Blessing of the Book of Shadows (BOS)

Within this simple book, words and letters I keep
May they hold pure intent full of love and spirit deep
More than simple words be found
Spirit of the Divine, Ancestors and Light abound

Words spoken with heart are powerful indeed
Be true and hold fast to the Rede
Manifest in love and light
May inner light grow and shine a'bright

I call on the elements to transform words into Spirit power
In this right and ready hour

Powers of North, the East below,
Help me to live, to learn, to grow.
Lend your strength and stability,
To practice the Craft and with love be free.

Powers of East, the Wind, the Sky,
Watch over these pages with thine eye.
Your wisdom and knowledge, for these I do ask,
That this book be worthy of the Craft and its task.

Powers of South, Fire, and the Hearth,
Help these Shadows to prove their worth.
Infuse them with all your Healing and Passion,
So only good comes from the Work that is fashioned.

Powers of West, the Water and Sea,
Change and growth are granted by thee.
Bless these pages with all that you know,
That righteous readers may learn and grow.

For free will of all,
And harm of none,
As I have willed it,
It is now done.

So mote it be!

Original plain text by me (Cheryl Ryder)
Italic portions from Blessing of the Book of Shadows by Silver Ravenwolf

Book/Journal Blessing

Kid’s Book of Shadows or Mirror Book Blessing
==============================================
By air and fire and water and rock
Elements protect this book
From wandering eyes and prying looks
I shall keep it as I learn and grow
and all my wisdom it will show
For free will of all
and harm to none
As I have willed it
It is now done
So Mote it be
Blessed Be
By Fianna on the Pagan Prayer Project(PPP)

The Modern Morning rite by Modernwitchalex on PPP
Supplies: A White candle, candle holder, matches.
Time: Rising sun (Morning)
Location : Near a window where the sun can be seen, or outdoors.

Start the morning prayer by facing your window where you can see the morning sun. Breathe in and out nine times, while focusing on being at one with the universe. Once you have reach a awareness of peace. Face the sun with your candle and light the wick with the intent that the universe is fill with all sorts of possibilities and anything is possible. Close your eyes for a minute, See yourself in your mind eye being happy and seeing all your dreams, wishes and goals come into reality. Now place your hands over your heart and say :
“ I align myself with the energies of the sky, the earth and celestial universe. I call upon the God, the Goddess and spirit within me. I call into myself your strength your courage, your freedom and love. So I may accomplish today tasks all in your honor and creativity.”

“ In the utmost perfection of myself, In which I am a reflection of the divinity that is within me. I bless my mind, body and spirit in the utmost perfect love and prefect trust.”

Now close your eyes and smile, while feeling good about yourself. Knowing that yes you are a goddess or a god.You are them and they are you.

Next raise your hands towards the heavens and say :
“ I dedicate myself to my Lord and Lady and the mysteries of magic. I now welcome all positive and wonderful opportunities into my life. May we walk always and forever in your eternal love and light. Blessed be.”

Close your eyes one last time. See your goal, wish or dream manifesting into reality and you being happy with the outcome. Once you lose the image. Snuffle the candle and now you can head out and start your fabulous morning.

Win as if you were used to it, lose as if you enjoyed it for a change. - Erick Golnik

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSE: Psss-s-s-s-t-t, S-h-h-h-h-h-h! Around the bend, in the unseen, arising from the very uncertainties that may now seem to taunt you, there are some amazing surprises, awesome twists, and spellbinding coincidences about to emerge that you can't even now imagine. Mooo-hoo-ha-ha-ha-haaaa, The Universe via The Pagan Musings

Spreading Your Light
from the The Pagan Musings on Facebook

Spreading Your Light

How You Affect Others Daily

Everything we do or say has the potential to affect the whole; imagine how powerful that is.

As the pace and fullness of modern life serve to isolate us from one another, the contact we do share becomes vastly more significant. We unconsciously absorb each other’s energy, adopting the temperament of those with whom we share close quarters, and find ourselves changed after the briefest encounters. Everything we do or say has the potential to affect not only the individuals we live, work, and play with but also those we’ve just met. Though we may never know the impact we have had or the scope of our influence, accepting and understanding that our attitudes and choices will affect others can help us remember to conduct ourselves with grace at all times. When we seek always to be friendly, helpful, and responsive, we effortlessly create an atmosphere around ourselves that is both uplifting and inspiring.

