Amethyst Sage, HPS

Updates, grandkids, growth and book deals

2009-03-30T03:40:52Z

The new year has been a rush of new things, achieving goals, new people in my life and responsibility. I don't know that I could have prepared myself for all the things that have come but I am grateful because I get to work towards goals and relationships that I have been wanting for a long time.

The best news today is that I have had the chance to meet my grandchildren today. I saw in person my grandson Adrian and the new baby girl Niela (which I probably spelled wrong). Of course they are both gorgeous and I see so much of the Blanton family there. The girl is only a couple of days old and paternity is in question right now but once we were able to see her, for me atleast... I am pretty damn sure. There are too many similaritiesfor her not to be. She has the nose, the skin, the cricked "Blanton Toe" that they all have.

Adrian is beautiful and I was so happy to hold him and kiss on him. What a beauty....

Keith is doing good and is coming home on the weekends. He will be home fulltime in about two weeks. We are planning out what his schedule will be when he is here fulltime. He will have a job that seems to be already lined up, which is good. And we are going to be signing him up for some courses.

And then the other BIG news I have is that my book has been signed. I am have a deadline for July 1st and am working hard on the final manuscript. I sent in the contract last week and I am excited yet anxious and scared at the same time. This is one of the things I have been waiting for and I am blessed to have this opportunity. I will be published with Immanion/Megalithic Publishing.

So.... That is the news. I will try and keep updates flowing as they come along.
Blessings!

Pantheacon Wrap Up

2009-02-20T02:59:40Z

Pcon this year was a blessing from start to finish. I got a chance to unwind (in a matter of speaking) without kids needing my full attention and be with fellow magical people at the witch event of the year.

There were many wonderful things that happened this year, including but not limited to joining with Lydia, Stone, TreeBear and Jenna, awesome roommates, fun shopping, great rituals, a beautiful and memorable dedication ritual of a fellow sister, several potential dings for publishing, a memorable meeting with Selena and a pretty smooth workshop with more people than I expected to come.

I am now back to the grind, getting together the last peices of my book proposal to send out to those whom I promised. I am grateful for the positive connections and even more greatful for the good times.

blessings to all.

Knowing your blessed

2008-12-25T22:25:46Z

As frustrating as life and raising a family can be, sitting here and watching them play the new Wii while ham and yams are cooking in the kitchen..... I know I am blessed. there is nothing like spending time with those you love and knowing they love you too. Even those who I am not able to be with in person are on my mind today and I know they are thinking about me too... I know I am blessed.

It is good to keep that in the front of our minds as we walk through the rest of the year. There are those who are not as fortunate as I; who don't have money right now, or a job, or people to call them on the phone, or presents, or a tree or food or a home to sleep in. I wish for those people they could have what I have today. I don't have much but it is just enough to make me a happy girl.

Much needed time off

2008-12-25T04:40:27Z

I worked hard the last three days trying to catch up on paperwork from a busy month at work. Between the shooting at school, several CPS reports and the general holiday crisis of working with others, November and December have been busy at work.

So my boss volunteered me for some time off. I was shocked and grateful. So I am off for the next four days.... go back to work on Monday and then off Tuesday thru Sunday.

Thank the Gods for the unexpected blessings.

Moving to renewal

2008-12-21T08:32:50Z

Ok, long time no post. So I thought right now is the perfect time to do that.

The spiritual new year has already brought about change for me and those I know. With the rebirth of the son/sun and the calender new year approaching, I find I am excited yet anxious for things to come.

I have felt the anxiety in the air over the last several months between the elections, economy and changes everyone has been going thru. So the new year has a lot of things unknown and that too magnifies the anxiety..........

So I am planning wisely for the upcoming time of change. I am trying hard to prioritize my life and put things into a positive order. I am thinking ahead and planing my future.

Yule has been good for me. It has reminded me that things work out they way they should and life is full of unexpected pleasures. (a good thing to remember going into a new year)

The coven did Yule this year, breaking tradition from the last 3 years, and doing it differently. The ritual was awesome and beautifully written. The sisters and family were present and it was a lot of fun. We were able to invite three guests to come and participate with us and it was unexpectedly super fun. Although I was nervous with the new forming tradition and with new people, it turned out to be very fun and great memories.

