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Only The Strong Survive

July 27, 2012 in Pagan Spirituality, The First Dark

“On an Ancient Stela it is written:  ‘I am Isis the Goddess, The Possessor of Magic (HEKA), Who Performs Magic; Effective of Speech, Excellent of Words.’”          (from the book “The Isis Oracle” by David Taylor –Brown, pg. 153)

 

This week in the mail, I finally received a book I’d been waiting on for some time; “The Isis Oracle” by David Taylor-Brown.  This book also came with these AMAZING Cards; pictures and definitions of the gods & goddesses of Kemetic Paganism.  Some of the cards also had beautiful hieroglyphics representing common terms and phrases that one would find themselves using often, when performing ritual and rites at their altar as worshipper of the ways of old Kemet.  The cards, in all actuality, or frankly more beautiful and interesting than the book itself!

So…what in the heck does this have to do with anything, eh?

What made me so happy about receiving these items this particular week, was that it was almost like getting an acknowledgement from the Great Mother herself, for writing about the subject of my column this week.  Truth is, I’ve been researching, writing and pondering on this topic since the day I uploaded my last column.

So what exactly have I been ruminating on for days on end, after recovering from a “total crisis of the self” last week?

STRENGTH.

 

Not just the general meaning of the term, but Women.  Strong Women.  More specifically, Strong Goddess Figures and Strong Women throughout this world’s storied past. I’ve found myself watching movies and other historical retellings via documentary, etc. – about Iconic Women in history.  I should really say that I’ve not just gravitated towards this subject for the past two weeks; more like been possessed by the urge to immerse myself in their legends, in order to bring myself back to purpose vs. succumbing to inner struggle and daily strife.

Being sucked in as I have by the topic of iconic women figures throughout history; I’ve decided to dedicate my next few columns to some of the Goddesses that I have studied the most in the past two years.  Of course, we’ll start this column with my Patron diety, my Isis.

When thinking about the ‘Great Mother’ icon, there is quite obviously a Great Mother figurehead for just about any religious path one may take – from my Blessed Mother, my Isis to the Greeks’ Eurynome – grandmother to Zeus…Cybele, one of the oldest known creation goddesses whose blessing made the crops grow; Brigit, Ireland’s infamous “Triple Goddess” to good Lilith, Mesopotamia’s Great Goddess of Wisdom, Independence and Strong-Will and Christianity’s Blessed Virgin Mary.

Regardless of their known tendencies or powers, one trait ALL Goddesses share across the board was STRENGTH.  In any and every story I have ever read, regarding my patron Goddess or otherwise – it was Strength of Will that always ever seemed to see them through their burden to the side of success.  For example, the story of Isis’ birth to Horus never fails to inspire me.  Poor Horus was deviled not only his entire existence, but even prior to that in the womb – by his jealous uncle, the god Seth.  As the story goes, Isis feared Seth would try to kill her son once born; she secretly gave birth to Horus in the marshes of the Nile delta.  Hidden from view and attended by Hathor and the Scorpion Goddess, Isis gave birth to her son.   As quoted in ‘The Isis Oracle’ by David Taylor-Brown (pg. 20):

“Childbirth was, and remains, a dangerous time for both mother and infant, and the wearing of an image of Isis, offers comfort at this time.  At every turn the young Horus was threatened by dangerous forces and beasts, but on each occasion Isis either cured him herself, or enlisted the help of other gods such as Thoth to ensure that her son survived.” 

Though translations may have been lost, and messages have been covered up by the glamour of mystery, magic, and misinterpretation – what stands truest to me will always be the “moral” of the story.  And to me, the moral of this or any story is being self-sufficient – believing in oneself and going against the odds to finish what you’ve started.

What I mean by this is that as a Pagan, it can be easy to get side-swept by “Fluffy Bunny Syndrome;” ie. Looking for or insisting that your every waking moment is a miracle of some sort.  Seeing a ‘sign’ of some sort, in every experience you have.  Professing that everything around you is now “glitter and gold” because you are a Pagan of ‘XYZ’ path.  What glitters and is gold isn’t what’s important.  What’s important is remembering the ‘moral’ of the story; the gods can only help us with so much; it’s up to us to use what they give us to find a resolution and set ourselves back to purpose.

