Book Review: Spirit Guide by Raym

So I read this book on kindle which I bought for free. I love free books so if this book sounds like something you'd be interested in definitely try it out. Raym practices a healing technique called Crystal Dreaming. It is a technique used to open up the chakras and heal those emotionally, mentally, and spiritually through the use of crystals and trance. However, this book offers little knowledge about that.

Instead, it talks about different exercises, daily affirmations, and ways to live your life holistically. The exercises focus on intentions because your intention is one of the most important aspects of bringing about a change. Since the Earth is entering the Age of Aquarius, change and manifestations can come about more easily for those who will it. This book talks about methods you can use to direct your energy and intentions towards a specific goal. The goals in the book are directed toward healing.

The title of this book is a little deceiving I must say. When first buying it I thought it was going to have more to do with Shamanism. Although it mentions Shamanism, that's not the central theme. This book is more of a "catch all" for interfaith religions and traditions and is more about helping the reader find a spiritual path and/or techniques that better suit what they're trying to do. This makes the book pretty informative, however it does not go in depth in these techniques or paths.

There are some pretty interesting chapters in this book about different peoples, tribes, and even extraterrestrials. I must admit some of the chapters I took with a grain of salt such as the one about extraterrestrials. I believe that there may be other intelligent lifeforms but I'm not so sure about all the different types that he talks about in the book. Also, there was something about a government cover up and conspiracy theory that I'm not so sure about.

Other than that, there were valid points on how to approach one's spirituality and become in touch with this side. I thought some of the affirmations and meditation exercises were very helpful such as the one about opening energy blocks in the chakras. If this seems like something you'd be interested in, give it a shot.

Book Review: The Shamanic Witch by Gail Wood

So I finally finished reading The Shamanic Witch and I have to say I loved every minute of it. Sometimes I grow bored with books on the Craft or Wicca because they seem to become repetitive but this one was a nice change. There was more information on Shamanism than there was on Wicca. I believe the author expects people who read this book to be fairly versed in Wicca and the Craft already.

If you're interested in incorporating Shamanistic practices with your Wiccan practices I suggest reading this book. I thought it was very insightful about the world of Shamanism and how it can be related back to your Craft. It was full of useful meditative/trance exercises and guided you on how to enter the Lower, Middle, and Upper Worlds. It was also very clear and concise about methods and the process of entering a trance state with intentions directed towards your goal.

Not only did it have exercises to help people become in tune with their spirit animals and guides, it also gave background information on the world of Shamanism, their ethics, and what it means to be a Shaman. I thoroughly enjoy reading about history and especially that of different traditions. However, I don't like when history is long winded or takes up most of the reading. In this case, the book was great in keeping the history to an appropriate level without it being too long or straying away from the ultimate message of the book.

Some exercises that I thought were random or maybe a little out of place were the exercises on body empowerment. The book didn't really speak much about this but rather jumped into it. I agree that everyone should be empowered spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically, but these exercises seemed better suited for a different book or at least have a section dedicated to this.

Many parts of this book spoke about the drum and rattle that Shamans used on their journeys which I thought was very interesting. I would love to take a class on Shamanic drumming one day. Many of the exercises included drumming or the alternative with a drumming CD. If you're like me it takes a while to find a CD that's right for you. It's more of a hit or miss with a CD that is appropriate for journeying. I would've appreciated maybe a referenced CD that provided long drumming sequences appropriate for journeying. If any of you know where I could find one leave a comment below!

If you are considering reading this book, try the exercises that are in it. The purpose of this book is to help in training someone who is willing to try shamanic journeying and wants to experience this. That's why there are so many exercises in this book. Good luck on your journeying!

Mabon Altar Blessing

"Blessed be the Harvest

which keeps us full and fit,

Blessed be the Goddess,

her vitality and wit,

Blessed be Her God

who provides us with light,

Blessed be the Quarters,

who protect us with their might,

Blessed be sweet Mabon,

with the elements and love,

Blessed be the Below,

and blessed be the Above."

