Today is Wesak, the day of the May full moon.
This day is important to Pagans and Wiccans because, of course, it is the day of the month when we honor our Lady, the Goddess, in esbat ritual. However, this day is also doubly special to me because this day also has its own significance within Buddhism.
Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, was born on this day, became enlightened on this day, and passed on into parinirvana on this day. So for Buddhists, Wesak is truly the most auspicious holy day in the yearly cycle. Being a Buddhist and a Pagan/Wiccan (not quite sure which I am yet), puts this day as a big celebration on my calendar.
Today I will honor both the Goddess and the Buddha, though honoring the Buddha is really a much simpler task, by nature. The expensive incense and a nice teacup of fresh rosewater, and a rose candle will be placed on an altar just for him. I would have preferred jasmine but, alas, I don't have jasmine water or any jasmine candles available. Though I think roses are fitting for the Buddha on his birthday/enlightenment/passing day.
As for the Goddess, I may wait until tomorrow night to actually have my esbat. In tribute to the Buddha, tonight will be a contemplative and introspective occasion.
Have a blessed Wesak and May Esbat everyone!
Namaste :)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Doggies and Saints
Okay, I should first explain that I am eclectic in my witchcraft to the extreme, and you'll find out why in a moment.
So a few weeks ago I started watching a certain YouTuber (because, of course, I am addicted to YouTube) that makes videos explaining his path, which is a mixture of Hoodoo, Voodoo and Santeria. His videos are amazingly interesting to me, although I do not think that I would add Hoodoo or Voodoo practices to my own practice. Regardless, I feel fascinated by his videos and their content.
In addition to this, one of my favourite YouTubers is a spiritualist that incorporates some Catholic mysticism into his Wicca practice, and I also love his videos about the Catholic Saints. Being an ex-Catholic school girl myself, I do have an interest in the Saints. One of my matron Goddesses is Brigid, also known as Saint Brigid of Ireland.
Anyways, I had an experience 2 weeks ago with our family dog. He's a sweet little thing, but he began suffering from seizures a few years ago. Two weeks ago he went through a very difficult bout of seizures, having over 6 or 7 in 24 hours, which led to an emergency visit to the veterinarian.
While he was spending the 5 hours it took to go to the vet, get him treatment, and bring him back home calm, I stayed home and, remembering a video about St. Anthony (of Padua) being loved by animals, prayed earnestly to St. Anthony. I had prayed to St. Anthony before, to find things, and he delivered very well! So that is why again I chose St. Anthony. I was very upset at the time (I love all my doggies so much, especially him), and I did cry a little, but I truly believed in the power of St. Anthony. I promised that if he helped our little guy get better and become healthier, I would buy a statue of St. Anthony in thanks and keep it on my altar. That was 2 weeks ago and our little dog has not had a seizure since. We also put him in a calmer environment and changed his diet a bit, but still, he has become 100% better.
And so, this evening, I made my purchase of a St. Anthony icon (gorgeous one, too) for my altar. I cannot wait to put it up on the 'God' side of my altar.
As a few of my other favourite YouTubers have said, the Saints are very powerful and resourceful beings. I have now twice experienced their help in my life, and even though I am not Christian or Catholic, I do believe that Saints, like Jesus Christ, will help anyone that asks for it. Jesus himself was loving and kind to all that sought him out, and even those that didn't, and the Saints, as true followers of Jesus, do exactly the same.
Blessed be!
So a few weeks ago I started watching a certain YouTuber (because, of course, I am addicted to YouTube) that makes videos explaining his path, which is a mixture of Hoodoo, Voodoo and Santeria. His videos are amazingly interesting to me, although I do not think that I would add Hoodoo or Voodoo practices to my own practice. Regardless, I feel fascinated by his videos and their content.
In addition to this, one of my favourite YouTubers is a spiritualist that incorporates some Catholic mysticism into his Wicca practice, and I also love his videos about the Catholic Saints. Being an ex-Catholic school girl myself, I do have an interest in the Saints. One of my matron Goddesses is Brigid, also known as Saint Brigid of Ireland.
