Celebrating Beltane

For the past couple of years, I have chosen to spend Beltane with my dear friend Lady Sabrina Rhiannon and her awesome group of gals! Although for the most part I still consider myself a Solitary practitioner, I am finding that the older I am getting the more I yearn to be with my peers. Especially around certain sabbats such as Samhain and Beltane. For me, it is not the same as it used to be when I first started practicing as a solitary many years ago.

Granted, our lives get extremely busy and sometimes we can't always do the things we want to and so I do not get the chance to do things such as celebrate with my friends very often these days and vice versa. As time goes by, it gets ever harder to get everyone's schedules in sync.

This year, I will be celebrating Beltane as a solitary again which is still okay with me and there was a time when I actually prefrerred it ~ eventhough there will be no actual Maypole to dance around with friends! For example, much as with drumming circles perhaps, the feeling you get from joining in with "like minds" is very different than being by ones' self. However, I am used to the solitary life in as far as I still feel the devine during and after ritual.

This morning, I decorated my altar in preparation for my Beltane ritual tomorrow ...

My altar consists of the usual ritual items for Beltane ~ my Goddess and God candles, my little handmade Maypole representing the phallus of the God, a cast iron burner to represent a balefire, my decorations of ivy and rose vines, and of course, my newest addition my Rose Pentacle which holds five little tea lights. I just love it so much!

Whichever way you choose to celebrate this beautiful sabbat, may the blessings of the Lord and Lady be upon you all!

Fun Friday ~ "No Rain" by Blind Melon Unplugged

Some of you may remember the MTV video for this song with the little "Bee Girl" tap dancing her heart out poor thing! Anyway, this is a toe-tapping song and I just love the words and melody to it! Rest in peace Shannon Hoon. Your beautiful voice lives on. Have a blessed weekend everyone!!!

Glass Star Candle Holder with Roses

Have I ever told you all what a "craft glue gun" addict I am? Well, I am! I love to use my little glue gun and sticks to decorate just about anything and everything. This time, I decided to use it to make a little votive candle holder with roses ...

It is so easy to make. All you need is:

1 star-shaped glass dish

1 glass votive candle holder

5 small silk roses

5 large silk roses

1 vanilla (or any fresh scent) votive candle

1 small glue gun & glue sticks

Glue the large roses in between the sides of the star dish and the small  roses on top as shown above. Then, just glue the votive candle holder to the middle of the dish. Easy, right?

Anyway, I thought that this glass star candle holder would be a nice little addition to my Beltane altar this year. ;)

Oops!

So sorry I've been away for the last few days, It seems that my darling hubby forgot to pay our internet bill (he THOUGHT he did, but ...)LOL!

Anyway, I am back as usual and reading up on my favorite blogs. I do have some recent news. I was contacted about officiating a legal Handfasting near my home. I am so very excited as I simply love to perform weddings for others. I know how happy it made me to be able to get married in exactly the way I dreamed and have it be legal as well!! We had a modest, but beautifully "classy" kind of Handfasting ceremony (if I do say so myself) and I wouldn't change a thing. Needless to say , it is one of the most proudest times of my life ~ and the most memorable! I always strive to make other couple's weddings as special as I can by doing things the way they wish it to be done. After all, it is their day and their right in my book.


I never charge for the ceremony itself and I supply most of the items needed for the Handfasting ritual. In fact, today, I bought a vanilla scented Unity (Spirit) pillar candle and I also ordered a beautiful Rose Pentagram tea light holder which I can also use for my Beltane rituals as well ...

Spirit candle

Rose Pentagram tea light holder

I should be getting the tea light holder in the mail any day now and I can't wait! I will be getting together with the couple very soon to go over all of their plans, etc. Although I chose to become a member of the Pagan clergy for a number of different reasons, I can assure you all that "money"and "ego" have nothing to do with any of them! I know that I am not alone as other Pagan Clergy such as Salem Witch Child, offer their services for free because they feel exactly as I do about it.

Strictly speaking for myself, I don't charge for officating Handfasting/wedding ceremonies themselves because I do not feel as though it is my personal right. After all, I am doing a Devine work for the Goddess and God. That's all.

Brightest Blessings everyone!

Kim

Fun Friday ~ The Witch's Moon

Mermaid Song

Mermaid Song

Who is this mermaid?

Where hence she come?

