This weekend is the celebration of Lughnasadh/ Lammas/ First Harvest.
Personally, I like "Lammas," because a) easier to spell and b) sounds like Llamas. :)
This is considered one of the “greater sabbats” within the Wiccan wheel of the year. Usually celebrated on or around August 1, it’s the cross-quarter day that falls between Litha and Mabon. This is the time of the first harvest- the moment where all of the hard work you put in this year finally comes to fruition. The first harvest is the grain/corn harvest, though in many regions, many berries come into season at this time, too. This first harvest transcended cultures, and many regions throughout the world celebrated the harvest with feasts and wine. Many regions of the world had customs and traditions that they practiced at this time of the year. Some left the last sheaf of grain unharvested as an ode to the spirit of the field, that the field wouldn’t become fallow. Others saw this sheaf as sacred, believing that the Corn spirit/god lived in this sheaf. A corn dolly would be fashioned from this sheaf and kept safe and warm during the winter. This dolly was brought out in the spring, to awaken the spirit within the fields.
In the Celtic wheel of the year, Lughnasadh heralded the Tailtean Games, fifteen days of games honoring the Sun god Lugh’s foster mother, Tailte. At these games, crafts and merchanting were done, and Tailtean marriages (year and a day marriages similar to handfastings) took place, and of course, Tailtean marriages from the previous year may be dissolved. The name Lughnasadh was changed to Lammas by the Christians, as they slowly took over the land. Lammas means ‘loaf-mass’ and it still ties back to the harvest of grain.
Ideas to decorate your altar to reflect the Sabbat:
Anything gold
Gold, yellow, or orange altar cloths
Anything that you feel might symbolize the sun
Sunflowers
Bread, grain, wheat, bowl of berries
Candles, especially in orange, yellow, gold colors
Ideas for your Lammas/Lugh circles:
Honoring Lugh and Tailte
Center around what it means to ‘foster’
Getting rid of bad habits/ obstacles in your way to success
Offerings of bread or grain
Honor a Sun god
Honor a corn god/ field god
Focus on thanksgiving
Focus on sacrifice
Ideas for the holiday that you may like do outside of circle:
Harvest in your garden
Any other hard work
Volunteer at a soup kitchen
Make corn dollies
Bake bread
Can jams or jellies
Make wine
Long term project that could culminate at this Sabbat:
Food/ canned good drive.
I’m not going to add any recipes, but the main staples of the season are breads, grains, corn, wheat, and berries. You can find a whole lot of recipes, and one that will fit your tastes on allrecipes.com. I wish everyone a safe and blessed harvest! Photos from my covens altar will be on our coven’s blog at http://twilightmooncoven.blogspot.com.
Random thought: I see many Pagan ‘celebs’ with “official” blogs and it kind of makes me giggle a little bit. I don’t know why, but it does. Would I sound important if I labeled my blog “official?” This is the official “Beyond the Circle” blog! Hey. That sounds like a cool Podcast name. Uh-oh. :)
How much faith do you put in a tarot spread, really?
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Labels:
Divination,
Life
I know people who constantly read their cards and take them at face-value (sometimes literally). They believe that the cards tell them what is REALLY up and make most of their decisions based upon what they read in the cards. Others will read the cards, and not put much faith in them- they believe that really, they are simply pieces of cardboard dealt out at random. Where am I? Somewhere in the middle- its dependent upon the situation, too.
If I’m going to weave some magic, and I’m pretty unsure about it, I will read the cards, and follow what I read in them. This has saved my ass several times in my life by preventing me from acting strictly upon my emotions and doing some pretty unethical stuff magickally. However, if I’m reading cards in regards to a situation, and my feelings aren’t in line with what the cards are saying, then I definitely use the knowledge of the cards in order to frame my decision. What I’ve found interesting today, is that I was reading cards as they relate to a situation, and it turned out to be about something completely different that might possibly relate to the original situation. By this I mean, that a card in the FUTURE slot in a spread might not have something to do with the immediate people in a situation, but may reflect an issue with a person on the outskirts of a situation- possibly becoming a major player somehow. This is interesting to me. I don’t read tarot regularly- its one of my goals-to increase this- but when I do, sometimes I’m really surprised with what the cards say, and how they educate me more and more each time I read.
Consecrating a New Tool or Magickal Item
Well, I wanted to do something like I’ve seen in other blogs, and have a Magickal Monday or a Witchy Wednesday. Does that mean that I need to wait until one of these days if I get inspiration, or a bug up my butt to share something? I don’t think structured blogging would work out for me. Today I decided to share a very simple consecration, and I can’t think of anything witchy (besides tarot) that would go with Tuesday. Oh, well. Twitchy Tuesday?
Anyway, Once a witch gets a new tool or object to use in magick- it’s a good idea to consecrate it before your first magickal use, as it might have leftover energy or ethereal gunk on it from other people who may have touched it. To consecrate means to make sacred, and here is the formula that I use.
To create a consecration, I use the three Cs. Cleansing, Consecrating, and Charging. When cleansing, you are ridding the object of all old energy so that you can make it yours in this simple ritual. Some people like to get rid of all harmful and destructive energy, rather than all energy- the choice is up to you. I like a clean palette usually, unless I know or can “feel” where the object came from. Your second step is consecration- the actual act of making it sacred. I do this with the aid of the four elements. I’ve found this to be particularly helpful within a ritual frame where one might evoke the elements at the beginning of a ritual. Your third and final step is to charge it with your energy. The trick is to not push all of your energy into the object- you don’t want to get tired… think of it more like sharing your energy with the object. At this point you can also add any directives- examples are in the consecration below. Basically any ‘job’ or intent you want to imbue in your object can be stated at this point. Many people close their consecration with a “So mote it be” or “Blessed be.”
