I must say this first.
Stones, my dear, are utterly tangible.

So... how do you know you aren't making a tangible difference? None of us actually know what difference we might make, so why assume it is no difference?

Maybe your energy is keeping some research team going night after day after night when all they have is not enough food or sleep and too much coffee, eh?

Maybe your energy is guiding some sea creatures to swim in a different direction.

Maybe your energy is adding to the movement for safe and sane energy sources.

Maybe your energy is helping to keep the earth stable, so that the ocean floor doesn't collapse into a sinkhole from hell. That would be my guess, btw... but then, maybe your energy is keeping the pipes from further collapse.

Why assume you are ineffective? Why assume there is no tangible result from your work, when by a simple request you are given stones?

{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}} When you are most discouraged and at a loss, you and your efforts are most crucial. Think about this: you are highly sophisticated and aware, spiritually. If you allow yourself to get discouraged, to give in, to feel despair--to falsely assume your efforts have no results--then what happens to those who are not as far along the path as you are?

Believe, oh Warrior, that you are winning this battle. Believe that you are not working alone. Believe that everything you do makes a difference.

I believe. I believe in you, in us, in all the love and outrage and care and heartbreak and worry that are pouring into the Gulf in the wake of the oil. Take hold of that energy, oh Shaman, and direct it to do the good those who send it want it to do. We are not all as skilled as you are--help us, please; help us to do what we wish to do. Help us to heal the Gulf.

I believe.

Lord love a goose, you are a HOOT!!! We both laughed hard at that--thanks for ending our day with grins.

I'll come back and answer the rest of your post soon.

{{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}} To know you is to love you, darlin, and I think we're getting to know you,:sunglass: you racy thing, you! lol!

:gimmehug: {{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}}}} :gimmehug:

Sometimes I do my job right. *cheesy grin and a big wink*


Seriously, this problem with the Gulf, with the contaminated water and the dying wildlife--it's going to go on for a long, long time. We who are the healers of this world, and that includes vast numbers of people who are not awake to that role yet, are going to be called on for a sustained effort. That means we have to do three things:

• Believe in ourselves
• Hold on to hope
• Take occasional breaks

We do no good if we use ourselves up and wear ourselves out, spending everything we have trying to "get 'er done quick!" yanno? We cannot afford to forget the Gulf, but we also cannot afford to forget the rest of our lives and those who also need us.

At the same time, there are energy resources which are going unused, precisely because the vast majority of us are unaware and unskilled; they are swirling around the Gulf just as the oil is. Do not let them aimlessly go, oh Warrior! Harness them to the use they were intended for, and remember, As Above, So Below. Contain and guide that energy in order to contain and guide the oil. Use it to bring healing and justice for the Gulf and for the Earth, as those who have sent it, aware or unaware that they are sending, would wish.

There is enough energy there for all who are willing and able to do the job.

Mama Tigre

An amazing article from Witchvox--something new to think about
 

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.htm...words&id=13897

This article is amazingly well-reasoned and well-written, although there are several typos near the end (the kind of typo which makes the word different, for example, "ass" for "as"). The author makes a very convincing argument that Christianity is a polytheistic religion, detours into mysticism, and then brings the article full circle back to the nature of Christianity. It's fascinating and thought-provoking! I enjoyed it.

Cath

I have been a solitary pagan for about 20 years, I am thinking about finding a group to share the celebrations with. I am afraid since last time I did this (about 10 years ago) it turned out to be an adventure in drama and weirdness with a dash of tedium and megalomania thrown in for good measure.

Do y'all practice as solitaries or in a group and can you give any advice for finding a good, sane, well grounded group of people to share with?

I am eclectic, not Wiccan. It is sort of complicated to define. The tools that work for me are trance, drumming, sweats, herb craft, some representational magic, dance, orgastic ritual, really whatever works to tap into and move the energy and intention or to alter the consciousness to "see". I am Swedish and Irish and I try to draw on my ancestral connection to Celtic and Heathen but it is really at the most basic level about whatever moves the energy and resonates with me. I am pledged to no specific deity as I am an atheist and view the Gods and Goddesses as representations and facets of the life force.

I am looking for a group to just partake in ritual with and perhaps to do group energy work with. Honestly I am not exactly sure. I am just wanting new thought and interaction with other like minded people in real time. Before I moved to Texas I had a group that I occasionally went to sweats with and really enjoyed that but now that I am here I am unconnected. I think I am feeling a little lonely.

{{{{{{{{{{{{Venus}}}}}}}}}}}} I hear you on the loneliness. Have you checked Yahoo groups to see what's in your area? Here's a start. http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=pagan+Texas&sort=relevance

Also, Witchvox maintains a list of area groups. Here's the main page. http://www.witchvox.com/index_mov.html On the lefthand side there is a dropdown menu that will let you choose your state and will then take you to a listing of groups and people.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}}} Hon, I know someone who is Dutch. Would you like me to ask her about resources?

Omg...amen...same experience!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}} have you found this Dutch resource before, darlin? http://www.silvercircle.org/

My friend tells me that even though the website is in Dutch--I could *almost* read it!--Morgana is British. Maybe you could write to her, and she would know where the resources are?

Ah, Merlin writes in English also. http://www.silvercircle.org/merlinsarchive/cunningfolk.htm

http://www.silvercircle.org/mk_history.htm This is the story of the Moon Calendar they publish.

Here is some history for the Silver Circle. http://www.silvercircle.org/sci_grimassi.htm

Hope this helps!

Your wilderness camp sounds amazing. I haven't found any stories about the elements. I sure would love it if you would share whatever stories you find with us!

I did rewrite the Kore myth for Samhain, if you'd like that.

Bright Blessings, oh overacheiver! :cheesy:

Sunshine

Hey there friends, I am really busy with work right now but I will be responding in a couple days. I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you and your lovely willingness to help me. Smooches until the weekend

Happy Lammas/Lughnassadh!

Update on Isaac Bonewits

Yesterday, Phaedra Bonewits announced on Facebook that her husband, noted Pagan author and theologian Isaac Bonewits, was nearing the end of his battle with cancer.

“Just wanted to address the rumors that Isaac is back in the hospital. He is at home as he had wished, but he is nearing the end. His brothers and sisters are on their way to say goodbye. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.”

http://wildhunt.org/blog/wp-content/...nd_phaedra.jpg

Be in the mystery...
 

Hello :)

I was wondering about y'all's thoughts and experiences with money magic? Do you or have you done it, has it worked, what are your feelings about it?

Also, because I have seen the two correlated, do you tithe to anybody?