Underneath the Moon,

Beneath the Sun;

A beautiful temptress

She croons in the night,

Her soft songs of love

An alluring sight;

Man's sweet desire

And sailor's true friend,

She heals thy heart

Her beauty doth mend

~ Lady Caer Morganna

Say what?

This morning while browsing around on the blogs which I follow, I came across an article on Witchvox titled, "I'm Not Clergy and You Can't Make Me" written by a young woman named Deborah Castellano. In it, she talks about her journey as a Pagan and basically speaks out about her "views" on Pagan Clergy and the like. To start with, here are a couple of excerpts from her article:

"I do wonder why in Paganism especially it seems that we all need to be experts, Priest/esses and basically the person who knows the most? I wonder what that says about us as a people? I mean, surely we can't all be awesome people-people with seemingly never ending amounts of patience and kindness. It's not like it pays anything or even carries much prestige at the end of the day outside of the Pagan/Occult community. But yet . . .most of us seem to want it like a wanting thing and I wonder why that is. It took me like ten out of fourteen years of my Pagan practice to stop that. Because . . .you know what? I don't want to be held up as an infallible expert, I don't need that pressure in my life. I don't need to be the realest of the real, the family trad-ist of the family trads, the most authentic non-indigenous person . . ."

"...When I started to wake up to the reality of what clergy really means (death rites, marriages you know aren't going to work that you need to perform anyway, being political and keeping your mouth shut, lots of unpaid labor..."
 

* Sigh* ~  Well, all I can say is "WOW!" What a shame this young lady doesn't truly and fully "get it."  Her words speak volumes about her, apparently, bad experiences on this subject! Allow me to retort if you will and I quote: "It's not like it pays anything or even carries much prestige at the end of the day outside of the Pagan/Occult community."

Alright, first of all, it has never ever been about" money" or "prestige" for me nor for any of the Pagan Clergy members to whom I am associated with.  Secondly,  in her article she basically alludes that people only think that you are an "awesomely patient and kind person" if you have the title of Clergy. Say what?

Becoming a member of the Pagan Clergy (High Priestess/Priest or the like) is strictly a personal decision which one may choose to make somewhere along their spiritual path. It has very little to do with "titles" so much as it represents helping others should they need spiritual guidance. It has to do with educating and teaching others as well as giving them "options" i.e. legal Handfastings and other Pagan Rites of Passage in which other religions get benefit of. It does not make us "better" than anyone else per se.

And furthermore, it is definately NOT some sort of "notch on your belt" nor an ego trip.  In my opinion, any Pagan Clergy who thinks and acts such as this, is certainly not worth their salt and does not deserve the so-called title of a clergy person! In other words, they don't "get it" anymore than the author of this article does.

It seems, my friends, as though we as a Pagan community still have a ways to go. How can we expect to overcome ignorance if we can not be open-minded enough to have a true understanding of our own faith?

Brightest Blessings,

Kim

Okay, ready? And the winners are ...

Okay everybody, it is time to pick the three winners of my Spring Candle Give-Away! I so wish that I could give everyone a candle ~ I love doing blog give-aways so much!!! ;)

Anywho, the winners of the candle drawing are ...

The "Spring Rain" Blue Mountain double-wicked candle goes to Robin Larkspur from Wiccan Writes

The winner of the Yankee Candle votive "Chocolate Bunnies"

 with candle holder is Desert Siren from Everyday Domestc Goddess

and finally, the "Honeysuckle" Blue Mountain double-wicked candle winner is Stacy from MagicLoveCrow

Congradulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who participated! If the winners would please e-mail me their address at Ladycaer1964@yahoo.com, I would be very happy to send your candles to you. I assure you all that your names and addresses will remain private!

As per usual, I will hold the gifts for three days, no longer. In the interest of fairness, If a gift is not claimed via e-mail, I will pick another winner in its' place.

Have a wonderful weekend all!!!

Fun Friday ~ "Gel"

This video of Collective Soul singing their song, "Gel" live in Morocco is a perfect example of how music is so universal! Notice how the children, who don't speak a word of English, very easily pick up on the chorus part of this song. It is so awesome!

Gel lyrics

Color me any color.
Speak to me in tongues and share.
Tell me how you'd love to hate me.
Tell me how you'd love to care.
Well I just want to shake us up.

Let's mingle
And make it well.
Come together now.
Yeah let's gel.

