An argument with Carla O'Harris (2)

(As written by Carla O'Harris)
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Originally Posted by cydira On the matter of the benandanti, however, you are sorely mistaken. Not all witches subscribe to the organization of the tradition of Strega or related traditions of Greco/Etruscan descent. For that matter, the subsect that is promoted by these traditions makes up a relatively minor portion of the population of practicing witches. The vast majority of witchcraft practiced is the fruit of Anglo-Celtic origin, predominantly of English revisionist witchcraft, as seen in Gardener's work. The point of this rambling, is that the majority of the witches you encounter are not operating under the auspices of the benandanti or some other group of sacred elders.

Ginzburg found parallel structures to the Benandanti all over Europe. And all over Europe were found structures for prosecuting maleficia.

As far as Gardner's work, let us quote :

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So it is Ardane that none shall use the Art in any way to do ill [45] to any, howevermuch they have injured us. And for long we have obeyed this law, "Harm none" and nowtimes many believe we exist not. So it be Ardane that this law shall still continue to help us in our plight. No one, however great an injury or injustice they receive, may use the Art in any to do ill or harm any. [50] But they may, after great consultations with all, use the Art to prevent or restrain Christians from harming us and others, but only to let or constrain them and never to punish, to this end.

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In England 'tis now many a year since a witch hath died the death, but any misuse of the power might raise the Persecution again; so never break this law, [65] however much you are tempted, and never consent to its being broken. If you know it is being broken in the least, you must work strongly against it, and any High Priestess or High Priest who consents to it must be immediately deposed, for 'tis the blood of the Brethren they endanger.

Let me emphasize :

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If you know it is being broken in the least, you must work strongly against it

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But ever let the Coven debate the matter at length. Only if all are satisfied that none may be harmed [80] may the Art be used. If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way without harming any, perchance the aim may be achieved by acting in a different way, so as to harm none. May the Curse of the Goddess be on any who breach this law.

(http://www.sacred-texts.com/pag/gbos/gbos38.htm)

I think that's pretty self-explanatory. Not only is the Coven to debate situations that may involve harm, but every witch is enjoined to strongly work against any ill-workings.

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I highly advise that you recall this, as I know it may be rather foregin to the tradition/sect of witchcraft that you practice. Assuming that all other witches are beholden to some group of sacred elders is on par with declaring that a tradition with such elders is a matter of orthodoxy and an integral part of the structure of the religion of witchcraft. Witchcraft, however, is not constrained by such orthodoxy, as I am sure you are aware. It appears, however, that you are stating this.

I am advising community self-policing and against an "anything goes" mentality that allows the worst and lowest of human impulses to wield dangerous technologies.

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Ms. O'Harris, are you familiar with the legal distinction between self-defense and assault? Would you please present it to us or perhaps kindly clarify this point, as I do not see how this directly relates to the discussion. Are you arguing that intent to harm is an essential component to assault or that intent to harm can be classed in two different categories: self-defense and assault?

While I have no intention of legally educating you, here is a beginning :

http://www.useofforce.us/

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In the United States, it is illegal to harm another person intentionally ... You can, however, make the case that you were legally justified in your actions, and if you can prove that, then you’re clear. But while establishing that you did the eye-poking is the prosecution’s problem, establishing justification is yours—your burden of proof.

See also

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-defense_(theory)

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In most jurisdictions, when the defense succeeds, it operates as a complete justification when the degree of violence used is comparable or proportionate to the threat faced, so deadly force should only be used in situations of "extreme" danger. The defense would fail if a defendant deliberately killed a petty thief who did not appear to be a physical threat. A somewhat less obvious application of this rule is that admitting the use of deadly force in an attempt to disable rather than kill the assailant can be construed as evidence that the defendant wasn't yet in enough danger to justify lethal force in the first place. Sometimes there is a duty to retreat which makes the defense problematic when applied to abusive relationships (see battered woman syndrome and abuse defense), and in burglary situations given the so-called castle exception (see: Edward Coke) which argues that one cannot be expected to retreat from one's own home, namely, “a man’s house is his castle, et domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium" i.e. Latin for "and each man’s home his safest refuge”).

Please note that the burden of proof is upon the person having committed the force to prove that it was justified on grounds of self-defense.

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The only thing that I see here is begging questions: What is the role of the community in relation to the individual? What is the role of the individual in relation to the community? What is the role of individuals, within this community, with relation to eachother? In short, Ms. O'Harris, what is the social contract in place here?

These are good questions for the community to explore.

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This returns back to the question of what is the social contract within the community. It's ironic that you state the question of "how a community would feel about completely unregulated mercenaries and assassins for hire?" in the light of the fact that such things are in play in our "mundane" society. You don't usually think about such unplesant things, do you, Ms. O'Harris? Or, am I incorrect in my estimation and you are deeply troubled by this matter as well? The matter of such ... unsavory professions and individuals aside, there is another statement you made that I find most interesting as well.

