Dream a Little Dream

I love interpreting my dreams! It's kind of like a hobby for me. I have had several reoccurring dreams, for as long as I can remember, involving tornadoes, public bathrooms, losing my teeth, and choking, just to name a few. I know the meaning of each one by heart, and always know when one of them greets me in dream land, to be a little more aware of the things taking place in my waking life.

But, last night's dream was a first for me. I was walking through a tunnel, underneath a busy highway. On the wall, beautiful graffiti adorned the dull, grey concrete:

 This is as similar as I could find to what I saw in my dream. The only differences, were that the lettering was arched over the diamond, instead of through it, and the colors were absolutely beautiful, the artist used a wonderful Mother of Pearl type paint to create their masterpiece. Even in the grey darkness of that damp tunnel, the multi-faceted colors shimmered and changed as I walked past. 

If anyone out there reading this, knows anything about me, they know that I definitely do not listen to the 'pop' music where this message came from, so it was pretty easy to deduct day residue from my reason bank lol! But, the young Hispanic girl from my dream did. She was the artist behind the hidden message.

What does it mean though??

One of my 'Go-to' sites for dream interpretation is:  Dream Moods 

Their meanings are very thorough, and usually very spot-on to what is usually taking place in my waking life. Below, is my interpretation:

Mother Of Pearl
To see or wear mother of pearl in your dream symbolizes renewal, birth and fertility. Alternatively, the dream is telling you to be more focused on your tasks or goals.

 Diamond
To see diamonds in your dream signify the wholeness of the Self. You may be finding clarity in matters that have been clouding you. Alternatively, it represents vanity, conceit, and your unchanging or unyielding nature. You may be distancing yourself from others.

To see a diamond shape in your dream symbolizes the many directions that you can take in life. You need to evaluate your goals and how you are going to achieve them.  

*note: The full interpretation of each symbol will most likely not be completely relevant to your individual dream. The pieces I pulled from the symbol definitions were specific to my dream, and my experience alone. That is one of the best features of the Dream Moods site. It allows you to pick the parts of your dream, the parts that truly speak to you, and piece them together, based on YOUR individual dream. 

Piecing the little slivers of a dream together is the best part. How does it fit into my real-life situations? Based on my recent struggles, I would say my job is most definitely on the top of my stress list. And, based on this little personal oracle reading, I have most DEFINITELY got to take some quiet time for myself, so that I can clear my mind and see the bigger picture. The diamond shape in general is telling me to look at the many different paths my life is fixing to take. More supervisory growth at work, with the new responsibilities of becoming a soon-to-be-bride. I would say my paths are many these days, and yet all inter-connected. Meditation will be my stress-relief and saviour in the upcoming months. 

Why do we dream??

 Our minds use that time to rest as well, after all, it is our most used muscle! During our REM sleep, however, a unique piece of our mind is relaxed and opened, letting sub-conscious thoughts take control, allowing us to work through problems that, during our waking-self, get shoved further down, into the sub-conscious. (Out of sight, out of mind ring a bell?) With the "in the moment" living we do while awake, it is very easy for our true thoughts and feelings to get put on the back burner, so to speak, as we push on through our day, telling ourselves you will worry about that later.

But, once we have entered a deep and relaxed REM state, those 'forgotten' thoughts and feelings manage to work their way back to the front of the stove, showing us little reel clips of what we are TRULY meant to be focusing on. Helping us to work through things that maybe we aren't even strong enough to handle in our waking world, or possible situations that need attention, that maybe we didn't even realize were bothering us. Showing us different angles and ideas, in abstract ways, what we wouldn't, or couldn't have even thought about otherwise.

