Low Income, But Not Low Spirit

Being an urban (well, rural now) pagan, I’ve lived in semi-cramped spaces off and on for most of my adult life. Add to that, I’ve been in the ‘low income’ bracket since I moved out of my mother’s house at the age of 16. I’ve often gone to other pagan houses and wondered how I could make my own space reflect who I am and what I believe, while on a next-to-nothing budget. Although I don’t have any professional tips and tricks, I can share what I’ve done to create a place of ritual and meditation.

I am a bargain shopper. I suppose it comes with the territory, but it’s something I learned from my mother. I’m not talking necessarily grocery shopping (though I bargain shop there, too). No, I’m talking about thrift shops, antique shops, dollar stores, yard sales–you name it. It’s amazing what sorts of treasures you can find in such places. My own brand of paganism is…well…a mish mash of a lot. I’m a Druid (of a primarily Welsh pantheon), but I also have taken bits and pieces of other religions–namely Christianity–and woven them all into something of my own design.

When I go to stores like the ones above, I don’t limit myself to specific items or symbolism. I’ve got pentacles, angels, crosses, goddess symbols, god symbols–all over my house. The Dollar Tree here in town is a favorite haunt–just for the little figurines and the candle holders.

Antique stores can be expensive, but if you look close enough, you’ll often find little things for a lot less that just jump out at you. I have a ceramic green bowl that I found at an antique shop for $6.00. It has an ivy motif–matching my bathroom (done in greens, frogs, and ivy) perfectly.

Thrift shops are another place to find little goodies. I’ve found more knick knacks and even tablecloths at thrift shops.

So being pagan–whether it’s urban or rural–doesn’t have to mean shelling out big bucks for decorations, ritual items, etc. Keep your eyes–and your mind–open, and there’s no telling what you’ll find out there for a few bucks.

Urban Paganism: Safety in the City

We hear about it on the news. We see movies based on it on Lifetime & Women Channels. We cry when the victims fill the talk show studios. We even hold the hand of a sister or fellow brother who has went through it first hand.

Yet we never believe  it could easily happen to us….

Crimes.

But it can, and it does.

So before someone’s ignorance or crime affects you, there are some precautions when moving to the big city or populated areas.

 

1. When you move into a new house or apartment, change the locks. Add chains, dead bolts, or whatever to the doors. Make sure the window locks work and if they don’t ride someone’s butt until they get fixed. In fact, see to it that these things are done before your move in date—and get it in writing.  If you are seeing someone and it goes bad, get the key back and still….change the locks. My best friend lived with a girl and when it was over, she left. A year later, she got hard up for cash, took her old key, broke in, and stole all his stuff—or tried—luckily my friend had a nosey neighbor. Still, you never know, so keep locks changed.

2. Never, ever, ever meet up with people online that you do not know  alone. Always meet in a public place. I don’t care if they own a 1000 year old famous Church of Isis—until you know them in and out…don’t be stupid.

3. Look into self defense classes (even if you are a guy) buy some mace, pepper spray…—MAKE SURE WHATEVER means of defense you buy or get, you also get proper training and so forth. I am not just talking about guns….that goes for tazers, pepper spray or even whistles or screamers. They will do you no good if you spray yourself.

4. If you have to work late….then let a security guard or walk with friends to your car, bus stop, or until you catch a cab or get on the subway. Travel in packs and groups.

5. Be smart. Don’t walk into the dark alley if you have chills jumping up and down your spine. Hell, don’t go into the dark alley even if you have a fever of 103.  If you wake up at 2 in the morning feeling the urge to do a ritual in the dark and creepy park—don’t go running off with your candles and incense. I am sure the Goddess or God won’t care if you wait until a safer time.

6. Watch your drinks. We often go to bars or clubs, drinking and having a great time and think nothing of it when we leave a drink with a guy we have been dating  or even with other girls. My friend dated a guy for 3 weeks straight and that didn’t stop him from slipping a drug into her drink when she left it with him as she fled to the dance floor with girl friends. She ended up in the emergency room. Another friend had some girls dump some yuck into her drink just for ‘kicks’. And at one bar I used to go to—the bouncer was slipping stuff into drinks. So watch your drinks, and to be smart—never leave them —take them with you.

7. If it feels weird—then don’t go with it. So what if nothing happens and that bad feeling was wrong—better safe than sorry.

8. Be careful of cult-like-scenes or things which do not add up on the ‘normal’ calculator. A friend of mine and her cousin started going to a bar back in the early 90’s hitting the Vampire scene. Her cousin hooked up with a so-called coven of Vampires who eventually took her back to the ‘master’s’ house. They gave her blood through a needle (the new age way to turn someone).  The next day she woke up having withdrawals, sensitivity to sunlight, unable to eat foods, pain, migraine, etc. She actually believed she was turning into a Vampire. More like a drug addict since the blood was mixed with herein.

