"True" Spells

I recently encountered someone high and mighty who thinks that casting spells for "mundane" purposes is not casting a "true" spell.

What IS a "true" spell. Truth is subjective in my humble opinion. A true spell is one that is cast with the intent on creating an outcome. It doesn't matter what that outcome is. If you put the intent into it, then it's filled with your truth (granted you put the dedication into it as much as the intent).

A true spell also works WITH you, not against you (unless you're inexperienced). If you cast for something realistic then absolutely, granted you know what you are doing, you'll get what you want...but again it should be realistic. Casting for millions upon millions of dollars is less likely to be achieved as opposed to casting for a couple of hundred dollars to pay your hydro bill.

Why is it so offensive for someone to cast a money spell? When someone discusses a spell they've cast and listed that they've cast a money spell...like an iceberg, we're only getting maybe a quarter of the story. There's MUCH more beneath the surface that we don't know about. So how can someone judge the legitimacy of the spell being cast with so little information?

That's where high-and-mighty-ism comes into play.

The high and mighty will tell you the only right way is their way, and all else is wrong. I think the alternative label for such a person is...dun..dun...dunnnnnnnn

FLUFFY BUNNY!!!

I think the attitude of I know more than you do, regardless of if I'm wrong in the end has no place in Witchcraft. But...like I always say...there are fundies in every religion and spirituality.

Is it Necessary??

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/524669425309576288/

I seen this on Pinterest, but I've also seen this on other places like forums and even FB. Is it really necessary to point this out?

Let's use Christmas as an example. Christmas is Christian because Christians celebrate it. Pagans don't celebrate it as a religious holiday...if anything it's pretty secular (to those who may celebrate Christmas). Christmas is Christian in the fact that its meant to memorialize the birth of their Christ. Regardless of when he was actually born, a day was chosen to emphasize that memorialization.

True, early Christians placed their holidays on or close to Pagan holidays to make conversion easier...but think about it. Hanukkah is eight days before Christmas...does this mean Christmas is Jewish? Or does this make Hanukkah, Christian?? Yule is on either the 21st or 22nd of December, whereas Christmas is on the 25th. There are LOTS of holidays in December...that doesn't mean all of them are Pagan...nor does it mean they're all Christian, Jewish, African, or whatever. 

I think meme's like these are nothing more than a poke at the bear...a picture form of a troll. A means of inciting anger for the sole purpose of doing so, just because you can. 

IMO, it's totally unnecessary. Who cares if Monday-Friday is named after Norse Gods? I don't! No one else does either. The only ones it really seems to have meaning for, is those who only want to use it as a means of inciting negative reactions. This doesn't make Christians look bad...it makes us PAGANS look bad. Rise above childish behavior and Paganism will grow and prosper without a double-take. 

Getting my Goat Again!!

Ugh. It seems it may be in my best interest to just stop responding to questions, threads and blogs in general. Apparently, it seems my only purpose in responding is to "incite argument" (which is news to me).

When I see a blog/thread/conversation that piques my interest, my natural response is to pop in and contribute my $0.05 (cuz pennies no longer exist here in Canada, so i have to add an extra three cents to my contribution). The problem it seems is people take what I have to say as somehow threatening, even when its really, just an honest question. I asked a blogger in what context her blog was supposed to be...and apparently she took it to mean i was starting an argument.

SERIOUSLY? In what universe is the question (word for word here): "is this meant to be philosophical or metaphorical in context" aggressive? I just wanted to know if she was being literal in her post, or...well, philosophical! Was it wrong of me to ask?

I mean, this isn't the first time I've been accused of being threatening or aggressive in a post response...even when it wasn't meant to be! (And if my post was meant to be aggressive, i wouldn't be subtle about it). I mean, ok, my response to the guy taking the ISIS thing a little too personal bordered on abrasive, but it was meant to. And when I'm in a bad mood, it tends to spill over into my responses. But it seems that accusations ONLY ever happens when I'm in a good mood, asking a genuine question of curiosity.

Is my way of responding, and inquiring REALLY that abrasive or aggressive??? If it is (and I'm not in a bad mood or trying to show how ridiculous you sound), i really do apologize. Thats not (always) my intent.

Tired Old Rhetoric

It seems we're coming full circle in regards to the legitimacy of who is Wiccan and who isnt, and who may speak about it and who cant. I've encountered a rise in "claims" lately (and many of these claimants seem to target me for some reason), after a rather lengthy quiet period in which we all could agree to disagree peacefully. Must be a full moon or something.

As far as Im concerned, solitaries have access to the same public materials coveners do, and as long as there is REPUTABLE material out there (and there IS reputable material intermingled with the Llewellyn stuff), a Wiccan, is a Wiccan, is a Wiccan. As far as I'm concerned, it's merely details that separate a traditionalist from a solitary; the same details that separate a Catholic from a Baptist, from a Protestant, and look at how they co-exist.

I'm so sick of seeing high-and-mighty attitudes out there making claims like "you don't get to make authoritative statements about Wicca unless you have authority to do so". So who has the authority to issue authority? And who gave that person the authority???

If one seriously wants to get into this nonsense, and they want REAL technicality, NO ONE who is not a member of the originating Gardnerian tradition has the authority to speak about Wicca. Branches don't count, because Buckland's tradition (of which was carried to America) branched from Gardner's and look how changed from the original format it became. Same with Alex Sander's. Unless originating traditionalists come out and start policing Wicca and make the determination as to who has authority...anyone may speak about Wicca in an OPINIONATED authority.

