Hekate Deipnon - The Last Dark Moon Of The Year

The energy of this years calendar New Year's Eve falls upon a holy day of our great Goddess Hecate - Hekate Deipnon - The Dark Moon. It is up to us to make use of this energy wisely, cleansing not only our space, our area of worship but also spiritually cleanse ourselves to prepare for the new year.

Looking back at the past year, allowing all that which no longer serve us to stay behind, and allowing the Goddess to take it from us, is a great opportunity. The reality of what we created, makes space for the new possibilities and promise of a new opportunity. As we give thanks and make offerings we can rest in the peace that this opportunity is given to us every day.

How to celebrate Hekate Deipnon:

Cleansing of ritual space and tools
Make offerings of gratitude, and physical offerings such as garlic, dark chocolate, eggs - preferably at a crossroad.
Give special attention to your dogs - purchase them special treats, a new collar or take them for a specially long walk.
Make a list of things and behavior  that you want to let go off - then burn it, and emotionally release it as it burns, feeling the burden they represented to lift out of your life.

Hail Hecate!

Book Of Shadows

The Book of Shadows is essentially your record, your very own definition of what your Craft means to you. That is its foremost purpose.
While it can contain the information that a tradition, coven or group you belong to, it should more then anything reflect your personal connection to the practice of the Craft.

It is easy to fall into the trap of copying all of the information out there about the Craft. Not only is that impossible because of its volume, but it is also a hollow description, because it lacks personal connection.

Witchcraft is personal in every way. It is constantly moving, evolving, changing and expanding. With each practitioner the flavor or practice changes, sometimes slightly, sometimes more.

There are basics and truths that are universal, and yes such should be included, but even these will only bring fruit for the Witch that creates the Book of Shadows, if they feel right, if a connection is made.

I speak from a standpoint of non-Wiccan, therefore my definition of Witch and the practice of Witchcraft will be different then the one from a practicing Wiccan Witch. Therefore our record will be different, heck you might not call this book a Books of Shadows at all but a Grimoire.

The personal nature of the Book is also reflected that it is often secret. Some who consider it a magickal journal, or contain information that their community deems as for the Initiate, will not allow others to view their Book of Shadows. Others think of this more loosely - openly share parts, or even create a less personal family Book of Shadows that only contains general information, while keeping the journal and private type of spell work away from outsiders.

Enjoy the fluidity of the creation of this Book. You can go as elaborate or as plain as you wish, keeping in mind which symbols and structure speaks best to your Higher Self and belief structure. Have fun with its creation and cherish the personal connection of this aspect of our Craft.

Hail Hecate!

Pagan Blog Project - Z is for Zeus

God Zeus is the ultimate father figure.
Maybe that is one of the reasons I have such a hard time relating to this male Deity, and others whom are a fatherly type, such as him.
I did not grow up with the best male role-models (that is an understatement, but this is not a discussion for this time or place), and my short but bitter experience with the Christian version of deity, left me with a not so nice aftertaste, that pushed me in the arms of the Goddess and a more formless version of Universal Energy.
Maybe one day I will be able to disconnect from those experiences with the male aspect of spirituality, and embrace this Deity.
I know he is waiting, but he is patient. That I can feel, and the acknowledgment of his patience is all the relationship I can offer at this time.

Ramblings About Goddess Spirituality

Goddess Focused Religion - or at least a religion in which the woman is valued and honored - has a strong appeal, not only personally, but for many other women, as it gives and honors our power, the power of the marginalized. It is no accident that many whom proclaim to be Witches are women, not to discount my dear Brothers of the Craft - but I will honor you another time. In this post I want to explore the female focused power, the strength and wisdom that is honored within the religious paths of Goddess worship in her many forms and the female Witch, the carrier of wisdom that many feared, revered, tried to silence, and rises now once more.

We, as citizens of the Universe, need more of these women, those whom are aware of their power that goes beyond of being pushed in roles that do not suit us. We need, the Earth needs our caring AND our fierceness, our kindness AND our power.