Remembering your dreams

The BEST way to remember any dream is to write it down!! Whether it wakes you up at 3AM or you suddenly remember it in the middle of the day. WRITE IT DOWN!! Start with baby steps if you can't really remember all of your dream(have I mentioned the mind is a muscle, it has to be exercised like one!). Simple one or two word descriptions, like ' red bike' or 'childhood neighborhood', are the very first steps to remembering more and more pieces to your puzzle. Before long your journal entry will look like a short story! Focus on items, colors, locations, and even smells. You may find that the actual dream itself has absolutely NOTHING to do with the SYMBOLISM of the dream. Confused yet? lol, let me try to explain--

When I have my tornado dreams, I usually don't pay very much attention to what's going on in the dream. The fact that there is 1 tornado, or 5 horrifying tornadoes spinning towards me, the message is still crystal clear: A great change is coming my way, very soon(my last tornado dream was right before my promotion, and the one before that, I found out I was pregnant...think BIG change!). Sometimes it directly effects the people in the dream, sometimes not. The main character is always the tornado. 

I will leave you with that to chew on for a bit. Mainly because I am up way past my bedtime, and I haven't even gotten to the best part yet--

PROPHETIC DREAMS 

Yes, I have those too, and would love to delve deeper into that topic ;) It is the reason why I have such a true calling for dream interpretation!!

Sweet dreams and Namaste!! Please, share your dreams below, or in PM, I would love to try and help if I can!! 

Blessings, until next time!!

Melissa

 

Luna Mother

Luna

Her wisdom is ancient

everlasting

She has silently watched

And Looked down upon us

As we took our first breath of life

She has watched

As we took our very first steps

Made our first mistakes

She was there

Her faces always changing

But always the same

She has forever been a beacon

To those who are lost

Lonely and afraid

Her brilliant glow

Has always shown bright

Against a dark, infinite canvas

She has always been

And always will be

She will watch

As we take our very last breath

Shed our very last tear

She will always remain

An ancient wisdom

Waiting to greet us

Patiently waiting for us to return

Jupiter and Great Moon, dancing in the night sky

 Namaste,

Melissa 

And the Wheel Turns: Imbolc

Greetings and Imbolc blessings to you all!! While sitting outside this morning I was blessed with seeing the signs of Spring all around me. Although it's cold here today, it made for the perfect backdrop for my little feathered visitor to pose for a few photos :) A V/C moon until tomorrow afternoon (as well as a Mercury Retrograde through the 11th), so make sure you limit beginning any large projects! Instead, use today to reflect, and write down any goals and intentions you would like to see completed, both short-term and long, for the rest of the year. What seeds will you plant today, to ensure a promising tomorrow?  

Enjoy!!!

This curious little guy was perched in my Crepe Myrtle

Soon enough these buds will boast beautiful white blossoms

 

Our beautiful world, and it's amazing colors

A symbol of new beginnings and personal growth

What beautiful things do you see today, that remind you that the Goddess is at work around us?

Namaste and Blessings to you 

)0(

Brooms in Your Briefcase: Being Pagan in the Workplace

I sit here on this rainy cool morning, and contemplate this past year. It has definitely had its ups and downs, and its blessings in disguise. I have gone from nearly losing my job over petty gossip, to getting 3 promotions, making me now a supervisor over 2 regions. It has been emotionally draining, and exciting and scary, but change is just that way. All of this while trying to plan my wedding to the man of my dreams. He has been my constant through all of this, and I am truly blessed to have him by my side.

Throughout all of this, being a pagan has definitely come up a time or two in office conversation. And since it's not something I try to hide, I have quite enjoyed sharing my way of life with whomever is curious enough to ask. I have even made a mojo bag for a co-worker, and shared my favorite meditation techniques, and the best place to buy smudge sticks with my boss.  But one thing that is always in the back of my mind?

 how much information is too much??

Where do I draw my line of what is comfortable to share with fellow co-workers?? After all, the last thing I need is for them to think I dance naked in my backyard on full moon nights, chanting in tongues! (even though I wouldn't deny that!)    ;)                                        

Office friendships aren't intended to be deep or intimate, we are all simply there to work as a team, practice respect, and do our jobs to the best of our abilities. Therefore, when it comes to my true spirituality, I try not to go too in-depth on the specifics of my beliefs, mainly because non-pagans just don't understand, no matter how hard they genuinely try to.

