Witches For a New Year

"Come here, my bird! I will give you the dangerous black night to stretch your wings in, and poisonous berries to feed on, and a nest made of bones and thorns, perched high up in danger where no one can climb to it." 

That's why we become witches: to show our scorn of pretending life's a safe business, to satisfy our passion for adventure. It's not malice, or wickedness - well perhaps it is wickedness, for most women love that - but certainly not malice, not wanting to plague cattle and make horrid children spout up pins and - what is it? - "blight the genial bed." Of course, given the power, one may go in for that sort of thing, either in self-defence, or just out of playfulness. But it's a poor twopenny housewifely kind of witchcraft, black magic is, and white magic is no better. One doesn't become a witch to run round being harmful, or to run round being helpful either, a district visitor on a broomstick. It's to escape all that - to have a life of one's own, not an existence doled out to you by others...  

Excerpt from Lolly Willowes, by Syliva Townsend Warner

I think a great deal about my existence at the end of each calendar year. Whether my presence has helped or hindered others. How I might have added to the joy of the world, or where I might have washed entire universes away with my tears. I used to be very hard on myself. As the last days of December slipped away I would replay a list of my faults and failures. All the things I could have done better. The ways I should have been wealthier, healthier, wiser, or more loving. Though the unkind voice might still slither in at times, I'm done with tearing myself apart. It serves no good purpose. I'd rather take a look at what I've done well, and how I might slip into the current of those successes and swim toward the things that bring me more satisfaction and a sweeter life.

There were times this year, in moments of pain or fear, I spoke curses and blights that made me ashamed and I did my best to take them back as soon as possible. Curses can be useful but carry a weight with them that can bear down even the lightest spirit if used haphazardly, and I've learned that my own agony is not lessened by inviting pain on others.

I've come to a uneasy truce with a brain that is changing as it ages. No more multitasking, or trying to balance several spinning dishes in the air at once. I work better these days when I focus on one task at a time. I have discovered that jumping and wiggling makes my body really happy. Not running, or swimming, or biking. Jumping. I have learned that there is, sadly, such a thing as too much coffee. I know now that sunrises and sunsets - as many as I can glimpse - are an absolute necessity and not something I'm willing to go too long without seeing. We get too used to living indoors, I think. The woods miss us.

I have discovered that I'm not willing to be still. To be obedient or nice. I have very little interest in what others want for me or from me (though for those I love, there is little I wouldn't do). There are places I want to go, places I've waited to see, and I'm not content to wait for the right time to go, or the right person to go with me anymore. I've had my heart torn apart a hundred times and it always grows back in some funny sort of way, so there no longer seems to be much to lose. I am planning adventures that I will actually take this coming year, one way or another.

Life is not a safe business. And it's not long lasting. Even my beloved grandfather would have happily kicked around many years more than the 99.9 he was allotted if he'd had the lungs to let him keep going. I imagine my year ahead and it is all about how I will create a life of my own - one I can be proud of, blush at, and cackle loudly while recalling my journeys. I will satisfy my passions and my thirst for adventure. I will make magic and grow wicked things and revel in the roses as well as their thorns.

I'm wishing you a fierce 2019. Wild in all the ways you want it to be. Kind and soft as you like. Brilliant, love-filled, and so full of laughter that you have sore cheeks most days. May it be magic.

Happy New Year

photos courtesy of unsplash.com

New Year's Wishes

I wish for you, a good relationship with the spirits, your spirits - your ancestors, helpers, and guides.

I wish for you, safety and care, and that your guardians keep watch over you, and protect you from harm.

I wish for you a bountiful harvest of every healthy and joyful thing, and all the good fortune you desire.

And when the thorns show up, as they sometimes do, I wish for you gems of wisdom and growth to soften the discomfort.

Wishing you a bright and fortuitous 2014!  Thank you for every moment you stopped by my little world.  My life is definitely all the brighter for it.  Cheers!



*That photo at the top?  Hazards of having family and friends who sometimes pop by for a drink - don't want to mix the people booze and the spirit booze!

It's Called January

My friend asked me the other day, "what's it called when you are tired all the time and cold all the time and can barely drag your ass to work?"

"It's called January," I said.

This year, January has been fairly painless so far.  Last year I was drinking herbal infusions as if my life depended on it - because it mostly did.  This year, the grey hasn't gotten to me.  But the cold is another story.  I've grown weary of bitterly cold days with colder winds.  I feel as though I'm constantly trying to keep warm - and failing.  

In order to attempt some venturing out (other than to the office,) I've given myself little gifts of "me time."  So far I've taken a drive up into the hills, had a spa day with my mom, built a fire in my fire bowl, and made an effort to walk whenever there wasn't a danger of losing toes and fingers to frostbite.

