Practically Witchy

Greetings everyone! Hope you all are well! On one of my few and far in between Saturday's off, my  hubby surprised me with a special visit to a really cool "witchy" shop located in Blandon, PA called, "Practically Witchy" ...

The atmosphere was almost like a scene right out of the movie, "Practical Magic"! With LOTS of great items available - handmade herbal candles, essential oils, books, and MORE! ...

Among the many goodies which I had purchased ...

A bottle opener.

 A clear crystal Reiki pendulum!

A cute little table book!

Don't know about you, BUT I am, counting down the days until the movie sequel to "Practical Magic" - "Practical Magic 2" gets released in our local theatres on September 10th!!!

https://youtu.be/Ho10_4IX1jE?si=BKfo-aMabFj7gTTb

What's Happening ... (Part Two)

As per my previous post, this is a continuation of that post. There are indeed ways to help a loved one cross over even after a traumatic event. One of those methods is to (and I do NOT suggest this lightly without extreme precautions as you need to KNOW what you are doing!) consult a Ouija board. That being said, if you are not comfortable with that idea, there are other ways to find peace and closure after the death of a loved one. I found something in my B.O.S. (Book of Shadows) that may be useful to my friend or anyone who feels that they need closure. 

TO WRITE A LETTER TO YOUR LOVED ONE WHO HAS PASSED: 

Place a piece of paper arranged between two black candles. On the top of the paper, the following inscription should be set: 

"See now, (loved one's name) whom I mourn, the nature of this mourning as you know even now my sorrow and so on this piece of paper do doubly confirm it. I write to you my heart here for your eyes and mine only - that we may be bound by such silent words even better than when our words were spoken. Receive then this document as sign and token of my love and devotion not to forget you - nor to cease mourning you until we meet again." 

Then, write down on the piece of paper the essence of your grief and such aspects of memory as you would fix forever. Afterward, fold the piece of paper and burn it in sage. Thus the message will be received.

Another way is to wrap your loved one in white light! I have learned much from my High Priestess friend and Reiki Master, Lady Sabrina Rhiannon after many years. And, after consulting her regarding my friend's situation, she had the following advice:

Yes, in addition to wrapping them in white light, do a private ritual. call in Archangel Michael for protection and cutting any karmic cord. Also archangel Azrael to assist his passage. If there are any lingering issues Archangel Jeremael will help with life review.

Losing a loved one is always hard enough to deal with without any additional guilt or uncertainty. I, personally, can very much relate to THAT. 

A New Use for Old Candle Holders

A few years ago, I bought a cute little Feng Shui candle set from a nice co-worker who also sold Avon Products, I usually do not buy much (if anything at all) out of their catalogs, but I happened to come across this lovely set ...

 

Of course, these items looked much larger in the catalog picture, and when I got them, it was not exactly the size that I was expecting! Instead, they were tiny little candle holders which came in a tiny little box and only burned for less than an hour. I really liked the ceramic Feng Shui cups; however, and didn't want to throw them away after use.

So, I decided that I just had to find another use for them. I cleaned them up and sterilized them really well and now they are used as our saké cups for when our friend and her hubby visit. Yes, I am aware that Feng Shui is Chinese and saké (rice wine) is Japanese, but we enjoy them all the same.

 

 Feng Shui symbols: Earth, Fire, Metal, Water and Wood

  

The Wiccan adaptation for eclectic purposes.

I could also have used these beautiful cups to burn incense cones, but I just couldn't see ruining them with the ash burn. Still in all, not too bad for the couple of dollars which I had spent.

Appreciating Differences

I remember shopping at a local flea market a few years ago looking to buy a book on Jewish culture for my Wiccan friend as a Yule gift. I saw a used book stand and confidently walked up to the saleswoman and said, "Good day! I was wondering if you would happen to have any books on Christmas? I have a friend who wishes to learn more about his Jewish heritage." Of course, after I misspoke I immediately realized my "slip of the tongue." But before I had the chance to correct myself, she very sternly replied, "No, no it's Hanukkah, my de-ah, Hanukkah!" I promptly apologized and we both shared a little chuckle, deservedly so, at my expense.

The friend whom I am referring to is my very dear friend and our long-time solitary group member, Matthew.  When it comes to witches, some of us are what are considered to be a hereditary witch - meaning a witch who can trace his or her bloodline back at least three generations. Some of us are natural witches and some of us are even mixed with another faith.  Such is the case with my friend Matthew. He is a Wiccan; however, he also chooses to acknowledge his Jewish roots.  Traditionally in the Jewish religion, it is the mothers' side of the family which determines the faith of the next generation of children. Even though Matt's mother does not choose follow the Jewish faith, his grandmother did.



