Wyntress Catches a Review
Review:
Humorous, spine-tingling, and definitely a roller coaster ride is Wyntress Nyght.
CLICK HERE To READ MORE!!!!
MYTHICAL CALENDAR: Celtic Tree Months, King of Bactria, & Rome’s Kalends: September 1, 2010
Image via Wikipedia
September 1
First, let me wish EVERYONE a great September. New seasons, new beginnings, right? Second, today’s calendar revolves around Zoroaster, A Celtic Tree Month, and the Kalends of September (beginning as of now).
Observance
Now, who has heard of Zoroaster? Well today we are going to learn a little bit about him and what this Observance of his is all about.
Facts:
Also known as Zarathustra.
Zoroaster was the King of Bactria. And his following reached beyond Persia, but also into India. Believed to be an Iranian Prophet and Philosopher which is how he began to religion of Zoroastrianism. Many parts of Europe and the Middle East STILL follow his teachings.
Religiously and Occult-wise, Zoroaster gets some credit there as well. In his time of rule, he was said to have created Magic, and to have brought in the concept of a God without idols. That’s right, he got the people to accept the worship of a God without the golden shapes of something fabulous…IF we are to take Idols to mean what our current minds relate them to in our day, which are statues or images made of a God or Goddess…. because back in ancient times, idols meant lesser gods and goddesses…not statues and images of gold or whatever else. And by Lesser, I mean when compared to the supreme being itself. So basically, according to Zoroastrianism, there was no Pantheon under or surrounding his God. And this concept, and many stories revolving around his beliefs were said to have influenced many other religious systems, such as Judaism and Middle Platonism.
Getting to the gruff of it, though, Zoroaster may have been two men and not one. And the history about him may be a mixture of both. One…a Babylonian astrologer living around 2460 BCE and a Persian King living around 590 BCE.
Ok, enough of him–links below if you want to continue studying, but as of right now, we are moving onto the Celtic Tree Month which ends today. And while Celts were a culture of ancient history, steeped in wondrous myth, there are many today who still follow their path. So this is for those of long lost yesterday and of today!
Celtic Tree Month of Coll ENDS…(don’t worry. Knowing those Celts, a new one will rise up and make claim tomorrow.) Coll also being the name of Hazel Moon.
Quoting:
Hazel Moon
August 5 – September 1: The Hazel Moon was known to the Celts as Coll, which translates to “the life force inside you”. This is the time of year when Hazelnuts are appearing on the trees, and are an early part of the harvest. Hazelnuts are also associated with wisdom and protection. Hazel is often associated in Celtic lore with sacred wells and magical springs containing the salmon of knowledge. SOURCE
Saying good-bye to that, we also mark the Calendar because Rome’s Kalends of September begins today.
See you all tomorrow!!!!
_______________________________
C.H. SCARLETT
Published by Noble Romance Publishing–Dare to be Different!
Wyntress Nyght’s Supernatural Crack :
—WYNTRESS IS ANYTHING BUT PREDICTABLE DAMN IT!!!!!
Published by Noble Romance Publishing–Dare to be Different!
Catch C.H. SCARLETT @
More links:
Pagan Holidays For November 6th, 2009
Stop by the Pagan & the Pen today where I wrote all about today’s Pagan Holidays…
Pagan Holiday for Nov. 6th 2009
Paganism and Thanksgiving
I am blogging over at the Pagan & Pen today about Native American Paganism & European Pagan influence of Thanksgiving.
Check it out!!!!
Paganism & Thanksgiving
Pagan Holiday for Nov. 5th, 2009
I blogged over at The Pagan & the Pen this morning. Find out what Pagan Holidays represent today by clicking HERE.
The Origins of the Apple
Eve’s fruit of knowledge used to be the Goddess’s sacred heart of immortality all over Indo-European civilizations. Many of the Goddess’s western paradises had right in it, growing by the many…yes yes…apples.
The Garden of Eden was thought to be the same as Avalon known by the Celts. “Apple Land” was a country ruled by Morgan, the Queen of the dead. Back in days of old, kings would receive the Goddess’s apples holding within its fruit, the gift of Immortality. Then, they would go to live with her in Avalon, just as King Arthur was taken to live with her…delivered to her by three fairy queens representing the triple Goddess.
Scandinavians would put tons of apples by the graves because they believed them to be essential for resurrection. In the west, the Norse Goddess Idun kept under her care the apple Land of the west, where the Gods would go to receive the fruit in which kept them deathless.
Apples were also believed to carry souls from one body to the next. In certain festivities such as Yule, an apple was roasted in the mouth of a pig to serve as a heart in the next life.
Greeks claimed that Hera kept the apple Garden in the west where the sacred tree of life was guarded by her sacred serpent. Now think about that…and think about the story of Eve. It isn’t quite as negative when pondering its origins eh?
Graves points out that this is where the story of Adam, Eve, and the serpent originated from in a very horribly misinterpreted way. In fact he points out that it was deliberately done so. Icons show the Great Goddess offering life to her worshipper, in the form of an apple with the tree and its serpent in the background.
Romans named their apple mother Pomona which was probably gotten from the Estruscaris.
Now here’s a bit of fact for ya…
Cut an apple transversely, as the gypsies and the witches of days of old were known to do. Hidden in the apples core is the magic pentacle or sign of Kore (Core). Just as Kore the virgin was hidden in the heart of the mother earth (Demeter) and represented the World Soul, so her pentacle was hidden in the apple.
The pentacle in a circle was also the Egyptian Hieroglyph for the underworld womb where resurrection was brought about by the mother-heart of transformations.
In Celtic Paganism , the apple meant a sacred marriage and journey to the land of death.
The poisoned apple was created by Christian men in regards to Hel or Hecate who was viewed as Virgin and Mother. In competition with the Goddess/apple lore, Christian men told people that a witch would cause demonic possession through her gift of an apple unto her victim. (insert Snow White here?) Old women were actually slain if caught giving an apple to a child or adult. Suddenly when this happened the people who took the apple and ate it became troubled with fits.
The story of Adam and Eve…Eve being tempted by the serpent to take the apple was nothing more than a plight to steer fear towards the Goddess and her knowledge and immortality. The serpent became something viewed as evil as one bite from an apple, damned all women and all of the world.