9. Go ahead and work your spells and magic of protection on your home and yourself—but don’t depend on them. I could be covered from head to toe in a bullet proof invisible spell but you won’t see my sorry butt running into the line of fire. Cover your butt and take lots of steps to protect.

10. If you know of ways to be safe or things to look out for, please comment and tell us.

These things are not meant to scare but prepare you. Whether you are a man or a woman—moving to populated areas can be unsafe.

C.H. Scarlett

Nix and The House of Silver Oak

It being free for all today, I just wanted to come by and say hello!

Last week was a big week for me! I turned 44 and I finished The House of Silver Oak, which I got into the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Competition! I hope it makes it past the first round!

There’s a bit of blue sky out my window today

This is going to be a great year! Back to school, get my personal trainer certification, lose weight and cosplay like a fiend!

I’ve be been working through the exercises at transformation.com too. Powerful stuff!

So there’s the state of Nix. I’ve added an excerpt of The House of Silver Oak and a new pic of Faith.

*offers hugs*

Anyone have great plans for this year?

Nix

The House of Silver Oak
by Nix Winter

Note: This is my story for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Competition. I hope it makes it to the second round, at least!

Excerpt link:

https://www.createspace.com/pub/community/give.review.do?id=1065606&rewrite=true

Pitch

Don’t go in the cellar.

Cain’s problems didn’t get smaller in Iraq.

Whiskey doesn’t fix anything long enough.

His last chance gets him a job as a caretaker for an old mansion.

It comes with more ghosts than he had before.

Don’t go in the cellar.

A hundred years before a triple homicide made the house notorious.

Shelly Comstock-Gray is still the celebrated murder suspect.

Cain can’t believe the smiling, cheerful ghost hurt anyone.

Mistakes can be deadly.

Don’t go in the cellar.

Excerpt Two:

“Why Mr. Comstock-Gray is that a new carriage you have there?”

“Indeed it is, Mr. Hastings. Would you care to join me, this fine afternoon?”

Oliver crossed his arms on the edge of the seat. “Mother will have my head. You know we’re supposed to be at your house this evening. Happy Birthday, though it looks like you’ve already gotten your birthday present.”

Shelly giggled, not very masculine, but very happy. He scooted a little closer, leaned down. “Come on, Ollie. Once around town, then we’ll take it down Campton Road, just a little bit? We’ll be back and all proper by dinner!”

Oliver’s hand just happened to touch Shelly’s very solid and real hand, warm in the summer sun. The air near Shelly smelled of leather, horse, polish, a little linseed oil, and Oliver, rubbed his thumb around Shelly’s thumbnail. “You’ve got paint on your hand.”

“See? I’m utterly useless without you! Ollie, it’s my brand new Phaeton! Best suspension in the world! The boys are ready for a run!”

Cain felt everything, as if it were himself, not someone else’s memory. He could feel the warmth of the smooth brass edging under nervous fingers. “I haven’t finished my school work for the day.”

“I guess it is too magnificent of a Phaeton for a sixteen year old,” Shelly said, straightening the reigns.

“You’re only seventeen and only by a few hours! You never do your studies anyway! What are you going to do with the future anyway? Mickey’s already at university and you haven’t even finished Latin.”

Shelly leaned closer, so close that Oliver could smell the mint on his breath, the warmth, life. “Latin is a dead language. My horses are very alive.”

Oliver’s lips tingled as he looked up at his beautiful neighbor. He bounced on one foot, fidgeted. “I’ll be dead if I don’t finish my Latin this year.”

Shelly’s nose wrinkled. “You aren’t going to die if you don’t learn Latin, Ollie. But you will die, if you don’t take a ride with me in this brand new Phaeton! On this beautiful summer day, with two powerful specimens of horse flesh just ready to burn the roads, on this, my one and only seventeenth birthday! You will die alone, in an office with a half empty pot of ink as a clerk in your daddy’s shipping business! Is that what you want? Is that what you want? A corner in an office as a clerk?”

“I’m going to be a doctor,” Oliver insisted. “I’m going to university next year.”

“Fine, fine,” Shelly said, his jaw tightening, a flash of something darker in blue eyes. “Go be a doctor! I don’t care.”

“It is your birthday.”

Shelly sat straighter, looking away into the distance. “Go study your Latin.”

The carriage shifted as Oliver climbed up. He grabbed the reigns from Shelly’s unsuspecting hands and gave the horses a sharp go message. Shelly’s hat went flying, but he cheered and reached for the railing, holding on as Oliver sped the horses down the drive. Oliver laughed happily. Gavel flew.

People cursed as they flew through town. Shelly’s hair came undone and whipped around. They caught up with the Wilson boy where town met the long Campton road and the two of them raced, leaned forward,  all into it.  The new Phaeton and powerful black horses out stripped Wilson who yelled at their backs that he’d let them win on account of Shelly’s birthday.

