Next question. Which soothes the soul more?

Rich milky and creamy chocolate from Lindt - Switzerland?

or

A light Boston style cheesecake with a dash of whip cream?

Here is a interesting question perhaps for anyone who cares to answer.

Does your rituals or practices involve dancing? If not could you intergrate them to your ritual if you wanted?

I don't specifically include dance as part of any of my rituals but I have read where it's encouraged to include such thing. I'm just not naturally a dancer so that's why I haven't been drawn to that. I do write all my own incantations and song, and play musical instruments as part of rituals. I perform all my rituals from the mindset of a very young child. When I invoke the god/dess and spirits I treat them as a child would treat imaginary friends at a an imaginary tea party.

In fact, I've actually written this right into my Book of Shadows because I feel that it's a very important aspect that should not be left out.

My book of shadows (which I'm only just now starting to take seriously) is quite strange.

The reason being that I'm writing it from the point of view of a very young child, whilst simultaneously giving definitions and explanations for things that look like they were written for college professors to read.

For example, here are some of the definitions I've included thus far in my Book of Shadows (These are just prelimiary definition in the Introduction section):

Alchemy - The transformation of one situation into another. This may refer to either physical situations or psychic situations. Modern day chemistry is certainly one type of alchemy, however, for the witch, the art of alchemy includes the transformation of spirit, soul, persona, and environment. These italicized terms have specific meanings in this Book of Shadows and will be precisely defined in the Qabalah section of this manuscript.

Magick - The physiopsychic science and art of orchestrating cosmic awareness and emotional energies to bring about a flow of events that culminate into harmonious synchronicity that achieves the desire and intent of will.

Physiopsychic - The use of both physical and mental powers in synergistic harmony.

Low Magick - The local orchestration and synchronicity of the elemental spiritual powers conducted entirely by the actions of a witch, or coven, or genii loci, or any other local spirits, guides, or animal totems, or any combination of these psyche entities. A witch may perform Low Magick by her or himself at any time.

High Magick - The non-local orchestration and synchronicity of the elemental spiritual powers and/or an appeal for the psyche attention of the conscious awareness of other beings. These other beings may, of course, include other humans. High Magick requires the casing of a Magick Circle, or similar ritual, the enchantment and intensification of emotional energies of desire and intent, and the release of these energies out into the abyss of Da'ath (i.e. to the ends of the universe).

I'll grant you that these definitions are extremely technical almost to the point of being morbid.

But they convey the essence of my understanding of how magick works and will be expounded upon throughout the Book of Shadows via the description of actual rituals.

I would like to write a book of Shadows for children too. Obviously these definitions would need to be stated in simpler language that is more conducive to the mental preception of a child's psyche. But I have to start somewhere, and these definition remind me of what's truly important, as dry and technical as they may seem.

Writing this Book of Shadows is going to be one of the most constructive projects that I pursue during this next year. I am doing this partly for my own understanding, but as I write it, I'm keeping in mind that it may also be worthwhile to publish it at some point in the future, even if only to share this view. This view will ultimately be named "The Labyrinth Way" if only to give it a 'handle'. And of course, it will include the entire Labyrinth Garden that I had mentioned before.

No, but I understand that's a good way to raise energy. I couldn't really do that in my apartment though.

I'm not as talented as James when it comes to music and rhyme so I steal from other people for my chants.

James the book of shadows for children would be most interesting if you ever publish this one. I would buy it immediately as I can imagine it would have much wisdom to attain from it that I can share with my daughter.

Ruth you are talented and never think less of yourself. Your wisdom is most admired when you post here in the threads.

That would be great to write a book of shadows for childern.

The book I'm writing on right now is definitely not for young children. It's more like a technical manual to build a Qabalah Rocket to the Moon.

I think owl need to tone it down even for most adults. I'm writing it the way I am right now because this is the real deal. I have to write what I genuinely feel and understand. Then I can translate it into layman's terms later.



Yes, she's my online spirit guide and instigator,... er,... I mean,... inspiration.

