Last spring I took the Elements of Magic class from two wonderful Reclaiming teachers who are bringing these teachings to Maine. I've been a Pagan for 20 years, and I've attended one of Reclaiming's witch camps (in 2005). The Reclaiming philosophy and approach, founded by Starhawk in San Francisco many years ago and expanded by groups and individuals across the world, speaks to me. Though I've worked with the elements quite a bit, I learned some new things in the class, and I was able to offer my perspective to the newer Pagans. But the most important thing the class did for me was to inspire my reconnection with Pagan ritual and magick.
At the end of the class, I offered to be a student teacher if the need arose. These classes are generally taught by two teachers and a student teacher. Once you've been a student teacher, you can go on to co-teach the classes. At the time, they thanked me but weren't in need of help. In the meantime, I've signed up to take the second round of Reclaiming courses, the Iron Pentacle, which will be happening this spring. I'm also participating in a more in-depth study of the elements with a group of longtime Pagans over the course of this year.
Last week, one of my teachers called and asked me to student-teach the Elements of Magic class with them starting next month. I'm so excited! When I was speaking with her I could feel my spirit dancing with joy. This work is definitely part of my calling. And it fits with two of my goals for the year, as well.
If you're in Maine and you're interested in taking the class, I'll be posting more details soon. Blessed Be!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Saturday, January 09, 2010
What I've Been Up To
I've taken some quieter post-holiday time to be introspective. Here are some images of what I've been up to during that time.
Setting up an Earth altar:
Making collages to energize my writing projects:
And encourage more self-love:
And, of course, spending time working on projects at my desk, with my trusty helper Merlin:
Hibernation is good...
Setting up an Earth altar:
Making collages to energize my writing projects:
And encourage more self-love:
And, of course, spending time working on projects at my desk, with my trusty helper Merlin:
Hibernation is good...
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Finding Renewal
How do you renew and recharge your personal energy? Each of us does it differently. Think about what activities infuse you with joy and vibrance, or lift you up when you're feeling depleted. It might be a long conversation with a friend, eating healthy foods, going for a run, playing guitar, or spending time at the ocean. My favorite ways to renew are doing yoga, writing in my journal, and curling up with a good book.
Through talking with friends, I've learned that people who tend to be extroverted are renewed by spending time with others. They perform music in a band, play board games with pals, or go out dancing to recharge themselves. Introverts are more likely to want time to themselves to rest and renew. In our culture, many people use television and other media as their down time. But rather than do this as a default, examine how you feel after a couple of hours of TV. Are you truly relaxed and renewed, or have you just put your stresses on hold for a little while?
Over time, the things that renew us change and evolve as we do. One friend, an extrovert who found renewal at lively parties and gatherings, now gets drained at those types of events. He prefers to gather his energies on his own in a hot bath, or by relaxing with one or two close friends.
One thing that most of us need is a good night's sleep, on a regular basis. Or at least some rest. If you don't sleep well at night, create a schedule where you can take a nap during the day. When you have insomnia, continue to create a relaxing environment for your body and mind. Instead of fretting over not sleeping, or worrying about your life, light a candle and do some deep breathing. If you're blessed with the ability to sleep well, be thankful for it. When you wake up, do some stretches or write down your dreams.
No matter how busy our lives are, in order to sustain our energies we need to renew them. Discover the ways that work for you, and then follow through by doing those things often. You'll find you'll have the energy to do more in your daily life, and you'll enjoy it more, too.
Through talking with friends, I've learned that people who tend to be extroverted are renewed by spending time with others. They perform music in a band, play board games with pals, or go out dancing to recharge themselves. Introverts are more likely to want time to themselves to rest and renew. In our culture, many people use television and other media as their down time. But rather than do this as a default, examine how you feel after a couple of hours of TV. Are you truly relaxed and renewed, or have you just put your stresses on hold for a little while?
Over time, the things that renew us change and evolve as we do. One friend, an extrovert who found renewal at lively parties and gatherings, now gets drained at those types of events. He prefers to gather his energies on his own in a hot bath, or by relaxing with one or two close friends.