Anyone who has spent YEARS reading books, taking classes (taught by those who have read the same books we all have), having discussions with practitioners has the authority to discuss Wicca in an authoritative manner. In a sense, solitaries are the High Priest or Priestess of their OWN singular coven of one, and it took a LOT of time and FAR more work for a solitary to learn what they know, than it did for a covener, considering a solitary has to work alone, making use of the "trial-and-error" method to learn anything. While coveners are told what they need to learn in what period of time...solitaries have no one...and must figure everything out on their own.




Really, in the end...it's about the Gods. The petty nonsense of who has authority and who doesn't is moot to them. They don't care who is a High Priestess and who is a novice (unless they appeared to people and declared "You...Have the Authorit-ahhhhhhhhh"). The only ones who care are the ones with the titles; the ones who can hold this over other people's heads as a banner saying "I'm better than you are because I have this label". It all comes down to labels doesn't it. Isn't it labels that serve only to segregate us from each other...those who are not privileged to sit at the popular table?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**UPDATE**

This is the response I WAS going to post on a question in regards to why Traditionals don't consider Eclectics to be legit Wiccans, but I'm thinking, if I post it, I open myself to a lot of headache, despite posting a disclaimer. I'll link to the question, then post my added response (because I already answered the question)

Why do Some Traditional Wiccans don't classify eclectic Wiccans as true Wiccans?

          "ETA: (A Disclaimer: This is not meant to ruffle feathers or offend, and I apologize if it does. It's meant to provide an outsiders view, and I know that not everyone either thinks this way or is portrayed this way)

          I think the problem here isn't "Trads and Eclectics are different groups". They are. But the problem is one group coming off as if they're more privileged because they have access to something the other group doesn't. It comes off as a "superiority complex", and it DOES say to the other group "I'm better than you because I have knowledge you can't get", even if that group doesn't intend it that way.

          Making clearly, very BOLD statements such as "High Priestess here, Coven Leader and Wiccan for such-and such years" on EVERY post reeks of this complex. Ok. So you have "credentials" and belong to a tradition for the past 25 years. So??? Does this mean you should be taken more seriously than the Wiccan who spent 50 years studying, simply because they had to learn from the books they had access to, and conversations they had from other, equally seasoned practitioners??

          The two groups are different. Absolutely. And that's ok. The problem is one group looking down their nose at those who aren't as privileged to have covens close to them or granted the privilege of being accepted. That's like saying "you're not a true Christian because you're not a recognized member of the Church", even though they thoroughly read the bible every night, say prayers and have communion brought to their home from lectors.

          It's a tired, 70+ year OLD argument. Catholics will never see Protestants as true Christians (and vice versa); Trads will never see Eclectics (and Solitaries) as true Wiccan. Time to take a page, move on and agree to disagree. 


I encourage you, my readers, to go to the link, and read the responses, AND the comments (especially under "Kristen"). It's a good insight into both sides and get a first-hand look at the "conflict" in action.

Its Either Me or the Blood Moon...

...but everyone seems to be touchy or just plain stupid lately.

-One person believes all people who believes in the Egyptian Goddess Isis should be offended by the Islamic State using the letters I.S.I.S as an acronym (as opposed to being more offended by the actions of I.S.I.S). I tried explaining that they didn't come up with the acronym, but the news media did to make it easier to say, rather than "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (who, by the way also go by I.S.I.L or Islamic State of Iraq and Levant" (or something to that effect)). He INSISTS that this terror group CHOSE the name and are now soiling the name of the Goddess. First if all, I think Isis is a big girl and can decide for herself whether to be offended. If she was, i think she'd do something about it. Clearly she realizes that letters are letters and are prone to make up her name once in a while, while in NO way relating to her. I personally think its stupid to get ones panties wadded up over it. Do some background research on the topic first BEFORE becoming offended. This is a case of jumping the gun just because something carries the same name as something else.

-Someone else seems to not understand the simple question: "is it necessary to use Wiccan tools during a ritual". I...say no, for the simple fact that they're tools; they're just things. Representations of elements used in ritual with no inherent powers of their own. The human body is a representation of the elements rolled in one, therefore one can perform a Wiccan ritual with nothing at all.

Do they help one to focus on the task at hand? Absolutely. Are they totally necessary to the point one cannot perform a ritual if they are without an athame or wand? Absolutely not!

-People still seem to think the Landover Baptist website is a real thing. While there ARE some sick people in the world who believe gays should die and Wiccans are evil, the Landover Baptist site is so far gone it can't NOT be taken as a parody.

-Young people taking assistance or correction as rudeness or "trolling". If you cant tell the difference between a person correcting your misinformation, from someone trying to piss you off, then how are you EVER going to move forward??




As you can see, I'm in the most wonderful mood, my patience is hair thin.

You Know What Gets My Goat???

...being accused of "following suit". Excuse me, but I've spent the past 14+ years studying, reading, talking with other Pagans in an attempt to learn more about Pagan beliefs (mostly Wiccan, but you get my drift). What's a person's problem when I call them out on something and they turn around and make a claim that "I follow so-and-so's lead" when it comes to answering questions.

I'm sorry...I didn't know that, because what I've learned in the past 14+ years is similar to the knowledge of other people, that means I'm only going off those people and NOT the knowledge I've gained through my studies and books.

I guess the dozens and dozens of books I have lining my shelves, the websites I've parused in interest and notes I've taken over the years are just for show. You know, because I only go off one person's ideas of what Pagan beliefs are, and how to properly go about practice. It's not like I've actually taken the time to READ the books I have, and have simply photocopied the notes I have from someone else. 

