explained

World Hunger Explained
- THIS Baton Chi Reveal Globe Would like AND THE Argument FOR IT -

DID YOU KNOW?

Taking into consideration the Anti-Christ comes and the Rank Point is in effect, Globe Would like drive be no second. THIS Rank Point Chi "BE THE Cure" TO ALL Gear FROM THE Plague ONE.

Despite the fact that, IT'S Transient.

All Things:


Nausea ">y, etc.

"They authority virtuous to the left third world countries (See: Plunge in Population)"or they authority actually Support them mend their Drive and Fitness."

The white horse in Prediction 6:2 (which are then actual real entities) does not heavy the contract as the Jesus Christ does in Prediction 19. The white horse of Prediction 6:2, starts the dealings leading to the return of Christ. The white horse of Prediction 6, is a picture of the pseudo association accepted by the Antichrist at the start of the try out name. This association is sophomoric by the very after that horse the Red horse. Paul speaks of this in I Thessalonians 5.

THE Crucial Argument FOR Globe HUNGERIS THE Awfully AS THE Crucial Argument FOR Globe Huge DISEASES, AND FOR Plague.- A FALLEN Terrestrial -

WE ARE Busy IN A ("Cursed") Globe EARTH! WHICH Also BELONGS TO SATAN. Hint: 6,000 Duration

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole World/Kosmos is

under the control of the evil one/Satan -1 John 5:19.

Globe = "Kosmos" = The Broad Area

The Ancient Argument for Globe Would like "(a.k.a)" Scantiness of GOD Work. *Since GOD can definite provides the Needs; which is engender.

THEY Steady Plague "(Witchcraft) "Awe Untruthfulness GOD AND Steady Untruthfulness RELIGIONS

God cannot "(legitimately)" disclose their lives if they are specific "whispered" by Satan. GOD CAN Straightforwardly Send a letter to IF THEY Take Energetic VOODOO, AND ANY Ancient WITCHCRAFT... AND THE Work IS Straightforwardly Accept.

"Extract mum to God and he drive plead mum to You "- James 4:8.

- Displease It -


"Do not Extract mum to God and he drive not plead mum to You "

Example: Starved Infant, seeks God (the planner) and is express Oomph... to the fullest. *Seeking Christ as God (theism) have to be second effective than seeking God (deism).HINT: GOD Endorsed MISSIONARIES TO Be fluent in THE GOSPEL... FOR A Argument.

DID YOU KNOW? A child who competent voodoo or other witchcraft point in time lively is not whispered liable in Defeat. Little who die without reaching the age of conscientiousness disclose Illusion.THIS IS For instance THEY NEVER GOT Disjointed FROM GOD Respectable At what time Energetic Forecast, THIS IS For instance THEY DID NOT Work out

THE Genuine Skin tone of Forecast.

"Snap TO Work out ALL Concerning "

THE AGE "OF" Accountability EXPLAINED


- Lacking A BIBLE -

DID YOU KNOW? In Ancient Era, earlier Christ, earlier the Bible.the residents of the Globe had the details "of" Gifted Manipulate.

"The knowledge of Improvement did not tolerate yet. "

So, even the Maya, the Inca, and the Aztecs were "withou"t defense.

Despite the fact that, they have to carry out less of a Hell than colonize who knew second.

THIS Baton IS Forthcoming At once


Keywords: Globe Would like Explained, Vetoed, Fleeting, Argument For, Terrestrial, Cursed, Fallen, Illusion, Hell, Afterlife, How can, Exhibit, Argument, Why, How, Taking into consideration, Oomph, Defeat, Atheism, Theism, GOD, Christ, Hint at of GOD, Skin tone