Well, in our society, the hiring of mercenaries and assassins is regulated and illegal. Such things happen, but they are not legal. And they can be prosecuted. If there were a situation of completely unregulated mercenaries and assassins, the level of mayhem would be far greater than it is.

Your assumptions about what I usually think about or do not think about are inaccurate and irrelevant.

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"I don't see why the application of force however arcane the methodology should be subject to no regulation simply because the mechanisms are less well understood." The application of force must be regulated, is this what you are arguing? I presume this theoretical regulation would include a listing of scenarious where force is viewed as acceptable and unacceptable. Who would compile such a listing, Ms. O'Harris? Can you personally assure me that this listing would be ehxaustive and touch upon each and every circumstance where force is contemplated as an option? Thus, if I were in a position where I had to choose between lethal and non-lethal action in the defense of myself, my family, my interests, my property or the life and well being of others, I could make an informed decision?

What libertarian sarcasm! But the fact of the matter is that courts do form such rules of thumb to regulate such matters. If you'd like to learn those distinctions, I suggest you study case law. As far as the idea that the application of force must be regulated, most people feel that not everyone should have access to rocket launchers, tanks, surface-to-air missiles, etc. And a society that lives by the rule of law in general agrees to the regulation of force.

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I highly doubt that you, a well meaning and upstanding member of society at large and a respected individual within the Pagan community, can grant me such assurances. I also highly doubt that such an exhaustive list can be compliled. We can not expect others to view a given situation through the same lense as we do, Ms. O'Harris, and as such can not expect them to view every situation as we would. For this reason, we must work to secure our liberties rather then place more constraints upon the tresspasses.

More sarcasm. Nice. Exhaustive lists are not as important as understanding principles. The courts do expect people to be able to apply these principles, and in fact will prosecute failure to do so. Laws were in place to prosecute maleficia for millenia in Europe, and it is only recently that such laws have been taken off the books. So long as the consensus is that there is no such thing as psychic-harm, it makes no sense to prosecute maleficia as such. However, if the consensus were to shift that there is validity to psi activities, such laws might be looked at in a new light and updated. In other words, there is a long history in law to regarding maleficia as prosecutable.

And while we may not be able to expect others to view things through the same lens as we do, the law demands that when it comes to certain things, that we have the proper lens installed. Failure to do so can result in prosecution.

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It is far easier to lose freedom then to gain it.

One does not have the "freedom" to harm. To quote Oliver Wendell Holmes, "...The right to swing your arm ends where my nose begins."

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Ms. O'Harris, I am ... appauled by your blanket statement. You, of all people, should realize that "dark" magic is not all based upon the socially defined traits of evil (resentment, envy, projection, greed, anger, sloth, etc.). "Dark" magic is a thereputic tool in resolving the rifts within ourselves that such emotions can create. It has means by which we can expunge the excess of said emotions and come to terms with them.

This has been an extremely long thread, so I will try to summarize some context which will help here. I made it clear that psychodramas are not troubling to me, only actions with clear intent to harm. If people want to blow off some steam, that is their own business.

This is but one of many, many possibilities of "dark" magic, Ms. O'Harris. A banishment is a form of "dark" magic. It involves the sending away of something. Thus, a person who is ill with a severe cold can aid the healing from said illness by performing a banishment. Is this something motivated by the traits commonly associated with "dark" magic by society at large? [/quote]

It is not maleficia. I have been addressing maleficia.

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The communication with the dead is classically considered a "dark" art. I see no evidence of malice prompting this, for in most cases it is an innate talent.

This depends on when and where. Odin practiced it, so in the context of a culture where Odin was the chief god, it obviously didn't have the same negative connotations as in a Christian context.

Communication with the dead is in many contexts all over the world a very positive thing.

I agree that it has no trace in and of itself of maleficia.

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Madam, unless you provide evidence to clarify your sentiments, I am forced to say that you are as blind on the topic of "dark" magic as the people who are inclined to persecute us. My reasoning for this is because your statements all indicate that you feel that we are at dire risk of playing with forces of evil that will consume us, no matter what form of "dark" magic we work. I do hope that a teacher of the Craft, such as yourself, is more enlightened then this and that my estimation of this point is based on misinterpreting your words.

Please observe that I am concerned with maleficia. I like the night and I like darkness. Those things have nothing to do with the deliberate intention to cause harm to another. One can be quite peaceful and loving in the dark. Additionally, healthy, appropriate, consensual psychodrama engaging shadow portions of the human psyche, so long as within boundaries that do not harm, does not in any way encroach upon maleficia.

I have not invoked "dire risk of playing with forces of evil that will consume us". I have prudently cautioned against bringing more harm into a world already replete with suffering.

An argument with Carla O'Harris (1)

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Originally Posted by Carla O'Harris Do the words "benandanti" have any meaning? Or how about "community self-policing"?

Ms. O'Harris, you may have a valid point about community self-policing, as most communities do establish a certian set of activities and behaviors that are viewed as acceptable. Usually this set of acceptable things are proven to be the benefit of the group at large and is not questioned by the group members, thus being agreed upon by acquiescence.

