WOW, I have only been Blogging on e-bay for all of 2 days and I already have someone who is calling me a Nutcase, and Sick in the head just for my choice in Religion. He posted his first comment in response to my entry titled "how I got my start in Paganism" This person is not just someone who set up an account recently, he has been a member of ebay for years and has sold things with an excellent seller rating.  I totally understand people who don't share my views, and think my religion is wrong, but when they start the name calling just because they don't like my religous choices, that's taking it a step too far. I let him do it twice, and have asked him to stop calling me names.

Other than that my day is going Great, my sales are good, and I am feeling the creative spark to go paint more Alter Tiles for the store.

~Kelly

Here is how the conversation is going so far:

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newreich ( 73)

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you are sick in the head! look to jesus ! do you think this way for real or you just want people to see you?

Jun-09-07 06:41:30 PDT Delete | Report this comment

 

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cira222 ( 50)

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Newreich, Please do not be so rude as to call me sick in the head. I can completly understand that you don't agree with my Religous choices, and I can even understand that you think I am wrong in my Faith because according to Christianity, there is only one way to Heaven, and that is through Jesus Christ. That is what you believe, and I respect that. What I don't respect is you calling me sick in the head just because I choose to believe in a different religion than you. Would you call a Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Hundu, Native American person sick in the head because they follow a different faith as well? I am no where near sick in the head, I am a normal hardworking Mother and wife, who pays my bills and taxes just like you do. The religion I follow, called Wicca, is not just they way I think, it is my religous path, and NO I just don't "want people to see" me. I am a married Woman who is very busy taking care of my family and raising my children, so I am long past the phase of needing attention. If you want to give others the message of your faith, and tell them about Jesus, then mabye you should do it with kinder, gentler words instead of calling someone "Sick in the Head"

~Kelly

Jun-09-07 10:53:35 PDT Delete | Report this comment

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newreich ( 73)

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just so you know i have no use for all the people you talk about above ! also what is a native american ? don't you mean indian! you sound like a true nut case!

Jun-10-07 08:14:04 PDT Delete | Report this comment

 

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cira222 ( 50)

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There you go again,first you call me Sick in The Head, now you are calling me a nutcase.I assure you I am very mentally stable...I just have a different Religion than you, and that does not, by any standards,make me Crazy. You think I am a nutcase now because I used the term Native American, instead of Indian? How the heck do I sound like a true nutcase? My stepdad is Cherokee, part of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and native American is a proper term, and is the term he prefers. American Indian is also proper. Also some Native Americans prefer the term First Nations, especially those living in Canada. It really is up to the person what they prefer being called. I really am a normal person....go visit my My space page www.myspace.com/paganmomkelly...you can see pictures of me, my husband, and my kids...doing normal non-nutcase things. I don't think I look like a nut in those pictures :-)
I didn't ask you if you had use for a Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or Native American person . what I asked you is if you think people who follow those religions are nutcases like you think I am.

You said "Look to Jesus" in your first post, but I know many Christians (Who I get along FINE with, many in my family that I LovE dearly)who would say your behavior is VERY un-Christian Like.

Please ,I ask you , do not call me names again. It is against E-bay policy to have Content that promotes hate Violence and religious intolerance. I am not reporting you for calling me Sick in the head and a nut case for my religous views at this time, but please honor my request, and stop the name calling. If you have a question about something I believe in, or even want to express your religious views with me, you are very welcome to do so, but is seems all you are here to do is bash me for my choice in faith. I never thought one of my fellow E-bayers could be so rude to someone just because they practice a different Religion.

many Blessings to you along your path,
~Kelly

IThis is a Cleansing Ritual that I do around my Home...

Cleansing your home and ritual space-

By Kelly

You may wish to pertain  this information to your entire home, or just your ritual space.

Having a clean home and or ritual space is very important to your magickal workings. The area must be cleansed physically as well as spiritually.  After you have cleansed the area physically, it is now time to do your spiritual cleansing.