Our voices have to rise again, as meek and weakness' does not serve the expansion of all of us. As we reach our power through exploration of the mysteries of Goddess worship and Witchcraft (which is not always the same, even for female Witches, let me be clear of that), we are serving by not bowing, even to our own chosen deity. We are her Priestess, not her maid, an calling that is not for the weak hearted. As our voices rise, our children, both female and male will benefit from our strength. They will benefit from non-conformity, from our personal diversity and our power. Our voices, as well as our bodies will move from the hidden and used, to a treasure of wisdom and pleasure to benifit our Brothers as well. Just like the increase of wealth for all brings more wealth, the increase of power to us women, Witches or not, will serve all that partake in the Universe.

We need to claim that power back. We need to hear her calling. And we need to allow those of our Brothers whom extend their hand to us partake in our dance.

Flow - Your Choice In All Matters

Instead of struggling from  and against a situation or aspect - offer an opening to a solution and/or expansion - remember that the Universe of whom you are a part of is infinite, and you have access to it's infinity. So struggling, fighting against, resisting,  closes that gap of communication and expansion. You are a creature of Magick after all, as a Witch you acknowledge that Magick, within and without. It is up to you to allow it to flow or to turn it off. This is your choice in all matters.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2013

(The origin of this picture is unknown to me. If you are the copyright owner, please let me know so I can either take it down or give you proper credit, thank you)

Magick 101 - Choosing The Right Type of Magick - Does Technique Matter?

 It depends.

The master variable on how and what magickal technique matters is you. It is entirely up to you, to your belief system, your ability to unhinge disbelief in the process, what methods of focus you prefer, and what speaks the loudest to your unconscious.

So how do you decipher which magickal method or technique is the best for you?

First of all, it depends on the subject matter.

If the subject of your focus is something you have an easy time  influencing, the method is a lot less important. On the other hand, the more you hold onto a disbelief (or an opposing set of believes) that works against the outcome, your comfort level and focus ability with the used technique, becomes essential.

Remember that your intent, your focus, and the ability to be in tune with the Universal Energy is the primary ingredient for your spell, and the most essential one, so the tools of the technique has to enhance and direct this intent.

If you resonate with the energies of crystals, by all means use that. If you need the focus of the written word, then use that technique instead. Whatever you can use to get the clearest intent, the clearest state of mind, that is precisely the one to work with.

In order to find that technique, you have to practice.
Keep a journal and/or record of every spell you have done, noting every detail of what you used, and what you did, including the outcome. This record will give you a clear sense of what works for you.
 At the same time, if you feel the impulse to use something completely different, even though your recording indicated that you have been using one technique with great result, do that. The Universe in its wisdom is trying to share with you another way, which essentially can either assist you in your growth, or open a new, more powerful way of connecting with the energies of the Universe.


Hail Hecate!

Connecting to Source Energy - Connecting to the Goddess

In working through the Universal Laws, we offer our intent, vibration, thoughts and emotions on a continuous basis, sometimes unconscious, sometimes with full direction. Ritual, a devotional time, that with intent, raises our vibration to connect with the deity of our choosing, is one way to achieve this. Through pre-determined motions, and emotional connections, we separate the rest of the world from our spiritual experience, and with that are in alignment with whatever we choose to call the Universal Energy and whatever aspect of it we connect with.

That alignment can also be achieved through different techniques. Meditation, prayer, chanting as well as deliberate visualization removes our mundane distractions. We are able to serve ourselves and deity better during that time, allowing a two way stream of creation, without a strain of intent.

Spells are a form of this type connection as well. Through the methodical creation and handling of the energies of different objects (in its many forms), and our concrete focus upon the actions that partake in the spell, we call out our desire and allow simultaneously, as we remove our logical, critical thinking, that is usually focused on the current experienced reality, we get out of the way for manifestation to occur.

The intensiveness of our focus, not forced but steady and open, opens the doorway to change, to inspiration, communication and manifestation of desired outcome.


Gratitude Offering - Day One
As I mentioned in a previous post, I am offering my gratitude as a part of my daily devotion to Hecate. For the next 30 days as a part of acountability I will do so on this blog, as a part of the otherwise posted writings here. You can join me by writing your gratitude offering in the comment section below

Today, I am grateful for:

the food I can share with my family.
the internet connection that allows me to learn as well as teach, connect and make this large world a little smaller and more accessible.
the warmth of today's afternoon sun
the hand-grooming I received my cat
the beautiful freckles on my son's face
my daughter's intelligence and thoughfulness

Your turn!

Hail Hecate!

