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.

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.

46th Annual Gathering of the Tribes

I wanted to share my very spiritual experience at the Gathering of the Tribes Festival in my home state. The Celtic Church of Dynion Mwyn which I have been a part of for quite some time hosts a gathering of many people from all walks of life in the Pagan and Wiccan Community. Many covens/groves come and there are many vendors that come in hopes of restocking our wonderful herb cupboards and broom closets.

I went with my significant other. He had never been to such an event before as he is not a Witch such as me. However, he thoroughly enjoyed himself so much that he's begged me to take him to other events that are similar and wants to go back to the Gathering next year. I was quite happy to know that he had a wonderful time.

The Gathering lasts for four days. It typically starts on a Thursday and lasts till Sunday evening. The events and schedule changes every year but this year there were many vendors, speakers, and entertainment events. One of the most notable speakers was Oberon Zell-Ravenheart which I'm sure most people have heard of. He has written many books about the Craft.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend until Saturday morning after my college classes had all let out so I can only account for my activities on Saturday and Sunday. I attended a talk with Oberon about polyamory which was very interesting. I must say that I was a little ignorant to the term and what it stood for. I had heard of it before but he described it in much more detail since he was the one who coined the term!

I stayed to exchange hugs with my High Priest, Rhuddlwn Gawr, who has also written numerous books and had several talks at the Gathering. He and many other leaders in the Pagan community had a talk about leadership and especially in involving the younger generation. My boyfriend and I were the "younger generation" present. Of course, after a time we scooted off into the skyclad section to have a frolic through the woods.

We were out in the middle of these rolling fields of lush grass with scattered patches of wooded areas. My boyfriend and I, along with many others, camped out. It was beautiful waking up to the early morning sunrise and the fresh dew. On Saturday night, the energy was flowing and swirling around us. Open rituals are usually performed on Friday and Saturday night. Once the ritual was finished there were many concerts featuring many different artists and bands. I danced in my flowing skirt as well as many others. It was quite a magical night.

Later, my love and I sat by the huge bonfire and talked about life while watching the stars. It was a very deep and connecting moment. We later participated in a Fire Ritual with everyone. We danced to the drumming and I found it to be very arousing!

My experience at the Gathering was beautiful and just what I needed to get back in tune with my spirituality. If anyone wants information on the Gathering of the Tribes you can visit http://www.dynionmwyn.com/. This is an annual event and I look forward to it next year!

Apatite

Apatite comes in multiple colors which include blue, green, gray, and yellow. It is a stone associated with manifestations. It is a stone that aids in psychic development and enhancement. It also balances the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional aspects of the human body by keeping the chakras attuned. It helps to draw off negativity and promotes motivation. It can help with concentration, clear up confusion, and ease negative emotions such as sorrow and anger. Other properties include:

• Increases focus
• Intellectually stimulating
• Increases learning ability
• Promotes acceptance
• Connected to Unconditional Love
• Enhances communication
• Stimulates thoughts and ideas
• Promotes peace
• Promotes harmony and balance
• Helps to fight viruses and infections
• Improves arthritis
• Encourages healthy eating
• Aids in meditation

Reference:

Healing Properties of Apatite

Tree Hugging

This doesn't come as a surprise to people who follow nature-based religions but for those who need more evidence it may be quite a shock. Tree hugging has been around for ages. The benefits have been observed through personal experience but it is also scientifically validated. Matthew Silverstone, author of Blinded by Science, has scientifically approached the conclusion that the vibrations given off from trees and plants prove to be beneficial to health. Some of the affects caused by hugging trees include:

• calming those with ADHD
• improving concentration levels
• healing headaches
• emotionally stabilizing

For more information about these discoveries you can visit the article about tree hugging by clicking here.

I learned through my studies of Wicca that different trees can help heal different ailments. Each tree gives off its own vibration depending on its type of wood. That is why when considering what wand to create or use, you should also consider the type of woods and their magickal properties. For example, lets say you had a wand created of Black Walnut wood. Black walnut is a type of wood that kills all the plants around it because of its toxicity. In that case, black walnut does not have good healing properties and you would not want to use that type of wood for a wand that you intend to use for healing purposes. However, it is good with transitions in life and helping sever ties with the past and looking toward the future.