Below is a simple consecration that’s pretty easy to memorize.
Envision all negative and harmful energy dispersing from the object, back into the universe to be recycled- as energy naturally does.
Say: I cast from this [object] all energy, that it shall be a pure vessel for my intent.
Move object through each of the elements- consecrating and blessing your object with each of the four elements.
Move object through incense smoke.
Say: By (or with or in) the power of Air, this [object] is sacred.
Sprinkle object with water.
Say: By (or with or in) the power of Water, this [object] is sacred.
Carefully wave the object in or above the candle flame.
Say: By (or with or in) the power of Fire, this [object] is sacred.
Sprinkle object with salt.
Say: By (or with or in) the power of Earth, this [object] is sacred.
Hold object in your hands, or hold hands above the object. Envision some of your energy flowing into the object.
Say: I charge this [object] with the divine energy that flows through me. This [object] is cleansed, blessed by the four elements, and charged by me is a sacred [object].
(can add any other directive here, such as: and shall be used in only the most positive of ways, OR will belong to me as long as I desire, etc.)
It’s a pretty simple and easy ritual- and all you need are four physical representations of the elements. Let me know your thoughts, if you like.
Anyway, Once a witch gets a new tool or object to use in magick- it’s a good idea to consecrate it before your first magickal use, as it might have leftover energy or ethereal gunk on it from other people who may have touched it. To consecrate means to make sacred, and here is the formula that I use.
To create a consecration, I use the three Cs. Cleansing, Consecrating, and Charging. When cleansing, you are ridding the object of all old energy so that you can make it yours in this simple ritual. Some people like to get rid of all harmful and destructive energy, rather than all energy- the choice is up to you. I like a clean palette usually, unless I know or can “feel” where the object came from. Your second step is consecration- the actual act of making it sacred. I do this with the aid of the four elements. I’ve found this to be particularly helpful within a ritual frame where one might evoke the elements at the beginning of a ritual. Your third and final step is to charge it with your energy. The trick is to not push all of your energy into the object- you don’t want to get tired… think of it more like sharing your energy with the object. At this point you can also add any directives- examples are in the consecration below. Basically any ‘job’ or intent you want to imbue in your object can be stated at this point. Many people close their consecration with a “So mote it be” or “Blessed be.”
Below is a simple consecration that’s pretty easy to memorize.
Envision all negative and harmful energy dispersing from the object, back into the universe to be recycled- as energy naturally does.
Say: I cast from this [object] all energy, that it shall be a pure vessel for my intent.
Move object through each of the elements- consecrating and blessing your object with each of the four elements.
Move object through incense smoke.
Say: By (or with or in) the power of Air, this [object] is sacred.
Sprinkle object with water.
Say: By (or with or in) the power of Water, this [object] is sacred.
Carefully wave the object in or above the candle flame.
Say: By (or with or in) the power of Fire, this [object] is sacred.
Sprinkle object with salt.
Say: By (or with or in) the power of Earth, this [object] is sacred.
Hold object in your hands, or hold hands above the object. Envision some of your energy flowing into the object.
Say: I charge this [object] with the divine energy that flows through me. This [object] is cleansed, blessed by the four elements, and charged by me is a sacred [object].
(can add any other directive here, such as: and shall be used in only the most positive of ways, OR will belong to me as long as I desire, etc.)
It’s a pretty simple and easy ritual- and all you need are four physical representations of the elements. Let me know your thoughts, if you like.
Haven't blogged in a few...
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So, I haven't blogged in a few. And as my kitty decided to sit on my bum, I thought I might upload a video of her. The funny thing about this video is that its all about how she used to be a bitch and now she's sweet... and she bites me at the end of the video!
Also I added more to my eStore: a necklace, prayer beads and more...
http://apartmentfourteen.ecrater.com/
Also I added more to my eStore: a necklace, prayer beads and more...
http://apartmentfourteen.ecrater.com/
DIY Photo Shoot
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Labels:
Crafts
Now, I have a little jewelry website to sell some of the pieces I've made and a few people have asked how I get my photos. They obviously aren't professional, but they don't suck, either. Plus, I use a point and shoot camera. Here's a little set up that I have found works for me. I keep everything in a little box.
Opened, you can see that I have a bunch of stuff in there.
The first thing you'll want to have is a bunch of props for you to put your jewelry on.
Other things you'll want is direct sunlight (I use an OTT Lite), a white sheet or fabric, and opaque plastic box.
I also like a little bit of clay to hold things in place (really good for earrings) and I bought this tiny tripod at the Dollar Tree. Its the best thing I ever bought from there! Well. Except for glow sticks. Anyway.
Okay, so the first thing I do is put the box on its side and drape the white fabric around it, including the top. Make sure its smooth against the sides of the box.
Then place your items inside the box, and your camera (if you have a tripod) in front of it.
I use my camera on the auto setting, as I'm not a photography wizard, I'm a lameass (that was for you, Cindy). The most important thing to remember is to set your macro setting. This is the setting that looks like a little flower. Its used for close-up shots. If you don't use this setting, you might have issues with your camera focusing on the item. Another tip I have is to use the timer function. My camera has a 2 second timer, and I love to use it.