HECATE'S ATHAME
For Ruth, by Abracadabra


Hecate's athame will help you get through your day
directing all the power of your soul

Her magical ability will fill you with humility
and help you to achieve your greatest goal

All she ever asks of you is that you never overuse
the power of her magickal decree

She only wants to see you grow until you learn to reap and sow
and orchestrate your own sovereignty

Music here:
http://users.csonline.net/designer/ideas/hecate.mp3

(((James)))

Thank you.

James, you don't realize (or maybe you do) the perfect timing of your song. The full moon is Sunday and I was trying to think what I wanted to do. I don't have my kids with me this weekend so I was thinking that I could spend the weekend working a spell with the full moon. But, last night I was sitting on my patio enjoying the cooler weather when I realized I needed to do a ritual solely for the purpose of expressing my thanks to the Goddess (specifically Hecate) and that that's what I am going to do this weekend.

James, you remember the website I showed you....Hecate's Cauldron? I'm going to modify her Full Moon ritual (a tiny bit) and do that one.

A friend of mine makes homemade Mead and I just got a bottle from her so I will use that. And, I'll make some homemade bread, probably cornbread. I'm excited.

ORANGE LIZARD HUMANOID HAS SEX WITH HUMAN FEMALE!



I honestly believe that lizard humanoids are good people. I have met some of them and truly love and respect them. They happen to be all sorts of colors, but the orange or lighter color ones are allowed to mate with female humans. Most of them are gray and are peaceful. I actually had a sexual encounter with an orange one. They run very fast, and are attracted to women. They are close to seven six feet tall. They wish to improve their race in a parallel universe, not here. Their hybrids are born elsewhere, most probably in the spirit realm. I love lizards and respect them and also respect all sort of grays. Lizards are sacred to me. I will not allow anyone to step on one of them regardless of their size. I see them as guardian angels of the future, and I feel offended by all the negative things others are saying about them. Yes, they are reptilian like and run on their hind legs. They do not eat humans. They love to rest on top of roofs. God bless the lizards!!!

http://www.lighthink.com/new_page_14.htm

I wish you and your orange lizard all the best in life.

Well,it was from another site. I wouldn't have sex with a draconian no matter what color it is.

I know, I actually clicked on your link. I was just teasing you.

But, seriously, what if she was pink?

No reptiles!!

Sunday is the full moon. This is the Harvest Moon which is the full moon closest to Mabon. It is also listed as the 3rd Wishing Moon.

From the Seasons of the Witch calendar:

Winds of Change I conjure thee
Bring me opportunity
My fingers reach, my hands take hold
For a brighter future I will be bold.

Signing off for a few days.

Blessed Be.

The Gift of Shadow by Christopher Penczak

Samhain is a celebration of death bringing new life. On this day, the veils between the worlds of the living and dead are thinnest. Traditionally, it's the time of the meat harvest, when the herd is slaughtered for food in the winter months. What better time of year to give yourself the gift of shadow.


We each have a shadow, a dark side to the light. Part of us is hidden below the surface when the rest of us face the world. We are all a synthesis of light and dark. Some deny it, and lock that part away completely. Others let it out sparingly, and have a difficult relationship with shadow. It may manifest as their repressed emotions. They don't understand the shadow's function and desire. Some embrace it and lose control, relinquishing their own judgement. The shadow may give voice to all the urges they've had but never dreamed of acting upon. The wise ones, in my opinion, make friends with the shadow self.


Darkness has gotten a bad rap, being equated and confused with evil. At times darkness can be cruel, but darkness is the touch of the star filled sky, the womb of Mother Earth, the healing water of the underworld, filled with regeneration for the weary soul. It is a natural part of the universe. Many benevolent goddesses and gods exist in the dark worlds. Macha, Dagda, Rhiannon, Pywll, Persephone, Hecate, Vulcan and Osiris bring great teaching, but at times the lessons can be difficult.


