United We Stand

Yes, he was a Christian, but he was amazing. His spirit transcends religions. Today we honor him.

The Prayer Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Festival Of Lights

Happy Hanukkah!

Tonight begins the first night in the 8 night celebration of the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah. And just what is Hanukkah?

Well, it is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. There was a revolt and when they took back the temple and purified it, there was only enough sacred oil to burn for one day. But a miracle occurred and the oil lasted 8 whole days.

And so Jewish families celebrate by lighting a menorah, which holds eight candles, one lit each night from right to left. And they eat food fried in oil.

And while we are not a Jewish family, obviously, we celebrate right along with them. So we will light our nightly candle and make potato pancakes and spin our dreidels.

(It sounds almost pagan… candles, food, prayers…. Just saying. Focus on the sames.)

Anyway, to me it isn’t Hanukkah until I hear this…



Okay, so not very religious but it always makes me laugh.

(On another side note… Santa comes tonight. Reminds me of a certain Holly King. This one looks like my tree topper.)

Blessed be!

Happy Thanksgiving

Every year at this time we pause to reflect on the things for which we are most thankful. Given the demands of our daily lives, it is easy to get caught up in the tasks of work and home and not take time to appreciate our good fortunes. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every one of my family, the men, women, and children that make up our everyday lives. Every day of the year, including holidays, both religious and secular, collectively we work to ensure there is food on the tables and love in our hearts.

I am thankful for the privilege to write this for you. It’s an honor to make a positive difference in the lives of others, which is what I hope to do with this and everything I do each day. I thank you for everything you do as well: your commitment, hard work and pursuit of excellence in your own lives each day. I wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving.

Blessed be.

Veteran's Day

Take a moment now to reflect on the achievements and sacrifices of the many brave Americans who have served in our military, both past and present and during both peace and war. Each year we observe Veterans Day in order to honor all the men and women who have served our country in uniform.

In quiet tributes and grand parades, at community centers and war memorials, Americans of all backgrounds come together on this day to celebrate the men and women who have fought to keep our country strong and free. Their efforts laid the foundation for the peace and prosperity that our nation now enjoys. From the oldest veterans, to the men and women currently serving, all Americans who have served in uniform deserve our appreciation and respect on this uniquely special American day.

On this Veteran's Day, let us pause to honor the sacrifice of those who have serviced their country. While we all strive for peace, our Armed Forces help defend against the reality of those who seek to do our country harm. I thank you for your service, and I pray God's blessings to be upon you, your family, and your sacrifice.

Blessed be.

xoxo

A Birthday Spell Of Love

Today is my husband’s birthday. It is also the anniversary of the day we moved in together 11 years ago.

Geez. We are getting old.

Happy Birthday Hot Stuff, may this year bring you nothing but happiness.

And for the occasion, I did a little candle spell.

I used a large candle so that it could burn for him though out the year.

I used a green candle for luck, wealth, wisdom, and abundance.

I used cinnamon and vanilla oils to anoint the candle; Cinnamon to enhance the male libido (That was a little for me.) and vanilla to relieve stress and heightened mental clarity.

I placed the candle on the alter in front of one of my favorite pictures of him with our daughters. I used a green alter cloth. I let it burn for hours.

May each day be better than the last. Let no harm come to anyone. May love always burn in your heart.

Blessed be.

Royal Jewels

Purple has long been considered the color of royalty. For years it was sought out by monarchs to symbolize their wealth and power. Purple symbolizes the soul, the Divine, mystery. It can also be the symbol of serenity and faith. In lighter shades it can bring equilibrium and awakening. It can help to alleviate mental or nervous problems (along with the advice of trained medical professionals) or help in spiritual healing. Too much purple can lead to negative thoughts, tiredness or depression. (If you feel depressed and have suicidal thoughts, contact someone immediately. Suicide Hotline- 1-800-273-8255)

Quartz that has been used for its magick properties since probably its discovery. On a cellular level our bodies and quartz crystal are made of the same minerals. The repeating chemical structure of the atoms that make up crystals are said to invest them with a kind of memory: a power to hold energy. Quartz crystals are naturally receptive to vibrations as they transmit, reflect and store light, and receive energy. The crystal will remember and permeate any environment it is placed.

Amethyst is purple quartz, from the Greek word Amethysos, which means “not intoxicated. So the Greek story goes…

The Wine God Baccus was very angry over being insulted by the Goddess Artemis (Roman Diana), the Goddess of the Hunt. So he vowed vengeance on the next mortal he sees. And for vengeance he plans to have two very large, ferocious tigers devour said mortal. The very next person he sees is the maiden Amethyst who is on her way to worship at the shrine of Artemis. When the tigers sprung out at her she called to Artemis for help. Artemis turned her into white crystal so she would be protected from the tigers and preserve her beauty. Baccus, who the felt guilty over his actions, poured his wine over the crystals as an offering, turning them forever purple. This stone is often associated with Artemis or Diana. The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst prevented drunkenness and they decorated drinking cups with them.