The view from the R & R room at the spa - waiting for my toes to dry.

The other item on my "ME ME ME" list (Dear Ones, you need a list like this - you're worth it,) is signing up for free seminars and adding my name to a handful of email lists on those "Rah Rah, You Are Amazing" sites.  Self-help has come a long way, baby.  What once was a fairly bland, extreme navel-gazing type industry, has blossomed into a powerful, encouraging network of amazing women (and men) who have a real passion for seeing others live fabulous, fulfilling lives.

Here is a sampling of what I'm reading, trying on for size and diving into:
(Links are attached to the person/website's name - just click.)

I mentioned her in my last post, and I'm sure you've heard her name on the interwebs, but I'll say it again - Leonie Dawson.  Her workbooks are wonderful.  I'm working my way through them and loving them!

Denise Duffield-Thomas talks about manifesting your own luck in business and your life's purpose.  She wrote the book "Lucky Bitch" and has a free webinar coming up.  Her blog is full of great posts and worth a read.

Bri Saussy of Milagro Roots is beginning her free Phone Fests this month with "how to draw the best life has to offer, to yourself."  She has a myriad of magical services she offers as well.

Wild Sister is a website and magazine by women for women to inspire you to "love yourself, follow your bliss and change the world."  There are wonderful and encouraging posts to read whether you subscribe to the magazine or not.

Jennifer Louden is the woman and author behind "Savour and Serve." Tips on self care, organization and being your true self abound on this site.  I've only just scratched the surface here, but it looks great!

Anne Samoilov teaches how to re-launch your business/website/idea.  Work on your goal setting, enlist the help of a team, and get a free copy of her "toolkit" full of templates and tutorials.

(Please note: I am not affiliated with any of these sites, nor have I been asked to advertise for them in any way.)

These are just a few of the ways I'm distracting myself from the cold January days.  I'm still garden-planning too, and dreaming of the earth waking up. But I know that this hibernation period is healthy for the earth - if not slightly uncomfortable for some of the rest of us.  I'm taking this slower time of the year to plan my big dive in to the rest of 2013.  I plan on making a splash!

How is this month shaping up for you?

Rise and Organize - Welcome 2013!

Hello, and a very happy 2013 Dearies!

I've been plotting feverishly these first 9 days of January.  I've got my hands on Leonie Dawson's awesome planners and am working my way through listing my goals for the year.  I've been out walking in the snow and mentally taking stock of what's working for me and what isn't.  I've been puttering around the office getting year-end done, and organizing like a madwoman at home.  And I'm napping like a queen.

I'm also stepping out. Or up. Or into myself.  I'm rather done with trying to keep my daily life separate from my spiritual/magical pursuits.  Something about being in the last vestiges of my thirties makes me realize that life is too short to hide who I am, no matter who disapproves.  Plus, it's just damn tiring.  So, even though I'm not a fan of self-photos, you'll see an occasional picture of me now and then (there's one on the About page if you really need to know that I'm a real, live girl - in a kitty hat no less,) and I'm also posting a contact email if anyone (who is not a crazy spammer, or just plain crazy) wants to ask a question or just say "hi."

There are some ongoing blog adjustments - I'm needing to organize the blogs/links page so you know who does what, and where you can find some of the cool finds I blog about, and pictures need to be reviewed.  I'll be getting to all of this over the next few months, but there will still be plenty to post about while the behind-the-scenes things are happening.  I'm already feeling a bit of Spring fever and have ordered seeds and am knee-deep in garden plotting.

In the meantime, I wanted to point out to you a few cool things available (some for free) on the interwebs this month:

~ Cory, from New World Witchery just released the first quarter of his free calendar filled with magical dates and other cool tidbits.

~ The super-magical Miss Bri from Milagro Roots is having a free Phone Fest on January 30th.  She'll be chatting about "Magnetism & Mojo."  I'll be there - come & chat!

~ Rowan Pendragon has released her digital 2013 Magical Datebook.  In her words:

"2013 for the Wild Soul is the latest incarnation of my popular One Witch’s Way Datebook that has come out every year for the last few years.  It is both a magickal recipe book of sorts along with a 52 week datebook/planner for the year.  The planner pages are dated for the year along with all the important dates that you need to know for the year plugged right in for you!  It is a simple but effective way to carry with you all the core information that you need to plan out your magick for the year while also keeping track of your life!"

~ Ciro Marchetti of The Gilded Tarot and Legacy of the Divine Tarot fame, is re-releasing his Lenormand deck for the last time tomorrow (January 10, 2013.)  This is a limited run release and the final deck that Ciro has said he will do.  This deck is just as stunning as his other creations and I'm really hoping to snap one up before they are all gone!


Check out those links and enjoy!