So I am going to approach the new year with the same outlook and allow myself to enjoy every minute of it.

Blessed Yule everyone and enjoy every minute.

Blessed Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T04:17:55Z

As I sit here and think about all the things I would like to say about the holiday, I remember I have already said it. It is a time for gratefulness and family, whatever that means to you. It is so easy in the day to day mess of life to forget those things we celebrate at Thanksgiving. So instead of writing it twice, I share with you my article on Celtic Whispers ezine.........

May you enjoy everything about the moment and those you choose to have with you.

Blessed Be and Happy Thanksgiving.

The Magic of Gratefulness

Written And Submitted By: Rev. Crystal Blanton

As Wiccans and Pagans we are generally more in touch with things around us and aware of how we affect the whole. Interestingly it is not unfounded to say that all people forget some of the most important things from time to time, and I think it is likely that we forget just how we are connected to everything.

As Samhain passes and we enter the holiday season, family, feasting and loved ones become the focal point for people around the world. Our Mabon celebration of honoring the hard work from the previous year has passed, but the commonly practiced Thanksgiving holiday comes this month. Wiccans and Pagans have the opportunity to celebrate gratefulness with the rest of the world. Imagine how gratefulness spread over the world could affect the energy of the universe.

There has been an influx of movies, documentaries and books during the past couple of years addressing the concept of the laws of attraction and manifestation. The new attentions on these old concepts are highlighting things that witches have known for a long time: Energy produces results. We are all made of it, and we can control it. One of the most important things witches know is that we are powerful, but we need to truly understand beyond the words of the statement.

Power can be a blessing, but it also makes each of us accountable for what we do and how we bring our thoughts into real-life manifestations. One or two moments of gratefulness are not enough to balance out all the energy that is exchanged the rest of the year. Carrying gratitude with us on a daily basis is the real challenge, but it enables us to do real creation magic in ways that the universe, God and Goddess can hear and respond to.

Working with magic and doing spellwork are very deliberate. These are planned and thought out for maximum results. Time is put into the words, candles, stones, herbs, items and intent needed for spellwork as it is thought of normally. What happens if we remove everything from the previous list except for our intent and thoughts? Practitioners of the Craft know the only thing we really need for successful magic is our will and energy. With this in mind, does that mean we are doing spellwork all the time?

This is a concept that is hard to grasp, but it is what all the New Age movies, books and CDs are reminding us of. We are powerful beings, and we are using our thoughts, energy, intent and vibrations to create our lives, reality and perceptions. This is indeed some of the most powerful magic that one can wield.

In Eckhart Tolle’s online advice column he responds to a reader’s question about how to apply his teachings to everyday life. Tolle’s response to the question is a good example of how we learn how to make gratefulness the magic of our lives.

“It is true, of course, that everybody already lives in the present moment, but unfortunately they haven’t noticed, and they pretend that past and future are more important than now. In reality, your entire life unfolds in the space of now. Nothing exists outside of the now. So I am talking about making the present moment conscious.” – Eckhart Tolle.

Living consciously in the moment is one of the best ways to manifest magic on a continual basis. We do this now without realizing it or choosing what we are manifesting. In this moment there is an opportunity to do what we do in sacred ritual space but without the tools, preparation, incense and candles. We get to make magic, every moment, every day and with every thought.

As the holidays come closer and our loved ones circle around us, we have the opportunity to manifest reality once again.

When we are in the moment and not in the past or future, we can see some of the things we are grateful for right in front of us. We are living, breathing creatures of the earth with our own minds and thoughts. Each of us has the ability to make choices that will lay the workings for our lives in each and every moment. Each day we have the capacity to love and receive love from others. If you are reading this article you have the ability to read, see, think and feel, and you possibly own a computer. In this very moment I have the opportunity to write for each of you and embrace myself as someone with a voice I want to share. I have the opportunity to be heard, and for that I am truly grateful.