Make sure your item is in direct sunlight. For me this used to mean going outside and getting my back sunburned. So wear sunscreen if you do that. Or, get an OTT-Lite. Its a daylight lamp. I got mine at Tuesday Morning for $30. It's great!
I've found that you have to just adjust for the light you have, and sometimes your photos just won't come out wonderful. Shrug and try again later, or use what you have. I suggest taking several different viewpoints, both close-up and far away. I'm definitely not an expert, but its working out for me so far!
Opened, you can see that I have a bunch of stuff in there.
The first thing you'll want to have is a bunch of props for you to put your jewelry on.
Other things you'll want is direct sunlight (I use an OTT Lite), a white sheet or fabric, and opaque plastic box.
I also like a little bit of clay to hold things in place (really good for earrings) and I bought this tiny tripod at the Dollar Tree. Its the best thing I ever bought from there! Well. Except for glow sticks. Anyway.
Okay, so the first thing I do is put the box on its side and drape the white fabric around it, including the top. Make sure its smooth against the sides of the box.
Then place your items inside the box, and your camera (if you have a tripod) in front of it.
I use my camera on the auto setting, as I'm not a photography wizard, I'm a lameass (that was for you, Cindy). The most important thing to remember is to set your macro setting. This is the setting that looks like a little flower. Its used for close-up shots. If you don't use this setting, you might have issues with your camera focusing on the item. Another tip I have is to use the timer function. My camera has a 2 second timer, and I love to use it.
Make sure your item is in direct sunlight. For me this used to mean going outside and getting my back sunburned. So wear sunscreen if you do that. Or, get an OTT-Lite. Its a daylight lamp. I got mine at Tuesday Morning for $30. It's great!
I've found that you have to just adjust for the light you have, and sometimes your photos just won't come out wonderful. Shrug and try again later, or use what you have. I suggest taking several different viewpoints, both close-up and far away. I'm definitely not an expert, but its working out for me so far!
"In da club" | Tarot Reading as Fortune Telling?
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Labels:
Divination,
Life
Yes, I listen to “popular” music. This includes pop, R&B and even some rap and hip-hop. In much of the hip-hop music today, it seems as though the stripper culture is glorified. There are so many songs about strippers, and being in the club (obviously a strip club), and women showing their body while they are on the stage, etc. And then there are songs about being in a dance club. Both types of songs refer to “the club.” So, now I’m confused when I hear “the club” in a song? Is it a dance club? A strip club? Wtf? I need to know!
Well, I just had to get that off my chest.
The other thing that’s on my mind is: divination for the immediate future. I’ve been practicing with my cards lately, and last night, I decided that I was just going to pull one card before I went to bed to see how my day was going to be tomorrow (work, in particular). I pulled the 10 of pentacles, reversed. Reversed, the 10 of pentacles could mean any number of things- mostly negative and centered around money or family/community. All of a sudden, I didn’t really feel positive about going to work the next day. Usually, when I read, its for myself, and helps me understand a situation more in depth or gives me more options to deal with a situation. I don’t normally read for the future, but it might be a good experiment. Like a weather forecast. What’s my forecast for today, tomorrow and the day after? That might be something fun- or not. I don’t really like knowing when bad things are going to happen- since I’m a worrier and a stresser. I don’t want to know it’s the apocalypse until I’m dead, you know? Looking at it from an objective standpoint, it might be a good journaling experience. Even if I just pull the cards, note them here, and blog everyday- I might be able to analyze it afterwards. Hm. Sorry- blogs for me aren’t the most well-written articles, they are more stream-of-consciousness narratives.
I am working on a very simple consecration that I’ll be posting shortly, along with a simple triple goddess (MMC) ritual. I’m working on creating these few solitary rituals that are simple, - where the liturgy rhymes, so that it’s easy to remember and repeat.
Well, I just had to get that off my chest.
The other thing that’s on my mind is: divination for the immediate future. I’ve been practicing with my cards lately, and last night, I decided that I was just going to pull one card before I went to bed to see how my day was going to be tomorrow (work, in particular). I pulled the 10 of pentacles, reversed. Reversed, the 10 of pentacles could mean any number of things- mostly negative and centered around money or family/community. All of a sudden, I didn’t really feel positive about going to work the next day. Usually, when I read, its for myself, and helps me understand a situation more in depth or gives me more options to deal with a situation. I don’t normally read for the future, but it might be a good experiment. Like a weather forecast. What’s my forecast for today, tomorrow and the day after? That might be something fun- or not. I don’t really like knowing when bad things are going to happen- since I’m a worrier and a stresser. I don’t want to know it’s the apocalypse until I’m dead, you know? Looking at it from an objective standpoint, it might be a good journaling experience. Even if I just pull the cards, note them here, and blog everyday- I might be able to analyze it afterwards. Hm. Sorry- blogs for me aren’t the most well-written articles, they are more stream-of-consciousness narratives.
I am working on a very simple consecration that I’ll be posting shortly, along with a simple triple goddess (MMC) ritual. I’m working on creating these few solitary rituals that are simple, - where the liturgy rhymes, so that it’s easy to remember and repeat.
One more weekend gone...almost.
