A Year & A Day of Spiritual Practice in the Craft of the Wise

"Through the path of Wicca, we learn to penetrate these veils, tap into our potential, and discover innate knowledge, insight, judgement, and sense. It takes time to trust the process and to become wise like this -- just as it takes time for the sap of a barren snow-covered tree to wake into motion, revitalize the tree's limbs, and produce blossom and sprout. This is the way of nature."

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 17. 1.31.17.

Tracking the Sun and Moon

We entered the New Moon on Saturday, thus begins the Waxing moon. New beginnings, creations. Good is yet to come for us. Our house will be blessed. We will be blessed. The Mother and Father are looking out for us. I felt them with me all day today. She was so beautiful yesterday.

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 16. 1.30.17.

Sun and Moon: Divine Polarity in the Sky

Discovering my symbolic representational energies of both moon and sun in four categories:

My thoughts: Receptive; indirect; passive; reactive. Of the Moon.

My activities: Intuitive; spontaneous; impulsive; holistic; disorganized. Of the Moon.

My feelings: Moody; timid and apprehensive; self-conscious; insecure; emotional. Of the Moon.

My body: Round, soft, plump. Of the Moon.

Lunar energy. Would you have guessed otherwise?

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 15. 1.29.17.

Divine Polarity

I express the side of the Goddess. This is obvious and there's no use arguing otherwise. Of course one cannot exist without the other, and I do find many qualities of myself associated with the divine polarity of the God. However, I am passive, internal, soft, non-linear, indirect, and spend much time dreaming, listening, and being in my unconscious mind. Though daytime is becoming more valuable to me than nighttime, I have always been drawn to the time after dusk. For my entire life I have felt most at peace in the presence of the moon. This, however, has been changing as of late. I also try to spend as much time listening as possible but I do spend much time being expressive. I can be very Solar at times, but I definitely have prominently Lunar energies.

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 14. 1.28.17.

Re-Thinking God

For weeks, my horoscope has been telling me that things on the job front are going to become easier, I am going to reach great heights, and that big opportunities are coming my way with authority figures that trust and believe in my strengths. Today proved all of that to perhaps be accurate. After all my hard work, I could feel it coming, but was beginning to doubt it. The universe has strange methods of teaching us lessons, but I’m trying to ride her wave. 

What images of god did you hold as a child? I was told the Christian god was a loving one, but I was always terrified of his wrath as taught in the Old Testament. I thought he was angry all the time and always doing mean and awful things to the people on Earth just doing their best. As the idea of "Jesus" came into play I thought he was a much more empathetic deity, but never really understood the idea of worship.

How have these childhood images influenced your understanding of the divine today?  Understanding that there is a deity so great that we cannot conceptualize their eternal omnipotence has helped me comprehend the divine's ever- and all-being. I see connections wherein all life forms are connected by one all-encompassing spiritual entity. However I see mostly differences in my understanding of deity and worship as a child and my comprehension of the divine today.

Are the images of god that you know actually representative of god’s fundamental nature? Any deity's fundamental nature can't possibly be conceptualized through simple imagery. Of course, there can be inspirations and ideals that help us think of a god, but nothing that will encompass what they truly mean, do, and are.

Are images of god important? Why? I think imagery is powerful in worship because it gives folks something tangible to relate to. One concept I struggled with in childhood was blindly following an invisible man in the sky that no one knew whether or not existed or what they were or looked like. I'm sure imagery helped those folks to worship a god they could see and conceptualize; I'm also sure this hindered folks from understanding the omnipotence of deity.

What is the purpose of believing in deity? Purpose; healing; understanding. Knowing why you are, where you are going, and on what to focus while on the journey. It gives answers; it reduces fear and anxiety. It creates community. It provides connection. This is true for people believing in any and all deity.

Do we cheat ourselves and others at any level by characterizing god through image? Why? Why not? As I mentioned above, I'm sure imagery of 'god' has hindered folks into believing that this is what they actually are and look like; that they really are just a human in the sky and not the fundamental roots of all things. That they are just a man who created the world in 7 days and not the immeasurably ancient and yet forever young spirit of the Universe itself.