One thing that most of us need is a good night's sleep, on a regular basis. Or at least some rest. If you don't sleep well at night, create a schedule where you can take a nap during the day. When you have insomnia, continue to create a relaxing environment for your body and mind. Instead of fretting over not sleeping, or worrying about your life, light a candle and do some deep breathing. If you're blessed with the ability to sleep well, be thankful for it. When you wake up, do some stretches or write down your dreams.
No matter how busy our lives are, in order to sustain our energies we need to renew them. Discover the ways that work for you, and then follow through by doing those things often. You'll find you'll have the energy to do more in your daily life, and you'll enjoy it more, too.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Tarot Tracking
Each morning I do a three-card Tarot reading for the day. I write down the day's cards and events, and keep track of how many of each card I draw over time, noting them in the back of my Tarot journal. At the end of the calendar year, I like to return to the cards I drew most often, and evaluate what they meant for me that year.
Here are my significant cards for 2009:
1. The Lovers: combining elements of head and heart, relationships mirroring my own self-image and self-worth, cooperation, balancing and integrating masculine and feminine characteristics, taking responsibility for my choices and their results
2. Queen of wands: (queens reflect inner personal control) using my creative energies, a quick temper, generosity, the love of happiness, recognizing my potential
3. 6 of cups: (sixes are about sharing, generosity, and expression) memories of the past, friendship, exchanges, children
4. Knave of swords: (knaves are catalysts, taking risks, the need for study) cutting through depression, starting new projects, seeking truth, taking risks with communications, facing fears
5. Knight of swords: (knights mean action, purpose, challenge) communication, speaking out, impatience with a perceived lack of progress, committed to ideas
6. 2 of pentacles: (twos are duality, balance, change) adaptability, change, multi-tasking, juggling many things in order to stay stable
7. Knave of pentacles: using knowledge, seeking security, focused on health, reliable but stubborn
8. King of pentacles: (kings are concerned with mastery, authority, power, and being limited by one's own rules) established roles, being practical, concern with security and quality, being slow to change, material well-being
There's a lot of Earth here (pentacles), and Air (swords) too. Money concerns and financial worries were a big part of my life this year. I've had to face a lot of old fears in that area. I've also been exploring balance and duality. My role as the at-home parent became more stable than before. Yet I'm still struggling a bit with what that looks like, and I've often been stubborn and impatient with the perceived lack of the changes I desire.
As always, friends and family have been a significant part of my life. I'm so thankful for all of you! We are co-creating an amazing community.
I've been recognizing my potential as a writer and slowly gearing up to fulfill it. This year I've been more open with my communication, particularly through this blog. I've opened up to share who I am, what I've learned, and what is of value to me. I've started a bunch of new creative projects.
There's been a lot to juggle as I seek a balance of stability and creativity in my life. I've learned the value of seeking my own truth and happiness, and how to better balance my heart wisdom with my mental knowledge. The other lesson I'm still working on, reflected in these cards, has to do with letting go of the unhealthy aspects of "control." That could be the topic of a whole other blog entry!
All in all, it was quite a challenging year for me. I learned a lot, and I feel that I'm moving forward into 2010 from a strong foundation. I'm glad I have the Tarot cards as one of the tools I use to learn more about myself.