I did get a lot out of this weekend. I organized some more of my Craft stuff. I did get up a bit of an altar. It lacks the personal flair that I'd like to add, and is definitely more shrinish than altar-ish. Its atop a bookcase, which works fine for me. I did want to put it by the window, but for some reason dottie-cat has attached herself to me and likes to sit in the window. She's very graceful, but I'd rather not put breakable sacredness in her way. I'll take a photo of my current altar and post it. It's nothing special at all, really- just a very basic traditional Wiccan altar- no athame, but everything else I need for circle is there, pretty much.
In addition to that, on Friday, I took a ride to storage (if you follow me on twitter, you may remember my twitpic!). Other than that, we have no AC so it's been hotter than a muther. Which means not much else got done other than swimming. I haven't even been eating much lately. So, I'm looking forward to getting on the scale tomorrow. Who actually says that, right? I tend to lose weight when I'm not trying, and NOT when I actually give a crap. I've lost a little more than 20 pounds since September. Not trying, really- stress, I guess helps out a bit? Hey- I'll take what I can get! I've had a relaxing weekend, totally blew off unpacking more- it's really too too hot to do any of that crap. When its over 95 in the house- you are SO over physical labor. Hopefully it will cool down this week so that we can get our room together and Ben can go to Savers this weekend.
I wanted to have a Lughnasadh party this year. But maybe next year, I can't see getting everything together for a big shindig. Maybe I'll have a few people over and have a carbalicious potluck. For those who don't know, Lughnasadh is an Irish celebration of the first (grain) harvest. So, many people (like me) bake bread as an offering purposes(and for feasting afterwards). Last year was the first time I baked bread from scratch. NOW I have acccess to a breadmaker- watch out world! Lughnasadh is also sometimes thought of as the God Lugh's funeral, but really- it was also a celebration of his mother's funeral. In her honor, the Irish celebrated with the Tailtean games (Lugh's mom was named Tailte). Lots of athletic games were held in her honor.
Oh! Another thing I did this weekend was create a necklace, a bracelet, and some petite prayer beads- 28 lunar goddess prayer beads. I LOVE these because they are the size of a really large bracelet. You can slip it on your wrist easy enough, and you can roll them right into your hands. SO thrilled with these. It's already late tonight, but maybe tomorrow night, I might blog about how I take photos for my ecrater shop. :) It's not perfect or pretty but it works okay!
Tomorrow is a work day, but I had such a forcibly relaxing weekend, I think I'm actually okay with that. Even though I DID get a sunburn. I like it when my hubby puts aloe on me. ;)
In addition to that, on Friday, I took a ride to storage (if you follow me on twitter, you may remember my twitpic!). Other than that, we have no AC so it's been hotter than a muther. Which means not much else got done other than swimming. I haven't even been eating much lately. So, I'm looking forward to getting on the scale tomorrow. Who actually says that, right? I tend to lose weight when I'm not trying, and NOT when I actually give a crap. I've lost a little more than 20 pounds since September. Not trying, really- stress, I guess helps out a bit? Hey- I'll take what I can get! I've had a relaxing weekend, totally blew off unpacking more- it's really too too hot to do any of that crap. When its over 95 in the house- you are SO over physical labor. Hopefully it will cool down this week so that we can get our room together and Ben can go to Savers this weekend.
I wanted to have a Lughnasadh party this year. But maybe next year, I can't see getting everything together for a big shindig. Maybe I'll have a few people over and have a carbalicious potluck. For those who don't know, Lughnasadh is an Irish celebration of the first (grain) harvest. So, many people (like me) bake bread as an offering purposes(and for feasting afterwards). Last year was the first time I baked bread from scratch. NOW I have acccess to a breadmaker- watch out world! Lughnasadh is also sometimes thought of as the God Lugh's funeral, but really- it was also a celebration of his mother's funeral. In her honor, the Irish celebrated with the Tailtean games (Lugh's mom was named Tailte). Lots of athletic games were held in her honor.
Oh! Another thing I did this weekend was create a necklace, a bracelet, and some petite prayer beads- 28 lunar goddess prayer beads. I LOVE these because they are the size of a really large bracelet. You can slip it on your wrist easy enough, and you can roll them right into your hands. SO thrilled with these. It's already late tonight, but maybe tomorrow night, I might blog about how I take photos for my ecrater shop. :) It's not perfect or pretty but it works okay!
Tomorrow is a work day, but I had such a forcibly relaxing weekend, I think I'm actually okay with that. Even though I DID get a sunburn. I like it when my hubby puts aloe on me. ;)
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!
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!
My New Fave (annoying) Song
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Its like the verses are how I feel about my non-work social life sometimes, and the chorus is sometimes my work-life! Especially when I'm doing things for other offices or dealing with tickets, etc.
Four letter word just to get me along
It's a difficulty and I'm biting on my tongue and I
I Keep stalling, keeping it together
People around I gotto find something to say now
Holding back everyday the same
Don't wanna be a loner
Listen to me oh no
I never say anything at all
So with nothing to consider they forget my name ame ame ame
They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
They call me quiet girl
But I'm a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
I miss the catch if they throw me the ball
I'm the last chick standing up against the wall
Keep up falling, these heels that keep me boring
Getting glammed up and sitting on the fence now
So alone all the time and I lock myself away
Listen to me
Thought I'm dressed up out 'n all
With everything considered they forget my name ame ame ame
They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane
That's not my name...
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
They call me quiet girl
But I'm a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same
That's not my name...