As I sit here typing on a computer, listening to music and waiting for my ride home, I could not possibly write all the things I am grateful for. I don’t have to wait for Mabon, Thanksgiving or any other holiday or Sabbat to remember what is right in front of me.

As the holiday approaches let it be a reminder of another opportunity to do what you have the option of doing every moment you are breathing. Use your powers of manifestation with your thoughts of gratefulness to allow the universe to bring you more things about which to be grateful. Don’t ever forget that with each breath you are doing what witches do best: Create magic.

http://www.celticwhispersezine.com/crystalsrealm.htm

"When you become aware of silence, immediately there is a state of inner still alertness. You are present. You have stepped out of thousands of years of collective conditioning" - Eckhart Tolle. "Blessed Be oh Yemaya!! Yey Omo Eja" - "Mother Whose Children are the Fish"

Missing in action

2008-10-22T03:56:54Z

I thought it appropriate to write a note since I have been MIA for a while. I have been working hard at work, writing my butt off on articles and this book and working hard on a host of spiritual projects that are running me through the ringer. LOL!!!

I have no idea what things will look like as the rush for the end of the year and upcoming Pcon approaches but I don't think that it will end anytime soon, atleast it doesn't look that way. LOL. but in the end the results should be great, including a possible meeting with book publishers in February.

I will keep everyone posted as things develop.
Blessed Samhain to all and a fulfilling new year!

Over worked, under paid...... do we get paid for this stuff?

2008-08-25T06:31:19Z

So, I am realizing just how overworked I feel. I work the regular day job and then come home to the full fledged family dynamics, over abundance of emails, phone calls to Students a couple of times a week, if I am lucky I have phone calls to friends like JoJo, cleaning, degree work for FWTI and on and on and on.

Don't get me wrong, my job, friends, family, coven, students, mentor and everyone mean the world to me and I wouldn't give anything up for the world. These things and people make me who I am and make me whole. I guess it is really just the first time that it has really hit me how everything is going to work in conjunction with each other and the fact that my mundane life and spiritual roles are not compartmentalized and are rather one and the same.

So this weekend I tried to unwind and organized the many areas of my life. I did a lot of electronic organizing since I bought a portable hard drive for all of my studies information and whatnot. And then today I worked on all of my paper files and organizing. I have a newer file cabinet that I am using to create files and a system to find all of my paperwork for the various things between SSC, CoG, FWTI, DSM and whatever other acronyms there are. LOL!!!

I am hoping all of the organizing will help to make things more manageable....... we shall see.

The upcoming anniversary of the water

2008-08-16T09:32:24Z

With the upcoming anniversary of Katrina I am reminded of many things that evoke emotions within me. Seeing the devestation of a community and the disregard for life as we watched them die and float on the waters trying to survive, I am still so saddened by the disregard for the lives of our own....those of my people. So I posted this poem before but feel it is time to post it again to honor the anniversary of the water that changed many peoples lives....

And the Water Said....By Ifalade Ta'Shia Asanti
A Poem For the 2005 Hurricane Katrina Survivors, All Rights Reserved @August 2005

And the water said, "listen!"
I am coming to show you truth,
I am coming to shake the grains of sands beneath you
Show you that which is hidden but in plain view
And the water told us why she had come--
I have come to stroke the skin tones of America
To comb the roots of racism
Expose the scalp of discrimination
Make it bare like the parts of newly plaited hair
"Can you hear me," the water asked?
I'm here to purify these nations
To wash the streets clean of their denial
To reveal faulty foundations and forked tongues
And I shall not be ignored
And her rain created cities of tears
Waves of brutal reality
Demanding transformation
Commanding our world undone
She woke us early
When the white house phone line was busy
About a quarter to one she woke us
Before our comfort arrived in monthly envelopes
Made us remember the unity of a million maafas
Showed us how genocides join sons

She carried our vision to rooftops
Where the shepherd revoked our salvation
FEMA dollars transformed into tombstones
Homeland Security became a funeral home
And the water returned to her garden
An ailing levee beckoned her backwards
Back to the streets
Back to our homes
She wasn't sure we had remembered
She was sure that we had forgotten

And the water rose
She embraced our memories
Ran up our steps to our doorbells
She knocked but we didn't answer
She stretched higher and higher
Found us waiting in the sunlight
Waving to strangers in electronic birds
Whose wings made us invisible beneath the sleeping sun
Do you remember now she asked?
Do you remember Rwanda & Benin?
Do you remember the captive passage?