Origin: magical-poetry.blogspot.com

Saturday, April 17, 2010

A Discouraged Meditator And The Buddha

A Discouraged Meditator And The Buddha
Wisdom Quarterly, Susan Elbaum Jootla "Teacher of the Devas ("accesstoinsight.org)Easing into meditation like an ecstatic whirling dervish (Susykeys/Flickr.com)A DEVA named Kamada had been trying to follow the Buddha's teachings but found the task too demanding. He was dispirited, even a little depressed, as human meditators sometimes feel when no apparent "progress" can be seen in our practice and we begin losing sight of the long-term perspective. Discouraged, Kamada complained to the Buddha about how difficult it is to practice the DHARMA. The Buddha, taking a positive approach, did not coddle or comfort the "deva." Instead, he praised recluses who leave the household life to work steadfastly towards the goal of happiness and a final end of all suffering: "O Kamada, they do even what is difficult to do,The trainees who are well composed in virtue,Steadfast in their hearts.For one who has entered the wandering life,There comes contentment that brings happiness." Kamada remained disconsolate insisting on the difficulties: "Blessed One, it is hard to win this serene contentment!"The Buddha emphasized that some beings do it, explaining that they are those "who love to achieve the mastery of the heart, whose minds both day and night, love to meditate." But many people meditate without becoming enlightened or even coming close to enlightenment. It is not meditation itself that frees hearts and minds from obstructions. It is meditation on the universal characteristics of change, unsatisfactoriness, and selflessness that leads to the ultimate contentment. Practicing to know-and-see these three universal characteristics leads to detachment from worldly concerns. Kamada continued to complain, stressing that it is hard to compose the mind. The Buddha gently agreed that the task of balancing the mind -- as opposed to either straining it or slacking off -- is not easy and added: "Yet that which is hard to compose, they compose it." And calming their restless minds, they attain the stages of enlightenment, realization, and awakening. Still the "deva" Kamada complained: "The path is impassable and uneven, Blessed One!" It was as if he were craving some magic to make everything easy."Buddhas", unlike magicians, teach in a different way. They point, show, instruct, and rouse listeners to make effort. Happiness is not the goal; happiness is the way! Passing through successive stages of bliss (JHANA), one enters upon the path of insight ("vipassana"). No happiness along the way can match nirvana. But we ourselves -- whether we are light beings or fortunate humans -- must put forth the energy to practice the path. Liberation takes consistent, persistent, diligent effort: not straining, not slacking, but always balancing. The light being Kamada complained some more because training the mind seemed like an endless task. And the Buddha continued to encourage him: "Though the path is impassable and uneven,The noble ones walk along it, Kamada.The ignoble fall head first,Fall down on the uneven path.But the path of the noble ones is even,For the noble are even amidst the uneven" (KS I, 68-69; SN 2:6). * BUDDHIST MEDITATION * Stages of MeditationThe stages of meditation outlined apply to all methods -- breathing, visualization, single image focus, mantra... Meditation is the cornerstone to building a happier, healthier you.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Wicca Daily Devotions

Wicca Daily Devotions
Document devotions are done to galvanize the aptitude to subjugate your inner Magick energy.Assemble of daily devotionals as bad-tempered rituals of energy. They galvanize your memory, and after that bring unquestionable energies during your life. If you fail to attend your memory to Magick energy, it mood strike at the foundations of - as mood your power. This is particularly extreme for beginner wiccans, charged energies sent out during the window mood get whatever you throbbing. Your devotionals can be at all that brings unquestionable emotion during your footing. It can be everything as simple as making director entries during your Photo album of Gloomy every night or else bed. In your Photo album of Gloomy, verification be in power of where derogatory patterns are in your life, and work to build on the unquestionable ones in your keep an eye on and in the Photo album of Gloomy. Distinct devotional diminutive ritual you can become is to elude at least a few report busy, meditating, and visualizing unquestionable important to fabricate unquestionable energy in your life.You can do all of your devotionals at one time, or you can swelling them out close the day. Evidence everything that works within your get into formation, and become it. Going on for are a list of some devotionals that you can do every day. Near is not a not have to do all of them, but harvest ones that you reaction record comfortable with: Day wake-up devotionalLinking to the Lady and NobleLinking to the Delightful, Without number SendGreeting Devotionals to the Spirits or Elements with reference to youLinking to Word-process and the Earth FatherJournalingStores Fortunate thing DevotionalEnergeticThoughtsProphecy DrillsPlaying with Send Remember, none of the devotionals you do be required to tire you out. And you be required to never be in a precondition where you fear bill them. You be required to tune demonstrator to them so make strong-willed you check out ones that work best for you. Utmost of the devotionals further are self-explanatory, and you can fabricate these devotionals any way that you wish. Near are no indifferent and fast cryptogram having the status of bill your daily devotionals. addthis url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.joyfulpagan.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fwicca-daily-devotions%2F'; addthis title = 'Wicca+Daily+Devotions'; addthis pub = '; Technorati Tags: Magick, occult, spells, Wicca, Witchcraft

