Walking a Lonely Path

 For the longest time, I have been reading. Seeking the wisdom of those who came before me. To me, reading is magic. For you are sharing the mind, and emotions of another person.

I agree, it is “just reading”. But it will always be magic, as well.

I have found myself seeking a path. I looked back, to see if any of my ancestors followed a path. One other than something Judeo-Christian Do not misunderstand me, there can be great strength on that Path. And my feet are ill-suited to walk it. My spirit cannot fit itself into the faith that a Judeo-Christian path offers.
So, did any of my ancestors walk a different path? Sadly, I cannot find out. I am somewhat distant from my mother and father's families. There is no real trust built that they would feel safe in sharing that knowledge with me. So be it. I will look for a path through the wilderness for myself.
But, what path? Reading, I know that a Hoodoo path is not for me. Southern Texas and desert magic? No. Appalachian Mountain magic is close. But, it relies on ancestors and the land they live upon.
So, I looked north. To Indigenous tribes folk. As I am Canadian, and my family has lived here for 4 generations, I likely carry some Indigenous blood. What. I may be 1/8^th part of a particular tribe? I cannot seek there. I feel that, with my privilege, it would be insulting to the battles fought and hard won by the powerful Indigenous peoples. I refuse to be intrusive. Rather, I will be in awe at a respectful distance. And educate myself.

So, where else have I looked? Across the Atlantic. To Russia. And their Shamans To the British Iles. Their Welsh, Celtic, and Druidic Paths. Those Clever Folk, Those Village Witches. Those who know some of the ways of the Goode Folk.
Again, those paths are ill-suited to my feet, and my soul. AS powerful as they are, and as much as I may lust after them, I will remain respectfully distant, and learn what I can to educate myself.
For the longest of whiles, I have immersed myself in Wicca. That great stew of traditions and learning. But, In the end, I cannot seem to find a group who can see what I have to offer. I wise, now distant friend, once said that “Many walk a solitary path”. That seems so. At least of me, currently.

So, where do I go next? I supposed I would like to say to you, "See? You are not alone as you walk a confusing path”. Whilst I may not walk your path, I will support your healthy journey. And let you know you are not alone in your confusion.
I do suffer disappointment in my search and my reading. And, occasionally, I will put my studies down and lament what I do not have. I will, however, always pick it up again. I will walk down that dark deer path. I will creep along the banks of that quiet, unmapped creek. Who knows? At the end of those paths, I may see beauty. If I see nothing I can use, I will nod respectfully to what IS there, and go on, looking for another path to walk down.

Intent

 Over the next few posts, I'd like to talk about some things deemed “forbidden” or “Dark” by many practitioners and followers of many paths. Please remember, the path you walk is yours. I'll not often tell you your path is wrong.

I want to talk about Curses. Blood Magic. And Sex Magic. And, how “Intent” plays into them all. I'll tackle them, one subject at a time.

I completely understand if anyone wants to not read. It took me a few years to prepare myself to read about these things. And, come to the conclusions that I have.

First, Id like to talk about the word Intent, and the meaning of it.

Miriam/Webster says that Intent can be a noun and a adjective.
Both are important. The boding is my own.

Intent: Noun
“a usually clearly formulated or planned intention”

Adjective:
“having the mind, attention, or will, concentrated on something or some end or purpose”

These meanings are important in the work we do. In the way we do it.

When I do my Magical work, I go into it with my mindset. Knowing what I want to achieve. An example. If I weave my magic to help my spring seeds to root deeply, I focus on that. I try not to allow thoughts of the soil, and how much water my seeds will need. Don't get me wrong, those things are terribly important for my seeds to grow strong. But, at that very moment, my INTENT is to have them root deeply. I believe that our INTENT shapes our will. Our INTENT

And, oh, is it hard! All I just spoke of is difficult. Even with training and practice, it's easy to get distracted, to lose our intent. Alternatively, training and practice will aid in our work. But, failure happens. Be gentle with yourself, please.
I'd like to speak of subconscious Intent. We all have it, we all do it!
In regards to our seed? Subconscious intent may be that we are planting, and hope for a particular colour. If we don't get it, do we feel we failed? Or, do we look back, and ask was that in our intent? Try to be honest with yourself in your intent. You cast your Magic to help the seeds root deeply. Not, to have pretty blooms of a pretty colour.