Cheers,

Jen

Snow, Solstice and Silence

Hello dear ones!  I'm still under the electronic thumb of a power-surging laptop and waiting for my second power cord to arrive (it's been three weeks since I ordered the new cord - thank you holiday postal service.)  I've been keeping up as much as possible via Twitter and Facebook, but blogging via my cute little vintage iPhone 3GS is not practical.  I'm going through withdrawals and rather blue about missing all the holiday happenings here in Blogland.

I do hope everyone had a wonderful Solstice and a gorgeous (and not too stressful) holiday season.  I know it is not over yet - new year's eve is just a few days away.  My secular new year celebration is usually pretty calm.  Some kind of observance or ritual is usually done at home and often I simply get together for snacks and movies with friends.  This year, I purchased Leonie Dawon's super-cool 2013 workbook, so I'll be getting a start on that little gem too.

The snow is falling daily here in The Valley.  It then melts, freezes, melts again, and then snows again.  It is beautiful and cold and wet and dangerous and then just slush.  I feel the same.  Moving, changing, shedding things I don't need, melting and solidifying.  This time of year is often difficult for me, but for now I'm feeling very excited about 2013 and what is to come.

I've got a bit more fix-up to do here at the blog.  I seem to have erased some old photos by mistake, and am taking this as a hint to go back through the years and clean up pics that are not linked or properly accredited.   I'm looking forward to spending some time here digging around and mending posts.  It's interesting to see where three plus years of blogging have brought me.

I am praying to the postal gods for a delivery before the new year, but if I don't get back here in good time I'd like to wish you all a very happy new year.  I hope 2013 brings you every good thing!  Thank you all for stopping by my little blog.  Your presence, comments and your own blogs make this little corner of the interwebs a wonderful place to be!  Cheers!

The Year in Review

Spring:

Summer:

Autumn:

Winter:


May every season of 2012 bring you more happiness, love and prosperity!

Happy New Year!!!

"Back to Basics" Giveaway!

Part of my commitment to myself in 2012 is "going back to basics."  I heard several bloggers and podcasters this year (in the Pagan community) talk about "doing the stuff."  Their goal for 2011 was to observe the wheel of the year, the esbats & sabbats and to commit to truly connecting to their practice.  Well, I've been doing the stuff!

This month marks the completion (when I get my homework handed in) of my second year of study with The Temple of Witchcraft.  I've truly enjoyed the experience, and the in-depth look into my own personal practice, my beliefs and my magick.  But I'm exhausted!  Esbats, sabbats, planetary associations and hours, potion and incense crafting, spells, rituals, solitary vs coven work, and on and on...  It has been endlessly fascinating and a wonderful experience and I highly recommend Christopher Penczak's "Temple" series of books and the courses if you are so inclined. 

For me, I'll be taking 2012 off from active study and re-connecting with the basics.  I've already had a head start, meeting with a small group every two weeks, and discussing beginner topics and basic energy work.  A few of us are going to a basic meditation class (middle Eastern style) and I plan to take some time to practice the Tarot more in-depth and continue to work on my herbal studies.  I'm hardly resting, but choosing to be drawn in deeper to those things that form the foundation of my beliefs.

As a treat to encourage your own exploration of the basics, I'm offering a "Back to Basics" giveaway, which includes a wonderful book on basic energy work by Maya Om:

And the classic beginner's Tarot deck, the Rider-Waite Tarot.

As always, all you have to do to win this great duo is leave a comment on this post, and be a friend of the blog in some capacity: be a follower by clicking "follow" in the sidebar, friend me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, subscribe via RSS feed or email.  Whatever works for you!

I'll draw for this set in one week, on Friday, December 23rd!  Good luck!

Holy Hibernation Batman!

This was the view out the window of my car a few days ago.  It may explain why I've been hiding for the first 10 days of this year.  Although the snow has mostly melted (and turned to ice) I'm still having a hard time getting motivated and getting out of the house. 

I'm a natural hibernator you see.  While others rush out into the snow to ski and board and snowshoe and skate, I curl up on the couch in front of my electric fireplace and read books and make plans about how I'm going to be very productive...tomorrow.  (Naturally - as I'm typing this - it's beginning to snow again.)

Although I don't try to force myself to feel jovial about the Winter months - I do make an effort to find ways to incorporate some activity and projects to offset my hibernation tendencies.

When the weather is conducive to a walk - I still take my stroll by the river.  The wind-chill has been a bit much lately, but I've was able to get out twice last week.  While walking I make an effort to notice the trees, plants and nature around me and remind myself of the necessity of the plants being able to turn inward and store up new energy for the Spring.  I've also been treated to the sight of eagles & osprey fishing and some very pregnant horses in the field beside the river - another promise of new life.