On the matter of the benandanti, however, you are sorely mistaken. Not all witches subscribe to the organization of the tradition of Strega or related traditions of Greco/Etruscan descent. For that matter, the subsect that is promoted by these traditions makes up a relatively minor portion of the population of practicing witches. The vast majority of witchcraft practiced is the fruit of Anglo-Celtic origin, predominantly of English revisionist witchcraft, as seen in Gardener's work. The point of this rambling, is that the majority of the witches you encounter are not operating under the auspices of the benandanti or some other group of sacred elders.

I highly advise that you recall this, as I know it may be rather foregin to the tradition/sect of witchcraft that you practice. Assuming that all other witches are beholden to some group of sacred elders is on par with declaring that a tradition with such elders is a matter of orthodoxy and an integral part of the structure of the religion of witchcraft. Witchcraft, however, is not constrained by such orthodoxy, as I am sure you are aware. It appears, however, that you are stating this.

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Intent to harm is fairly clear. The distinction between self-defense and various forms of assault and tort are made every day in courts of law, and are not made up in the moment, but based on clear guidelines and precedents, a body of law that is anything but "subjective".

Ms. O'Harris, are you familiar with the legal distinction between self-defense and assault? Would you please present it to us or perhaps kindly clarify this point, as I do not see how this directly relates to the discussion. Are you arguing that intent to harm is an essential component to assault or that intent to harm can be classed in two different categories: self-defense and assault?

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The community has such a right, and as a member of the community who cares about others in that community, I do have the right to speak up about violence within that community, and injuries done.

I find little place to argue with your statement here. The only thing that I see here is begging questions: What is the role of the community in relation to the individual? What is the role of the individual in relation to the community? What is the role of individuals, within this community, with relation to eachother? In short, Ms. O'Harris, what is the social contract in place here?

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Someone earlier spoke about magical practitioners doing curses for hire. I wonder how a community would feel about completely unregulated mercenaries and assassins for hire? That sounds like the mayhem of gang rule. I don't see why the application of force however arcane the methodology should be subject to no regulation simply because the mechanisms are less well understood.

This returns back to the question of what is the social contract within the community. It's ironic that you state the question of "how a community would feel about completely unregulated mercenaries and assassins for hire?" in the light of the fact that such things are in play in our "mundane" society. You don't usually think about such unplesant things, do you, Ms. O'Harris? Or, am I incorrect in my estimation and you are deeply troubled by this matter as well? The matter of such ... unsavory professions and individuals aside, there is another statement you made that I find most interesting as well.

"I don't see why the application of force however arcane the methodology should be subject to no regulation simply because the mechanisms are less well understood."

The application of force must be regulated, is this what you are arguing? I presume this theoretical regulation would include a listing of scenarious where force is viewed as acceptable and unacceptable. Who would compile such a listing, Ms. O'Harris? Can you personally assure me that this listing would be ehxaustive and touch upon each and every circumstance where force is contemplated as an option? Thus, if I were in a position where I had to choose between lethal and non-lethal action in the defense of myself, my family, my interests, my property or the life and well being of others, I could make an informed decision?

I highly doubt that you, a well meaning and upstanding member of society at large and a respected individual within the Pagan community, can grant me such assurances. I also highly doubt that such an exhaustive list can be compliled. We can not expect others to view a given situation through the same lense as we do, Ms. O'Harris, and as such can not expect them to view every situation as we would. For this reason, we must work to secure our liberties rather then place more constraints upon the tresspasses.

It is far easier to lose freedom then to gain it.

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And I do have the right to speak out about whether I want to live in a community where people enact violence on the basis of resentment, envy, projection, and a host of other pathological, un-worked-through emotions. Again, the resultant sounds like Lord of the Flies with Grimoires. A pathologically repress/ed/ive concept of good should not inspire a reactionary intrigue with pathologically repress/ed/ive concepts of evil or dark, but a revisioning of good. This fascination with the "dark" puzzles me. I, too, love the night, the shade, and shadows ; and in a literary or theatrical context can appreciate a good villain as much as anyone else --- but in real life, there is already so much suffering that revelling in it or seeking to perpetuate it to me seems like a decadent, pathological luxury.

Ms. O'Harris, I am ... appauled by your blanket statement. You, of all people, should realize that "dark" magic is not all based upon the socially defined traits of evil (resentment, envy, projection, greed, anger, sloth, etc.). "Dark" magic is a thereputic tool in resolving the rifts within ourselves that such emotions can create. It has means by which we can expunge the excess of said emotions and come to terms with them.

This is but one of many, many possibilities of "dark" magic, Ms. O'Harris. A banishment is a form of "dark" magic. It involves the sending away of something. Thus, a person who is ill with a severe cold can aid the healing from said illness by performing a banishment. Is this something motivated by the traits commonly associated with "dark" magic by society at large? The communication with the dead is classically considered a "dark" art. I see no evidence of malice prompting this, for in most cases it is an innate talent.

