Dark moon magics May 2013

Since it does seem like there is some interest from people in hearing about these things, I keep posting.

Inner Temple of Witchcraft dedication rite begun and first lessons practiced. Energy work. I first discovered this kind of energy 25 years ago, that magnetic attraction/repulsion current that can run between hands. Now I have become so aware and attuned to it that even the thought of such energy gives my hands an alive and heavy feeling. But I do the exercises to regain the regular practice. That is the purpose.
In the dedication ritual I also rewrote the pledge to serve my own needs. I am not a neophyte, nor do I ascribe to a (neo)Wiccan ethos. But the promise has been made, and my Gods and spirits will hold me accountable.

The rite was also done under the shadow of Hekate. My rituals remain minimal but they remind me of what lurks beneath my surface.

Daily journal writing continues, mostly with the computer as medium but last night also some paper journal to record what I had done.

Yesterday morning upon waking I had one of Seidhjaller‘s songs for the seidh rite running through my head.

And this morning I had a message on Facebook from someone I vaguely know, because it turns out she saw Someone behind me and wanted me to know. There was a minor variation I’ve never heard of before with the vision but with Him I can believe it.

I also have at least 7 posts for PBP in the planning stages and I MUST write them. Energy levels are up thanks to a new herb in my supplementation. No not that kind of herb!
But an interesting herb. I bought 4 ounces at the health food shop on Wednesday, on the suggestion of my holistic nutritionist. When I was putting the powder in the bag I did feel a little something but did not give more thought. Yesterday morning, upon addition to my kefir and consumption, I felt the spirit of that herb launch into me. Seems I have gained a new ally for now. I am hoping to learn more as I continue to practice, consume, and heal.

Apparently one can never have enough free ebooks

Today (at least) on Amazon, there is a title available for free on the Kindle which looks very promising.

Northern Plant Lore: a field guide to the ancestral use of plants in northern Europe.

Have any of you read this? Or are you familiar with the author? A quick search does show he’s a member of AFA*.

Maybe someday I’ll get a chance to read this. In the meantime, grab while you can!

*Asatru Folk Assembly, which tends to be more on the conservative and folkish side.

Herbs, the hedge, and getting unstuck

First, I want to clarify some language here. When I speak of hedge witchery, I refer to the material presented in Juniper’s essay. Hedge witchery, in my world, is not a synonym for a kitchen/green/herbal witch. I sometimes think of it as the “scary” witchcraft of fairy tales. If you’re not familiar with it, definitely read the essay.

See these herbs? I’ve had them for years. They still have smell, despite being in bags. They live in my closet. On very rare occasion, I might get inspired to make up an herbal charm but that’s it. Even taking out this bin to take the photo, and taking a minute or two to remind myself of what is in here, gives me that psychic itch to work with them. But they’ve gone back in the closet and who knows when I might work with them again.

For me, herbs are a symbol of my frustration. Why am I so reluctant to move forward with witchcraft? When it comes to something like working with runes, or heka influencing my speech and how I make verbal requests, there is no trouble of it becoming a part of me repertoire. Somehow, if it’s something I associate with witchcraft, I can’t get myself to move forward in that direction.

Some of this I’ve already addressed in that frustration post. Writing that out has helped, mostly in identifying the issue. But I still haven’t been able to figure out how to move forward. There have even been moments where I’ve questioned if this is what I should be doing. Soon after, though, I remembered all the outer confirmation I’ve had that this IS where I should be going.

Further, I got a reading over the weekend (the reader waited for the dark moon) which did indeed confirm that this is definitely the direction I need to go, and when I do there will be a lot of success.

The only problem is I have no idea where to set my foot next.

Interestingly, another very interesting bit of synchronicity came when I got the notes for the reading, and she picked up on the stuff I had been thinking about that very day. I was wishing for (or perhaps lamenting the lack of) a mentor or teacher who is experienced in either traditional witchcraft or hedge work. There are books which cover the reality of the subject, but they are also highly individualized paths. So what works for one may never come up for another.

Where am I going to go from here? Once she gets them in, I will be ordering some flying ointment from Stang and Cauldron, and taking a trip on the Valborg/Beltane full moon. From there… well, would it be cliche to say that the sky’s the limit?

This post is part of the Pagan Blog Project.

As the Moon turns

There are always candles to be lit, offerings to give, something going on involving the Unseen world. But somehow I still forget that this is a MAGICAL part of my life. When it’s part of the routine and thus considered “normal,” I suppose I can be forgiven for such thoughts.

Today is the start of the Opet Festival in the Kemetic Orthodox calendar. Due to straining my back over the weekend and still feeling sore this morning, I inadvertently heeded the advice for today.
“Do not put the foundation of a house [down today].
Do not put a ship in a shipyard (i.e. begin building).
Do not order any work. Do not do any work on this day at all.”

Well, sorta. I’m taking care of stuff on the home front, while also making time to do cross stitch and also lay on the floor with my knees bent to ease the soreness.

Tonight there will be more candles lit and an offering put out for Hekate. I have missed Her.

I am also going to make my first ever herbal charm, one for dreaming. If it turns out well I will let all of you know.