Questions and Answers . . .

Whilst browsing the internet today for information on Beltane, I came across a website called CARM - Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. They write about various religions and why they perceive them to be 'bad'. That is, not of their way of thinking. And yes, Wicca, was included among them. And while they do not bash other religions, they proslytize . . .

"Jesus does not lie. Please trust in him and ask Jesus to forgive your sins and to show you the true path. After all, Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by me," (John 14:6). If Jesus is the way just as he said he was, then he is THE only truth path."

Thanks . . . but no thanks. I spent most of my life in a box not seeing the forest . . . I'd rather run and play amongst the leaves to whatever end.

Now the reason I'm sharing this at all is because they ask questions but give no forum for answering them. So I'm going to do that here to the best of my knowledge and ability . . .

1. Do the gods and goddesses of Wicca actually exist?

Excuse me for saying, but this is a grade one question. It's called FAITH and so in my faith, yes, they exist. I don't have to see them and I don't need a bible to tell me so.

2. If they actually exist, how do you know they exist?

BELIEF and the fact that I've experienced them working in my life. How does one know anything exists? Like angels or spirits or guides? They exist because you believe they do.

3. If your tradition contradicts the tradition of another Wiccan, can they both be objectively true?

Yes, provided they follow the fundamental tenets of Wicca as in "An it harm none, do what you will".

4. How do you feel about believing in the religious system where you cater your religion to your desires?

Bottom line is, don't all religions somehow cater to the needs, wants and desires of it's followers? If they didn't, they most likely wouldn't exist. How do I feel? I feel great knowing I'm responsible for my own happiness and well-being.

5. If you cater/construct your religion according to our desires, then isn't it nothing more than your own invention?

How do you think Christianity or any other religion started? They started by a people or peoples having a desire to develop something bigger than themselves - men invented the bible. I didn't invent Wicca - I follow the Wiccan tenets - but I do incorporate prayers and rituals that ring true for me. And then there's something called morals . . .

6. Is Wicca able to be shown to be false or is it all non-verifiable ideas?

I don't know, why don't you disprove it and then read some of the great books out there on Goddess religions - all verifiable.

7. If your spells and incantations produce results, how do you know that the power behind the results is good or not?

Well, I suppose if it produces results I'll see whether they're good or not and I'll adjust accordingly. Remember, 'An it harm none . . .'? I might also add 'for the greatest GOOD of all'. As far as the power behind it . . . the universe always works for the greatest good of all. It does not seek to do harm.

8. How do you know that there is not something more sinister behind Wicca?

Please, give me credit for knowing my own mind, heart and spirit. How do you 'fight' the devil? Same idea.

9. Why do you think that rituals dealing with candles, knives, and such are able to affect nature?

Candles, knives and what-have-you are only instruments used to help a practitioner focus their prayers or energies. One could just as easily use a pointed finger or nothing at all. These items are not crucial to my spiritual practice. It all comes from within. I don't believe it's nature I'm affecting, it's my own perception of my place in nature and in the world.


So there you have it - my answers to the questions asked by CARM. Please keep in mind that it's difficult to answer such questions in a few short lines of text. I would love to be able to sit down and expand on my answers in conversation, but then again I tend to get tongue-tied when confronted.

The thought also occurred to me to ask - "Why do you feel compelled to ask me such questions? I have no desire to question your faith." I'm just saying . . .

Sharing ~ Brenda Kay

While doing research and sometimes just stumbling around the internet, every so often I come across a website that intrigues and delights me. One such site belongs to an artist by the name of Brenda Kay. Brenda is a visionary and psychic artist and her work is extraordinary. But don't take my word for it . . . visit her website and see for yourself.

I was so smitten by her art and by her words that I wrote to Brenda asking her permission to post her work on my blog. To my delight she agreed. I'll be posting one of her pieces a week until I've posted all I can post of her work. You'll find them here every Wednesday (doesn't everyone need inspiration to get over the 'hump' of the week?). My heartfelt thanks to Brenda for allowing me the use of her extraordinary works.

