The Magick of Power: Power = Strength

A Witch works with nature to make things manifest.  Universal energy will grant power to your magick.

The magick of power starts with you asking yourself, "How true am I to my power"?

Just recently some serious issues have cropped up in my life.

Recognizing a need for direction, I have been pulling a card - just one card - every morning from an Angel Tarot deck asking what do I need to do today to bring me closer to my power?  The last card pulled instructed that I needed to "let go" and trust that the Angels and Spirit will handle what needs to be handled.  So...I let go and am allowing my life to unfold as it may.

It was that simple.  I stood up, said "okay" - I let go.

This "letting go" message is so in-time for the Full Moon, I'm sure you've noticed Her - glowing in the evening sky.  A Full Moon is the perfect time to be a Witch and walk the talk.

In chatting with a friend - Spirit talked through her.  How? We noticed that her birthday is on the Full Moon and she said, "a perfect time for letting some things go".   Of course, she had no idea how powerful those words were.  I stopped for just a second. Acknowledged. Message received.

My first 'letting go" of this Full Moon...

A re-acquainted friendship turned out to be more than I wanted  (not had) to handle and I let it go.  But not before - thanks to Mercury Rx, some harsh words were said.  I received an email from her saying how disappointed she was in me and my reply to her was that I was also hurt by her words and for her to try to understand that some friendships are meant for only a short period of time and may the Goddess bless her on her journey.

Wow, that felt good.  My reply was part of my magick. My power.  I acknowledged my magick by being true to my intuition and releasing the friendship.  So, instead of having a high maintenance friend in my life - I now have a lesson learned and less stress.

We've all experienced relationships that were meant to last only a short time.  We recognize, we accept, then we release.  It's healthier for us to release the toxicity than to endure.

My second "letting go" is more serious and I'm still allowing it to unfold.  There is some potential that this one could hurt me - emotionally.  But, I assure you, there will be a lesson in this.

During this turmoil, I will also light the appropriate candles (that's another blog) and ask the Universe to grant its' energy to my power.  Help me stay the course.

So, this Full Moon, where is your magick?  What is your power?  What will your magick manifest?  Take the time this Full Moon to look about your space and acknowledge what is not working for you.  Then do something about it.  And, remember that sometimes doing nothing is actually doing something.

Spring!

Ahhhhh, finally.  

Spring is here!!

My house has been given that special Spring cleaning, the furniture re-arranged to give energy a new rhythm.  The house has been Spiritually cleaned to rid the heavy energy of Winter. During a rare warm Nebraska day, the windows opened to air out the home. I've prepared my living environment for the promise of the new beginnings this season brings.

Winter brought more snow than last year, some have had more rain and serious storms.  By the end of February I was tired of the coats, the boots, the scarves; especially the chill that slaps when you walk outside. This Winter was a long one.

Yesterday there was still a chill in the air, very windy and the weather forecast for Thursday and Friday is snow.  So dressed for the chilly weather, I walked my flower beds and noticed that some of the 'usuals' that pop in the Spring are still not showing their pretty faces...yet.  I did see some green, but the garden is still silent. Somewhat disappointed that I didn't see the surprises I was expecting...I thought of last Spring.

Surprising many, Spring arrived a couple weeks early; I'd missed the dance of the daffodils.  We have the perfect climate for Spring, I was so disappointed that I had missed much of the early blooms.  I had missed the birth of Spring.   The time when renewal is anticipated and given as a reward to the soul of the gardener.  It made me wonder why did I miss the entrance of Spring?  Where was I - mentally?  This held some meaning...

I now know how fickle Mother Nature is.  As all women do, she has her own internal clock.  She will give birth when only she knows the time is right.  I looked around the yard, thought of the placement of the new flower bed creation that had bloomed in my head over the winter.  Looking at that specific spot, I could see the tiny garden in full bloom and as we all know perennials take time to grow.  The first year the bloom is a little weak, the second year they show promise and then the third year what was created in my mind has come to pass. A design I came across on Pinterest.

Spring.  The Vernal Equinox.

Always, at this time of year, I recall a memory which happened around Spring/Easter.  We were living in Texas and we were migrant workers, but dad had found someone to work for year round and it was maintaining the man's farm and animals.  This included a house for us to live in.