It is interesting to note that the six-pointed Jewish Star of David was originally a Pagan symbol known as the Seal of Solomon. In fact, the menorah, which is also associated with the Jewish religion, is often used by many Wiccans (myself included) during esbat rituals. The main reason for this is because of the number "9" which has long been considered a magickal symbol. Furthermore, as my Wiccan High Priestess friend of the 'Coven of the the Silver Moon Circle' Lady Sabrina Rhiannon, and my Reiki Master adds,  "If you view it in 3D. It is the Merkabah of Metatron. With deep meditation and breath patterns and learning its rotation pattern, that it can assist with personal ascension."

To me, one of the most beautiful things about Wicca is its' open-mindedness and willingness to learn from others. It is not solely a matter of education; however, it is also a case of appreciating eachothers' differences - whatever our heritage.

"Shalom lecha, ahavti, my friend, and a Blessed Yule to all!!!

TBT: A Matter of Faith

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As a Wiccan, I faithfully celebrate Yule and the Winter Solstice. As a daughter; however, I still spend the Christmas holidays, church aside, with my Christian family. There may be a few of my fellow Wiccans who might believe that in doing so, I am in conflict with my Wiccan beliefs. As I see it, I, myself, am not celebrating Christmas - I am merely respecting the fact that my family does.  I love spending time with my family and friends and since that does not interfere in any way with the fact that I am Wiccan and celebrate the sabbat of Yule, I certainly do not see any problem with it. 

For example, my husband is agnostic, but he has always respected my decision to be a Wiccan. Even though he does not actually participate in our circles and sabbat celebrations, he is still there with me and he helps me in any way he can.  He has always stood by me and supported me throughout these many years. The fact that he does not follow my own personal religious beliefs, does not mean that he can not be accepting of them.

As a Wiccan Priestess and teacher, I am also a strong advocate of religious tolerance, and as such, I truly believe in “practicing what I preach.” After all, it is a road which runs both ways.  It is important for us to remember that, ultimately, we all breathe the same air and we are all a part of the same universe – regardless of our various faiths and diverse religious beliefs.

First Day of Spring

 

TBT: Thanks, Ehstemai!

(Most Wiccans in the U.S. practice alone, though they congregate in large gatherings to conduct rituals and learn from one another.)

Late last week, I received an e-mail from a very nice Wiccan Priestess named Ehstemai. She happened to come across one of my old poems which I had posted on Witchvox called, "Earth Sisters."

She told me that she believes her readers would really love it and asked my permission to post it on on her site, "What is Wicca?" 

 Earth Sisters

In fate they so did meet

In friendship they so stayed

Neither realized the kind of bond

That yet was to be made

Judy so shy and quiet,
Kim with Pisces eyes
Both are kind and caring,
Free spirited and wise

As years went by so quickly
Their lives seemed such a mess
Always striving to move forward
But growing so restless

Until one day they finally found
A love they both could share
In the precious Lord and Lady
Who are always everywhere

They chose their craft name wisely
One Rhiannon, one Caer
And thus respect Natures powers
Of Fire, Water, Earth and Air

They worship now in perfect trust
As they give back to the Earth
And where they once felt unalive,
They now can feel rebirth

 With each passing day
Their sisterhood grows strong
As does their love of music
Which they share in dance and song

They know someday the time will come
The question not where but when
As Merry Meet, merry part
And Merry they'll meet again

~ Lady Caer Morganna 

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Midsummer Blessings

 

Getting ready for Spring!

Yesterday, my sister Aurora Skye and I ventured out for a bit of Spring shopping. We went to our local Yankee Candle Store and I found three large jars, a new Luma Lid for them, and a Spring Bunny votive candle holder ...

Another place we stopped off at was Barnes & Noble Bookstore. We are always looking for what clearance books and such that they have on sale. I picked up this really GOOD Chinese Astrology book for only $5.00! 

I was born in the Year of the Dragon - specifically, I am a Wood Dragon. I found it QUITE interesting that a lot of the information regarding my sign aligned almost perfectly with my Western Astrology sign of Pisces!

I could not resist buying this adorable Game of Thrones bookmark!

 🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉

Another really cool book I bought was, "The Essential Dream Journal" ...

This journal has lots of pages filled with detailed questions and great ways to keep track of your dreams!

My left-over cheesesteak with Old Bay Chips and a pickle from our lunch at "Ganly's Pub" (today's lunch) ...

I still have to finish decorating my house with my Spring things, but for today, I am still working on my Spring cleaning. I finally bought a set of drawers at "Staples" to replace the three small ones I have been using for my office supplies.

Before ...

After ...

That will have to do for now. I will post more Spring pics after I have finished getting them down from the attic.

Have a good week everyone!