Does it bother you to see the word ‘god’ not capitalized? Why? There's no reason why the Christian god should be capitalized above all other deity. I capitalize words that are of importance to me, as the power you give them are the power they possess.

Does the word ‘god’ need capitalization? As above, I capitalize the names of my deities; the God and Goddess, Father Sun and Mother Moon, the Craft, my Practice, my Ritual, my Universe. In this way, I am giving them the power of my worship.

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 13. 1.26.17.

Guided Imagery Meditation

I went to the lake yesterday to bury my Connection candle. I went to the same spot I had meditated on the sunset days prior, because it felt right. It felt safe and comfortable and a sense of clarity and sheer happiness washed over me. As I sat, the waves crashed up to greet me. My God and Goddess saying hello again. It was a beautiful day. The horizon fully visible, Father Sun peaking out to ensure my protection. I followed my instincts all the way as to never negate a message meant for me. 

When I got back to work, the first thing I read was the following passage: “The Beginning: We stood upon the shore of a great sea. We looked out to the horizon from whence we had come with alonging so painful that none of us could talk about how we felt. Lost upon the shore of an unknown land in the night of a new age with none but ourself to call upon as friends.” That’s how magick reveals itself. 

Jo helped me to find my Power Place. Guiding me on a meditative journey, I imagined floating with a great spirit beside me to the hay bails at the farm. I could secondarily see myself at that place on the lake. I believe these two places to be my Power Places. The lake is a tangible location, which makes it even more calming for me. I’ve realized from this activity that solitude is my way of peace. I want to learn to take solace in human nature and connection as well. And I do and I can, but moreso. 

I think I want to become involved with other witches but perhaps just not yet.

I’m practicing meditational breathing + wallgazing every day, still. 

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 12. 1.24.17.

Moonwalking and Sunwalking

Last night I fell asleep crying. I mourned the loss of an important friendship that I may never get to fully enjoy again. This morning, when I awoke, the first thing I read was an important passage by Ly De Angeles:

“You may find yourself with little or nothing in common with people with whom you have consorted for years. You may find yourself in conflict and turmoil, misunderstood, and daunted at every turn, unwilling to accept confines to which you may have preciously (often unwillingly) acquiesced [...] For only by living who you really are and what you learn do you ever really grow.” 

Jo told me she wasn’t surprised at the timeliness of my reading this passage. “That’s how magick reveals itself” she said. I’m starting to realize that each and every day.

Moonwalking and Sunwalking were more challenging to me than was Wallgazing. The more challenging the exercises become, the more frightened I am that I won’t possess a strong enough skill and cognition to be successful on my path. I know this is untrue, and as Ly De Angeles has said, “This is not a recipe for an ascetic, because that’s not Witchcraft! Austerity is not the way of the Craft, ever!” I need to learn to be more gentle to myself.

Regardless, I walked with my hands in protective posture, as Father Sun shone down on my day. Quick paced, I counted. I did not stop counting for ten minutes. Thoughts did enter my mind and I think this is because I had to be ever aware of my surroundings. Perhaps outside of a busy city when I’m on my way to work would be a more appropriate time to indulge in this practice, but it still did envelope me in a calm I would have never otherwise felt. 

At nightfall, my pace slowed. My stride length decreased. I was more pensive. I am a Lunar baby, afterall. I wasn’t thinking about anything in particular, but was able to understand the flow of my cognizance and just notice the workings of my mind. Still difficult, as I’m not particularly able to walk without worry of bumping into someone when I’m on Queen St, but definitely a practice I’ll have to try. 

It’s much more challenging to clear your mind when your body is moving - to me, at least. I can see why the repetitive motion would ensnare some into a meditative state, distracting away from thoughts. However it just makes it more difficult for me to focus on clearing my mind. Maybe that’s the trick; maybe I’m thinking too hard about it. Maybe I’m not gently excusing the thoughts from my mind but loudly barging them out.

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 11. 1.23.17.

Meditational Walking

Today I learned about Sunwalking and Moonwalking and to whom each form of meditational walking would be more suited to. I realized that I have both Solar and Lunar qualities, almost directly even. However, I am (as expected) more dominated by the Lunar polarity. 

I’m fiery and expressive; fast-paced; impatient; overt; and sexual. In this way, I have Solar qualities. However, I am Lunar in that I am contemplative; sluggish; sensual and emotional; empathetic and compassionate; intuitive and introverted. 