TRUTH

Know Truth by the freedom and flow it brings to your state of being. Truth soars to Almighty heights, then swoops into grounded realization. Let Truth speak to you in quiet moments when your mind is free to soar and let it be reaized in who you are and in the heights to which you aspire. Take heed of these "Eureka" moments, recognize them as Truth and act exactly as you have been inspired. Dare to leap beyond your norm extending Light and Life beyond that which has been accepted but does not serve.

Once realized, Truth flows in never ending waves through the waters of the body. Listen closely to your words. Do they ring true with clear vibrations that ripple in accordance with the fact that your body and your life flow with ease? Or is your Truth denied in favour of lip service born out of fear? Perhaps words whirl repeatedly in your brain in justification of a fear based reality. Spoken or thought, these are the words that catch and clang and dam into stagnation in your heart, your health and your life.

Be true to yourself. Search you heart and mind for deluded reality and dishonest thought. Honour only that which is genuine for it will ripple your river with murmurings of Joy. Be faithful to your intent to stand firmly in Truth in this moment. Now flow forward, gliding with the tide of your life, no longer to struggle against it.

Be at Peace in Truth.

(All art and the words that follow it are the work of visionary artist
Brenda Kay and are used with her permission.)

The Moon, Crystals and a Stone

Last night the Moon was glorious! I hope you were able to get outside to enjoy Her. Although it was a bit chilly to do anything outside, I did step out to breathe in her essence and take some wonderful pictures. Just in time too because shortly thereafter the clouds started rolling in.

For those who may not know, the moon was at its closest to Earth in almost 20 years, appearing 14 per cent bigger and 30 per cent brighter than more frequent full moons. The last full Moon of this magnitude occurred in March, 1993.

Yesterday I attended a class on Crystals and Stones at a beautiful crystal shop called 'Free Spirit Crystals' in Milwaukee. The instructor, Diane Bloom, was engaging and knowledgable. I enjoyed the class immensely and came home with a new sense of appreciation for crystals and stones and their uses in our lives.

As I had a few minutes before the class started, I decided to look around the shop at the myriad of crystals and stones available for sale. I was drawn to a Cherry Quartz. I had never seen anything like it. I picked it up, thought about it, and placed it back in its spot on the shelf. I walked a few feet away wanting to see what else was available, but promptly turned around being beckoned back by the crystal. I picked it up and asked Diane to hold it for me until the end of the day (I knew I wasn't done shopping!). I knew I had to have it!

Cherry Quartz is a crystal of relationship and focus. It enhances one’s intention and clarity between people, one's self and the Divine. Cherry Quartz is a healer of emotional wounds and it dissipates anger and tension. It brings new hope, acts as an anti-depressant, gives relief from anxiety, sexual problems related to tension, and helps develop vision for the bigger picture.

Cherry quartz is an energy crystal and a powerful healing crystal. The healing properties of Cherry Quartz are used to aid respiratory difficulties,regeneration of cells, flow of energy throughout the body, and it is an excellent balancing stone for a sad or weak heart.

In the afternoon of the class we picked out two Quartz wands to use in our practicum. I picked out two wands that were about the same size and upon using them for the afternoon decided that they were meant for me and so I purchased them. They have a wonderful energy to them and I'm looking forward to using them in my Reiki practice.

Quartz crystals have six primary properties; they are able to structure, store, amplify, focus, transmit and transform energy - including matter, thought, emotion and information. Quartz naturally harmonizes and energizes our gross and subtle bodies. The chakras can be activated, cleansed, balanced and energized. As well, psychic abilities can be initiated and strengthened. Here is a great site to learn more about Quartz.

Black Obsidian is the stone of 'truth'. As a stone of protection it was probably used to make arrowheads and knives. A stone of honesty, sincerity and truth, Obsidian will bring out the warrior spirit in you. It can help you reach your subconscious, reclaim yourself, and help you find or rediscover forgotten abilities within yourself. As a protection stone, it can help to prevent negative energy from affecting you and it also helps to keep your thoughts from turning negative. It is also a good grounding stone.

Black Obsidian's mirror-like surface reveals its special ability to act as a mirror and help you to see your own flaws honestly. It won't abandon you there however, also providing insight in how to correct those flaws. Black Obsidian is an effective stone to use for change aiding your desire to alter behaviour, change harmful communication patterns or overcome obessions.