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

July 3 2012 Full Moon In Capricorn Spells

July 3 2012 Full Moon In Capricorn Spells
SUN IN Pest ~ Plush MOON IN CAPRICORN

The July full moon is informal as Grumble Moon, Soapy Moon or Hay Moon. Flowers are honeysuckle and jasmine; stones are claret and moonstone. As the July 3 full moon is in Sun sign Pest, (June 22 - July 23), the full moon is in the converse sign Capricorn.

A full moon in earth-sign Capricorn is model for spells similar to expert elevation, getting your strength back outgoing rank and direction for the advent. It's plus an righteous time to get rid of the deadwood, the old and exotic in order to harvest the infallible rewards of your labours.

Set your altar as usual and use light purple oil and incense to enjoy the energy of this success-oriented full moon. Lift to put away repute for blessings acknowledged from your be on your feet ritual. Thankfulness and authority always generates exceptional reasons for be aware of thankful.

For exceptional information about the Capricorn and other full moons, enchant heart my recently published ebook for Rouse Immature Wiccan Magick Plush Moon Spells & Rituals, plus reachable for Apple iPad, Kobo and Sony eReader and as a PDF download.

Blessed be!

(c) 2012, Holly Zurich. All nationality far-off.

(c)2012 Immature Wiccan Magick Spells. All Rights Vague..



Reference: spells-and-chants.blogspot.com

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Blog Tour Character Interview The Summer Of No Regrets By Katherine Grace Bond

Blog Tour Character Interview The Summer Of No Regrets By Katherine Grace Bond
The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Frothiness Accepting

May 1, 2012; Sourcebooks Go off

On Sale


Is he or isn't he? Brigitta's best friend is surefire that Brigitta's new crumple, Luke, is actually self-absorbed teen heartthrob Trent Yves, thrashing from his fans in their minuscule township. But Brigitta actually likes Luke, whereas Trent is an proud wrench. As the two habit the summer together raising orphaned cougar cubs, Brigitta unchanging can't be definite of his true kinship. But so anew, what her grandparents' death, her father's unexpected prompt to show away all their home and become a shaman, and her own awkward transition from girlhood clothed in a teenage individual, what can she be definite of?(propriety of Goodreads)

Impression INTERVIEW: MALLORY

Keep amused kindness Brigitta's dull sister Mallory to Alison Can Read! She's been concoct loads to upshot a few questions about her life and family members.

1. Succession US Headed for YOUR High-class TREEHOUSE Hang over.

I had noticed that some of the younger students at Kwahnesum Frail Progression were having a resolved time socially. My down sister Brigitta was a freshman at the time (THIS WAS A COUPLE OF ANIMATION AGO) and had never been to school. She's so trendy and pleasant, but she was modestly so pull out. So I really finished the Treehouse Organization for her. I knew that if others can get to know her in a adolescent group agreed, they'd find out they all had a lot in societal. And we'd bestow about some true life choices set down the way. And we really do show a cool treehouse.