Anyways, I had an experience 2 weeks ago with our family dog. He's a sweet little thing, but he began suffering from seizures a few years ago. Two weeks ago he went through a very difficult bout of seizures, having over 6 or 7 in 24 hours, which led to an emergency visit to the veterinarian.
While he was spending the 5 hours it took to go to the vet, get him treatment, and bring him back home calm, I stayed home and, remembering a video about St. Anthony (of Padua) being loved by animals, prayed earnestly to St. Anthony. I had prayed to St. Anthony before, to find things, and he delivered very well! So that is why again I chose St. Anthony. I was very upset at the time (I love all my doggies so much, especially him), and I did cry a little, but I truly believed in the power of St. Anthony. I promised that if he helped our little guy get better and become healthier, I would buy a statue of St. Anthony in thanks and keep it on my altar. That was 2 weeks ago and our little dog has not had a seizure since. We also put him in a calmer environment and changed his diet a bit, but still, he has become 100% better.
And so, this evening, I made my purchase of a St. Anthony icon (gorgeous one, too) for my altar. I cannot wait to put it up on the 'God' side of my altar.
As a few of my other favourite YouTubers have said, the Saints are very powerful and resourceful beings. I have now twice experienced their help in my life, and even though I am not Christian or Catholic, I do believe that Saints, like Jesus Christ, will help anyone that asks for it. Jesus himself was loving and kind to all that sought him out, and even those that didn't, and the Saints, as true followers of Jesus, do exactly the same.
Blessed be!
Monday, May 2, 2011
May Day
Finally! Beltane has come! Whew!
April was such a hectic month, I barely had time to breathe. I'm hoping that May will give me time to relax, but I think as of right now I'm being optimistic.
I was really disappointed that I wasn't able to post more than once in April. I made a promise to myself that I would try to post on this blog more than twice per week, and I kept up nicely through January, February, and March. April totally fell through. But I guess life is like that sometimes.
Things are looking up, though. Lots of rain has brought the sweetest daffodils, tulips, and magnolia blossoms to the neighbourhood, and the local rabbits have finally come out of their winter hiding places to munch on the clover and grass. At least I assume that what they're eating. Nevertheless, they're still really cute!
My Beltane was not the grand celebration I thought it was going to be, but I had my small ritual and it was enough. I felt more introspective this year, so I read out a few passages from Scott Cunningham's Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner (just to mix things up a bit) and did a short meditation. I wish I had a coven to celebrate with, but this did just fine for me.
That's all for now.
Beltane blessings to everyone :)
April was such a hectic month, I barely had time to breathe. I'm hoping that May will give me time to relax, but I think as of right now I'm being optimistic.
I was really disappointed that I wasn't able to post more than once in April. I made a promise to myself that I would try to post on this blog more than twice per week, and I kept up nicely through January, February, and March. April totally fell through. But I guess life is like that sometimes.
Things are looking up, though. Lots of rain has brought the sweetest daffodils, tulips, and magnolia blossoms to the neighbourhood, and the local rabbits have finally come out of their winter hiding places to munch on the clover and grass. At least I assume that what they're eating. Nevertheless, they're still really cute!
My Beltane was not the grand celebration I thought it was going to be, but I had my small ritual and it was enough. I felt more introspective this year, so I read out a few passages from Scott Cunningham's Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner (just to mix things up a bit) and did a short meditation. I wish I had a coven to celebrate with, but this did just fine for me.
That's all for now.
Beltane blessings to everyone :)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Rebirth for April
I meant to post this a few weeks ago, but never found the time to do so until now. After waiting an extra two weeks, I finally did my Ostara ritual that I wrote myself (I was so proud). I had been reading through my numerous books on the Wheel of the Year, and decided to try and create a ritual that focused on being reborn with the spring season. The theme of rebirth is a very powerful one for me because I have gone through such a long transitional period the past year.
Last year, when I was moving back into Paganism and Wicca, Ostara was the first Sabbat I officially celebrated. So I wrote this year's ritual to sort of commemorate my coming full circle into the craft. I have now officially done a full year and a day, and I am so happy to be in this new spiritual place. I have moved through many levels of spirituality and I think I am more comfortable with being an eclectic now than I have ever been.
The month of April has quickly gone by this year, but the memories of my year and a day of learning about Pagan and Wiccan traditions will stay with me for years to come. I have been reborn with the spring.