And she beckons us to forward
To new land
Under new realities
She calls us to independence
Not theirs, but our own
She turns our eyes inward
She moves our hands together
And the water said: "seek one another!"
Hear as you've never heard
Understand how you've never understood
I am parting my tide for your safe journey
So you may discover what I already know

You have survived
Let this message wash your ears alive
I am here with your salvation
I have delivered it on the words flowing from my tongue
And She retreated from their doorsteps and porches
Let the son return

She sent them into the wilderness
With prayers already done
Daughters of the ocean
Sons of the storm
Our God has not forsaken you
But come to reshape your love..

First day back after a long weekend

2008-07-07T23:20:24Z

So today was the first day back to work after dealing with work drama and the interesting week that led me to using music as a venting tool this weekend, LOL!! (I know, it is so Jr. High)

So today I purposefully started the day with a notion that it was going to be good and productive. It started with a bumpy start but for the most part it was a good day. I am trying to remember to do that consciously because I forget it sometimes when things become uncomfortable. One of my biggest missions is to not allow outside interference change the way that I feel inside or operate.

This is a process for me and one that is not a easy process. It is one I continue to work on.

So today is hopefully a good start to a good week. I don't want another week like last week, that just takes too much energy, processing and yelling lyrics to songs to get through, LOL!!

Litha, good friends, a good ritual, reconnections and faith

2008-06-24T04:59:17Z

This weekend was full of ups and downs. Of course there was a lot of things going on and this in and of itself made for a rushed weekend. Friday night I took Robert to Will's birthday party at the rock climbing place in Concord. Kat and Ariana were there and of course I had fun with them. And even though I was tired, hanging out lightened by mood.

Saturday morning I got up, cleaned the house and took a shower to prepare for the coven coming over. The ladies started coming over one by one and it was a really chill afternoon. Since it was 104 outside (hot, hot, hot) we decided to take over the family room and do ritual. One of our sisters from before (who we lost contact with) came over and did ritual with us. It was like there was no time missed. The ritual was great on several different levels. I got to be in a room with ladies I have worked with for a long time and have become my family. We shared a connection in ritual that felt really special to me.

We hung out after ritual and then I hung out with Ariana into the night. Later I went to Jon's brother (Mike) house and hung out until 2am. Came home and was overloaded with thoughts, new information and anxiety. I finally fell asleep at 3am.

Sunday I got up a little late, talked to one of my best friends and spiritual sister, picked up Ariana and came back to the house to get Jon and Robbie. We walked over to the park and sat under the redwoods to watch a ritual at the park. After chatting with people at the park we walked home, hung out, had Kat come over and put jody on speaker phone. The circle complete with the 4 of us in dsm.

Anyhow, I think I learned a lot this weekend. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and I am grateful that I have the insight I do. I am happy to have learned what the power of the group mind can do and I am grateful that Monica's connection is as strong as ever. I am grateful that I know what true sisterhood is because I know that many others don't and have not experienced it.

Blessed Litha.

fun times, good movies, fighting pimps, new clothes and the worst breath I have ever smelled

2008-05-19T05:08:12Z

This was a weekend full of physical pain, fun times, good movies, fighting pimps, new clothes and the worst breath I have ever smelled in my life. Let's see...........where to start.

Friday I got thru the day at work with painful gums and no pain meds. I was relieved to be off work and got a great phone call at the end of the work day. I was informed that my yearly bonus was ready for pick up. This was excited for more than the obvious reasons. Not only was I not sure if we were going to get them this year but it helps us regain some of our footing in financial stability. I got home and immediatley left with Kat to pick up Ariana and go to a class in Antioch. We sat thru class, I had a hard time since my jaw was killing me. The class was interesting but not for the expected reasons.