In your healing journey through the darkness, you release your fears of death and mortality, and of living life to the fullest. Life can often be the scarier alternative to death. The darkness forces you into the places where you hide from yourself. Walking through the gates of darkness opens all the unloved soul shards, filled with fear, anger and unhappiness. These unwanted emotions are sometimes necessary for the journey. Desiring not to experience them, many travelers equate these feelings with the darkness, and fail to see the potential for healing. Your shadow wants only to be loved and recognized as part of you.


Part of the shamanic initiation is coming to terms with the darkness to travel freely between the middle world, Earth, the lower world and the sky realms. Shamans often have journeys in the darkness where they die and are resurrected with new abilities and insights. We all have dark nights of the soul, private, personal initiation often having nothing overtly mystical about them. We may fall into the pits of despair and finally realize we are the only ones with the power to get out. But these experiences transform us as people. These initiations, mystical and mundane cannot be forced. They all happen when the time is right. You can, however, start the process by working with your shadow spirit and your light spirit together.


By acknowledging your shadow, you start building the friendship with it. Potential volatile situations become diffused because you are honoring your hidden side. You honor your anger and fear. They have a purpose. You have a right to feel it. But it does not have a right to control your life. If you acknowledge it, you honor it, and can let it pass, like other thoughts and feelings. If you ignore it or cram it away in the back of your mind, you hold on to it. The unwanted emotions held back fester and brood. They can manifest as unhappiness, the inability to change, spiritual sickness or actual physical illness.


Find a quiet place to meditate. Choose someplace you will not be disturbed. Leave all other concerns behind. This is time for you and only you, but you may want to have a friend on hand to guide you through this exercise and be there for support. Close your eyes and relax you mind, body and spirit. Count from thirteen to one backward. You are now in a meditative state. Ask that all you do be for your highest good. Imagine a sphere of protection around you made from multicolored light. Ask for any guides or guardians in harmony with your intentions to join now.

Imagine a big mirror before you, the size of a door. The reflective surface could even be a pool of liquid or a windowpane of glass. The surface is all cloudy. No reflection is cast. The longer you look into it, the clearer it becomes. There is an image behind the mist. It is becoming more and more visible. Soon the mirror becomes perfectly clear, and in it is your shadow self, your dark reflection, looking back at you. Look carefully at it. It may be just a shadow, or it may be a fully formed being, similar to you. Greet your shadow. Tell it you wish to make friends. Do not feel fear, it cannot hurt you. If you are comfortable, invite the shadow out of the mirror and into your world. It will step through. Ask the shadow any questions you have. Ask it how it feels and how you can honor it better. I'm sure it will tell you something. Go with the first impressions you get from it.


When you are finished with your shadow spirit, thank it. It will return to the mirror and the mirror will dissolve away. You may contact it in a similar manner anytime you like. Other rituals can help you integrate it. Count up from your meditation. When you have difficult emotions, feel them, honor them and let them go as they pass through you. You always have a right to feel the way you do. Your friend is there for support. Take it. And you can always ask the shadow how you may honor it.


Take some time near the season of darkness to do this meditation. For the pagan new year, give yourself the gift of shadow.

Sharing a bit of my progress this weekend. And, now back to my quest for my Stone of Sovereignty.

I've been starting all over again from square one with the Inner Temple book.

Seriously I am. But this time it will be a deeper experience the whole way though. And of course, I do it all parallel with the other forms of Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit.

I've come a long way since my first journey. I have so many new spiritual concepts to explore now. I'm really glad Penczak wrote these instructional books. This entire series is precisely what I have been looking for. It's so flexible and he's always encouraging (even demanding) that the student read and include other information from other sources. Between this Temple series, and an extensive Vedic program I have by Chopra along with some Faery Teaching, I've been able to create a truly meaningful pantheon and system of introspection.

For the first time in my life I have a meaningful 'religion'. And I use that word in it's most pragmatic meaning (to be 'religious' about something is to do it 'dutifully', or 'ritually' in the sense of 'religiousity').

Penczak's teachings have helped me to see the value of 'ritual' (i.e. the true value of 'religion').

So owl be eternally grateful to Ruth for pointing me to his works.

Thanks Ruth!