Last year, when I was moving back into Paganism and Wicca, Ostara was the first Sabbat I officially celebrated. So I wrote this year's ritual to sort of commemorate my coming full circle into the craft. I have now officially done a full year and a day, and I am so happy to be in this new spiritual place. I have moved through many levels of spirituality and I think I am more comfortable with being an eclectic now than I have ever been.
The month of April has quickly gone by this year, but the memories of my year and a day of learning about Pagan and Wiccan traditions will stay with me for years to come. I have been reborn with the spring.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Book Review: Buddha Tarot Companion
It's already been a more than few days since I've posted, and since April is pretty much upon us I wanted to get this book review out as my last post of the month. Unbelievable that it is already April....
So yes, on to The Buddha Tarot Companion by Robert M. Place.
First off, I would like to say that this is the first deck and book set that I have ever purchased from this artist and author. I have pretty high standards when it comes to books on Tarot, and this book totally blew my expectations out of the water. Mr. Place did more than examine and relate the Western concepts of the tarot to Eastern Buddhism, he went a step further and delved more into the roots of the tarot and how the ideologies of Plato and Pythagoras, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Alchemy, and Tibetan Buddhism correlate with the standard Tarot deck symbolism that we know today and his new deck of the Buddha Tarot.
I am not entirely familiar with Gnostic and Hermetic teaching, but this book really gave me more of an explanation to what they are and has roused my interest into learning more about. As for Plato and Pythagoras, I am more than familiar with The Republic and other Classical Greek works, however Mr. Place also put these teachings in a new light for me as far as they related to the Tarot and its modern symbolism.
I really, really loved reading this book, and for its more than illuminating discourse into Buddhism symbology as well. I do not really practice Tibetan Buddhism, which has a very mystical side to it. I'd probably consider myself more of a Chinese Buddhist, something between the Chan (Zen) schools and Pure Land schools. But I'm just weird like that...
Anyways, in a nutshell, this would be a wonderful book for someone looking to understand the deeper meanings and history behind the Tarot, as well as someone that may want to better understand Tarot and Buddhist mysticism. The bottom line is, if you really love Buddha and the Tarot and have waited your whole life to see the two combined. Get this book and this Tarot deck. I'm more than happy that I did, and I know I learned more than a thing or two from reading this book alone.
Until next time, blessings and namaste.
So yes, on to The Buddha Tarot Companion by Robert M. Place.
First off, I would like to say that this is the first deck and book set that I have ever purchased from this artist and author. I have pretty high standards when it comes to books on Tarot, and this book totally blew my expectations out of the water. Mr. Place did more than examine and relate the Western concepts of the tarot to Eastern Buddhism, he went a step further and delved more into the roots of the tarot and how the ideologies of Plato and Pythagoras, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Alchemy, and Tibetan Buddhism correlate with the standard Tarot deck symbolism that we know today and his new deck of the Buddha Tarot.
I am not entirely familiar with Gnostic and Hermetic teaching, but this book really gave me more of an explanation to what they are and has roused my interest into learning more about. As for Plato and Pythagoras, I am more than familiar with The Republic and other Classical Greek works, however Mr. Place also put these teachings in a new light for me as far as they related to the Tarot and its modern symbolism.
I really, really loved reading this book, and for its more than illuminating discourse into Buddhism symbology as well. I do not really practice Tibetan Buddhism, which has a very mystical side to it. I'd probably consider myself more of a Chinese Buddhist, something between the Chan (Zen) schools and Pure Land schools. But I'm just weird like that...
Anyways, in a nutshell, this would be a wonderful book for someone looking to understand the deeper meanings and history behind the Tarot, as well as someone that may want to better understand Tarot and Buddhist mysticism. The bottom line is, if you really love Buddha and the Tarot and have waited your whole life to see the two combined. Get this book and this Tarot deck. I'm more than happy that I did, and I know I learned more than a thing or two from reading this book alone.