I end these thoughts for the week by laying myself bare and vulnerable to the world; a retelling in words of my experiences when Goddess is interacting directly with me:

It is always ever in dreams that she comes to visit me, or relay her advice or messages.  In my dreams, she’s always in the guise of a modern-day “girls’ day out.”  It’s usually brunch, or a busy café or coffee shop in the modern world.  We are together, eating and drinking – everything warp speed around us; blurred and of no consequence.  Her voice is soft, always amused with me for some reason but only in the sense that I know She Knows I’m hearing her – but of course, will I absorb, understand and use the powerful knowledge she relays?  Her clothes could be from anytime, anywhere – both modern and timeless.  Her hand always touching mine; holding my ever-moving body, soul, mind firmly in her grasp.

She LOVES me; this feeling pours from every inch of her countenance into me.  She loves me, with all that she is and I love her; so much so that I’m constantly enthralled to her.  I could never make my mouth form words sufficient enough to tell her that, and it destroys small pieces of me inside knowing that fact.  She remains amused, stroking my fingers lovingly and letting me know that none of that matters right now; everything I know and everything I feel she has always been and will always be aware of because she made me.  I am a part of her core, like all things are.  When her messages are relayed, she whispers final words to me; words that it takes me DAYS Later to recall and understand!  And then….just like that, she is GONE, and I am awake – Wide Awake and Full of that FIRE that she always leaves me with; the fire of Purpose Realized.

 

In her honor and in parting, one of my favourite passages – via one of my favourite books, “Pandora: New Tales of the Vampires” by Anne Rice (pg. 153).  Here we see Pandora’s words prior to becoming a vampire, when she was human and worshipped as a member of the Cult of Isis:

“You are she who has separated the Heavens and the Earth.

You are she who rises in the Dog Star.

You are she who makes strong the right.

You are she who makes the children to love their parents.

You are she who decreed mercy for all who ask for it.”

 

Coming up next time…

Lilith; Dark Goddess — or, Redeemer and Patron of Scorned Women?

Until we meet again…Brightest Blessings!

~PW

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Beyond Belief

May 29, 2012 in Walking Between the Worlds

Belief to me implies that there is a possibility, or perhaps even a choice to doubt. You choose to believe or disbelieve. Faith to me is almost like hope. Some say that faith is a belief without “provable” evidence or experience.

When I discovered Wicca and Paganism, and I’ve heard a similar experience from many others, it was a feeling of being“awakened” or “coming home”.

I’ve now had many experiences which at one time in my life I may not have believed if someone else had told me. Nor would I expect certain other people to believe me should I tell them. Perhaps this is part of the reason of the guidance, to “keep silent.” Some people would not believe you, and accuse you of lying. Some people would doubt even perhaps that you are sensing or perceiving things correctly or accurately. Still more may question your sanity. Yet those people would not question their own belief.

My spirituality, and the spirituality of many of those I associate with, does have a level of belief and faith, but there is more. There are experiences. Experiences which can’t necessarily be quantified, qualified, or measured. They can be memorized, written, passed on orally. They can even be witnessed in many cases, by those present, but not necessarily recorded on any sound or video device. There are several occasions I know of in which during ritual, technology failed or was disrupted.

Some experiences I have were during inner reflection, or intentional meditation or trance work. Others were in listening to the world around me. Some occurred during group ritual. Finally, there were happenings and results of magical workings or spell work. They can be deeply personal. What is revealed to me may not be for anyone else but me.

This is why my practice is beyond, and more than, belief.

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And Now For Something Completely Different…

May 22, 2012 in Tales from the Silverwolf's Den

Well, I’m not too sure how to go about this whole “introduction” process really without sounding like I’m repeating myself or seemingly making myself sound crazy (which believe me, will eventually happen), so let’s dive in… Shall we?