Clothe me in any fashion.
Glitter to so mundane.
Tell me how you'd love to change me.
Tell me I can stay the same.
I just want to shake us up.

Let's mingle
And make it well.
Come together now.
Yeah let's gel.
Well let's bungle
And live to tell
How we came together.
Yeah how we gelled.

Have a great Friday everyone and I will catch up with you all tomorrow for the Spring Candle Give-Away drawing!!!

Cat Tales

Poor Midnight! The other day we found a wart-like object near his backside. So, last night hubby and I took him to our trusty vet who explained to us that it was actually a cyst and that there was a 50/50 percent chance of it turning cancerous. Naturally, he suggested that we have it removed to be safe. We quite agreed!!!

I know for a fact that cats and cancer do not mix! As Dr. Veltri, who graduated from Tufts University and has been practicing veterinary medicine for over 25 years now (and whom we trust implicitly with our furr babies), pointed out to us, cats are especially susceptible to cancerous cysts and they do not respond particularly well to chemotherapy. Dr. Veltri should know ~ chemotherapy happens to be one of his specialties. The risks were too great! While Dr. Veltri was performing Midnight's surgery, he found another smaller cyst and removed that one as well ~ at no extra charge to us by the way.

We picked him up from the vet tonight ~ shaved tail and all ...

We have to take him back next Thursday to get his stitches taken out. In the meantime, he is the purrfect patient as always and we plan on spoiling him to no end. ;)

Also, I finally framed my kitty cat pic from Kylie. My friend Kiki~girl, who happens to be Kylie's grandma and who went to Florida with her, also made me a simular type of cat pic and so I framed them both together ...

Blessings all!!!

Just a reminder and an addition ...

Hey everyone, just a friendly little reminder that the Spring Candle Give-Away drawing is this Saturday, April 14th!!!

Also, I have decided to add an additional Blue Mountain candle to the drawing ...

 Good luck to all!!

Blessings,

Kim

A Very Special "Thank You"

I received a special little "thank you" gift today from Niecy's family for taking care of her for them. Niecy is actually Kylie's kitty cat and she made me a very beautiful laminated picture while in Flordia made out of colored sand of a cat playing in a fish bowl.  It is so adorable that I just had to share it with you all in a post ...

And not only that, but she also wrote a little "Thank You" note to go along with it ...

It reads:

"Thank you Aunt Kim 4 watching the cat" and on the back, she wrote, "Love, Kylie" with a little smily face.  I think I will frame this one!! :D

Kylie giving Haley a little lovin'

Blessings all!!!

Saying "So Long" to Niecy!

Well, today is Niecy's last day of visiting with our little family. She has been an absolute joy to have around and we will be a little sad to see her go home, although I know she will be back in her own realm of comfort all the same.

Yesterday, my hubby took a pic of our boy Midnight perched on top of the sofa. Now, you would have to understand Midnight's personality in order to truly appreciate what a wonderful thing this is! Since the first day we have had him, he has been a total "bush dweller" ~ meaning that he would rather view the world from the safety of a lower level on the ground than sit up on a windowsill or something a more confident cat does. And so now, out of what seems to us as nowhere, he has taken a step towards becoming a "tree dweller." This makes us extremely happy and we get the biggest thrill out of it! This morning, he did the exact same thing ...

and then there were two ...

Midnight and Kiki sharing a spot at the front window

Also, I would like to share a post with you all from my other blog, "Witch Cats Blog" which I had published just this morning about the declawing of cats. Please understand that this post is merely based on my personal view from my own experience on this subject and I feel strongly that this issue is a decision that must be decided by the individual cat owner/guardian themselves (and not the law) for the good of their beloved felines. To read, simply click on the Witch Cats Blog link above. Blessings all!!!

Fun Friday ~ "Shine"

This is a great acoustic version of  Collective Soul's hit, "Shine" performed live in Morocco.

Have a beautiful weekend all!!!!!

My Cat From Hell- Supertease Jackson Galaxy

I don't know how many of my fellow cat lovers have ever actually watched the Animal Planet series, "My Cat From Hell," but I can assure you all that I am absolutely hooked on this show!

It is hosted by Cat Behaviorist, Jackson Galaxy, whose job is to keep cats with all sorts of behavioral problems in their homes by re-training them and, in some cases, their guardians as well. Anyone expecting someone who looks like a "cat whisperer" to show up at their door, may be somewhat surprised to see a rather large man with a long goatee, tattoos all over his arms, and dressed like a 1950's cool cat (hence his nickname "Cat Daddy" perhaps?), carrying a guitar case filled with lots of kitty cat paraphernalia.