So basically, think about what vibration the tree or the wood from the wand provides. What are you seeking? Happiness? Love? Relief? Which vibration do you need the most? If you are unsure then common trees are the best choice such as Oak, Willow, Cedar, Ash, Birch, Maple, Elder, and Sycamore.

If you'd like to look at some trees and their meanings, you can check out this article connecting tree meanings to the Celtic Ogham System by clicking here.

Earthing

Picture from: http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/04/the-health-benefits-of-walking-barefoot.html

I've known about the benefits of Earthing, or walking barefoot, for quite sometime but until recently have I been seeing these pictures pop up around the internet highlighting being barefoot. When I do outdoor rituals when the weather permits, I do them barefoot to feel the ground. To use the Earth energy around me to feed into the purpose of the ritual. I also love to dance barefoot.

Since we live in a society where being barefoot in cities and certain areas is not permitted we tend to keep our shoes on whenever possible because it's convenient. Go ahead. Take those shoes off and feel the grass and dirt beneath them. Even if you're surrounded by concrete you can still make use of the ground. Earthing, is becoming very popular. It's always been popular to me but now it's finally being recognized as healthy and energizing.

Love the Earth. Walk the Earth. Harmonize with the Earth.

Thyme

Picture from: http://www.crunchybetty.com/thyme-to-control-blemishes-and-acne

Thyme is a very interesting herb. Did you know that thyme volatile oil was placed in milk to keep it from spoiling before the invention of refrigeration? Interesting right? During the periods of plague, townspeople would burn this herb to ward off the disease from themselves and their home. This herb has a multitude of uses which include:

• treatment for coughing
• aiding in curing bronchitis
• relief from the common cold
• fights respiratory infections
• aides in asthma relief
• aides in allergy relief
• combats parasites

As for spiritual uses, thyme has a reputation for improving health, sleep, and increasing psychic awareness, mainly clairvoyance. It is also used in procuring love and can be seen coupled with rosemary in many love spells. It's also said to increase courage.

Reference: Thyme: Herbal Remedies

Try This!

Make a small satchel of lavender and thyme to place under your pillow to help you sleep peacefully at night.

Drink herbal tea that consists of 1 part rosemary, 1 part thyme, and 1 part peppermint to help ease your common cold. Add honey to help ease your sore throat and aide in cough relief. 

Lunar Eclipse

This is an event I am so ready to witness! Not only is April 25th the day of a lunar eclipse but it is also the day of the Full Moon, or Pink Moon. I hope everyone will take some time to see this wonderful event take place.  In Wicca, we recognize the moon phases as having specific affects on the universe and on the performance of magick, rituals, and spells. 

A lunar eclipse may heighten psychic awareness, increase the strength of spells and rituals, and produce massive amounts of energy that we may use for healing. However, it has also been said that adversely the lunar eclipse may excite negative entities or spirits. Be prepared and well protected on this sacred night, honor the deities, respect the laws of the Wiccan Rede, and try to stay out of trouble!

To Be A Witch

This is a little different than my usual posts but I really liked this saying, or poem, if you will. It reminds me why I chose this path. For the beauty, for the knowledge and wisdom, for the freedom, for the spirituality, for the love, for the compassion, and for empowerment. I hope you all enjoy!

Beltane Fire Dance

Song: Beltane Fire Dance

Artist: Loreena McKennitt

Basic Meditation

Meditation is a practice in grounding or raising energy. The individual focuses on their inner self and on the energy (life force, chi, prana, etc) that resonates within themselves and around them in the environment. As a person learns the art of meditation, they train their minds to induce a mode of consciousness that benefits the individual.

Meditation is sort of a catch all phrase referring to the strategy of inducing a relaxed state of being, building up energy and focusing on it, and developing quality traits such as compassion, love, understanding, and a sense of interconnectedness to the universe. Meditation helps regulate the mind and ease illnesses. Some of the things that meditation helps with include:

• high blood pressure
• anxiety
• depression
• stress reduction
• reduction in muscle and joint pain
• improves sex life
• aides in keeping calm
• improves recovery from traumatic experiences
• increases focus and concentration

Meditation can be done in multiple ways and not just sitting down in the lotus posture as seen in the above picture. You may lay down and even do meditation while being active. I like to go hiking and mountain biking. Biking is a good way for me to meditate and clear my mind while being out in nature. Some people like to color or drawn while meditating. You may also meditate while chanting the classic "Ommm" sound to stay focused.

