Thursday, January 24, 2013

Thankful Thursday (1/24/13)

This week I am thankful for...


  1. The rain - I love rainy weather and the cozy environment it makes (though not so much the inability of others to drive in it).
  2. Lazy nights on the couch with hubby and kitty.
  3. The ability to buy fresh and organic foods that hold so much more life energy within them.
  4. The time off I've had from school (time to start thinking about going back in a week)
  5. The fact that I get to go to Pantheacon this year with 3 wonderful ladies *squee*

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Shadow Journey

Felt the muses descend today so Witchy Wednesday is my poetry.


Shadow Journey


Welcome to the deep within
The place where your true journey begins.
Fear not the shadows that loom large
They are not the ones in charge.
You have had the courage to go this far
Open to your inner shining star.
Beat the drums and blow the horns
It’s time to embrace you in all your forms.
The past has taught you to be strong
Hold not onto it too long.
But step forth into the strength and power
That is yours like the blooming flower.
Embrace the shadow and make it yours
Feel it sink into your very pores.
For you are a being of true power
Now is the time, now is the hour.

All original content copyright Julie Grucza, 2012-2013

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Celebrations

Celebrations!


What do you celebrate?  The things we celebrate and the important events we mark as part of our practice is a key ingredient and should reflect our belief system.  Many of us (myself included) follow certain celebratory patterns that we don't always have a full connection with.  As part of my journey this year I've been thinking a lot about what celebrations I want to include as part of my practice.


Source: http://www.themodernpagan.net/?p=128

Seasonal Celebrations:
These beliefs I guess have changed as my life has changed, either because I have become more in-tune with the cycles or because I live somewhere that you can somewhat tell the difference in the seasons.  I think that plays a big part, whether you actually notice the changes.  For the first time since I've started I am finally getting in-tune with the idea of Imbolc, I can see the winter giving way to longer daylight and greater warmth.  But for most of my practicing years I've struggled with this one - partly I believe because I've lived in areas where you really don't notice much of a difference in the season until spring really kicks in.  I've struggled with Lughnassadh for similar reasons, failing to really feel the difference in the season and I find it difficult to celebrate something that I just can't connect with.  So I'm working through whether I keep with this 8 season system or if I work out something of my own, something that holds value to me and that resonates with my life.



Source: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/moon%20phases

Cyclical celebrations:
I have decided to work with both the full and the dark moon for the year.  I feel that both events are of equal importance and while I may not always do something elaborate (ok, who am I kidding I'll rarely do something elaborate, I'm a simple girl at heart) I will do something to mark the occasion.   I know some people do not like working with the dark moon and the full moon definitely seems to get more play in most peoples practices but I think there is value to be had in doing work appropriate to both ends of the spectrum.
I would like to begin to incorporate something to honor the sun on a regularish basis but I haven't quite worked out what I would like to do for that.

Source: http://bookofserenity.webs.com/handfasting.htm

Life celebrations:
I haven't really thought to much about this in my practice thus far.  I guess I've been relatively free from the need.  I have not had any deaths in the family, births, coming of ages etc that I would feel a need to do something for.  I don't plan on having children so any celebrations related to that is likely never to occur.  I am not even someone who makes a big deal of birthdays or anniversaries so I've got quite a void going here.  Celebrating monuments in life is very important so I feel this is something that I have to work on a little.

Source: http://www.pagunview.com/2012/12/05/in-search-of-the-true-spirit-of-christmas/

Holy Days:
Some people do celebrate different pagan Holy Days.  These are related to their deities, their path or are just historical Holy Days that drew them.  At this point I don't celebrate any of these.  I don't feel that there are any particular days that I am drawn to, but I can see the significance of participating in them.