Try to go into your Works and Magic knowing, as fully as possible, what you want the results to be.

Honestly? There is always a distraction. There will always be something we forgot or didn't consider. None of that is wrong, Life just happens.
During our daily routine, ask yourself “what have I spent my intent upon today? Did I focus on doing good at work? Did I pour thought into my meal being tasty? Or, my thoughts were heard, and valued?
At the end of the day, as you unwind, think on that. And gather your intent back to you. It is yours, yes? Reclaim that intent.
How? Here, again, is where your individual path helps. Meditation? Bathing? Sleep? Prayer? Engage in what relaxes you, and allows you to draw back the energy, and will, you've spent today.

In all this, INTENT is what can guide us!
Until next time,
Merry Meet!
Sheldon. 

The power of words

I've heard a number of people say that words have Power. There are words that are commands. Go. Stay. Kneel. Fall. Rise. There are words to describe things. Green. Hot. Smooth. There even words that describe abstract things. Power. Love. Honor. Anger.
Those are just the words alone. When we combine them, they can create Intent. 
As Pagans, and Wiccan's, the words we use with intent could be considered the core of what we do. Words make our spells, and writ's. The words we choose fill the pages of our journal, and books of shadows. 
Someone once described to me that the universe vibrates. each atom, each molecule moves in its own pattern. When we speak, we vibrate the air, until someone else "hears" our vibrations. So, our spoken words alter the universe? I call that Magic.
So, if our very intended words can make magic. That our words can cause magic, should we not be wary of what we say?

Although, I could mean phrases like "You are Loved" And, "So Mote it Be", I also mean negative things as well. "you're a loser" And, "you are hated" Strong things! 
Wouldn't saying certain things, such as Labels, be magical? Both limiting, and supporting? 
Two summers back, I was at a week-long camping festival. While there, I spoke of a phrase I had learned  many years ago. "Fluffy Bunny Wiccan" I used that phrase to speak of my frustration in what I considered to be naive and silly thoughts in people who had just started upon their chosen path. Hell, I was called the same, in my early years! I had thought that I could use that phrase, and they would grow out of that phase. As I thought we all would have eventually.
I was challenged.
 A Woman had overheard. And politely, respectfully, and forcefully said to me that she found that phrase to be incredibly offensive. Was there not another word or phrase I could use? One that WASNT dismissive? One that didn't mock a beginner? I was stunned to feel that she was absolutely correct! "Fluffy Bunny Wiccan" was a mock! It was almost hazing! 
Many have mocked me on my path. Either from a position of assumed "im further along my path than you on yours" 
Stars Above, I started this very Blog so as to NOT do the very thing I was doing to others! 
Then, a word came to me. A made-up word, but, one that had connotations for new, and Naive. But NOT a words to make me superior to another. To acknowledge that yes, I AM farther along my path. But, not BETTER than you on my path. 
So, I offer you all the Following word..

Witchling.

So, to all the Witchlings who do me the honor of reading my words. You have my profound apologies. I hope we can use our Intended words to lift each other.

And, to that Woman at the Kaleidoscope Gathering In 2017? Thank you for showing me I was wrong. I wish I had gotten your name.

Breath deep, seek peace

Secrets

Merriam-Webster defines it as follows..
Definition of secret

: kept hidden from others 

: known to only a few people

: keeping information hidden from others

So, for today, lets discuss a secret in terms of Pagan and Wiccan paths.

Now, before you all panic and say “But Sheldon, don’t reveal our Secrets!” please know I’m talking of secrets in general, and why we keep them. NOT any particular secrets!

For many a Path, pagan, or not, Secrets kept us safe from physical harm. In a time, when your path was considered to be heretical, or cursed, how would you let someone know you were of the same path. Let us consider the story of the Icthus. More popularly known today as the “Jesus Fish”

Before Christianity became established as a popularly followed religion, it was a cult. It is said that to find if another shared your faith, you could casually draw a curved arc in the dirt with your foot. If the other person drew a curved arc OVER yours, you then knew they were a follower! The 2 curved arcs came together to form the crude shape of a fish.