Madam, unless you provide evidence to clarify your sentiments, I am forced to say that you are as blind on the topic of "dark" magic as the people who are inclined to persecute us. My reasoning for this is because your statements all indicate that you feel that we are at dire risk of playing with forces of evil that will consume us, no matter what form of "dark" magic we work. I do hope that a teacher of the Craft, such as yourself, is more enlightened then this and that my estimation of this point is based on misinterpreting your words.

Magic: how does it work?

My theory of how magic works is tied closely to theoretical physics and psychology. This may sound a little... screwy, but let's give it a shot, shall we?

The brain works thru electro-chemical impulses along physical pathways. Ritual works to get the mind/brain into a specfic mental state. This aligns the electro-chemical impulses in such a fashion where they can exhibit a specific subtle effect on the environment around them.

The mental repitition of the electro-chemical impulses (synaptic paths/thoughts) serves to strengthen the impulses. This results in an easier time for the brain to direct the electro-cemical impulses in the physical pathway built. That's basically how we learn. Now, when we focus our will on something, it also serves to strengthen the impulses because we're devoting more mental energy to it or more of the neuro-chemicals along that pathway.

This has two effects. The first, obvious effect, is that we're creating a well entrenched thought pattern. This makes the brain use the thought pattern more. Why? Because the neurochemicals in the brain move like everything else in the universe, along the path of the least resistance. A practitioner of magic is training their minds to work in this specific fashion, namely to enter a state of trance that is sufficently deep enough to allow them to focus their psyche upon a matter most intently.

The second effect is that by focusing the movement of the electro-chemical impulses along those specific pathways, one can have a physical effect on the world. Moving electrons create magnetic fields. The more electrons moving in a given direction means a stronger magnetic field. The presenece of this magnetic field moves the electrons around it if the magnetif field is moving. Now, the human body is constantly in motion, no matter how slight due to things like the heartbeat. The means that the magnetic field that we create by aligning the electro-chemical processes in our brain to the state of highest focus on a given matter, will result in the movement of electrons around us.

These electrons, in their motion, affects others and thus does the "energy" of our magical efforts extend out into the universe. Eventually, it returns to us in the manifestation of our spell. The psychological element comes into play in entering into that state of trance where we can become so focused and the effects of it.

The fuction of ritual is to serve as a psycholigcal "key" to enter into the trance state and move through it. The role of the trace we've already looked at. Then, as we come out of the trance, the effect of the ritual and the trance is to set up a subconscious tendancy to look for items that will assist in manifesting the effects of the spell. Thus, if we were working on quitting smoking, for example, the effect of the spell would possibly be a decrease in the desire to smoke or repeatedly "misplacing" our cigarettes.

That, however, is my theory on how it all works.

Cosmology: a matter of perspective.

I gave my description of how the witch's universe is presented according to my tradition here. I realize that my description is rather different from the 3 worlds perspective that many others use. It is even more different from the theological perspectives presented by non-witches. And all of these are drastically different from the perspectives presented by the scientific community.

Somewhere, some one is going to ask: Which cosmology is right?

My answer: all of them

I believe that we live in a universe that is so chaotic on it's fundamental level of existance, that it no only permits the validity of multiple cosmologies but demands it. It is only by the examination of all these multiple cosmologies that we are enabled to state the truth about the universe.

It is.

Book of Prophecy: I

The items that fall under the heading Book of Prophecy are things that were told to me via visions and clairauditory experiences. As I am a mystic, these things happen on a fairly regular basis. To quote the Charge of the Goddess: Hear Now the Words of the Goddess

I am the Mother. My names are infinite, but always, I am the Mother eternal. All this is and ever shall exist are a part of me. The universe is bound to me as an infant who is growing within the womb. To some, I was impregnated by a consort who is eternal. To others, I birthed myself through will and by this I did birth the universe. Both of these are true.

I am the Maiden, my heart a tremble with emotion and I am a mystery to all who seek me. I am the child born of myself. I am the newborn psyche and the developing psyche before conceiving the maiden. To some, I am the laughing girl-child of spring. To others, I am the chaste huntress of my mate. Either of these can be true, for I am both the child and mother.

I am the Crone. I am the Bone-mother and iniatrix. I am the midwife to the mother, the teacher of the maiden, and the mother after birthing her child. I am the fairy maiden, youthful of form and ageless in spirit. All know me in names whispered, most powerful and enigmatic is that of death. All who fear me fail to see me as I am. For in transformation, I am the Mother.

There are many who say that I am not the creatrix. Some believe that all that esist are a result of a creator. I am sorrowed for them because they fail to see that I show myself to the universe in many guises. My true form is so vast that not the greatest of minds and spirits can comprehend its way. To do so is to know the eternal ways and forms of the universe, a matter that is continually changing for I am the mother. I always birth new life into the universe.