Shelly held up his hands, feeling the wind, eyes closed. “Per sempre!”

Oliver reigned in the horses, bring them to a leisurely trot to recover just as they entered a forested area. “What’d you say?”

“Per sempre,” Shelly said, turning in his seat to face Oliver, one knee up on the leather bench seat. “It’s Latin for ‘Forever’. That’s what I want. Just like this, forever. Riding around in a carriage, with you.”

“That’s Italian,” Oliver said softly, slowing the horses a little more and paying very good attention to that. “It’s ‘forem’ in Latin. I think our wives will have problems with that.”

“I don’t need a wife.” Shelly whispered.

Oliver licked his lips, heart beating faster than the horses could run. Mouth dry he held the reigns as tight as he could as he turned to look at Shelly looking at him. “I don’t either.” His whisper was quieter than Shelly’s had been.

Shelly, arm on the back of the seat, leaned forward just a little. “So you be a doctor.”

“Yes,” Oliver said, unconsciously leaning forward a little. “I’ll be a doctor. Respected and proper.”

Shelly leaned a little closer, blue eyes looking right into Oliver’s dark eyed soul, so deep it reached Cain more than a century later. “And I’ll be your improper assistant.”

Oliver licked his lips again, shifted the reigns. “Maybe you’re the artist who lives upstairs, from my, my practice.”

“Maybe,” Shelly said, sounding more like a promise than a possibility. He closed the distance between them then, lips to lips, the mix of impulse and steady.

Oliver’s heart utterly stopped. He dropped the reigns, both hands coming to touch Shelly’s sweaty and tangled hair. The kiss stayed simple, just lips to lips, eyes closed. Shaking, both of them, their eyes opened at the same time, summer sky looking into the deep secrets of the forest. Oliver still had his hands in Shelly’s hair when the kiss broke, lips parting by just enough to breath and speak. “What will people say?” Oliver whispered against Shelly’s lips.
“I don’t care,” Shelly whispered back. “You’re all I think about. You’re art and poetry and speed, all in one and I want to always be near you.”

Oliver pressed the kiss again, his hands holding tight in Shelly’s hair. A breeze caressed over them. The horses complained, but nothing mattered. They were all that was.

When they finally let go, settled back facing forward. Shelly shifted, fastening his coat again, licking his own lips. “I wish we could dance tonight.”

“We’ll go upstairs.” Oliver said, looking straight forward. “You can still hear the music and the servants will be gone, working. We can dance there.”

“So you’ll dance with me,” Shelly asked, watching Oliver out of the side of his eyes.

“It’s your birthday, isn’t it?” Oliver encouraged the horses again and they took off at a proper not racing pace.

“Do you wish I was a girl?” Shelly whispered under the mottled shade of the witnessing trees.

“I’ve never wanted to kiss a girl before, Mr. Comstock-Gray.”

“Me neither.”

The ride back to Hasting’s House was quiet, calmly sedate, utterly belying the color still in Shelly’s fair cheeks.  They came primly up the drive to find Oliver’s father waiting with a riding crop in his hand.

Urban Paganism: Dealing with the Myths of Sex, Sex, & More Sex

During Ancient times in certain civilizations, during certain celebrations our Ancient Ancestors became famous for debauchery and free spirited orgies—according to up-to-date prying eyes.

Now a days, if you say you are going out to a Pagan gathering celebrating a fertility ritual, then all eyes and most mouths foam forming images of you stripping down to the buff and humping the leg off whatever moves. This in turn creates many myths, rumors, and false stereotypes concerning Paganism—and with that—many jerks who are more than prepared to use it to their full advantage.

That means many people will attempt to use Paganism as their excuse and means to influence others into their chosen behaviors. Meaning—you meet a guy or girl who claims to be Pagan –who then claims that its perfectly natural to take many lovers and sometimes at the same time.

Ah, no.

If you are new to the city, new to the country, new to Paganism in general, then don’t fall for that line no more than you’d fall for…

“Hey baby, are you tired?”

“Uh, no, why?”