Most people rarely give thought to the effect they have had or will have on others. When we take a few moments to contemplate how our individual modes of being affect the people we spend time with each day, we come one step closer to seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. By asking ourselves whether those we encounter walk away feeling appreciated, respected, and liked, we can heighten our awareness of the effect we ultimately have. Something as simple as a smile given freely can temporarily brighten a person’s entire world. Our value-driven conduct may inspire others to consider whether their own lives are reflective of their values. A word of advice can help others see life in an entirely new fashion. And small gestures of kindness can even prove to those embittered by the world that goodness still exists. By simply being ourselves, we influence other’s lives in both subtle and life-altering ways.

To ensure that the effect we have is positive, we must strive to stay true to ourselves while realizing that it is the demeanor we project and not the quality of our wondrous inner landscapes that people see. Thus, as we interact with others, how we behave can be as important as who we are. If we project our passion for life, our warmth, and our tolerance in our facial features, voice, and choice of words, every person who enters our circle of influence will leave our presence feeling at peace with themselves and with us. You never know whose life you are affecting, big or small. Try to remember this as you go out into the world each day.

dailyom.com

MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSE: Some people are happiest when they have something to be unhappy about. Let 'em have it. Not you, The Universe

“There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.” Minnie Aumonier

Another thought from me

Of all the choices and experience, they've brought us to the here and now. So many lives we have in front of us, the choices are ours to make, our lives are ours to follow.

Tarot of Metamorphosis

I just knew I had to have this deck when I spotted it because of how unique it was not because I was drawn to the images. It is based on RWS with a spin that every card's base is about change, a concept that I believe drives us and makes us who we are. Every choice and path we take in life changes us and changes others around us, usually for the better (even if we don't think so in the moment).

As I riffled through the images some were extraordinary and surreal while others had me scratching my head or turning up a lip in distaste, but it was apparent that all had something to say. Reading through the book, I was awestruck at the descriptions with the Major Arcana and how it took the regular meanings one step left and deeper but remaining true, I was mesmerized and pulled into my inner reflective being. The Minor Arcana had me scratching my head to grasp the heart of the cards, but when I did a quick layout I found that this is a very strong intuitive deck with a quick wit. Often straying from the artists original meanings for the cards as the images seemed to touch me, sometimes irritate me but all spoke aloud. I've included the LWB meanings to show the contrast.

I asked a few questions to help me get to know this deck and give me some practice with it.

1. What is your most important characteristic?
What a strong image Temperance is! An hourglass type vessel with a back lit human form opposite a dark skeleton adored in gold. What struck me was the balance of life/death, adornments/bare, light/dark. Seeing the onlookers rapt in what's before them a seer opposite standing separate and apart but available for an exchange of words with a few easy steps or perhaps a simple glance. I found the answer to this question was that it is about balance and showing that balance to others willing to look with my help.

The LWB's description is: "Metamorphoses of the Psyche. balances the opposite polarities of existence in an inner meta. that renews the human being. Pursue the harmony you seek, avoid stagnant situations and crystallization, both mental and material.


2. What are your strengths as a deck?
The Hermit is a great and wise sage that appreciates the power of silence.
This card told me that it's strength is great wisdom that hovers above much and sees much if we listen.
Again I stray from the intended meaning in the book, but will include it here for interest of reference and for the curious. "Metamorphoses of Silence. The most important transformations are those that need the most time. Be patient and let your personaily be tranformed and adapt to the needs of your higher self, whose voice can be heard only in the inner silence."


3. What are your limits as a deck?
This is one of the surreal images that, while beautiful, also repels the part of me that looks first and asks questions later. With this deck I can see that images are in a constant state of change themselves and with peculiar artwork and flourish, meanings not always what they seem. How can a card irritate me and please me at the same time!?

"Chalices represent the metamorphoses of myth. the great reservoir of the collective human unconscious varies according to the culture. There are countless legends that tell of metamorphosis, allegorical and mental mirrors of profound spiritual tensions, at times covered up but never completely forgotten. "

"The 6 of Chalices is the change in memory. The past was lavish with changes that turned out to be positive. Harmony. Love that is strengthened through oneself. (Myth of Philemon and Baucis)"


4. What do you bring to the table -- what are you here to teach me?
This is one of the cards I'd seen online and one that made me want to see more. Immediately I'm whisked away on a short hike not far from home. Climbing the incline and coming across an alcove like the one in the image, a monsters open mouth, teeth menacing. But to master fear and brave a closer look transforms those teeth into protection. This card told me to reign myself in and master...something. That something left undisclosed and yet to discover.