That's not my name
That's not my name
Four letter word just to get me along
It's a difficulty and I'm biting on my tongue and I
I Keep stalling, keeping it together
People around I gotto find something to say now
Holding back everyday the same
Don't wanna be a loner
Listen to me oh no
I never say anything at all
So with nothing to consider they forget my name ame ame ame
They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
They call me quiet girl
But I'm a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
I miss the catch if they throw me the ball
I'm the last chick standing up against the wall
Keep up falling, these heels that keep me boring
Getting glammed up and sitting on the fence now
So alone all the time and I lock myself away
Listen to me
Thought I'm dressed up out 'n all
With everything considered they forget my name ame ame ame
They call me hell
They call me Stacey
They call me her
They call me Jane
That's not my name...
That's not my name
That's not my name
That's not my name
They call me quiet girl
But I'm a riot
Mary-Jo-Lisa
Always the same
That's not my name...
That's not my name
That's not my name
Letting Go of "Being Perfect"
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I was thinking to myself this afternoon- If only I was perfect.
If I was perfect maybe I’d get a promotion of some sort (not like any are actually available), or I’d be more respected, or new opportunities would fall out of the sky for me. Or I’d be happier. Or stuff. But I’m not perfect, and trying to be a perfectionist will drive me insane if I let it. Then I started thinking about how everyone else’s lives seem so much easier/ better/ happier than mine sometimes. But I *know* that everyone has their problems- it just doesn’t show on the outside. So, then, of course I started thinking about wondering if my problems show on the outside. Because really- I’m not a private person. I’m just not. Usually, I’ll happily discuss what’s on my mind- I don’t feel the need to keep things secret. If I am having issues paying my car payment this month- I’ll totally say that when shopping with a friend. I don’t feel embarrassed or any of that, usually. Maybe that’s “over sharing,” but I just wouldn’t judge anyone for things like that, so that’s what I expect in return.
Though, of course, that’s not always the case. Some people ARE judgy. But I’ve found that the most elitist/judgmental people usually are very conflicted and have lots of problems of their own- so it makes them feel better to put others’ down, even if it’s just mentally. Sometimes that’s not true, though. Sometimes they are just bitches. The bitches seem like bitches- even if they think they seem cool. They usually gather in small groups of 2 or 3 so they can whisper among themselves and all. I feel sorry for them because they are obviously bitches. I find those kind of actions completely pathetic.
And bitches like this love open people like me. “Open” being a relative term, as I’m open with my feelings, and talking about myself and my life sitches (though I usually have a giant filter up when talking about other people). But I’m not open in other ways. I have lots of walls up, I have big ol’ blocks, I have trouble relaxing, I have trouble letting go and a big fear of losing control. See- here I go, oversharing! The only reason this really bothers me, is that I KNOW I have undeveloped psychic and spiritual shit going on. I’d be more interested in divination. I’d have no problems aspecting. But try and try and try and try- and I still have lots of problems letting go, and relinquishing control. I feel balanced, but maybe I’d feel better if I was better at letting go.
Maybe I need to let go of the idea of being perfect or the best? I’m competitive and worry about other people a lot. Maybe I should just let go- experience life for me, so what *I* want to do and not be so hard on myself.
If I was perfect maybe I’d get a promotion of some sort (not like any are actually available), or I’d be more respected, or new opportunities would fall out of the sky for me. Or I’d be happier. Or stuff. But I’m not perfect, and trying to be a perfectionist will drive me insane if I let it. Then I started thinking about how everyone else’s lives seem so much easier/ better/ happier than mine sometimes. But I *know* that everyone has their problems- it just doesn’t show on the outside. So, then, of course I started thinking about wondering if my problems show on the outside. Because really- I’m not a private person. I’m just not. Usually, I’ll happily discuss what’s on my mind- I don’t feel the need to keep things secret. If I am having issues paying my car payment this month- I’ll totally say that when shopping with a friend. I don’t feel embarrassed or any of that, usually. Maybe that’s “over sharing,” but I just wouldn’t judge anyone for things like that, so that’s what I expect in return.
Though, of course, that’s not always the case. Some people ARE judgy. But I’ve found that the most elitist/judgmental people usually are very conflicted and have lots of problems of their own- so it makes them feel better to put others’ down, even if it’s just mentally. Sometimes that’s not true, though. Sometimes they are just bitches. The bitches seem like bitches- even if they think they seem cool. They usually gather in small groups of 2 or 3 so they can whisper among themselves and all. I feel sorry for them because they are obviously bitches. I find those kind of actions completely pathetic.
And bitches like this love open people like me. “Open” being a relative term, as I’m open with my feelings, and talking about myself and my life sitches (though I usually have a giant filter up when talking about other people). But I’m not open in other ways. I have lots of walls up, I have big ol’ blocks, I have trouble relaxing, I have trouble letting go and a big fear of losing control. See- here I go, oversharing! The only reason this really bothers me, is that I KNOW I have undeveloped psychic and spiritual shit going on. I’d be more interested in divination. I’d have no problems aspecting. But try and try and try and try- and I still have lots of problems letting go, and relinquishing control. I feel balanced, but maybe I’d feel better if I was better at letting go.
Maybe I need to let go of the idea of being perfect or the best? I’m competitive and worry about other people a lot. Maybe I should just let go- experience life for me, so what *I* want to do and not be so hard on myself.
Ugh.