“Because you’ve been runnin’ through my mind all night!”

~~~~~

Sex is not a requirement of Paganism—just an individual– depending on what they desire. Now that’s not to say anyone taking many lovers are in the wrong—just know its a choice, not a divine requirement.

For new Urban Pagans moving through crowds, you may be drawn to the elders or peers of your chosen path. Unfortunately there are many pervs and creeps out there moving under the guise of false Paganism. They will be so slick in pulling you in…so wise and so very charming. However, beware of what they attempt to teach you as law and beware of such lines:

*All Pagans must swing it up with many, many partners.

*If you want to be a real Pagan, then gender shouldn’t matter. We will practice by having a threesome. I have a friend and she is— (Sorry, but if you don’t have the desire to be with the same sex or the opposite, then that’s a personal choice—not a Pagan must. Now if you want to go along with a threesome, then by all means do so….but that makes you a Pagan person wanting do partake in a threesome—not a Pagan ordained rule that one must do so in order to be a Pagan at all.)

*Pagans share….everything and everyone. (We do with what we feel comfortable with sharing—that doesn’t mean your man if you don’t want to.)

*I will show you the face of God and or the Goddess through powerful sex magic! (whatever lol—there are many types of magic if a Pagan even DOES magic to begin with—some do not and for those who do—what KIND of magic is their choice—not a Pagan requirement.)

*Every ritual is a sex orgy.  (I doubt it—again a big myth.)

*We don’t need a condom or protection babe, I did a spell. (WHATEVER!!!!—and yes, some guys try to pull this one. Some girls too, believe it or not. Look, those who work magic know one thing is for certain—its better to cover all bases than to depend on one thing alone. So even though someone did a spell so you wouldn’t catch an STD (sexually transmitted disease) or get pregnant—use a brain and throw on extra protection. Make your sacred places bullet proof! Your body is YOUR TEMPLE—your sacred temple….now practice some personal worship and respect and don’t let anyone come in and trash the place permanently.)

 

~~

 

The fact is this…in many ancient civilizations, thousands did have sex believing that through the woman—they were joining with the Goddess or through the man, they were joining with the God. But that’s in certain civilizations and not everyone was down with it romping up with many, many partners. Those who were had at it…those who weren’t kept with their own private and personal lovers experiencing divinity and sexual enlightenment through them.

Sex magic can be powerful, yes, for some, but like all magic, its what YOU feel drawn to and comfortable doing. Some create Sex Magic with a partner—some by themselves. *winks*

As Pagans, generally the only thing we have in common is the fact that we don’t care what everyone else is doing as long as it doesn’t harm us or others—but on whether or not we sex it up with those others—personal choice.

So watch out for the wanna-be Creeps posing as a Pagan just so they can get their groove on. Pagans can be with one partner, with an opposite gender, with the same gender, with more than one partner and gender, have open relationships or one on one relations—its all up to the person/persons involved—its not a part of the general term Paganism. While we believe sex is beautiful and nothing to be ashamed of….we don’t believe who does what and with how many creates a better or more knowledgeable Pagan. Be true to yourself and don’t fall for any tricks. be comfortable in your own Pagan skin…follow your heart, not someone’s words.

C.H. Scarlett

Being Pagan in the workplace

As a working Pagan I spend at least 40 hours a week at my job. Which means a large chunk of my time isn’t spent in my garden or in a sacred space I can create at home but at a large, modern office.  Being Pagan, I enjoy having sacred space and sacred items around me, but being Pagan in the workplace can often stir up controversy.

First you’ll want to decide just how much of your personal life you want to reveal at work. If you live in the United States you are guaranteed freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination in the workplace.  But the reality is that taking legal action against an employer is a long and arduous process.  Even then the law can’t protect you against every action from every employee.  If you are passed up for promotion because you are Pagan, that can be a legal case. However, if a co-worker refuses to sit near you at lunch or eat your contribution to the potluck because she’s afraid of being cursed, it isn’t a legal issue.

You are probably the best judge of those around you and how accepting they’ll be if they find out that you are Pagan. Don’t be afraid to rely on subtlety rather than overt declarations of your religion. I’ve found that people often feel that everyone should speak out and forge the way for various causes. But sometimes it just isn’t the right time or place. In my last workplace almost everyone knew I was Pagan except one very conservative director.  He believed I was Catholic, which to him was as foreign as Paganism. He seemed to just interpret anything I brought in that was Pagan as a Catholic thing. So the very obvious Goddess necklaces I wore had to be the Virgin Mary. My current workplace is far more open and creative and so I am enjoying the freedom to be my Pagan self at work.

Creating a Pagan Workspace