Honoring The Goddess - My Gift To Hecate

My Gift To Hecate

Today, I offer my Lady two things

1. A daily gratitude list (I will post it next 30 days on this blog, so I get into the habit)
2. My best - by that I mean, making a goal list, that is in code with my belief system, and stick to it, while giving it my all and following through.

In order to honor the Universe, and her expression I choose to connect to - the Great Goddess Hecate, I have to be the best that I can be, and stop making excuses. Only when we give our best, and live with our passion do we truly honor the Ancient Gods, our Ancestors (which includes all the struggles they went through) and our spiritual family/community. We do not need any more biggering, mediocrity and laziness. What we need is our best, to better the world we live in, to make a difference for the generations here, those we are raising, and those to come.

So that is my offering to the Goddess, and my way of celebrating her. Remember she is not the gentle one, but she does assist those whom call upon her, they way they need to be assisted.

How do you honor the Great Goddess in your daily life?


Hail Hecate!

Hecate Trivia - A Very Personal Celebration

Tomorrow is Hecate Trivia - one of the celebrations that honors our Lady Hecate.

I have been thinking about how to celebrate this year, not feeling a connection to traditional associations at this point, not wanting to just go through the motions of ritual and pre-described notions.
She deserves better then that.
I deserve better then that.
A spiritual connection can not be simply doing what others do, even if those aspects make sense to us at some point. It is about a personal spiritual relationship, and that is a fluid one. Sometimes in need for formal ritual, sometimes in need for a quiet moment of connecting. The Goddess does not live somewhere outside of us, we are her, she is us, inseparable. So we can neither lie to ourselves nor to her, by attempting a specific guided rhythm of worship.
Not that I think, that a true relationship to deity involved worship.
It involves connection, truth, recognizing the oneness with the Source in the aspect of which we are choosing to acknowledge at the moment. It is the comfort of realizing that we are not alone, but all interconnected despite
the perceived distance of our individual self and to the energies of the Universe.
It is personal, profound, ever-changing, and different.

How will you choose to celebrate this years connection to Our Great Lady Hecate?

Goddess Blessings!

Floating Associations With The Elements

It is easy to find out information about what element corresponds with your zodiac sign. But is it also the most reliable way to find your true connection to an particular element? A personal connection may not reflect that of which the zodiac assigned to you, and that personal connection is far more important in your practice then the assigned one.

But how do you find out which element you are drawn to? And can it be a floating one, not one but an association depending on the stage of your life, your current practice or situation, or a particular guide you need at the moment?

This connection is similar to the connection to a particular Matron or Patron Deity. While some forge a long term, or even life time connection to a particular deity expression of the Universe, others have connections that differ in particular life stages.

Whatever expressions we need to learn, we need to give the same openness to our elemental association, as we give to our deity association. Each time in our life requires particular guidance, and if we learn our lessons, different guidance from time to time, sometimes even more then one.

I will use myself as an example.

I am according to my birth-sign a Water element. Not only that I am in Chinese mythology a Water-dragon. Scorpio is a water sign. But both as a Scorpio and as a Water-dragon, I am more so personally drawn to the element of Fire. While my associations with the mythical creature - Dragon  -  is strong, I could never picture it as a creature of Water. To me, I represent, it represents Fire, in all of its associations. I have the same tendency when I focus upon an Scorpio, the classical astrological association of mine. To me it is a creature of heat, a creature I consider to be living either in the damp heat of a tropical climate or the hot fierceness of the desert. Again I do not see the classical association with Water. In my view, I am a creature of Fire. I have never been drawn to water in any way, and my preferred method of magick tends to be that energy as well.

So I am challenging you to look outside of the classical associations and feel your connection to the Elements in a more personal way. While I am planning on exploring the lessons of that Water entails within it, I am, and always have consider myself a creature of fire.

Goddess Blessings!

Pagan Blog Project - X Marks The Spot

X Marks The Spot - or - Finding a starting point to re-connect with the Gods

So I have been thinking a lot lately about magickal systems, mainly because of my novel series, which as a large part of its story line, relies on a magickal and ethical system, that needed my attention, but also because of my own spirituality.

I have felt disconnected through the busyness of writing, educating my children, and my husbands business, that I have not had much time to connect spiritually with the Gods, and practice magick. Now I am itching, longing and craving to get back into this rhythm of connecting with the energy of what is. I hear the calling of the Goddess, and I am answering.