Now, I personally don’t know of any such thing today. I’m not saying that Path or Society doesn’t have a call and counter call such as this. But this was used so that you would not be attacked, or even killed!

Even today, in many parts of the world, following a certain path will get you attacked. I am totally aware of my privilege here. I live in a mainly open Country. And, because of this I am allowed to follow my path. A privilege, for which I am intensely grateful for. Consider, many of the current issues plaguing the Middle East.

Many practitioners of a particular path keep things a secret because of privacy. If you are part of a Coven, a circle, or, whatever you choose to name yourselves, you all may not want others to know how you chant. For YOUR chant is special to you, of value to you, and private to you. I cannot speak for others, but, I can respect that attitude.

I find this type of secret to be in many Martial arts schools and private teachings. If a move or position is found that exemplifies your path, you and your Master/Teacher may want to keep it secret so that it becomes YOURS. You can use that secret move to establish a relationship.

“Where did you learn that style of circular walking? Only MY school teaches that style?! Its not that you CAN’T use it, I would like to know where you learned it!”

Now, its time to speak of the confusing and awkward secrets. The secrets of ignorance.

I have never been skydiving. I can read of skydiving. And I have. I’ve read of the rush of wind in your face, and over your ears, and the pounding of your heart. I have even read of the sudden powerful upward rush as you pull your ripcord. Have I personally experienced it? No.

Others have, and they are special in that shared knowledge. But, is there something that I am missing? Of course there is! Because I’ve not done it, felt it, EXPERIENCED it, I’m missing a lot of things. Why am I missing things? I’ve read extensively! I didn’t miss anything!

I’m missing things because the authors I’ve read didn’t think to write everything down, because there were somethings that have no words. My readers, who HAVE skydived, would you say that the experienced cannot be fully expressed, unless you do the act itself? And after your feet have left the plane for the first time, and then thudded to the ground, THEN you can talk, you’ve shared the experience!

Many years ago, I was accidently exposed to a very scared rite. A young lady had had her first Menses. She was congratulated by a group of local Matrons, they having been told by her mother. The matrons were speaking of the knowledge’s and treatments for many of the pains that come with being a physically mature woman. That’s when I stepped into the scene. I realize now, that this was a “Woman’s Secret” and they were angry. NOT because I was a Man, but because I could not understand what they had felt. They were angry at my ignorance. No amount of metaphors could explain a period cramp. The bleeding, the mental fog that they, as Woman, experience.

Their Secret is kept from many Men, not because we are men, but because many of are Ignorant of all the mechanics of Menses. We may profess to WANT to know, but we may never.

On that day, I didn’t understand I just knew it was important to apologize and walk away.

It’s a stretch. But, perhaps Magic is a secret such as that? A Secret of Ignorance? A Secret of Experience?

If we, as practitioners, are to learn of these secrets, we need to be open. We need to gather as much experiences, and feelings and emotions as possible. And yet, remain open to the idea that we may never be able to understand the secret.

On the other hand, if we are lucky, we may find another o teach us, to share their knowledge so that, we as well, may know a Secret.

Do you know of another type of secret?

Merry meet,

Merry part.

Sheldon

Tools of the Trade Part 3!

Now, we’ve, discussed the many things that CAN go on an altar. This is, by no means a definitive final list! An altar, ESPECIALLY your own must, be a reflection of who you are, and what you do.

Today we can talk of what very well may be the last 3 things you could put there.

A Chalice.

Miriam Webster defines a chalice as such
chalice: a drinking cup, or vessel

It’s that simple! It’s also bee described to be as a”Footed Cup”. Meaning, that it looks like a goblet. A Cup on a stem, with a wide base.

What could it be used for? Well, in a ceremonial sense, it’s meant to hold liquid to be shared, wine, grape juice or even mead. Sometimes cold, clean water. Some spell work, and opening and closing a circle (we will discuss casting the corners and circle work in another post!)

In other work its simply an offering.

A Chalice can be an ornately gold chased, and decorated. It could simply be a clay or wooden cup that you feel attached to. I’ve even seen some use real animal horn drinking horns on their altars. What pleases you?

Wow. The next one is rather huge! And open to MUCH debate!