I've only encountered so-and-so in the last few years...before that I never knew them, yet was still rhyming off the same information to other seekers. Apparently I've been precognitvely gaining knowledge just so that I can "follow suit" once I finally met so-and-so (I say "so-and-so" just to avoid using names).

Sorry, but it pisses me off when I make a true statement...that someone else believes their way is the only right way and no one else's way could possibly be valid, only to have that person make things personal and claim that I'm only a follower. I've encountered THREE individuals with this kind of attitude, fortunately only ONE has retaliated in such a childish manner. It just goes to show that no matter what I do, no good deed goes unpunished. I defend someone, and I get shit on. Story of my life. 

Sorry, but I just had to get this off my chest. I have the capacity to research, and I DO. My knowledge may reflect others, but that's what happens when you have similar beliefs. Sorry to agree with someone of which another disagrees with. That's not my problem. My problem is, when someone says that another can't believe differently. I also have a problem with people who can't accept facts. 

Make up lies all you want, but in the end I'm not the one who looks like an ass!

End rant.

Ugh...Frustrated!!!

It's eating away at me bit by bit. I have maybe 6 or 7 small notebooks sitting around my house with maybe 10 or 11 pages written on them (same thing over and over), and it's just NOT what I want!! This process is NOT working out!! GAAAHHHH!

My journey for the perfect BoS is getting more and more frustrating by the day. I think I really LOATHE hard bound books. I want my book to be set up in a certain, specific way (I already have the contents page completed and saved in a file on my portable hard drive). I just can't do that with a hard bound book, because I constantly think in the back of my mind that "what if I want to add to this section later?? I won't be able to if I don't leave some pages." and that means leaving a bunch of blank pages, and I hate the way it looks. It's right frustrating to constantly feel this way. I want something I can rearrange, but I can't seem to make the book itself come together! I also want it small so it's portable, because, now that the redesign of one of the parks I used to frequent is completed, I can go back there (albeit with a little less privacy than before considering they tore down a shit-load of bushes and trees, which made it utterly beautiful) and maybe do some workings on nice days (obviously when summer rolls around, considering the park is NOW under maybe a foot or two of snow).

I'm right unsure about what I want to do. I was seriously considering buying a binder-type organizer from Walmart because I can use a hole punch to punch out holes in some blank paper and stick it in there, but now I really don't know. Can I justify spending $29 for it?

Just while writing this another thought popped into my head...maybe using the screw posts I have to make a book using the roll of vinyl I stopped using, and some 9 x 12 artist canvas I can get from the dollar store. I have a TON of small post extenders and an extra 8.5 x 11 scrapbook with some pin heads in it that's being unused, but I found that the more extenders I used, the more flimsy the book got.

Ugh, this is SO frustrating!! I also JUST got my printer to start working again, so I might be able to print off some pictures to use, but the quality sucks really bad for some reason if I don't use photo paper (and I find photo paper to be too thick).

I'm seriously about ready to pull all my hair out of my head. This is getting ridiculous!

OT: Physiotherapy

Ok...off topic post, and more of a rant than anything else really.

Seeing as I've now found a doctor (whom I really hope is permanent for a great number of years), I've taken it upon myself to have my health taken care of properly. I've been suffering for a long time with lower back pain...something I've attributed to Sciatica, though never had it confirmed. My doctor (a lovely woman) suggested I try physiotherapy. Seeing as I've never tried physiotherapy, I thought, what could it hurt? Perhaps this might relieve my pain...it's either this or seeing a Chiropractor.

Well, the jokes on me I suppose. I thought that I would be getting some good care with physiotherapy, regularly seeing a physiotherapist (twice a week for two weeks then once a week for eight)...you know, I go in, he does his thing, I do my exercises, I feel better. Wrong!

I'm still feeling pain, I've seen the therapist ONCE in the three appointments I've had, and the longest a therapy session lasted is maybe 15-20 minutes...doing work BY MYSELF!

I'm disappointed in my care. I know that in the future should I need physiotherapy, I won't be going back to this physiotherapy center. It almost seems like they're focusing on the wrong parts of my back that I'm having issues with.

At this same place, I also have massage therapy. Nice. I like massages, but she seems to specialize in deep tissue massage and that's something I'm not used to. After my first appointment I felt like the lower left side of my back was completely bruised. I expected to hurt a bit afterwards, as she said it might, but not that bad. PLUS...my pain is not on the left side, it's on the right!

I'm just very disappointed in how my pain is being managed. I was doing better taking advil on a daily basis. Maybe I'll have a talk with my doctor when I see her next week. Perhaps she can suggest something else, because to me, this isn't working. I'm not expecting any miracles, but seriously...nothing's being done. Sure the people who work at this place are nice and all, but nice doesn't make me better.
---------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE
I had another appointment at physio and I have to say I'm a bit happier. The actual physiotherapist finally showed up, and we went over a few new exercises. Things were still quite painful for me. He tried doing an adjustment on my hip, felt like my hip bone was being driven into the table. Other than a bit of pain, I feel better having actually done something at physio. My next appointment at the office will be another massage. Hopefully I can go home and not feel like my lower back has been bruised again afterwards.

One Sided Forum Threads

Ok, this might be short.

Has anyone ever encountered a forum in which there were threads started by one person, and continued on by that ONE person? I find it EXTREMELY irritating to go into a forum thread to see what the discussion is, only to 1) see that it's a video and 2) it has 14 "responses"...BY THE SAME PERSON...that are ALSO videos. It's gotten to the point that I just bypass any threads that are started by certain people (and I've seen this with more than just one person).

