Spring Equinox Evocation of Hebe

Hebe is a goddess that is often honored in the spring, being that she’s a goddess of youth; the archetypical maiden. She is a goddess of spring, of flowers and of new growth. She was the cupbearer of the gods, and served ambrosia at their feast. A daughter of Zeus and Hera, she attended Aphrodite, and was eventually given in marriage to Herakles.

Spring Equinox evocation of Hebe

Hebe,
Fair maiden,
Daughter to Zeus and Hera, Bride to Herakles
Devoted daughter and sister,
She who bears the divine cup of ambrosia
Golden-crowned one,
Grace us with your presence, as we honor you in our rite of Spring!

My latest trip to the Goddess Temple of OC

So, a few weeks ago, a friend pointed me to a page created by those banished (or left of their of own accord) of the Goddess Temple of Orange County. Having about zero drama in my life, I was interested in the drama from a non-emotionally invested perspective. I seriously should have been an anthropologist, or sociologist or something similar. Between rape accusations, defamation lawsuits, and more, these women have a serious hate-on for Ava and Morrighan. I love just watching people, and trying to figure out their motives, and untangling them... wow, that's distracting. After a couple of weeks, friends and I started talking about going to the Temple.

The last time I had been to a Sunday Service was well before Morrighan (the first priestess) came onto the scene. At that point, Ava was the only main priestess. The vibe was a little different, much more serious, and stilted, and, while I enjoyed it, I felt left out, as there was liturgy I didn't know, etc. Where to turn, etc., wasn't explained, and while I did get a tour of the temple, those who were the volunteer type people there, were friendly, but weren't terribly warm. I didn't feel like they cared about me, which was fine... I mean, why should they? I'm just some random person who dropped in. My favorite part of the Sunday service before, was the part where they asked those who needed healing to come forward, and us to give them our blessing, or healing. I thought that was a lovely way to help and involve the congregation. It was nice, and I'd plan on coming again, but I wasn't going to come every week or anything.

The only issue I had, this was years ago, was when the offering (basket, I think?) was walked around, and I didn't think to bring any cash... I don't usually carry cash, and I didn't even think about it. The woman who carried the basket around gave me a dirty look because I didn't grace her basket with my coin. And she whispered to another woman who kind of sneered at me, as well. I totally understand that churches need money to run. I GET that... but it was a mistake, and her mean look really turned me off of the temple. Now, I know that that woman wasn't a reflection on the clergy... but I am NOT a morning person, and if I get up early on a Sunday morning, it's because I really am looking forward to something, NOT to get a guilt trip because I forgot my cash. Perhaps I would have mailed something in, or something, but not after a mean and dirty look.

So, that was my experience with the Goddess Temple until this morning. I'm always going to be a little freaked out when meeting new people, as I have social anxiety (and it's not socially acceptable to drink before noon :). Everyone I met this morning was super nice, and friendly. It reminded me a bit of the old festival of Pacific Circle, where it took me a bit to understand that people are just talking to me because they are nice and friendly, and not because they want something from me, or have a question. People just like to talk. I did settle in, alright.

Many things had changed. Before, we chanted our lineage all simultaneously. This time, we went around the circle,each  saying I'm ________, daughter of _________." This aligned us all with one another energetically, and put us in a much more personal space than before. The quarter evocations, rather than being something printed on a sheet to read, was something that one of the priestesses evoked. They did a lovely job, and it was easy to follow along. The candlelighting ceremony was great, as well. People were invited to come up and speak, and for the first time, I felt comfortable to stand up and do this.... well, I didn't actually DO that. But I seriously felt comfortable enough to do so, which is a big deal to me.

Another thing that was new to me was moving to different altars, where the Naiad and Votress priestesses attended the congregation in many ways.  Cleansing, and helping, and incense... I felt completely comfortable, which is strange for me. I'm an overthinker. There is part of the service where the priestesses (Presiding and First, and Naiads, and Votresses), sit in the front of the congregation and receive blessings from the congregation (they gave us their blessings during the devotional altar part described above, and as priestesses in our own right, we give our exchange of energy). I feel like this took the place of the part where those needing healing received healing from the congregation. I missed the healing part of the circle, as that used to be my favorite part... but it was super obvious that the priestesses were emotional and appreciative of the energy given to them - it was NOT an ego thing. I gave reiki, and felt it was received well.

