Pagan Blog Project

Pagan Blog Project

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Change

A little pearl of wisdom from the Wiccan clan that I am a part of with a heavy dose of paraphrasing "Everything she touches changes".

We change to grow and when we grow we change. In our group is it encouraged and expected for those that don't grow cannot facilitate growth in their future students. In order to grow you have to pull out all those shadows that are within yourself, examine them, learn from them, and then let them go. But don't think for a second that is a once and done job. Some of those shadows have been stuck in our personal closets for years. They have grown roots and have shaped the people that we have become. THOSE shadows may need to be peeled back, layer by layer, and it can often feel as if you are peeling back your own skin.

If you have those shadows (and believe me, I have never found anyone that didn't; in some form) you may need to seek counceling, either from your spiritual advisor or a professional licensed counselor.

Thats the toughest part of growth, and its a lifelong job. My facilitator calls those shadows Rats. And she was right. Those hidden rats will eat away at you, they will undermine you and they have to be dug out and exposed to the light. Once exposed, you will recognize them and eventually it will become easier to find them and you will become stronger for it.

I didn't start this to make growth sound like a scary prospect, occasionally it can be, but its worth it in the end.

Blessings, MoD

Friday, February 3, 2012

Crafty side of the craft

Some of the most enjoyable things to do with your children is to make learning fun. Or better yet, make it so fun that they do not even know they are learning something. A friend of mine posted a craft this week that involved making a Brigids Mantle. A green shawl that was left on the fireplace mantle the night of Imbolc eve to receive the blessings of Brigid. It was a really neat idea that she accomplished fairly easily by the looks of it with her young daughter.

There are a few books and websites out there, if you are looking to do Crafty 'Craft' stuff with your children:  Raising Witches by Ashleen O'Gaea or Check out Lorna Tedders (also blogging on PBP) website: Spilledcandy and buy her project books. Wonderful ideas! Also check out the Spiral Scouts or any of the many yahoo websites that are out there.

A few of the things that we have did or planned are making river stone runes, creating our own candles, creating magickal jewelry, making pendulums, designing magickal spaces, cooking food using herbs, making wands from sticks, and busting up negativity in the house using rattles, drums, pots, and pans. That always gets everyone laughing no matter how old they are!

If you are really into it, design your own curriculum and create your own version of Hogwarts! Let the kids help make their own robes and wands.

What other ideas do you have to help teach your kids the craft?