"Harvesting" my moon flow.

Hello again blogger peoples! I have been on a long hiatus and will probably get back in the swing of things now. I have just O.K.'d a few comment and there were a few that asked what I meant when I posted that I harvest my 'moon flow' ( menstrual flow ). I spoke of it in my sea sponge review. Now let me say this might all be TMI and if your really not interested then please just read something else I have posted. You have been warned, don't say I didn't give you a heads up :)
Ok here we go.....
I harvest my moon flow ( menstrual flow ). Which means I save my moon flow ( not every month but I do when I feel the need...like when I begin my flow on the full or new moon ). I save it in a jar with a touch of rubbing alcohol added to help preserve it and I store it in a cool dark place. I have used it for many things and it stores well. I add it to water which I feed to my plants when they are sick ( google this, the results are amazing!) , I use it as a ink when I write out certain spells, I use it in some spells where I think I need a little oomph and/or when I want myself more integrated into a spell. I know of some magick that uses 'love juice' and this is along those lines. For me my moon flow is nothing to be ashamed of and I see it just like the wheel of the year ( The circle of life, death and rebirth and all that witchy jazz ;) lol ). I am very spiritually connected to my time of the month. Maybe its the Native American part of myself that has caused me to embrace it like I do. I know there are also many other cultures through out time that have revered women during their moon time. A little research will surprise you...I could go on and on about it here but I wont bore you.
So that's it. Thats the easiest way I could put it.I have no problem answering any questions if anyone has them. Ask away...and hopefully I won't take so long answering them (blush) lol
BB

Celebrity Pagans/Wiccans

Lately I have been thinking alot about celebrity Pagans. There are many celebrities in the spotlight who are open about their spirituality but I couldn't think of any off hand that were 'out of the broom closet'. There were some I suspected and some that I believed to be Pagan/Wiccan friendly. So I went and did a little searching. I am sad to say I didn't find much that would tell me one way or the other. Here is a list of some celebrities who's names popped up more than once:
~ Sully Erna from Godsmack ( from what I read is open about it) , Patrick Stewart, Fairuza Balk, Deborah Harry, Brigitte Nielsen, Cybil Sheppard, Stevie Nicks, Yoko Ono, Vanessa Carlton, Heather Graham, Olympia Dukakis, William Butler Yeats, Rachel Hunter, Goldie Hawn, Vigo Mortensen, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Avril Lavigne, George Lucas, Alice Walker, Robin Tunney, Chrissie Hynde, Fred Durst, Virginia Woolf, Roseanne Barr,Somerset Maugham. I came across more names, some I knew some I didn't. I am wondering if any of these people actually identify themselves as one of the many forms of Paganism(well besides the 1st one). I wish there was someone in the limelight who acknowledged that they were on this path. I think it would be wonderful for children who grew up on this path, and for teens who are just exploring the path, to feel more comfortable around their peers and more comfortable within themselves knowing that they aren't alone. I know I feel alone at times and its hard for me as an adult. But thankfully Paganism and Wicca is becoming more familiar to people and the stigmas that once were common are starting to go away. I work with the general public and I proudly were my pentacle to work everyday. It's good sized and its in plain view. I have been asked if I am Jewish and if I were a Satanist. I have always answered it with a smile if not a chuckle. I am never offended by those questions because I see it as a opportunity to educate. I don't go into detail because I don't have the time but I always respond to the questions I get. I like the fact that those people can say that they have met someone who is on this path and that I wasn't scary, I don't ride a broom to work (although I would if I could) and that I'm just like everyone else... well in the general sense of the word :) I just wish there were celebrities who could also help demystify Paganism and Wicca and all the other paths out there. I wish it were more of a household word and less of a catch phrase. To be honest, even thought it's a huge deal to me, I wish it wasn't a big deal to the rest of the world...if that makes sense.

Ok well I have yet to find a spell that makes my dishes do themselves so I'm outta here. If you lovely people know of anyone that wasn't on the list or has anything to add please do so. I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks :)

Who says Zen can't be funny?

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.

2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and leaky tire.

3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

4. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

5. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.

6. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

7. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.

8. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

9. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

10. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.

11. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

12. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

13. Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

14. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

15. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

16. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

17. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

18. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

19. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.

20. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

21. Never miss a good chance to shut up.

22. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night

I found this here.