Amethyst was added to ancient European helmets in order to keep a cool head in battle. They believed it would bring good fortune in war or on the hunt. It is said to drive out evil spirits and inspire intellect. It was used to protect crops from locusts and as protection from snakebites as well as cures for stomach aches, insect bites and to beautify skin. It is even said that eagles, the birds of gods, used amethyst in its nest to protect its young from harm. Ancient Egyptians used it as protection during travels.

Amethyst is considered the stone of St. Valentine and a symbol of faithful love. (My engagement ring has an amethyst stone in it.) It is the Gem of Fire, once more valuable than diamonds. It spews with the energy of fire, passion, creativity and spirituality, but with the logic of temperance and sobriety. It has a sobering and cleansing effect and can aid with loss and grief. It is also the common birthstone associated with February.

It is the Stone of Friendship, a symbol of trust and piety. It is thought to put the wearer in a chaste state of mind. The Catholic Church calls it the “Bishop’s Stone” and it is worn by Bishops and Cardinals going back centuries to keep their minds pure and protect them from evil. Buddhists use it for prayer beads (Mala). Catholics have made Rosaries from it. Moses described amethyst as a symbol of the Spirit of God. It is found on the breastplates he was instructed by God to have made, the third stone in the third row. (Exodus 39:12) It is also used in the Bible as the 12th stone set into the foundations of New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:20) The Russian Empress Catherine the Great loved it so much that she sent thousands of miners in search of it.

A new moon is upon us tonight, the night before Samhain. It’s a witchy night.

And why, you might ask, have I just filled your brain with all of this wonderful information about amethyst?

Because it called to me.

I have been learning to read runes. I have always been more of a tarot card kind of witch, but runes are smaller and there are less of them. I was introduced to them this summer and have been studying them since. I finally decided I was in need of my own set. And when presented with options, amethyst runes said “Pick Me!”

And I did.

And since they were not always mine, tonight, under a new moon, I said a prayer and lit a candle over them. I feel they will need to sit there until the full moon comes. Then they will be mine to use in divination.

For blessed are those who never stop learning.

Dallas

Yesterday, a very angry man ambushed and fired upon a group of police officers in Dallas, Texas, killing five officers, three of which were veterans, and injuring nine others. Two civilians were also wounded. The shooting was the deadliest incident for U.S. law enforcement since the September 11 attacks. This angry man was also a veteran, who was reportedly angry over police shootings of black men and stated that he wanted to kill white people, especially white police officers. What is really most important to know is that five families will never be the same. Yesterday morning those 5 people got up and went to work as usual. Today those same five families will not have their loved one coming home. We offer prayers to these families and to all those who were affected by the senseless violence against these police officers. We pray for strength as we continue to find out details as to why this has happened. And we pray that it does not happen again.

Following the shooting, this same very angry man fled inside a building on the campus of a local college. Police followed him there, and a standoff ensued. Early this morning, he lost his life in the battle with the police. We offer those same prayers to his family, as they too will not have their loved one home tonight. We pray that they find strength to get through this tremendous tragedy.

It is in times like this, people from all of our diverse American backgrounds need to come together and unite as one to lift the spirits of those who were impacted by these actions. We must pray that our country is stronger than just one angry individual. I pray for our country now. I pray for peace.

Blessed Be.

Orlando

Please join me in keeping all those affected by the mass shooting tragedy in Orlando in your thoughts and prayers. More than 50 individuals lost their lives and more than 50 were injured. Now more than ever, we need to stand together in solidarity to honor those that have lost their lives due to a senseless act of violence. We need to come together and through kindness and empathy, bring the community together. This is a time for community to stand against hate and conquer it with love.

May justice and mercy be both experienced and honored as investigations continue and loved ones mourn. Given all those killed and injured, it is very possible that someone you know may be affected by this tragedy. We lift up special prayers for those offering care and ministry in the Orlando area, especially to the LGBT community of Florida.

We offer prayers of thanks to those first responders who run toward what others run from. May they be watched over and blessed. Please remember, they too are humans and will require support during this difficult time.

Let us be present and available to stand with community members who are experiencing grief and shock from these hateful and terrorist acts. May we all seek to be further beacons of light, love, care, and justice in our lives and in the world. For light, community, and love continues to cast out all fear.

Peace and Blessings...