I’m a young person of big dreams and goals, some of which get lost in my daily routine of juggling too many tasks. But, somehow in the midst of all of this, I found a husband that loves me for all that I am (and yes, this includes the crazy), adopted 6 (yes, 6) animals which consist of 2 dogs and 4 cats, buying a house, becoming more involved with my faith, becoming a High Priestess, starting a local coven, starting a photography business, and just doing about a crap ton of other things that can get to much to list. I can’t explain it really. I’ve always had my hands in about everything I could get to. Though my husband would say that it’s because of the crazy. “You can’t keep it all contained and sit still… That’s just not how crazy works.” <- Yes, that’s my husband for you. Consider me the jack of all trades, master of none. There are few things that I can’t do, and if I don’t know how to do them, there’s a good chance that I haven’t at least tried to learn it or found it on YouTube somewhere (lol).

Well, any who, back to the point of this whole shebang. My obvious goal (besides rationalizing my chaotic behaviors and torturing you) is to try to find a way to incorporate magic into my everyday life, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll be able to reach out to others. Maybe I’ll talk about the husband, or the fur babies, or my coven and what we’re learning, or what I recently have learned, who knows! The world is full of endless possibilities and we cannot even begin to fathom what entertaining things will come to focus when I start pecking away at the keys. I’m always finding random trivia or experiencing the most interestingly epic of days, and as my husband puts it (quite frequently at times) is that there never seems to be a dull moment around me. Most people consider me the comedic relief and find that I’m always there to listen and find a way to make them smile. So, don’t be surprised if most of these come out in a comedic way because that’s how I typically rationalize things.

So, ladies and gentle-hoofs, I leave you with these parting words of wisdom… Wait… Huh, maybe not so much wisdom, but more so of shiggles (do I need to explain that one? lol). My girl friend and I have this weird silly connection when it comes to The Emperor’s New Groove. Let me explain… When one of us starts a line from the movie, we then proceed to spend the next 3-5 minutes quoting random lines from it till we are laughing  our asses off. We can both be pissed off and upset, but when we start this one line… It’s game over and the ‘Van Damme’-esque face quickly fades to the giggly stupidity of laughter and geekiness. Our typical go to line is…”I’ll turn him into a flee….” and if you’ve seen the movie as much as we have (we’re pretty sure we can quote the movie entirely, if not at least 75% of it), you’re probably continuing on with the sentence. It’s OK, I completely understand. Once the train of thought is in motion, you can’t derail it.

The point is, sometimes we all just need to laugh once in a while. Being serious all of the time is mind numbingly boring and depressing. It’s like sitting in high school listening to history teachers (not to offend any teachers out there). So… with that.. Here’s some funny thoughts or questions that I will try to end off with after each blog.  Hope you like it so far and I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.. You stay Classy there readers ;) .

Lady Noisiu V. Silverwolf

“We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.”

PS…. Here’s an additional Foamy video to make you smile. If you like off the wall topics and rants, you will love him and his squirrely goodness. – Enjoy… Spell-A-Casters- Foamy The Squirrel- Ill Will Press

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The Pagan In Me

January 5, 2012 in Guests

At forty-three (43) years old, I’m happy to declare I’m embarking on a journey into Paganism. But before I share my first ritual experience with you, I’d like to share a bit of history and how I arrived at Paganism’s door.

As a child, my family and I were active in Church. An Episcopalian Church. I was raised and confirmed an Episcopalian. My beliefs and faith were strong. At 11 years old, my Mother suddenly passed away. I saw her take her last breath. Fairly devastating for a young child. This is the point in  my life I started questioning my faith and my religion. God had forsaken me. Why? Why did he take my Mother from me?

My father remarried soon afterwards to a Catholic woman who had three (3) children. Her children we raised Catholic, attended private Catholic schools, and attended the Roman Catholic church regularly. The Catholic religion was being forced onto me. Not only by attending Sunday mass but I was sent to a private Catholic high school for four(4) years.

My high school years were not happy. I was forced to learn a religion in which I did not believe in; forced to attend Sunday mass as well as mass in school; and required to learn the Catholic religion as a school class all four (4) years. I tried to get kicked out of the school but my father threatened to send me to an all girl Episcopalian school if I did. Why am I being forced to pray to a God that I didn’t believe in? At this point, I also did not believe in a Bible. Why is this being forced on my and if there is a God, why is he letting it happen?

