~Witchy Mama~ Pagan Parenting

Baha's Treasure Chest

2012-05-27T08:20:00.001-04:00

We are visiting CJ's mom this weekend and the kids love checking to see if anything new is added to her treasure chest - which is filed with all sorts of nature :)

Gathering My Thoughts and Letting Go

2012-05-20T13:39:00.000-04:00

I've always had a difficult time letting go - even with the aid of magick, some people/situations continue to haunt me. I recently came upon R.A. Leslie, a renowned motivational speaker and life-coach and the author of the enlightening fairy tale, “Do You Know The Sound of Throwing Stars Far?,” and the thought provoking romance, “Chasing Rainbows”.

I've subscribed to her blog, Contemplate This and I've already had many life altering thought processes - for the better. Just her random quotes make me 'contemplate' LOL - I love this one:

"We are all dreaming. When we dream it while we are Awake, that is when it will come true!"

There is a Recurring Dream…

I absolutely love her! I did get her book "Chasing Rainbows" and read it in it's entirety, in one day! Now, this book is more of a romance as she also offers relationship coaching, in person or via the phone.

"Chasing Rainbows presents its readers with a meditative memoir-fairy tale romance in letters, through fiction and non-fiction narratives. The timeless theme offers lessons on how to use the gift of change as a way to live authentically, thus honoring the wisdom in our true selves. When we are honest with ourselves, our minds open to the innocence of our hearts and life becomes more alive."

Right now she is giving this book away. If you're interested, enter the giveaway :) Fill out the form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Making Wands

2012-05-08T19:28:00.002-04:00

The first thing the Witchlets wanted to do when we got to the Faerie Festival, was make wands. I thought for sure the boys would want to make talking sticks, but nope, they wanted wands :)

The wands had all sorts of items glued on to them with a hot glue gun. Gemstones kept falling off, sheesh, maybe they should have used thumb screws instead! Now I have wands to repair already!

Regardless, they enjoyed creating the wands and CJ and I enjoyed carrying the damn things around all day, LOL...

Supermoon This Weekend

2012-05-03T18:27:00.001-04:00

Could this coming weekend get any more awesome? The weather forecast is amazing, the Beltane Fairie Festival is going on at Spoutwood Farm, AND...the full moon will be the biggest full moon of the year!

The last supermoon occurred in March 2011. This weekend, it will occur on Saturday (May 5) at 11:35 p.m. EDT. This one is apparently going to be so bright that it may outshine the meteor shower due also this weekend.

"It's light will wash out the fainter Eta Aquarid meteors," NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke of the Marshall Space Flight Center told SPACE.com in an email. Still, Cooke said there's a chance that the brightest fireballs from the meteor display may still be visible.

If you get photos, I would LOVE to see them!

Blessed Beltane 2012

2012-05-01T16:04:00.003-04:00

I hope your day is filled with magickal Beltane Blessings!

Beltane and the Fairie Festival

2012-04-29T08:43:00.001-04:00

We have been going to the Fairie Festival at Spoutwood Farm for years and this year is no exception! This festival is the most magicakal festivals I have been to thus far. Have you ever been to this one?

Drums for Drumming

2012-04-23T10:28:00.000-04:00

Since this family is a bit musically inclined, the Withlets would love to start going to drumming circles. Now I am on the hunt for drums. What do you recommend? I know Mapex Drums are good but I think those are more for drum sets.

I got my drum at a local Pagan shop. I am not even sure of the brand. I also have a rain stick - which I love :) I would like to get each Witchlet their own drum so I can't go too expensive.

I Miss My Witchy Room

2012-04-23T10:15:00.002-04:00

I used to have an entire room devoted to nothing but my altar and all my witchy books. The house I lived in had a spare room which was my 'witchy room' -- I wish I had pictures of that room. It had speakers se up for my meditation music and I had the perfect lighting - not too bright but bright enough to be able to see what i was doing (I used led light bulbs) - this room was so perfect!