The memory:  Mom, the girls and I had just returned home from somewhere.  The minute I got out of the car I walked away from them.  The Sun was shining, the sky was a vibrant blue with not a cloud in sight.  We lived in the middle of a field, or so it seemed to me at this young age.  We were miles away from the closest neighbor and mostly what anyone could see from my perspective was soil - Earth.  I sat on the ground and picked up some soil. Immediately the aroma of Earth filled my senses, the soil a very fine texture slipped through my tiny fingers - it was warm, but as I dug a little deeper it was much cooler.  I actually see myself sitting there on the soil, with the smell of Earth, the Sun warm and a slight breeze blowing through my unruly curly hair.  There was such a peacefulness, the quiet was amazing.  I felt safe knowing that my family was somewhere around - I could see our home from where I was sitting and knew that I was safe.  I also knew that out of the soil that surrounded me would come the food that would end up on our table - canned and saved for the winter months.

Since it comes to mind every Spring - is there an importance to this memory?  I don't know.  In the past, I thought that eventually this meaning would become clear, and now at my age that meaning still eludes me...but, does it really?  Was it meant to be a memory of simplicity?  Was it the Goddess' gift to me knowing that my Spiritual path would be Mother Nature's caretaker?  I still carry the gifts of 'knowing' offered by Her while growing up in Texas; the "sense" of when the weather will turn, Nature's changing signs She teaches; the energy in the air before a thunderstorm, to enjoy the peacefulness of a cloudy day, to take the time to enjoy the Earthly aromas of that first Spring rain.

So in Spring when I first place my hand in the soil to plant that very first bloom this particular memory becomes so real.  I instinctively close my eyes and I'm transported back to an easier time to a little girl playing in the dirt, sun shining brightly in the warm breeze; I felt so safe and maybe knowing that I was always meant to play in the dirt.

Now, I share with you the insight to missing the arrival of last years' Spring - I wasn't grounded.  I was too busy giving my attention to issues that in the end didn't matter and missed the one thing that does matter - to a Witch. The turning of the Wheel and the welcoming of a new Season.

Happy Spring!!!

Affirmations

I see them.  Everywhere. 

I’ve always, always used affirmations.  Written by those I admire or people I don’t know.  They’re written on sticky-notes on the mirror in my bathroom; ripped out of magazines and placed on the night stand so that I can see them in the mornings and in the evenings.  You’ll see them in the kitchen, my home office and when I worked outside the home - they were in my work space, in my flower garden; purposely chosen to grace the background on my desktop.  If I find they no longer work –I find new ones.

They are at the center of my Spiritual path – they provide the intention and possibly the strength of that intention.  At times they are the magick created.

They’ve been around for years, studied, used in marketing plans to gain the favor of customers.  With the technology of today, they can be created on one’s own computer and if shared and liked, will be passed around the world at the speed of lightening, thanks to the internet and you tube, facebook, twitter, blogs, etc.  There are even sites where they can be downloaded.  They come in all shapes and sizes.

Sometime around the New Year I heard a morning show guest say, “get rid of affirmations!”  Was she a professional – don’t know. My immediate reaction was ‘a-not-so-positive’ response.  I did not know that apparently there is a dark side to affirmations.  There’s a lot of controversy surrounding affirmations and find they aren’t for everyone. They can actually cause stress if a person feels that he/she can’t live up to the affirmation.  Does this mean that there are negative affirmations?

Maybe she was right.  However, they’ve always helped me find my way back to my power.  Just imagine the peace that could be attained if everyone believed in positive affirmations.

So, I say, get rid of that stress – read and “believe” the affirmations that cross your path.  They really do have a healing effect and with repetition can become a very healthy habit.

Don’t make it difficult.  Try one (or two) out.

You’ll know when you find the one that offers inspiration, just the right amount of ambition, a smile and maybe laughter.

Following are a few positive results from affirmations that I believe in:

• Great idea exchanges
• Encourage us to get past our fears
• Remind us to adjust our attitude for the better
• Can be informative
• Remind us how beautiful we are
• That the strength required is possible if tried – at least once
• The importance of family and friends
• They tell us to stand where we stand and be the best that we can be – because we have that right
• Can change a frown to a smile
• That it’s okay to believe in your dreams
• That we can plug into the abundance of all that is good in the Universe and know that it is ours.
• To know that the best will happen and if it doesn’t – remind us that we can handle it with grace
• They show us that we can be short-sighted and not see the goodness that surrounds us
• They make us laugh
• Cause us to believe in our creativity – whatever that may be
• It’s about staying positive – and know that it’s okay if you can’t 

**Note: I do not claim ownership to the affirmations in this blog - they didn't have a name to offer credit.

A Question Asked

Someone asked me recently, “What are the benefits of Witchcraft?”