I came home and crashed. I think the combination of heat, pain and medication made that happen.

Saturday I slept in a little and we had a long family day. We got up, went to the bank and then went to pay the cellphone bill and go to Game stop. When we got out of the car there was this old guy yelling at these two kids who looked about 4 and 6 years old. He was totally out of control and calling them names and forcing them to eat these hotdogs. Jon and I both stood there for a minute and he said to me "if he touches one of them I am going to say something". We were on the same page. In a matter of minutes I heard him call the kid a Muther fucker force his leg open and smacked him on his thigh. I had had it. I yelled across the parking lot at this guy and had this "exchange" with him. He continued to tell me that he is "handling his business. Has raised 19 kids like this and they all have money. Has a history of 15 years of pimpin......blah, blah, blah". Need I say more? I told him that if he touched those kids one more time I was calling the cops. He sat there with his self rightious "pimp" attitude with some tore up shorts, a afro mullet, gold colored yellow teeth and a cane (shitting on a sideways shopping cart). I was so pissed.....

We came out of the phone store about 20 minutes later and he had the older kid peeing on a tree (in the parking lot) but he was talking to them much different.

We went to the mall, did some much needed work clothes shopping and lunch. Then we went to see Prince Caspian. The movie was AWESOME!!! The only problem was that they guys sitting next to me had the worse breath I ever smelled and it even reached around me and attached my husband (his words not mine). I almost threw up a couple times but was able to make it thru the movie and actually enjoy it.

After the craziness of yesterday (the pimp and the bad breath wiped me out) we stayed low key, went to chevy's and did some stuff for the house. It was a good weekend over all. I got to spend some much needed time with the family and just enjoy the weekend.

A long day

2008-05-08T06:15:47Z

Have you ever had those days when you know you want to blog but don't know about what? Today is one of those days for me. It was a very long day today, one filled with ups and downs, moments of laughter and sadness. I woke up late with a stomach ache, there was lots of traffic on the way to work, the morning was slow which allowed me to sit in silence at my cubicle and catch up on paperwork. An event happened in the morning that instantly added to the already downward spiral of my day.

You know those moments when you want to jump up and down and yell WTF!!! Yeah.....one of those. (couldn't do that, was at work)

It took my stomach until about 12:30 to decide to give me a break. The administrative director came up and handed me a beautiful flower for a late happy administrative professional day. The flower happened to be (you guessed it) purple, white and green. For you Dance of the Spirit Moon tradition people, you know exactly what that means. (Ironic)

It was a great reminder of what I am doing here and of my spiritual connection in that moment. I took pictures of the flower and sent it to the others who follow the tradition. After that I was treated to lunch with the rest of the office, which was very nice. I tried to keep myself in a positive space all day which was a struggle at times. The rest of my work day was filled with moments of laughter and moments of thought.

I slept in the car on the way home. The night was filled with the same as the day. I was productive today at home and at work. I am looking forward to another chance at a better day tomorrow. I know they can't all be gravy.

A message hard to watch but needs to be heard

2008-05-04T07:44:24Z

This is not that long. It may be hard for some to watch. The message is not one we like to listen to but it needs to be heard. How much time are you willing to give to hear something that might change your point of view or give you something to think about? watch the clip...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3Xe1kX7Wsc

back on

2008-05-02T05:32:44Z

So, as you know, I started training with NROOGD. Well after a couple of months I have decided that my attention and energy needs to go elsewhere. I have decided that the timing is not right for me to add another tradition to my plate right now and for many reasons I am not able to do it right now.

As soon as the decision was made FWTI answered the call. The work coming down the line is a lot and I am back to working overtime for the tradition of my training.

The true power of the group mind

2008-04-29T00:08:55Z

For those who don't know, I have been involved with the same coven of awesome ladies for like 5 years now. I was thinking today about how powerful the group mind is and how the connection stays solid for a long time.