I find as I grow older I am starting to shed fiery qualities of myself...I am interested to see where this path leads. 

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 10. 1.22.17.

Meditational Sitting

It’s very hard for me to clear my mind. I’ve known this since meditation as a young girl, but guided imagery always seemed to help. I think it’s because I can’t rid of thoughts in my head unless there’s something taking their place. Like a mental image, or listening to the words being uttered by a facilitator. I want to improve on this skill, and I’ve been trying hard every day at every opportunity I get. On the subway, walking home, I will practice today’s technique. It’s helped me in times of high stress and anxiety. 

I sat by the wall on the chair.  With my head a 45-degree angle, and I made my vision immaterial. I gazed at the space, peripherals emblazoned with a red table cloth and the flame of several Ritual candles that’ve been making me feel extremely at peace.

I began counting. I did not try to control by breaths, but maintained steadiness and normalization. As I inhaled, I allowed thoughts to escape my consciousness. As I exhaled, I visualized the flow of air being released from my lungs, esophagus, and mouth. As the air left my body, I visualized it forming the number that I was counting to in my head. I tried to think of only this image in my mind. No other thoughts, no worries, no intentions. 

At one moment, I noticed my thoughts begin to wane... I noticed thoughts of otherness come into my mind. As my meditative state began to weather, the calm flame of the Peace in the Home candle began to flicker...reminding me to stay on a steady track. And when no other thoughts permeated my Wallgazing, the steadiness of the flame returned.

This is still a challenge for me, but I feel determined and calmed by the idea. 

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 9. 1.21.17.

Meditational Breathing

It's powerful for me to know that there is a unifying factor in meditational exercises. That people, the most enlightened people, from all parts of the world, use the same practices as in my Craft and achieve such a high level of spiritual consciousness that I can only hope I'll one day attain. I definitely need to concentrate on breathing, and breathing well. For five minutes each day, in addition to my practice of experiencing life's energy, I will practice mindful breathing exercises. I seek calm and grounding and there are so many avenues at the disposal.

"A deeply relaxed state of mind and powerful energy raised by proper breathing is what Wiccans need to successfully employ their craft. Powerful breathing is the first step toward a thriving magical practice."

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 8. 1.20.17.

Meditation

Today was hard for me, in terms of positivity, stress, and concentration. I found it difficult to want to be okay, because I was in such a negative mood. Something about Mercury not being in Retrograde, or Blue Monday or something has really got me in a funk.

I'm unsure whether I would bode well with Eastern or Western techniques of meditation. I feel because my mind is constantly racing, the guided meditation of Western practice would work well with me, however this is not a challenge. I won't learn to free my mind and cleanse my spirit if I never challenge myself to actually detach myself from thought processes attempting to soil my practice.

I am very laid back, contemplative, less active, and non-linear so I do believe Eastern meditation techniques would be the best fit for me. I don't mind a bit of chaos, but I do thrive in organized spaces. I suppose just practice of meditation will help me understand which practice works best for me and my spirit.

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 7. 1.19.17.

Witches and Sacred Symbols

Today the sun set at 5:11pm. I walked down to the lake, walked through the sand. I did not apprehend any urges. If I saw a stone I was particularly drawn to, I did not take it as coincidence. There is no such thing. I picked it up and held it, close to my heart, for grounding. I examined the shore and decided on the perfect spot; just on the rocks closest to the water. A place I had been before. I sat, cross-legged at about 4:55. I decided this was the perfect time to practice my exercise of feeling the energy and vibrations in my body. Still necessary for me to practice, but I felt more unity in the energies of each part of my body. Sitting, looking out onto the horizon, I was rushed with emotion. I was powerfully moved by the vastness of the lake, the energy flowing from the water. This was the perfect place to sit and experience the sunset, regardless of the sun being less than visible in the gloominess. I began to cry, profoundly affected by the presence of both the Mother and Father. As I cried, the ebbing and flowing of the water became more intense. I listened to the waves crash loudly on the rocks. Still holding my stones, feeling one with the place I was sitting, I felt my bond with the Earth and the Universe. I meditated on how calm the water seemed and yet how much energy and life exists beneath the surface. There were birds floating ontop, accompanying me on this meditation. Almost providing guidance. The creations of my deities are so simple yet so complex. I continued to cry for the beauty that I belong to. I cried because I felt the god and goddess with me. Truly, I felt them by my side. They said hello, they took my hand and guided me from the moment I stepped out of work until the moment I went back. And even still they are with me; they always will be. As the waves continued to crash, I knew it was the Lord saying farewell to his reign on the day. Personally, he told me so-long. The waves persisted. The group of birds atop the water departed, flying away into the north.