How much space you’re able to devote to creating a Pagan space at work will depend on your work environment. In my last job I had an office. Currently I have a small desk, but I’m free to decorate it as I want.  But I do have to keep in mind that although my desk is considered my personal space, it is not truly private. This means things will be seen, touch, picked up and even played with. Even if I ask people not to touch, the cleaning crew comes in when we’re not there.  So, I don’t bring anything in that I feel needs to be a protected or private space.  But here are some things to consider for a desk.

A Pagan Calendar is a good way to keep in touch with the days.  Actually, you can get one from the Pagan and the Pen to set as the calendar on your computer monitor.  I have a planner from Seasons of the Witch that I also use.

Pens, letter openers, bookmarks, mouse pads, and coffee cups can often be purchased with a Pagan theme be it fairies, dragons or wizards. Often these may simply be seen as interesting toys.

Crystals, shells, feathers and other natural items are often simply viewed as decorative. Although I’ve found that the crystals do tend to attract interest. People often want to pick them up and hold them.  My large rose quartz crystal ball is often borrowed when someone is stressed out.

Statues, symbols and signs can range from simple and symbolic to overt declarations of one’s faith.  Work with items that you feel comfortable bringing into your environment whether that’s keeping things subtle to making a bold statement.

Smudges, candles, incense and oils can be tricky because of safety or health concerns.  Burning candles, incense or smudging may be prohibited in most workplaces for fire safety concerns and because people don’t want to breath the smoke.  Oils are more accepted but remember, dousing yourself with sacred oil will  be viewed the same way as the person who overdoes the aftershave or perfume.  Just a touch is enough. Or keep a vial or sachet of a favorite scent handy for when you want a little boost to your day.

If you don’t have a personal space at work, there are still ways to affirm your beliefs at work.  You may be able to wear a necklace or jewelry that is sacred or special to you. Keep in mind; this doesn’t have to be a large pentacle. Many gemstones have Pagan associations that are only recognized by other Pagans.  Or you can wear a small carving of a totem animal. If jewelry isn’t permitted or must be left off for safety reasons, you can work out a ritual for yourself that’s as simple as wearing a bit of essential oil to work or keeping an amulet in your pocket or purse.

But remember one lesson a wise older Witch passed on to me. You don’t need to declare your beliefs if you feel they will put you in danger.  If you feel uncertain about how you’ll be received, then go slowly.  Many witches remain in the workplace broom closet and only come out at safe, Pagan-oriented events.  You must make the choice that works for you.

IF we could do it all over again

Yesterday’s Sunday school lesson taught us that the deity had a mission and denied anyone that wasn’t included in it. But, at the same time, we all got the “crumbs”.  Something happen on the inside of me I couldn’t control. A divine feeling is the best I can explain it. I witnessed truth inside of myself. We each get “crumbs” of knowledge from the deity. Which means we all have a part of the spirit in us and it needs to show on our out ward appearance. Telling others what we have seen.  Everyone is meant to have different “crumbs” or knowledge for different purposes in life surrounding our faith.

In preaching, yes I’m pagan and said preaching! Brother Frank stepped on my toes, metaphorically speaking of course. What would you do if given the chance to do it all over again? My response to this  question is, be more solid in my faith. Holding on to the one thing that has never failed me, but something I have failed to do. Allowing life to separate me from the main center of what I should be focusing on. Faith, others, then myself being last. I fail the Gods and Goddesses daily by not meditating like I should but yet I expect them to listen to me when I speak. I’m so wrong for this.

In my heart, I should have always been more in tune to what the Deitys’ had to say to me instead of going out on my own trying to do everything without help. Thinking of only myself at times.  So many times in the past I’ve taken so much for granted. Never once thinking of how it would affect others. I’m shameful in front of the Goddess for this.  My mother has been my rock my whole life. She’s leaned on God for just about everything and I’ve leaned on her. Shamefully I’ve taken her for granted. I love my mother. I realized after this mornings sermon, how much I love her and all she has done for me.  All the times she’s been there when everyone else left.

I wish there were things I could do over. Maybe in the next life I will remember these mistakes and correct them. The preacher says we all at some point say this same phrase, “I wish I could go back and do this over again.”  He’s right. As a pagan I need to find a way to remember all of my mistakes in this lifetime and do better in the next one. I hope I do. One thing I will never be able to change is who I am. I’m ADD/BiPolar, a pagan, and walk a split path. I now see where I am spiritually set free today. I now see it is ok for me to have both. A church life and a pagan life.

They can be a combined realm, but we all have to see the spiritual truth in it. My spiritual war was set free this morning. I felt a presence inside me no one can take away from me, my faith. My bond with the Gods and Goddesses, my family, my life. If I could do it all over again, I would have never strayed from the relationship with my mother when I was younger. I would go back and correct all the mistakes I’ve made and the people I’ve hurt over the years. I’d steer clear of all the ones who have hurt me.