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Labels:
Life
I hate it when people don't tell you the whole truth. Or omit something that they know would piss you off. Or secretly delay saying that they won't be able to make a scheduled gathering so that it's dropped on you at the last moment- completely screwing already created plans, and not giving people a chance to change/correct/fix plans so that they aren't so screwed. That is SO inconsiderate. This has happened to me so much lately, I'd think that someone is whispering in peoples' ears that they should do this. It makes me distrustful. Is that a word? Not trusty? Whatever.
That being said, its Monday. And I'm SO tired. I said to Ben last night that I would help go through boxes and stuff this evening. So we can take stuff to storage and stuff. But lawdy, lawdy, Im so tired. I couldn't sleep last night, and then around 2AM, I had to take an Atarax because I was itching so much. A side effect of Atarax is sleepiness, and it makes me sleep like a log. So I was completely dizzy and groggy this morning and almost fell asleep driving to work. Its so funny because medications like Atarax and Xanax do not make me sleepy, unless I need them to. But when it does make me sleepy, I SLEEP!
I may do laundry tonight. Let me tell you how awesome it is having a washer and dryer available. Our situation may not be the best, but it's definitely nice having that around. I feel spoiled now- with my own room, washer and dryer, etc... but the problem I'm having is that now that Ben and I have our own spaces- while its great- I find that I miss having him in the same room as me all the time. Now, THATS something I didn't expect! So, I must make up for that with snuggles! More later!
That being said, its Monday. And I'm SO tired. I said to Ben last night that I would help go through boxes and stuff this evening. So we can take stuff to storage and stuff. But lawdy, lawdy, Im so tired. I couldn't sleep last night, and then around 2AM, I had to take an Atarax because I was itching so much. A side effect of Atarax is sleepiness, and it makes me sleep like a log. So I was completely dizzy and groggy this morning and almost fell asleep driving to work. Its so funny because medications like Atarax and Xanax do not make me sleepy, unless I need them to. But when it does make me sleepy, I SLEEP!
I may do laundry tonight. Let me tell you how awesome it is having a washer and dryer available. Our situation may not be the best, but it's definitely nice having that around. I feel spoiled now- with my own room, washer and dryer, etc... but the problem I'm having is that now that Ben and I have our own spaces- while its great- I find that I miss having him in the same room as me all the time. Now, THATS something I didn't expect! So, I must make up for that with snuggles! More later!
New Jewelry Uploaded to my Shop!
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Labels:
Crafts
Because I'm getting a new shipment of beads (for prayer beads/malas, mostly), I made a few things this weekend. And finished others... and uploaded them to my eShop! If you wanna see the rest of the photos in my shop, click on the name of the piece. I don't know why it uploaded all funky- I should have hand-coded it. But its so late!
Rose Quartz Pendulum
Kelli Earrings
Rose Quartz Pendulum
Kelli Earrings
The Ridiculousness of People
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I got this IM tonight. It cracked my (fat) ass up.
mystica_eremita_19: Hello
barefoot_witchy: hello
mystica_eremita_19: how are you?
barefoot_witchy: not bad.
barefoot_witchy: yourself?
mystica_eremita_19 is typing a message.
mystica_eremita_19: FUCKING FATASS
barefoot_witchy: Thats nice.
barefoot_witchy: See, I care NOTHING about you.
barefoot_witchy: Really.
barefoot_witchy: So, if that was meant to hurt my feelings, you are seriously off the mark.
barefoot_witchy: Hello?
barefoot_witchy: Stop masturbating and pay attention.
barefoot_witchy: You obviously need some new material.
barefoot_witchy: See, my fat ass gets sex on the regular. Unlike you, obviously. You have some pent up angst. I can tell.
barefoot_witchy: ...
I don't know why he didn't IM me back?
Hah.
mystica_eremita_19: Hello
barefoot_witchy: hello
mystica_eremita_19: how are you?
barefoot_witchy: not bad.
barefoot_witchy: yourself?
mystica_eremita_19 is typing a message.
mystica_eremita_19: FUCKING FATASS
barefoot_witchy: Thats nice.
barefoot_witchy: See, I care NOTHING about you.
barefoot_witchy: Really.
barefoot_witchy: So, if that was meant to hurt my feelings, you are seriously off the mark.
barefoot_witchy: Hello?
barefoot_witchy: Stop masturbating and pay attention.
barefoot_witchy: You obviously need some new material.
barefoot_witchy: See, my fat ass gets sex on the regular. Unlike you, obviously. You have some pent up angst. I can tell.
barefoot_witchy: ...
I don't know why he didn't IM me back?
Hah.
My "Studio" Space
One of the cool things about living here, is the fact that I get my own C/craft room. This room is for my crafts, and will also be used as a temple room. I got to choose the paint color (a nice moss/pea green), and got to move all of my stuff in here. All of my work clothes are also in here, as our closet is TINY. All my casual clothes are in our room. It was a little challenging, trying to find places for my stuff around my in-laws stuff. My bookcases from our living room, and the armoire from the hallway is in here, too, so it was a little difficult, at times figuring where everything was going to go. My one plan was to find more table space. Here are a few photos from a couple days after we moved in.
(All of the bottles are from the herbs I had to dig through to make the incense for Litha! LOL!)
And then I had to find places for my in-laws' stuff so I could use the space, too.
and so I did!