For a moment I was stunned, but just a brief moment.  Then a peaceful feeling came over me – that’s one of the benefits of the Craft – it allows you to stand true to your religion and know that it is all one big benefit.  It benefits you in every way imaginable.

The Craft encompasses you.

It’s not to be trifled with – you can’t use it when you want and expect the benefits it can offer.  If you want the Goddesses and Gods to know you and grant you your heart’s desires (if that’s what they wish for you as well) you must get to know them, talk to them – sit in silence with them.  Constantly.  If your intention is true and sincere, you will always be given what you ask for.  I do know from experience it isn’t always in the manner you expected. Surprise!  So…careful what you ask for.

Three things I believe:  Harm none; What you send out comes back to you three-fold; Treat others as you would want to be treated.

When you work the Craft, you work energy. So take care.

Everything has energy.  Positive, negative or neutral. Powerful. Remember your science 101 here.

You work it with your imagination.

You work it with your intention.  With your heart. 

Your intuition is practiced therefore – gets stronger. 

You learn to trust that intuition – your gut feeling.

You learn so much about yourself - even if you want to or not.  If (big if) you open up to the lessons you’re given.

It is a healing.

You grow with the Craft.  It is forever teaching you something. 

When Spirit talks to me – it stops me dead in my tracks.  It happens, you will receive messages.   The feeling is amazing.

I will introduce you to seven energy points – yes, I said seven, but that’s just me.  Another benefit of practicing Wicca and the Craft as a Solitary – you walk your path as no one else does.

So let’s take a walk…

Let's open a sacred circle...we'll walk the circle clockwise and meet the elemental directions of energy.

When we face North – we face the energies of Earth; here there is learning of your lineage – the old ones - the ancients; you’ll find comfort here.  A calming, grounding and centering energy.

 

Facing East we are welcomed by the wind and the power of Air – you let your imagination go.  Open up your mind’s eye and experience creativity - find where your mind can and if you allow…take you.

 

Turning South you feel the heat of Fire – the energy of passion, protection, strength.

Water energy in the West - leads our path to Intuition and tells many things, and allows travel into the astral plane.

Continuing our walk of the sacred circle you find yourself facing North again.

Let's step to the center; simply and intuitively feeling the center in your belly.  Feet firmly planted on the ground.  For me, it feels like butterflies in my belly.

Then like the Sorceress this path has made me…I toss my hands and imagination up toward the heavens and grow the sacred circle all the way up to tap into the energy of the Universe.  My imagination soars.

Then softly, but firmly my hands flow below and in my mind’s eye taking the circle down through crust, mantle, outer core,  to her inner core and feel the strength and energy of Gaia.

 

Finally, I bring the power of the circle to center and greet Spirit. No explanation needed here – You speak (or listen) to Spirit one-on-one.

Seal the circle as you choose.  I stomp my foot on the ground and sense it all come together.

  

Inside this sacred circle, you work the energies you have invited to protect; you work with the energy of plants, herbs, stones, candles, your imagination, your intention and your will to create the world which makes you happy, healthy and wise.

Once the magick has been completed – close the circle – and you must always, always close the circle.  Magick will grow chaotic wherever you’ve opened a circle and not closed.

   

There is so much more - so until you are ready to do further study – don’t attempt.  I don’t want to scare you, BUT the Craft is a responsibility – you’re trifling with Nature – so you must be respectful.

This isn’t the only way to meet the energies that surround us and are available to us.  There are many ways to connect with energy.

This is by no means all there is to the Craft.  We are only beautiful humans and life happens, but walking this sacred path you have all the tools to make your world and, with permission, those you love better.  The tool which the Creator has given you – yourself.  If this is your calling – you will learn to trust in what you do or it won’t work.  Magick fizzles out sometimes.  For many reasons.

What are the benefits of Witchcraft? – there’s just too many to mention.   So pick up your broom, saddle up and let your imagination take flight!

Yes…simply imagine.

Meditation

Sometimes you catch yourself staring off into space, not even a tiny blink - where did your mind go?  To that peaceful place and only you can answer why.

When did meditation come into my life?