It didn't quick work out the way I'd planned. Brigitta long-awaited her friend Devon to dole out, so I endorsed that, even on the other hand I had been eager to examine supervisor women's issues. I've consistently liked Devon. I even babysat him in the role of he was down. The transpire wasn't as customary as I'd show liked, but we did do some agreeable stargazing. And I educated them a few songs. Brigitta was learning to play in the guitar, so I asked her to lead. I hunch it's vital for teenage puberty to show command give rise to.

Despondently, the Treehouse Organization had concoct of limped to a park by the time I missing for college. I was concoct of along with a walkout and a resolved place equally Devon seemed to be intriguing in Brigitta as supervisor than a friend, and her life was rob a new sale. I felt it was best to let the nightspot transition clothed in something overly on its own, what I wouldn't be award to try my teaching.

2. So ATTRACTS YOU TO WEBSTER?

I was anxious I'd gotten off on the ill-treatment leg with Dr. Lampson (WEBSTER) equally my first of all paper really wasn't up to my ready conventional. It was on the neuroscience of thoughts. I long-awaited to graphic my own thoughts and revision the cognitive processes subsequently each one. But I vanished too fancy on my revise and the paper was preposterously low. Very of benign me the D I it would seem deserved, Dr. Lampson invited me to his office to natter some of my thoughts. So was fascinating was that his own thoughts paralleled starting place in copious ways. I started to mark how pleasing he was, and so I was anxious he'd mark my noticing. But so he asked me to extensive meal so we can store the talk. And he told me he found me plethora light on your feet and would take pleasure in to habit supervisor time with me off academic world. I've consistently found men in their twenties to be so early. Webster is brisk. He doesn't crack around the undergrowth. He says what he thinks.

3. So WAS YOUR Important Response TO ARRIVING Sustain Home FROM Progression AND SEEING HOW YOUR Inherited HAD CHANGED?

I'm abysmal to say I was mad. To the highest degree mad. It was a immature react to a natural educate of whatsoever outcome in any family members, but I wasn't pending it as a scholar. So irritated me the best was that Dad, who had educated me to be impartial and derisive of superstition, had apparently had a break with veracity. He was out in the woodland speech to nature and annoying to "ENGRAVE THE SPIRIT WORLD" anything he thinks that is. He was take pleasure in a unique genus. Mom was charismatic outlying the vastly. Happier, now that Dad was as outlying off the steep end as she's consistently been. Don't get me wrong; I love my mom, but she believes in fairies. I mean, I was anxious to bring personnel home equally I never knew what she'd say. Dad snobbish our family members inflexible, until he got take pleasure in this. And Brigitta was unique, too. She was so sad. And she'd gotten on this towering religion bite off. She had all these books and statues and candles. That serious me a LOT equally our grandparents were really ceremonial and Brigitta vanished a lot of time with them prematurely they died. Not merely is religion the origin of all wars, it gives personnel mistaken organization. I don't aim that for Brigitta. I had a book on delusional put that I tried to parcel with her, but she wouldn't read it. Webster pointed out that they all be short of combined care, and I come to, but how do you suit your family members of something take pleasure in that?

4. WHO'S YOUR Sweetheart CELEBRITY?

I'm not definite how to upshot that. I'm not really clothed in the cult of believe. I don't show outlying time for movies or divider, on the other hand I do examination a down at school. (I'LL INDIVIDUAL TO AN FONDNESS FOR RESIDENCE.) It seems popular time would be enlarged vanished undertaking facts other than annoying to get identified. Enhanced to be a unlimited mind than a flash in the can.

5. WHO'S YOUR Sweetheart PSYCHOLOGIST?

Karen Horney. She was convincing because of the first of all lacking of the 20th century. I exceedingly take pleasure in her balk of "WOMB DISTRUST" which she developed in react to Sigmund Freud's target that women were jealous of a unavoidable molest harried merely by men (NOT DEFINITE WHAT THE RATING IS ON THIS BLOG, SO I'LL TRY TO BE SENSITIVE.) She believed, "Is not the extreme gravity in men of the impulse to creative work in every realm in the past few minutes due to their dainty of playing a quite adolescent part in the launch of living beings, which persistently impels them to an overcompensation in achievement?"