If someone wants to post 100 videos or respond to their own "thread", why not just make a blog post about it? I'm not interested in watching an hour and a half of YouTube videos on Rob Zombie or whatever, combing through those 14 responses just to respond to that one thread. I'm also not interested in reading giant wall-o-text's in vernacular (language, lol) that I don't use on a regular basis, then fill up the thread with 14+ responses that include MORE giant wall-o-text.

Really, is the forum really that dull that you can only carry on a conversation with yourself? Do you really think you're that interesting that there's no room for anyone else to input opinions? If you're going to start a thread, how about starting one in which you want opinions and input from OTHER forum members, not just yourself.

UGH...this drives me NUTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (pulls hair out of head and starts aggravatingly screaming)

Shooting Yourself in the Foot

I just watched a video, where the vid creator comments that, because she allowed a Christian to comment on all of her videos, she was shocked to see the many negative responses to this person made by her Pagan viewers. I don't understand how someone can be so shocked to see this kind of response.

Judging by the comments made by this Christian commentor, I see it as proselytizing. If this person wants to discuss Christianity, and the need "we all have" to be "saved" by Jesus, why does this person not create their own videos...or even a blog?

Personally I think the video creator invited the negative feedback in herself by allowing the proselytizer to comment with their Christian bias. She figured because the person was non-aggressive, that it would be ok to let the person post on ALL her Pagan videos, and that person would be welcomed by her Pagan viewers. I'm shocked that she was shocked by the negative responses. I mean, how can a Pagan welcome someone telling them that they all need Jesus to be saved because we are soulless sinners, bound for eternal hell without the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. What about our lack of belief in a place of eternal torture and damnation simply because the idea of an "All Loving God" sending us to a place of eternal torture and pain makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever. I as a parent would NEVER eternally torture my child for disobeying me once. Yes, I'll punish my child for their disobedience, but never with the amount of pain intended by the Christian God. I take toys away, tv, video games, etc. I don't throw my child into a pit of flames. How is that loving???

I'm sorry to go off topic here, but in all honesty, if I want to become Christian, I'll look up the information myself. I don't need a Christian proselytizer to come in and comment on every blog post I have, just because I think they're nice. I have no problems carrying on a Christian conversation. I've done it numerous times with my father- and sister-in-law, but I don't need someone continuously telling me OR my blog readers (I'd say video followers if I made regular videos), that they need Jesus Christ. I have respect for my Pagan readers. I'd allow Christian comments if they were respectful and no attempts to convert me or my readers made. Yes, I may moderate the comments made on my blog, but I allow respectful comments to be posted and read by all. I don't screen based on the religious background of the poster, I screen based on the content and attitude of the post being made. 9 times out of 10, I have absolutely NO idea the religious background of the people whose comments I've allowed to be posted on my blog over the last 4 years. If the comment had Christian content, I'd allow it, so long as it didn't condemn my followers or others on similar paths as myself.

The point is, don't be surprised at the response one gets, if you invite a proselytizer comment on your stuff, be it videos, blog posts or even pictures. Most of the time, Pagans have had people in their face all the time making the very same statements as those who comment with proselytization.

"I've Been Selected to Lead a Sabbat Ritual on (This) Night. What Should I Do?!?!??"

Really??? Really?

I can't believe I see these questions on a regular basis. A person is chosen by their group/coven/whatever to lead a very important Sabbat or whatever kind of ritual and they go and ask "What do I do??"

Sigh. The point was that this person was chosen to lead an important ritual because the group decided it was time, and/or that they felt this person was ready to take the responsibility to lead. This person showed an initiative that impressed the leaders of the group to the point that they felt this person was ready to lead. So what the hell are they doing on a forum asking what do they do??

Personally, if I were a part of a group or coven, and was chosen to lead...at the very moment the words left the lips of my leader/high priest/ess, whatever I would have hit the books, the internet, forums, my group members, etc, researching on how to do proper rituals. I wouldn't go to a forum though asking "What do I do? What do I DO???" Going into a forum, I would already have a foundation set on how I would go about performing the ritual (this foundation created by the research I would have done using the books, 'net, forum topics, etc). Then I would ask for opinions on this foundation and ask if it's good enough to perform for an entire group; get feedback from other members and make adjustments where necessary (if at all).

I think it shows a lack of real experience, and real readiness if someone has to go into a forum or even a Q & A to ask "What do I do?". As someone who is in a coven setting or other type of group, you should know, even a bare basic idea of how a ritual should go. Even if you have to "borrow" a ritual from a book or the internet, at least you're not going in blind. You are going into this important task appointed to you somewhat ready.

It's almost like nails on a blackboard every time I see this. Please...if you are asked to lead something in a group, PLEASE do your research the moment you are notified. Do your OWN research and don't bother people in forums and Q & A's, asking them to do your work for you. It's your ritual, YOU need to do the necessary work.





Ma’iingan

"Fox and Friends" and Pagans

I think there are a number of people out there who seem to have missed the point of why Wiccans and Pagans are upset at the views expressed on the "Fox and Friends" morning show. In a lot of forums I see a number of Pagans (mostly non-Wiccan) who seem to see this as nothing more than general ignorance from a Christian based, biased news service, and this should be expected so we should just let it go.

Let it GO!?!!? If you were to be in amongst a group who were talking about Paganism and Wicca, and started saying "All the Wiccans I ever met were nothing more than Dungeons and Dragon's players" and "smelled of incense", would you not be offended? Would you not state abruptly "Excuse me? I find that offensive, and I ask that you apologize"? Absolutely! You wouldn't just stand there and say, well you're ignorant on the subject, and biased because of your upbringing so I'll just let what you said slide because you  just don't know any better. That's more or less what I'm getting from those in the recent forums have been saying in regards to "Fox" news. We need to have the thicker skin and just let offensive material slide. NO WAY!!! I reiterate that if it were any other religion out there, say Christianity or Islam, there would be SCORES of people out there in EVERY avenue of communication DEMANDING an apology, BUT...because we're Wiccans and Pagans we're supposed to just ignore it because Fox News is irreputable. Bullshit, I say.

