Angels

There was once a time had anyone asked me if I believed in "angels," I would have said to them, "I don't know ... not particularly." I never really had any convictions regarding the subject either way. I was taught by my Reiki Master to use the aid of the Archangels whenever performing reiki. As a matter of fact, I have a beautiful statue of an angel holding a star in her hands with stars and moons draped at her feet on my reiki altar.

Recently; however, I have had an experience which has caused me to revisit my "on the fence" view about their existence . I now can say in all sincerity - they really do exist!

A couple of evenings ago, my husband was out with a good friend of his at a local pub. Now, this particular establishment is heavily frequented by college students - many of whom are the most arrogant and obnoxious group of young people you will ever meet. My husband was drinking his second beer when he got up to use the men's room. According to his friend, about 5 minutes after my husband returned to their table, he began to act strangely tired all of the sudden. When his friend asked him about this, my husband replied that he was probably just tired because he had been up since 4:30a.m. that morning. Thinking nothing more of the matter, they both decided to leave and go home. Unbeknowst to anyone at the time, my husband's beer had been drugged at some point earlier that evening at the pub. He became disoriented while driving and ended up in a very treacherous part of the city. Dazed and confused,  he was eventually found wandering around the dangerous streets by the police and without his car!

The next thing I knew, the police were at my front door. They had brought him home, unecessarily handcuffed at that, adding that my husband was "lucky he wasn't killed!" About an hour later, after the drug had worn off, he became violently sick and still remembered nothing about the incident.

The next morning we decided to look for the car - expecting it would have either been stolen or vandalized. Amanzingly, everything was still intact - husband AND car!

When I think back on the chain of events of that horribly scarey night, I realize that "luck" had absolutely nothing to do with the way things had turned out. I have never been the sort of person who believes in coincidence and I truly believe that everything happens for a reason - not by chance!

This particular experience has prompted me to do some further reseach about angels and where they came form. I found out that angels actually do not have their origins in Christianity. They were, in fact, written in Hebrew scripture years before the Christians adopted them. They are messengers of God in both religions none-the-less. Their Wiccan correspondences lie with the Archangels and they are Michael (South/Fire), Rafael (East/Air), Ariel (North/Earth) and Gabriel (West/Water).

Although I still do not beleive that angels have wings or look like little cherubs, I now know in my heart that they are real. They are protective entities that look out for each and every one of us when we truly need them most. They are, literally speaking, "Guardian Angels!"

(The History Channel - "Angels Good or Evil")

There's Sisters and then there are "Sisters"

I am sure you are all familiar with the expression, “Blood is thicker than water”? Well, I can honestly tell you that this is not always necessarily so. My former sister-in-law, Robin, is not only my “sister in the craft”, but she had also been my very dear friend long before we had become related to one another. In fact, we both felt an instant connection from the time we were first introduced to each other all those many years ago.

As close as I am to my natural family, she showed me that it is possible to be just as close to someone who is not related to us through blood.  Over the years, we have laughed together, cried together and shared our inner most thoughts and feelings. It is a bond which cannot be broken by divorce or any other kind of tragedy – it seems as though she and I have been through it all together.

This often serves to remind me of how our Wiccan brothers and sisters can also be as close to us as our own family – even though they may not share in our family lineage. I, myself, have never had any biological sisters per se; however, I have plenty of “sisters” in my life in which to call my own. They are all a part of my family and I can’t imagine my existence without them. Like Robin, they are indeed a precious and irreplaceable gift from the Goddess!

The following poem was written for my sister Robin, who has chosen the beautiful craft name Aurora Skye and it suits her well!

AURORA SKYE



She shines like the sun

With blue eyes so bright

And her blonde hair glows

In the pale moonlight

So warm and so sweet

Her heart filled with light

Like the goddess of dawn

Love beams at her sight

She entered my life

With a smile that gleams

She’s my confident, my friend

We share our hopes and  our dreams



Like the moon and the stars

We are sisters of fate

With strong family ties

And a loyalty so great

We’re as close as can be

We've a bond she and I

She’s loving and kind -

She's Aurora Skye

Creating Sacred Space

We all know the importance of creating a sacred space when practicing Wicca. Not only does it help us to stay grounded when meditating or performing our magickal workings, but it can also aid us in maintaining our sanity after a long, hard, stress-filled day of work! Let's face it, we all need to have our own "personal" space - our own little corner of the universe where we can go to in order to relax and keep a well-needed sense of balance.