As years went by, I reflected on my life as a child. My family was dysfunctional. My Father, an alcoholic. My Brother (1st marriage), had a lot of problems (drugs, drinking, no faith).  My Mother, a co-dependent who was eating her life away due to a stressful family life. The second marriage was dysfunctional, similar to the first yet this time, I was also lost. I told myself it was ok that I lost my faith. What had this “so-called” God done for me? Did I mention I was adopted? My birth parents gave me up as an infant? Again, what did I do to deserve this? No answer.

As I aged and matured, I kept seeking a faith. I did believe in something. I just was not sure what? I did not believe there was a physical being God. I leaned more towards nature and the elements. Was it the movies I watched the encouraged this belief? I’m not sure. I think at some point in my life, I had a calling of some sort but was too scared to acknowledge it.

My father remarried a third time. Still an alcoholic, still dysfunctional. I almost lost him in the late 90′s. He had an ulcer that burst which caused him to lose a leg. Again, my faith was challenged. Why is God doing this? I continued to struggle with a faith, a belief, and who to pray to. It was easy to “go with the flow” and believe in a physical being God because society said it was so. In 2002, I lost my Father in a car accident. He survived the crashed but passed a few days later due to another ulcer that burst yet the hospital missed it. I was there in the ER and told my Father “Go be with Mom.” He passed. My faith, what little I did have, was now gone.

A few more years went by, I finally married. Faith really has not been a big part of my life. There were times I prayed when my husband was deployed overseas; times I prayed when I had medical issues arise; but yet I wasn’t sure whom I was praying to.

Recently, I petitioned the courts to have my Brother declared deceased. It was an estate issue. My Brother has been seen or heard from since 1997. After searching for him and coming up empty-handed, this was my last resort. This was the pivotal turning point in my life. My thought:  There is no God.

This brought me in my search of what I believe in. It’s not a physical being, what is it? Is it the air, the trees, the ground? I don’t believe in a book. I believe we are currently in a “so-called” Hell. There is no Devil. There are spirits around us. I have seen my Mother numerous times. It’s time to accept the fact that I believe in something other than the Christian faith. I must find what it is. I must proclaim my faith and pursue it. I need to do this for my well-being.

Enter present day. I’ve been reading up on Paganism and the different paths. This is where I know my faith is. Which path? I am unsure, however, I am in search of it and will know it when I have found it. I recently read the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Paganism, by Carl McColman. Very informative book I might add. I found a ritual in the book which actually begins you on your path into Paganism. If you’d like, you can read about my ritual on my blog, The Pagan in Me.

New Years Eve was the night I was ready to perform the ritual. A few things (signs) happened earlier that day that lead me to believe, this was the day. My husband and I were out running around that day so we stopped so I could get some new candles and incense. I set up everything in my spare bathroom (water, salt, candles, incense, and my printed out ritual). Bathroom? Well I knew it would be a quiet place and away from distractions. I assumed my husband would fall asleep early as usual, my pit bull would be in bed with him, and I would be left to bringing in the New Year and performing my ritual. I was determined to become a Pagan in the new year, 2012.

A little after 10 pm EST, I started becoming sleepy so thought if I’m going to do this, now is the time. All was quiet in my house. I went into the bathroom and shut the door. I actually felt a little silly at first but knew I must do this to declare myself. I performed the ritual as written. My mind was clear of Christianity. It was open to the unknown, another world beyond what I knew. As I continued my ritual, a happiness came over me. I sense of relief and self-satisfaction. I had been read for this all my life. I knew this now. I was welcomed into the world of Paganism and felt wonderful! The ritual ended and I was finally on my way to a new faith. One that means something to me. One that will make me a better person. And one that I am proud to proclaim, regardless of the non-believers.

I woke up in 2012 feeling refreshed, happy, and excited about my new journey. I have a lot to learn, this I know. I’m in search of which path I will take, as we all know, there isn’t just one path. I will know it when I find it. Whether it be Asatru, Wicca, Druids, or something else. I’m sure it will find me and I will choose it.

Thank you for the honor of guest posting. I look forward to this journey and getting to know more like myself.