I'm not one to keep my mouth shut (well, most of the time). I stated in my previous post on this subject, that I made my own response to ignorant information...in fact, I think it has it's own post, however, rather than have everyone have to sift through all my posts, I will post the link to it:
http://theunbeathenpathsbookofshadows.blogspot.ca/2010/12/how-to-spot-witch-srsly.html
It's almost the same kind of ignorant view expressed by "Fox and Friends".

The sad thing that people seem to be ignoring here, is the fact that there ARE people out there who DO take FOX news seriously, and think they give realistic information, and for a journalist to input their own PERSONAL opinion into their story, change that story into something it shouldn't be. If a journalist were to make an opinionated statement while on the front lines of Afghanistan or other hot spot about how they dislike the war and and don't support it, or how an abortion clinic is bombed, and they personally think it was "good" that it got bombed, they would be fired or made to make a retracting statement. Journalists should remain UNBIASED! Sure they internally can have whatever opinion they want, but keep it private and share it perhaps with their friends and/or family, but it should NOT be broadcast over live air. They're influencing the opinion of their viewers. If they as journalists see Wiccans and Pagans as these reporters stated, then they're influencing their viewers to think the same way, whether or not they already had the idea in their head.





Ma’iingan

Livid!!! @FoxNews

Ok, I don't normally take Fox News seriously...they're so biased and uninformed it's not even funny...but this takes a personal twist!

I think these need to reach as many people as possible because someone has to fix the ignorant, despicable UNBELIEVABLE ideas people like these have. Sorry that the entire world doesn't fit into your little world of conformity, and that we "Pagans" and "Wiccans" are just ridiculous...what did he say?? "dungeons and dragons" players or "middle aged, twice divorced midwives" who smell of incense. I already made a reply note to one ignorant YouTube poster on Wiccans in the past...you can probably still find it on YouTube if you look, but really, you need to see the original HIGHLY OFFENSIVE clip from "Fox and Friends" morning show as well as the video reply from TipToeChick on YouTube.

This BULLSHIT HAS to stop!!!

Original Video

TipToeChick Response

While there were a couple minor things that irritated me about TTC's response (the mispronunciation of Samhain (it's "Sow-In" sweetie, not "Sam Hain"), that doesn't negate the Dire importance of this response to such an ignorant organization. Fox News needs to be put into it's place.

JUST BECAUSE YOU DELETE THE VIDEO FROM YOUR SITE DOESN'T MEAN IT GOES AWAY!! FACE YOUR PROBLEMS AND ISSUE THE APOLOGY!!!

Or are you just too stubborn to be humbled?





Ma’iingan

You Must Be ________ To Be ________

The same old argument. You must be this in order to be that; you must have done this in order to call yourself that. It's really tiresome, and kind of stupid if you ask me. For an umbrella term encompassing many systems who pride themselves on tolerance and not being "Abrahamic-like"...many sound exactly like them.

When I was younger, going to Catholic school, I questioned my mother..."if God is everywhere, why do we need to go to church?" My mother, being Native and holding her beliefs sacred, said to me "you don't. "Jemnaado" (sp?) is everywhere...simply go outside and there he is".

The same concept goes with Pagan religions, especially Wiccans (most directly Traditionalists). If the Gods are everywhere and call on people, why do they need certain ceremonious acts to be worshiped? I firmly believe it wasn't the Gods who determined that only certain people can worship certain Gods, or that only certain people are privileged enough to be a part of certain traditions, but PEOPLE made this up...to exclude those whom they didn't want to participate (kind of schoolyard-ish if you ask me...sort of like the "No-Homer's-Club").

The Gods choose people to honor them. They make the decision. So if someone feel the call of Hecate, but doesn't live in Greece, does this mean that they are not allowed to honor her, even though she called to them? That's the impression I get from traditionalists who seem to be able to determine who can and cannot be a "Wiccan".

Sure, I can understand how some traditionalists feel, considering their tradition has been done in a certain way for decades...but some of their acts have been leaked out...perhaps for the very reason that the Gods don't want secrets anymore, that they want those whom they call to be a part of something without the need of a group setting.

Did anyone ever stop to think that perhaps they want to commune with people one-on-one?

And what is this nonsense of "if you were truly dedicated, distance would make a difference...you would find a coven anyways"? Are these people who say this, saying that those who want to be a part of certain traditions and religions must forego their daily, mundane needs, ignore their bills and food just to pay for gas to be a part of a coven an hour away??? That's probably the sickest thing I've ever heard. More-so than "Only a Wiccan can make a Wiccan" (Or insert Witch if you like).

Traditionalists (Wicca) are probably one of the main reasons I don't want to be Wiccan. They make it distasteful and reek of Christian attitudes. Instead of claiming someone is going to hell, they're claiming someone isn't a true Wiccan because they're solitary. What is true, and who determines it? Traditionalists? I'm almost 100% sure their "tradition" has evolved since Gardner's time and isn't what he started anyways...but they can remain ignorant if they want. They can't tell me a High Priestess or High Priest years ago didn't get a power trip and make changes without other coveners' knowledge or input. Traditions change...I mean look at Christianity...it's FAR different from what it was in the beginning. Sure many might like to think it hasn't changed in over 2000 years, but that's utter bull. Wicca's no different. It's the people with their heads in their butts and fingers in their ears that make Wicca a turnoff for many. Especially this little Witchy-pooh. Sure I may borrow elements from Wicca as I learned it, but you won't see me labeling myself Wiccan, especially if there will always be those with the holier- and mightier-than-thou attitude.