Many of my children seek to know me as the mother. They look for me in many places but fail to see that they are but a part of me and they have known me for all their lives. As the Wiccans have said, "See me within for I have been with you always and I shall be attained at the end of desire." These are lessons that many forget because they are quite simple lessons. The mind is often so enrapt with complexities in this age that it dismisses the simple as unimportant. It is vital to embrace a simple path of life for it frees the mind to play in its puzzles and celebrate life in simple joy.

Because my children are in need, I shall guide them. While these are the words of a woman, I impart my lesson through her. She is a teacher who brings my schooling to all who would listen. There are important guidelines and basic lessons that must be given. Often, my children argue over whose magic is "right" and over whose worship is "right." This sorrows me. I yearn to correct this and to prevent greater argument. I shall allow this child to interpret my words and bear with them the blessing of my peace. She fears because my hand rests heavily on my brow, but her voice is sweet and strong.

Sometimes the Gods will choose to speak to us. Other times, it is part of our deep psyche speaking to us. The following came to me and I'm not entirely sure how much is strictly from my deep psyche and how much was from the Gods.


I used to feel bad for monotheists. I thought that their view of the universe was limited and inaccurate. After all, one concept can not cover the entirety of the universe, can it?

Then, then I grew up. I had some mystical experiences. I had some life lessons. I knew that polytheism was the way for me but I started to see that the spiritual element of monotheism sort of made sense.

Then, I grew up some more. Some where along the way, I had an ephiphany. The Gods reached out and tapped me right on the top of my blessed little head. Then I understood it.

In the end, there is no God, Goddess, or Gods. There is only the Divine. How we view it is all us. But in the end, there is only one that is reality.

Poem - Voice in the night

In a moment of silence, She called
Her voice whispered from within my soul
The cool call of water's laughter and sweetness of wind-song
She called out to me
Her silver hand touched my brow
Soothing away my fevered anguish
Her golden voice bespoke of dawn and dusk
Of things timeless and dust
And so did the Lady call to me

Return to your soul, child
Know of your way and your song
They sing of glory and might
But yours is the songs of starlight
Of magic and whispers betwixt dusk and vespers
Yours is the song of the soul
Return to your path and way
Mind is the dawn and dust
Mine is that which is and must
Move in the world and sing my song
You are the voice, the harp
Yours is the sound and the song
Yours is the dance eternal
Return, return to your soul

In a moment of silence did She call
Her voice silvered and sweet
A lark's song borne on the night's wind
So did She call to me

Yours is the dance and the way
The patterns are woven within
Hear the beating of the drum
Heed the call of the song
Yours is the flow of the sea
Dance with reed and stone
Dance with blood and bone
So do I move and so do I sing
The dance is yours to bring

In a moment of silence did She call
In winsome voice and sweetest joys to all
Her hidden smile and starry veil
Dancing on the tide
So did She call to me

Yours is the glory and yours is the might
For such are your birthright
Bold and brave, so shall you be
For my own hand did shape ye
Sing now a song of joy, bright and gay
Dance in honor of the day
For ever on are you blessed
For you have found me again
I am the light in the shadows
I am the spirit within
The heart of the world
The heart of a girl
This beats within me
I am the dawn and the dusk
I am the will and that which must
All feel my presence
Only one holds my form
Rejoice, my child, for we are one
E'er since you were born.


*******
This was written by myself several years ago. I just found it again. I'm currently working on a project and I've included it in there. I think the world would probably benefit from this brief glimpse as well.

Salem: thoughts

Creepy.

At the same time, it makes me take a step back and look at it.

I wonder how many of the witches and wiccans out there would look at this little flash presentation and say every victim was a witch.

I wonder how many would say that these sad souls were victims.

I wonder how many would be willing to point out which of those two statements was the truth.

The greatest crime of the Burning Times wasn't the death of witches.

It was bigotry, hatred, and the abuse of power for the power's own sake.

No matter what you believed.

Late post for the Blossom Moon

Well, I've finally done and put it down in writing.

I wrote out all of the promises that I made to myself. Signed on the dotted line and now I have a contract with myself witnessed by the Gods.

It's targeted at more then just the whole matter of keeping to my diet. Though I did add that item to the list. I've been recognizing that I'm back sliding into a whole host of bad habits. Not a good thing when you're working to become healthy in mind, body, and spirit. So I've been working through the Simple Abundance program of self exploration (again) and trying to keep my focus on self actualization.

Links like the ones below give you a good idea of what my focus is right now:
http://www.headinjury.com/wellness.html
http://psikoloji.fisek.com.tr/maslow/self.htm

I want to be healthy.

Last I checked, that's kinda part of the whole doing no harm to oneself. Keeping yourself healthy and breaking the bad habits that don't allow you to be healthy.

Ok, Goddess, I'm listening... see!

It's oddly ironic (in that colloquial sense, the way that doesn't jive with the definition of the word) that almost 90% of the witches that I know are going through the same experiences as me right now. It all started with that Beltain ritual, where Morrigan showed up and put her hand on my shoulder.

