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The Myth of Hell Being raised by Roman Catholic parents who attend Church every Sunday it should hold no doubt that I was taught about Hell and Satan. I also attended a parochial high school and then studied the Catechism as an adult. During all the studying I was continuously being reminded that Satan was ‘the great tempter‘ and Hell was where I was bound to go if I committed mortal sins. Even when I converted to the Methodist Church I still carried the beliefs of Satan and Hell with me though something just didn’t ‘feel right‘ about it. It wasn’t until I started a Bible Study with one of…

Connection and Context Last month, I talked about letting go of time to be wholly in the present moment. Worrying about a few pieces of the past or future disconnects us from the present moment, and also leads us to ignore the rest of the past and future as well. Being wholly in the present moment is an experience of mystery and delight; each present moment, taken by itself, connects to all the moments, past and future. The immediacy of the present moment and the eternity of all moments have more in common with each other than they do with our usual ways of understanding and experiencing time. Meditation can…

Faeries Tinkerbell was one. Thumbelina was rumored to be one. Amy Brown is famous for her drawings and art of them. Little girls love them. The Grimm Brothers wrote tales about them…well not exactly about them but tales within their realm. What or who are they? They’re fairies. More specifically…the fae or fair folk. Fairy is derivative of an old Middle English word, faierie also spelled fayerye, feirie, and feirie, which in itself is pulled from the the Old French language; faerie or in Modern French féerie. Originally this word meant, not the people but the land, activity, or characteristic of legendary people of folklore and romance. People like Hercules,…

Bean & Corn Salad You were probably expecting something with eggs, right? We all know eggs have long stood as the symbol for fertility and of spring. This refreshing salad combines three symbosl we may have overlooked. Beans have been known to spure desire, the required action prior to fertilization. In this recipe, you will find three varieties: kidney, garbanzo, and pinto. Corn is another symbol of fertility, as it is one of our main food sources across the globe. Its bright yellow color is a nod to the Sun, as well as the daffodils and chrysanthemums that are in bloom all over my region. Onions have also been associated…

Hum of machines Drown butterfly wings Slicing the wind Unseen Tomorrow, I wish you’d stayed I wish you did not invade Now the water speaks your name And all tremble in pain A river to a stream Becomes an ocean To extreme And we falter Unharness to excess And the hum of deception Trick the marsh To a desert A desert To a marsh Will all be lost? Covered in the frost What we created Stilled creation In a breathless dream Unseen I can still see The black in the sea How I wish You were here with me Yesterday a simple spade Became a blade Of so much more…

Jumping into the Cauldron In my estimation the most written about topic in the pagan parenting community is the discussion regarding whether or not to raise your children pagan.  I have read perspectives of both sides and must say that each have valid points, all of which are dependent upon personal circumstances such as: geographical location, broader family acceptance and the spiritual philosophy of the parent/s.  Today I’m going to throw my two cents into the mix and broaden the spectrum of this topic to include any religion that a parent may follow not just the pagan path. I believe that the core of this debate is based in a…

Lesson 9: Villanelle The villanelle is more complicated than the limerick because it not only has a set rhyme scheme but also repeats lines throughout the poem and must be done in such a way to make sense. The rhyme scheme in a villanelle is ABA ABA ABA ABA ABAA. The first and third lines of the first stanza are the repeating lines. The first line is the last line in stanza two and four. The third line is the last line in stanza three. Both lines are used in stanza five to close out the poem. I personally find it easiest to really focus on your topic, and free-write…

Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Garlic Mustard grows throughout the UK and in most of Europe.  In the USA it is abundant in the mid western and north eastern states, but can also be found as far south as Kentucky and North Carolina. In early spring, the light green leaves start to show in the hedgerows and woodland.  The plants can vary in height from 5-8 inches up to 3ft.  The broad, heart shaped leaves are toothed, and at the base of the plant grow on fairly long stalks.  Near to the top the leaf stalks are shorter and the leaves have prominent veins.  The flowers have four tiny white petals…

Now begins the time of year that we start our gardens.  Before I start working a patch of ground I like to spend some time there and talk to the nature spirits.  I touch the earth and ask permission to use it: I seek to borrow this ground from thee My reasons why, you’ll shortly see I will use this place in honor true And when I’m done return it to you This is a sacred space and I’d like to stay And use it’s gifts then go away After I use this place you’ve agreed to lend We’ll all part as brand new friends. After asking permission I sit…

Welcome to “Witchcrafts” and I hope it proves useful.  Since this is my first time with this subject here I thought I would give you a basic idea of what it is.  Over the years of practice we have so much exposure to the tools of our spirituality it stands to reason that we would start to “think outside the circle” and this is the result of that.  Sometimes it’s something related to our practice and sometimes it’s an outlet for the other “craftiness” we possess.  As a result here we are!  Hope you like it and Blessed be! Incense recipes You can make your own incense and customize it…