Ma’iingan

Spells: A Right?

An individual watched a YouTube video in which a "Pagan" or whatever proceeded to rant about people using money spells, and determined those who are poor deserve to be so as per "Karma".

While this got my blood boiling considering my husband and I have numerous debts in which we never intended on having (no thanks to greedy lawyers), I don't see how this is karmic retribution and have a strong feeling this person has no idea what "Karma" is outside of the Wiccan bastardization of the word (meaning that it's a rubber vs. glue situation, and only about punishment).

But I digress. The point of this post is...is it our RIGHT to cast spells and do we have the RIGHT to cast what we want?

Personally I believe it is my RIGHT to cast what I want, when I want so long as I take the personal responsibility for what I do (meaning I accept the consequences of what I do).

I don't need someone telling me what I can and cannot do with my craft. I have the free will to determine what I feel is necessary to do with my craft, however unethical it may be to another. My craft holds no bearing on another, and if I deem something to be negative or against my own PERSONAL ethics, I won't do it. But because another feels the need to determine that I am in the wrong for practicing money spells (to boost my need for funds, certainly not out of greed) or that I have no "right" to do them, who is she to determine this, or what my rights are as a Witch?

I don't tell people what to do. I may speak generally when I say many people feel certain acts are unethical, but I would NEVER say to someone that they have no right to cast certain spells. I personally see love spells geared towards certain people as unethical, but people can cast them all they like; I also see spells for petty revenge unethical as well, but people are free to cast them all they like as well. They may be against my own PERSONAL ethic, but it's not me doing the casting, and it's not me who must face the consequences, so to each his own...let them cast what they will. It's not my place to police spell casters...in fact it's NO one's place. There's no such thing as a spells police, so why act as if there is?

I believe it's a person's right to cast what they wish and let their own personal ethics and feelings determine what they feel is right and wrong regarding what they do, and leave other people out of it. It reeks of fluffy when someone has to determine for others what they can and cannot do.





Ma’iingan

Blood Lines, Take 2

Yes, I've written about these before. It's incredibly infuriating to discuss with someone so stubborn that one can be a witch with no blood lines involved. It's also infuriating that these people must make a bold note that they're a "blood Witch" coming from a long line of Witches.

I just get so frustrated with these kinds of people. Yes, I know, I could just ignore them and move on, but it's not that simple. To have someone perpetuate the belief that Witches have blood lines makes all other people think that all Witches must have blood lines in order to be a Witch, and this just isn't true!!!

It makes me want to rip my hair out of my head and jump up and down screaming when I encounter people, who so calmly make claims like this. This affects me and others who understand the reality that Witches are not blood-born. They think that because they believe they have this "blood", it means they don't  have to do any work towards their craft. They don't have to do any study, they can just "wave their magic wands" and make everything happen for them.

One person made a claim like this, then had the gall to come into a Q & A and ask how to create a ritual. REALLY???? Really? You're a so-called "blood born Witch" who has ancestors who were Witches, but you can't create your own ritual?? That speaks volumes to someone who has been doing this for a great number of years, and has never had to make a claim like I'm a blood-born Witch, to be taken seriously.

IN-CREDIBLY IN-FURIATING!!

Why do people feel the need that this phrase is mandatory/required in order to be taken seriously? I've been taken seriously as a Witch for over 10 years, helped run forums and have successfully run this blog and not once, did I ever have to make a claim that I had Witch blood.

I've successfully helped numerous upon numerous people actually understand Wicca, and Witchcraft, and have been profusely thanked. I follow people who have been practicing both Wicca AND Witchcraft for decades and have also learned from their words and experiences. It's not the blood line that makes the person the Witch, but the time and dedication they have to their craft, and to helping others.

It shows great immaturity, self-importance, and ignorance to push that one has "Witch blood", and when you push this "statement"...you lose great credibility, especially from those who have been practicing...far longer than even I.

If you're a Witch, wonderful. If you have family memebers who are also Witches, then that's great. But don't, please, for the love of God, Goddess, FSM whatever...don't claim you're a Witch by blood...it SCREAMS fluffy!





Ma’iingan

Pagan Bullies: Forshame!!

Ok, I'm royally pissed right now, so if you are so easily offended, please do not read this. I have no time to waste to hear people whine about what I have to say!!

I'm utterly shocked at how many PAGAN people are deleting their channels and videos on YouTube because of the so many **trolls** out there who just CAN"T seem to keep their mouths shut. It makes me utterly sick to my stomach that people who think they DESERVE to have everything handed to them on a silver platter need to make this "OPINION" known, especially on the channels of hardworking video makers who have been around for almost a decade!!.

They think these people, who take so much time, effort and planning to make videos; who take the time to edit and post their videos, OWE them something. It's actually quite the contrary. I know how hard it is to make a video, edit it to the specifications that THEY want, and post a video. It can take DAYS to edit a video, it's not simply just recording a video, and posting it on YouTube all pretty with pretty fonts, pretty pictures and pretty music. It can take DAYS to get everything right, to carefully place images and words in the right place, to pick the right music that goes with the theme.

But this is not the reason for this rant, it's the so many people out there (whom I can call every expletive out there), who think these people OWE them something. This is the SECOND time I've heard this very phrase/word used by a channel owner.