Here are my significant cards for 2009:
1. The Lovers: combining elements of head and heart, relationships mirroring my own self-image and self-worth, cooperation, balancing and integrating masculine and feminine characteristics, taking responsibility for my choices and their results
2. Queen of wands: (queens reflect inner personal control) using my creative energies, a quick temper, generosity, the love of happiness, recognizing my potential
3. 6 of cups: (sixes are about sharing, generosity, and expression) memories of the past, friendship, exchanges, children
4. Knave of swords: (knaves are catalysts, taking risks, the need for study) cutting through depression, starting new projects, seeking truth, taking risks with communications, facing fears
5. Knight of swords: (knights mean action, purpose, challenge) communication, speaking out, impatience with a perceived lack of progress, committed to ideas
6. 2 of pentacles: (twos are duality, balance, change) adaptability, change, multi-tasking, juggling many things in order to stay stable
7. Knave of pentacles: using knowledge, seeking security, focused on health, reliable but stubborn
8. King of pentacles: (kings are concerned with mastery, authority, power, and being limited by one's own rules) established roles, being practical, concern with security and quality, being slow to change, material well-being
There's a lot of Earth here (pentacles), and Air (swords) too. Money concerns and financial worries were a big part of my life this year. I've had to face a lot of old fears in that area. I've also been exploring balance and duality. My role as the at-home parent became more stable than before. Yet I'm still struggling a bit with what that looks like, and I've often been stubborn and impatient with the perceived lack of the changes I desire.
As always, friends and family have been a significant part of my life. I'm so thankful for all of you! We are co-creating an amazing community.
I've been recognizing my potential as a writer and slowly gearing up to fulfill it. This year I've been more open with my communication, particularly through this blog. I've opened up to share who I am, what I've learned, and what is of value to me. I've started a bunch of new creative projects.
There's been a lot to juggle as I seek a balance of stability and creativity in my life. I've learned the value of seeking my own truth and happiness, and how to better balance my heart wisdom with my mental knowledge. The other lesson I'm still working on, reflected in these cards, has to do with letting go of the unhealthy aspects of "control." That could be the topic of a whole other blog entry!
All in all, it was quite a challenging year for me. I learned a lot, and I feel that I'm moving forward into 2010 from a strong foundation. I'm glad I have the Tarot cards as one of the tools I use to learn more about myself.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Goals for 2010
Here are the results of my recent introspection and contemplation - my personal goals for the coming year. I first made a list of the many things I want to do and study this year, then gradually organized them into categories. Each of the sections also has a list of more specific ideas and intentions, which I haven't included here but have typed up for my own use. I plan to blog about the items on that list as time goes by and I experience each of them. So, my goals for 2010:
1. Expressing creativity. I express and share my creativity through writing, art and music. The books I write and co-write are published successfully. I continue to learn and practice drumming. I playfully express my imagination through a variety of art projects.
2. Exploring spirituality. I explore my personal spirituality, both on my own and in community. I participate in Pagan circles, study groups and workshops. I continue to study and practice yoga, meditation, Tarot, and magick. I am learning to love myself more.
3. Connecting with nature. I enhance my connection with the Earth. I am expanding my exploration of gardening, herbs, green living, and local foods. I do more walking and hiking, whatever the weather. I travel to places on the planet where I’ve never before been.
4. Giving back. I volunteer my time to help my community. I offer my services as a teacher and healer. I share my knowledge and wisdom with kids and adults who are interested.
5. Allowing abundance. I am increasing my prosperity and material security. I receive monetary compensation for my writing. I am increasing my family’s sources of passive income.
1. Expressing creativity. I express and share my creativity through writing, art and music. The books I write and co-write are published successfully. I continue to learn and practice drumming. I playfully express my imagination through a variety of art projects.
2. Exploring spirituality. I explore my personal spirituality, both on my own and in community. I participate in Pagan circles, study groups and workshops. I continue to study and practice yoga, meditation, Tarot, and magick. I am learning to love myself more.
3. Connecting with nature. I enhance my connection with the Earth. I am expanding my exploration of gardening, herbs, green living, and local foods. I do more walking and hiking, whatever the weather. I travel to places on the planet where I’ve never before been.
4. Giving back. I volunteer my time to help my community. I offer my services as a teacher and healer. I share my knowledge and wisdom with kids and adults who are interested.
5. Allowing abundance. I am increasing my prosperity and material security. I receive monetary compensation for my writing. I am increasing my family’s sources of passive income.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Active Forgiveness
The 21-Day Consciousness Cleanse is proving to be rather intense and wonderful. Yesterday's focus was on forgiveness, and I want to share what I wrote for one of the writing exercises. The exercise involved writing to God (or whatever you choose to call the Divine energy) to ask for help with forgiving old grudges, resentments and disappointments. Here's my letter:
Dear Universe,
I am writing to ask for your help on a big matter. I'm realizing that I've been holding on to a lot of old negative feelings about myself and some of the people I love. I have worked hard to find forgiveness for these things, and in some cases I've come a long way towards forgiveness.