And then I stopped crying. I calmed. Immediately following, the waves ceased their movement. They were calm with me. I do not believe my calm calmed the waves, nor that the waves calm calmed me. Our energies both shifted with the parting of the god. We are one. Sheer tranquility. For just a moment. And then the arrival of the Mother.

The sun set, and the waves commenced once more. The Lady was saying hello. I felt the rush of energy fill my body once more. I paid gratitude to the wind on my cheeks, the spray of the water; the goddess retrieving my attention and holding it in a meditative connection.  An intimate gathering of energy that cannot be explained in words.

The departure of the light and the arrival of the dark. I experienced one, and both, all in succession. The sheer beauty of this phenomenon moved me. I could understand the existence of both things, and all things. I could appreciate every being and energy in my life.

I then took the opportunity to practice again my exercise of feeling my bodily vibrations. This time I reflected on the body parts that I felt disconnected to, and how this might reflect the chakras that are misaligned. My root chakra, I concluded, might need some strengthening and alignment. I will research this tonight and in days to follow. The meditative process is becoming more intense but also easier and more natural to come to me.

Nearing the time I was going to leave, a man named James asked if it was ok if he sat where I was. At first I was a little thrown off and uncomfortable as to why someone would want to be in my space. I pondered it and his simultaneous meditative energy was a balance, especially reintroducing the masculine energy that had just departed but was by no means gone. He was gentle and respectful and I grew into an understanding that connecting and appreciating humans is to accept the nature of the Lord + Lady. This was a beautiful experience.

I had not cried tears of joy like this in any recent memory. I was overwhelmed in the most amazing and incredible way. This journey of mine has just begun and I cannot wait to see where the Mother and Father will take me.

I would imagine the sunrise and sunset symbolize the symbiosis between the day and night, the light and day, the living and dead, the past and present, masculine and feminine, animate and inanimate. We are all existing simultaneously and every existence is as important to the other as the god and goddess are to life itself. This is why symbolism is so important to my practice; there are not words known this lifetime that can express the miracles of the deities and my sheer amazement at their wonder.

As I was walking back to work, I passed a Presbyterian church with a large cross on the front and a Celtic cross on its sign. Taken aback at first, I contemplated my reaction. This symbol, from a past spiritual path I could have ended up following, really just means to me that other people are looking for guidance, peace, and hope in a similar way to me. We are all looking for spiritual grounding, no matter how we express it. This symbol reminded me to coexist in love and light with all humans in their nature. 

Blessed be!!!

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 6. 1.18.17.

Wicca and Shamanism

The god + goddess found me during a time of attempted transition – I discovered that paganism was a path I must explore accidentally, but I had never felt more powerfully connected to the Earth and my past, right down to the core. It’s strange how since my childhood, all of the described Shamanic hallmarks I had experienced in some degree or another…

Divorce, death and suicide were common themes in my childhood. I’d often resort to self-harming behaviours to ground and calm myself. I was quite obviously seeking comfort in something greater than myself – physical existence. I recall one night even praying to a god of whose existence I wasn’t even sure, just because I didn’t know what else to do. Because of this, I know that the god + goddess have always been watching me; guiding and protecting me. They allowed me to find them when I was the most ready and able to accept and see them for all their glory.

My relationship to nature has been complex and at times harmful. However it has always affected my mood, my being, my entire stream of consciousness – whether I realized it or not. I think the times in my life where I felt the most imbalanced, angry, and volatile, were times in my life when my relationship and connection to the Earth was strained. I think there is a reason the Lord + Lady saved my sister and placed her in such high importance and priority to me. Her relationship to the Earth has always been extremely profound, respectful, and loving. I admire that. She’s taught me so much and has always been a great influence on my entire being, whether she intended to be this for me or otherwise. My mother also has a healthy and respectful relationship to nature. We always spent time outside exploring the beauty of the Earth and were constantly encouraged to find peace and calm in the miracles of the Earth. The exquisitely strong feminine family connection has also been spiritually grounding, especially in terms of enhancing my relationship with the goddess.