The question was what magickal system to focus upon in my own practice? With magickal system I am not speaking of the spiritual flavors that range from Wicca, to Druidism, to any of the other wonderful ways to be a Pagan, but the down to the bone way of creating change, working with and using power, and through that connect with the energy that makes the Universe and Source in all of its aspects and Gods.

 I am speaking of Elemental Magick, Kitchen Witchery, Mental Magick (which to me includes working with Law of Attraction), and such. All of them are fascinating, and a part of my personality is that I want to do it all, and now. That will only lead to a confused mess, and not much tangible result, I am fully aware of that.
So I guess time to go down the list, time to pick something, anything to get started, to stick with it, explore it to its fullest, and see where the Gods lead me to be.

Making a decision and sticking with it, is the beginning of productiveness.

The funny thing seems that I tend to answer my own questions, when I am writing, which it looks like, is the time when I get out of the way, let the Gods speak. My version of meditation, therapy, and spiritual worship wrapped all in one.

I asked, and the Universe answered.

I shall begin with Elemental Magick, and share some of my journey with you.

Goddess Blessings!

Pagan Blog Project - W is for Woman Warrior Chant

This week (albeit late) I am choosing to share with you a chant I have written a little while ago. Enjoy!

Woman Warrior Chant

I am a Warrior, true and free

 I am a Woman as strong as can be

I am a Daughter, standing proud

I am a Mother, singing out loud

  I am all Woman, Goddess hear me

   I am all Woman, we all shall be free! 

© Claudia Blanton 2013

May all women have a chance to explore their true potential, and may their strength raise us all to a higher level.

So mote it be!

Goddess blessings to you all!

Claudia

Pagan Blog Project - V is for Vinata

V is for Vinata (Hindu Goddess)

The Goddess Vinata in her aspect of the Goddess of the Underworld is an interesting Goddess to explore as a Priestess of the Goddess Hecate. She is associated with eggs, as according to legend she had given birth to two eggs, one bringing forth a son named Aruna, and was born without legs, and another son Garuda, whom saved his mother from the serpents of the Underworld.
She is considered the Mother of the Birds, with her son Garuda being considered the King of the Birds.

I personally wish there was more information on this elusive Goddess. There is no evidence on actual worship of her as I could find. While I did not find any images of her, while there are many statues of her son Garuda.

Pagan Blog Project - U is for Understanding and Unakite

I thought I would use the opportunity of this weeks letter to learn something, to understand another aspect of my craft, and in that quest I was drawn to crystals. One of the best books, at least in my opinion one can have for identifying crystals is Judy Hall's The Encyclopedia of Crystals. That is where I came across Unakite, a crystal I have only seen in passing before today. Here is what I found out about it.

Unakite

A stone of vision, Unakite balances emotions with spirituality and opens the third eye, providing grounding after meditation or metaphysical work. This stone facitilitates rebirthing, bringing to light and integrating insights from the past about the cause of the blockages, and gently releasing conditions that inhibit spiritual and psychological growth. It is also helpful in past-life healing for going back to the source of a problem and refraiming it, clearing a need for vengence if required. Whether it arises in the far or near past, Unakite reaches the root cause of emotional disease at whatever level it occurs, bringing it to surgace for transformation

From "The Encyclopedia of Crystals" by Judy Hall

Besides the fact that I find this stone very beautiful, it is also associated with Scorpio, and as this is my sign, I understand very well while I was drawn to it. Looks like in my next quest to hung for  crystal, I will have to add an example of this stone to my collection.

Goddess Blessings!

In Anticipation Of Samhain

Samhain

Witches dancing slow

'round ritual fires in sync

with Mother Nature

© Claudia H. Blanton 2013 

Just like every year, I am really looking forward to Samhain. In anticipation of what will be, recipes will have to be tried, lists made, decorations applied. The kids are just as exited, trying to figure out what all of the crazy things their Mother Witch will come up with this time. 

In the midst of all this anticipation, I usually revisit the associations for this holiday season. What herbs do I need? Did I forget to get something? Is there a new twist I can put on an old ritual with some changes? 