Now my altar is in my living room. It's not awful but I miss having an entire room dedicated to all my witchy things. I've been looking around this house and I realize I am bad when it comes to decorating, lol. I think part of my problem is I hate clutter and while statues and trinkets are not necessarily 'clutter' I still have to dust it...I dust every other day! Where is your altar?

Snow in April?

2012-04-23T07:32:00.003-04:00

Okay, who has snow? It's in the forecast for my area. I'm pretty sure IF we see any snow, it will be in the form of snow showers and not actual snow accumulating on the ground. (Or maybe that is my wishful thinking!)

It's not uncommon to get snow this time of year around here, I know, but I think the last time it happened was back in the 1980's! And to think last weekend I was looking into outdoor fountains to put in the yard and now I am wondering where the heck I put the snow shovel! Hahahaaa!

Oh, thank you to everyone who replied to my last post about migraines. I passed on all information to my friend. We'll see what happens now.

Migraine Pain Help

2012-04-17T23:35:00.000-04:00

My friend's son has been getting terrible terrible headaches recently. She believes this is all related to stress (changes in home life, school things, etc) and has taken him to the doctor for help - nothing yet. Scans and exams, even an eye exam (we were so hoping he just needed glasses) - his vision is excellent. I heard of Migraine Botox but not sure that is the best option for a 'tween' so I'm asking you all, any advice on some natural remedies?

I already know about peppermint - but these headaches are migraine level.

My Family

2012-04-03T21:46:00.001-04:00

As I get older I realize just how much my family means to me. As I watch my children grow, I acknowledge that no matter how old they are, they will need me. I know soon CJ needs to think about getting older - having his back checked (he has intermittent serious back pain) and even a Prostate Test - just as I need to start thinking about getting a mammogram.

Look at them with my grandma, the wonderful old Crone,at 'family dinner night' - once a week we eat dinner at my mom's :)

Finding Treasure in Our Own Home

2012-04-03T18:51:00.000-04:00

Since the weather went for super lovey to super chilly, we have been spending evenings inside. This place needs some spring cleaning so I made it a game. Whomever can clean this room or that room the fastest (properly of course) wins.

Well, these kids are finding all sorts of stuff; jewelry, money, missing toys...I think I need to see if I can find out where to get metal detectors on sale so I can start finding stuff too...yea, I'm so bad at this whole treasure hunt thing. Now I need to figure out where to put the stuff they're finding!

Upgrading the Drum Set

2012-04-03T18:42:00.001-04:00

We got Dante a drum set for Yule - a kid drum set. I think it's time to upgrade to Simmons Drums because he can play this drum set pretty darn good! Here he is on Yule.

I wonder what instrument Wyatt may decide to take up? We have a piano but it needs some work; one of the keys is broken and it needs to be tuned.

Mercury in Retrograde for 2012

2012-04-02T23:22:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, about three times every year for around three weeks at a time, Mercury, the planet of communication turns retrograde. I noticed that when Mercury is retrograde, time feels like it's standing still. I already know it's not a good time to venture into unknown areas or take risks and I always prepare for delays or misunderstandings because well, it's going to happen!

I've been noticing (on Facebook usually, LOL) my friends/family members complaining about how all sorts of things are going wrong, people are fighting with loved ones, cars and computers are breaking down, etc....but I've just been keeping to myself. Things have been slow work wise for me on the freelancing end - I mean heck, I only had one article to complete this week, and it had to do with allergies in austin and where/how to get relief. I don't even live near austin...

All of a sudden, over the last 3-4 days, I have had an explosion of potential clients! I mean, it's HUGE and just what I desperately need! All have proposals or are waiting for proposals from me and I'm thinking, "but wait, Mercury is in retrograde and I know not to make any important changes because they might not materialize. Is the Universe playing a joke on me???!!!"

So I look at my trusty calendar and see the first Mercury retrograde is in March/April 2012 and is supposed to bring major events of challenge, transition and transformation. Then in July/August another Mercury retrograde, creating situations that branch out into many new directions. Finally, the November Mercury retrograde is said to give our goals as aspirations a deeper perspective.