Try this!

Take a white candle and sit either on the ground in a lotus posture or in a chair and stare into the candle flames. This is a form of meditation. As you watch the flame dance, clear your mind and feel your muscles and body begin to relax. Let the stress melt away from your body. Do this for 20 minutes each day to keep focused and calm!

Taking Care of Your Candles

Most of us use quite a bit of candles during rituals, ceremonies, spells, meditation, etc. We use the energy from the candle and most of us just toss them away. Some of us reuse the melted wax and others even release the melted wax in running water which is what I try to do for the most part. Sometimes I reuse the wax to make new candles if it came from a candle that was not enclosed in glass or a tea lite.

Candles do a lot for us. They represent the element of fire. They light the darkness so that we may see. They expend their beautiful energy for us to make our spells and rituals powerful. Their colors represent our emotions and many other things. They give their life so that we may make ours a little better than it was before. So, personally, I think that we should take care of them and thank them for their devoted services and life.

Every now and then (probably about once a week) I take all my candles out of the drawer they're in and I set them on my floor. I handle them gently and tenderly, as if they were children. I have many candles, tea lites to pillars, short to tall, every color of the rainbow, scented and unscented. Our candles take care of us so we should take care of them.

The better care you take care of your candles, the better they will take care of you.

Candles are a significant part of rituals and spells. They aid us in our intentions of the Will. By caring for your candles they will work better for you and produce the most energy. When I take them out, I look over them. Some of the candles have been outside in the woods with me for rituals so I clean them with salt water. Then I charge them and cleanse all of them for the next time they are to be used. Once I've finished, I place them back where they belong till they are ready for use.

Not everyone does this, or has time for this, or necessarily has to do this with their candles. However, my candles are lovely and I intend to keep them that way. When they have burned out their last breath, I try to release the wax in running water and tell that last pieces of that candle "thank you".

Simple Solitary Ostara Ritual

Here's a simple ritual that everyone can do to celebrate Ostara or the Spring Equinox! But first, here's a little history on Ostara.

Ostara, or the Spring Equinox, is normally celebrated between March 20th-23rd depending on the year. It is said that the origin of the word Ostara comes from the word Eostre, which is the name for the Germanic Goddess of Spring. Coincidentally, it's also around the same time as Easter and Passover.

Ostara is the time for new crops and the emergence of buds from their seeds in the fertile soil. It's representative of fertility, growth, and renewal. The colors for the season can be seen in dyed eggs that are pastel colors like pink and light green. The animal that is associated with this time of the year is the hare. The reason for this is because of their fertility.

Knowing what the Pagan holiday means will help you in preparing for the ritual. Before you begin the ritual, I would suggest to meditate the principles of Ostara: fertility, growth, and renewal.

Simple Solitary Ostara Ritual

What you will need:

Dyed Eggs

Light Green Altar Cloth

Representations of the 4 Elements (water, salt, red candle, incense)

Candles for the 4 Quarters

Athame or Wand

Small pot

Seeds for your choice of plant

Chalice and plate for Cake

Cauldron filled with soil

All other altar tools, statues, etc.

Sage

Trowel

First, set up your sacred space by cleansing it with sage and decorate your altar according to the season. The dyed eggs will be placed on the altar for decoration and to represent fertility and abundance. Be sure to have all these items on your altar or somewhere within your Circle for access. Once you have finished cleansing your space and setting up your altar you may cast your Circle. (Reference How to Cast A Ritual Circle)

Once completed, recognize the Lord and Lady of the Sabbat and light a candle in their honor. You may want to say something while doing this. After doing so, say:

"On this day of the Spring Equinox, I recognize the changing of the seasons and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This is a new day, the day of Ostara and birth of life from the darkness of the soil."

At this time, place your Athame or Wand into the soil of the cauldron and say:

"I charge this soil of Earth with positive energy, the energy of the God and the Goddess, so what springs forth from it shall be positive and be a product of their love. It shall grow and thrive and follow the cycle of life. So mote it be."

Take your trowel and shovel soil into the pot till it is about halfway full. Take the seeds and place them upon the soil and shovel more dirt over them. As you plant them, meditate on their meaning. Think of them as goals for this year that you wish to bloom. After you have finished say:

"With these seeds shall come life from the darkness into the light and so shall my goals. So mote it be."