Sticking to the basics

There will always be questions, even the most simple questions require some thought before you belt out your answer (can you say awkward elevator silence?!). Luckily for me, no one has come right out and asked me if I worship the devil, or sacrifice small animals and children. Most of the ladies I work with have been very respectful of my faith, and accepted my way of life without even batting an eye. I think that is mainly due to the fact that as a whole, most educated people understand that we all come from different walks of life, and we are all entitled to walk the different paths to God.

The age of my co-workers makes a big difference too. We are all the offspring of baby-boomers, so most of us grew up in more liberal households than those who are older in age, where they lived extremely more modest lives through childhood.  Depending on the age of those you work with, will definitely determine the reaction you will receive when you step out of the broom-closet! 

In the opposite way, the younger you and your co-workers are, the more persistent they could be, about asking you for 'favors'. Spells to get revenge, love or money should definitely be practiced with caution, and I honestly don't condone that at all. For your safety as well as those you work with! Explaining the karmic circle can help those pesky colleagues who just can't take a hint!

Dressing for success

Since my office requires me to don business casual attire, I'm exempt from the stress of which conical hat will go best with my shoes. I do, however, enjoy a more bohemian look, and am slowly building my closet inventory to reflect my eclectic personality, without looking like a carnival gypsy! 

And although I have a lot of beautiful pagan-inspired jewelry, I try to only wear my smaller, more conservative pieces and crystals, and even then I rarely wear them, unless I feel like I need its energy. 

 I also keep my hair and makeup light and simple, because really, who can carry a mature conversation with someone who looks like they came out of a Marylin Manson video?! 

"In today's staff meeting, we will compare relative statistics, in correlation to non-bilateral compositions, based on our quarterly reports and its findings" -said Marylin Manson never

Now, don't get me wrong, if your work environment allows you to fully express yourself in that manner, then by all means, express away! But, thinking in a more office-related workplace, most people wouldn't understand what a heartagram is. 

Choosing to freely tell your co-workers about your chosen spiritual path is only a choice you can make on your own, and shouldn't be one you make lightly, without knowing you can tell others and still work in a safe environment. Although we are blessed to live in a country that allows us to practice the faith of our own choosing, without persecution, it still doesn't safeguard us against the ones who don't care to understand, and would wish us harm. Use your self-guided intuition as much as possible, it will always point you in the right direction. And never be afraid to be yourself, especially around people who don't even get the pleasure of knowing the TRUE you to begin with ;) 

Namaste, and blessings to you all!! 

Melissa

Helping your child be more spiritual: Lesson 1-Faith

"Children don't come with a handbook."- My dad and hero, Jimmy M.



And boy, is my dad right! Raising children is probably the most difficult job we will ever be given, and yet, it is also the most rewarding. Watching your own child grow, and learn, and live is the purest form of joy and love we could ever feel. Having three boys of my own, I have felt these blessings first hand. I have empathized with their sorrows, and shared in their happiness. However, I have also felt fear. Fear of what our often hard and cruel world will do to them. Fear of what the peer pressures and fast paced technological world will turn my sweet, innocent boys into.

But no matter how dark or scary my fears, I will always have faith. And that is where I shall start. Because even through all the negative and evil energy that can surround and consume us, there must always be faith. Faith in a Higher Power, and faith in ourselves. And no matter your religion, or denomination, our children must learn spiritual awareness, for that is the true foundation for personal growth and development.

Over the course of a few weeks, I would love to share with you all, some simple ways to build a spiritual bridge for your children. Not only will it give your family the stepping stones needed for a healthy relationship, but it will help you along your own personal path as well. These lessons will be a learning experience for us all, me included. I am in no form or fashion, assuming that my way is the best way. These are merely simple exercises that you can do with your children in your own time, with the hopes that you can boost their self esteem, their confidence, and their connection with the Higher Powers that Be. They are Mother Earth's future protectors, may we teach them the best that we can.

Lesson 1- Faith

Faith can be defined as a noun as having a strong or unshakeable belief in something, especially without proof or evidence. But also as a verb, as being able to act on what we believe.