This is especially important to do when moving into a new home. Here is a ritual you can do:

Materials Needed:

Cleansing incense. (Sage works well)

Water

Salt

A Drum or a Bell (if you have neither you can improvise and make a drum out of a box or can)

Place your materials on a table.

Light the incense

Place a pinch of salt in the water and say: "By the sacred earth, I cleanse this water so that it may become pure."

Take the incense and travel the entire house/ritual space saying, "Powers of fire and air I ask you to aid me in removing the negative energies from this home/area, and cleanse this space"

Take your drum or bell. While  walking the entire house/area banging the drum, or ringing the bell (in whatever rythem spirit moves you to make) say "may the vibrations of this rythem of earth cleanse my home/ritual space"

Take your water, walk the entire house/area, while sprinkling lightly, and say, "with  water & Earth I cleanse my home/space. After doing this, take the water, dip your finger in it, and on each window and door, trace a pentagram for protection.

It is recomended that you perform this cleansing about every three months, or when you notice energies are stale and slow moving. You will usually feel when the next cleansing needs to be done.

How I start my day: A Short Morning ritual to greet and connect with the Elements, Deity, and the Earth

By Kelly Kiley

http://www.myspace.com/paganmomkelly

Although I am often very busy, I always take a few moments to connect with Deity, the Earth, and the elements every morning. I honestly don't get a chance to do this every single morning, but the mornings I get to do this, the day gets off to a wonderful start.

Here is a description of what I do, the explanation seems long, but it really only takes a few minutes. One could spend as much or as little time on this as they want or need to.

I go outside and take a moment to ground & clear any negativity, bad feelings, or ill health that resides within me. When I ground, I like to visualize that my feet push through the ground below, and extend deep into the Earth Mother.  As my connection with the earth is fused, I take the energy that resides within her, and draw it up into me. I visualize this earth energy as a green soft healing and cleansing light. As I draw up the energy of the earth, I also visualize any negative stuff within me as a black mist floating throughout my body. I allow the earth energy to flow over the black mist. The black mist clings to the earth energy, and then I push it all back into the earth, seeing the green and black flow out of me, down through my feet, and into the earth. In the earth, the negative energy gets neutralized.

I am now fully grounded, and ready to greet the elements and Deity. I begin facing east, I say (usually in my head, because I am outside in an apartment complex) "I greet the east, and the element of air, I ask that you grant me your blessings of Knowledge and wisdom today." I turn, and now face south, and say, "I greet the South, and the element of fire, and I ask that you grant me your blessings of passion, creativity, and zest for life today." I turn and face west, and say, "I greet the West, and the element of water. I ask that you grant me your blessings of Peace, Tranquility, and emotional ease today." I turn and face north and say, "I greet the North, and the element Earth, and I ask that you grant me your blessings of Good health, Grounding, and stability today."

I turn east again, and face the Sun (but I don't stare directly at it LOL). I feel his light shine down on me and fill me with the energy to start a new day. I say, "I greet you, Sun, and thank you for shining your light on me another day" I stand there for a moment and feel the divinity around me, I relish in the breeze on my face, and the subtle sounds of nature.  My eyes scan the earth, trees and sky, and take in the beauty of it all.  I say "I greet the Gods and Goddesses of the Earth, Sea and Sky, Grant me your blessings to keep spirit in my heart, to live right, and walk the path of the Witch with good intentions today."

All that takes about 5 or 10 minutes. This is a morning routine that I have had for several years, and it really helps me connect with my path on a daily basis. This, of course is tailored to my path.

Notice about Reproducing this Article:

Any one is free to copy this for their own personal use, and change bits of it to suit you and your path. Anyone is free to redistribute this to others via printed copies, and placement on other web sites and blogs so long as this original notice is included, and credit to the author at the beginning of the article remains intact.

Blessed Be!

~Kelly

My Visit from Hawk

This was written in November 2005 when Hawk paid a visit to me.....