*So mote it be!*

Releasing Karmic Debt

I'm currently reading a book on Kindle on my phone. Actually, I'm in the process of reading three different books. The book I'm reading on Kindle is called Spirit Guides by Raym. If you haven't read it, I would suggest reading it if you're interested in meditation techniques, healing energies, and philosophy. It has a lot of really good meditation exercises and breathing exercises that are very detailed.

Anyway, one of the chapters has a meditation exercise/affirmation about releasing yourself from karmic debt and about forgiving others. I think this is a highly important and noteworthy subject as you can't reach full spiritual enlightenment when you have a huge debt that you owe to Karma. Here is my own suggestion in learning how to forgive others and releasing your own karmic debt.

You can repeat this affirmation as many times as you wish.

"I, (name here), call upon the Guardians of the East, South, West, North, Above, and Below to witness and assist me in my Karmic Cleansing. I call upon the God and Goddess to help release me from any karmic debt that I may have incurred directly and indirectly through my speech or actions. I release all karmic debt that is owed to me as I forgive all those who have wronged me. I ask this of all the spirits and deities who are present within this sacred space with love and trust in my heart. So mote it be."

You may change this affirmation to suit your needs as well. At this point you may wish to light a candle to signify that you are finished and as the candle burns itself out all your karmic debt is released with it.

Earth Connection Ritual

This ritual was designed to help people connect their energies with the Earth. I try to connect with the Earth on a daily basis but sometimes it takes a stronger tie to feel your energy and the Earth's energy connect. We transfer energy as a way to help Mother Earth heal from her wounds, wounds that our species has made.

Here is a simple ritual that can help you have a stronger connection with our Mother as well as a way to help with the healing process which is never ending. This ritual will also keep you tied to the Earth as long as you wish for it to be so.

Here is what you'll need to begin:

• Pentacle
• Bowl of Water
• Green Candle
• Blue Candle
• Red Candle
• Bowl of Salt
• Incense (your choice)
• Sacred herbs (of your choice that reflect your impression of the Earth)
• A Planting Pot
• Soil
• Paint or Markers
• Seeds or Sprouts (your choice of plant)

Set up your altar with the Pentacle in the center, the bowl of water to the West and the bowl of Salt to the East. Place the green candle to the right and the blue candle to the left North of the Pentacle. Place the red candle to the South.

The blue and green candle represent the Earth while the red candle represents its core, the heat and magma within. Cleanse your sacred space and the materials that you are using with the water, salt and incense. Call in the Quarters and speak your devotions to Mother Gaia or any Earth Goddess that you feel a connection to. 

Take the planting pot and draw on it or color it however you wish. You may wish to charge and consecrate this pot with the powers of the elements and the power of the Earth Goddess. Take the soil and fill it three quarters of the way full. During this time you can place talismans, healing stones, or other trinkets within the soil to charge it with healing energy. Place your seeds or sprouts in the soil and cover with soil.

Place your hands over the soil with the seed or plant and speak to the Earth Goddess, infusing the soil and plant with your healing energy and the energy of the Earth. After you have finished, open your Circle. Place your plant in a spot with the right requirements (sunny or shady) and speak to your growing plant often. Whenever you speak to it, you are also speaking to the Earth Goddess within.

Autumn Leaves

Gracefully gliding on soft Autumn air,

falling and sliding from the branch's snare

to a sacred place very far below

at peace with fate beneath the snow.

Tumbling over dried Earth and decay,

waving farewell to the light of day,

settling upon the barren ground,

they lay shriveled and shrouded in brown.

Shades of green turned to red,

as creatures retreat to their warm beds,

the season signals their time of death

as the God and Goddess take their last breath.

Transforming to be born anew,
budding beneath the soft spring dew,
where Autumn leaves once kindly graced
stand soft flowers in their place.

Mabon: The Welsh God

So just what is Mabon? Or rather who?

Mabon is the Great Son born to Modron, the Great Mother. It is said that Mabon perhaps was an actual leader whose story was turned into mythology. When he was an infant, he was stolen from his mother and rescued by King Arthur although some stories differ on this account. Mabon is considered to be the counterpart of Persephone and Modren is the counterpart of Demeter.

To learn more about the story of Persephone and Demeter click here.