Now I am wondering, should I wait until April 4, 2012 to finalize any work related agreements? Or, are we close enough to the end of the retrograde to start making these decisions?

Did You See Venus?

2012-03-26T22:26:00.001-04:00

Beautiful view tonight! A friend of mine posted this photo on Facebook, wondering what star is by the Moon. That's no star, that's the planet Venus!

Tonight is the waxing crescent moon and also the planet Venus in the west. Venus is the brightest object in the sky after the sun and moon. Plus, the planet Jupiter, sits below Venus and the moon.

Source

Blessed Ostara

2012-03-21T00:42:00.001-04:00

The weather here today was perfect. Yes, the perfect way to lead into springtime. I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Ostara.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! ??? WHAT?

2012-03-17T10:56:00.000-04:00

Hmmmm, I've been seeing a lot of "happy St. Patrick's Day" commenting going around on the social sites - of course, since it is St. Patrick's Day today. BUT, I am seeing this from a lot of Pagans as well and I just wonder, why? Do they not know the history of this day? Ignorance is bliss! Do they know but just don't care? I mean, this holiday has gotten about as secular as Christmas so maybe it just has no impact?

If you don't know the history, I'll get you up to speed: St. Patrick is responsible for driving the Pagans (or snakes) out of Ireland, abolishing the old ways and bringing in Christianity. Yes snakes...what many people don't realize is that the serpent was actually a metaphor for the early Pagan faiths of Ireland.

So basically celebrating St. Patrick's Day honors the elimination of the old religion in favor of a new one. You may see Pagans who know this history, wearing some sort of snake symbol on St. Patrick's Day, instead of a shamrock. Oh, here's more history! Saint Patrick taught the Irish about the concept of the Christian Trinity by showing people the shamrock, using it to explain the Christian belief of “three divine persons in the one God”.

So, yea....another 'holiday' I won't be participating in...

Back From Our DisneyMoon

2012-03-15T15:23:00.000-04:00

We got back last Friday (March 9th) around 10pm. It's been a whirlwind of craziness since getting back, some things I am not ready to discuss yet. On a happier note, awwww, look at this picture of us in Hollywood Studios:

Coming up - once I have time for my brain to sort things out I will explain my decision regarding being in a documentary about modern witches - I am not participating. I mentioned this on the Witchy Mama Facebook Page and some of you responded that you are not either. I look forward to hearing everyone's reasons :)

Hello from DIsney

2012-03-06T08:11:00.001-05:00

Today is our second day in Disney! We are having a marvelous time! Here is a shot of us at Disney's Hollywood Studios - we had someone take a picture for us, should have not been looking in the sun, LOL. I found this border and thought it made the photo kinda look like a tarot card :)

Our DisneyMoon

2012-03-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

On Monday, CJ and I leave for Disney sans the Witchlets - for our "DisneyMoon". Feel free to come to Disney with us and take a break from reality! We are staying at the Beach Club Villas:

Photo Credit

Here is our 'tentative' itinerary:

Monday, March 5th - dinner at 7:15pm - Yachtsman Steakhouse - Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Tuesday, March 6th - lunch at 11:45am - Restaurant Marrakesh - Epcot
Tuesday, March 6th - dinner at 8:15pm - Bistro de Paris - Epcot

Wednesday, March 7th - dinner at 8:15pm - Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas - Downtown Disney - West Side

Thursday, March 8th - dinner at 7:30pm - California Grill - Disney's Contemporary Resort

Friday, March 9th - breakfast at 9:35am - Cape May Cafe - Disney's Beach Club Resort

Guess I better read up on calorie burner 643 side effects since I think I'll need something to take in order to keep from coming home 10 pounds heavier! LOL

The last 6 months have been extremely stressful. This trip is something we both really need. I know I will miss my little Witchlets terribly though :(

We return Friday, March 9th around 9:30pm so I will 'see' you all upon our return. Blessed Be well everyone )O(

I Was Approached to Be in a Documentary About Modern Witches

2012-03-01T14:01:00.000-05:00

Last evening I received an email asking me if I would like to be a part of a doumentary about modern witches. The email:

My name is Erica and I work for a Casting Company in NYC. We are doing a TV show about contemporary witches and i came across your blog and wanted to find out if you were interested in being apart of our show! It would be like a documentary series in the life of a modern witch. If you think you would be interested please send me a picture of yourself, some contact info, and a little excerpt about yourself.