In the photo below, you'll see our linens. We had to find space for them. My ILs said we could use their towels, but I really like ours. And ours match our bathroom and stuff. Things like that make me feel relaxed.
So, now that almost everything is put away- just have a few things to hang up and some trash to throw away... here it is... TADA! I am typing away at the desk right now on my mini and feel SO comfortable in it!
Here is as "Ivy pose" shot. See, it comes in handy for more than just myspace and facebook! I tried to get most of the room so you can kinda see it. See the pretty green?
Here's my comfy papasan chair (great for meditation and reading), two witchy cabinets stacked on one another (I need to bind the top one to the wall), and my white cubes from Target with my big paper trimmer and my Xyron PCS.
And here is my witchy armoire with my hand drums and other meditative things. Sorry its blurry. Those pink blobs are cute candle holders from Ikea. Like I needed more candle holders, right?
Below are my bookcases. On the left there is my open working BOS that we use in my coven. In the center is an upside down candle holder where I will be hanging my finished jewelry pieces before I photograph them. The painting is one I want to get framed. It looks better than it seems. But I'm no painter! On the right are two nesting tables, perfect to drag out for altars or shrines!
Here is my spare table and shelf for visiting crafters! Below are floor cushions for classes or meditations, and four wrought iron candle holders for quarter candles- I only use them sometimes.
I know it looks a cluttery mess, but it looks better in real life. On top are all my scrapbooks (including empty mini ones in the basket), then I have prima flowers and embellishments (sorted by color in the tackle boxes, and others in the easily ported purple boxes). Then on the table I have my ribbon scrap jars, assorted odds and ends, my basket of adhesives, my tool bag, a spaghetti jar of ribbon spools, my 8x8 stuff, jewelry tools, and drawers of stamping stuff.
My herb jars, candle and incense holders and statuary. And other randomness.
On top are my notes, BOS's (coven and personal) and my coven scrapbook. Ask me, I'll show it to you. And if you know where to get a 8.5 x 11 ringed album to hold lots o pages, please share.
Here is my armoire of randomness. Its mostly just the things we use most in circle, as well as some momentos, like my floral crown from Beltane, and other things like that. I know its a mess, but I'll have time to sort it out, now that everything is IN there. :)
And thats my new Studio!
(All of the bottles are from the herbs I had to dig through to make the incense for Litha! LOL!)
And so, I got a few things put away...
And then I had to find places for my in-laws' stuff so I could use the space, too.
and so I did!
In the photo below, you'll see our linens. We had to find space for them. My ILs said we could use their towels, but I really like ours. And ours match our bathroom and stuff. Things like that make me feel relaxed.
So, now that almost everything is put away- just have a few things to hang up and some trash to throw away... here it is... TADA! I am typing away at the desk right now on my mini and feel SO comfortable in it!
Here is as "Ivy pose" shot. See, it comes in handy for more than just myspace and facebook! I tried to get most of the room so you can kinda see it. See the pretty green?
Here's my comfy papasan chair (great for meditation and reading), two witchy cabinets stacked on one another (I need to bind the top one to the wall), and my white cubes from Target with my big paper trimmer and my Xyron PCS.
And here is my witchy armoire with my hand drums and other meditative things. Sorry its blurry. Those pink blobs are cute candle holders from Ikea. Like I needed more candle holders, right?
Below are my bookcases. On the left there is my open working BOS that we use in my coven. In the center is an upside down candle holder where I will be hanging my finished jewelry pieces before I photograph them. The painting is one I want to get framed. It looks better than it seems. But I'm no painter! On the right are two nesting tables, perfect to drag out for altars or shrines!
Here is my spare table and shelf for visiting crafters! Below are floor cushions for classes or meditations, and four wrought iron candle holders for quarter candles- I only use them sometimes.
I know it looks a cluttery mess, but it looks better in real life. On top are all my scrapbooks (including empty mini ones in the basket), then I have prima flowers and embellishments (sorted by color in the tackle boxes, and others in the easily ported purple boxes). Then on the table I have my ribbon scrap jars, assorted odds and ends, my basket of adhesives, my tool bag, a spaghetti jar of ribbon spools, my 8x8 stuff, jewelry tools, and drawers of stamping stuff.
My herb jars, candle and incense holders and statuary. And other randomness.
On top are my notes, BOS's (coven and personal) and my coven scrapbook. Ask me, I'll show it to you. And if you know where to get a 8.5 x 11 ringed album to hold lots o pages, please share.
Here is my armoire of randomness. Its mostly just the things we use most in circle, as well as some momentos, like my floral crown from Beltane, and other things like that. I know its a mess, but I'll have time to sort it out, now that everything is IN there. :)
And thats my new Studio!
The New (to me) Pets
Well, I thought I might introduce this cast of characters that wake me up at 6:30 in the morning. :)
Here is Dottie. Dottie is also known as "The Bitch" or "The Brat." Because she's eeeevil most of the time. But since my SIL and her two kids moved out, the cat has been so super sweet and nice. She's a completely different cat.
This cat is Kit. Kit is a lazy-assed cat that is very laid back. He is happy if you pet him. Or if you don't. He really doesn't care.
This one is Libby. Libby was in a car accident, and as my SIL managed an animal hospital, she came home with her. She pretty much keeps to herself in the cat condo, but is getting more and more adventurous.
Not pictured: Chumley. He's anti-social.