Deity representation.

Let’s say you’re Altar is built to worship Brigid the threefold Goddess of Smithing in the Celtic Pantheon. What could you use to show your love for her? Someone might use a piece of pig iron, to show that work is going to begin. Perhaps you’ve crafted that iron into a passel of arrowheads. You could choose the best one you’ve done, and leave that on altar as thanks to her and her guidance. You may even have a statue, or a picture, or, as she IS the threefold Goddess, a poem extoling her many virtues!

When it comes to a representation of your personal Deity, It is, again, what pleases you? A stone you found when you promised to worship your deity? Is it Book that explains your path? YOU choose. Ask your deity, and listen closely.

I kind of have been making small hints as to the last topic. Offerings. What does one offer on an Altar? Well, in my opinion, it’s what matters to you. It could be seasonal. Many folk offer food and colours and decorations that symbolize the Sabbat they are celebrating. (Sabbat is just another name for one of the eight possible holidays many celebrate. More on those, another time!)
Other furnish an Altar with a request. Food, and incense when asking their deity for help, to be eaten and burned AFTER the request has been granted.
An offering should be carefully considered, from the heart, and mean something special to YOU for your style of worship. I cannot tell you what to offer, but I can suggest that there is the WHOLE world wide web to research upon! If there is a particular occasion, then I can almost promise that someone has written about it. On the Web, or a book! Use your research resources.

That’s it! This and the last 2 other posts are a good start to what an altar is, and what one can put on one. In the end, I am no expert. This is where my path has led me to. I hope what I’ve learned has answered some questions for you. AS well, I do hope that ive raised your curiosity and you look more for yourself!
Any questions?

Merry Meet,
Merry Part!

Part 2 of Tools of the Trade

In my last post we were coming together to speak of just what is and what is on an altar! I hope you looked back, and did some research of your own, because all of this is my personal experiences, and many man people call Wiccan a “Solitary Path”

We spoke of the basics. The Athame, or ritual knife. The Altar itself, and Candles.

Well, this day we shall continue our exploration, join me, please!

Salt: There are innumerable types of salt. From table salt, plain old iodized sodium chloride. Himalayan Pink rock salt. Hawaiian red salt. Kosher sea salt. The list is almost endless!

Personally, I like Kosher sea salt. It feels comfortable in between my fingers, and holds a shape you pour it onto, and is easy to pick up and scatter with a mere pinch.
I mentioned that salt is protective. It is said that many “Spirits” or “Otherworldly Beings” cannot pass over a line drawn of salt. So, no few practitioners surround themselves in a closed circle of salt before they start their spell work. Others “salt” the thresholds of their dedicated spaces. To salt your thresholds is to pour a line of salt from door post to door post, or across your window sill. As you do so, concentrate on closing a door. In doing so, you define a place for yourself, and any others you choose to join you. In that place, you know your safe, because you stopped anything you don’t want from coming in. As well, salt is used to neutralize things. A rune set, left buried in dry salt may have no negativity in it. A ring, or crystal, left buried in salt, or, even just left on a bed of salt, may be cleansed as well. In a pinch, a light mist of salt water might be used if you are allergic to the smoke that some purifying incenses give off.

See? Salt has many uses other than just seasoning your popcorn!

Cauldron:

The Merriam-Webster Online dictionary defines cauldron as thus: a large kettle or boiler.

I know you’ve seen Cauldrons in popular movies that display the antics of young witches and wizards. For others, our first meeting with a cauldron is due to Halloween myths involving long nosed green and warty witches stirring up trouble in the from of some sort of potion or spell. Or even Shakespeare himself with his blasted heath and his “Double, double toil and trouble; / Fire burn and cauldron bubble”

Simply, a cauldron is a pot to prepare things in. That MAY be a potion, but it could be a tasty stew! As well, it might contain a concoction of oils that you are blending to protect yourself or another. Ceremonially, It is a place to focus your intent when crafting something that needs to be cooked. As a kitchen witch? It might very well be a favoured pot, or bowl. Mine, personally is a 3 legged cast iron model. I like it, and when I saw it the first time I felt good and could see myself using it for a long time. Look into your own! You don’t need to buy one, find what feels good when you practice.