Personally speaking, I find that retreating to my sacred space makes me feel whole again after an especially hard day of dealing with lifes' stressful demands. It refreshes my mind and spirit. I simply dim the lights in my reiki room, light my altar candles, sit in front of my altar and meditate for a while - allowing all of the negative aspects of the last few hours of my day to gradually flow out through my body. When I am finished meditating, I say a little blessing in honor of the Goddess and God - thanking them for their love and guidance.

 

Sister Support - sitting and meditating with my friend WillowBree (1999)

Although it can sometimes be difficult for us to set aside a bit of time out of our everyday busy lives, it is important that we find enough time to "recharge our emotional batteries" as it is absolutely essential to our mental and physical well-being. For me, it makes all of the difference in the world!

Lavender Cookies with Rose Water Icing

Well, the truth is I am actually a teacher, not a writer and, as my Home Economics teacher used to say, I am definitely not “Becky Homecky!” However, my brother-in-law made these delicious cookies one year for one of our sabbat ceremonies to use in our cakes and ale ritual. They are easy to make and a must try!

Ingredients Needed:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon crushed lavender

1 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

For Icing

2 cups powdered sugar

5 1/2 teaspoons water

6 1/2 teaspoons rose water

Red food dye for pink coloring

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar. Add the eggs, lavender, flour, baking powder and salt. Drop by teaspoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes.

While the cookies bake, prepare the icing by mixing the powdered sugar with the water and rose water. Add red food coloring to desired shade of pink.  Drizzle over cookies after they have cooled.  Makes about 4 dozen



Respecting The Three-fold Law

I find that when teaching students, the one question which naturally seems to arise is, “Is it okay to use magick to protect myself?” The answer to this question is yes! We may indeed use magick to protect ourselves from the physical or psychological harm of another; however, we have to be extremely careful as to make sure that we are carrying out the spell properly. Protection spells, most especially banishings, must be thought through very carefully! For example, we must be absolutely positive that we are banishing the negative energy resulting from a persons’ actions – NOT the person them self! Our intent always plays a huge factor in any type of magickal working and spells for protection are no exception. Should you decide to write your own protection spell, you will need to choose your words wisely. I can not stress this enough!

The Three-Fold Law teaches us that whatever we send out into the universe, be it “good” or “bad” energy,” will come back to us three-fold. While this fact is undeniably true, The Three-fold Law further states, “Lest in thy self defense it be, ever mind the Rule of Three!” In other words, even in situations where we feel the need to protect ourselves, we must continue to abide by the Law of Three. Those who choose to ignore this, run the risk of suffering the very serious consequences of their actions. It is absolutely imperative that we respect this “universal law” as it is not to be taken lightly and certainly nothing to fool with. I have seen these kinds of spells go terribly awry when not thought through carefully enough! 

As it is with everything in nature, there is a “delicate balance” between banishing the negative energy directed toward us and drawing the positive aspect of a new beginning into our lives. When performed correctly, these types of spells can be highly effective and, even more importantly, will not manifest themselves in a negative way. Personally, I have found that using one white votive candle (to represent pureness of spirit) and one black votive candle (for banishing negative energy) works extremely well! 

The fact still remains; however, that nothing is ever 100% full-proof and protection spells should only be used when absolutely necessary. Perhaps it would be helpful for us to remember that old adage, “What goes around, comes around!”

Blessed be



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.  Traditonally 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 orginally 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.*


Although I have been Matt's teacher in Wicca for all these many years, I am now finding myself learning from him as well. 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!!!

*Reference taken from the book, "The Sabbats" by Edain McCoy

A Matter of Faith

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.