Pretty interesting when you break it all down, isn’t it?
Thanks to Barbara G. Walkers Encyclopedia
The Women’s Encyclopedia of Myths & Secrets!
Some extra Apple info:
MEDICINAL: Apples are used to treat constipation. The pectin in fresh apples can help to lower cholesterol levels, an aid in treating heart disease. Crushed apple leaves can be rubbed on a fresh wound to prevent infection.
MAGICKAL: Apple blossoms are used in love and healing incenses. An apple should be given to a lover as a present – you should eat one half, the lover the other. It is given as an offering on Samhain to the dead, since it is a symbol of immortality. Apple wood is used to make magickal wands. Pouring apple cider on the ground in your garden before you plant gives the earth life.
GROWING: Apple trees grow over most of North America. They need a cool winter period, making them unsuitable for low desert or tropical regions. Check with your local nursery for varieties best suited to your area and growing conditions.
Striving for Balance–Dark & Light– An Interview
First, I would like to thank Anjelin for doing this interview. I recently caught her reply to a discussion in a Pagan group speaking about Dark Paganism. I have met people who used this term before, and have used it myself, so the confusion caused by her confession was of no surprise to me. The word Dark seems to throw many for a loop, which is why I asked Anjelin to do an interview with us. Maybe at the end of it, we can sweep away some of the fearful and very misunderstood stereotypes stapled to her belief.
Now Anjelin was once a member of the Church of Satan but she has started a new path, an extension from, called The Order of Shadows.
C.H. Scarlett: What exactly is the Order of Shadows?
Anjelin : In Albany NY there is a church called the Correllian Nativist Church, run by HP Davron. He believes in balance of both the light and dark and had formed Order of Shadows, as a darker path and organization. He let it sit for awhile, not getting it going until recently. Lillee and John Allee are in charge of this organization and have asked some of us that they know to be on the counsel in getting it up and running. The Order of Shadows is for dark pagans and Satanists, but open to anyone who wants to learn. We just finished our seekers class which was on learning to have balance in our lives and that both the right hand path and left hand path are needed to find balance. This is also learning about our shadow selves, sometimes maybe not liking all we find out about ourselves, but learning to embrace and maybe change what we don’t like. It’s looking deep into ourselves. The book used in the seekers class, was Right and Left of Center by John and Lillee Allee. It’s about finding balance in our lives, both magical and mundane. It’s how we sometimes veer farther one-way at some times and veer the opposite direction at others. While trying to maintain at the middle pillar.
C.H. Scarlett: Yeah I believe in balance to. However, we all perceive or define Dark differently. Most people, even Pagans consider the dark to mean Evil. I never quite got that, since I am eclectic, however, to each their own. We also have many Light Workers, Love and Lighters, New Agers and so forth that connect the word Dark with Evil. When you tell someone you are a Dark Pagan, just what are the reactions? When you mention Satanism, I am sure that gets quite a reaction as well.
To read the Full Interview, Click HERE.
This interview was posted on The Pagan & Pen—another blog I write for.
Free Pagan Calendar– Holidays & Desktop Wallpaper July 2009
Below are all the days I could find for July. The Calendar is an eclectic one. It features Roman Holidays, Celtic, Welsh, Norse, Egyptian, Greek, etc. Now there is also a Pagan Calendar to use as a Desktop Wallpaper.
Preview (SMALL size–do not right click & save as– Preview. This will not fit on your screen) 
Links to various sizes. Just follow the link you want, right click and save as.
Christian Witches—Is it possible?
I say yes because to me, you can believe in any God you want to. You can follow any path that tickles your fancy as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone because really, what’s the big deal? As I always say, live and let live, although many people just can’t swallow that one. Then again, if you buy Maxwell House coffee and not Folgers, some people have a hard time dealing with that one as well. Isn’t it funny what little things will just set someone off? For instance, I have a cousin who is bona fide, certified, crazy. He even has the papers to prove it. (winks) And while he is normally funnier than most comics out there, normally sweeter than a hive of honey, certain things turn him into Jason from Friday the 13th. For instance, walking into a room and breaking wind, then acting as though you didn’t do it…yes, to my cousin, that is means to rip your head off, mentally and physically. So for ones like him, there will always be Maxwell House and Folgers sitting in crypt keeper’s cabinets.
The reaction to people who decide to mix their faith of Christianity and Witchcraft, doesn’t seem to get it any better. Now Pagan’s are used to getting it from those who aren’t Pagans but they usually don’t catch hell from their own. So I guess we can put the Christian Witches right next to the Satanists for causing controversy. Only unlike the Satanists, who are used to being the loner against all odds, the Christian Witch may have a hard time just ignoring it. Usually, they feel very deeply, only wishing to bring forth the positives of one faith and mix it with the beauty of another. For instance, Jesus…they truly believe in him. Only in their mind, he was something of a witch and healer himself, who practiced the greatest power of all, love…unconditional love and understanding. Is it me or did it just drop a few temperatures in here? lol Let me get a sweater…
Now before anyone decides to signal the lynch mob, even though you know I love the smell of my flesh roasting over an open fire, don’t get so riled up because I used Jesus and Witch in the same sentence. There are plenty of things that he did that supports the Christian Witch’s beliefs on this AND yes, I know there are plenty of things which supports your belief that he wasn’t.
Whether we want to realize it or not, Religion and Faith are like a new pair of hand me down shoes—even though they are new to you because you just laid claim to them. They have to change and reform in order to give a good fit. That’s basically what these people are doing as they converge two or more faiths. They are breaking in a shoe and making it comfortable.
For whatever reason, many people are leaving Christianity (and no, I am not about to debate that)—however, these Witches who leave are taking what empowers them from the church and finding a spiritual balance. They simply believe in energy, controlling their own lives, herbs and other so called forbidden treats. However, Jesus touched them in some way or the idea of him, so they are taking him a long for the ride. Again, to each his or her own.
So while it might not be my thing or your thing…let it blow like the wind unless you’re like my cousin and simply can’t help yourself. If that is the case, we will keep the Maxwell House and Folgers in the crypt cabinet for when you come to visit. We also have a couple of straight jackets or two just in case you need to go to your ‘special’ place and collect yourself.