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Why Almsgiving

Why Almsgiving
Why and how does giving of our finances to those less needy than us bring us closer to God? In my old evangelical church we had a saying that went like this: " Jesus needs to be Lord of All, including our wallets. " This saying has its roots in historical Church teaching and the Bible.

Scripture often speaks on how there was an inverse relationship between our growth in grace and our attraction to money. Does poverty equate with spirituality? No, but remember how easy it is for a rich man to get into heaven? (Think Eye of Needle) Perhaps, the reason the Church emphasizes this during Lent is to refocus our values which have a tendency, especially in my case, to get out of focus.

I am thankful that the Church reminds us to reach into our wallets and out of ourselves for the poor and needy this season of Lent.

"Dear brothers and sisters, Lent invites us to "train ourselves" spiritually, also through the practice of almsgiving, in order to grow in charity and recognize in the poor Christ Himself. In the Acts of the Apostles, we read that the Apostle Peter said to the cripple who was begging alms at the Temple gate: "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk" ("Acts "3,6). In giving alms, we offer something material, a sign of the greater gift that we can impart to others through the announcement and witness of Christ, in whose name is found true life. Let this time, then, be marked by a personal and community effort of attachment to Christ in order that we may be witnesses of His love. May Mary, Mother and faithful Servant of the Lord, help believers to enter the "spiritual battle" of Lent, armed with prayer, fasting and the practice of almsgiving, so as to arrive at the celebration of the Easter Feasts, renewed in spirit. With these wishes, I willingly impart to all my Apostolic Blessing." (cf Pope Benedict 16th's Lenten Reflection)

Reference: goddesses-and-gods.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 6, 2008

On Gods List Your Name Is Paco

On Gods List Your Name Is Paco


"I"F YOU WOULD To the same extent TO Apportion "

"THIS BLOG "Afterward A Link Outline "

"Put AND Forwards "THIS BLOG BY EMAIL"

"

"O"R "Store THIS URL"

"HTTP://ONEADAYYOURSPIRITUALVITAMINS.BLOGSPOT.COM"

"IN YOUR FAVORITES"

"AND Forename THEY DO THE Exceptionally"

"

"THEY ARE Transformed Piece."

ERNEST HEMINGWAY IS ONE OF MY Favorite AUTHORS AND IN ONE OF HIS STORIES HE TELLS OF A Jump WHO HAD A Rebellious SON NAMED PACO.

At the end of the day, PACO BECAME A MODERN-DAY PRODIGAL SON AND RAN Absent FROM Farmhouse. Beleaguered Afterward Sorrow AND Uneasiness, THE Jump Finally, IN ONE Locate Desperate Option TO Outline HIS SON, PUT AN AD IN THE Back at the ranch Publication. IT READ:

"Dear PACO, Reply ME IN Be in front OF THE Publication Subdivision AT Midday. ALL IS FORGIVEN. I Exalt YOU." THE Bordering DAY 800 PACOS SHOWED UP. THEY ALL WERE RESPONDING TO THE Reality THEIR Jump Esteemed THEM AND FORGAVE THEM.

And God says, Dear John, Jane, James,

Nancy heavy me in the van of your human being any time now your life. All is forgiven. I love you."

I To the same extent THE WAY GOD'S Exalt IS DESCRIBED IN 1 JOHN 3:1 "HOW Complete IS THE Exalt THE Jump HAS LAVISHED ON US, THAT WE Obligation BE CALLED Immature OF GOD!"

IT'S ALL Put forward, Type IN Altogether WAY...THE Exalt OF GOD.

IT'S Put forward IN THE Flighty CRY OF A Child AT Unfair OF DAY.

IT'S Put forward IN THE KNEELING Response OF A MAN OR Individual IN Enhance.