I have recently (last couple of months) reunited with a old coven member that I just adore. As life got hectic our paths took different roads, which happens so much in groups in general. Since we reunited a couple of months ago it has felt like there was no time lost.

I have actually been fascinated by this over the last month or so and just haven't remembered to blog about it. I am fascinated by the energetic cords that are created and continue to connect us even when it is not on our conscious mind. Sometimes I wish those cords didn't exist but in this instance I am grateful to be connected to someone I still truly love.

Blessed Be!

Whew, what a weekend

2008-04-28T02:34:10Z

The weekend turned out to be full of the usual ups and downs, twists and turns of life. The weather was really nice both days (a little hotter than I like on sunday) and I got to enjoy the weather both days. Saturday I went to the public Beltane in Berkeley with NROOGD. It was a nice ritual put on by some people that I think are pretty cool. I sat in the park before and after the ritual, enjoying some reading time and conversation. It was a day full of lots of thoughts for me.

Later the evening I went out to dinner with the family and we went and sat outside in the downtown area and enjoyed the weather. We must have looked like tourists because we sat there taking pictures of eachother. I went into a local candle store and the lady that worked there asked me about my necklace. She then inquired if I was a "Wiccan High Priestess" and the conversation started from there. Before 10 minutes was up we were exchanging emails and showing eachother tattoos. It was one of those funny, random events that happen sometimes.

After all of that I spent a night at home with the family. In the middle of the night Jon wakes me up with intense chest pains and we were up for a while dealing with that. Scary as hell......

Today was the scouts and enjoying some time with a friend of mine. It was nice to relax, talk and do some planning for a upcoming ritual while the kids played video games. I am really looking forward to the coven Beltane next weekend. it is a wonderful thing to be able to practice with people you have practiced with for almost the last 5 years.

All in all we had a good weekend. I am going to make a promise to do more of those types of things, getting out into nature more and spending good quality time with friends I love.

Thoughts of a fullmoon walk

2008-04-20T21:01:02Z

Last night I went to the fullmoon labyrinth walk with Kat. We went to the last full moon candlelit labyrinth moon walk for 2007 and last night was the first one of the year for the 2008 season.

The night was cold with the kind of chill that makes your bones shiver and the anticipation of the cold was trying to convince me that tonight was not a good night to go. But I knew there were things I needed from the full moon walk and I knew I needed to go.

The labyrinth was darker than I remembered it from last years walk. There were three ladies on the maze as we walked up and they were talking while walking. I immediatley got irritated at their disrespect and said "Shhhh" before I started. They did stop talking but for the first section of the walk I couldn't pull my focus from them to me.

I then started thinking about recent choices I have made and why things have seemed so hard in this recent process. While doing that I grabbed my pentacle (which was the one that Kathryn and Ariana gave me when I got my third degree) and I thought "I love this pendant". And I questioned why I haven't been wearing it. I remembered when I first took it off and I remembered a statement that was made to me about the necklace from someone about how others "might have a problem with it" and at the time I didn't think they were related or affected me but they did. That realization hit me like a ton of bricks while walking.

Right after that I asked myself "why do I care?" About two steps after that I almost fell completely off the path. Not step off the path but fall completely over. I rebalanced and thought "god damn it takes hard work to stay on the path." AHA!!!!!!!

I think I am falling off the path. I don't think I allowed myself the time to become stable and secure in my place on my path before throwing a curve ball towards me. And at what point can someones statement or others views contribute to me pulling back from what I have worked towards for almost 6 years. If it was a master's degree in college, would I allow others thoughts to invalidate my degree? I am responsible for how I allow others to affect me and that is something I need to remember.

This is what I got on the trip inward on my journey. Interestingly when I got to the middle I felt relieved. I felt like I got some answers. I have rushed myself, I have not stayed true to my path, I have allowed outside interference to affect me and have not stood as proudly in my accomplishments.

On the way out there were two things that were profound to me. One was that there was a lady who was walking also and was at a faster pace. In my mind I knew she needed to pass us but I had to start reminding myself "don't look back, don't look back". I realized how I concentrated on someone elses path instead of staying focused on my own. With the exception of those whom I am responsible for like my kids, or those whom have entrusted me to be their spiritual mentor, I should not be worried about other people's path.