"Cat Daddy" is actually the name of Jackson's book due to be released in bookstores here this up-coming May and, of course, you know I can't wait to read it!

One of the things that I truly love about this show, aside from the fact that Jackson really does know his stuff, is how he so obviously invests himself emotionally in these cases as well and therefore works hard to unite these troubled cats with their families ~ and very successfully I may add!

I would also like to add that, in defense of these cats and after watching several episodes of this series, it is more often than not the cat owner's ignorance which causes these behavioral problems because they do not choose to educate themselves before deciding to take a feline into their home!

For example, when I rescued my first rabbit, the first thing that I did was purchase a book on how to take care of them as I knew absolutely nothing about rabbits at the time. I even went as far as to buy a book on how to train my rabbit called, "Hop To It" which taught me how to litterbox train them among other things.

You have to actually watch this show to understand "why" these cats are so, for the lack of a better word, "bad." I don't care if you have a dog, cat or bird ~ EDUCATE! EDUCATE EDUCATE! :D

What is a Witch?

What does it mean to be a witch? Well, to begin with, it is far more than simple spells, potions, rituals and divining the future. It is a way of life – the feeling one gets from communing with the elements of nature and every living thing around us. Calling oneself a “witch” means making a personal choice – a commitment to the divine universe and to helping others while enriching our own lives as well through the knowledge of our Mother Earth and Father God.

Being a witch means never judging anyone nor interfering with their freedom and right to choose their own path. It means always respecting yourself, others and the laws of nature.  It means many things to many people. Although, I have often heard it said that it is a lot like “coming home” and, truly, it is.

~  Lady Caer Morganna

(image credit: Brett Witycyak)

A Handsome Master, Barbara Eden and, Oh My!

Everyone has heard of the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for, you just may get it!” Well, when it comes to the Djinn, no truer words were ever spoken. To say that they were “tricksters” would undoubtedly be a huge understatement! So who exactly were these so-called “Djinn” and where did they come from? According to the Koran, they were originally called the “Shayahteen” (Sha-ha-teen) and then later became known as the Djinn or Jinn. In Islamic scripture, they were made out of fire with no fixed appearance and, like the transformative element of fire, they could change their form and appearance – human or animal. Needless to say, they were far from the Hollywood-created version we call Genies. They were adversaries of humanity, but they were not; however, adversaries of God. They were said to have been created before man and may well predate both Christianity and Islam. In Zoroastrian Persia, before the coming of Islam, evil spirits called jaini were thought to cause disease and misfortune. The word djinn is derived from the Arabic “jinni” or demon and its’ root word is janna which means “to cover or conceal.”

Although, in Islam, they were originally believed to be good or evil, we in the Western world, view them much as we view demons – sent to ruin our world any way they can. Just like humans, the Djinn were held accountable for their actions and indeed Allah would take the day of the last Judgment to them.

It is also said that humans can call the Djinn forth to do their bidding. This is, of course, how the story of the Genie came about - along with the idea of free wishes. However, there appears to be no evidence that the Djinn could actually do little more than trick magick and perform minor spells and charms.

I, personally, do not believe in the existence of the Djinn anymore than I believe in the devil or Satan himself. As a student of mythology and ancient religions; however, I thought that the subject might make for an interesting read ~ not to mention fun!

"Wishmaster" movie trailer

http://youtu.be/aJgl3uoxXc0

 (image credit)

The Color of Moods

Have you ever wondered how colors affect our moods? Back a few years ago, my friend Waterfae and I attended a weekend-long series of seminars which offered a various array of classes including tarot and reiki. You could also learn about different Pagan traditions such as Norse and Druid.  I was fortunate enough to participate in a Samhain Druid ritual where I had been chosen to pick the tarot card divining the future for the coming year!

One of the classes which we attended was facilitated by an R.N. on “Colors and our Moods.” We were given glasses with different color lenses in them and asked to try them on for a couple of minutes at a time, then note “how” they made us feel. Interestingly enough, they worked! This little exercise showed us how colors really do have a physical and psychological affect on the human body. They can influence the pituitary gland which helps regulate hormone production. Since hormones affect our moods, it only makes sense that colors would also.