That was a very odd ritual to begin with, but having one of the goddesses of Death show up in a Mother-aspect was probably the strangest part for me. Though, I have noticed that I have a very ... strange relationship with the Morrigu. Morrigan told me that I was going to experience a time of testing again. (By the way, Stargazer, I'm sorry that she took over and decided to turn you into her mouthpiece. I know how... disrupting that is. :p)

That was all a few weeks ago, amusingly enough at the beginning of the waning of the moon. Since then, I've been finding myself challenged to get my health under more control. Not an easy thing for me, I'm rather lazy. I've also been getting challenged to get my mental state to a healthier place. It's funny, but I didn't expect for the challenges to be along the lines of making myself healthier. I'm pretty sure that she's not done throwing things at me to work on yet. Not when I'm actually making progress right now.

That's a sure-fire sign that she's got a bigger hammer waiting for me. I'm just wondering what precicely it is. Though I doubt that I'll get to have warning. When Doom, herself, is saying "Ok, time for you to get a pop quiz." You don't get cliff's notes.

I'm just hoping in all of this that I'm not going to fail myself. And I realize that is the larger problem that I keep getting goaded to take on. Which, in a round about way gets me to the big point I'm thinking about here.

We're so busy looking at things to be conquering outside of ourselves. We look for the latest challenge and newest concept to master. Our newest trick, if you will. It's funny how easily we run from the most basic and essential of challenges: ourselves.

And I am reminded of the statements of the Oracle at Delphi:

"Know thyself" and "Nothing in excess"

Meditation on the Pheonix

The pheonix is a wonderful image that almost everyone is familiar with. The legend is given in many different forms. In general, it is a bird that is born of an egg that is found in the ashes of a large fire. It lives for a period of time, a bird of pure fire, and then it builds itself a nest/pyre and burns to death. With the egg of the pheonix to be found in it's ashes. It is a story that is associated with the solar cycle and usually upheld as a bit of hope during adversity.

It's a special symbol for me. It is not simply a matter of hope during adversity.

Our strength within the core of beings is something that is like that pheonix. No matter what happens, it comes back. You try to destroy it and it will return, even when it seems to have been destroyed.

The pheonix is ... is a archetypal image that can mean anything from renewal to courage to the ressurrection of Christ. For me, it is a reminder of my ability to survive the hells that I've experienced.

And I know of others that are pheonixes as well. They have weathered the many different storms of pain, sorrow, and terror to emerge even brighter and more radiantly glorious. I hope that you, my friends, recognize your pheonix as well.

The Value of Chaos: Hail Eris & Loki.

Those of you who know me will realize that I've just comitted an a-typical act and mentioned deties that I usually will attempt to avoid to do so by any cost. Why, you ask?

Mentioning the names of these gods is generally an invocation and something of an invitation for them to vsit me. Having the gods of Chaos visit you can make for an interesting time. Though when rituals manage to include everything from the self-admitted pyromaniac burning themselves, stoves attempting to blow up, the ritual feast turning into a drinking game, and general mayhem, I find interesting is an understatement.

Eris has taken it upon herself to bless my home with chaos. It's been generally inspiriational as much of my recent writing has shown. I think since she's been exerting her influence I have done more painting, sketches, and poetry then I have in years. While my home is something of a study in domestic chaos due to laundry, projects, and dishes, it's become fertile ground for my husband and I to engage in our persuits.

Loki has brought general mayhem in his wake, as per usual. He visits frequently, even if I don't invoke him. At the same time, there has been a great deal more laughter in my home. That's by no means a bad thing. I may be tripping over stuff more often, but I'm now laughig more. And my husband has been laughing more and seems less stressed. On the whole, it's brought good things. Though much weirdness has ensued as well.

Chaos is not only a force like hail on fresh planted fields or that random storm that makes life difficult for us. Chaos is also what allows for chemical reactions to take place and keep life existing. It is the creative element in it's rawest form. It can also be a marvelous blessing.

In short, it is magic. And for it, I am thankful.


Even if I don't admit it too often.

Tarot meditation: 3 of Staves Reversed

On Facade, there is a tarot reading generator. It has been surprisingly accurate for me. That's rather unusual considering how infamous I have become amoung my friends who throw tarot cards for me. I'm rather difficult to read for. When about 90% of the time I have at least 1 major arcana and 1 court card in any given reading, including the simple 3 card spreads, it's a little hard for me.

Today, I did a reading and this is what I got:

3 of Staves Reversed: The card represents the critical factor for the issue at hand. Three of Staves (Virtue), when reversed: Dishonesty and conflict in affairs.

Part of the trick to reading tarot cards is to listen to your intuition. Part of the trick is to think about it in the context of what you are reading about and look for a vital part of the image that speaks to you about the matter.

As I looked at the card, I remembered the story of how Jason got the golden fleece. But before that struck me, there was one other thing.

The lies that had been told to me are being revealed as such. Lies about my value as a person. Lies about the supposed lack of strength to my chracter. And lies about if I am truly loved. And I'm facing some internal conflict over that.