I guess it's always been there, but went unnoticed.  In my Catholic years, it was prayer during mass, a prayer before bed, a prayer before a big decision.  I could go on and on.  

However, these days, it is as often as I can. With a knowledge of how and why.
I love to meditate.  
I will be honest, I do shy away - life gets busy and before I know it, it's been days, weeks, months - finally head slap to forehead...well damn, no wonder I'm not centered. No wonder I'm a walking cranky bitch. And this one is big...no wonder I haven't heard my guides.

Meditation is an answer I always find myself suggesting to friends and family when we're chatting and I hear a disconnect in their voice, body posture.  Do they listen - some may others don't.  So their problems persist.  I'm not shy about saying "I told you so."

Meditation is something I believe the medical profession should prescribe, but instead they give you a prescription for what ever ails.  Many folks are now coming to realize what Witches have always known.  It is a part of the old ways and much craved by our own mind and body.

It is becoming acceptable and the benefits are becoming obvious.  People are realizing they want to be healthy - they want their children and spouses to live healthy, long lives and are finding ways to do it on their own.  Metaphysical stores are now just around the corner, health food stores are in abundance, organic is the "new age", community vegetable gardens are popping up in urban communities.  For this Witch, it's exciting to see.  I myself have quit a 35 year habit - I've stopped smoking. Pat on the back for me.

Not meaning to get off track, however this brings me to...

There are many reasons to meditate:

• solve problems or challenges
• work through the Chakras (if you don't know what these are - find out. It is for your own benefit.)
• receive messages from your Spirit Guides
• meet your familiars - if you know who they are thank them
• meet your Spirit Guide(s)
• find your passion(s)
• you actually find out that you're not alone and there is a bigger purpose

These are some of the benefits I've received:
*in part from Feng Shui Lifestyle by Laurie Bornstein

• relaxes the nervous system
• relieves muscle tension - big for stress release
• diminishes intensity of headaches/migraines
• improves depression
• releases fears (this is something we all have)
• generates optimism, self-esteem, confidence, motivation
• stop nasty habits
• improves your intuition
• improves your chats with Spirit and brings you to your center  For me this is a big one.

It is so easy to do!

Feel free to find any comfortable position: sit or lay down.  

I just suggest (from experience) not in the tub - many times an individual will fall asleep during meditation because the body demands it...it's not a bad thing to fall asleep; just not in the tub for obvious reasons.

Light a candle, burn incense. You don't have to.

Even as you lay your head on your pillow for the night and after a crazy day - clear your mind.

The only rules that matter...  

1. shut off your phone
2. make sure you're not disturbed - yes, I know this can be difficult especially if you have children. But the rewards are amazing. 

There's much more to meditation. For instance, the mudras or the position of hands, fingers, body. What music to choose - this enhances my meditations.  And, because I'm a Witch I consider the color of the candle to burn. the energies of the day and especially Lunar positions.

Meditation isn't difficult and it shouldn't be - you won't do it if you make it so.

There is so much to meditation that I'm contemplating of having a workshop.  I'll meditate on it and let you know. 

Full Moon Today: 2:26pm Central Time

Be aware that during the full moon phase, anything that needs an extra boost can be done because this when the moon is at its height of energy and power. This is a good time to meditate on increasing psychic abilities and fertility. The full moon brings enormous productivity and this a good time to complete projects. 

We've just celebrated Imbolc and realized that we are at mid-winter and I am so wanting for Spring to come early.  Cabin fever - you bet, though this Nebraska winter wasn't much to complain about.  I'm simply tired of putting on and taking off my coat, shoveling snow. Though the brisk February wind is always good for removing any stagnant energy you may carry around with you.  Often, on a windy day, I stand outside and just let the wind blow through me and I visualize all that extra baggage being taken with the wind.  Blown away and dissolved into the ether. 

February's Full Moon to me is the Quickening Moon.  I start looking for her just about sundown in the Eastern sky - and just like magick, there She is. Always upon seeing Her I offer a greeting.  "Hello Lady.  I acknowledge you and thank you for your blessings."  By shining all evening long, She blesses me in my dreams.

Now, there are many energies in play today and factor in to the energies of our lives.  I know that this Full Moon is in the sign of Virgo and that Virgo's energies will effect anything we come across our daily life.