~Brenda

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Profile of a witch

January 4, 2012 in Guests

The stereotype of a witch is usually someone who dresses gothic, doesn’t like people and goes against the norm on a daily basis. Granted there are probably more of those in witchcraft then there are in other religions but that doesn’t mean all of them are like that. Though I was started on my path to the craft by one of those people.

Before I start I want people to know I am in no way bad-mouthing Christianity in this, it just was not the path for me but it is still a wonderful religion.

Through my early teen years I practice Christianity, I say practiced because I never once felt moved by God in any way. I was even saved and all those around me cried and was moved for me but still nothing inside me ever changed. I tried even after that to still be moved by Christianity, I was even looking forward to my baptismal, but it always seemed something came up and prevented me from going through with it, I was sick, the preacher was sick, the pool was cracked, ect. I started high school and in typical teenage fashion promptly forgot all about it. Then the guy I was dating announced he was a witch. Of course I was appalled I thought  he worshiped the devil, but he was a great guy, weird but still not evil. So I thought I had better look in to this, down to the library I went, the only book they had on the subject was Teen Witch by Silver Ravenwolf. Say what you will about Silver but I am so glad I found her book and not one of the weird, freaky ones. I think I read half the book that very night, it called to me in so many ways, answered questions I never knew I had. My connection to the Goddess was instant and deep, I had always knew there was magik in the world and the idea of hell never sat right with me. Reincarnation gave me the answer to many deep and somewhat disturbing thoughts I shouldn’t have had. I carried that book with me everywhere for at least a year, and after I made it my mission to own all of her books. Over the years I studied other people’s writing, techniques , and other craft related areas and each time I do I still get that same excitement as I did 10+ years ago.

But I just don’t want you to know me as a witch. I am a wife, mother, and person outside of all that. I love romantic movies with happy endings. I read fiction books as often as I get the chance. Cooking not only relaxes me but it gives me a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. My hubby can be the world’s biggest a$$ but he’s mine and I love him more everyday for the strength he gives me. My kids are at times hyper and out of control, but they both have my wicked sense of humor, and aren’t afraid of what people think of them. I dream of one day being a famous author everyone loves like J.K. Rowling, but I am afraid I have no talent. I have a life like everyone else out there the only difference is my religion may not be like yours.

Over the years I have struggled with my choice  to be a witch, I have encountered all kinds of people, many who I know are loving and fantastic individuals I would have never appreciated if I hadn’t gone down this path, but there have been others who have hated me for no reason other than my religion, those have hurt me so deep. But if I wasn’t a witch I would following a religion my heart wasn’t in and wouldn’t be the person I am today. I started this Blogg with the hopes of answer my own questions about religion but I have also hoped it would break down the stereotypes we have created of other religions. I have always said that if it’s a message of love who cares who the messenger was, it’s about the message.

Blessing and Love

Lucy

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Of Apples, Appetite and Autumn

October 24, 2011 in Guests

A cold October wind moans through the windows. The sky is moody and the light is muted. But our house is bustling, warm, and filled by the delicious scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cooking apples. In our house, this is the season for making applesauce. This year we canned 160 jars over three days using five pressure cookers, two Roma Food Strainers and eighteen half bushel bags of assorted “seconds” from Schobers Orchard in Monroeville, NJ. It’s a highly anticipated process that involves the whole family; and on a cool truly “autumnal” day like this, it also turns us inward toward hearth and home.

It’s easy to understand why the apple’s been an important symbol across cultures and history. Baked, sauced, or au naturel, apples taste delicious, are pleasant to look at, store well, and are a great excuse to take a trip to a local orchard and have a bit of harvest fun. Hmm…Eve is often painted handing Adam an apple for the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. For the Norse it was a symbol of youth. It gave the Celts a desire for fairie.

The apple is also a great way to illustrate the seasonal cycle. That’s why many a kindergarten teacher uses apple tree art projects to show the seasonal cycle. Bare in the winter, lovely, fragrant flowers in spring, fruit in the summer, and golden leaves come autumn.

An apple can also help Pagan parents convey their beliefs to their children. Beneath its bright, shiny skin, hidden with its core, is a five pointed “star.” Spreading some paint on a sponge and helping your little one press the half sphere into it and then onto a piece of paper is a great way to have some fun together while giving your child a sense of the connection between nature based belies and an object from nature; earth, air, fire, water, and spirit hidden within forging the cycle from bud, to leaf, to petal to fruit.