If you would like to read more by those who follow this path just to get a better idea of what they believe in, then I found some good web sites below. Keep an open mind—or else I will be forced to send Hannibal over to your house—yes, he makes house calls…and yes, he does have a way of opening one’s mind—
AND remember, you are not going there to be tempted and tricked away from your path…you are going there to learn a little something about someone else…so you don’t look so silly fumbling around in the dark clueless. lol
Starlight—a Christian Witch : I believe in One Deity that is Spirit. Both Father/God and Mother/Goddess. I believe that the Holy One has walked the Earth as both man and woman to teach us.
I believe in the Love that Jesus taught.I believe in the power of the Divine to work magick. I see the Earth not only as my home, but my family. I see that I am a part of all that is seen and un-seen. My God/dess has many lessons to teach me and all of creation to teach me with. I am here to love one another, to love my God/dess and to live in peace with all of creation. This is what I strive for.
Another Web site: Christian Witchery, as I see it, is the combination of a Christian religious viewpoint and the actual practice of magic and ritual. In order to properly understand the significance of Christian Witchery, it is necessary to understand what kind of Christianity is being practiced; likewise, what kind of magic is to be practiced.
For one to become a Christian Witch, one’s understanding of Christianity must be relatively liberal. Taking the Bible as one’s only source for spiritual knowledge is a valid enough path, but it would be immensely difficult to incorporate that with magical practice. Another definition of Christianity would be much more flexible: a path that incorporates a version of Jesus at least loosely based on Biblical (or Gnostic Christian/rejected canon) sources as its central figure. Someone who believes strongly in Jesus Christ (and God, and the Holy Spirit, either as three separate entities with one divine essence or three aspects of the All) can potentially still practice magic. SOURCE
Warlock: A Cauldron of Controversy
WARNING!!!! Because of the Sources I have quoted and linked to, this post may seem rather long. However, I thought it important to list other resources other than myself.
Someone who posted on my blog today reminded me of a word, a title that I personally adore but still has clichés holding a death grip to it. I use the word in my books, Warlock that is, and it isn’t used to describe the villain. However, in the world of paganism, neo-paganism, etc, etc, etc…there are still people hung up on the word Warlock, absolutely convinced that it is a bad term meaning oath breaker.
I am astounded people…simply astounded lol.
Usually when I watch these debates arise, people are pulling their facts which support their argument that Warlocks’ are naughty from the very same dictionaries which claim a witch is:
(Come on!!! We’re gonna take a field trip! We’re gonna take a field trip! Into the Magical Language & Land of Dic!)
And in the Magical Language and land of Dic, we have the meaning of a Witch to be (insert drum roll)
Witch
Witch\, n. [OE. wicche, AS. wicce, fem., wicca, masc.; perhaps the same word as AS. w[=i]tiga, w[=i]tga, a soothsayer (cf. Wiseacre); cf. Fries. wikke, a witch, LG. wikken to predict, Icel. vitki a wizard, vitka to bewitch.]
1. One who practices the black art, or magic; one regarded as possessing supernatural or magical power by compact with an evil spirit, esp. with the Devil; a sorcerer or sorceress; — now applied chiefly or only to women, but formerly used of men as well.
Tada! Oh, that definition is brought to you by Dictionary.com
Now, you say, you argue, you fuss, “Hark C.H. Scarlett! What sort of gibberish is this! There are far better definitions than that! After all, thou Land of Dic-tation has been modernly modernized, hath it not?”
Um yep…but I have a point Sherlock so slow your roll…
Now the definition for Warlock is………
–noun
1.
a man who practices the black arts; a male witch; sorcerer.
2.
a fortuneteller or conjurer.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME warloghe, -lach, OE wǣrloga oathbreaker, devil, equiv. to wǣr covenant + -loga betrayer (deriv. of lēogan to lie)
Ok, so…if we are to use the meaning for Warlock then we must use the meaning for witch, correct?
WRONG.
We all know that a witch does not mean a worshipper of the devil OR a Hag OR whatever other junk is pasted up there. These are old terms…OLD-Middle English terms and here’s the shocker—Warlock did not mean Oath breaker or someone of Evil Magical meddling in all origins of the world. Yet, we…especially those claiming to hold tight to the ‘old ways’ seem fixated on clinging to these raunchy definitions….when it suits us that is.
So the Magical Language and Land of Dic is slowly evolving and correcting it’s information—the definitions I listed above, were done so because at one time, this is basically what you got, period. However, listed under those definitions are other ones, more updated ones, more true to the world and beliefs around us.
The same can be said for Warlock—which is used by other countries and means nothing more than a male witch.
In traditional Scottish witchcraft, “warlock” was and is simply the term used for a wizard, or male witch.[1] A synonym is sorcerer.[2]—Wikipedia
In addition, there are several excellent arguments currently at large on the Internet regarding possible alternate etymologies of the word that trace it back to an Old Norse term for enchanter or sorcerer, “vard-lokkur.” This alternate origin for the word “Warlock,” and hence the rightful priority of its positive meaning, is becoming more accepted – or at least more publicized – within our Internet community, to judge from even a cursory Google search. Source Here from a man who calls himself a WARLOCK (GASP)
There is another, folk-etymology version for the origin of the word warlock, coming from Old English ‘wær-loga’, the man of the logs, alluding to the small pieces of wood the Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavia is the cultural and historic region of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The Scandinavian countries are Norway, Sweden and Denmark, which mutually recognize each other as parts of Scandinavia. The collective label “Scandinavia” reflects the culturaln priests and wise men used to divine by means of the Runic alphabets are a set of related alphabets using letters known as runes that were formerly used to write Germanic languages, mainly in Scandinavia, and the British Isles. In all its varieties, they may be considered to be an ancient writing system in. This seems to have been a Slang is the non-standard use of words in a language of a particular social group, and sometimes the creation of new words or importation of words from another language. Slang is a type of sociolect aimed at excluding certain people from the conversation. word of Christian is: a follower of the faith of Christianity a popular first name and surname, especially in Northern Europe According to the New Testament, those who followed Jesus as his disciples were first called Christians by those who did not share their f coinage pejoratively used on those who remained PaganPaganism (or Heathenism ) is a catch-all term which has come to bundle together (by extension from its original classical meaning of a non- Christian religion) a very broad set of not necessarily compatible religious beliefs and practices that are usually and practising the art of the runes. By extension, it became a synonym of sorcerer (from Old French ‘sorcier’; fem. sorceress is person believed to be able to cast spells, see wizard. Sorcerer is also an interactive fiction game from Infocom, part of the Enchanter trilogy. The Sorcerer is an operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan S and wizardA wizard (from ‘wise’) is a practitioner of magic, especially in folklore, fantasy fiction, and fantasy role-playing games. In popular use in sixteenth century England it was used to denonate a helpful male folk magican, a cunning man as they were usually, and also of a typical medieval diabolical male witch (in this sense either able to fly in several ways, see Sabbath, witchcraft). The use of the word witch to name both witch and warlock is turning the word into an archaic one. SOURCE HERE
Warlock
Despite modern neo-Pagan offense taken by some at the word, “warlock” has for centuries simply meant “male witch” in common English usage. Claims that the word originates solely from an old word for “traitor” are erroneus. In extant Medieval records, male witches are often called “warlock” by Christian persecutors and judges. If one of its’ meanings is indeed “traitor”, then it is reasonable to assume that oaths broken were Christian oaths, and that “warlocks” were perceived as being “traitors” to Christian values and society.