So that we can all revisit that information together, I am posting the basic list here:

Colors: 
Orange, black, and the colors of twillight, dark reds and yellow (but not the bright kind), as well as deep and dark greens

Herbs and Woods:
Heather, clove, copal, myrrh and gum mastic, wormwood, mugwort, rosemary, hazel, apple wood

Gemstones:
all black gemstones, obsidian, onyx

Foods:
apples, nuts, apple cider vinegar, mulled wine, pumpkin, hazelnuts, ale, and herbal teas


Currently we are working on a new adaptation to a favorite chocolate-hazelnut cake for Samhain. Hazelnuts are hard to come by here in Florida, at least until we get closer to the Winter Holidays. So we are using Walnuts instead. If it comes out as good as it currently smells I will post the recipe.


Goddess Blessings!

Ancestor Altars

Well it is getting closer and closer to Samhain, and we are in the midst of preparations and decorations (we actually decorated a part of the front porch by flashlight last night - the lightbulb went out on us, we were determined!)

Which also included the cleansing, arranging and decorating of our Ancestor Altar. Now I have an Ancestor Altar set up most of the year, but I usually do not decorate it. Around Samhain, I will add something from the season, which this year meant a little Samhain Tree (it's a black tree looking thing) with little pumpkins hanging from it. It still has plenty of space to make offerings, which we will place on it on the coming Full Moon and on Samhain itself.

A Simple Version - Beautful

Ancestor Altars are not only a part of Wiccan Traditions, but also a part of Hoodoo as an example. In Hoodoo, this type of altar is also left up all year round, and is a place for petitions. I find the practice of "adopting" and ancestor specially charming.

This place of honor is usually not used for ritual, and you can include anything that was special to the Ancestor you are celebrating. Also this is not limited
to those whom are recently deceased. For example my Grandfather passed a week after my 12th birthday, and has a special place in my heart and on that altar.

A more elaborate version of an Ancestor altar from http://mentalmohair.blogspot.com/2012_10_01_archive.html

Do you have an Ancestor Altar? What do you have on it?


Goddess Blessings!

Blogs, Blogs, And More Blogs

I think "Blogger" does not like me this morning. I am sure it isn't personal, but apparently linking my blogs, updating the hops and rolls and weekly postings is too much for the darn thing.
Well, no matter in what mood this little hosting site is, it is time for some serious updates!

I have been working like a mad little Witch (okay not so little, but mad as a Hatter) on my writing blog, and finally got it to the way I want it. That means, I have more time for this little gem. Yay!
No matter how much I try to write just about writing or general stuff (like love, loss and killing people - hey I write Dark Fantasy, so there will be dead bodies), I am itching to write about my Witchy life. Which is why I am here today.

There are so many really cool blogs, blog directories and blog rolls out there that are not Pagan related, but I finally came across one that is! Again, Yay! (I told you I am crazy!).
So there is not only going to be a weekly schedule of postings on my writing blog, but also here. That is a lot of writing - 'cause did I tell you I am also writing a pretty bad #@! dark fantasy novel series? No? Well, now I told you.

Alright, time to get this blog posting party, schedule thingy moving. And I will see you on the other side, with lots more links and banners, and pictures, and other crazy, witchy stuff.

Goddess Blessings!

Noumenia

Noumenia is celebrated when the moon's first sliver is view-able in the sky, and marks the beginning of the traditional Hellenic month. On this day all of the household gods are honored, as well as the spirit of your ancestors. This day is also a great day to begin or reaffirm any vows or oaths one has taken.

The hymns and rituals called upon this day depends on which Gods and Goddesses you work with one a regular purpose.  You can create a ritual which includes all of them, or honor each individual deity
separately, making sure to take a moment to connect with each one of them.

Libations are traditionally poured, which can be wine, milk and/or honey.

Please note that at this Shrine we do not follow a Hellenistic calendar. Our main focus is our Lady Hecate, while working with other Gods and Spirits of our choosing. This day is a celebration to touch bases with all of them, and will be in the future a day of gathering, once our physical Shrine location is completed for visitors.

What is Hekate Deipnon?