My Visit from Hawk

Hawk came to visit me today. Monday November 28^th, 2005.. I was sitting outside on my front patio, and I heard a bird call that resembled the call of a Sea-Gull, but more piercing in its nature. Then I saw the bird swoop into my field of view, and land atop the uppermost branch of a Cypress tree. This tree is one of many in a beautiful patch of Cypress tress across the street from my apartment. As I saw this bird sitting there, it looked regal in its presence. I looked closer at its movements, and the shape of its body, and I had inkling it was Hawk. The immediate feeling I got, still not sure it was Hawk was "everything is going to be fine". Then I heard its call again.

I said Hello, Hawk…I wonder why you visited me today?

I decided to go inside to see if I could identify this bird as Hawk, and maybe find out what kind of Hawk it was.  I went to my computer and did a Google search for "Hawk Florida"

I came across a web page (http://pelotes.jea.com/Flhakpic.htm) with several Hawk pictures. It was the "Red Shouldered Hawk" that resembled the shape of what I saw perched on the Cypress tree. (I couldn't tell by the markings, because the bird was too far away to see them) Then, to my delight there was a sound bite next to the picture of this Hawk. I listened to it, and it sounded exactly like the call I heard minutes ago outside. Just to be sure, I listened to other Hawk calls, and I even listened to an osprey call. (although the bird looked to small to be an Osprey, and had a different body shape) None of the other birds sounded like this Red Shouldered Hawk.

Alas, I did more research online, and in books, and this is what I found…..

Habitat:  In Florida, Red-Shouldered Hawks nest in a wide variety of woodland habitats, but they are particularly identified with cypress swamps and river bottomlands. It most frequently still-hunts from a relatively low, inconspicuous perch but may also forage from a low, coursing flight (Palmer 1988; Johnsgard 1990). Its diet is characterized by sluggish, easily captured animals, such as toads, frogs, snakes, rodents, and small birds and their nestlings (Kimmel and Frederickson 1981, Palmer 1988, Kale and Maehr 1990).

Element: Air (East, the Sun)

In many mythologies, the hawk is a solar bird, associated with sun gods.

Deity Associations:

Apollo- the Hawk was his messenger

Circe- Daughter of the Sun(Helios), her name means Hawk

Hawk was a royal bird in Egypt, and most of the deities below are depicted as Hawks, with Hawks, or Hawk-headed

Horus- can be shown as a hawk,

Anty- Hawk God of upper Egypt

Sokar- Patron of the royal cemetery called Sakkara near Memphis, Egypt

 Heru- Son of Isis

Ra

Ash- God of the desert

Amenti- An Egyptian Hawk goddess, the personification of the West (amenti), as well as the western areas where the sun sets and where the entrance to the underworld reputedly lies. Here she welcomes the deceased who enter the city of the dead.

Hawks piercing shriek tears through the air. In its shrill cry lies an important message which represents illumination. Hawk teaches us to scope out the situation and focus on our talents, trying to draw them out. Hawk learns to see the big picture in order to understand the past, present, and future. Hawk asks us to be observant of surroundings so we won't get distracted from our path by others. It also reminds us not to get caught up in minor annoyances so we can maintain our inner balance.

A Hawk totem is filled with responsibility
because Hawk people seek the overall view.
They are aware of omens and spirit messages.

If you have this Totem, you be aware of and work toward fulfilling your soul's purpose.
It reflects a greater intensity of energy within your life:
physical, emotional, mental and spiritual forces will all be strong within you.
Hawk is a permanent totem -- it will always be with you.

From Animal Speak By Ted Andrews…

Pg: 152

KEYNOTE: Visionary Power and Guardianship

CYCLE OF POWER: Spring and Fall Equinoxes—New Moon

Hawks are messengers, protectors, and visionaries of the air.

Hawks & Owls have the keenest eyes of all raptors.

The environment in which your hawk is found will tell you much about how its energies are likely to manifest within your life.

Many Hawks mate for life.