Overall, I was really impressed. Reading about lots of the drama, I had expected a crazy yucko vibe, but was REALLY pleasantly surprised. I am a high priestess of a small coven, as well as a leader of a large social group who circles together, and understand how challenging having a lot of people in a circle can be. Ava and Morrighan and their priestesses have found a great balance between finding humor and having a good time and keeping the quiet sacredness of circle. It's NOT easy to giggle and laugh, and come back to a ritual mindset, but you can tell their solid hive mind really helps with this. It's obvious that their priestesses find happiness in helping other people, and you can't ask anything more from anyone in your circle. 

In regards to their detractors, it's easy to point fingers. It's also easy to forget that clergy are people too. If Ava and/or Morrighan said some shitty stuff... well, fuck! They are people, too. They are allowed to have feelings and say what they think. I am super sick of people who think that their clergy/ kids teachers, etc... are above everyone else, and shouldn't say shit if their mouth was full of it! That was something my granny used to say. :) GTOC is Ava's baby. I understand this, as the coven (and tradition) that I started is MY baby. If someone is an asshole, I can tell them to eff off. It becomes a little different, when you are in a non-profit corporation, but I think that we all can respect that Ava has created something unique. And the camaraderie between her and Morrighan is palpable, and not a bad thing. If your kid is acting like an asshole, or you come to circle high or fucked up, why wouldn't I say something to you? I think that many people nowadays are completely too entitled. You don't "have the right" to come to temple, or say something on an internet forum, so if you are behaving badly or break a bylaw, you can expect to have to explain yourself and be asked to leave. My eighth grade algebra teacher had ONE rule: Don't be an asshole.

Even if you have a giant hate-on for them, you can respect their ceremonial structure, and the work that goes into putting something like this morning together. Yes, much of that is the Naiads, and the Votresses, and Ava and Morrighan completely acknowledge that. Even if you disliked Ava and Morrighan, I think it would be possible to be part of the Temple, at least at Sunday Service and stay emotional divested from the main clergy. If it was all about ego, and a power trip, then priestess Mata wouldn't have had the ability to create this mornings beautiful altar. The other ladies wouldn't be doing a lot of what they DO. So, for those who do read about the drama, go to a Sunday Service before you becoming emotionally invested in either side.  I think that you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Oh, and I'm going to buy a tambourine to add to my pile of drums and other percussion toys.

Everyday Prayer to Aphrodite

Blessed Lady Aphrodite,

I honor you with each step I take upon this earth.

With every breath, I take in your beauty and love.

Today, Aphrodite,

I ask that you might see me through this day.

Give me strength to keep moving forward.

Grant me the clarity to stay organized and focused.

Lend me your gifts that I might see beauty in all things.

Help me find my work easier to manage.

Aid me in finding the balance I need to make it through this day, energized and centered.

In Your presence I walk,
Blessed be.

White Roses

White roses symbolize purity, reverence, loyalty and sincerity. They are also known as “flowers of light.” A white rose blooming in the early fall prophesizes and early marriage.

There is a version of the myth of Aphrodite’s birth in which as Aphrodite was born, risen from the sea, where the sea foam touched the earth, white roses appeared. Also, other myths surrounding Aphrodite say that she was often adorned with roses, and a rose bush grew within the pool of blood spilled from Adonis, Aphrodite’s murdered lover. Roses were colored red, also when Aphrodite pricked her finger trying to help Adonis. The blood fell upon the rose, staining it red.

In Arthurian myths, the white rose symbolized treachery. There is a fairie name of Rhoswen, which means “white rose.” In Islamic tradition, it’s claimed that a white rose sprung from Mohammad on his journey to heaven and was stained red with his blood. The white rose is also known as a symbol of silence. When Cupid was found toying with a nymph, he offered a single white rose to Harpocrates in his attempt to keep the matter quiet. Harpocrates is now represented holding a white rose against his lips.