Making lunch, dinner or coffee dates with friends is another way I ensure that I get out into the world this time of year.  It's a bit too easy to go from work, straight home and bunker in for the night.  Making time to get together with friends is a double-perk.  I get out of the house or office and I get a laugh with a pal.

Being supportive is a great motivator too.  A friend told me yesterday that her daughter is going to be in a public spelling bee.  Without thinking I said "please let me know when it is, and I'll come."  I also attended a choral concert in December and have plans to see a gymnastics competition soon - all because people I know are involved.  Are they activities I'm personally interested in taking part in - not really.  But I can get out and support my friends and their kids and spend a little less time hiding indoors.

Do you find that you tend to hibernate this time of year?  What do you do to get out in the world when you'd rather be inside?

The Threshold of the Year

I was listening to a podcast yesterday that spoke about "liminal spaces" - those places that we think of as being between the worlds.  The edge of a beach where the water meets the earth.  The top of a mountain, where earth meets sky.  And it occurred to me that the time between Yule/Christmas and the secular New Year has always seemed like a liminal space to me.

The days after the gift-giving, the eating, the visiting and celebrating seem to be a threshold of sorts.  I feel as though I've left some things behind and am now stepping toward something new.  As a Pagan, I celebrate the new year at the end of the harvest season (on October 31st-November 1st.)  But there is something about breaking open a fresh calendar that just says 'new beginnings' to me.

I don't make resolutions, but I do spend some time thinking about how I'd like to grow in the next year.  There is often some bittersweetness around the holidays for me.  I love the gathering of the family, but it does force you to look back on how you've grown (or not) when people start asking you about what you've done during the year over turkey and stuffing.

Luckily I have grown in two small-but-important ways.  I don't feel like I have to impress anyone anymore, and I've learned to take some small moments for myself throughout the holiday madness.  Because of this, the last week went surprisingly well for me. 

I hope the holidays went well for all of you too - and that you had some very happy celebrations!

Now I step onto that threshold and think about the things I would like to manifest for this year to come.

Do you make resolutions or to-do lists for the new year? 

Success - It's Not Just A Little Word!

Anastasia, from Deep Inside My Broom Closet, posted something today that inspired me. She picked up an idea from Ali Edwards called "One Little Word" where you choose a single word to focus on over the course of the coming year.

My word is "Success."

I feel like 2009's word was "Growth" and I am very happy with where this year's journey led me. But I have always had a love/hate relationship with success. I think the word has always weighed me down. I felt like, to be successful I had to be what everyone else wanted. I had to be society's version of what success looked like.

Now I realize that I can make my own success, and what it looks like to me - in my home, business, love life, and other places - may not be the same as how it looks to everyone else. And that's okay.

There have been a few bumps in the business planning with my sister in law about the store we are buying and I've been becoming increasingly dissappointed. But I am starting to realize that our visions of success may be different. We either have to find a way to make those visions co-operate, or we may have to find our individual successes in different places. Time will tell.

I think that meditating on this word, and what it means to me, will be a great way to grow in 2010!

I wish you all so much Happiness and Success for the coming year!

Cleaning Out the Old

One of the things I like about the days between Christmas and the New Year, is the urge I get to re-organize. (Yes, I'm a Virgo.)

There's nothing that makes me feel better than to go through my place, tidy up and find space for my Christmas gifts, which often leads to completely re-organizing closets, cupboards and arrangements.

I'm not a happy pre-Christmas cleaner. Some people use Yule as a good time to sweep out the old, and make room for the new, but I just can't do it. With all the Yule and Christmas planning, it's all I can do to make sure the house is swept and dusted, and the bathroom cleaned. I don't have time for a cleaning ritual, or a full-home re-organization.

But after Christmas, as the dust settles - literally - I find the time and the inclination to be able to look at things in my home and the clarity of mind to make decisions. Do I really need all these wine bottle openers? Are these items just dust collectors, or do I appreciate them? How can I make better use of this space?

This year, as I move into my new place this week, I am looking forward to the ultimate in re-organization. Although moving is a pain and a hassle, I am glad that I didn't end up trying to set up house before Christmas. Now I can take advantage of the energy I have this time of the year, and channel it into furnishing my new home.

I am planning a blessing ritual for my new living space, and setting up my home altar immediately. Unpacking will be my organization for this year.

I also enjoy things like adding essential oils to my bucket of hot water for cleaning. Lavender for peace, Clove for mental stimulation (not in the bedroom!) and Lemon to lift spirits. Singing a little song or chant while I sweep to get rid of the stale energy and lighten up the atmosphere in the home is fun too.

There are so many things you can do to get ready your home ready for the new year's energy. Linked to the above photos from Martha's site, are eco-friendly cleaning tips and organizational ideas, respectively. And, of course, using your magical know-how to add a little something special to your work always helps!