Since very young childhood, my aunt and my mother have encouraged and praised by seemingly psychic abilities, despite my father’s profuse, villainizing objection. They encouraged me to practice and develop this skill in a way that felt most rewarding for me. Whether it be walking into the kitchen for a reason unknown to my consciousness, and suddenly the phone rings; or thinking of someone that hasn’t so much as crossed my mind in years, and finding out today is their birthday; or how I seem to ride the same brain wave with people around me that I love the most. I pick up the phone to call my mother, and she’s already there on the other line; Jo and I saying the same things at the same time, or feeling like she took the words right out of my brain before they could escape my mouth and the way she just looks at me like she knew I was about to say it but she beat me to the punch (what a powerful witch that woman is); or I’m just thinking and wondering if Lex has yet awaked and I go to my phone to check the time and there’s already a text waiting. These may seem like miniscule incidences but the frequency of occurrence is something that cannot and should never be masked a coincidence. I want to practice harnessing these abilities by never mistrusting my instincts. I second guess myself far too often but I believe I could have stronger abilities if I just trusted my greater intuition.

I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say that what I experienced in the fall and winter of 2015 was Shamanic, or even inspired by a spiritual conquest. I do, however, believe that all things in this, the last, and the next life, are contributing factors to my Wiccan path. I was thrown into a whirlwind of disorientation, and was not living in this reality for a vast majority of 6 months. I was floating. I did not feel real. My reality I was living was not this one, but I would shift between consciousness at all times of the day, despite the necessary daily tasks I had to perform – like a new fucking job that I hated. I’m honestly shocked that I survived and prevailed a stronger, unbroken woman. I’d see and hear and understand things that others wouldn’t. I’d act in such a way that wouldn’t make sense to me outside of the trance-like state. I wish I wrote about it more during this time because it is so hard to remember how to describe exactly how ill and terrifying it felt. And yet natural…? I’m not sure if this was streaming me to a higher consciousness but it was practice in self-awareness, for sure. Unhinged, to an intense degree. I feel now knowing what I know that if it ever were to happen again, I could meditate on it and not doubt my ability to survive. Having experienced what I did, I feel more comfortable expanding my mind to a level of higher consciousness and trust my safety.

I understand myself on a plane of existence with all things of this world. I understand that there are vibrations within all things, animate and inanimate, and that we all exist on a different wavelength. I do, however, believe that we can ride each others’ frequencies. I find myself often sailing away; latching onto the vibrations of those closest to me and coexisting with their spiritual energy. I also understand when I am not on the same frequency as all things in nature. I can trust my intuition when this happens, as it is always a powerfully intuitive force that I cannot debate. I feel it in my Solar Plexus and my Heart chakras, permeating deeply all the way down to the core of my Root.

My aunt, my sister and I have always joked that someone is looking over our shoulder and copying our conversations; listening without giving credit. However, I believe this has been our innate ability to create change through forces seen and unseen. I believe all creatures have the power of willing thoughts to fruition, if they nurture them with enough attention. I do believe, however, that this is a natural force to some people of this realm that have a closer relationship with their higher consciousness. I have always thought deeply about this ability within myself and am excited to learn more about harnessing this strength.

Shaman vs. Madman In some ways I am “The Shaman” in terms of being able to control my spirituality and move between the worlds effectively while still functioning concretely and practically within the context of societal norms. In other ways, especially of my past, I am “The Madman”. I have found myself at time unable to maintain a balance in my delusions or come back to reality and function effectively within the framework of my community; lacking stability in work, relationship, and states of mind.

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 5. 1.17.17.

Natural Sacred Energies

I understand the concept of experiential faith. I understand the concept of meditation and sensing the vibrational energy in all parts of your energy. I am improving on observing my thoughts with a detached curiosity as opposed to indulging in the thoughts during meditation and allowing myself to become distracted away from the Craft. That being said, today’s exercise was successful in terms of meditational mental clarity, but I will need further practice (5-10 minutes several times daily) experiencing the energies within my own body.