Exercise:

Take your children outside with a blanket, and find a shaded tree to sit under. Have them sit still and quiet for a moment, eyes closed, as they listen to the things around them. With their eyes still closed, ask them if they can feel the wind through their hair, on their cheeks. Ask them if they can hear the wind rustling the leaves, blowing through the branches of the tree. Now, have them open their eyes, and ask them if they can see the wind. We can see it blowing the leaves, and maybe even the wind chimes. But can we really see it? The answer is no. We cannot physically see the wind. But yet, we know it is there. Moving the clouds above us, pushing the birds through the sky. We know it exists, even though it doesn't have a shape or form of its own. This is faith. We have faith that the wind is there, moving all around us at all times, even though we can't see it. 

Next, you can take a small moment with them, to discuss the many names we use to identify The Higher Powers that Be. Explain how people worship many different Gods and Goddesses, all from very different countries, and all with different names for God and Spirit. Explain that there are many different religions, and none of them are right or wrong. Some examples are Christianity, God and Jesus. Catholic and Mother Mary. Buddha, Allah. Even Zeus and Greek mythology. Give detailed descriptions of what these Gods have been assumed of looking like, and what The Higher Powers do. I personally, imagine a Higher Power, that is neither male or female, it's not even human. It is simply pure, raw, colorful energy. It is the purest form of creation you could ever imagine, that radiates above us, a thousand times brighter and warmer than our own Sun. That is "God" to me. However you see your God, explain that to your children, yet be sure to leave it open-ended, so that they may come to their own conclusions. Don't forget to include the fact that Spirit is also a power that is felt within us, radiating from us always. This will lead us into the Activity.

Activity:  

You will need:

white typing paper

water colors and brushes

crayons

map pencils

markers

glitter, glue, or foam stickers

Bring the supplies outside with you, weather permitting, or you can go back inside for this activity.

Have your kiddos think back to faith, and what it means to them. Then have them remember all the different concepts of God. Have them think about the love and creation that God emits. When they are ready, have them paint God in their own eyes. Or they can write the word FAITH and decorate it how they wish, as a reminder of the love and trust we have for forces unseen. When they are finished, let the painting dry, and hang it where it can be seen, so your children will have a daily reminder of faith and eternal love for the things that cannot be seen with the eyes, but only felt with the heart. 

Up-coming Lessons:

~ Learning the Importance of Prayer

~Making a Prayer Altar and the Importance of Honoring Deity

If you have a topic you would love to know about, or one that you have studied, in regards to helping your children cross the Spiritual Bridge, please email me or comment below! I am always open to topics and ideas!  Thank you, and Namaste!

*Please keep in mind that these lessons are non-denominational, and do not conform to any one specific religion or faith*

Ritual: New Moon/New Year- How to Make a Witches' Ladder

Blessings to you all, for a New Year full of good health, prosperity, and all your hearts desires!! January 1st, 2014, will mark the first day in 19 years, that a New Moon has kicked off a brand new year!! Use this rare energy to your advantage, and make time to pray or meditate on the things you wish to manifest in 2014! New Moon energy is used for fresh starts, new beginnings, and new goals. Combined with the Capricorn's influence of ambition, organization, and careers, the stars are perfectly aligned, we must simply tap into that energy provided to us and use it wisely!

Below is another ritual from my personal collection, and seemed perfect for this special occasion. It uses the same basic  ritual outline from a former post, 'Finding Your Own Zen', so please reference back to the bottom of that post for that outline, and as always, feel free to add this ritual to your own personal collection :)

New Moon Rite & Witches Ladder

 

*Make sure you gather all your materials, and have your altar set up, prior to beginning. It is frowned upon to leave the circle once it has been cast! I usually set my altar up in the east, however I have also set it up in the North, depending on the need. You will need one cord of your choice (string, rope, twine, etc.) of about 12 inches long.

 

 

Clear and release before you begin any magic works by sitting quietly, and clearing your mind, sending all worry and doubt out into the Universe, to be recycled into positive energy.