And there was this part of the path that I couldn't really see and I found myself getting anxious. And then I had to think in this maze, I will just catch my balance. What is the worse that can happen. I just have to find the path when it is unclear and catch my balance when it is off.

When one gets a Godsmack.......

2008-04-18T04:21:11Z

This has been an interesting week. Isn't it amazing how a week can start off one way and drastically change direction within the course of several days? Or sometimes minutes?

This week has been full of disappointments, interesting dynamics, crazy work schedules, strange decisions and unanswered questions. As I finish off the week part of me is saying, "woohoo!!!" and the other part is reminding me to soak in the lessons of this week and not take them for granted.

Here is a short yet interesting list of some of the things I have learned or reminded of in the past 6 days:

own your power
clear communication is good communication
don't over extend yourself
trust your answers
don't assume that things are ok
relationships take work
sometimes being fair takes conscious thought
speaking your mind doesn't mean that it will be heard
everyone sees life through a different set of lenses
When you miss someone, call them
trust my instincts
Personal boundaries are some of the hardest to enforce

I am sure this list could go on and on. I am glad I am getting something out of the week of strange experiences, it makes it all worth it. I think my goal for this year will be to remember my own integrity and personal power so I can use it is a supportive and responsible way.

Blessed be!

Traditional versus eclectic, are you serious?

2008-04-06T07:52:28Z

This may be one of those blogs that turn into the oh so famous crystal articles.......... so interesting how that happens. I don't know where to start with this thought so I will just jump in anywhere. For those of us who practice the craft we always here the discussions about training or opinions on the "traditional" people versus the eclectic people. I gotta say I can't stand those conversations.

I am so irritated with hearing opinions of who thinks who is really trained or "what tradition is real witchcraft" versus the eclectics. Here is what i don't understand, who cares? Don't people get tired of being so worried about how other people's training add up to their ideals?

Let me be the first to say that I am a trained eclectic Wiccan practitioner who is proud to have trained in the manner in which I did. I have been trained in a tradition that is founded on respect, tolerance and differences. Because of this I find it so hard to understand when others think they hold the keys to the "right way" of practicing the craft. As I embark on continuing and branching out I am caught off guard at how often I am hearing comments speaking against eclectic paths. It is frustrating and amazing at the same time. I am amazed that people do not consider how offensive they might be. What community do we create when we can justify those types of divides within the community? What is the real purpose of doing such? Do people really think that they are the only ones who can measure others practice or training styles?

Here is how I view the eclectic versus the traditional saga. I see such strengths on both sides of training and practice. Being eclectic can be wonderful because it teaches you to be creative with your concepts of deity and worship. It gives a big enough box to work inside of so that one can explore different sides and angles of the craft. It takes a strong person to truly train in an eclectic tradition because it requires that someone be disciplined enough to learn in a tradition where there are many options and variables. More "traditional" paths have strengths too. There is a history of practice and knowledge. There is a uniformity to practice that can lend to a common expectation of the followers of that path which can lend to the power of the work.

There are disadvantages to both sides too but I think that defeats the point of where I am going here. For those who are busy making judgments of the eclectics of the craft I think it is a strong possibility that you need to go back to your training guides and review the sections on working with others, creating community, tolerance, humility, respect, being open minded to differences and whatever else you may or may not have received the first time. If those things are not a part of your training then now is a perfect time to create them. They can be passed down to those who come after us.

This is not coming from a place of anger but rather a place of sincere concern at the state of a community that so harshly judges each other instead of finding ways to bridge the gap among our own. I hope this continues to change as the pagan world progresses to higher places in our development as a community.

I chose not to stand on one side or the other but if I felt I had to, the choice is already made...............there is no choice. My foundation is that of a Wiccan High Priestess of two traditions that are based in love, balance, understanding, tolerance and honoring of the differences that make this community of talented people so great. Won't you join me?