An examination of the specific species of Hawk and its behaviors will reveal much.

Pg: 153

This powerful bird can awaken visionary power and lead you to your life purpose. It is the messenger bird, and wherever it shows up, pay attention. There is a message coming.

Pg: 154

Hawks are occasionally harassed and attacked by smaller birds. This is very significant to those of you who have hawk as a totem. It indicated that there are likely to be attacks by people who won't understand you or the varied and different uses of you creative energy. They may attack your ability to soar.

Can live up to 14 years in the wild. "14" also being the "Temperance" card in the Tarot deck. This is the card that represents the teaching of higher expressions of phychism and vision. It can be used in the development of astral projection—new flights out of the body. It has ties to the activation of your vital energies (kundalini), and the bold expression of it. It is tied to the archetypal forces that teach beauty and harmony in moderation. It holds the key to higher levels of consciousness.

Pg: 155

Because of the strong energy activated by this totem, an individual with it must be careful in how they express themselves. There will unfold within you to tear off the heads of any snakes in your life, or anyone or anything seen as an enemy. Your comments and actions will be like the hawk's beak and talons—strong and powerful, but with a capability to tear and/or kill.

The following was Written in May, 2003 the day that I Dedicated Myself on a Wiccan Path, and performed my first ritual. It is an account on how I began following a pagan path......I thought I would post it here because I am feeling reminiscint of when Paganism started to "click" with me. It happened four years ago this month.  I also thought I would post this here for many who are just starting along thier path, for a kind of insight of what I did when I was starting out.  It's a look into the emotions I felt from a faith that didn't fit me to finally coming home, and realizing that I was right where I needed to be. Four years is a short time, but the amount of personal and spiritual and Magickal growth I have gone through in this short time is amazing. I look forward to many more years of growing and learning along my path.  So, without further babbling...here is my little essay I wrote three and a half years ago........

I have always had a love for animals, an affinity towards nature, and a sense that "Magick is all around us". As a teen, I collected many rocks, shells, and crystals, not for their Magickal properties, but because I was drawn to them, and I thought they were beautiful things. I was amazed at the lovely gifts our Earth Mother had given us. I have always loved the Sun, Moon and Stars, and felt something "great" when I would stand outside looking at a Full Moon.

When I was about 18, my family purchased a computer, and we got a web service. I loved the information that was available at my fingertips, and would research many things. I read a little about Wicca, which greatly sparked my interest. I quickly put it out of my mind thinking, "My family would never go for that. " I was born and raised catholic, end for the most part enjoyed my faith until I got older and began to question things. I began questioning my faith at around age 15.

I was active in the church  at that time, and to my sad surprise, I overheard members of my church talking about AIDS, and how it was a punishment for Homosexuals, Drug users, and Promiscuous people. I remember thinking, how could my God be such a cruel god. I didn't believe in such a "punishment" I also remember people saying, "look. . . the Bible says, 'man shall not lay with man'. . . see, it's a sin to be Gay" I couldn't understand how people took a book written by man so literally. My soul became empty; I began questioning many other things about my faith. Yeah, I still went to church, but was just going through the motions. I stopped going when I was about 18.

Life took over for me, and I forgot about my interest in Wicca for many years. Then, in Nov 2002, something wonderful happened. I was online, looking up stuff about Henna body art. I wanted to know uses that various henna oils had, and this search brought me to a Wiccan website about the Magickal properties & uses of oils. I was instantly interested, and began looking online all about Wiccan & Pagan beliefs. I did nothing but online research for about a month, then decided that I really wanted to study the Wiccan way. I drove to the bookstore and bought several introductory books on the subject. What I had read made me feel wonderful, it made me want to become a better person, and help others. I have been reading and studying now for a little over six months.