I hope that the beauty of this season has brought the harvest home to you and yours.

Maire Durkan

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How Deep is Your Conviction?

July 26, 2011 in Homeschooling

For many people, the commitment to homeschool is a lifetime commitment. It’s a bigger decision than buying a house or building a business. It’s a decision that goes beyond politics or religion. But universe has recently put two questions upon me, “What is the commitment?” and “Who is the commitment to?”

Is my commitment to homeschool my children through high school? Or is my commitment to give my children the best education possible? If my commitment is to homeschool, how can I continue doing that as a temporarily-single homeschooling work-at-home mom? If my commitment is for the best education possible, does that really mean that one year in a public school in a state at the bottom of the education report card is the best thing for them?

If the commitment to homeschool is to myself, that I have to do what’s right in my heart. For me, this would mean keeping the kids home, regardless of the consequences. Of course, there are always consequences to deal with and none of them are insurmountable.

If the commitment is to my children, then I need to take their wishes into consideration and make decisions that will provide the best results for them. But when are they old enough to begin making these kinds of decisions? Three of my four children want to go to public school this year. As their mom, I am so tempted to allow them this choice for one year only. But as their teacher, I am quite hesitant to let them go. And for my daughter who wants to stay home, what do I do with her when I have to work?

My conviction is quite deep. I have never had any doubts in my ability to homeschool my kids through high school. Things have been rough and quite a challenge, but they are finally old enough for more rigorous academics and a tougher schedule. These are the years I’ve been looking forward to since I started this journey. Even letting them go to school for one year feels like giving up on this and letting go of my dream.

What it comes down to, for me, is whether I should follow my heart or my head.

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Your Beliefs… A Family Focus

June 9, 2011 in Guests

A wonderful article was recently posted entitled: Creed of My Family Coven.  It gave an amazing example of a family creed and poses questions to help you create your own personal family creed.  This is a wonderful activity for the entire family that helps lend guidance to your life and the choices you and your family will make.

Once your family has written a family creed how can you get your children to internalize and live by the principals and ethics your family believes in?

Well, for the most part children are simple little beings.  They tend to model and repeat (sometimes to our dismay) what is seen and heard day in and day out.  Those adults that surround them most often will have the largest impact.  Therefore, a good place to start is to personally live the way you want your children to live.  Show them through example what it looks like and sounds like to live by the creed your family has chosen.

During the hours of the day that your children are not with you, surround them with positive role models.  Make sure that the people in charge of caring for your children understand how you expect your children to be treated and how you expect your children to treat others.  It is perfectly exceptable to share your family creed at a parent teacher conference.  Even though your family creed may be spiritual in nature it is by far more of a guideline to a respectful and loving existence.  Hard to find fault in that…

Making Your Family Creed a Focus Every Day: 

  • Start by working with your family to create a artistic display for your home.  Brainstorm ways to do this that include a bit of input from everyone.  Little ones might be able to color.  Older children can write the creed out in fancy lettering.  Mom can assemble the finished product in a frame or scrapbook style wall display.  & Dad can find the perfect place in the kitchen or family room to hang the final masterpiece.
  • Select a time when the family is together daily (dinner, family time) and reread your family creed.  Discuss ways you have chosen to live by the principals.  For children, it is especially helpful to give examples of times you did something difficult in order to live the kind of life your family has agreed upon.

With a little family planning and a few minutes each day, you and those you love can grow closer to the earth and the Goddess.  The time spent renewing your beliefs and reflecting on your life will be time well spent.

Brightest blessings to you & yours.

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Creed of My Family Coven

May 30, 2011 in Family Crafting

courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com

I wanted to take a moment to share part of my family with all of you today. While we have a list of ethics that our family agrees to abide by we also have what we have termed the Creed of our Family Coven. It is four lines that help to govern our spirituality and our lives.