The conflicts will be resolved as I confront the lies. And oddly enough, the conflicts that surround me that are encouraged by those lies, those will go away too. On one hand, conflict is not a good thing because it is painful and scary. At the same time, it is a good thing because it's clearing away the problems that have piled up infront of me and is making way for the truth to shine through.

I'll take a little internal conflict over living a life of lies any day of the week, despite how much I grumble over it.

Beltain 2006: Erotic & Sensual Life

As you have read in the lesson that I posted, there's alot more to the erotic and sensual then sex. You may wonder how this little post is going to relate to that matter. You may even wonder why I chose to put a flower on here.

I love roses. The scent of them is one of the most wonderful that I personally can think of. It always lifts my heart. They're my favorite flower. This particular picture is visually stunning, I love how the photographer composed it. It draws your eye to the center of the picture. It's visually balanced and has a dramatic quality. It is also a simple, classic portriat of a blossom. I'm not generally a fan of the more avant garde modes of art.

It's a source of sensual delight and eros. Joseph Campbell, the famed mythographer, stated that the most effective way to live an authentic life was to follow our bliss. I've yet to find a better peice of advice in my years of study. It was ironic that his little aphorisim was one of the first things that I learned on this path, not the Rede or the Law of Three.

I try to live each day following my bliss and living a genuine life. Some days I'm more successful then others, but I continue to try. That said, one last bit of bliss for you.

Robert Herrick's poem: To the Virgins

GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old time is still a-flying :
And this same flower that smiles to-day
To-morrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
The higher he's a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
And nearer he's to setting.

That age is best which is the first,
When youth and blood are warmer ;
But being spent, the worse, and worst
Times still succeed the former.

Then be not coy, but use your time,
And while ye may go marry :
For having lost but once your prime
You may for ever tarry.

Working With Shadows

Just a moment ago, I posted in here Timothy Roderick's excellent shadow mask meditation. It is an excellent object lesson in how "dark" magic is not all evil. Dark magic deals with the hidden things, it is the true occult art. Mr. Roderick is not the only person to refer to the shadow aspect of our selves.

A wise witch will always strive to accomplish one of the exhortations that is reputed to have been at the temple of the oracle of Delphi: Know Thyself. This includes knowing the parts of yourself that you are not comfortable with, confronting the lies you tell yourself about who you are, and recognizing all the elements of the past that influence you. In the same respect, we will also work to accomplish this axiom's advised goal: Physician, heal thyself.

The shadow self is the elements of who we are that we repress and strive to forget they exist. We may try to hide from our latent fear of thunderstorms or that horrible and terrifying memory of the car accident we were in as a child. These things carry forward through time if they are not addressed and incorporated into our psyche. The latent fear of thunderstorms may develop into a phobia. The terrifying memory may turn into major problems learning how to drive. Either way, the hidden things will make their presence known.

Why do they make their presence known? Because they are a part of you and until you can accept and move forward with that fact, you will struggle with it. The goal of witchcraft is to be healthy and wise, to become a self-actualized person in control of their life. Magic is but a tool. Psychology, proper diet and exercize, and herbalisim are other tools that are available to a witch to accomplish these goals. It is the state of harmony that results from a healthy spirit and psyche that brings us into communion with the Gods because that harmony results from recognizing the divine in ourselves.

I have flashes of it and I'm filled with a mixture of awe and fright at times by that. But it's the times where it is as natural as breathing that I strive for. When I can recognize my union with the Gods, my intrinsic value, and all the other important things about myself, I will perhaps then be willing to say that I am wise. Until then, I'm still a student learning. I may be helping others along the way, but I still am learning as well.

Shadow Mask Meditation

This meditation is from Timothy Rodreck's book Dark Moon Mysteries. Please note, our shadow masks are the aspects of ourselves that we have built up to separate ourselves from our more "negative" or our shadow side. Through working with them, we will learn to assimiliate and incorporate our shadow sides into ourselves and thus become healthier and more empowered.

Close your eyes and imagine a soft white glow is forming at your feet. It begins to swierl upward and it forms a protective shell around you. It lifts you up and takes you on a journey to the core of your being. The misty glow sets you down and dissipates to reveal a marble staircase that spirals downward. The light is very dim along the walls of the staircase and you can't see all thw ay to the bottom, but you know that this is a place into which you must venture.

You begin down the staircase and you notice is spirals in a counterclock wise direction. The light in the staircase comes from candles burning in small niches along the walls. The staircase walls are made of smooth cold marble that you occasonally touch as you continue your journey downward. As you work your way down the stirs, notice on the walls there are occasionally sigils, magical symbols formed out of metal and embedded into the stone walls. These are the symbols of your shadow masks. Take note of which ever one is most prominent. This is the symbol for your primary shadow mask.

Reach up and touch the symbol fo your primary shadow mask and you'll find it comes loose from the wall. As you hold it, you can feel the cold weight of the metal symbol in your hands and you can see it from all sides. Hold onto the symbol as you continue down the stairs. When you reach the bottom, you find before you a large door. You try the door but it is locked. Look at the keyhole and you find that it is shaped like the symbol in your hands. Slip the metal symbol into the hole and you find the door unlocks and opens.