Squirrel Pic of the day

This pic was sent to me from a good friend who has fed my squirrely needs.So sadly I can not link this pic or give thanks to the maker by name.So they just get a general shout out :)

The Super Moon

I happen to be super excited about the 'Super Moon'. I have read and heard that some astrologers think it will bring disasters. One astrologer has said that "huge storms, earthquakes, volcanoes and other natural disasters can be expected to wreak havoc on Earth." Now from what I have read I understand the science of their opinion even if I think its overly cryptic. Remember Y2K? Oh wait, no one does. There was a ton of hoopla about that and nothing happened. When it comes to the moon and all that it does that effects the earth I might have a easier time finding something to worry about. One scientist was quoted as saying "When you have a low tide, there's less water, so the pressure on the seafloor is smaller. That pressure is clamping the fault together, so when it's not there, it makes it easier for the fault to slip." Yup I can see how that would be a issue. But Im not sure that the Super Moon is going to do much and become a catastrophic event. I think its Y2K all over again. I happen to be super excited about the Super Moon. It's going to be full and Im hoping we arent cloudy here so I can atleast say I got to view it. AND not to mention that its happening on the 19th, the night before Ostara. I mean I thought it was bad ass that last year we had a lunar eclipse during Winter Solstice. I look forward to the Moons close visit and hope that none of the things scientists are worried about come to pass. I highly doubt that it will. Anyone have any thoughts or feelings on the Super Moon?

Your Ostara traditions

For some reason Ostara seems to be the only sabbat that I treat like 'that other holiday' I used to celebrate. Only now I call it Ostara and not easter. I never celebrated the religious aspect of easter so I didn't really have much to change. Except for the change within myself where I have a different view on that day and a much greater respect for it. Well that and the fact that now I make bread in the shape of genitalia. It is lip smackin delicious if I do say so myself. Slathered in some homemade honey butter and Im one happy camper.I also go natural when I dye my eggs now.Onion peels,beets and spinach work great.I will try some others this year and see how they work as well.
So basically the only thing thats different for me between Ostara and easter is the way I do those things and the intent in which I do them. Well that and the ritual I do but since Im solitary its short and sweet most often.
I am wondering what others do to praise the day and how their family celebrates it.My children are older and not much fun anymore :( Plus they do not share the same spiritual views that I do really, but they don't look at easter as a religious holiday either. So they are pretty much game for anything, as long as a chocolate bunny is involved at some point. But I want a way to pull my family together and make it a special day for us all.
I would love to hear from others on their family celebrations and traditions for Ostara.
Any input would be great.Thanks!

My alter has gone cold :(

I have neglected my alter. I have been so busy, I can't tell you the last time I have taken time to just sit in front of it. I haven't used it...not a candle lit on it and my chalice has gone dry. The daily use for my chalice is to represent the element water and so I usually have spring water in it. The whole thing is just dusty. I have been avoiding it because I know it's going to take alot to get some life back into it (so to speak) and to be quite honest I feel guilty about it so I just avoid it. I don't even look at it at this point. I feel like it is looking back at me with sad puppy eyes.
I miss my alter. I miss connecting with it and using it. In 'man talk' its kinda like having a awesome classic car in the garage that you can't drive.
So my dilemma is how do I get it recharged? I know that just a dusting isn't going to do it. Anyone have any tips on what I can do to get things back on track? I have the feeling its going to take alot of work which I am more than willing to do. I just don't know where to start or to be honest what to do to get it back after it has been loved and then sadly neglected.
Any and all suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated.

'Harvesting' moon flow

I am finally getting to a question in my sea sponge review. What did I mean by harvesting my moon flow?
Let me begin by saying this might be a delicate topic and might bother the squeamish. I'm not sure because there isn't much that causes me to squeam :)
Ok on with the show...
Harvesting moon flow simply means collecting your moon flow ( menstruation ) to save and use. There are many uses that I have heard of and I'm sure many more that I have not yet learned. I have used my moon flow as ink in spells and I have added it to sick house plants, the results were amazing! I posted recently about Witch Bottles and I will be adding my moon flow to mine when I make one. To collect it I have used my sea sponges and now that I have a menstrual cup I have used that to harvest it as well, and with greater ease. I have mine stored in a glass jar with a bit of rubbing alcohol added to it to help preserve it. I keep mine...( might want to stop here if you are one of the squeamish).... in the refrigerator. It is hidden in the very back of one of the crisper drawers that I have saved for myself and all of my 'special' items, like herbs and roots. Nothing in there is used in family cooking. There is nothing in there that anyone in my family ( but me ) would want, so its safe. The jar is sealed tightly and inside a sealed plastic bag ( yuck plastic, ok that makes me squeam a bit). I don't worry about it tainting my food or contaminating anything with it. I don't view my moon flow as dirty. So I am quite comfortable having it in my fridge along with the food we eat. I look at moon flow and a woman's moon time as a very powerful thing. I embrace mine as much as I can, sometimes it's hard to be upbeat at that time of the month but I try.I see a woman's cycle to be just like the wheel of the year. So it has a large spiritual significance to me.
If anyone else has used their moon flow in their magick please share. I would love to hear about it.

Your most valuable book?