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 4. 1.16.17.

I missed one day but I won't miss more because discipline is important to the practice but "harm none" includes myself.

Questioning Your Path

Why am I exploring the Wiccan path? I seek calm, a spiritual grounding, and finding my place in the Universe. I want to thrive from within, know my path and purpose and the answer to “why”. I want to mould my own life with guidance and purpose, not live for anyone other than myself but rather exist in synchronicity. 

What were my previous Spiritual practices? I’ve always had a sense of spirituality with no denomination in particular. I was raised as a Catholic and was sick of being told that everything I do is inherently sinful just for being human. I didn’t want to praise a made up person who I would never know whether or not they existed under the guise of “faith”. 

Did any of these past practices lead me to investigate Wicca? How? Wicca is a much older, Earth-based religion. It is based on experiential existence, and not mindless delusions. My inherent spirituality and connection to the Earth prompted my epiphany when researching Pagan faiths. 

What are my hopes in engaging in this path? I hope to gain mental clarity, above all things. I need a spiritual grounding, a found path, to feel less lost, and to attain calm and happiness. I am hoping for an increased motivation for the future and an overall sense of hopefulness. 

What are my fears in engaging in this path? Since becoming more attuned to the world around me, I am terrified every time I hear a bird chirp and think they might be trying to lead me astray; I am terrified if I have a gut feeling to take the road less travelled and if I don’t I may go completely wrong. I feel things so much more passionately and intensely than I already did and although this is comforting, it is terrifying. I think I will will bad thoughts to be, but this is just a cue to think more positively because there is power in thoughts. I really can make my own thoughts happen and I need to make sure they are only positive thoughts and really pay attention to whether I am being told something by the natural world around me or if it’s just my Mother + Father keeping me company through all forces seen and unseen.

How will I handle friends and family members who might not approve of my spiritual search? Only those who don’t love me would disapprove of my happiness and spiritual growth. People who really love and support me are ecstatic to see my excitement, happiness, and grounding. I will banish this type of harm. Finding my path will open my eyes. As my darling guiding witchy girlfriend has taught me, I may find that my path in the Craft alters from those who may be currently in my life. Becoming attuned to the environment around me may mean difficult changes are yet to be made, including eliminating negativity. I am willing to grow.

Aside from transitioning to a new spiritual path, are there other major events that impact my life at this time (for example, deaths, births, divorce, job loss, etc)?  I’m undergoing a change in jobs, amount of work, I’m trying to move, I stopped taking my meds, I’m very busy. My sisters both moved and one will be returning soon, and my partners just got married. Among other things.

If I have major events happening right now, is this the best time to explore a new spiritual path? Why/why not? I’m upset that I don’t have more time. I want to give my practice all of my priority but at times I’m so tired and find it difficult to muster the mental capacity required for study. However, I think at this time where I find it difficult to care for myself first, when I do give my practice priority, I am actively engaging in a form of self-care which I otherwise would not do. I make space for meditation which indulges my Craft but also grants me time with myself to make peace and understand my racing thoughts in such a profound and enlightening way.

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 3. 1.14.17.

Mummy’s birthday. VI. 

Today, I felt in such connection with human beings after my trip to Piya’s Boutique. I’ve always enjoyed going in there because they are so sweet and so helpful, plus I’ve always just been attracted to local business, especially those from which I can feel the healing energies seeping into my soul, within even a few metres of the store. I went in for a white candle and candle holder. Because of the generosity, patience, and genuine kind helpfulness of Piya’s son, I came out with an incense holder (stick and cone) for Ritual; myrrh resin; Three-Kings charcoal; white, green, and red taper candles; candle holder; incense from the Divine series in Power and Moon, plus Oodh, Cleansing, and Spiritual Life. Piya gifted me a black tourmaline, which was incredibly thoughtful and sweet. This provided me with intense grounding and protection during the night’s Ritual, and throughout my evening and journey home. Piya’s son also wrote down a list of things I was looking for that he did not have. I suppose he’ll check in on getting them to the store. I really appreciated this, though he didn’t say anything about it. That made me appreciate it more. There is comfort in healing alongside others. Harm none.

