Unfortunately...

I have sad news... I must take a break from blogging for the time being. The hard drive on my laptop has met its untimely end. So until it can be replaced I am on a forced hiatus :( I am terribly sorry and will miss you all.


Blessed Be, and here's hoping I find the money for a new hardrive in a timely fashion!!

)O(

My Witchy Ways

I was on Facebook earlier searching for inspiration for my post today! I was sitting here pounding my head on the keyboard trying to stun the writers block out of my head when my friend and neighbor asked me to do a post on how I use my 'witchy ways' to cope with the weather changes! It took me less than half a heart beat to realize what an amazing idea that is. The things I do are so common place to me that I didn't even think about sharing them.

That being said, not everything I do involves witchcraft and spells. Some of the things I'm going to share with you today is how I:

• Clean the negative energy out of our home
• Protect my children from illness
• Protect our home

The things I discuss are not all fall specific and can be used/adapted throughout the year.

First we are going to talk about what I do around the home. Some of which I am currently working on as well. I've had a horrible migraine that is just incessantly pounding behind my eyes so I am slightly behind this year.

Now... I am a very down to earth kitchen witch. A lot of what I do is brewed up right on my kitchen counter. Before I even start scrubbing down our home I whip up a spell to suck up all the negative energy and bad vibes. It is SUPER simple, takes less than 2 minutes, and uses 2 ingredients! In a glass bowl I mix together some salt and juice from 2 halves of a lemon. (save the lemon, rinds and all, for the next part) The incantation is simple as well. I actually keep it on an index card in my silverware drawer! I will post the whole spell on the ritual page. As I clean I move the bowl from room to room with me.

The second part to this (before I start cleaning) is to throw the juiced lemon halves and a handful of lavender into a pot of water and sit it on the stove to simmer. The lemon chases away negativity and the lavender induces a calming sensation. Every month during the full moon I make moon water. I add some of the moon water to this simmer every time. It helps infuse the air with a positive charge. When I finish cleaning I usually add a little vanilla to the mix to mellow out the citrusy scent.

As I clean, especially when sweeping/vacuuming/mopping, I visualize all the negativity that has built up during the week being washed/swept away. I try to infuse the house with as much positive energy as I can while I clean. It's not just a physical cleaning.

After I clean, I smudge the entire house with a white sage stick, starting in the basement. I also smudge all the members of the family. The furry ones  are no exceptions. Oh yea... the dream catchers are cleaned at this time too. I've noticed that if I don't clean them, our eldest has a lot of problems with nightmares.

When the house has been smudged there is still one step left. I salt all the entryways to the house, even the garage! I'm fanatical about this in the fall, especially around Samhain. The salting has nothing to do with cleaning out energy. It's a protection thing. I want nothing coming into our house that we don't invite in.

Along the lines of protection... I also have pots of red Mums. They last well into late fall. Come late spring they will be replaced with red Geraniums. Also, on the interior of the home, the house plants that we have have charms placed on them. Plants give off energy 24/7. It is my belief that if you ask each to devote their energy to the protection and harmony of the home, they will be more than pleased to help you out. So long as you do your best to take care of them. Oh... I almost forgot, I am also working on making grapevine wreaths for the doors. They will be enchanted as well as soon as they are done!

As for protecting our children... I knit the eldest a scarf or hat every year with yarn that I have asked the Goddess to bless with protection from illness and harm. It's a tradition that I will be starting for the baby as well. The eldest also carries a protective charm with him every day... but that is for a completely different reason.

If you have any questions on how to do any of this, or would like recipes or whatever...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just ask! I love to share my knowledge and help!

Blessed Be!!
     )O(

Yay!!

It is that time again! Time to wish all of my fellow pagans and readers a very blessed Mabon! May the season bring a bountiful harvest of prosperity and love to your family!

I have a raging migraine today so the Mabon post on the Sabbat page is going to have to wait until tomorrow I think. And unfortunately for me... all Mabon celebrations have to be put on hold for a few days.