Until next time, blessings and namaste.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tarot Review: The Buddha Tarot
I was only recently blessed with being able to purchase this Tarot deck from Amazon at a very decent price. Having spent many years longing for Asian-themed Tarot decks and not liking any of the ones still available on the market (alas, the Ukiyo-e Tarot!) I was happy to come upon the Buddha Tarot. Being of the Buddhist-Witchy persuasion I could not pass up the golden opportunity to own this deck.
I did read a review of this deck before I took the lead of purchasing it sight unseen, not that I cared really. I got a good feeling from the review, and I was even more pleased after I was able to see the entire deck in my own hands.
The artwork is lovely, crisp lines with bright but not harsh colours, and so much Buddhist symbolism in the cards themselves. I was more than impressed. Robert Place did an excellent job recreating the journey of the Tarot with the story of Siddartha Gautama (whom most of us know as the Buddha) and his own journey to Buddhahood.
The Major Arcana is in the same order as traditional decks, but the cards have been renamed to represent the stages of understanding that led Siddartha to becoming the Buddha.
I love this deck. I'm not sure if I would use it for regular readings; maybe on the odd occasion or for spiritually-oriented spreads this deck might be better than a traditional deck. They give a few examples of spreads with the deck, I may try those out and see how they feel with my reading style.
Isn't tarot fun? I think so.
Stay tuned for the companion book review! Blessed be.
I did read a review of this deck before I took the lead of purchasing it sight unseen, not that I cared really. I got a good feeling from the review, and I was even more pleased after I was able to see the entire deck in my own hands.
The artwork is lovely, crisp lines with bright but not harsh colours, and so much Buddhist symbolism in the cards themselves. I was more than impressed. Robert Place did an excellent job recreating the journey of the Tarot with the story of Siddartha Gautama (whom most of us know as the Buddha) and his own journey to Buddhahood.
The Major Arcana is in the same order as traditional decks, but the cards have been renamed to represent the stages of understanding that led Siddartha to becoming the Buddha.
I love this deck. I'm not sure if I would use it for regular readings; maybe on the odd occasion or for spiritually-oriented spreads this deck might be better than a traditional deck. They give a few examples of spreads with the deck, I may try those out and see how they feel with my reading style.
Isn't tarot fun? I think so.
Stay tuned for the companion book review! Blessed be.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Making Prayers
Like most witches out there, I have a crafty streak. Not crafty as in cunning (though I can be when I want to), but crafty as in I like making stuff. My boyfriend thinks I'm nuts because I could easily drop a couple of hundred dollars at a craft store and spend an entire week just making things. I guess I don't need to mention he is not into making things....but I am.
If I could, I would even trying making clothes, but alas, my sewing technique is horrible.
Over the years I've made soaps, pottery, paintings, knitted items such as hats, scarves, mittens, baby blankets, and even some modelling clay altar items. So I like to make things. It's more a point of liking to work with my hands than a money issue. And I'm sure those of you that do the same amount of crafting know that you end up spending more making your own things than buying them. At least for me it works out that way.
Anyways, there came a time when I felt the need to pray in a Pagan way. I already had my mantras and Buddhist prayers, but I needed something more Pagan as a medium for my prayers. In came the wonderful YouTuber named the Moon Mother, and she really opened me up to using the rosary as a form of prayer.
I had never used a rosary before, but being a Catholic school girl I had seen them and knew what they were.
So I wanted to make my own. And I wanted it wire wrapped because I knew the technique already and had all the tools.
Off to Michael's I went, bought the appropriate supplies, and got started. My first rosary took ages, and it was very, very long, over 30 inches from top to bottom. I didn't really like it, and still had leftover beads, so I made another one. And another. And another.
I made 4 rosaries in one week, and I really liked doing it. So I bought more supplies to make more of them.
I know have made over 20 rosaries, and have yet to sell them. I would love to sell them on Etsy, and Ebay is also an option. I have no idea if a Catholic would buy a rosary from a Pagan, so I'll be keeping hush on that front.
Making those rosaries was the most wonderful experience. Doing each bead, one by one, designing which beads for the 'our father' and the 'hail Mary' beads, took me to a very calm state of mind. It was an active meditation and thoroughly enjoyable.
So yeah, I love making rosaries. My family thinks I'm crazy for making rosaries because I'm originally half Protestant and half Jewish, but I don't care. Rosary-making is fun.
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