Many modern day male witches are reclaiming “warlock” as a positive word of power and ancient imagery, even as the word “witch” was reclaimed in years past and recast in a rightfully positive light. These men know that many who make sweeping statements about witchcraft speak only for their particular coven or tradition and not for all, despite assertions to the contrary.
Several ancient words from Scandinavia and the British Isles are very plausible as being origins for the word “warlock”. The Norse “Vargrliker” (one who takes on or assumes a wolf’s body) and “vardlokker” (an enchanter, singer of spells or caller of spirits) are two such examples. The Old English word “waerloga” does mean “oath-breaker”, but ironically, the Scottish version of the word (which anti-warlock neo-Pagans like to tout as their reason for disliking the word in the first place) does NOT. It means “cunning man” or male witch. Source
So the thing is this…we really need evolve unless people are just stuck to the wall concerning Warlock and thinking it means an Evil, Evil Man. Personally, I have met many a wonderful and colorful Warlocks in my day and as far as my writing goes, I will continue to use the word as I see it…a Male Witch—Warlock. Wooo hooo! So if your a Warlock, feel free to chat it up with me. I just adore ya!
See you in the Grave! All hail the Warlocks!
C.H. Scarlett
What To Do When Your Neighbor Is A Witch?
“Herby! The new neighbors are moving in next door! Oh Herby, finally some new friends to invite to Sunday supper! Oh Herby, I wonder if they have kids. Little Herby Jr. could use a new friend!” Gerdy shouted from the next room.
In days to come, though, her enthusiasm came to an abrupt halt when she finally got an invite into the house of her new neighbors. Hoping to nose about a bit, she wandered into a room with a strange looking alter, candles and other odd looking things. In another week, she watched as cars pulled up, wearing strange symbols and clothes, dancing under the moon once it had blossomed full bloom.
Now Gerdy, not wanting to sound silly since Herby thinks she is hallucinating or sipping to much of the cooking Sherry, asks her new neighbor flat out, “What’s up with all the weird stuff?”
Her neighbor, just as sweet as can be confesses, “I am a witch.”
You could of heard a pin drop if it wasn’t for the loud thud of Gerdy’s body hitting the concrete.
So what do you do when your Neighbor is a Witch?
A)Call the congregation from the church and have an old fashion burning?
B)Get Paranoid. Begin to think that the dog didn’t die because he was 15 years old and had a heart attack but because the Witch next door killed him as a warning not to muck with her.
C)Call everyone in the neighborhood because the Witch needs to be run off.
D)Go on Jerry Springer and confront your neighbor there even if she has all of her teeth and her husband isn’t really her father.
or
E) None of the above.
If you chose E, then you are on a road to a happy life. Not because the Witch packs a powerful curse but because you probably have a million ways to benefit from her being there.
1. If you are sick, then she will probably be the first one to bring you some homemade soup. And because most witches practice and believe in some form of Kitchen Witchery, that soup was made with some powerful energy focused on healing, thoughtfulness and love. It will not be a brew of toad stools, eye of crow or bubbling muck…but of the best, put together ingredients that a person could ever put together. You know, chicken, veggies and herbs. And no, the chicken wasn’t part of last night’s Sabbath. It wasn’t some poor rooster having its head cut off for some insane sacrifice to the Gods.
2. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, the Witch will probably be the first to offer hers. Not because she wants to steal your tears for some curse she is about to root on you but because the majority of witches believe in compassion and friendship. She isn’t like the other neighbors…she won’t fly her broom stick door to door telling everyone your personal business while making fun of you. She will probably just listen and if you have need of more than that, she will tell you that life is like spring cleaning. Bad things happen, just like the messy, over packed closet that comes tumbling down on you, so that the old can be removed—when you finally get that urge to clean that closet out—and so that the new can move in…better changes can come—converting that big closet into the craft storage place you always wanted. Now you are free to be creative as well as better organized and no longer imprisoned by the clutter of the past.
3. If your car breaks down and you need a ride to pick up your kids from school, the witch will probably be the first to volunteer. Not because she wants to grab them and throw them into her cauldron of despair but because you are a person who needs a helping hand. She isn’t selfish like Betty Smith from the next house. Seducing the pool boy while her husband is working overtime is more important to Betty than doing a favor for you. The Witch knows the importance of sisterhood even if they are of a different faith…so she is always willing to help one out.
4. When you are feeling as though you are nothing more than a beaten down housewife, taken for granted, slave to all those running amuck under your roof…the witch can make your realize that being a woman is a wonderful thing and that the power within is something miraculously blessed. Not because she is trying to bewitch you or muck with your head but because she has an inner knowledge that most women seem to lose. She knows her worth, her inner beauty which makes her enchanted within and without. She knows how important she is and how connected she is with the earth and nature around her and to her God or Goddess. She knows how to love herself which is why she is so easy for others to love. And she teaches that to you…and strangely as you begin to feel more beautiful inside, your family comes to notice…and appreciates what they have long taken for granted.