Finish the ritual with the Rite of Cakes and Wine. Try a natural bread with fruit and water or juice.

Open the Circle and thank the God, Goddess, and each Guardian/Watchtower.

Reference:

History of Ostara

Ostara Ritual

Benefits of Green Tea

I'm pretty sure everyone has heard of green tea and may have heard about how great it is for the body. However, do you know what green tea actually is? Well, green tea is derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis that have undergone low amounts of oxidation during the processing stage. It originated in China and is more commonly consumed in Asian cultures. However, it is becoming more popular in the West where it is more traditional to drink black tea because of the amazing health benefits.

Spiritually, green tea is said to bring the drinker riches, courage, and strength. It's also supposed to bring the drinker a calming sense.

Lavender

Picture from: http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/gardening/lavender-0908#slide-1

Lavender is a great plant to have around. It attracts bees and butterflies but is deer and rabbit resistant. It loves to be placed in a sunny space. It inspires feelings of peace and serenity and gives off a calming energy. Although it is a beautiful purple flower, it has found its way into shampoos, lotions, oils, food, and more. The best way to use its healing capabilities is to use it as tinctures, oils, in teas, in food, and as salve. Here are a few things lavender can be used for.

• Lavender oil is a good antiseptic and can be used to clean scrapes and cuts. The oil comes from the actual flower part and not the leaves or seeds.
• It reduces anxiety and nervousness. You can make a lavender sachet to hang around the house or carry with you.
• It can be used to cure headaches. You can take some lavender oil and massage it into your temples.
• Lavender oil can be used as a muscle relaxant and when massaged into the skin it helps unknot muscles and reduces spasms.
• Using lavender as an oil diffuser helps cure insomnia. I, personally, like to drink it as a tea before going to bed.
• When taken as a diluted essence it can help with conditions such as depression, hysteria, and fainting.

Reference: http://www.health-mind-body.com/lavender.html

Soothing Lavender Bath

What you will need:

Essential Lavender Oil

Lavender herb (optional)

Lavender candle (optional)

You may use one or all of these things in your bath. Place 5-10 drops of lavender oil into your bath water. Mix the water and oil with your hand. You may want to place some lavender herb into your bath as well. Anoint the candle with the oil and light it so that the scent of lavender fills the air. Relax and enjoy!

Born of Water

Song: Born Of Water
Artist: Lindie Lila
Album: Return Of The Goddess, Sacred Chants For Women

Video at:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwId95VC49M

Things to Do on A New Moon

So tonight is a New Moon and you know what that means! It means it's a time of new beginnings. This is a time to set new goals or revamp your old ones. Here are a few things you can do on the new moon.

 

• Set some new goals! These may either be short term or long term. They can help you get motivated in the times to come. Try making a list of these goals and putting it in a place where you will always see it as a reminder of what you have accomplished and what needs to be accomplished.
• Honor the Crone! For those who follow the three aspects of the Goddess, the New Moon is representative of the Crone aspect. She is the embodiment of wisdom.
• Rid yourself of negativity! To make way for your new beginning, what better way than to cleanse yourself of the negativity that clings to you? Do a sage cleansing or scraping off of negativity.
• Become more in tune with nature! Take a nice long walk through nature tonight and breathe in some of the fresh air. If it's raining then crack a window open or keep the blinds open to let in some of the beauty of nature from outside.
• Cast a spell! The new moon is a good time to try for new job opportunities, good fortunes, and prosperity.
• Meditation and Grounding! Try giving a little back to the Earth. Meditate on a green or brown candle and send some of your love and energy back into the dark soil to help with growth and rejuvenation.
• Do a Ritual! Do a ritual for cleansing, purification, or new beginnings. Make it specific to your needs!

Stay safe on this New Moon and Blessed Be! )O(

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is composed of several types of minerals which include lazurite, pyrite, and calcite. It's said that this stone helps immensely with communication in the verbal sense. It can aid us in relaying our thoughts in more coherent forms and decreases the chance of getting "our tongues tied". It encourages clear expression of emotions and thoughts, even when we are angry.

It also provides wisdom and helps us connect to our spiritual guides. This stone also helps with intuition and shields us from negativity.

