Pagan

[Bit]

I must say this first.

Originally Posted by foxyshaman

I am doing journey work to the mechanism for the pipes and the systems that have failed. I am just at a heart broken loss as to how to make a tangible difference. I know that spirit work is rarely tangible, but this is a tangible devastating issue.

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.

[Bit]

Originally Posted by foxyshaman

Now I did re-injure it while holding onto the head board... but that is a WHOLE OTHER story (insert rascally grin)...

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, you racy thing, you! lol!

[foxyshaman]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{SUNSHINE}}}}}}}}} }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

You made me !!!

[Bit]

{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

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

[Bit]

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

[Venus007]

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?

[foxyshaman]

Venus007;

I can certainly identify with what you said, I have practiced in groups and led groups for many years. I think the key to joining a group is to go more than once. I am not sure how long you were with a group, but it takes a bit to get into the groove.

The other option is starting your own. I did and it lasted for 14 years I stepped down this year and two other members stepped up to lead. It takes a lot of dedication and time, but it was a very fruitful experience.

What type of paganism do you practice??

[Venus007]

Originally Posted by foxyshaman

What type of paganism do you practice??

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.

[foxyshaman]

That sounds pretty eclectic. I have never contemplated the word atheist, so thanks for your definition.

Sounds like we use some of the same tools. I drum and trance and use some 'magic' and have delved into sacred sexuality for quite a few years. I define my practice as shamanism. My parents are from the Netherlands (I am adopted so I don't know much more than that) but it is very difficult to find 'pagan' information unless you speak Dutch and I don't. I really resonate with the Seidhr practices, and Joiking (glossolalia). I have studied medicine wheels for almost 15 years and find that they are never ending in their complexity and applicability to life... on this side of the veil or the other.

What type of group are you looking for?

[Venus007]

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.

[Bit]

{{{{{{{{{{{{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?

[Soft*Silver]

Omg...amen...same experience!

Originally Posted by Venus007

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?

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by Bit

[SIZE=3][COLOR=teal]
{{{{{{{{{{{{{Foxy}}}}}}}}}}}}} Hon, I know someone who is Dutch. Would you like me to ask her about resources?

{{{{{{{{{{{{SUNSHINE}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

That would be lovely. I am always looking.

Right now I am looking for stories about the elements for my shamanic camp. There will be four clans..air earth fire water... and I am going to give examples of the energetic connection through story... and then some exercises.

One of the exercises I do at camp is a blind fold walk, which is pretty fun... and funny to watch... but this year I am changing it up a bit. Just as an exercise to trust your clan mates.

Then there will be a ritual on Saturday night and then more work on Sunday. If your friend has stories that would be great... and if they are not in line with what I am researching for right now... well hell I am sure I will love them anyway.

It is kinda hard to find specific stories about the elements, moreso you find stories about beings who brought the 'elements' or awoke the 'elements'. So... I am looking in the kids section of the library... they have the best resources. I have found some funky and fun stories in there over the years.

I love my wilderness camp... but <wiping brow> I am such an over acheiver!!! One day that will end...right??

Venus07 google is good like Bit suggested but so is Meetup.com. You may be surprised with what you find. I also like witchvox and have been known to toss an ad or two on there over the years... which reminds me I should probably do that today for the camp... <wanders away absent mindedly>

[foxyshaman]

Originally Posted by softness

Omg...amen...same experience!

So what has been your experience, both of you. What made it so? I especially like the word megalomania... it made me giggle...

[Bit]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{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!

Sunshine

[Venus007]

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

[BarbaraRyan]

Happy Lammas/Lughnassadh!

[Nat]

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.”

[2myladyblue]

*smiles & waves all around the room*

I haven't been by in ages, but I had a lovely little lughnasadh circle last week. Hope everyone had a wonderfully blessed esbat.
I've been reviewing my notes from What the Bleep Do We Know...has everyone seen that?

I wake up in the morning and I consciously create my day, the way I want it to happen. The more I do that, the more I guild a neural net in my brain that I accept that that's possible. It gives me the power and the incentive to do it the next day.

Thought alone can completely change the body. Most people don't affect reality in a consistent, substantial way…because they don't believe they can.
Thinking positive is not really thinking positive, its just disguising the negative thinking that we have.

Mr. Emoto became interested in the molecular structure of water and what affects it. He set up a series of studies, applied mental stimuli, and photographed it with a dark field microscope. He printed out words (thank you, love) & taped them to bottles of distilled water & left them out overnight. Mr. Emoto speaks of the thought or intent as being the driving force. The science of how that actually affects the molecules is unknown.
90% of our bodies are water. If thoughts can do that to water, imagine what they can do to our bodies.

In Washington D.C. (murder capital of the world), there was a big experiment in the summer of 1993, where 4000 volunteers came from one hundred countries to collectively meditate for long periods of time throughout the day. It was predicted in advance (on the basis of 48 previous studies) that such a sized group, you would have a 25% drop in violent crime & the results showed this.

The universe is mostly empty. Matter is not as solid as we think it is. Electrons & nuclei pop in & out of existence. It’s like a concentrated bit of information. Ideas, concepts, information make up things. (The ball isn’t solid & never touches anything (electrons of the ball, push the electrons of the ground away).

There literally are different worlds in which we live. There's the macroscopic world that we see. There's the world of our cells. The world of our atoms, the world of our nuclei. These are each totally different worlds. They have their own language. They have their own mathematics. But they're complimentary because I am my atoms, but I am also my cells, and I am also my macroscopic physiology. It's all true. They're just different levels of truth. The deepest level of truth uncovered by science and by philosophy is the fundamental truth of unity. At that deepest sub-nuclear level of our reality, you and I are literally one.

*wandering away...pondering quantum physics*

[Nat]

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?