WHAT IS HEKATE DEIPNON?
Hekate's Deipnon takes place during the dark phase of the moon: the end of the lunar month (any time before the sliver of the new moon has been sighted).   Hekate, according to the Liddell and Scott Greek-English Lexicon, means "bringer or giver of light" ('Ekate phosphoros).  At the darkest part of the month, we prepare our homes for the transition to a new month. Hekate's Deipnon is a time of purification of self, home, and affairsThere are differing theories as to if Hekate's Deipnon is solely a meal offered to Hekate, or if there is a secondary intent of the meal offering going to the less fortunate.  For example: Aristophanes, Plutus 410 ff (trans. O'Neill) (Greek comedy C5th to 4th B.C.) :
"Ask Hekate whether it is better to be rich or starving; she will tell you that the rich send her a meal every month [i.e. food placed inside her door-front shrines] and that the poor make it disappear before it is even served."

For this reason a very popular way to mark the Deipnon is to make a donation of food or money to a local food shelf or other charitable group.


Traditional offerings include:
sweepings from the home
garlic
eggs
leeks
"things you don't want to bring into the next month"

Some modern Hellenes choose to put the more traditional offerings onto an altar, offer them at a 3 way crossroads, or place them at an intersection of air, water, and land - such as a rock jutting out of the water or a bridge over a stream or pond.  Donations of food, money, or time serving meals at a local food pantry or soup kitchen are an increasingly popular offering.  Additionally many find this is the perfect time of the month to clean out the refrigerator.  Some may find it's also a good time to tend to the worm composter.  Others dispose of the previous month's contents of the Kathiskos* while cleaning out or taking stock of what's in your kitchen pantry.  Making sure you have fulfilled your previous month's obligations, duties, promises, and paid off all debts (financial and emotional) is another activity some perform to 'close the books' on the previous month and prepare for the new one.  Some also find this is a good time to review your notes and see if one has missed a promised thanks-offering in return for a prayer, or to check offering dishes and burners for stray remnants (barley as been known to roll to into nooks and crannies of hestias and grills) to be burned off or placed in the composter or cross roads.


Source: Temenos

Shrine of Hecate: Focus and Important Dates for July 2013

Shrine of Hecate

Focus and Important Dates for July 2013

This months main area of focus is organizing ritual and spiritual space,
Altars, and tend to our Book of Shadows
Traditionally in our Shrine, our month begins on the Dark Moon or Hecate Deipnon, which for this month is on the 7th of July and ends the day before the next dark moon, which will be August 4th.

The main celebrations of this month at our Shrine are:

Hecate Deipnon (the Dark Moon) July 7th
New Moon/Noumenia July 8th
Agathos Daimon July 9th
Feast of Kuan Yin July 19th
Full Moon July 22
Lughnasadh/Festival of Lugh August 1st


Information about the individual festivals will be posted on the Shrine Blog over the next few days.

Totem Animal Dragonfly

Dragonfly



Dragonfly Keywords:

Curiosity
Imagination
Harmony
Speed,
Peace
Strength
Good luck
Prosperity


Element: Water/Air

As an animal of sight, dragonflies can see issues from angles that might not be as obvious to the casual observer. Always observant, always curious, the dragonfly symbolizes looking for a deeper meaning, while not letting go off the childlike sense of wonder of the world around us. Their beauty, gracefulness and transparency reminds us to see the beauty of all, but to also know that beauty has to shine from the inside to be really deep - cautions us to observe the intentions of others closely, examine what lies behind.
As an animal of two dimensions/elements dragonflies are shape shifters, and therefore can move in what seems to be unrelated fields, while feeling at home with both. Balancing those two worlds is the key - may it be home and a successful business, work and pleasure, or our spiritual and mundane site. A person with a dragonfly totem can not stay in one of these realms alone to feel comfortable, they have to be able to move freely between both to be at their best.

Dragonflies are acrobats of the air. They can stand still, then move quickly, swift and precise when needed. The dragonfly cautions you not to stand still too long, follow your intuition and then move forward with fierce determination.
This little animal can assist you in making decisions if you let it in. Carry your totem with you, or call upon it when you feel stuck, and it will bring you the thought, or idea needed to move forward. But you have to be ready to move when asked!
As an animal of water - the seen - and air - the unseen,  it is a messenger animal. If you need to get in contact with someone, here or in the other world, you can relay your message upon the wings of a dragonfly.
Its corresponding number is 2



Dragonfly in mythology:

Dragonflies have been part of Japanese, Chinese and Native American mythology, as well as in Europe.
Swedish considered these animals an holy animal symbolizing the Goddess Freya.
In Japan dragonflies symbolize  success, victory, happiness, strength  courage and victory in battle. The Emperor of Japan was said to be once bitten by a horsefly, that was later eaten by a dragonfly. To honor the animal, that Emperor named Japan “Akitsushima” or “the Isles of the Dragonfly”.
On the other hand, in Italy it was believed that Satan sent dragonflies up from hell to cause mischief in the world.