So since I am solitary and have no one to really share their experiences with me I thought I would post this asking all of you lovely people :) What book in your collection, or that you have read, that you have got the most from? What one really spoke to you and which one had the most impact on you? I am going to expand my library and would like opinions on some good reading material.And help would be great and thanks in advance!

Witch Bottles

I am looking into making a witch bottle and I am reading up on it anyplace I can. So here I am asking if anyone has made one and if so what did you use and how did you put it together? Where did you place it after ? I live in a apt so my options are a bit limited.
Any help would be great!

To cup or not to cup

I use a menstrual cup.I love it.I would like to know if anyone has any thoughts on it.Have they used them, what brand do they have and so on.Actually any and all info would be great.I am going to do a product review on mine some time soon but to be honest I wanted to buy another one from a different company to see what the differences are.
Any info would be great.

A question about Theives oil

Ok so who has used it and for what purposes? I was just given a little bit and although I LOVE the scent Im not quite sure what to do with it.Other than diffuse it.I know that they have products to clean with but Im not sure if you can use the regular oil for this purpose.I was wondering if anyone had any first hand knowledge/experience with thieves oil.
Any info would be great.

My Neti Pot experience

Well its been so long that I have put anything to print on here but Im just going to jump right in.( as a disclosure I wrote this a few weeks ago I just couldnt post it til now)
I have just used my neti pot for the first time.I have a bad head cold which caused a sore throat and I was coughing alot due to post nasal drip.I had completely forgot that I even bought the neti pot but I was laying there thinking that I have to do something other than drink the tea I mix up when I get sick ( although it was helping, just not as fast as my throat and sinuses liked). So !eureka! I remembered that I had my neti stashed away. I read the instructions which were so straight forward that I began to think I was overlooking something and that I was going to screw it up. But the more I read the more I realized that it really might be that simple. I had no distilled water in the house so I nuked mine.( Hey does anyone know how long opened distilled water is good for? Do you have to refrigerate it to keep it fresh? If you know let me know,ok so anyway...) I let it cool till I thought it wouldn't scorch my nostrils and then I added the pouch of solution, gave it a shake and then I set it down. I don't know why I was nervous but I was.I finally picked it up after a minute or two of talking myself into it.
It says to keep your mouth open and just lean forward,stick the spout in your nostral, tilt your head sideways and let it do its thing. Now my nose was so congested that for about 20 seconds nothing happened, my nose just felt like it was now plugged with water instead of boogies. And then I saw a drip, then another and then eventually a little stream and I knew I wasn't going to drown myself. I was a bit let down to be honest. I knew the color of the ick in my nose from blowing it every 5 mins. I, in my sick mind, wanted to see a river of green, brown, and yellow.I wanted to see it work like a firefighters hose and flush it all out. But I decided to just focus on getting it done and see how I felt after. I stood up straight, sniffed a bit of the solution into my sinus passages and then gently blew my nose. Nothing but the solution came out but at least that side was clear for the time being. I did the same to the other nostril and was sad when I ran out of water. I would have stood there all day if I thought it would help. Now on the second side I did end up with a small amount of the solution in my mouth, not sure why, I didn't gag on it and I just kinda let it roll out of my mouth and then spit out what didnt roll out on its own. Nothing about the flush was uncomfortable, I never felt as if I couldnt breath or anything else I was worried about. It was all very gentle and seems to have helped quite a bit even in the hour since I have done it. My post nasal drip is way down ( but in honesty not gone), I havent coughed but a couple of times and I have blown my nose only once. And it was clear. So I think its a keeper and I will continue to use it. If anyone has any question then just let me know. Even the yucky kind. Believe me when I tell you that I had to curb myself when I wrote this so as to not offend or gross people out.

Sidenote: My mother said it was funny they had this sort of thing on the market because she has been snorting salt water when she has a cold for as long as she can remember, without a pot. I remember being little and seeing her pour some salt into her palm, add some warm water, mix it around and sniff it right up. Which I had done as well in the past. But the neti pot makes it much easier. My nose was stuffed, I had a hard time breathing in or out. If I tried to sniff up the water it wouldn't be much and it wouldn't get far. The pot, besides having more fluid in it to work with, worked from the back to flush out instead of in.It did it gently and for a longer period of time then just a sniff. My mother had the right idea then and has since gotten a neti pot of her own to make it easier for her as well.Now all I have to do is work on my daughter, who has horrid allergies, and have her try it.

*I am not getting anything from any company for posting this.Its just my own personal experience that I wanted to share in case someone out there had any misgivings in trying it or wanted to know a bit more about it.

Im baaaaackkkkk!

Ok so I know I have been a bad blogger and that I have totally neglected this page.As soon as I finish writing this I will go stand in the corner and think about what I have done.But if there is anyone out there who happens upon this poor lonely page rest assured I will be back to dust it off and put it to some use.In just a few days I will be back on track.See ya soon!