5. And when Betty Smith tires of the pool boy and soon catches interest in your husband, the Witch will have your back. Now chances are, she won’t throw a curse down on Betty so that she sprouts pimples and a flat butt, (although some witches are nothing to muck with when it comes to those they loves and are protective of) but she will whisper some talents of her own that helps you snag your husband’s attention back. Don’t worry…she will not tell you how to make a poppet and brew a love spell, not unless you ask but she will tell you how to wear something snazzy and sexy or how to light those flames you and the hubby once had. And if worse comes to worse and Betty Smith starts screaming from her side of the fence or attempts to slander you to all the other wives, the Witch will have your back because out of all of them…she is the most loyal and true to heart.
Why would she do this for you? Because you chose E and learned that she was a Witch. And even though you are some form of Christian or whatever else, it didn’t matter. Aside from the lifestyle differences, you chose to see her as a neighbor and not some frightful devil worshipper out to corrupt the world. And believe it or not, Witches nor other types of Pagans take that sort of thing for granted. All they wish is to live peacefully and be respected even if they are different as far as their faith.
* You soon learn that she isn’t out to convert you and unless you directly ask, she will never compare her faith to yours.
* She is not sleeping with the devil nor does she keep a demon in her pocket—just in case.
* That broom hanging on her wall, is for sweeping the muck out of her house. She doesn’t really ride that thing over the moon. She calls the moon down to her. (winks)
* She doesn’t blame the world for her troubles but rather sits back and contemplates and takes responsibility for her own deeds. She may teach a little of that to you.
* She is positive, very positive and peaceful…very peaceful. In fact, any negativity or flaw she might have may turn out to be nothing more than human nature—a bad hair day- and has nothing to do with her being a Witch.
* And remember, the Witch throws the best parties, BBQ’s and celebrations. At Halloween, she has the best decorations not because she has real goblins as friends but because she loves seeing the kids light up for that one special night. She gives out the best candy to, does the best haunted houses and is always wearing the best, most creative costume. At Christmas, she has the biggest and brightest feast and the company she has there, will be the most eclectic, interesting bunch you have ever met.
So consider yourself blessed because your neighbor is a Witch…and hope that more move into the neighborhood soon!
This is dedicated to all my friends who are Witches…who have stuck with me over the years and proved to be the most loving, understanding, and accepting of all friends.
C.H. Scarlett
Bound By Blood: The Awakening Ready to BUY!!!!
Well its my first published piece so you can imagine how I feel. It’s up and ready to buy. All I ask is if you do read it, drop me a line or email me and tell me what you thought. I would like nothing more than to discuss the book with you.
Click HERE to buy now!
January 2009 Pagan Calendar Information
1.
* New Years Day Sacred To Greek Zeus, Hera & Roman Jupiter & Juno.
*Day of Fortuna
*Greek Observance of Gamelia
*Greek Observance for the Moire, (three Fates)
*Kalends of January
2.
*Birthday of Sumerian Goddess Inanna
*Egypt Advent of Isis
*Earth orbits closest to the Sun on this day.
3.
*Greece- Lenaia
*Norse- Charming of the Plow
4.
*Medieval Europe- Mummers
5.
*Italy- Night of Befana
*Egypt- Nut & Raet
*Nones of January
6.
*12th Night of Wassail Eve
*Epiphany of Persephone
*Egypt- Feast in honor of Horus & Ptah
7.
*Egypt- Sekhmet honored & Festival of Isis
8.
*Norse- Goddess Freya
*Germany (some parts)—Observance for Goddess Holda
*Rome—Sacred to Justitia
*Old Druic New Year
9.
*Rome- Formal celebration of Janus
10.
*Egypt- Osiris
*Welsh- Geraint’s day
*Min returns to Egypt
11.
*Rome- festival of Camentalia
*Day of Juturna
*Plough Monday
*Egypt—Sokar Festival
12.
*Rome- Festival of Competalia—Lares
*Distaff’s Day
*Sacred to the Norse Goddess Frig
13.
*Norse rite of Midventers Blot
*Druic—feast of Brewing
*Runic Half Month of Peorth begins
*Ides of January
14.
*Classic greek- Gamelion Noumenia
15.
*Rome- 2nd Fest of Carmentalia
*Egypt—Feast of Entering Heaven
16.
*Rome- Festival of Goddess Concordia
17.
*Rome Goddess Felicitas
*Celtic- Rite of Wassailung
18.
*Theogama of Hera
19.
*Norse—Thorrablot—observance of Thor
*Egypt—Festival of Neith
20.
*Cwn Annwn—Dogs of the underworld comes out tonight –Welsh
*Agne’s day—divination by fire (tonight is the night!)
*Egypt- Festival of Osiris
21.
*(2nd day of Agne’s Day) light those candles if you forgot last night!
*Celtic Tree Month of Luis Begins
22.
*Festival of Muses
*Goddess month of Hestia Ends
23.
*Hathor festival
*Goddess Month of Bridhe Begins
*Braciaca–Welsh
24.
*First Day of Sementivaw—Rome
*(Some Occult) Bevil Blizard celebrated
*Coming of Thoth–Egypt
25.
*Norse Runic Calendar—Feast of Disir
26.
*Cernumnos—Old Britannic—Herne the hunter or God of Forests
27.
*Rome- Festival of Paganalia
*Day of Ishtar–Babylon
28.
*Norse-Aupelly An
*Runic ½ month of Elhaz begins
29.
*Rome- Goddess of Pax and Greek’s Eirene—Festival of peace.
30.
*Samentivae Ferae (festival) for Ceres or Demeter
31.
*February Eve
*Festival of Imbolc or Bridantia
*Eve of Imbolc
*Norse—Sacred to the Valkyries & Norns
*Feast of Hecate—Classical Greek
Keep your eyes posted for February’s and if I forget, SCREAM!!!!!
It takes a lot to type out this information but you are more than welcome to share it!!!! Just please give me credit and post a link back…Thank you!!!!
Shadow People, Shadow Beings, Shadow Spiders & Other Worlds Part 3
Part 3:
A little bit more on Hypnagogia –I wanted to comment on some of the information out there.