Obsidian's forceful dose of reality can be tempered for timid or shy people by combining it with Aventurine, Rose Quartz or Chrysocolla.

The timing of this class couldn't have been better . . . I was able to charge all of my stones by the light of the Moon last night, ready now for whatever purpose I put them to.

In closing I'd like to share a quick and easy way to clear your crystals that I learned in my class yesterday. This should be done before and after use. Hold your crystal or stone in your hand and say:

"I invoke the light of the Universal Energy within. I am a clear and perfect channel. Light is my guide."

Listening to Guidance . . .

Two weeks ago I attended a mediation evening with my Reiki Master, Mary, and a small group of people. It was an intense evening with three meditations - one of them included Mary playing a crystal bowl which was absolutely amazing. I came out of the meditation somewhat transformed.

During one of the breaks I had the chance to talk with one of my fellow students in Reiki classes. He shared a bit about himself and later on that evening on my way home I felt compelled to pray for him. A day later I received guidance that I was to paint a picture for him. "No", I said to Guidance firmly. "He'll think I'm nuts!" I bantered back and forth with Guidance for three days, finally throwing my hands in the air, compelled to paint the painting that Guidance was so firmly directing me to do. The image was very clear in my mind's eye.

I took up the canvas and my pencil - the picture seemed to draw itself. I sat in awe as the pencil drew the outline of the picture. I didn't question and I hardly had to correct what I was drawing. Clearly, Guidance was a good artist. Once the picture was drawn I took up my brushes and paint and put the paint to canvas. Again, I barely had to think about what I was doing . . . the paint flowed and so did the love.

Love was being poured into the painting, through me, from Spirit. I can hardly describe the overwhelming amount of love that flowed. It was like being enveloped in a blanket of white light - safe, protected, admired, adored and loved - and while all of this was for my friend, I also received Spirit's blessings.

On the morning of my Reiki class, when I would see my friend, I still was bantering back and forth with Guidance. We were on a teeter-totter and Guidance was bigger and heavier than me. And so not wanting to be stuck at the top of the teeter-totter indefinitely, I wrapped the picture and took it with me to class, still not knowing if I would give it to my friend.

Well, as it happened, I did give the painting to my friend along with the story behind it. We both cried and hugged and he was grateful that I had decided to follow Guidance and give it to him. And so was I because clearly, Guidance knows more about these things than I do . . .

Ostara

I wanted to share with you a bit about Ostara, but rather than go into a diatribe about what Ostara is (because there are so many fabulous blogs and websites you can visit for more information) I decided to share a few things of how I'll celebrate this year.

An acquaintance from my Reiki class has invited me to a Labyrinth Walk on March 20th in the evening to celebrate the Spring Equinox. I'm so excited about this event as I've never experienced a labyrinth walk before and I think it will be a beautiful way to honor this time.

Ostara is the Goddess of Spring and the Dawn, whose worship goes back to ancient Pagan Teutonic/Saxon cultures. Contemporary Pagans of many paths honor Her at Spring Equinox time. Also known as Eostre, the Christian festival of Easter was named for her. The Easter Bunny, baskets, and colored eggs that are part of spring and Easter celebrations in America, Europe, and other parts of the world are rooted in her lore and symbology. Here is a lovely meditation to honor Ostara.

I'll also be performing a ritual to honor spring and my hope is to be able to do it outside, in the early morning as the sun is rising. It might be a little chilly, but it's a good time to reconnect with the Earth. I found a lovely ritual here that can be done by solitaries. Of course, feel free to add your own prayers or invocations as the mood (or the Goddess) moves you.

I also created some Ostara Eggs a few posts ago which were a lot of fun. Here's the link to that post.

And with that I'd like to share my Ostara altar with you. As I mentioned in a previous post, I was guided to have a statue of Mary on my altar. The statue arrived last Friday and it was with reverence that I added Her to my altar. I am so moved by all that She is bringing to my life at this time . . . spring truly is the season of new beginnings!

If anyone lives in a warmer climate . . . would you like to adopt me?