Melting Beliefs. 

I think that I did Roderick’s lesson incorrectly yesterday, or at least not as intended. However, I was able to mould the lesson to directly supplement my growth, and because of this I feel the lesson was just as, if not more meaningful. I came home after a long day, and felt flustered. However, the more I concerned myself with the Craft, the more enthusiastic I became to be alive. The more I focused on my practice, the more calm and more purposeful I felt. Sitting in solitude, absorbing the smoke of my Cleansing incense, grounded and protected by tourmaline, feeling my body on the floor’s surface, illuminated by the light of candles: I meditated. I reflected on what my writings from yesterday said to me; the general sense of Connection that seemed to be a common theme in all of the importances of Wicca to me. And I began to immerse myself in this connection. Remembering all of the ways that I am connected to Mother Moon and Father Sun; recalling why I have always felt a spiritual connection and where it came from. Feeling my mother’s energy on the day of her birth, and truly understanding that my ancestry is responsible for this fire being ignited. My mother’s lifelong support has watered my beliefs, maybe even planted them to begin with.  I carved CONNECTION into my white taper candle and allowed the flame to meet the wick. Instead of absolving myself of this feeling, and allowing it to morph and melt away, I focused on how this connection will further evolve with my practice. I thought more of all of the connections I am aware of in a higher consciousness but don’t reflect on in daily life as often as I should. I cleared by mind, and really practiced thinking only of what I intended. And it was peaceful. It was natural. I enjoyed spending time in my head and with the Goddess of Night. I was aware of what was happening. And I focused on the intense Connection that I will be granted if this kind of Ritual is kept consistent. 

Thank you, Lord + Lady. Thank you for your guidance and protection. Thank you for discovering me at a time when I needed you most. Thank you for the change I am about to undergo, and thank you for the Connections you grant me to all of your beautiful creatures of this Universe. 

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 2. 1.13.17.

I chose the full moon to be my Beginning without even realizing it, and it’s never felt so perfect.

Friday the 13.

History of the Craft; Etymology. 

Analyzing the following terms and their meaning to my practice:  Wicca; Ritual; Pagan; Witchcraft; Magic; Spell; Power; Occult; Earth-Religion. I’ll use this in practice tomorrow.  Wicca. Though this is a fairly new development in terms of organized religion, this practice is derived from ancestral tradition; Indigenous practice and spiritualistic history through the ages. Learning to connect with all nature, including my fellow mortals, to be more attuned to my Earth and therefore empowered by the Divine. 

Ritual. Repetitive and habitual practice, whether this be meditation or divination, allows you time with the deities, with the Earth, with your own senses. Allowing yourself the time for Ritual reinforces the importance of your practice and puts you in a place that you can be fully immersed in your spirituality, negating the daily locomotion. In this framework, it is important that you are one and the same with the Earth’s creatures; you connect with the divine in the fullest capacity and have beautiful abilities you could never be aware of if it were not for the respect of the importance of Ritual. 

Pagan. I discovered Paganism when researching my own ancestral roots. Baltic Paganism -- Romuva to be exact -- reflected every single belief I’ve ever had. Every important aspect of my connection to the Earth, I felt was aligned and put out into the energy of the Universe. It found me as I was not searching for it. The Mother + Father could sense in me what I was not fully aware I was sensing in myself. As Christianity negated and exploited every Pagan religion in history, rebels rose up. As Christianity and The Big 3 continued to colonize and penetrate every part of my ancestors’ culture, they did not stop their rebellion. Neither, then, will I. That is why Paganism is so important to my life, my fundamental belief system, and my very roots of existence. 

Witchcraft. As I understand, there is a grave miscommunication between Wiccans and cowans. Throughout history, this has been the case. Whether it is a fetishization of The Craft with no further insight, or a learned hatred of practitioners due to misinformation. Witchcraft, similar to my understanding of Magic, is placing your spirit in the hands of the Earth: the Sun; the Moon; the Universe. It is utilizing all of the strength that the Lord + Lady do guide you to possess, and sharing this power with the rest of nature, including human nature, if they so choose to follow.