In the period of waking up or falling asleep sufferers of hypnogogia feel awake in the mind but paralyzed in the body.
The above statement is not completely true. Not all people experience paralysis. For those who do, they do not experience it all the time and some people only experience it in the beginning, if at all. Let me also point out that if you are going to research this, it is spelt Hypnagogia not hypnogogia. Hypnogogia is a common misspelling of the word.
That’s all I am going to say about Hypnagogia for now. We will go back into it later on once I weed out the info concerning it.
So what is on the agenda for today? Let’s go back to the Shadow People.
To refresh your memory:
Shadow people (also known as shadow men, shadow folk, or shadow beings) are supernatural shadow-like creatures of both modern folklore and traditional native American beliefs. According to folklore, they appear as dark forms in the peripheries of people’s vision and disintegrate, or move between walls, when noticed.[1][2]—Wikipedia
Possible explanations for Shadow People :
*Other World—dimension: Some people theorize that these beings come from another level of existence, other world or another dimension. Some believe that this dimension sometimes overlaps with ours, letting us catch a glimpse of them.
*Watchers: Some believe that these beings are what they call, “Watchers’. Now theories vary here and you will find people who actually relate them to the Watchers of the Fallen Angels. Some relate them to the Watchers of the biblical sense which did not fail God, or they have a whole other legend following. I think its important that people wash the ‘evil’ sense away from these theories though. As long as we fear it, hyping ourselves up, we will never discover the truth. Personally, I believe this is your own back yard. Nothing can hurt you unless you let it. Until we figure out what these beings are, its best we keep the fear at bay. This way we can come to some conclusion and investigate.
*Evil: With the above being said, I have to mention that one of the most common beliefs out there is that these beings are Evil, a devil or demons and some people go as far as to say , it is Lucifer himself. I can’t agree with that, sorry. I do not want to judge other people on their experiences but once people get passed the fear, there are too many positive and interesting testaments out there concerning this phenomena. I doubt that if it were Evil, that would be so. Fear kills us from discovering the truth…from fear comes ignorance and from ignorance, blindness…period.
*Ghosts or Spirits: It is one of the most common theories out there hovering right next to the Evil, demon one. People seem to believe that the Shadow spirit or being is just another type of Ghosts or Spirits. I think it is too simple of an answer BUT, if that’s all they have, then I respect that. Like us, they are just trying to figure this whole thing out right? And it is way better than the Evil thing.
*Astral projectors: Some people seem to think that these beings are someone astral projecting either from another dimension or from our own. Like people, they can be good or bad.
*Karma: Someone said that people begin to experience these beings once they start clearing out Karma. That’s all they said but later, I found many others who felt the same thing. Now even though this is at the bottom of the list for reasons, I thought it worth mentioning because it is a spreading reason.
*Succubus or Incubi: This is also at the bottom of the list and also fits under the whole Evil/Fear explanation. Apparently these people are having sex in their dreams and it is leaving them absolutely exhausted or drained.
_______________________________________
I think that is enough reasons. So lets focus on the lore surrounding them and or the Shadow of a person rather. That might help.
Egyptians called the shadow khaibut. The Egyptians believed that the khaibut was one of seven souls that each person had. The Roman word for shadow was umbra, also meaning ‘the shade’ or the ghost of an individual who went to a place called the Land of Shades. The land of Shades was believed to be underground or part of an Underworld and after the person died, their shadow went there. In Greece, people were known to dedicate their shadows or give them over to a God such as Zeus. This was considered to be a marvelous sacrifice but at the same time or later on, fearsome. For instance, it was believed that if a person went to the temple or sanctuary of Zeus Lycaeus, they would lose their shadows. For those who do not know, Lycaeus was believed to be the origin of Werewolves and from this particular story, maybe some of the lore concerning werewolves became born. In medieval times, werewolves and vampires were a phenomena that said that anyone cursed this way, lacked a shadow or reflection. They lacked soul.
Also in the medieval times, cornering a witch and proving her to be one, the shadow played a big part. If someone sold their soul to the devil then they had no shadow—hence shadow being linked with the soul again. In Europe, people believed that the shadow beings desired blood and without it, couldn’t be reborn. Superstitions and fear spread like the black plague concerning a person’s shadow. People refused to let their shadows fall on graves, a rumbling river or near a cliff.
In biblical times, curses were spoken on a person’s shadow. For example in Numbers 14:9 –“Their shadow is departed from them.” Saying something like that meant undeniable doom and was the lowest of low. I gather that in today’s times, it would be worse than throwing shoes.
Now kicking aside the superstitious fear concerning the shadow, according to Pagans and those before them, in ancient times…a person who did not have a shadow was NOT a demon, a vampire, a werewolf or someone who had given their soul over to any devil. They were believed to have went into some sort of eternal bliss.
Plutarch said, “At the end of the world, the blessed ones would be happy forever. In a state neither needing food nor casting a shadow.”
So if we take into consideration what the Ancients believed concerning ‘Shadows, Shadow sightings and people’, is it safe to say that the Shadow experience you have had, is indeed a spirit or ghost or someone who has passed on to the other side? Maybe, but then again I have to personally wonder…why are so many sightings the same? Why is the image that we see of the Shadow person always a common one? Is it that all dead people wear hats, or cloaks or are seen staring at the floor? Why are the shadows able to take full form or any form—animal, creature, man, while other dead people can only become orbs or when they take actual form, look like an actual person?
Where are the Shadow women? Not one person I have interviewed, have I heard or read any reports concerning a Shadow person looking like a woman. I have read and heard of small shadow figures being no bigger than a child but people do not connect them with actual children. it is only the size that they are compared to verses the others who can be up to seven feet or more in height. No women…unless you listen to the incredible but draining stories of sex that some seem to link with the succubus and incubus theories. With respect, those aren’t enough to me. There aren’t enough of them being told on or off the internet. So there doesn’t seem to be any pattern there for me except maybe someone is having some awesome dreams and the rest of us should be simply jealous lol.