But love and light is being to sent to all who read this, and even a few who don't, in hopes for a blessed season!

Brightest Blessings on this Mabon!!
         )O(

What's in a name?

Since I was a little girl, people have always come to me for advice. Kids my age. Even those who were older. I never really thought twice about it. Helping people was always a joy for me. To be honest, I liked feeling like I made a difference in their lives. Without knowing it, I have become the 'wise woman' of the village. My village of course being composed of my friends and family, and even friends of friends. I even help out those that I really don't care for but are in need of help.

In past centuries, witches were referred to as Wise Women and Cunning Men. Now that I am older and can look at things objectively, I find it ironically funny that I have become my village's Wise Woman. Taking care of my family has always been a love of mine. Taking care of those that surround me is, honestly, a joy.

Souls of all faiths come to me seeking advice, help, and occasionally a spell or charm to help them or their family. Being available to ease someone's grief, give advice on unruly children, and weave a spell to kick start someone's day has become a passion.

It's not all marshmallows and roses though. Investing so much in those who come to me takes a toll on my energy level. Usually, I am very good at controlling my own energy output and conservation. I am very good at unplugging from the 'collective conciousness' that surrounds on a daily basis. My awareness of the energies around me has become far more acute in the past years. But as of recently, my energy levels have been depleted. I am not sure if it's just from the hustle and bustle of my days and not getting enough sleep. The baby sleeps a solid 9-10 hours a night, at least. I always stay up and wait for Daddy to come home and then we are up for a bit taking a few moments to spend time together. I wake up at 7 every morning. So I am getting, maybe, 5-6 hours. ~I think I just figured out my problem...~ 

Yes, I NEED to work on taking care of myself the way I take care of my family and those around. I need to take slightly more time out of my day and devote it to myself and spend it grounding myself, or even *gasp* napping! Yesterday, Daddy got home from work super early (4pm!) and told me to go lay down and take a nap. He'd take care of the kids for me so I have nothing to worry about and I STILL could not relax enough to catch some much needed Zzz's. All I could think about was how much was still left to do, what to make for dinner, and oh crap I still need to clean out the garage. As you can probably tell... I'm hopelessly unable to take a time out. Even when I am running on fumes and dead tired. My family and home come first. It's my way of showing them how much I appreciate them.

Well... now that I ran off with that tangent let's get back to the original topic.

Wise Woman or Witch, either way I had already been one before the official labeling! I had no idea, it just came naturally to me. Although some around me, once hearing that I am a witch, naturally assume that I am something out of a Disney movie. Usually, they are slightly disappointed to find out that I am more of a modern day June Cleaver then Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz (which I do know is not a Disney movie).

Labels, names, or titles don't really have that much meaning to them. It's more of what you do that makes you what you are. I'm proud to call myself a Witch. I truly am. It's taken a lot of studying and research. I'm good at what I do and unless you intend my family harm, everyone gets the warmest fuzzy feelings when they come into our home. I've been told more than once, and by more than just my friends who are in the know that my home feels very welcoming and 'homey'. So many of our closest friends and family come over and curl up on couches and take naps without a second thought. I love every minute of their enjoyment. It means I have done a wonderful job.

Brightest Blessings!!
    )O(

Learning Curve

Oh buddy... things have been kinda rough around here lately. There are 4 major things that have happened. Maybe not major... but definitely note-worthy.

1. The eldest has been on a hellion kick lately. The disrespect and mouth are out of control. I can only ground, talk to, and punish him so much before I am completely out of ideas.
2. The eldest has been too terrified at night to sleep. Something called the Slender Man has been keeping him up nights. So much so that he has started to sleep walk again.
3. Both the children were involved in their first circle cast today!
4. The eldest was questioned about his faith at school.

I'm just going to gloss over the first one. It would take me days to write about everything that is going on there. There are multiple reasons I believe that the boy is acting up lately. He is starting puberty and has a flood of hormones going right now. Subconsciously he is jealous of the baby and the attention that the baby requires. He is adjusting to the fact that his biological father is getting married and is spending way more time with his fiance and her kids. His lack of sleep is affecting him. Finally, he's still readjusting to a new school schedule.