According to Navaho Indian legend, dragonflies are a symbol of water purity.

Shrine of Hecate Weekly Updates - Earth Day, Prayer Requests And More

Blessed Saturn Day!

Time for Shrine Updates and Annoucements:

Earth Day is approaching fast. Our Shrine will be holding a prayer vigil for Mother Earth at 9 pm Monday EST to comemorate this event.
You can join us in spirit by lighting a candle and reciting a prayer/devotion of your choice, or the prayer that we will be posting on Earth Day.

Also, we will be posting vegan/vegetarian recipes throughout the day, as the consuming of less meat, or no meat is an effective way of lessening the negative impact we have upon our Earth Mother. So go beyond Meat-less Mondays and dedicate a second day to meat-free, animal-free eating.

Healing and Prayer requests can be left at the Shrine Page, as well as at our Candle Shrine at http://nshrine.com/shrine/Shrine_of_Hecate_Healing. You can also send me a message directly at homeschoolwitch@yahoo.com

Book reviews: If there is a particular Pagan/Wiccan book you would like us to review, leave us a note. With the vast array of books out there on the subject of our craft, finding a new gem is always a delight. Drop me a line at the Shrine page!

I want to welcome all of our new followers on twitter and on facebook! Thank you for taking the time to journey with us! If you have any questions regarding the Pagan/Wiccan path, do not be shy and ask away! No Love Spell questions please!
As a certified Life Coach and an Ordained Minister, I love to assist you, but will caution you that I will tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear.

Wishing you the brightest week possible!

Blessed Be and Hail Hecate!

Your Shrine Keeper - Claudia

To Know - Not Just Book-Knowledge

To Know - Not Just Book-Knowledge 

At first glance "to know" is easy to define. Knowledge is essential to the practice of Wicca. Learning from books and teachers, mentors, elders, asking questions is necessary in order to compently cast a spell, create a ritual, hold a rite. Still there is much more then just book knowledge that is important on the path of being a Witch. Knowing is also trusting oneself. Knowing to trust ones instincts, listening to the nudge to grab one ingredient not necessarily planned, or heading warnings and guidances in dreams and divination that might go beyond what a book would interpret the situation like.

 

To know oneself is also a large part of this pillar. When are we reacting out of instinct or out of our past programming is often only to desipher when one knows their shadow side. Working with and through fear creates a different knowing, that also includes the realisation that you can rely on your own strength to get through situations calmly, rather then act without contemplation, may it be mundane or magickal. 

Witch, know thyself, know thy craft, and know thy relationship with the divine. To really know takes time, as does book learning, and can not be rushed, but is a road every Wiccan has to travel. 

Hail Hecate! 

To Will - Have You Made A Decision?

Contemplating the Witches Pyramid - To Will

Have you made a decision?

Recently, after long contemplation of what I actually want out of life, I have decided. I have made the decision to take the energy that I need, to make time for what I want to do, to shift awareness toward what will be - not what is possible, but what WILL be, because I DECIDED.
One of the pillars of our faith is to will - that does not mean to focus on what could happen, might happen or is possible to happen, if everything has its right place and is in its right time.
To will is to decide and then to make it so.  No excuses, no wimping out. It is a clear cut declaration of how the future will be, and the resolution to do whatever it takes to make it so. One of the strongest weapons we as Witches have is that willpower. It changes things, it opens doorways, better yet it creates doors where there were none before.
The other tools of our journey - to know, to dare, and to be silent, are only as effective as our resolution to WILL whatever we set in front of us as a goal.

Hail Hecate!