I just watched my SECOND "Goodbye" video on YouTube by a very popular video-maker on Pagan topics. How does ANYONE who claims to be a Pagan sleep at night, when all they do is go on YouTube videos, harass, demean, and be just plain RUDE to those who take all this time to make a video for you. They don't HAVE to make these videos, they make them because THEY want to. They owe the watchers NOTHING!!!

These video makers want to be helpful in the Pagan community, but I see the Pagan community show much of it's true colors when so-called "Pagans" come on and say to someone who offers classes at a price, claim they're a "liar", "theif" or other derogatory phrasing. Pagans have to make money too.

I'm not one really for advocating things like spell work that MUST be paid for, however teaching classes is something different. When people charge for spells, generally it's people who are in the same category as "gypsies" or "psychics", who are into it for the money. i'm not one who is in my craft for money so I don't see the need to charge for any service. If someone wants to donate money to me for my work, so be it, I may or may not decline it.

But for teachers, this is something much more different. They have NUMEROUS clients and students participating in their class, (whereas a spell caster would have maybe one or two clients). Books, materials, time all cost something.

This last video I watched, this woman noted comments she received in which said "everything you can learn comes free" (or words to that effect). "You can get "pirated" books online for free". yeah, and the poor person who wrote that book is out money for the time they took to write that book, hence making those books cost more to the consumer. "Nature can teach us everything we need to know for free". Yeah, nature can teach SOME of us what we need to know if we just sit and really listen, but the people who make these idiotic comments are the types who want everything handed to them on that pretty silver platter with no work involved, so it's pretty hypocritical for them to say this. Nature can only teach us so much...there are those out there who know how to make use of the knowledge obtained by nature, and sometimes because they gain a great number of students, it's not free. Again, time, materials, location, transportation COSTS MONEY!!! You expect these teachers and those who run businesses to cater to you because you're too cheap to shell out a few bucks?

I dont' have any money, but you don't see me bitching and whining to a teacher claiming they should teach me for free because I don't have money. I have more respect than that. I wait until I DO have money, then I take the class. I have never, EVER, once said that a teacher, video maker, forum, whathaveyou ever owed me for their service. Simply because they have a video on YouTube does NOT mean they owe me something for watching. They place their videos on YouTube because THEY want to, not because they feel that they owe their watchers to continue making videos. If that's your assumption towards makers of YouTube videos, then you're pretty shallow, and that makes me sick.

I agree with CharmingPixieFlora...people need to GROW UP!!! You bring down the ENTIRE Pagan community when you show this type of arrogant, bigoted BS, and it makes me ashamed to be a part of that Pagan community with people like these!

Victims of Pagan "BULLIES" (for every one of these, there are probably dozens more)
CharmingPixieFlora - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlnCymr367Y&feature=g-all-u
TheShoeWhisperer - http://www.youtube.com/user/TheShoeWhisperer/videos?view=0
TipToeChick - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bSKnjDflYM





Ma’iingan

When you Assume...it makes an Ass out of U and Me

I just read a blog post that makes quite the assumption. Sure, this assumption may possibly be true, but there is absolutely, positively NO evidence whatsoever other than this writer's biased opinion.

This person talks about a Pagan tattoo parlor and store. It has been relocated from the outskirts of town, right to downtown. Now, he says this place is being "run out of town" simply because it's Pagan.

Really???? really??? Does this guy REALLY think it's right-wing Christians pushing their weight around? Or is it really because of the distasteful nature that many people fear about tattoo parlors to begin with.

I believe this has absolutely NOTHING to do with the fact that this place has Pagan undertones (or even overtones) but the fact that this place can attract unwanted attention from those people fear...bikers, drug addicts, alcoholics, etc.

Why do I say this, and discredit this blogger? Because I've seen this very same thing happen in here in Canada (and we don't have as large a right-wing Christian bigot-ness happen here).

Someone wanting to open a business in a small area that no one wanted around, so they petitioned, and bitched, and moaned to get this business out of the area. It had nothing to do with any sort of religious undertones, or the like, but it was because of the negative attention it would attract, and everyone feared for their safety. THAT is the only reason these people want this tattoo parlor out of the area...they think they need to fear for their safety (which is most likely not threatened to begin with; only by whatever fear and preconceived notions they have about tattoos and those who get them (they're all probably closet tattoo-lovers anyways))

This blogger is incredibly naive to think it's all about Christians and their need to run everything. THIS is why pagans get such a bad reputation. People crying persecution wherever and whenever they can, blaming the "mean old Christians" for stealing their candy or whatever.

Really, grow the hell up sometimes people. Christians aren't all out to get us, stop perpetuating THIS stereotype! There are enough stereotypes out there, it's time to kill some of them.

Ma’iingan

eBay banning "Magical Items"

Cool down, before people get their panties in a bunch...they're banning the sale of such things as "love spells" and the like. I for one applaud eBay for this move. I mean, why allow something to be sold that cannot possibly be guaranteed??

Think about it. You go onto eBay and find someone selling prayers for financial aid for $100. Would you pay for it? How are you 100% sure that your prayer will be answered, much less answered with a definite yes? You've just wasted $100...$100 that you could have used to pay bills or buy food, seeing as you have financial problems anyways.

It's a waste of money. Someone complained to me once saying something like "not all spell sellers are scammers". No, I've never said "ALL" but I did say a good majority are, because it's an easy buck. People are naive enough to shell out that $100 bucks thinking someone's going to cast a spell for them OR that whatever spell they've bought is going to 100% guaranteed work. Spells cannot be guaranteed. There are a LOT of factors that contribute to the success or failure of a spell, and experience in casting is one; actually doing it is another. Many people who sell casting services for others don't actually do it. It's like "Mama Isis' Psychic Reading" shop down the street littered with stereotypical paraphernalia and a HUGE "crystal" in the center of her table, and "worn" out tarot cards. She's not actually psychic, but a body reader, telling you information you already subtly told her (I'm not shinking on actual psychics out there, because I know there are legitimate psychics out there, but the ones who make their sole business the stereotypical nonsense tv shows as psychics). Spell sellers are just people making money off the naive and ignorant. So what happens when someone pays for a spell and it doesn't work? Do the sellers even have a guarantee?