But clearly there is still some resentment in my heart. So I'm asking you now - will you please help me to fully forgive and release these incidents? Will you assist me as I cleanse them from my psyche? I long to let go, so that I can release the blockages in my energy system and be free to follow my calling, the reasons I came here to create and explore and enjoy.
Please help me to finally let go of these burdens. I'm ready.
Thank you so much. I love you, and I'm grateful for you and your infinite joy and creativity.
Yours,
Starcat
Dear Universe,
I am writing to ask for your help on a big matter. I'm realizing that I've been holding on to a lot of old negative feelings about myself and some of the people I love. I have worked hard to find forgiveness for these things, and in some cases I've come a long way towards forgiveness.
But clearly there is still some resentment in my heart. So I'm asking you now - will you please help me to fully forgive and release these incidents? Will you assist me as I cleanse them from my psyche? I long to let go, so that I can release the blockages in my energy system and be free to follow my calling, the reasons I came here to create and explore and enjoy.
Please help me to finally let go of these burdens. I'm ready.
Thank you so much. I love you, and I'm grateful for you and your infinite joy and creativity.
Yours,
Starcat
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Inner Journey
BlackLion and I are embarked on a journey through a book called The 21-Day Consciousness Cleanse: A Breakthrough Program for Connecting with Your Soul's Deepest Purpose by Debbie Ford. So far, so good. Day 1 included meditation, journal writing, and making collages. That works for me! It seems like it will be an interesting way to get focused.
The timing is good, too, as I'm working on creating my list of goals for the year. This book is a good tool for that process, as are the notes I've been keeping in my journal and here on this blog. I have lots of exciting projects to work on! Finishing some writing projects, getting published, practicing drumming, creating art, exploring yoga more deeply, teaching, and more. I have an intriguing list of books to read. I also want to leave space for things that I haven't discovered yet. I'm going to be participating in a study group on the elements this year, starting with North.
I feel energized and ready to listen more deeply to my inner self and enjoy the journey along my path. I'll post my annual list of goals sometime this week. Meanwhile, more listening and introspection is in order.
The timing is good, too, as I'm working on creating my list of goals for the year. This book is a good tool for that process, as are the notes I've been keeping in my journal and here on this blog. I have lots of exciting projects to work on! Finishing some writing projects, getting published, practicing drumming, creating art, exploring yoga more deeply, teaching, and more. I have an intriguing list of books to read. I also want to leave space for things that I haven't discovered yet. I'm going to be participating in a study group on the elements this year, starting with North.
I feel energized and ready to listen more deeply to my inner self and enjoy the journey along my path. I'll post my annual list of goals sometime this week. Meanwhile, more listening and introspection is in order.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Sunflower Dreaming
After a delightful conversation and some inspiring reading before bed last night, I had some cool dreams. Floating through them was the image of a sunflower. Sometimes it was on its own, but a lot of the images were of me drawing or somehow creating sunflower pictures.
Sunflowers in dreams can mean abundance, warmth, and spiritual guidance. Also, the Sun is returning and I may be able to subconsciously feel its energy...even while it's snowing outside. I think the sunflower image is connected to the excitement I have about my plans for this year. I want to energize my active spiritual focus, adding new practices and learning new things as well as renewing ones that I enjoy.
I've done some journaling today about my sunflower dreams and decided that I'll make a sunflower collage. Quester is working on his holiday gift for me, which is some new shelves over my desk. So after a bit of organizing I'll have more space for art and other projects. BlackLion also has a big art table in his new space. Lots of art and writing are in the cards for this year!