Maybe it's in the DOING, rather than the THINKING.

A short, rather shallow, meditation last night led me to do some research this morning. I’ve been feeling disconnected on-and-off for months now, and rather than bemoan this fact, last night I decided to do something about it. I started changing around my altar, which has lately been a place that has accumulated items without a home. I have empty baby food jars, random candles, a homeless statue and other things on there. I started by finding many of the items a home, and then I decided to just light some of the candles.

I worked up another batch of tomato bug killer (in case it works), and set it in the windowsill, between the window and the screen, so that the sun might hit it and cook it. Of course, as it contains tobacco, I labeled the jar POISON, so that I won’t use it for anything I’d ingest. I think one of my problems is that my studio room has changed so much, I have a bunch of clutter that relates to my jewelry business that I’m trying to get off the ground, and there simply isn’t space for this stuff in the closet. Ben says that he’s cleaning out some of his closet, and maybe I could use that space. That would make me really happy. Plus, I’m still thinking about getting smaller jewelry spinners, because the big one is really beginning to piss me off, and it has no home. Anyway, I ramble. Hey- it’s my blog- if I can’t ramble on here, where can I ramble?
So, in the end, I did a short meditation. While doing this, one of the dogs came in the candlelit room and laid next to my chair. I focused on the ‘how’ of becoming reconnected, rather than the ‘why’ of the disconnect. Which leads me to my research project this morning- among other things, a big white garden rose. After the meditation, I made notes in my BoS, and realized that I am no longer used to handwriting. My ‘writing’ in my BoS is awful, unlike the emails I send, nor the blogs I write. It’s because my hand cramps so quickly when I handwrite, now. I wonder if there is a way to correct that. I appreciate my handwritten BoS/journals a lot- there is nothing like being able to go back 10+ years and see your experiences written in your own hand. Even if the quickly worded writing style doesn’t make you happy.

So, in the end- I feel that doing something witchy, rather than just thinking about it, wondering, analyzing it, will help to bring the disconnect I feel to an end. I tend to analyze things seven ways to Sunday before making any sort of move. But I think, that perhaps the idea is to just MOVE. To just DO something, rather than spend time thinking about it.

The "Mysteries"

My advanced comp teacher in high school taught us several ways to start an essay. One way is with a definition. I always really liked to use this to begin my compositions, because it usually helps clarify a point, even before you start making whatever point you are trying to make.

The first definition of "mystery" listed at m-w.com is this: a religious truth that one can know only by revelation and cannot fully understand. And this is the perspective of what I write about today. The "mysteries" of Wicca and Paganism. Many people speak of these mysteries, many student want to learn the mysteries. Sorry, friends.

You can't learn the mysteries. You can't know the mysteries. You can only experience the mysteries. Are the mysteries only able to be experienced by adepts? No. There are mysteries around you every day. The changing of the seasons, life, death, taxes (well, maybe not taxes) are all mysteries. If you allow yourself to mindfully experience these things, rather than take them
for granted, you may find yourself a bit enlightened in an unexpected way.

Also, everyone's walk with their god/dess(es) is going to be unique. As everyone walks a personal path (even if one belongs to a coven, or practices a tradition), every person will experience the mysteries differently. Magick and other practices related to Paganism are also full of mysteries. Why does one working succeed, and another fail? How did this stupendous experience happen when it defies the laws of physics? Why did I have this wonderful and enlightening experience during meditation? Communing with the Gods? It's all part of the mysteries- one needs only to be mindful and open their heart to it, and experience the mysteries on their path.

If one just takes it all for granted, or only sees the mysteries through a self-centered looking glass.... "I defied the laws of physics- 'cause Im awesome like that." "The goddess spoke to me in a dream, because I'm so adept, and thats how She rolls." "My magick failed because I must have timed it incorrectly."... one will never know them.