Specific colors directly relate to our emotions. For example, the color red encumbrances energy and vitality, but can also evoke anger and aggressiveness.  Pink, on the other hand, can provide a sense of being cared for, love and friendship.

Orange is stimulating, good for times when we can’t seem to get something started. The lighter version of this color, peach, may be used to counter exhaustion due to stress.

Yellow is a good color for mental activities like reasoning and analysis. It helps promote self-confidence and is helpful in situations where we need to be more optimistic. According to the facilitator, who once worked as a nurse in a mental hospital, this is exactly why we see yellow walls in mental patient facilities.

Green tends to make most people think of nature. Since much of the natural world is green, this color is about connections with nature and with our fellow human beings. It is also good for general stress since it helps to balance our emotions.

Blue is soothing and relaxing. It can stimulate creativity. Light blue can denote quiet and peacefulness. Dark blue can be sedating; however, too much dark blue can be depressing – much like the expression, “I am feeling blue."

Purple relates to our imagination, intuition, and insight. It may also give us a peaceful feeling.

The color white is most definitely about peace, but can also be associated with purity, cleansing, purification and clarity.

Black may make some people think of depression, but doesn’t have to. It is a dramatic color which is worn by many artists. It also denotes mystery and a feeling of protection.

While it is true that colors do affect our various moods, they can also be used to change them as well. After all, it is no coincidence that we use these colors, along with their corresponding attributes, to aid us in our workings such as candle magick.

(image credits)

My Artwork

While I was cleaning up the attic today, I found some old artwork that I had done when I was in school. Most of them are scetches which I completed while in Art Classes (if you click on the pics you can make them larger and easier to see) ...

"The Old Woman" (ink portrait ~ 6th Grade)

"The Lion" (7th Grade)

(9th Grade)

"Young John Lennon with Dandelion in his Eye"

John Lennon "Love Me Do"

(12th Grade)

John Lennon Caricature ~ "Peace"

I had actually considered going to Art School after graduating, but I never thought that I had enough talent for it. I always struggled with the colors in water painting and could never quite grasp it and so I never went any further with  my artwork.

Blessings All!!

Spring Candle Give-Away and stuff ...

Okay, first an update on Niecy. She wasn't very happy being downstairs away from us. So Friday night we brought her upstairs (cage and all) and put her in our spare bedroom.  She has more room to roam around when we are home. The only problem now is that apparently our female cats decided that they are going to "mark" their territory and urinate on our good couch! GRRRR!! I could have killed them, trust me!

Last year, mind you, when we cat-sat Niecy they did not do this. Why now, who knows? Pardon the pun, but they peed me off so badly that both female cats spent the night out on Haley's catio. Haley sleeps out there anyway and her urinating issue, if you recall, is the precise reason why.  Kiki really hates being out there, but I was so angry with her that I really didn't give a rats behind since I caught her in the act late last night.  And so,  I had been up until 4:30 AM washing the blankets which (thank Goddess) had been on the couch at the time.  Then I sprayed the couch down with "Urine Gone" (which by the way, doesn't really seem to do a stinking thing anyhow).

Niecy has been relaxed and calm. We gave her some catnip toys to play with and we give her the attention she wants and needs. Unfortunately, it looks as though we will not be able to watch her , or any other kitties for that matter, anymore do to this issue with our females Kiki and Haley eventhough it really isn't Niecy's fault.  This is the main reason why I prefer neutered male cats over females ANY DAY!  Even when they are spayed, females still tend to be very territorial. I told my hubby, from now on, it's male cats only. We no longer take in females ~ Period!!! (My male cat Midnight, of course, is the only one with any sense ~ he is such an angel truly.)

Now, that being said, the next thing on my agenda is my Spring Candle Give-Away. The candles I am giving away as prizes are:

One double-wicked "Blue Mountain Candle" Spring Rain

and a "Chocolate Bunnies"scented Yankee Candle votive & holder

All you have to do is be a follower of this blog and, as usual, leave a comment on this post letting me know that you are interested in being included in this Candle Give-Away. The give-away drawing will be on Saturday, April 14th!


And last, but not least, HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY ALL!!! (and no, this post isn't an April Fool's joke! LOL)

Upon the first of April,

I saw the Holy Fool

He was a merry prankster

The Lord of all Misrule!

He looked at me and winked an eye

And danced and sang and then

He sang, “Blessed Be and Blessed Be

And Blessed Be again!

-Joe Bethancourt