So yesterday was a cloudy/partially sunny day and most of the snow was melting away. It was a chilly, but nice day and it gave me the feeling and hope that spring was indeed, just around the corner.

SCREEEEEEECCCCCHHHHHH!

Today I woke up to this . . .

Really, seriously, if anyone in the southern States or Hawaii would like to adopt me, my bags can be packed in a jiffy and I'll be on the next plane . . . sigh . . .

Embracing the Goddess . . .

When I started out on my journey almost a year ago, I was overwhelmed with the amount of information and the staggering numbers of deities from which to choose from. Slowly wading my way through, I decided to focus my devotions on Green Tara. And while she has been a devoted patroness to me, it was I who chose her. Along the way I'd hear of people who were definitely chosen BY the Goddess that they serve. I couldn't fully comprehend this idea - at least not until a few weeks ago.

It all started when I was deciding how to decorate my Ostara altar. Of course there is the color scheme of yellows, greens, purples and pinks. There are the eggs and the rabbits. There are the daffodils and seed packets. What I wasn't expecting to see on my Ostara altar was a statue of the Virgin Mary. "You need to put a statue of the Mother Goddess on your altar and she needs to be in the image of Mary", the voice said to me. Puzzled, I asked, "are you sure?" (with quizzical look on face). "Yes, dear one, I'm sure", the voice said. And so without questioning further, I ordered a statue of Mother Mary for my Ostara altar.

A few days later the song "Let It Be" started playing in my head . . .

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom,
Let it be.

And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom,
Let it be

I took that as another sign that the Goddess was speaking to me, encouraging me to come to her. Remember my poem a few posts back? Mary is also named 'The Star of the Sea' and is believed to intercede as a guide and protector of those who travel or seek their livelihoods on the sea. How serendipitous is that?

And then I was led to a blog by 'City Wiccan' who had decided that she was going to incorporate the Rosary into her practice. She even went so far as to re-write the Rosary to celebrate the Goddess. And then they came, the blogs and websites with information of Mary as Goddess and prayers and devotions and hymns to her, written in a way that confirms my faith and my beliefs as a Wiccan.

Mary has many names; Anat, Aphrodite, Artemis, Asherah, Astarte, Athena, Brigit, Cybele, Demeter, Diana, Hecate, Ishtar, Inanna, Isis, Juno, Kuan Yin, Maat, Maeve, Mariamne, Sohpia, Tara, and Theotokos. I researched and read and honestly couldn't believe the information that was literally pouring into my hands. I was being led.

The similarities between Mary and Green Tara are striking. So much so that I've decided to keep both of these deities as my Patron Goddesses for as long as they'll have me . . . Green Tara because I chose her and she chose to accept my forcing myself upon her AND Mary because she's chosen me and has filled my heart to overflowing with her love, guidance and wisdom.

I purchased an amethyst (for it's spiritual nature) Rosary from Etsy. After removing the crucifix and attaching the Mary pendant I purchased from eBay I'm now ready to pray the Goddess Rosary. I've created a separate blog page for 'Praying the Goddess Mary Rosary' should you be interested.

In closing I just want to say to those of you who are searching for your 'Patron' Goddess - look for a deity who resonates with you, ask her permission to work with her and wait, patiently, for the Goddess of your heart to find you (she may even end up being the one you've chosen to work with!).

Sending you all Reiki Love and remember to Live in the Light!

Green Tara Mantra

I hope this weekend finds you enjoying peace and much needed rest from the week. This is one of the most beautiful Green Tara mantras I've come across and it always brings me peace and serenity. I love to light a candle, sit in front of my Green Tara altar and meditate on the words which mean . . .

"Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha"

"Om" - Tara sacred body, mind and speech;
"Tare" - liberating from all discontent;
"Tuttare" - liberating from the 8 external fears and 8 internal fears;
"Ture" - liberating from duality;
"Svaha" - may the meaning of the mantra take root in my mind/
may the power of mantra be achieved/
praise to the mantra

Be sure to turn my blog music off at the bottom of the page by pressing the large button on the left of the playlist.

The Goddess is calling . . .