My intuitive feel for this card is the closest to the book's description, "The Metamorphoses of energy. Even the most frightening and aggressive force can be sublimated through metamorphosis. Strenth helps us correctly channel the lowest energies, transforming and purifying them. Be careful of excessive trust."

5 & 6 were the shortest of answers.

5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?
The Knight of Pentacles smiled, his bike already in motion forward as he beckons "suit up and ride".

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?
"The sky is the limit, you'll see an immediate truth and you'll see of how things are sometimes different under the surface"

New deck interview spread by FireRaven on Aeclectic Tarot

Tolerance can be easy

When we learn to accept and respect that our differences are a part of our collective consciousness, tolerance becomes easy. Cheryl Ryder

Secrets of the Playing Card

Secrets of the Playing Card documentary linkage!

Not sure how long this documentary will hold anyone, I ran it in the background.

Tarot is around the 24:00 mark

more quotes...

When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty. I think only how to solve the problem.
But when I've finished, if the solution isn't beautiful, I know it's wrong.

~ Buckminster Fuller


In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth,
and have begun striving for ourselves.

Buddha

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life...Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. - Steve Jobs, Founder, Apple Computers

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Maria Robinson

"Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity."
- Sean O'Casey

Indigenous Rights Quotes

Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents,
it was loaned to you by your children.
We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors,
we borrow it from our Children.

We are more than the sum of our knowledge,
we are the products of our imagination. "

Ancient Proverb

Although we are in different boats you in your boat
and we in our canoe we share the same river of life.

“You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.”
C.S. Lewis

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.
~ Ferdinand Foch

How can I get the most Life Bang for my Life Buck?

Living Tarot EXERCISE: Ask this question on your own behalf, using any deck, any layout: "How can I get the most Life Bang for my Life Buck?" Interpret the question, and the cards, in your own way, and tell us what you got.

I broke this out into getting the most from life for my body, mind and spirit, each one being one card. I used my MerryDay tarot.

Body - 8 of Pentacles (keyword Master craftsman). I've been struggling with health issues for years and this tells me to seek out a specialist in his field. There are small green dragons surrounding him, could this mean someone who also takes a more green approach and does not jump to give a prescription!

Mind - Queen of Pentacles ( keywords; composed, cultured, kind) She wears a crown of antlers and animals beckoning for me to join her. She tells me to continue my study of Arianrhod and possible seek a seasoned teacher who is gentle and not present only for her own purposes.

Spirit - 4 of Swords (keyword meditation) Surprise, surprise! I've not had much alone time since welcoming a daughter into our family and the topic has been coming up with conversations, which is typical for me. The world usually repeats what it wants me to know and do until I catch it.

I'm noticing a a strong symmetry in the visual representation of these cards, court female in the centre, males on the outside looking in, roman numerals on the outside cards. Amazing stuff, as I believe taking care of body mind and spirit as leading to truly balanced life.

I usually don't find big surprises when reading my own cards and often pull cards just for confirmation or a "nod of approval". Sometimes I wonder if it's just me projecting what I already know in my heart into the image, but the 4 of Swords blatantly tells me without "reading" into the card and changing it's intent..

Goodies for me!

It's not typical for me to spend money on myself and when I do it's a very reserved decision. Being a mom makes me feel like I deserve a little splurge. Contrary to my excitement and showing off pictures, I'm not materialistic in any way. I see these supplies as a commitment and investment in my spirit. I've been following a pagan path coming up on two years now!

I can't wait! Finally supplies to fuel my spirit work! Christmas money combines with birthday money for online fun! Watch how many times I check the mailbox til they come in!


Wooden Drawer Triple Moon Herb Cupboard from metapot.com- Whether you are a herbalist or private practitioner of herbal lore... or if your just the kind of person who goes nuts over having lots of little nooks and crannies to hide things in, these herbal storage boxes are just the thing for you! Standing 8 1/2" tall at the peak, and only 4 1/4" deep, these herbal storage boxes have a small cupboard, drawer, and lifting top lid built in! Inscribed with hand-carved triple moon designs on the top, front, and sides, these wooden herbal storage boxes leave nothing to be desired.