So of course I asked which casting company and what is the name of the show?

My company is Magilla entertainment. This show does not yet have a tentative name but it's basically about modern witches living in today's society and it is an up and coming project with Discovery LLC. We are not sure exactly when this show will start filming yet, probably after the summer but the date is not tentative. Also would you be able to make a little video of you and your family just so I can get to know you guys a bit better. Let me know if you are still interested!

Hmmmm, after doing some research and finding out that this is indeed NOT a scam, I began to ponder the bigger questions, such as, "do I really WANT to be on TV? Do I really WANT to involve my family in this? (especially the kids)" I got a short questionnaire to fill out AND they want a video of me and my family.

On one hand, it would be an excellent opportunity to shed some light on the subject. On the other hand, what could the possible repercussions be???

Bible Class in Public High Schools?

2012-02-23T12:12:00.000-05:00

The Arizona Legislature has never been shy about weighing in on hot-button issues. (Exhibit A: SB 1070, the state's illegal immigration law.) The latest such move: a vote to allow public and charter schools to teach students about the Bible.

The Arizona House this week voted to allow high schools to offer a class called “The Bible and Its Influence on Western Culture,” which would focus on how the Old and New Testaments have influenced everything from law to literature. According to the Arizona Republic, five states already provide similar classes: Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Oklahoma.

The Arizona bill's opponents don’t dispute that the Bible is a ripe topic for academic study. But some lawmakers predict a constitutional challenge, particularly because the course would not cover other religious texts. In fact, the Arizona House voted down an amendment that would have allowed schools to explore the Book of Mormon’s role in Western culture.

Opponents also raised questions about how teachers would present Biblical stories. As parables? Myths? Literal truth?

“These types of classes sound good in theory, but in practicality they can be very difficult to pull off,” Rob Boston, an analyst for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, told the Republic.

The state Senate, which Republicans also dominate, will now take up the measure.

This is only the latest debate to roil Arizona classrooms. The Tucson Unified School District sparred in recent months with state officials over the district’s Mexican American studies program.

READ FULL STORY

My Handsome Thunder

2012-02-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

I love the kittens we got from my good friend, Jenn. They are 8 months old already but will always be "kittens" to me. Here is Thunder, he is such a handsome boy, don't you think?

I wish we had an enclosed porch, complete with patio furniture, not just for us but for the kitties to lounge around on. One day we will have enough money to do all the things I want to do to this house. One day...

No Toys at All This Year

2012-02-20T09:59:00.000-05:00

The boys have destroyed just about every toy they have ever gotten for Yule already! CJ and I are so upset by this so we said no more toys this year - for birthdays at least, as well as no toys as random gifts throughout the year. We told them we would either make their gifts (favorite food, etc) or they will get clothes!

Now they want to do the same thing for everyone in the family, LOL. Every year for birthdays my uncle gets cigars, usually the Swisher Sweets brand, my mom gets flowers, my aunt gets clothes of some sort, my mom's boyfriend gets a gift card to Best Buy and my grandma gets candy - this is 'usually' sometimes it varies but not often.

Now we need to think outside the box and make birthday gifts for people. The first one on the list is my mom's boyfriend, Frank - his birthday is in April. This is going to be tough!

Visiting With My Dad

2012-02-19T19:08:00.000-05:00

My dad is doing much better since his heart attack in December 2011. Today, me, the Witchlets, and CJ went over to his place to visit and then out we all went out to dinner. Here is a picture of me with the Witchlets.

We had a great dinner. The discussion went from work to guns to contemplating leather wallets vs money clips, lol...I just love the things kids come up with.