None of that however gives him a free pass to be a little brat! I do not tolerate bad behavior. So if he needs to spend the next two weeks in his bedroom with no anything... he will.

Next on the list is the Slender Man thing. I personally am not sure what or who it is. He is a very real fear for the eldest though. He's been sleeping on the couch because the kittens keep him awake at night (they stay in his room at night). Last night he began the night on the couch as usual. Then came into our room and asked to sleep with us because he was scared. We, of course, let him. An hour or so later he wandered back into the living room, in a dead sleep. Then this morning when I went to wake him up I found him on our bedroom floor. He had no recollection of how he got there or that he was ever on the couch. His question to me in the morning was why was he there.

I ward our house and property once a week. It's just something I do. When the eldest is home I make sure he sees me do it. But his fear caused me to take even more drastic measures. I created a talisman for him this very night. Hand sewn and embroidered, it's actually very nice. He was excited.

Which leads me to the third thing that has happened in the past few days... my boys helped me cast a circle this night! Neither were involved in the magick aspect. I don't allow the eldest to cast anything more than a few protection spells and help with the circle. He is just not ready yet. But it was wonderful to have both of them with me. We built a bonfire and cast our circle under the moon. The baby actually cried until I picked him up and had him at the altar with us.

I had moved my altar out on to the patio. I have never cast outdoors like that before. My circles were always cast in secret. I'm sure a few of our neighbors were wondering what in the blue blazes was going on. There were candles, a fire, and chanting going on! Regardless... it was wonderful to be outdoors.

Lastly, Constitution Day is coming up at for the eldest and they are learning the pledge of allegiance. From what he relayed to me, the teacher had asked what religion everyone is because of the 'one nation under God' part. My boy, who has never gone against what the majority says, stood up and announced to everyone that he is a pagan and believes in a Goddess. I was so proud I nearly burst. Not because he said he was pagan. I don't care what he is one way or the other. He is free to make his own religious choices. I was just proud that he went against the norm and was true to himself!

I do not, in one way or another, force my children to align themselves with a faith. If one day the eldest is Christian and the next pagan, it's fine with me. I request that he learns and researches and goes with what he feels. Supporting his decision one way or the other and offering him my knowledge on the various religions is what I offer. I do not judge.

Well, Chubs aka The Baby, has just woken up from his nightly nap and will be wanting to eat his cereal soon. Good Night my friends! May your dreams be as sweet as honey.

Blessed Be
    )O(

Are you a good witch?

Yesterday, we held the bi-weekly poker game at our house. Nothing out of the ordinary. Friends, children, and some family, all scattered about. It was a fun night. We all had a great time, as per the usual.

Before the game started however I was asked a question that caught me completely off guard. One of Daddy's friends were hanging out right before the game started when he looked at me and said "Hey, I have a question for you."

I responded with "OK, shoot."

"Do you really practice witchcraft in your basement?"

Now, I had two options. I could have just laughed it off and went about the evening. But that is not really who I am, so I went with option 2: honesty.

"I sure do." Was my answer. I am proud of who I am. I didn't see the point in lying. Although most of my spell work is done in the kitchen. I didn't see the point in making him needlessly uncomfortable. But my altar is in the basement, mainly because of lack of space, and I have slightly more privacy in the basement.

For the first 5 minutes after my answer I really thought that they were going to leave. I just felt the shift in energy from the comfortable gathering we had going to a very distinct chill from his and his girlfriend's direction. After the initial shock of my answer wore off he followed up with, "well there's lots of kinds of witchcraft, what do you do?"

Inwardly, I had to smile! I let him know that I don't usually interfere with other's lives or choices. Also I don't practice voodoo... that is a little too dark for my taste. And I am a firm believer in Karma, what you put out, you WILL receive back 3 fold!

I found out later the reason why he asked that question is because he had seen my altar when he and Daddy went to get the table.