I don’t blame them anymore for them hurting me, but I have somewhat forgiven them. They  were harsh lessons I was meant to learn from and I have. I’ve learned that men can be cruel, brutal in a mental and physical way. I’ve learned that friends can and will betray you, cut you with the deepest knife. I’ve also learned where my heart has to be. I’ve learned to fight for myself and not give in. I’ve also learned how to betray myself. My faith. But in learning all of that, I’ve learned that my faith is my rock and my shield. I just have to be open to what they’re saying up there as I’m walking my path. Help others as I go, meditate frequently, love and cherish my family.

What I mean by family is my mom, my dad, my daughter.  I don’t think I’ll ever make up to my son for not being there when he needed me to be. But I’ve learned that it isn’t my fault his dad chose to move so far away. I can only hope one day he can forgive me and want to be a part of my life and his sister’s.

IF we could do it all over again………..

City and Soul

We’ve had a lot of blog posts about the positive angles of being a pagan in the city. I thought today I’d post about why I find cities difficult. We’re so used to urban dwelling being normal, but for some people it’s really unhealthy. I offer my experiences.

I grew up in Gloucestershire, in a very small town. I now live in Redditch – which isn’t huge and is fairly green. Visits to cities – Birmingham and London especially – have taught me that city life is not for me.

Firstly there’s the light pollution. It’s always light. Frequently you can’t see the stars. Narrow vistas between buildings means you never see much of the sky, and the skyline is oppressively close.

Cities are loud. I have sensitive ears. I can pick out individual bird voices, find mice in the hedgerow by hearing them. The constant noise and bustle of cities exhausts me. I gather that you learn to tune it out. That’s not a skill I want to learn. For me, being a bard, it’s vitally important to hear and listen to the songs in my environment. More than a day or two in a city, and I can’t think for the noise. There’s also the information overload from posters and advertising. Again, people learn not to see. I want to be present and aware. I don’t want to have to tune out what is around me.

Roads and public transport systems are often counter intuitive and disorientating. I hate the tube, travelling underground, following a map that bears so little relation to actual geography. I lose all sense of the connections between places.

For anyone who is a touch empathic or psychic, cities are a nightmare. So many lives, thoughts and emotions all humming different tunes. So much human misery. The overworked, the unemployed, the poor, exhausted, abused, distressed… the swathes of people who have lost any sense of their own spirit, who walk zombie-like in slow moving hordes, tuning out the noise and the advertising and each other. For a sensitive soul, it’s agony. Either you have to learn not to feel, or you have to get away.

Much of it, I think, is the fault of urban planning. Cities designed for cars, not people. Spaces overwhelmed with advertising. Environment that do not encourage human  interaction. Good building, good public spaces, green places, the removal of cars and other quietening measures can radically improve urban spaces.

Populations are such that we can’t all have our own field and wood to rest in. That’s not the answer. We do need to be working to make urban spaces human again. They should be a habitat that supports and nurtures, rather than encouraging fear and isolation. I don’t have much by way of answers, other than the certainty that cities should be about the people, and not about the road systems, the convenience of business and industry, or keeping the costs at rock bottom.

Pagan Holidays for February 8, 9, 10, 2010

Who’s ready for the Pagan Holidays? Let me first bring attention to our Pagan Artist of the Month Neil Geddes Ward. Another example of his dazzling art to our left. This piece actually reminds me of my friend Sammie….might have to drag her over here to take a look.

February 8th–Monday

Ok, enough is enough…lets get down to it! Jumping the dimensional fence, stepping back in time, we see that in Classical Greece, they are having yet another fabulous festival in honor of Artemis—daughter of Zeus and Latona.

Now while Artemis will be taking her bow hunting the monsters of darkness and bringing sudden death to all those who are wicked, Dionysus will be taking a bow under the same culture since today will also be sacred unto him—called Anthestaria. Kind of ironic isn’t it that the Greeks will give a festival for a Goddess who is all about chastity and protection during child birth while celebrating one of their favorite Gods of Lust, love, and good times!

February 9th—Tuesday

The Greeks are celebrating AGAIN as today belongs to their God Apollo. They will have another grand  festival celebrating the increasing light coming to the New Year once the dark of winter takes her final bow for now.

Over in Norse-land, they are having an observance for Sunna, who happens to be their Goddess of the Sun. The Germans know her as Frau Sonne, as everyone will be celebrating their own version of Light returning with the coming march of spring.

Hoping over into Egypt where it seems the sun never retires except for night, today is the Day of the Unseen in the Underworld and all celebrations will be steering their glorious attention towards that!

February 10th—Wednesday

The Celts are having their famous celebrations during a Festival to honor the God Teutates—the master of battle and patron of fertility. Teutates means God of the Tribe and his reputation wasn’t always the best depending on who the believers were. While the Celts (Irish and Scots) held him high, the Romans described him as being mean and savage.