 

Sweep The Circle

Anoint & smudge yourself and anyone else participating

Bless your water and salt, then sprinkle around the perimeter, while reciting the incantation provided in my Basic Outline

Cast the Circle

Call the Quarters

Invocation of the God and Goddess

Light the God and Goddess candles (if any)

New Moon Invocation

New Moon, moon of promise

your reappearance reminds me

that I can always begin anew

for although things change

they also come 'round again

to a point of new beginnings

new directions, second chances

 

Light the New Moon candle
 

O Moon of inspiration

look graciously upon our dreams

O Moon of increase

look kindly upon our efforts

as we commit ourselves

to a new personal phase of growth

 

Witches Ladder

 

{Begin by placing yourself in a comfortable position, then clear and release. Now imagine a ball of golden light in your Heart Chakra.}
 

Say:

"Behold, I am One with the powers of the Universe."

 

{Now imagine that ball of light growing larger and brighter, radiating out in all directions like a sun inside you. Let the ball of light grow to fill your chest, growing stronger and stronger as it does so.

Now take your cord and place it before you.

　 Make three Tuathail, or counter-clockwise, circles above the cord with your hand.}
Say:

"Behold, I cleanse and purify you, sending out for you any impurities which may lie within"

 

 {Imagine the cord surrounded by a golden light. Imagine it shining brightly, then let the image fade.

　 Now make three Deosil, or clockwise, circles above the cord}　

Say:

"Behold, I bless and consecrate you to this purpose!"

 

{Imagine the cord surrounded by a blue-white light, shining brightly. Again hold the image for a moment, then let it fade.}

　Now take the cord in your two hands, or hold your hands to either side of it (palms facing it).　 Imagine a ball of white light between your hands, surrounding the cord.　 Concentrate on the goal you wish to bring about through this spell -focus as hard as you can on the goal for several minutes.　 Imagine the goal inside the ball of light, or some image that represents the goal. See the goal as you want it to be when it is already accomplished and complete -if your goal is to gain a skill for example, imagine yourself already proficient in it. As you imagine this, know that this goal is already accomplished and only needs to be drawn into physical manifestation.

　 Now let the image of the goal and the ball of light fade, and take up your cord. Continue to focus on your goal, seeing it already accomplished.

　 Still concentrating on the goal, take the cord and tie a knot near one end of it.}

　 Say:

"By Knot of One, the spells begun."

 

{Imagine yourself one step closer to having your goal.}

 

 Now tie a second knot a short distance from the first, and say:

　

"By knot of Two, no power undo."

 

Focus even more strongly on the goal, knowing that each knot draws it closer.

Tie a third knot, and say:

 "By knot of Three, so mote it be."　

 

With each knot know that your goal comes closer to you, imagine it more strongly and know that it is truly yours.　

Tie the fourth knot, saying:

　

 "By knot of Four, open the door."

 

Then the fifth:

 "By knot of Five, it comes alive."

 

The sixth:

　  "By knot of Six, the spell is fixed."

 

The seventh:

　 "By knot of Seven, the boon is given."

 

The eighth:

　 "By knot of Eight, decreed by Fate."

 

And lastly tie the ninth knot:

　 "By knot of Nine, now it is mine!"

 

{Now once again imagine white light all around the knotted cord, and place your hands above or beside the cord with palms facing it.　 Again imagine the image of your goal very strongly.　 Then release all of your focused energy and concentration directly into the cord -do this just as you do when you clear and release before or after any working:　 imagine the energy flowing out of you in the form of light or water.　

　 When all of the energy has flowed from you into the knotted cord, take it and seal it in a safe place.　

It is best to bury it in the Earth, and especially good if you can bury it at the foot of a tree.　 This symbolizes the physical manifestation of the goal.}　

 

 

Dismiss the quarters and release the circle

 

The circle is open, but not unbroken
　　　　 may the love of the God and Goddess be forever in our hearts
　　　　 Merry ye meet, and merry ye part
　　　　 and merry ye meet again!