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*

Seeing Signs in Nature

They are everywhere. Signs. To help you along your path, to show you a glimmer of which way to go. They are a constant in my life, I am always spotting them, although not always listening to them, even when I should. Usually my signs come in the forms of birds, insects, or other animals, however they have come to me in a dream, or a song. The Blue Jay, has a very strong connection to my mother, who passed in 2009, and has planted its roots very near, to my home and my heart. Whenever I am in need of guidance, and sometimes even tough love, the blue jay never fails me with making its presence known. Now, that doesn't always mean that I will see it or even hear it. Sometimes It will come as a flash in my mind, or a ceramic figurine in the store. Or even just a small blue feather directly in my path as I am walking. It is these little subtle signs, that you have to really look out for. Your guardians are always around you, and the Universe is always watching you, doing what it can to help you, to reassure you about the world around you. Helping you along the path you are on, or warning you of obstacles ahead.



Associating birds with my loved ones that have passed has just always been in my life. I was 12 when my grandfather died. We were inseperable, he was a father to me throughout my entire childhood, and I was completely heartbroken when he died. On the way to the cemetery though, the most personal thing happened to me. A road runner crossed right in front of us, as we neared the cemetery gates. This is a very small cemetery, in the middle of sandy Texas cotton fields, in case you are needing a visual. I didn't think anything of it, other than the fact that we always ran into road runners when the two of us were together. Gathering around his plot, the services started. But I couldn't help but gazing off, through the headstones, not too far away, and there it was. The road runner. He stayed through all of the service, assuring me that he will always be there for me, no matter what. For several months after that, I would always see it, around my house, along the roads as we drove. Eventually it's presence became fewer and fewer, as I healed from his passing. Today, I only see him when he is really needed. When I am in need of being reminded of the powers that are at play around me.

I was 18 when my grandmother passed, and just truly coming into my way as a Pagan. She had been so very, very sick for many years, and it was extremely hard to see my sweet, gentle grandmother suffering. The day she left us, she had gone into the hospital. My parents had gone up there, but told me to stay home until they called for me. I sat at home, pacing the floor, waiting for a phone call I didn't want. After a few hours, I went outside in the shaded space of my backyard. I closed my eyes, and asked the Powers that Be to ease my grandmother's pain and suffering. To help her to cross over and find peace. All was quiet for a bit as I cried and prayed. Then, directly above me, I heard it. A woodpecker. I watched him so intently, he knew I was there, yet he wasn't afraid of me. It wasn't long after, my parents pulled up to tell me the news, but I already knew. The woodpecker had told me. And I felt at peace. I knew she had crossed over gently, and without pain.

I never know when a sign will come, or how it will show itself to me. But when I am in need, and can focus my mind on finding an answer, I am never failed by the Goddess, as long as I keep my heart and mind open to see what I am supposed to.

Our totem animals often reveal themselves too, on a very common basis. I have several, however my primary totem animal is the rabbit. A solid white rabbit visited me in my dreams for several nights in a row. I had quite a lot of hardships going on in my life during that time, but once I realized the rabbit was there to help me, I began to research him. Learn through him. Eventually my life began to run smooth again, and I can honestly say that I have the wisdom of the rabbit to thank.

The absolute best book I have found, on the topic of totem animals and learning to trust the signs in nature is:

Animal Speak, by Ted Andrews

 

 

 

Click this link, to purchase your own copy of Animal Speak!

 

Take time out of your day, every day, to listen to the rhythms of nature. Learn to speak to the Goddess on a very personal level, and in time, you will learn to see her responses. She is everywhere, listening to you, always.

Namaste

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Moon Child; Learning to Follow the Path of the Moon



Supermoon, June 2013

 



Our Moon. Wonderful and glorious. A sacred symbol of life, death, and rebirth, and associated with the Triple Goddess. Mysterious and perfect in all its beauty. Everything I do on a daily basis, is in tune with the Moon. With its waxing and waning, pushing and pulling, everything flows the way it is supposed to when you follow the course of the moon. From spellworkings, to childbirth, our Moon influences it all. Even our monthly cycles get into a pattern with the waxing or waning of the moon. That is why it is called a 'cycle', and is around 28 days apart(just like our moon cycles). When we begin to flow with these cycles, instead of against, a peace will instantly wash around you. You will begin to learn when to act on certain things, and when to back down, and patiently wait things out. Or when to release, all the things and people that hold you back, or that no longer serve you.

My youngest son was born during a Full Moon lunar Eclipse, and it was the most magical experience I have ever been through. Contractions started about 30 minutes after the eclipse started, and he was born about 30 minutes after sunrise(six hours total), when the moon had completed its pass through the skies, and its pull subsided. It was intense and amazing all at the same time, to look out my window and have our Moon, the beautiful Diana herself, as a birthing coach. An experience I will never forget, and one I love to share. No other moment can compare, to the connection I felt that night to my path, and to the Goddess.

The best book I have found, to keep up with the daily change in moon phases, is Llewellyn's Witches Notebook. I always refer to this book before doing a spell! It also has great info on the Sabbats, as well as recipes and more!



Click here to purchase the Llewellyn Witches Datebook for 2014!