Only this is about February's Full Moon.  If you stand outside - take a quiet moment and listen...you can hear Mother Earth wakening from her slumber.  My flower beds are starting to stir under their blanket of soil and snow.  I sense a quickening.

Introspection

“I need to clean the house “– I tell myself as I see a nice layer of dust on everything.  I walk by the living room – “I need to move the furniture around – move the energy around”; the energy is feeling stagnant.  I get this sense of my body hurting, my knees crying just at the thought of moving furniture around – it feels like such a chore.  I also find my days are blending into the next – this I sense is also because of the stagnant energy.  Not necessarily negative, but not positive either.

Then a thought goes through my mind – after I’ve given the house a thorough cleaning, it feels like magick…practical magick.  No not the movie, but my own practical magick.  What I visualize as I’m cleaning, picking up, organizing drawers on the spot and maybe moving the furniture around to get the energy circulating again.  I like that my spirituality flows from me into the house; feeds the house spirits.

In July of last year, I lost my beloved Kobi and still to this day I miss him terribly and I am so sorry that I didn’t hold him during his last breath.  It is my biggest regret.  I should have been there with him, but I’m a coward – I admit it – I’m a coward.  I just couldn’t – the pain was more than this mother could swallow.  Kobi and I had our own language, our own way of conversing.  His companionship was beyond measure.

My point is this…every time I would leave the house I would say good-bye to Kobi and asked him to keep the house safe from intruders – astral or human.  I would tell him I’d see him after a bit.  After Kobi transitioned into his spiritual life, I found myself at a loss because he wasn’t there for me to say good-bye to.  Days would go by and I find myself lost as I left the house.  I would stop at the door with my hand on the door knob and think – what?  Now what?  What am I to say?  There’s no one here – Kobi isn’t here to say good-bye to, no one to protect the house.  I felt so ill at ease.  Driving away I would feel the sense of loss.  Finally one day I heard it…the house spirits.  They didn’t leave when Kobi left.  If anything they’ve really stepped it up.

I took the time one day to stop and open my senses and asked them to come forward so that I may say hello.  I knew they were there when Kobi was around, I expect in the back of mind I’ve known that they are always with me. They’ve simply been waiting for an acknowledgement.  Now, as I leave the house, I say good-bye to the house spirits which have kindly kept me and my husband safe from astral or human intruders – those not welcomed.  Upon my return, I open the door shout a greeting – I’m home!  Thank you for keeping the house safe – I’m grateful.  They’ve saved my ass too many times to mention.  Just recently by saving the house from burning down.   Even then I questioned.  I asked my sister, do you think this is what happened?  Were the Spirits trying to get my attention and without hesitation she said yes.  Okay then.

As I officially started on my chosen Spiritual path, I thought of “me” again.  As a mystic I’m always making it hard.  Giving it too much thought.  Simple is always best.  Magick is simple.  It’s how I (should) live my life daily and nightly.  These days I find my Self lost more than I like. 

I’ve had two members of my family needing healing and I just don’t help.  I thought, what color is the candle I need – what should I ask – it was too much work.  I gave it too much thought and lost my Self in myself again.  So I didn’t do anything.  They’ve struggled with their health issues and yet I do nothing.  What is wrong with me?

I’m lost again.  What am I to do? 

The Lady is starting to bloom – She in all her glory.  I started a ritual last night and thought what do I want to do?  I found myself questioning then I say to myself, “No, don’t question.  Just do.”

I took a peek at the Goddess last night.  Opened the front door and there she was – beautiful and bright.  A cold Full Moon…The February Full Moon.

I’ve read some insight to this Full Moon and I will try to do what I am supposed to do.  Why do I feel stupid when I show my reverence or do magick?  Why am I not centered? 
Why must I always question – where is my courage?  Why am I afraid to walk in grace?  Why do I always recall the scary things?  I know that magick has a light and dark.  I’ve read a phrase “Careful what you call – you have to be ready to accept what you call.”  I’ve always called the light into my life.  I also know that the dark is attracted to the light and when you call upon the light, the dark also listens.

It’s time I step up my communication with the Lady and Lord – show them that I’m still here.  I still need them to continue showing me the way to what my goal needs to be.

Writing.  That’s what crosses my mind more often than anything. I’ve always wanted to start a blog.  I’ve read what some of the great authors/teachers/mentors blog about and I know I am in their league.  The fear of how will people react to what I write; their critique – I know how I criticize or applaud their writings.

In meditation I will see what falls into place.