rods, staves, wands:

These devices are relatively similar in nature, but vary in appearance and effect. Wands are the smallest of these, usually being about 1 ft (30 Cm) long and narrow. Rods are the next largest, about 3 ft (About a Meter)long and 3⁄4 in thick (just under 2 cm). Staves are the largest, usually being 6 ft long (182 cm) and about 2 in (5 cm) thick. Wands and rods can be made of wood, metal, ivory, or any combination of these materials

I find that each one is best used depending on its intended purpose. A wand is personal, and easy to manipulate through waving, inscribing words or pictures in the air. A rod is best used to pass around a circle, for ceremonial magic. Whilst a staff can be used to draw upon the ground, and as a badge of office.

Look at this! In learning with me, we are building your altar! We are not done, but as you read, you can see the use of each item. You don’t need all of this to worship! Much of this is just a way to focus your intent. In later posts, I will describe different altars in different faiths.
There is still more to come about Altars!

Merry Meet, Merry Part!

What are the Tools of the trade?

So, you’ve done it. Your altar is cleansed. You have your Athame. Your cauldron. Your lit red, green, and white candles. Your rod, and staff and wand! Your chalice is full of mead, and your brazier is burning low with banked coals of the sacred woods. Your got your shell top FILLED with a good, fragrant and smoking, smudge! And, well and a day, look! You’ve even sealed each of your thresholds with salt! Now look at you, aren’t you just the prepared Pagan?

If you were like me, most of the preceding paragraph made NO sense!  Athame? Smudge? And WHATS with that salt business? Cauldron? Sacred woods?

It all seems to be something that is too much. Do I, as a Wiccan, or even more simply, a Pagan, NEED all of those things to “Worship properly”?

Simple answer?

No.

Complicated answer?

No, but all of these things, properly explained, do assist in focus for some.

Maybe I can help define some of these words, and show you that they are just that words. Words cloaked in frightening ignorance. So, lets bring each one to light, and see them for the beauty they can be, yes?

Let’s start simply. What is an Altar?

The Mirriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as such

Altar- a usually raised structure or place on which sacrifices are offered or incense is burned in worship

That’s it! Simply a place where YOU choose to do your worship. A kitchen table, a marble slab (if you have one) an ornately carved box, or simply a table in a quiet corner!

Candles. Many of us know they come in many shapes. Tall, short, rotund, thin. They can be made from many materials. Bees wax, vegetable wax, soy wax. And they come in the colours of the rainbow!

Many people who follow a Pagan path use candles for ritualistic purposes and Spell work. I’ll not go into great depth about candle magic. Because that deserves an entry all its own! I will, however, encourage you to do your own reading on candle working, and candle magic. At its simplest though, sometimes candles just look pretty on your altar. And there’s nothing wrong with that!

Athame?

Collins Dictionary defines it as follows: Athame- a Wiccan’s ceremonial knife, usually with a black handle, used in rituals rather than for cutting or carving

There are many, MANY vehement arguments about your sacred knife. For that’s what an Athame is, simply. A Sacred knife.

Kitchen witches might use a trusted, comfortable, Chef’s knife. While a Hedge witch may use a sickle. You might be crafty enough to make your OWN blade, and that would make it truly your own!

Should it be sharp? After all, it’s just ceremonial. THIS is where the arguments come in. Some believe, that, by its nature a knife is meant to be sharp. Others, citing the ceremony fact, feel that your knife is meant as a symbol.

There are a few different paths that ask for 2 knives. One black hafted for ceremonial use. To “cut” in the air spell, or to “Sever” imagined bonds.

The other knife is white hafted. This knife is kept for practical purposes. Cutting herbs, rope or thread during spell working, and even drawing a bit of blood, if that’s your path.

In my humble opinion, it’s YOUR knife. It’s sacred to YOU! Sharp or not, ceremony or not, what feels right in your hand? In your heart?

As well, if you follow a particular path, ask the elders on that path, or ask your teacher. They will have their own opinions.

There are many more things to speak of. Other tools that might go on your personal altar. And, I will talk of these in another post.

But, please, if you have a question, email me, or ask it in the comments section.

As before

And so again

Merry meet, and merry part my Wandering friends!