The room is cold and quite dark, except for a single point of illumination across the room. The light comes from a mask that hangs on the far wall. Go over to it and look at it. As you look at it, you notice it is well in reach, so you take it down and examine it. On the inside of it there is a name, take note of it. After you have examined it, put the mask on and ask it the following questions, pausing between them to hear the answer:

How do I resolve this shadow mask?
What do I have to learn from this shadow mask?
What does this shadow mask keep me from accomplishing?

When all of your questions have been answered, place the mask back on the wall. You exit the door and after it closes you take the symbol back. You begin to ascend the steps and you can place the symbol on the wall at any place. The symbol will set itself into the marble. You continue up the steps, moving more quickly this time and emerge to the misty light. The light envelops you and returns you to your body.

Quoted from: Dark Moon Mysteries by Timothy Roderick.

Ostara 2006: Seeds of Change

Ostara, the Spring Equinox, the time of the first planting of the year.

Among the meditative subjects that we have about us this time of year are:

Planting and germination of seeds
Fertility of animals
Birth of those concieved in the autumn

For the meditative subject today, I am using the planting and germination of seeds. As you will find, I draw much of my inspiration from science and the natural world around me. I tend to blame this upon the environment I was raised in. If you look at the science of seed planting and germination, you find that there are several definative stages that the plant moves through as it develops from a seed to a mature plant, like corn or a mighty oak tree.

You look at the link above and you will see that a biologist has taken apart a seed and given you an interesting look at it. You can see the beginnings of the plant in that seed. Now, you're probably asking, how does this relate to me? And how does it relate to witchcraft, the Spring Equinox or anything else?



I find alot of hope in the above image. No matter what happens, the seeds will grow and spring will come to the world. Down in Louisiana, where the hurricaines have left still a dramatic amount of devistation on the cities and towns, plants are growing and blooming. In fireblasted regions of the world, plants are growing.



No matter what happens in our lives, there are always new beginnings. We can choose to start anew. It is a great act of courage, but it is also a natural act. After all, seeds commit great acts of courage to cease being seeds and grow into the plants they are destined to be.

Blessed be.

Witch's Rede & Law of Three

Two of the foundational concepts of modern witchcraft are:

The Witch's/Wiccan Rede: Do what you will and harm none.

The Law of Three: That which you do will return to you threefold.

Almost every single publically available book on witchcraft in it's many different forms will present these two statements as part of the moral code of the craft. Many people take offense to the idea that these two statements are the core concepts, but it seems to be the case from an anthropological standpoint, so I will leave the argument as it is. The matter of traditions vs. popular witchcraft will be discussed at another time.

Returning to the primary target of my typing tonight... the witch's rede and the law of three are important concepts. Though they are frequently misinterpreted. I am presenting this discussion on the topic to help clarify the confusion surrounding these points.

The witch's rede does not permit one to harm themselves. You are a person, you are *some one* and thus protected by the clause preventing harm. Self-defense, however, is not prohibited either. In-action when some one is striving to harm you is acquiescing. You are agreeing to be harmed because you are not putting up any argument or fight to prevent it. If you don't protect yourself, chances are extremely low that some one else will protect you.

Thus, I present the modified version of the Witch's Rede:

Do what you will and harm none, unless it is in defense. When you act in defense, always mind the law of three.

Now, I've done my best to restrain the false archaic quality that many others would affect as they present these statements, but I couldn't help it in the last clause above. You'll see why. First, let me explain that pesky little thing, the law of three.

Some people say very plainly, the law of three is a karmic law. What is a karmic law: it states that all of our actions will return to us in some fashion at a later time. Thus, if you help some one later on down the road, some one else will help you. It's a fairly simple concept. We then add the concept that it will return some multiple of three. Now does this mean that if you proverbially strike some one in the face that at a later time you will be hit in the face three times? Will it be thirty times? Or perhaps three hundred times?

When I was initially practicing the craft, I had a little difficulty with this concept. Then it came to me that it isn't the number of times an action of yours returns to you. It's not even the degree by which it returns to you, it is merely the fact that it does return and it will manifest in different fashions.

Imagine, if you will, that you throw a stone into a still pool of water. The action is throwing the stone in the water. The first return to you is the initial effect of the action; the stone falls into the water. The second return to you is the second effect of the action: the first wave created by the disturbance of the stone's falling. The third return is the long term effects of the action; reflection of that wave off of other surfaces at the edge of the pool. Now, you can extend this analogy out and devise many, many more implications and count the proverbial waves and the effects of the proverbial waves in that pool. I think, however, the three waves demonstrate my vision clearly.

In summary:
We are free to act in any fashion. Our actions must not harm others or ourselves. We always need to remember our actions have consequences and be responcible for them.

Blessed Be.

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test.. this is only a test. :p If it were a real post, I'd actually care about what I was typing.