Celtic Black Onyx Athame from metapot.com - Adorned with Celtic knotwork and set with a single large black onyx at its center, this slim, letter-opener style athame is made of lead-free pewter and measures 6 5/8" in total length. Multiple glittering glass gems decorate both sides of this enchanting flat-handled athame in blue and gold.






Cast Iron Cauldron 2 3/4 inch diameter triquetra from metapot.com - Crafted of cast iron and standing a discrete 3" tall and 2 " wide, this squat cauldron rests on three, " legs and has small handles set on either side of its 2" diameter rim, through which is looped the metal carrying handle. Coming complete with a lightweight cast iron lid and an embossed image of a triquetra on both front and back face, it makes a wonderful addition to those who do not have the space on their altar for larger cauldrons or for those who simply wish to decorate their home or desk with this cauldrons small but powerful presence.




Winter Ice Crystals in a witch bottle necklace - Sacred Mists Shoppe - This is a bit of a twist on an actual Witch Bottle. This little bottle is filled with freshly aromatic menthol crystals derived from peppermint oil. Menthol crystals look like natural little clear quartz points and are wonderful for clearing sinus passages, bringing relief to stuffiness brought about by colds and the flu. A natural nasal clearing remedy, it may also help reduce headache pain as well.

Wear the witch bottle necklace during daylight hours or place in your purse or pocket. When in need of relief, simply open the bottle and softly breathe in the aromatic natural fragrance. Keep tightly closed and please, do not share with the kids. Menthol crystals are very strong and potent. Do not get into the eyes. For adult use only.

Each bottle contains 3ml of menthol crystals and the bottle measures 1/2 by 2-1/4 inches, is adorned with a Snowflake charm and comes on a 20 inch black ribbon.

Wanderers Compass - Tolkien Quote - Sacred Mists Shoppe - Beautiful, satiny patina on a stamped-pewter casting which reads the famous words by J.R.R. Tolkien, 'Not all those who wander are lost." The quote seamlessly circles an easy-to-read, fully functional plastic-dialed compass rose.

Comes set in a handmade gift box inserted with a quote that reads, "And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course." -Kahlil Gibran




Quill, Parchment and Ink - Sacred Mists Shoppe - Kit contains 2, 8.5" x 11" sheets of parchment paper, 1 bottle of Anna Riva's Dove's Blood ink, and a genuine porcupine quill pen. Easy to use, simply dip the quill pen into the provided bottle of ink and write on parchment paper, or on any other writing surface. Quill is so durable and sturdy, it can also be used for inscribing on your candles.

The Star of Aquarius Spread

All below quoted from llewellyn's journal titled January: Winter's Deep Healing

Like the phoenix soaring out of the ashes, healing is a sacred act of creating something new from the old. Everything in our lives affects everything else; no one area can be isolated. Proper healing is a movement towards spiritual completion. By understanding how our habits, emotions, and sense of spirit affect our health, we can initiate healing. At any given moment, we are either in a state of wholeness, or are ill and seeking to return to wholeness. Pain, like winter, is a natural part of life that allows us to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves.

The Star of Aquarius
The winter stars shine brightest in January to guide navigators in the dark nights. The star is a symbol of enduring spirit that shines despite the surrounding forces of gloom. The Star of Aquarius spread below represents hope, renewal, and belief in a new and better life. The sign of Aquarius begins in January and is known for its global vision and power to inspire. Your gift from the Star of Aquarius is a healing awareness of yourself—as part of the whole stellar pattern in the winter sky.

Star of Aquarius
The Star of Aquarius spread allows us to examine our healing needs. The first card sets a focus, while cards two through six expand upon it. Ask these questions as you turn each card:

1. Focus. What causes me the most pain? What is my priority in healing? Where do I begin?
2. Strengths. What are my strengths? What are my resources, gifts, talents? What do I need to nurture?
3. Self-understanding. What are my beliefs? How can my current insights start the healing process?
4. Obstacles. What obstacles to healing do I face? What situations in my past block my growth?
5. Advice. What concrete, creative action can I take to support my healing?
6. Overview. How does my healing relate to a larger picture? What does my pain tell me about the story of my life? What will I gain as a result of healing?