My outlook on life has improved so much, and I am finding comfort in the spirituality that I have found. My fiancée is encouraging, and interested in my studies. He asks good questions, and we have many great discussions about the things I am learning. I am now taking things to the next level. I want to meet other people on this path, and begin networking. I am going to go out and attend some open circles, and rituals this summer. I feel it is important not only to read books, but also to talk to and learn from others as well. Today I am ready to do my first ritual, and will begin setting up as soon as I finish writing this. I want to thank WitchVox for also aiding my studies, as I have been reading the inspiring material on this site since I began to learn. Bright Blessings to you all!

May 28th 2003

This is an article I read a while ago on starting out in Wicca/Witchcraft/Paganism. It's really good, so I thought I'd post it here...

Becoming a Witch

by Morgaine

© Morgaine 2001.

This article may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes, providing that this original copyright notice stays in place at all times.

I am often asked how one becomes a witch. Do you find someone who is a witch and they make you one? Or are you a witch just by saying you are? Can you make yourself a witch?

The process of becoming a witch doesn't happen overnight. It is a life change, a new path upon the journey of your life. It takes consideration, study and work. If you have previously followed a mainstream religion, you may have things that take time to let go, and new things that take time to absorb. I have heard many people say it is often hard, coming from a life of Christianity, to feel comfortable praying to the Goddess. All new things take time, but if you are serious upon this path, you will find your way. The Gods call their own home to them.

No matter how you have came about finding the Old Religion, here you are. So where do you go? To the book store. For a novice, books are like the air you breathe. You must have them, or access to them in some way. If you cannot afford, or do not feel safe having books on the Craft, the internet is the next best place.

In both books and on the internet you will find a wealth of knowledge that will help guide you upon your new path. Of course, as with anything else, there is good information and bad information. Avoid any kind of book, or internet site, that speaks of controlling another person in any way, harming them, doing love spells on a specific person, or tells you to chant in latin, even though you have no idea what you are saying (yes, I have seen sites like that). These books/sites will not fulfill your need for knowledge in the Craft and will only serve to confuse you.

Once you have read a variety of books and feel called to this path, the next step is to find a teacher. If you have access to a teacher, in my opinion this is the best course of action. A teacher or a coven can often be found if there is a new age book store in your community. Also, the Witches Voice is a site that offers networking in every state. It has grown extremely large over the past few years and is a valuable resource in the Craft community. All of my coven members have found me on the Witches Voice.

Having a mentor can offer so much to you when you are beginning. There will be things you come across that you have a hard time understanding and need clarification. If you have a teacher, they are just a phone call or email away. If you do not, you must try to decifer things on your own, and may not come to the correct end on them. If you do not have a teacher, again, the internet is the next best place to look.

If you are only looking for a 'how to' on casting spells, then the Craft is not for you. Witchcraft is a serious spiritual path, in which magick is performed, but is secondary to the religion itself. I would suggest you look to ceremonial magick for that.

A couple of things need to be said about beginning this path, in light of recent attitudes about the Craft. Here lately it seems that you have a people who, after reading a few books, feel as if they can call themselves a master of the Art. They throw on a title like Lady/Lord, or HP/s, add some black clothes, a pentacle the size of a hubcap, and they are ready to go. This is not what the Craft is about. If you have spent years following a particular path, have worked hard for the spiritual lessons that have been presented to you, and through this have attained the title and rank, then by all means use it. But think of how you would feel if, after all that, you have a newbie with 6 months and 5 books unde their belt walking about calling themselves Lady Starry Ski or Lord Thunderbutt. It is very offensive. Just like your parents told you when you were growing up (or maybe you still are) 'don't rush things, it will all come to you in the end, and be sweeter for the waiting'. This is true with the Craft. Using titles, putting on airs, and in general acting high and mighty are not going to make you any more spiritual. And that is what this path is about. What it will do is alienate you from people whom you may actually want to meet and get to know!

All of this being said the way to become a witch is through study and dedication. Gather all of the information you can. Find the best teacher possible. Read whatever you can get your hands on. Go outside in nature and commune with the Goddess and God. Listen to the trees and the wind and the rush of the water, for this is the witch's world.