If the Shadow beings are ‘Watchers’ then does this make them some sort of guardian? And why do some attack or is it like Carry said, it was her own fear doing this to her. If they are Watchers, then what are they watching? Surely they know more than we do. Is there a reason some see them and others do not? The ones who see them, do they have a link or connection to these beings while others may have a connection to some other paranormal type thing? I know it has nothing to do with open mindedness. I have interviewed to many people that had no knowledge and or belief in them. It just started to happen and that’s when they started looking for answers. Some incidents start happening when people are children while others happened as adults.
I think we will need to look more into the Underworld or Land of Shades, which again means there will be more parts to this subject. We also have to look into the lore of the Spider and try to help people figure out what that is that they are seeing. Like the shadow people, there are very few stories out there but even less concerning the spiders. The only answers that these people are finding is that either they are crazy, dreaming or it is being confused with some spiritual symbolism or dream analysis. These people like my friend Carry know that this is not a dream. So pretty soon we will explore that one and I am sure we will touch base with some of our previous subjects as well.
Shadow People, Shadow Spiders, Shadow Beings & Other Worlds Part 1
Shadow People, Shadow Spiders, Shadow Beings & Other Worlds Part 2
Shadow People, Shadow Beings, Shadow Spiders & Other Worlds Part 3
Shadow People, Shadow Spiders, Shadow Beings & Other Worlds Part 4
Resources:
http://www.sleepdex.org/hypnogogia.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_Person
The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths & Secrets by Barbara G. Walkers
Helpful Tips for Struggling and Unpublished Writers…
I will be the first to admit that getting here was a collision of nerves and unexplainable struggle. Every writer who ever decides to make themselves professional will soon walk a very difficult, long and unimaginable line. I say ‘line’ because its not wide enough for a path nor is it as easy to walk.
The moment you decide that you want to be a professional writer, you are going to have to swallow some very hard things.
#1. If your out to be the next Nora Roberts or Steven King—get over yourself (laughs). It may happen and I am not trying to kill your dreams but you have to accept that it might not happen. Meaning, you will not find yourself rolling in a pile of money no matter how great a masterpiece you have. Every writer must struggle and realize that they have just hit the pavement of one of the most underpaid professions out there. So if money is your agenda—then sit down and figure out another reason why you are doing this because you are going to need it.
&
#2. You will have to work your butt off, figure out how to do things which you never thought you would have to do; such as creating blogs, writing even when you don’t feel like it, working with an editor (more on that later) and selling yourself to the public by creating book trailers, advertising and soooooo much more!
So, I can not tell you what you HAVE to do but I can tell you what I have learned along the way.
A. Find someone who will give you constructive criticism concerning your work. This means you need to find someone you can trust and that someone needs to be able to tell you bluntly good or bad. THAT also means you need to simply swallow and accept what they say. I have had people ask me for my opinion and I have commenting on something as little as their grammar, finding them loosing their minds afterwards. I had one person scream at me, “I will not change or compromise my work!” After I praised his/her story and only mentioned that they forgot to insert a ‘period’.
You MUST develop a thick skin. If you ask for help, then respect the one who gives it and do not attack them after doing so. WHICH is why you need to find someone you trust—make it easier for you to swallow. You still need that thick skin though because if you are published, you will have plenty of people who look at your work and will rip you apart, not just praise you. Accept the good and bad.
B. Make connections—either purposely or grab onto the ones who just happen your way. I had a few published writers help me allot. They mean the absolute world to me, particularly one, Christopher C. Newman, who continues to help me to this day. That fabulous horror writer will never know how much I appreciated that. So never take for granted anyone who gives you advice and so forth. Leave the vanity at the door.
C. Stop using words like: I cant, I don’t want to, I don’t have time. You made the choice to make this your career. No one scooped you up and made you do it. So when opportunity knocks on your door, leave the lame excuses under the rug.
I can’t tell you how many people say those things to me and it really throws me for a loop. There are certain things that a publisher expects from you, that you must do just because you want to get your name out there whether your published or not and those things are being done by nearly every other professional writer…creating blogs, writing articles, doing reviews, joining groups, networking, building web sites, etc, etc, etc. Nearly every single writer I know has children, families, full time jobs, after school activities, school, and the list goes on and on. But every single one of them find the time, no matter what to write and do the endless list of other things that they must do. So put your big boy or big girl bloomers on and get over it. It has to be done.
I didn’t know how to make a book trailer but my publisher needed one—so guess what, I learned. I have a hard time managing life, kids, family, and every other chore of my ‘real’ mundane life but I still find the time to see to my writing career. I am not trying to be cruel but I am trying to show tough love because believe me, no one who is taken seriously in this profession is going to baby you or look for excuses. And if they don’t, be thankful for it because they will bring out the very best in you!
D. Listen to your editor, publisher, PR people, and or agent.
THEY know what they are doing and you have to have faith and trust in them. Why? Because if you don’t look good and do good then they are out their investment. They can also get word spread around pretty quickly about how difficult you are—and there slams a big stain in your career.
1. Editors—I was very blessed to have received a hard core, no play editor. Helgaleena of Dark Roast Press. If she has a problem with something then she says so, flat out. Now I may explain why it is that way but if she says, nope, wont work—then its gone and I create something I hope is better. If it isn’t better—then we go right back to it. SHE LETS ME KNOW!!! She is the expert concerning words, grammar and everything else. I trust her because so far she has only brought out the best of me. Editors (good ones) can pick up what you may not see in yourself. They home in on what you are capable of and demand nothing less. So respect them. Don’t fight them if you have a good one. Your work will shine because of it.
2. Publishers and Agents– They took your work on and before you signed with them you should have had belief in them as they will now have belief in you. So don’t fight them either. Let them do their job.
3. PR people–if they tell you to write a BLOG and articles, then do it. If they tell you to submit to a reviewer, then do it and do it right. Again, this is their area of expertise so work with them and not against them.
E. Remember how much of a challenge it was to write that book? Well once your published, that will be considered the easiest thing you did (laugh). Again, touching base on what i have previously said, You are entering the world of the lowest paid profession out there and the amount of work you do for virtually no income is tremendous. So prepare yourself and focus on another award other than money.
F. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!!! If you came into this business thinking you are going to land a $100,000.00 advance deal with one of the biggest New York publishers, then think again. get that out of your mind right now and choose a more realistic starting point. There are tons of options, Other publishers, E-publishers, small presses, magazines, etc. Choose one that is right for you. I chose a smaller press that does Epublishing/Ebooks. Next year sometime or another, they will go to print but right now, I am hooked on Ebooks because we live in an electronic age. I went with a smaller press that will probably be HUGE one day only because the woman who owns it knows her stuff and has the degrees to prove it. I wanted one on one attention and I get that. Reality in my mind was, I will have to start at the bottom and work my way up—just like all other writers do. I wanted to be somewhere that would grow with me, believe in me, praise me and scold me if needed. So decide what’s realistic for you.
***
Again, I am not out to frighten you but prepare you in the same way people prepared me. I wouldn’t complain at all and haven’t because this is what I wanted. EVERY DAY I am challenged and I am eating it up. Every day I am thankful no matter how hectic my world is now. For my children I did this…and for them I keep going.
C.H. Scarlett
December Pagan Calendar Info 2008
This information goes with my desktop wallpaper calendars that I make for free. if you do not have one, there are plain (without pagan holidays) and with Pagan Holidays. Just click the picture and snag away.
Now if you do prefer Pagan:
If you share these, then please include a link to this information.
December 2008 Pagan Holidays
Note: I was putting the pagan holidays on the calendars but its very hard to put all this information on there. One, it ends up looking cluttered and Two, I have to shorten it and I hate doing that. You can share these all you like but please do not CHANGE anything on here AND keep my credits and web site intact. If you share the calendar then please share the info. Thanks so much…enjoy!
Information concerning the Month of December itself:
December comes from the word ‘decem’ which means ten. It is the tenth month in the roman calendar AFTER March. it’s the time of the Cold moon and time to keep the light within’ the darkness. It is a time for reuniting with families.
House of Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) &
The House of Capricorn (December 20 – January 20)
What do the days of the week mean?
Sunday– The day of the Sun God : Apollo, Ogmios, Mithras and the Goddess Phoebe
Monday–day of the moon goddess Selene, Luna, & Mani
Old Welsh tide of gwechwydd, the modern tide of eventide.
Tuesday–day of Mars, Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw (from whom it is named) Tuisco & Tye
Wednesday–day of Woden, god of knowledge, wisdom and enlightenment and of war.
Thursday–day of Thunor, Thor- god of agriculture & thundar
Friday–day of Frigga or Venus, goddess of love and transformation
Saturday–day of Seatere, Seater& Saturn, of Loki, the Norse god of tricks and revelry
1.
*Greek Festival of Poseidon
*Pagan Rite of Cromaiomancy –done by women.
*Kalends of December begins today.
2.
*Feast of Rhiannon
3.
*Observance for the Goddess Bona Dea
*The Greek Goddess Rhea is sacred on this day.
4.
*Greek Festival of Pallas Athena
5.
*Pagan Goddess Lucina honored
*Egyptian Bastet goes forth from Bubastis
*Nones of December
6.
*Norse festival Nicholas
*Egyptian Observance Bastet
7.
*Greek Observance Haloia of Demeter
8.
*Greek Observance Astraea
*Egyptian Festival Neith
9.
*Babylonian’s honor their God Zu
10.
*Roman festival Lux Mundi
***Today was the day the Goddess named ‘Liberty’ was honored by the French during the French Revolution. The Statue of Liberty (New York City) created by Frederic Auguste Batholdi was fashioned in the image and in honor of this goddess.***
11.
*Welsh festival of Ariarhod
12.
*Welsh Bellisama
13.
*In Rome, today was the informal Observance of Winter Solstice.
*Welsh festival of the Lights—Gwyl O Golau
*The Egyptian God Thoth took his oath on this day and was celebrated.
*Ides of December
*Runic ½ month Jara begins— is the completion and union between spiritual and temporal elements.
14.
*Remembrance of Nostradamus
15.
*Greek Festival of Alcyone
16.
*Roman festival of Sapientia
*Egyptian day of PTAH
17.
*The Roman festival of Satunalia Begins. This lasts for seven days. Today is the first day of giving presents.
18.
*Feast of Irish Gess Epona
*Egypt- On this day Set goes forth
* 2nd day of Satunalia
19.
*3rd Day of Satunalia
*Roman festival of Opalia
20.
*4th day of Satunalia
*Norse festival of Modresnach—Mother of Night
21.
*Winter Solstice
*Yule
*Druid festival of Alban Arthuan
*4th Station of year–when the light is reborn inside the womb of darkness again.
*Egyptian Festival of Isis & Osiris (The return of Osiris)
*5th day of Satunalia
22.
*Welsh Birthday of Pryderi
*6th day of Satunalia
*Celtic tree Month of Ruis ENDS
23.
*Irish: Secret of the Unhewn Stone
*Today is the ONLY day in the Celtic calendar not ruled by a tree.
*7th day of Satunalia
*Roman observance of Acca Larentia
*Egyptian Hathor is honored.
*Welsh traditional Elder festival: The evening of Gwyl Nadolig
24.
*An extra day is added to Roman 7 day Satunalia for the CHILDREN.
*Celtic tree Month of Beth Begins
25.
*Roman Birthday of Dies Natalis Invicti Solis–birth of the Invisible sun
*Teutonic Legend- Lutzelfrau & Perchta : Witches appear on this day
*Babylonian Observance of Astarte
*Goddess Month of Astraea ENDS
*Today, Egypt celebrates birth of Horus.
26.
*Norse- 1st day of Yuletide
*Goddess Month of Hestia begins
*Egyptian Feast of Neith
27.
*Norse honors Goddess Freyja
28.
*Babylonian Observance Lilith
*Greek Archane Day
*Egypt: Day of Sekhmet going forth
*Welsh- Beginning of Gwyl O Gwin A Hyfrydwd
*Runic Half Month of Eoh begins–signifies death
29.
*Greek Day of Nymphs
*Egypt: Ra’s Birthday
30.
*Egypt: Observance of Isis
*Sumerian Observance of Inanna
31.
*New years Eve
*Scottish festival of Hogmagog
*Welsh tradition of Cwn Annwn
*Egypt: Lucky day of Sekhmet
*Greek Calendar: Day of Hecate
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