Have you ever had anyone call you out in front of a bunch of people? I wasn't offended or anything. Actually, I thought it funny. I think my openness about who and what I am makes it easier for people to accept me and deal with the fact that I am a witch.

He even said he would have never guessed because I don't look like a witch. I wanted to ask him 'what do witches look like?' But Daddy had just arrived on scene with another of our poker guests and I got distracted.  But it definitely made the highlights of the evening for me.

Well, yesterday was a very busy day for me so now I am off to bed for a nap while the baby sleeps!

Blessed Be!
     )O(

That time again!

Ahhh.... it's that time of year again! The trees are preparing for their Winter long slumber. The leaves changing color and gently covering the ground (not yet, but close!!) The temperatures are finally starting to drop so we can bust out the hoodies and bonfires. There is usually a crispness in the air that you can smell and feel! Ah, yes, Fall is one of my favorite seasons! Not only for the change of season and my all-time favorite Sabbat, Samhain. But also because....

SCHOOL'S BACK IN SESSION!!!

Now, don't get me wrong. I love my eldest son, I really really do. But I am so happy that he is back in school! Not only does he do better with the routine that school time brings, but I am so sick and tired of hearing those 2 words "I'm Bored!". Ugh, purely sick of it. It was getting to the point in the last two weeks that he would wake up and before he ate, brushed his teeth, turned on the tv, or even used the toilet I'd hear "I'm bored!"

I will give him the fact that this was NOT a great summer for us. I had the baby in early June via c-section and then as I was finally getting over that recovery time I ended up back in the hospital for another 5 days with gallbladder trouble which resulted in another surgery.

**side note: Just saying that I had to have my gallbladder removed makes me fee super old. :/ **

So then I was laid up for another few weeks recovering from that. Yea, our summer this year wasn't the greatest. But hey... it happens. He has been playing with a ton of his friends though. There are some camping out in our living room as I type this. I don't mind though. I never have. I love having my son bring his friends here to play. This way I get to keep a VERY close eye on him without making him call to check in every 10 minutes :)

This school year, albeit has only been 2 days long, has been going very well. We currently aren't having any problems getting back on schedule. Although he's still a pain in the arse to wake up in the morning. Like the rest of the males in this family... he is NOT a morning person.

He was very excited for his first day though, which was yesterday. We walked, as we do every year, to and from school together. It's a tradition that I started with him when he started kindergarten. He looks forward to it and so do I. I have no idea how long he'll let me walk him... I'm guessing middle school may be the end of it.

Well... it's time for dinner to get started!

Blessed Be my friends!
     )O(

Date Night

Last night was the first night that Daddy and I have gone out together ALONE! We had a friend's wedding to go. We both bought new outfits, shipped the kids off to their grandparents, and had a wonderfully peaceful night together!

Daddy and I don't usually go out together. We have our date nights occasionally but we are usually on double dates with friends. Or we have people come over to the house and we all have a good time here. Which is so much fun. We enjoy the people we surround ourselves with. I will go out with the girls once in a while and he will go out and play poker with the guys. But last night was very special.

Not only was it nice to have a night off of being a mom, don't get me wrong I talked more about our kids last night than I did anything else but,  it was wonderful for us to get to spend that time together. We even got home early enough to pick the baby up but we agreed to let him stay where he was.

The connection Daddy and I have together is wonderful. I am thankful every single day that he is in my life. We have taught each other so much. I can not stress enough how much fun it was to twirl around the dance floor with him. I smiled so hard the entire time that I thought my lips were going to crack.

On the way home from the wedding (holding hands the entire drive home ^_^ ) we both agreed that we need to have at least one date night a month where it is just us two. Not only is good for our relationship, but it's good for us individually too. He is such a homebody that it's good for him to go somewhere that is not work. As far as me, it's wonderful for me to get out of the house without the kids once in awhile.

I suggest that all of my readers take a night out for themselves! Take your spouse, your best friend, or a group... just get out and have a wonderful time!

Blessed Be!
    )0(