Adding to, not replacing

2008-03-24T18:22:30Z

I feel it is important to clarify my intentions and make a couple of things clear for those who I respect and love. I have been blessed with wonderful friends and coven mates for a long time now. I have been blessed to work in two traditions that trusted me enough to grant me to opportunity to train and become a High Priestess thru both of them.

I have recently made a decision to begin training with NROOGD. This is a huge thing for me, like all the other training decisions I have made. But it is important to say that I am not looking to replace the coven or either of the traditions I Priestess with. I am looking to add onto my training. To fill gaps so that I may be a better priestess for myself and anyone who comes to me.

I am adding to, not replacing. Solitaries of the Second Circle, Dance of the Spirit Moon tradition and Family Wiccan Tradition International are my foundations. I am excited about adding NROOGD to those other things that mean so much to me because I will have more knowledge and be able to be an even more productive member for everything else.

Thank you to everyone who continue to be supporters to me throughout the years. I love you.

Energy wipe out!

2008-02-25T03:10:07Z

Well, let's see. I have not recovered from the Con and all the energy that it took to deal with the aftermath of incidents from the Con. But I can say that, for the most part, I am on the upswing. I got a call from Dia today and she is back home and safe.

I taught a channeling class last night and 5 of my coven sisters were there. The class turned out great and I didn't think anything of it until I went to bed and slept like there was no tomorrow. LOL!!! This morning (11:00) I got up and was rushing to handle business and get to the shop for my shift to read tarot and channeling.

I sat at the shop, in a daze, and thought to myself "wow, I guess I was pretty tired, lol".

So I think I am going to be slowing down a little until I can catch my second wind. I know I am teaching a stones class on the 15th and I the study group with Rachael Watcher starts on the 14th. But I don't think I will be signing up for much else but those things. Give myself some down time.

Boy, it can be hard to be a mother, wife, friend, coven sister and the role of a High Priestess. I am exhausted.
Blessings and peace to all.

The Con

2008-02-20T03:17:00Z

So I am recovering from a long week. The week was an exciting one that had some incredible experiences and ended with Pantheacon.

PantheaCon this year was interesting. I was more excited about being around people and mingling than attending the seminars. I went to the opening ritual, an orisha 101 seminar and one on boundaries 101 friday night. On Saturday and Sunday I just went to the workshops that I was involved in. And that is it. Part of it was that some of the seminars didn't attract my attention and also that the energy that was at the con this year was high strong and slightly disturbing and uncomfortable at times.

There was so much going on at the Con this year that it was distracting. At times I wanted so bad to just be able to sit in the hotel room and forget that I was even there. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and other COG members, I just wished it wasn't overshadowed by such intense drama and energy.

So, although I looked forward to the Con for a year, I can say I am so glad it is over and I am home now.

This week

2008-02-15T09:35:47Z

I am finally at Pcon after a week of running around, new experiences, High Priestess elevation in FWTI, performing elevation rituals with two other women, packing, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, planning, airport runs and the works.

this has been a long, hard week and I don't necessarily feel like I have been off of work for a week. We got to the hotel today at about 4:00 and it is amazing that I am typing this blog at 1:30 in the morning and wishing I were home with my family. Isn't it amazing how we become so comfortable with our ideal of norm that when things are a little different we just want them to go back to that. I talked to my 6 year old son on the phone and when he said "Mom, I miss you" I just wanted to get in the car right that second.

So I guess I am excited to be here but at the same time, I am waiting for the completion of this years Con and being back in the normalcy of my home with my family before it even starts.

I have figured out something very important this week though, I don't take care of myself enough. I run myself into the ground, don't get to the doctor, stress over a lot of things.......I have got to change that. My sanity depends on it.

I made it

2008-01-03T01:06:04Z

I made it through 2007. I made it through all the hard work, heartache, shadow work, degree work, complications and confusion. Whew, what a year it was.

Now I am off to building a better year for 2008. I know I had to go thru 2007 to get to where I am now but I didn't expect it to be such a challenging year.

I am pushing forward to a year full of opportunity, great connections, connection with others and lots of fun!!! LOTS OF FUN!!!