 



Waxing- When the moon is growing in size, the phase before the Full Moon. This is the time for growth, and for spellworkings associated with gaining things. More money, increased hours at work, new love. A time for action and change. All these things have a better chance at fruition when the moon is waxing. Your period and p.m.s. will usually be stronger, and more emotional when it comes during this phase, as it is working against the flow.
Waning- When the moon is getting smaller in size, the phase between the Full Moon and the New Moon. This is the time for releasing. Let go of people or things that hold you back, or no longer serve you. During this phase is the perfect time to smudge your home, and release negativity. Your period and p.m.s. will usually be more mild, when it comes during this phase, as it is going with the flow, and is a form of release.
Full Moon- This is a time for completion of things that may have been started during the New Moon. A time for guidance from the Goddess, and reflection. Always "wash" your crystals and magical tools during this phase. Bask under the glow of a Full Moon when you are working spells regarding fertility. Full Moon phases are usually the most potent, therefore spells of great importance can be done for all 3 days of a Full Moon phase. The day before, the day of, and the day after a Full Moon. High strength spellworkings, such as Drawing down the Moon, and the Charge of the Goddess are always done on Full Moon nights.
New Moon- This is a time for new beginnings. Set goals and realize dreams during the New Moon. During this phase, our moon is absent from the sky, reminding us of faith in the things that cannot always be seen. It is a time of darkness, allowing us a time to look within ourselves.

Void of Course- A time when the moon is in a gap from one constellation to the next. Our moon is always traveling through the sky, passing through constellations as it goes. However, as it is moving, there will always be a small gap between signs. Sometimes these gaps only last a few hours. Other times, they can last nearly a full day or longer. When our moon is 'V/C', it is usually best to basically do the same. Wait to cast spells, because usually they rarely come to fruition, or may in fact backfire on you! Hold off on final transactions and contracts, and avoid confrontation or making any rash life changes. Giving yourself a timeout and being patient during a V/C moon will save you big time, in the end!

Moon in Astrological Signs- In order to properly enhance a specific spell, wait for the moon to land in the proper astrological sign. Specific signs assist for many specific goals, so many times, although it can be hard to be patient, it is well worth the wait, when dealing with something of great importance to you. For example, If you are working spells involving money or real estate, wait for the moon to enter Taurus. For freedom, friendship, or to break bad habits you could use the extra strength from an Aquarius moon. Each sign carries different strengths, so study them closely, and make them work for you and not against you.

By simply paying just a little more attention to the gravitational pull from our very own moon, we can shift our lives to live in a more cycled lifestyle, the way Mother Nature intended for us. Stop going against the current, and learn to follow your instincts. Love yourselves, and love one another.

Namaste

"The moon is always female"-Denise Levertov

 

The Charge of the Goddess

By, Doreen Valiente



Whenever ye have need of any thing, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, then shall ye assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of She, who is Queen of all witches. There shall ye assemble, ye who are fain to learn all sorcery, yet have not won its deepest secrets; to these will She teach things that are yet unknown. And ye shall be free from slavery; and as a sign that ye be really free, ye shall be naked in your rites; and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love, all in Her praise. For Hers is the ecstasy of the spirit, and Hers also is joy on earth; for Her law is love unto all beings. Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever towards it; let naught stop you or turn you aside. For Hers is the secret door which opens upon the land of youth and Hers is the cup of wine of life, and the cauldron of Cerridwen, which is the Holy Grail of immortality. She is the gracious goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man. Upon earth, She gave the knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, She gives peace and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor does She demand sacrifice, for behold, She is the mother of all living, and Her love is poured out upon the earth.

She who is the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, and the desire of the heart of man, calls unto thy soul. Arise, and come unto Her. For She is the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe. from Her all things proceed, and unto Her all things must return; and before Her face, beloved of gods and men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let Her worship be within the heart that rejoiceth; for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are Her rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek Her, know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knowest the mystery; that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, then thou wilt never find it without thee. For behold, She has been with thee from the beginning; and She is that which is attained at the end of desire.

 



Greetings!

Welcome and brightest blessings! My name is Melissa, and I have been a practicing Wiccan for over ten years. I am a mother to three wonderful energetic boys, a wife to an amazing man, and I just so happen to be a Witch. At the first look of the word I'm sure some would envision the infamous scene in The Wizard of Oz, where flying monkeys chase a terrified Dorothy, and the Wicked Witch of the West cackles with delight, "I'll get you my pretty!" Luckily for all of us though, the only monkeys I have are in the form of rambunctious children, and I never quite mastered the cackle. In actuality, being a witch is very serene and spiritual, and has always been more of a way of life than a stereo-typical tag in society for me. Simply put, it means that I put a little more intent with the energy and substance I put out into the world. I pay a little more attention to my surroundings, the way I treat my fellow neighbor, and the lessons I teach my boys. I live by the waxing and waning of the moon, our ever-changing seasons, and have learned to never take for granted the precious time we are given in this plane.
 I lost my mom in 2009. Cancer. She was my best friend, my mentor, and even through such a tragic period in my life, I found so many spiritual and positive aspects from her passing. I'm sure I will go into deeper detail on that topic at a later date though, for it is a very strong emotional period in my life. It led to the bitter divorce of my ex-husband, and the emerging of a new, beautiful relationship that I now have in my life.
I hope to post random tid-bits of information here on a regular basis, from recipes, to spells, even kid friendly arts and crafts. I love learning new things, and even more so, I love sharing them! I can't wait to browse the blogging world and find some awsome reads, as well as make some new life-long friendships!
Until then though, I must call it a night. Thank you for viewing my brand new page, and I hope you come back soon! Thanx!
     May the love of the God and Goddess be forever in your heart
     Merry ye meet and merry ye part
     and merry ye meet again!