I Hear You Calling

Band: Chalice and Blade

Song: I Hear You Calling

Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQWEfGhEnpY

How to Cast a Ritual Circle

So what is this Circle that I'm constantly talking about on here? What is it's purpose and why is it used during rituals? Well to answer those questions, a Circle is a space that is made sacred. It is a space that resides in the abstract and separates you from the material world. Technically, it is not even shaped like a circle but like a sphere. It surrounds you from all sides including above and below. It is built from the energy you direct and is to protect us and rid our space of negativity and ill will.

This provides a safe haven for us to perform our rituals within and increase their strength with positive forces. The Circle lies in a plane of its own away from the pressures of everyday life and the physical/material world around us. I like to think that when I enter a Circle or cast one that I am entering a spiritual realm, one that is sacred and good. Almost, the equivalent of what a Christian feels when they enter church. They're upon Holy ground and they recognize that space as Holy.

A Circle is a gateway; it is a door to the microcosm that you create within the macrocosm. The diameter should be laid in multiple of 3's and there should be no more than 13 coven members within a Circle of 9 ft. in diameter.

These are simple steps in creating a sacred Circle for your spells or rituals to protect you and help guide your magick to its final purpose.

When creating a Circle we start in the East and make our way around. When we banish the Circle we end in the East. The East represents the rising sun or morning, the South represents midday, the West represents evening, and the North represents midnight.

We will first start by gathering together the supplies you will need. This will include: a bowl of salt, a bowl of water, incense, and a red candle to represent the four elements. You may want to ring or outline your Circle with stones or tea lites. Also, you will need candles that represent the 4 Guardians or Watchtowers. A green candle for Earth to the East, a red candle for Fire to the South, a blue candle for Water to the West, and a white or yellow candle for Air to the North.

Note: for different traditions, these directions and elements may be switched around so follow whatever your tradition tells you to do. In my tradition (Welsh/Celtic), North is Air, East is Earth, South is Fire, and West is Water.

Once you have gathered these supplies be sure to cleanse them and if you haven't already done so to consecrate them. I have another post on how this is done. You may set the items on your altar. Go ahead and lay the Watchtower candles in their respected directions around your Circle.

First, you will take the bowl of salt and bring it with you to the East. Be sure to always walk deosil (clockwise) around your Circle and when you are within your Circle.

Stand to the East and make your way around the Circle three times outlining your circle in salt. As you do this repeat this saying each time you make a complete circle so you will say it 3 times:

"Creature of Salt, where thou art cast,
no spell or adverse purpose last,
not in complete, accord with me,
as I do will, so mote it be."

Set the bowl of salt upon the altar and pick up the red candle and light it. Start in the East and circle 3 times, each time saying:

"Creature of Fire, this charge I lay,
no evil in thy presence stay,
not in complete, accord with me,
as I do will so mote it be."

Set the candle down upon the altar and pick up the bowl of water. Start in the East and circle 3 times sprinkling water as you go, each time saying:

"Creature of Water, where thou art cast,
no spell or adverse purpose last,
not in complete accord with me,
as I do will, so mote it be."

Set the bowl of water upon the altar and pick up the incense and light it. Start in the East and circle 3 times, each time saying:

"Creature of Air, this charge I lay,
no evil in thy presence stay,
not in complete accord with me,
as I do will, so mote it be."

Set the incense upon your altar. Now you may call upon the Guardians or Watchtowers to assist you and complete your Circle. For this you will use your athame to direct energy. You will start in the East and go to South, West, and North. You may call upon the direction and element to assist you by asking them to bestow their gifts upon the ritual and members or if your tradition has a specific God/Goddess associated with that direction then you may call upon them to help you. Be sure to welcome them.

Once you have completed this for each direction, your Circle has been cast and you are ready to begin your ritual! Now let's talk about opening your Circle which is done once you have completed your ritual and you are ready to leave. To do this you will walk counterclockwise around your Circle starting in the North and ending in the East.

Starting in the North you will release the Guardian you called upon in that direction and thank them for their presence within your Circle. You will do this for each direction until the last one is released in the East. Be sure to thank them for their assistance with your magick as this is very important. How would you feel if you were helping someone and they didn't thank you? You wouldn't feel too good and you wouldn't want to help them again so be sure to say thank you!

Some Sources:
The Way by Rhuddlwn Gawr
http://www.dynionmwyn.com/