Relationship Reflections

My wonderful husband, David, posted a belief passage on FB last night which prompted me, and hopefully a few others,  to think about myself. from time to time we all need to take a step back and look at ourselves and the energy we are putting out in the world and the energy we are receiving from those people and things around us. ultimately we all want our lives to be balanced yet in today's hustle bustle, drama filled world that is often hard to maintain.

An itaglio I did in college called Reflection

 

So here are a few thoughts that resonated with me. Maybe they will with you as well.

"The Most Important relationship in the world is one you have with yourself; everything and everyone is a direct reflection of the quality of that relationship."

 Posted on FB by Wicca Radio      

  

 

And David's post.....

 

“In an instant Nature can prove just how small we really are. It is within chaos that we find worth, only because we are able to lose ourselves in a false sense of meaning. Nature is a constant static of change that affects us all on a cellular level that can and will at any time, humble the greatest. My focus as of late has been drawn to Nature and all her wonderfulness!! I'm glad she has always been my comfort. Full of wonder! A never ending story of wonder and mystery. People can only give so much to one another. Nature shares her never ending energy to us freely. When you find yourself off balance or unsure about life and those in it, take a few to return to the Mother and all her beauty. Become connected to what is real and know as the connection grows, how less important those things that bring us down are. Before you assume anything, question what you think your worth is. Seem accurate? Most of all, assume nothing when it comes to another. It just may be that you really aren't that important and humor is easily found in the control dramas you spin so as to make another “feel” as you choose. I walk lighter knowing that I own myself, besides what I give to Willow and what I give others, own. Anyone want to share lessons learned? Or maybe you have something to ask. If you concern yourself with the well being of life, Mother Earth and share a connection to the Old Way, feel free to share with a comment. B.F.”

 

Wicca in the Kitchen

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Wicca in the Kitchen by Scott Cunningham is an excellent resource for those new to the pagan path, as well as, those who have been on their journey for decades. One of the things I love most about Cunningham’s books is that he leaves no stones unturned or in this case, no herbs un-ground. You do not even have to be pagan to enjoy the insights and knowledge he imparts. 

What do we all have to do? Eat. For some eating is just a mindless necessity to be engaged in at set times. For those of us in tune with nature and the energies of the world, and those that understand all action produces an effect or consequence, Cunningham has put together a tome that teaches the properties of various herbs, vegetables, fruits, meats, and other staples and so much more. He says on page 12, “Magic doesn’t produce miracles; it produces needed changes.” These are wise words we should all learn to go through our everyday activities remembering, because magic is all around us and constantly changing our lives.

Virtually any item in your pantry can be used for personal transformation. Food contains magical energies you can harness for positive results. Whether you want to boost psychic awareness, bring love in your life, improve health, bring more money into your life, Wicca in the Kitchen, provides you with the steps and the wisdom to achieve these goals and many more.  This encyclopedia offers magical menus and many of Cunningham’s favorite recipes.

Another thing I love about Cunningham’s writing is that he gives examples of everyday people and how they would enhance their lives with simply understanding what energies they are bringing forth when preparing meals.  As he says on page 20, “Food is a manifestation of divine energies that’s vital to our survival. Approaching food from this frame of mind makes it easier to utilize it as a tool of self-transformation.”

One thing is certain you will never look at food the same way after reading this book. You will probably also have the urge, to  write down all the things you wish to change in your life and then go forage for all the items needed to stock your pantry,  in case the moment to affect those changes arises. Be always mindful; however, that food magic should never be used to affect others without their permission.

Finally, do not feel like you have to be a gourmet chef to benefit from this book, like so many other cooking aides seem to be written for. Like those of us following the path, this book is very down to earth. It is also open-minded in that Cunningham understands not everyone has the same access to fresh ingredients all the time. He even covers the magical uses of junk and processed foods. Yes, even they have their place. And for those who can’t resist the occasional trip to Micky D’s you’ll be happy to know that  ordering that fish sandwich can enhance your psychic awareness (maybe not the best thing in a fast food chain), that those French fries  can offer grounding and protection, and that strawberry shake may just bring some love into your life.

A must read and a great addition to any library!!

(I originally wrote this post for the Fellowship of the Crow.)

The Art Work of Sheila Solberg

It's hard to believe that it has already been a week since David and I attended Riverfest. One of the amazing vendors we met there was Sheila Solberg, a window and glass painter. As you can see from these pictures posted here, she is a gifted artist. She does all the work herself out of her house... no store front, no website, yet. However, she can often be scene at fairs and other similar functions. She is a quiet lady bursting with talent, which is why I chose her to be the first vendor from the Riverfest to feature here. If you are interested in any of the artwork you see here or having her paint a special gift for you or someone you treasure, you can email her at Ourhousegifts@hotmail.com. I also have a phone number for her that I am not going to post publicly. If you want to reach her by phone, email one of us at Wrilogonzia@gmail.com or leave a comment with your email.

Enjoy....

When did All Hallow's Eve Become Halloween...