The Creed of my Family Coven is just four lines:

May we learn to live in love and walk in the light
So that we may have strength and show truth
And that as we receive power and blessings
So do we offer up thanksgivings

If we take a closer look at this, we will see that it is far more complex then it looks on first glance. The first line is about living a life of universal love, for the family and for the world at large. Spirituality should always be based in love, anything else is false and full of ego. The second half talks about walking in the light. To us this means never doing anything deceitful, or anything that we feel we have to hide away or be ashamed of.

The second line comes from the first. If we follow the first line then we will naturally live an ethical life (truth) and have the strength to do what is right, even when it is difficult. But this is also a reminder that if we fail to be truthful or live an unethical life, that we fail in the first line as well.

Next we come to the third line, the one that upsets the most people when I talk about this. They assume that we are seeking power as my end goal. But they fail to take into account the other two lines preceding this one. This power comes with a catch; abuse it and you are not living in love or walking in the light or showing truth, and then the power evaporates. We must use this power, of influence and in some cases magick, to affect positive change in the world around us. This involves doing charity work and giving back. This line also talks about receiving blessings as well, I have found that living a good life, while a blessing in itself, usually leads to a blessed life.

My Family Coven’s Creed ends with the reminder to offer up thanks for all the bounty that we have received. It is implicit that we do this no matter how large our troubles, because even then we should have something to be thankful, even if it is just our family.

Now that I have shown an example of what this Creed looks like I figured I would pose some questions to help you work on yours.

  • What is a Family? Here you are looking for specifics, not a dictionary definition. Think more like what you what your family to look like. What is the ideal family?
  • How do you want the members of your Family Coven to treat each other? What should their relationships be like?
  • What are the responsiblities of the members of the Family Coven?
  • How can our family contribute to the the world at large, to society?
  • If you have children, then you could ask the question; What kind of parent(s) do you want to be?

I wanted to close with a final bit of advice, remember to listen with respect and take everyone’s opinion in mind when doing this. One person alone cannot create the Creed of his Family Coven, the whole family must be included in this. Even the young children (provided they are old enough to talk that is) should be included.

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Traditions Series – Part Three

May 28, 2011 in Guests

Today’s entry was submitted by T.S. Lamb be sure to check out her other writings at The Loudness of the Lambs.

How does someone talk about their traditions? I admit, its sometimes very difficult not to feel really stupid or self-conscious. However, having a family now, we are finally beginning to find our traditions.

Turns out to be 3 things:

1. The seasons, the solstices and equinoxes are our special days. We have a picnic with each season to welcome it. Trying to honor foods, activities, things that make that season special. Strawberries, flowers and rain in spring. Summer is ice cream, riotous colors, rolling down grassy hills and heat. Falling leaves, apples and the wind in Autumn. While Winter is glorious snow, community and fresh breads. Each season represents an aspect of life, an important part of the Earth’s cycle.

2. Lots of conversations. I learned long ago that I get hung up trying to get rituals right. So I no longer try, now we talk. Here are some examples:

Biking and walking has lead to many impromptu discussions of the cycle of life (or mommy what’s that opossum doing lying there on the road?) How the elements work with and against you (or mommy why are we biking so slowly up that hill?) How our actions can harm or help.

We spend a lot of time having conversations with the Mother and the Father or the elements. As I garden I talk to the earth asking for her help and guidance. Asking her to take care of these plants that I offer them up. When we trim bushes or plants, my son now thanks them for their fruit, for their shade.

3. Small altars or offerings.

My kids love to help me bake (this means they desperately try to take over whatever cookie cutters then can find and eat as much dough as possible before anything actually gets made). It also means that each part is joyous. First we find 4 bowls and this becomes our offering: 1 bowl of salt or flour, to represent earth; 1 bowl of water; 1 bowl will have a small candle (or sometimes with my 2yr old around, I will use a bit of cayanne pepper) this represents fire; 1 bowl of herbs (whatever spice is major to the mix) this represents air. My kids have used different sprinkles, dinosaurs, cars, etc. It doesn’t matter what is offered so much as what it represents to us.

So, we don’t have anything very formal, sometimes we will call the elements and the directions. But mostly we set out something to represent them and ask them to bless the space. Mostly we use curiosity, questions, experiments and exuberence to express our religion.

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