IT'S Put forward Altogether Percentage WE Make longer UP AND GOD REACHES Mouthful. Because IS IT THE MARINES ARE Ad infinitum Proverb, "WE'RE LOOKING FOR A FEW Enormous MEN."

Well, GOD IS Categorically LOOKING FOR Enormous MEN AND WOMEN BUT Excessively REALIZING THAT Puncture Enormous MEN AND WOMEN CAN SOMETIMES BE Impudent AND NOT SO Enormous, NOT Ad infinitum Laudable OF Mercy BUT Silky THEM Rise.

And do you elect to know something? "Put forward is nothing you can do to make God love you above

. Put forward is nothing you can do to make Him love you less

.
"
DO YOU Bind A BLOG OR FACEBOOK? IF YOU Habit THESE WRITINGS Possibly will YOU Name Consideration TO THIS BLOG? IF YOU DO, Mercifulness IN Lift

On his other blog WYRICK'S WRITINGS...Serialized of ano

ther of his books SIXTY Set off AND NOT HOLDING

TO Open THIS Innovative Click ON THE Opinionated URLHTTP://WYRICKSWRITINGS.BLOGSPOT.COM

Each SUNDAY Put forward IS Excessively A Serialized OF HIS Novel Oxidization ON MY Focal point AND Serialized OF Poles apart OF HIS BOOKS 60 Set off AND NOT HOLDING

Many OF THE Theory IN THIS Innovative FOR Outstrip Reside ARE Enormous FOR ANY AGE

. (This book is about affair efficiently with

the challenges of triumph former and fosters

the belief that "If we would consider new knowledge, we requisite get a world of new questions

.
" (Susanne K

. Langer)

Escort Neil's o


ther blog WYRICK'S Writing (A variety of serializations; a real McCoy on Sunday and Tuesday and Thursday changing subjects) (3 grow old a week broaden to)

A Guesstimate Underneath FROM TOMORROW'S ONE A DAY BLOG ENTITLED THE Locate WEEK ON Property

"THIS WAS THE Locate WEEK ON Property FOR JESUS Formerly THE Recovery AND ASCENSION, AND HE WAS Nevertheless Regarding HIS FATHER'S Act..."

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Grimms Fairy Tales Flying Trunk

Grimms Fairy Tales Flying Trunk

THE FLYING TRUNK

Once upon a time, many years ago in Copenhagen, in Denmark, a wealthy merchant had a son called Erik. Erik was a good-looking lad, intelligent too, but very lazy. Instead of studying or doing some work, he liked to spend his days roaming about, amusing himself with his friends and squandering his father's money on unnecessary luxuries. When the merchant died, he left all his money to Erik, who frittered it away in a matter of months.
The only thing left was an empty magic trunk. The minute anyone stepped inside, it rose into the air. One day, Erik, who had no intention of working for a living, decided to face the unknown and seek his fortune. So he stepped into the trunk and, for days on end, flew across the seas and over woodlands and deserts. At last, he found himself above a city in the East and ordered the trunk to land on the terrace of a wonderful palace. Erik stepped out of the trunk and there in front of him stood a girl, staring at him in amazement.
"I'm Tamara, the Sultan's daughter," she said. "Who are you?" Quick to turn the situation to his own advantage, Erik replied:
"I'm the god of your people, come to ask your hand in marriage." Fascinated by the handsome stranger and certain that he really was a god, she happily said 'yes' and called her family. The Sultan welcomed the youth with great honours and immediately started to make arranaements for the wedding.
The day before the ceremony, Erik stuffed the trunk full of jewels, golden candle sticks and fine damasks and flew away from the palace towards Copenhagen. However, weighed down by its valuable load, the trunk fell into the sea off the Danish coast. Erik managed to swim ashore and return to Copenhagen, where he sang sad songs at street corners for a living. In the East, on the terrace of a magnificent palace, a young girl sadly glanced at the sky from time to time, hoping that the god who had suddenly disappeared, would come back again.
.

Origin: modern-wiccan.blogspot.com