Now, Tarot, that's tricky. It's an intuitional thing that people shouldn't take as literal fact, but as a guideline (unfortunately there are a LOT of gullible people out there who think that if the tarot cards say that you're going to marry in the next month, you're going to get married in the next month). Tarot cards offer a possible outcome to a specific situation, not a definite. Again, this kind of thing can't really be guaranteed, and the reader should REALLY stress this before making a reading.

I think eBay is doing a good thing. For one, it's but a beginning to the end of people thinking Wicca, Witchcraft and Paganism in general is stereotypical fictitious nonsense of love spells that guarantee you the love of your life (there's that "guarantee" word again).

Selling potions can be dangerous, especially if those "potions" are made by someone who uses plants and herbs they are unfamiliar with OR in dangerously large quantities (even culinary herbs can be dangerous if you ingest too much of them). One should NEVER buy "potions" from someone simply because they make the claim that they're Wiccan or a part of some other spirituality. Being a part of a religion does not mean you are automatically certified in herbalism and herbal medicines. Unless you went to school, you should not be selling or offering concoctions made by herbs. If someone dies or becomes EXTREMELY ill because of what you sold or offered, you can be found criminally negligent, charged and fined if not jailed.

I think it's ignorant for people in the "Pagan" or "Occult" community to complain about this and make the claim that they're being religiously discriminatory (and I use "Pagan" and "Occult" in quotes here for the simple fact that it's not those who truly understand what eBay is doing, but those who like to go off on a tangent without even THINKING or understanding what the reason behind something is...they just see the word "ban" and think "persecution" and "discrimination"). It's not religiously discriminatory, it's preserving the integrity of their business and website. EBay is a private company and IS allowed to discontinue selling anything they want!

You want to waste your money on things that cannot be guaranteed? Go find the hundreds of other websites that are willing to take your naive money and give you nothing in return.





Ma’iingan

Why I'm Weary to Read Anything Entitled "Witch Trials"

I don't understand the importance of posting anything relating to "Witch Trials" of the past.

Let's think about this for a second. Historically, have there ever been any CONFIRMED cases in which a Witch was tried in any trial? Most (if not all) of the time, during any of the "trials" that have taken place through time, the people tried were innocent people who were "mistaken" or unfairly accused of practicing Witchcraft (and it probably wasn't even Witchcraft to begin with).

Take the infamous "Salem Trials" for example. What does this REALLY have to do with modern Witches, and why is this really relevant to anything we do today? No one during that time was a Witch. They were Christians who were either 1) unfortunate to ingest rye bread infected with a fungus and thus contributed to hallucinations, which caused people to see things that weren't actually there or to act in strange ways (at least strange to the time), or 2) unfortunate victims of false accusations either so the other party could gain what the accused possessed (they accused "said person" merely because they wanted what they had, and this got them out of the way, leaving what they desired up for grabs) or merely out of rivalry (they had a feud with their neighbor, and to end the feud, they accused them of practicing Witchcraft, thus getting the "troublesome" neighbor out of the way).

What does ANY of this have to do with Witchcraft, and why do we focus on these things? It seems almost redundant to focus so hard on this event. It really has nothing to do with us other than the unfortunate fact that the term "Witchcraft was used and innocent people were killed because of that term.

Again, let's take places like the Middle East who abhor anyone or anything that is not mainstream and in accordance to their beliefs, and even condemn it to the point of killing. People are killed almost regularly in these countries simply because people have opened their minds to something that isn't "commonly taught". Any act that isn't in accordance to their beliefs (that could be the use of natural remedies, for example) could be considered Witchcraft. If you're accused, you're basically doomed. You can try to plead you case, but in the end, you're condemned, and brutally punished (people are still stoned in this day and age, can you believe that???????). Again, what does this have to do with ACTUAL Witchcraft, and why is it important for us to know that these people are dying as a result of the word "Witchcraft"? None of these people are actually practicing!!.

I can understand it being important to understand history and the deaths of people who were killed as a result of ACTUALLY practicing Witchcraft, but it doesn't make any sense to focus on those who didn't actually practice anything. It makes sense to understand people dying for actually practicing something, being accused, tried and then being killed for it, but people being killed for merely being accused of something (NOT actually practicing anything) doesn't make sense to focus on. It boggles my mind why people are so bent on being bitter about people dying as a result of blind ignorance.

I feel it would be more important to focus on those who DID die for their practices, not because some dumbass didn't like what someone else was doing; that that person was doing something NOT mainstream, and decided to kill them because they didn't like them doing something against what was common.

I'm growing increasingly tired of all this nonsense of "Remember the Burning Times" and the "Salem Witch Trials". Why? So we can remember how crappy IGNORANT Christians can be so we can go on hating them? (and I don't mean all Christians when I say "Ignorant Christians"...I'm referring to the ones who are WILLFULLY ignorant). And why the hell are people so bitter about them in the first place? It's like people see the word "Christian" and they go off on a tangent about how "Oh, all Christians are bad because they hate us because they think we're all Satanists, so we must hate them back; you know, eye for an eye, and all that". Ugh, it makes me sick.





Ma’iingan