In the Charge of the Goddess, it is said that "and you who seek to know me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without." Your mysteries are within your grasp. Open your eyes and mindfully open yourself to these experiences. I know this is a random post, but I felt compelled to write today.... and I'm listening to that 'inner voice.'

Goddesses.... so hard to pick just one!

No, no, I'm not talking about a patroness.

This weekend, my group is hosting a community driven event- Night of a Thousand Goddesses. I posted a bit about it before. Each participant can create an altar to her chosen Goddess and can do an evocation and/or some activity related to her goddess. We are a Wiccan group, and honor both the Lord and Lady, but as women, it seems to be easier to relate to the Goddess, and so we do these type of events.

We did this event a few years ago, and it was really fun. Its casual, fun, low-key and educational. Last time, I did Inanna. I wanted to focus on a Goddess that I wasn't really familiar with. This time, I'm thinking of focusing on Brighid or Hestia. I was drawn to Artemis earlier this year... but this time I'm going to stick with the Shining Arrow- Brighid. :) She's associated with wells, and fires- she's the goddess that rules the fire, forge and inspiration. She's also Irish, as am I. :)

OMG. Just as I typed this, I remembered a meditation I had of her not too long ago. Yup, I'm going to do Brighid! I will post photos of my altar this weekend. :)

NOATG 2009

I'm really looking forward to our Night of a Thousand Goddesses event this year. Its a small, low-key fun women's event that we've done. I'll post more later. Including another cat video.

This week and the next, I'm going to be super busy, so I might not have time to blog. We have initiation coming up, the aforementioned open event, people joining our Outer Court, and I'm helping get Mystic Wicks Circle of Teaching up and running- and this means I need to get my ass in gear, finish posting my Spellcrafting online course, and Finish WRITING my Wicca 101 online course. And I have a CoT update to write for the MW magazine. Oh. And get ready to start in-person Wicca 101 classes again.

So, if I just post little blogs or photos, or silly cat videos, please bear with me. *hugs*

More details on NOATG on the Coven Blog.

The New Altar. Or Lack of One Altogether.

So, I've decided that its time to put together an altar in here here room. However, there isn't room for the kind I like. So, it will have to be the top of a bookcase... but I'm gonna be cool with that. I'm trying to decide if its going to be shriny, or Wiccan altary. So I want to include my trad altar, or just make it a shrine? Or both.

See, before, I had shelves and sconces, etc., but they would look silly in this room. I have been so ridiculously stressed out at work (I know, I need to call the EAP) that I feel that I should be doing daily devotions. I just a) need to create a sacred space and b) need to figure out my daily devotional prayer.

I got beads to make prayer beads (and came up with a kick ass goddess string) and that might be helpful... lighting candles seem to be silly cause Id have to a) leave them unattended, or b) have to put them out right away. So I need to find some other way. I was thinking of creating a tree from branches and tying a ribbon on the branches each day. I have TONS of ribbon. Like TONS. My altar is a complete blank slate now, a flat wooden shelf with my coven's working book of shadows at one end. I'll post a photo of course, once its done.

Sorry if it offends you conservative facebookers (since the blog is fed to facebook). Okay, I'm not really SORRY sorry- but you can unfriend me if you really want to. I wouldn't like that- but you hafta do whatcha hafta do. :)

Blessed be!

Invocation

So, for some reason lately (new moon a'risin'?), I've been really wanting to write. Which is cool and all, but I just wish that it didn't come upon me while I was at work. This morning, an aspecting sort of invocation came to me. I use 'aspecting sort of invocation' rather than the overused term "invocation" when people really mean evocation. This invo would come *after* a regular sort of invocation, like the four part invo's I teach in class, based off of Lipp's model in her books. So, I needed to throw this up on my blog so that I didn't lose it in the whirlwind that is my worklife.

Speak!
So that your voice falls from my lips, so that I feel as you feel.
For a time no longer than ____ minutes, let my ears hear as yours, let my eyes see as you see.
As I breathe deeply of your essence, let us be one.