While doing Reiki on myself the other night I had a beautiful vision of flying over the ocean when I got to my heart chakra. I've always had a love of the ocean. I love being near the water and better than that, I love being in the water. I also love flying . . . but not the airplane kind of flying. I love the 'feeling' of flying, like a bird. The feeling I get when I dream or have visions of flying. The awesome, inexplicable feeling of freedom. No cares, no worries, no place to go or things to do. Just total, complete freedom . . .

I wrote this poem a few weeks ago. It came as a surprise. I think the Goddess is trying to tell me something . . .

"Come" She Says

The Ocean calls to me,
"Come", She says, "and I will heal you."
"I will cast out the past hurts.
I will calm your aching heart,
and fill it with peace, love and joy.
No more will you sorrow,
for I know that tomorrow
brings you light and hope.
No more will you hunger,
for I know your soul will be fed
with the divine light of truth.
You will live free and long
and you will prosper beyond your seeming limitations.
Breathe in My essence,
walk My shore,
feel the kiss of My waves at your feet,
and know that you are loved beyond measure."
"Come", She says, "and I will heal you . . ."

~ Teresa Martens ~

Ostara Eggs

I know it's a little early to start thinking about Ostara, but when the mood strikes one must follow where inspiration leads. I was visiting 'Jeanne Winters Inspiring Blog' where she made eggs with letters on them. While her blog is from a Christian perspective, with a little tweaking her ideas can be transformed into something meaningful for the Pagan or Wiccan in you.

Rather than boil the eggs, I chose to have the insides blown out. Reinforcements were called in aka my husband (now, I'm not saying he's full of hot air, but . . .) and the insides blown out. Then I pressed on the appropriate letter (make sure you buy the really good sticky kind) and dunked the egg in the color. Jeanne used natural dyes such as boiling up blueberries and such, but I took the lazy woman's way out and used food coloring.

Here's the recipe:

2 teaspoons vinegar
2/3 cup boiling water
pink - use red food coloring making sure not to leave the egg in too long
purple - red and blue
yellow - yellow
olive green - green and yellow

Of course, you can make your eggs whichever colors you like! You could even draw a pentacle or a pentagram with a crayon and then dip the egg in the color. Once your eggs are dry, peel off the letters, place your eggs in a pretty basket and voila' Ostara eggs for your altar or decorating.

Now someone pass me the jelly beans please . . .

A Bit of This and a Tad of That

It's been cold, gray and overcast most of this week sending me into a bit of a hibernation. I guess laying on the couch watching movies and eating popcorn could be considered as doing something . . . couldn't it?

Other than watching movies I was busy putting together a new website. 'Loving Heart Reiki' is the name and it is all about Reiki. I hope you'll pop by and visit and maybe even book yourself a session while you're there.

Be still my heart . . .

Yesterday afternoon I decided to take myself out to see a movie . . . notice a theme here? I'd been wanting to see 'The King's Speech' since it came out (Colin Firth is sooooo dreamy!) and so with a large popcorn and iced tea in hand, I made my way into the movie theatre. This is only the second time I've ever gone to a movie by myself and I have to say it's quite liberating. I get to see the movie I want to see and I get to eat the treats I want to eat. Oh, did I mention I also got Raisinettes?

Anyway, I was engrossed in the movie from beginning to end. I could look at Colin Firth all day, but it wasn't just him that kept me watching. I love to watch anything that has to do with the English monarchy. I'm captivated by them. And learning more about how this young prince was raised was heart-breaking to say the least. And then being thrown onto the throne, well in my view he was a very strong and brave man.

Colin Firth did an excellent job portraying King George VI and Geoffrey Rush was a hoot as Lionel Logue. You could see the mutual admiration between both of these men, who remained friends throughout their lives. 'The King's Speech' is an excellent movie and I hope that Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush win all the awards the movie industry has to offer . . . they certainly deserve them!

And to round out my evening last night I made some more bath salts. I found the most fabulous jar at the hospice store I frequent - it's divine! Give these a try . . . if you like the scent of orange, you'll love these!