Here is Dottie. Dottie is also known as "The Bitch" or "The Brat." Because she's eeeevil most of the time. But since my SIL and her two kids moved out, the cat has been so super sweet and nice. She's a completely different cat.
This cat is Kit. Kit is a lazy-assed cat that is very laid back. He is happy if you pet him. Or if you don't. He really doesn't care.
This one is Libby. Libby was in a car accident, and as my SIL managed an animal hospital, she came home with her. She pretty much keeps to herself in the cat condo, but is getting more and more adventurous.
Not pictured: Chumley. He's anti-social.
Now, for the doggies!
Mojo is a PITA. He bit my mom. Twice. Not serious, but still, he can be a little unpredictable around new people. He's also pretty cute. He's a maltese. Both him and the yorkie (below) were give to my SIL, because they couldn't sell him. Mojo has a few little tan patches. Evidently, people buying Maltese's are white supremicists! I'm kidding.
Now, we have Sammie. Sammie is a Yorkie. The pet shop couldn't sell him because his head was too big for his body. Seriously- he's a bobbleheaded dog. The cutest one EVER! He likes giving kisses!
And finally- not pictured, is Patch, a big black and white cocker spaniel who doesn't hold still long enough for photos. I will GET him one of these days, though!
And that rounds up the animals that I live with. There is a big beautiful gray stray cat outside. He hangs out all day. So I guess he belongs here. :)
Random Thursday Rambling
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Labels:
Life
And so, it is Thursday. I don’t have to work tomorrow, so that gives me a happy right there. My goal for tomorrow is to get my studio situated. I actually took photos of it, for a “before” shot, but my netbook won’t take my media. Evidently it’s not compatible, and that really blows because I thought it was. Well, whatever. So, imagine, if you will a room full of boxes and a crapload of herb jars on a wooden table. See- who needs pictures, right? I’ll still post them.
The biggest challenge I’ve found in getting things put away is that I have to organize the stuff already IN the closet before I’m able to put my stuff away. And its my in-laws’ stuff. So I think I’m going to box up what I can, and then move it around so I can fit in all my storage boxes of craft stuff. Its just getting up the motivation to do that- since I’m not starting with a clean palette, so to speak. Most people who know me know that I love to organize. I LURVE it. But its de-motivating to have to find a place for other people stuff. Of course, their things have more right to be there than mine, and that’s not the problem, it’s just the organizing of that before I can organize myself.
I had no idea I’d spend so much money moving. Besides the U-Haul and the Storage unit, just the little things really piled up- from moving day pizzas to shower curtain and curtain rods. That’s such a bummer, ‘cause I really wanted to talk my husband into letting me buy a Flip video camera. Not like I really need to ‘talk’ him into it, but I don’t feel comfortable making a purchase like that without a conversation. I’d really like to make videos. Whether they just be Vlogs, or instructional stuff, I think it might be fun! Plus I could set it up for ritual, even. Maybe. I’d like to see some video shot with it, though, before I purchase to make sure it doesn’t really suck.
This afternoon, I go in for my allergy test. Bye-bye $30 more dollars. Yesterday was bloodwork, today is allergy test. Fun times in the life of Hivey Ivy. I just can’t wait until everything is completely sorted out and we have a place to watch TV. I hope everyone has a fun plan for the fourth of July weekend. I’m making that Sangria again. I want to make Jez’s casserole for dinner one night, so I need to halve the recipe and grocery shop for that. What side dishes do you serve with a casserole anyway? Salad? I think I’ll tweet that and see if I can get suggestions.
I haven't been in a place where I can really practice much. With no place for meditation or concentration or to sit, I'm really looking forward to getting everything situation so I can start up my daily practice.
The biggest challenge I’ve found in getting things put away is that I have to organize the stuff already IN the closet before I’m able to put my stuff away. And its my in-laws’ stuff. So I think I’m going to box up what I can, and then move it around so I can fit in all my storage boxes of craft stuff. Its just getting up the motivation to do that- since I’m not starting with a clean palette, so to speak. Most people who know me know that I love to organize. I LURVE it. But its de-motivating to have to find a place for other people stuff. Of course, their things have more right to be there than mine, and that’s not the problem, it’s just the organizing of that before I can organize myself.
I had no idea I’d spend so much money moving. Besides the U-Haul and the Storage unit, just the little things really piled up- from moving day pizzas to shower curtain and curtain rods. That’s such a bummer, ‘cause I really wanted to talk my husband into letting me buy a Flip video camera. Not like I really need to ‘talk’ him into it, but I don’t feel comfortable making a purchase like that without a conversation. I’d really like to make videos. Whether they just be Vlogs, or instructional stuff, I think it might be fun! Plus I could set it up for ritual, even. Maybe. I’d like to see some video shot with it, though, before I purchase to make sure it doesn’t really suck.
This afternoon, I go in for my allergy test. Bye-bye $30 more dollars. Yesterday was bloodwork, today is allergy test. Fun times in the life of Hivey Ivy. I just can’t wait until everything is completely sorted out and we have a place to watch TV. I hope everyone has a fun plan for the fourth of July weekend. I’m making that Sangria again. I want to make Jez’s casserole for dinner one night, so I need to halve the recipe and grocery shop for that. What side dishes do you serve with a casserole anyway? Salad? I think I’ll tweet that and see if I can get suggestions.
I haven't been in a place where I can really practice much. With no place for meditation or concentration or to sit, I'm really looking forward to getting everything situation so I can start up my daily practice.
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