P.S. This blog entry is a part of of the series on the Witches Pyramid. You can find the first part - To Be Silent here: http://hecates-corner.blogspot.com/2013/03/contemplating-witches-pyramid-to-be.html

The Crossing Over - Some Thoughts

As some people have moved onto the next realm in my husbands and my family, I have been welcoming them to the circle of my ancestors, despite the fact that I was not close and was not found of them as they were living in our plane of existence.
I am reminding myself, that in their new state of being, the boarders of non-understanding, and of non-compassion no longer exist. Neither does judgement, guilt, fear and other restrictions that they have put upon themselves and others. Therefore, freely a spiritual being in their purest form they no longer are their actions, and no longer view my actions as contrary to theirs.
In that pure love, I wish to not only let go off past, but embrace them as a potential teacher and guide. Surely there will be times where I will be reminded of their actions, and the hurt it may have caused, but I separate their higher self from the self that experienced the physical.
Ancestors with their combined wisdom of all of their lifetimes have teachings to offer, if we are willing to listen to them, no matter if we embraced them during their life with us, or not. Honoring Ancestors has become an increasingly important part of my spiritual path as a Pagan/Wiccan Witch, and I am looking forward to a positive exchange, as I have had with those who passed before them.

May the Goddess Hecate ease the passing of those whom are moving forth, and may she comfort those whom are grieving their transition.

Hail Hecate!

P.S. If you are in need of healing prayer due to the loss of a loved one, or would like us here at the Shrine to hold a memorial service in their honor, please contact us here or on our facebook page. We are also honored to included you or your passed family member/friend in our morning devotion.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shrine-Of-Hecate/162063783870576

For The New Witches

For The New Witches and Those Who Would Like To Be


Welcome! So you are interested in Witchcraft? Good for you! Allow me to give you some pointers.

Witchcraft, the study of magick is a large subject and a diverse one. In order for you to not feel too overwhelmed, consider the different parts that make up this Craft, and begin learning about one or two of these subjects. Please keep in mind that this is a practice of experience, and unlike Book Religions there are many different ways to do something. Find yourself a teacher (you can drop me a line if you are interested) or read a variety of books from different authors to get a great overview on each part of the craft.

Here are some subjects that are involved in the practice of Witchcraft (this is by far not a complete one, but one to get a new person started)


Herbology
Healing
Crystal Work
Working with Deities (the spiritual side of the craft)
Ritual
Sabbats (Holidays)
Working with Spirit Guides
Psychic Work/Intuitive Guidance
Divination
Spells

and more.


I put spells on the end of the list for a reason. While this is the subject that is mostly asked about by the new person, it is the one that should be considered not as the first thing to jump in - we are not only about spells, we are a spiritual practice in most cases of many flavors - there are Witches associated with many religious paths, whom connect with their deity as a part of their magickal practice. There are also Witches with no religious affiliation at all. Limiting this practice to spells would be like limiting the practice of Christianity to the practice of prayer.

Most people, when seeking the path of this Craft think of Wicca. Any teaching I share is from that perspective and that worldview. So for you Seekers, you are welcome to ask questions, you can reach me here via the comment section, via my  Shrine of Hecate page on Facebook or email me at homeschoolwitch@gmail.com .
Please keep in mind that Wicca, Witchcraft and any magickal path are a subject that takes long term study. Even if we will  only share a part of the journey together - may this be of longer or shorter time - dedication and openness to learning is an requirement for a deeper student/teacher relationship.


Hail Hecate!

Contemplating the Witches Pyramid - To Be Silent

To be silent is, in my opinion, a far deeper concept then just concerning oneself with not sharing the personal details of the practice of our Craft. Meditation, true listening to others, our inner/higher self and the divine, as well as being more aware of our use of words in day to day connection are also embraced in this pillar. This concept cautions us to look inward, take a more distant stance and pause.

On its surface this concept seems a harder pillar to keep then the others, as our need to share ourselves and/or find validation is expressed through communication. But we are told to hold back, even when we want to share. We are told to sit still in a world that is bustling with activity, noise and all types of distractions. There is always something that could come in the way of practicing this specific corner of the pyramid.

In the practice of this, we do find ourselves gaining discipline. This discipline, needed to bring our crafting to its best, serves us well in all the aspects of being a Witch.
Therefore while many begin with the side of the pyramid that pertains to knowledge, I suggest to begin in silence. It is in this silence that knowledge can be gained that go beyond books and has to be felt, and experienced. In this silence, ones own connection to the divine can find a way to communicate with you in the way that fits you best. Remembering that the communication experienced with the Energy of the Universe and the Gods are yours and yours alone, also should be left within this silence, to be shared only with you and the spirits, with the rare exceptions of your mentor/teacher.

Hail Hecate!