Magic. To me, this is to control your own mind. We all have an inherent natural perceptiveness that can motivate consciousness to mend what others think is be reality. Expanding the mind and enlightening every sense to its fullest makes a Witch aware of patterns in the Universe that we all have access to, but only few are connected to, spiritually and mindfully. Magic is forming the bond with the god and goddess and becoming aware of the power you have the full capacity to train.

Spell. A spell is nothing more than channelling the use of your energy from the Universe, out into the Universe, and back unto you. It is seeing beyond your physical self, and manifesting the strength of the deities which they willingly bestow upon you, if you are in a high enough consciousness to utilize it. 

Power. The ebb and flow of nature comes and goes in a natural state. As the seasons change, as the weather is unpredictable, and human frequency is constantly in flux -- I exist. Within this, all Wiccans exist. The power of connecting yourself to this vibration, puts you in a state of connection to all human beings, all animals, all naturally growing things and creations of this sacred land. This may be subtle or may blare in the ears of your higher-consciousness. Regardless, this is the most real thing you will ever come to know, and must work to fully understand. Before you can be completely in-tune with your own nature, you must be in-tune with the nature of the Earth. Of the Wind, and Rain, and Ocean, and Stars. This is of the utmost importance to my Craft.

Occult. Secret; practices unbeknownst to those unwilling to see beyond themselves. A practice to which We belong.

Earth-Religion. I believe that the Earth, its nature, and all creatures and energies within it are part of me, part of my gods and goddesses, and contain the sacred divinity in which I hold my trust. I revere the earth, the changes in weather, the turn of the seasons, the ebbing and flowing of the tides, the never constant cloud formations, the energy-centric star alignment, and all beings in all capacities that belong to this Universe. 

[bunnysyearandaday]

Day 1. 1.12.17.

Beginning. 1+1+2+2+0+1+7. Five. Unity.

“The actual waning of the sun’s light and the end of the crop-growing season can symbolize a dearth of external activity and growth. Trees do not form bud or sprout, but the trees’ energies do move inward to the centre of the trunk. Therefore, in some magical traditions, this fall/wintertide can also symbolize internal movement and growth for the spiritual practitioner.”

Earth Centred Spirituality.

Understanding my connection to the Mother Moon and her cycles and phases. Trusting in the Lord and Lady’s annual promise of the turning of the seasons. Knowing from whence I came and to where I am going, due to the constant. The eternal existence of the sacred land I am grounded in forever. 

“Sit down and feel the weight of your body on the land. Breathe deeply and allow the earth to hold you. This is where you belong. Welcome home.”

I read today about The Intuitive Process; I remembered as a child the severe connection I had with my own intuition, and the way my mother always encouraged the development of trusting this process. I will practice controlling the mind (most importantly, this); removing emotion; self-examination; controlling and limiting possessiveness; love; meditation. I learned about honing psychic abilities and the metaphysical cognizance of psychometrics. I learned of reading aura, and interpreting channelled information. 

Today I sat in the light of a flame, the smoke of a stick of incense, and meditated on my practice. I thanked the deities for my introduction to the Craft, and for the balance and calm it has granted my being. My energy has completely shifted with this new year, and I have only my spiritual growth to attribute that change. One of the most important aspects of my practice is being attuned to the connection I’ve always had with the Universe, in a truly asomatous way. I need to understand the profound nature of the god + goddess and all of the love they have for me, and the love I have for them. This year I am determined, because I need to feel whole and aligned; I can no longer accept this brain fog. I am excited to live my life each day because of the newfound knowledge of my path that I’ve been awakened to. I’m thrilled and eager to learn who I am; what my purpose is, was, and will be. 

With attunement to the Earth, I will respect the immediate importance its states hold on the inherent sustainability of my life, and of all life. My relationship to nature requires a reconciliation; a collaboration in real time. I will harmonize with the Earth and her seasons as they happen, placing myself and my physical experience in a parallel vibration. 

“The path of the Witch involves this slow process of unveiling the power of the earth, particularly as it manifests in our own lives. This process moves at the pace of the seasons themselves. Like the seasonal turnings, this process does not culminate in abrupt changes. Understanding the truth of our existence and our connections to all is gradual, like standing in a cool mist that eventually soaks you to the bone.”