Orange Bliss Bath Salts

1.5 cups of Epsom Salts
1 cup of sea salt
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
(I buy my oils from Back to Basics Log Cabin on Etsy)
yellow and red food coloring to make orange
1 teaspoon glycerin
dried orange peels
peppermint leaves

Pour the Epsom Salts and sea salt into a glass bowl and mix well. Add one to two drops of Sweet Orange essential oil. Blend the yellow and red food coloring together and pour into the salt mixture. Blend well. Add one teaspoon of glycerin (make sure to keep this at one teaspoon or the salts will melt). Add the dried orange peels and peppermint leaves (or whatever herbs you'd like) and mix well. Spread the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and dry for about one to two hours. Place them into a pretty jar and enjoy!

Bath Salts and Sachets

I believe there's nothing more decadent than treating oneself to a hot bath infused with homemade bath salts or a bath sachet. Once the bath is drawn, you can light a few candles, turn off the lights and delight in the scents emanating from the water and let the world slip away. Ah . . . bliss . . .

The thing I like best about making my own bath salts and sachets is that I can put into them the scents and herbs that I like, making each with its own personality and one that fits with mine.

I made two recipes the other day, one to give-away and one to keep for myself. Below are the recipes I used, feel free to tweak them to suit your own personality.

Rose Petals Bath Salts

1.5 cups Epsom Salts
1 cup sea salt
1 teaspoon glycerin
red food coloring
small handful of rose petals
small handful of peppermint leaves
1 or 2 drops of Lavender essential oil

Mix the Epsom Salts and sea salt together well. Add one ingredient at a time of the Lavender essential oil, one or two drops of red food coloring to color the mixture pink and 1 teaspoon of glycerin (for soft skin - be sure not to put more than 1 teaspoon in or it will melt the salt) and mix well after each addition. Gently add in your rose petals and peppermint leaves (you can find these ingredients at most health food stores or places like Whole Foods). Lay the mixture out on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper to dry for two to three hours.

Lavender Fields Bath Salts

1.5 cups Epsom Salts
1 cup sea salt
1 teaspoon glycerin
blue and red food coloring
small handful of Lavender petals
small handful of peppermint leaves
1 or 2 drops of Lavender essential oil

Mix the Epsom Salts and sea salt together well. Add one ingredient at a time of the Lavender essential oil, one or two drops of each of the red and blue food coloring to color the mixture purple (I mixed the colors together in a teaspoon before I added them to the mixture - you might have to play with this for awhile until you get the color you want) and 1 teaspoon of glycerin (for soft skin - be sure not to put more than 1 teaspoon in or it will melt the salt) and mix well after each addition. Gently add in your Lavender petals and peppermint leaves (you can find these ingredients at most health food stores or places like Whole Foods). Lay the mixture out on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper to dry for two to three hours.

Once the mixture has dried thoroughly spoon it into a pretty jar or bottle (I found my smooth faced jars at Micheal's) add ribbon and embellishment and voila' you've made your own bath salts!

Bath Sachet

small cotton drawstring bags (I found mine at Willy Street Co-op, but I imagine you can find them at most health food stores or Whole Foods.)
Rosemary
Lavender
Chamomile

Mix the ingredients together and spoon them into the cotton bags. Use the ingredients in equal combinations depending on how many bags you want to fill. To fill three small bags I used about 3/4 cup of each herb. You can throw it right into the bath or put some pretty ribbon and embellishments on it to make a nice gift. Mine smelled so good I decided to put one of the bags in my undie drawer!

As you're making your bath salts or sachets it might be nice if you put your intention into the mix. I infused mine with Reiki energy, but any intention you have would work just as well. For instance as you put in each of the ingredients you could say, "It is my intention that this (Lavender) be used to create relaxation and well-being for me."

I found a lovely shop on Etsy that sells essential oils, bath soaps, lip balms and such. All handmade with natural ingredients. I purchased the Lavender essential oil and I have to tell you that it smells heavenly! Not like the store-bought brands. I also purchased a chocolate-mint lip balm and it's all I can do to not sit down and eat the thing. I just purchased the Rosewood Essential Oil and Sweet Orange Essential Oil and I can't wait to use them in some homemade salts! The name of the Esty shop is Back to Basics Log Cabin. Give them a try, I think you'll really like their products!

I hope you enjoy making your own homemade bath salts and sachets and that you delight in the bliss of using them!