See everyone on Thursday for the next round of Pagan Days!!!!

C.H. Scarlett

Want more?

Here’s the days of the week and what they mean….

Monday (moon day) is the day of the Moon Goddess, Selene, Luna, & Mani.

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Mondays are an awesome day to take care of matters or magical rituals and spells concerning:

Traveling, memory, one’s instinct, sharpening or increasing Psychic abilities, dreams, healing, home, ancestors and of course, family.

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Monday belongs to the Moon and the Element of Water

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Tuesday belongs to Mars, Ares, Tiwaz, Tiw (named after), Tuisco & Tyr

As Tuesday belongs not only to the God Mars, but also to the Planet of Mars, we can toss the Element of Fire into the mix ,and have the makings of a very heated and passionate day!

So if you don’t have anyone to vent those wild emotions out on, don’t fret because you can point them into the direction of matters or magical rituals and spells concerning:

anything having to do with marriage, money or wealth, loyalty, enemies, protection, confidence for yourself or another, and of course, courage!

The moon phase for today is:

~Waxing Crescent~

What do you know, the Waxing Crescent is for magic concerning love, wealth, success, friendship, luck or health.

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Wednesday is the day of Woden.

Woden is the God of knowledge, enlightenment, wisdom, & war.

Some believe Woden is also Odin—God of the Norse.

Matters & Magical Workings For Wednesday

Today is a good day to deal with matters or rituals and spells concerning anything business. Or perhaps some sort of communication. Maybe debt—something we all have these days, or what about  fear and or possibly loss? Matters or magic concerning money, or work, some type of travel. And then there’s education.

Planets and Elements

Mercury and the element Air

Goddesses of Love and Inspiration

February is usually considered to be just about love and romance because of Valentines Day, but with the pagan celebration of Imbolc, the month is truly a time for creativity and inspiration. Here is a list of related Goddesses and basic info for those looking to plan out rituals and spells this month. This short list can also aid those writing new sensual stories with Pagan themes! Look up some of the myths of these Goddesses and let them inspire you.

Aphrodite – Greek goddess of love and war. Daughter of the sea, Aphrodite is the goddess of beauty, love, and pleasure. Though she rules marriages and the love within them, she is also the goddess of illicit affairs. Thought to have originated from the Mesopotamian goddesses Astarte and Ishtar, Aphrodite has been associated with war and battles. She teaches dedication and love of the self, and is known for her quick and sometimes unscrupulous responses to petitions (remember it was Her response to a petition that was the basis of the Trojan War!) Her symbols are the ocean, doves, apples, roses, and the mirror.

Brigid – or Brigit, Brighid, Bride: Irish goddess of the Sacred Flame. Brigid is a threefold goddess, each one her faces representing her dominion over poetry, healing, and smithcraft. Called the Great Goddess, she is keeper of the holy wells and rivers of healing and rebirth, as well as the sacred flames of creativity and inspiration. Her festival Imbolc is celebrated on February 1st or 2nd, when sacred bonfires are kept burning all evening long to call forth the sun from hiding. Brigid is the mother of inventions and craftsmanship, the wise woman of healing, as well as the patroness of poets and priestesses. As Christian thought invaded the ancient world, thegoddess Brigid was morphed into Saint Brigid of Kildare.

Ch’ang O – Chinese goddess of the moon. Ch’ang O and her husband were banished from heaven and forced to become mortal and live on the earth. Seeking to return to her place of glory, Ch’ang O took a full dose of an immortality pill meant for both her and her husband. She floated to the moon, destined to spend eternity alone. During the moon festival in China, women pray to Ch’ang O to bring them their soul mate. Ch’ang O is offered sweet foods and incense, and the hare is her sacred animal.

Lajja Gauri, also Aditi – Hindu goddess of the sky. Her name means “free,” “unbound,” or “limitless.” Ancient art throughout India  shows Lajja Gauri as a lotus-headed goddess, naked and adorned with jewels, her legs raised in a birthing or sexual position, exposing her vulva. She is the Infinite Mother, ruler over the conscious and unconscious minds, the past and the future, and the universe. The ultimate protector, she provides her children with safety, spiritual enlightenment, and material wealth; she also grants her worshippers an easy path to their heart’s desire. Lajja Gauri is mentioned in the sacred Vedic texts as the Mother of All Gods, and the mediator between the mortals and the Divine.

Ninsun – Mesopotamian goddess of knowledge. Ninsun is primarily a Sumerian deity, though some scholars believe her to be a reflection of the Babylonian Gula. Her name means “Lady Wild Cow,” and she was worshipped by farmers and herdsmen to bless their animals and crops. In the Epic of Gilgamesh, Ninsun is depicted as the hero’s mother and counselor. She is the keeper of wisdom, and an interpreter of dreams.

Snake Woman, also Minoan Snake Woman – Goddess of Crete. While many historians believe Snake Woman to be a household and fertility deity, other sources cite her as High Goddess and Priestess of Crete, and a powerful, seductive sorceress. She represents the feminine mysteries and holds all the magickal powers of the serpent. Her statuette depicts her in Minoan dress with her breasts exposed, and snakes in each hand.