All Hallow's Eve and Samhain have long been traditions celebrated in the Pagan communities. This is my favorite holiday and time of the year.

Several years ago, History.com published a great article about Halloween, it's origins and the various traditions around the world. Here are some exerts from that article:

The American tradition of "trick-or-treating" probably dates back to the early All Souls' Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives.

The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The practice, witch was referred to as "going a-souling" was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and be given ale, food, and money.

The tradition of dressing in costume for Halloween has both European and Celtic roots. Hundreds of years ago, winter was an uncertain and frightening time. Food supplies often ran low and, for the many people afraid of the dark, the short days of winter were full of constant worry. On Halloween, when it was believed that ghosts came back to the earthly world, people thought that they would encounter ghosts if they left their homes. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would wear masks when they left their homes after dark so that the ghosts would mistake them for fellow spirits. On Halloween, to keep ghosts away from their houses, people would place bowls of food outside their homes to appease the ghosts and prevent them from attempting to enter.

The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophesies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

Over the years traditions changed, and in America, people began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money, a practice that eventually became today's "trick-or-treat" tradition. In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-together's, than about ghosts, pranks, and witchcraft. Because of their efforts, Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones by the beginning of the twentieth century.

Between 1920 and 1950, the centuries-old practice of trick-or-treating was revived. Trick-or-treating was a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share the Halloween celebration. In theory, families could also prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats. A new American tradition was born, and it has continued to grow. Today, Americans spend an estimated $6.9 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country's second largest commercial holiday.

Click on the pictures for other great sites and other related articles

Riverfest

We got a wonderful surprise when we stopped by this years annual Riverfest in Wilmington, NC. We had stopped going for many years because of lack of decent vendors. It had become a long succession of over-priced food vendors, poorly made over-priced chotski vendors and swarms of rude spectators. This year we were in downtown Wilmington, to stop into one of our favorite store, Down to Earth, and decided to see what was going on down on Water St. We were pleasantly surprised by the eclectic group of vendors, many of whom we will be visiting at their shops and bringing you more information about them.

Here are a few pictures:

Our Song

We are sharing this song here for all those who question the path they are on and feel they are alone on their path. We all feel that way at times, but it's important to remember there is always someone out there who will believe in you. Enjoy....

The Smells of Fall.....

One of the great things about living in Wilmington, NC is the unique stores we find here...

Welcome to the wondrous apothecary Down to Earth. If you visit their website you will find their many aromatics, but to really experience what they have to offer you must step inside the store located in The Cotton Exchange (a former cotton mill). The store is a mystical delight of the senses. In addition to a vast array of aromatic items they have beautiful jewelry, statues, jars, kimonos, figurines, pendulums and more.  As you walk through the front door you will be tempted by the Buddha Board...

 and directly to your right peeking out from the displays is an enchanting dryad.  

The owners and staff will greet you with a smile and answer any questions you may have about the multitude of products. Watch out, you will have so much fun chatting with these lovely ladies time will slip right past you.

The always sunny, Ashley

Let’s take a stroll around the store (and as always if you see anything you like that is not on the website contact them and they will be happy to help you).

Also be sure to like them on Facebook 

and on the Facebook page, Down to Earth Aromas

Orbs in the house

Here is a picture of an orb David caught when the kids were staying over. Our beautiful girl, his daughter, shares her father's ghost seeking passion.

Many orbs can often be captured flying about where we live. David has a great video he captured this same night, but it does not seem to be loading in blogger at this time. we will try to add it to the post later.

October is a great month for ghost stories, so feel free to share any of your ghostly encounters in the comments below.

Book - A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

A Circle of Souls takes the reader to Newbury, Connecticut, where a little girl has been brutally murdered and left the quiet town and it's law enforcement in shock. When the girl's backpack is found on the property of a presidential candidate, FBI agent Leia Bines, who specializes in cases involving children, is called in to help solve the crime and catch the killer quickly. Meanwhile child psychiatrist, Dr Peter Gram, is puzzled by his seven year old patient, Naya's nightmares. When Naya begins drawing the images from her disturbing dreams, Leia and Peter's paths converge, as her sketches are the only clues to the murder.

This is the debut novel of Dr. Preetham Grandhi, who immigrated to the US from Bangalore, India to pursue a career in child and adolescent psychiatry. He has been the chief of service for House 5 at Bronx Children's Psychiatric Center as well as has a private practice in New York. His extensive background into the psyche of a child helps to make this story compelling and believable.

Grandhi takes the reader into the hearts and minds of the characters involved. His story is reminiscent of a classic Hitchcock tale. He keeps you glued to the book and on edge page after page until the mystery is resolved. He includes twist and hints that lead you to believe you know who the killer is before Leia and Peter, but then at the very end surprises you with a twist you didn't see coming. He does an excellent job of fleshing out the characters and making you care about the outcome. While there are some elements of the supernatural, he keeps these reigned in so that they don't come across as completely far fetched. He also connects his characters in a way that makes the phrase "It's a small world," come to mind. An engaging read, I highly recommend. Can't wait to read his next novel. Five out of five visions.