Sunflowers in dreams can mean abundance, warmth, and spiritual guidance. Also, the Sun is returning and I may be able to subconsciously feel its energy...even while it's snowing outside. I think the sunflower image is connected to the excitement I have about my plans for this year. I want to energize my active spiritual focus, adding new practices and learning new things as well as renewing ones that I enjoy.
I've done some journaling today about my sunflower dreams and decided that I'll make a sunflower collage. Quester is working on his holiday gift for me, which is some new shelves over my desk. So after a bit of organizing I'll have more space for art and other projects. BlackLion also has a big art table in his new space. Lots of art and writing are in the cards for this year!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Things I've Learned About Stress
As I enter my fifth decade of life on planet Earth, here are some things I've learned about stress. Most of us know that stress is not good for our bodies, minds, or spirits. Yet often we think of it as an unavoidable part of life. While that may be true on some levels, for it can be stressful to learn new things, stress is not a constant. Here are my discoveries:
- Stress is temporary. If you are feeling stress, then know that it is only in this moment that you are experiencing these feelings. There's no need to be stuck where you are. You can choose to let it go and move on. There are many ways to let go of stress, and yours will depend on your personality and preferences.
- Stress is self-generated. It comes from your own mind. Stress occurs if your expectations are not being met, you are not being kind to yourself, you're denying your true desires, or you are focused on the past or future rather than the present moment. It may seem like outside conditions are causing the stress, but it is actually your reactions to those conditions.
- Stress can be used in a productive way. If you really have a lot to do and you start to feel stressed, channel that manic energy into efficiently doing what needs to be done. This also works in a crisis situation (such as an accident or illness). If you're able, perform the tasks at hand in a cheerful manner - or at least start to move in that direction.
- You may need to protect yourself from others' stress. Certain types of personalities (particularly empaths) can pick up the energy of a group of people without even realizing it. It's helpful to be aware of this if it tends to happen to you, and learn methods of shielding yourself. This can be as simple as telling yourself: "I don't need to pick it up." Meditation also helps.
- Exercise is a fast, cheap and effective way to release stress. You don't have to go jogging or work out at the gym if that's not your thing. Put on your favorite CD and dance in the kitchen for half an hour, take a walk around your neighborhood, or jump rope.
I've heard a lot this month about how stressful the holidays are. If you believe this, then take a moment to change your attitude. Maybe you do have six hours of gift shopping or a marathon cooking session before you - but can you have fun doing it? Think of the people who will open their gifts and eat those special treats. Decide that your day will be full of celebration, no matter what you're doing. Enjoy!
- Stress is temporary. If you are feeling stress, then know that it is only in this moment that you are experiencing these feelings. There's no need to be stuck where you are. You can choose to let it go and move on. There are many ways to let go of stress, and yours will depend on your personality and preferences.
- Stress is self-generated. It comes from your own mind. Stress occurs if your expectations are not being met, you are not being kind to yourself, you're denying your true desires, or you are focused on the past or future rather than the present moment. It may seem like outside conditions are causing the stress, but it is actually your reactions to those conditions.
- Stress can be used in a productive way. If you really have a lot to do and you start to feel stressed, channel that manic energy into efficiently doing what needs to be done. This also works in a crisis situation (such as an accident or illness). If you're able, perform the tasks at hand in a cheerful manner - or at least start to move in that direction.
- You may need to protect yourself from others' stress. Certain types of personalities (particularly empaths) can pick up the energy of a group of people without even realizing it. It's helpful to be aware of this if it tends to happen to you, and learn methods of shielding yourself. This can be as simple as telling yourself: "I don't need to pick it up." Meditation also helps.
- Exercise is a fast, cheap and effective way to release stress. You don't have to go jogging or work out at the gym if that's not your thing. Put on your favorite CD and dance in the kitchen for half an hour, take a walk around your neighborhood, or jump rope.
I've heard a lot this month about how stressful the holidays are. If you believe this, then take a moment to change your attitude. Maybe you do have six hours of gift shopping or a marathon cooking session before you - but can you have fun doing it? Think of the people who will open their gifts and eat those special treats. Decide that your day will be full of celebration, no matter what you're doing. Enjoy!
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