Sarasvati: Hindu goddess of words. Sarasvati is the creator of the  arts, including music, dancing, and poetry. She is the maker of sciences and mathematics, invented the Sanskrit language, and rules all aspects of teaching and learning. Referred to as “The Flowing One,” Sarasvati inspires devotees to great heights in intellectual and creative endeavors. She is depicted as a white-skinned woman, usually with a peacock.

Yemaya, also Yemoja, Iemanja: African goddess of water. Yemaya is honored throughout West Africa and the Caribbean as the mother of the sea and the moon. She is the keeper of the female mysteries and a guardian of women. Yemaya is also a goddess of love, blessing those who call to Her with romantic opportunities and marriage. She aids in the conception of children and their births, protecting and blessing infants until they hit puberty. She is a healing goddess, showing compassion and kindness to those in need. Yemaya is the personification of rivers and bodies of water, and is often depicted as a mermaid.

A Sensuality Ritual for Valentines

I found this ritual on Pamela Neil’s website,  Dancing With Your Shadow.  She is an energy health practitioner in Tuscon, AZ and though I have never had the pleasure of meeting her, I had heard wonderful things about her work.  Her website is a wealth of information, including the following ritual.

I have done this Sensuality Ritual many times myself, and swear by it. It allows one to relax, and to take the time to honor themselves, without judgment or negativity.  Enjoy!

Sensuality Ritual

Intention: To awaken the sensuality within.

Timing: Whenever you wish–but particularly when you feel disconnected from your sexual self; before bed is an ideal time, but you can perform this ritual any time–just give yourself at least an hour and a half to enjoy it.

Ingredients: Red candle (passion), essence of ylang-ylang or jasmine (sensuality), your favorite perfume, chocolate (sensuality), a fragrant lotion, and sensuous music. Optional: silk sheets (sensuality).

Prepare this wonderful tonic to drink at the close of this ritual, which will delight your senses and unleash your nascent sensuality: Blend 1 cup of papaya juice, 1/4 cup of mashed banana, 1/4 cup watermelon juice, and 1 teaspoon cloves (optional).

Or you might prefer to mix a cup of milk with a dash of cinnamon and a splash of rose water. If none of these are available set out hot chocolate, grape juice, or a glass of red wine.

Recipe: Create a sensual atmosphere that will entice your inner seductress to come out of hiding. Find a time when no one will disturb you. Turn off the phones. Put fresh sheets on your bed–silk would be great! Turn down the lights, and light the candle. Place a few drops of the essential oil in a diffuser.
Anoint yourself with your favorite perfume, concentrating on the areas between your breasts and near your pubic bone. Lie down on your back with your knees bent and open. Begin to inhale, slowly and deeply, to the count of four; then, exhale in the same manner. Now experience your breathing as if the air were moving through your vulva. Continue until you feel these breaths connecting you to your deepest being. Let the breath flow like a river of energy. Feel the fluidity–the sensuality–and envision a passionate woman inside who wants to talk to you. Imagine that she wants to tell you about herself. Ask her questions: What kinds of clothes does she like? What are her favorite foods? What makes her happy emotionally, physically? What is her relationship with your body? How does she like to be touched? What does she want from you?

Allow this energy–which emanates from your passionate being–to infuse you. Remember this is your own creation, a part of your self, so don’t censor any words or feelings. Be open to learning.
When you’re ready, get up slowly. Run a warm bath, adding the oils of your choice. Start your favorite music, and set the candle near the tub. Let your body melt into the fragrant water, touching yourself in whatever ways feel best.

Afterward, dry off with a warm towel.  Look into a mirror, with the willing ness to see your own beauty.  Take  a few deep cleansing breaths.  When you feel relaxed and ready, look at your face in the mirror.  Just look.  If criticisms or judgments come up, acknowledge them, then let them go.  Focus on the uniqueness that is you, reflected in your face.  Look at your face and body and allow yourself to feel compassion, tenderness, acceptance and love.

Begin putting lotion on your feet, massaging it into the skin.  Say to yourself, “My feet are beautiful.” Next, massage the lotion into your legs and tell yourself, “My legs are beautiful,” and so on up the rest of your body.  When you are finished enjoying the beauty of your body, move on to your face.  Say to yourself, “ My eyes are beautiful.”  Look at your nose and tell yourself, “My nose is beautiful.”  Then your forehead, cheeks, mouth, lips, ears skin, bone structure.

When you have acknowledged your entire body, take a deep breath and look in the mirror.  Tell yourself: “ I (name) am beautiful.”  Say it over and over.  Allow yourself to bathe in appreciation of your own beauty, till you feel the tingle of love and delight throughout your body and soul.  Continue for as long as you wish.

Now, get back into bed, and drink your wonderful tonic. Sip it slowly. Let yourself feel and become that sensual woman. Fantasize, fantasize, fantasize, and immerse yourself in the feeling of hedonistic delight.

Follow-up: Spend a few moments every day appreciating the sensuality of your body. Keep fragrant oils, perfumes, and scented candles in your bedroom and bathroom.