"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.

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!

Im sad today :( --Edited--

Due to transportation issues I will miss out on 2 ( count them 2!) very important things today.
First off my son has a football game that I will not be able to make.I am so down about that because I LOVE to watch him play.I know all parents say that but seriously...I have goosebumps the whole game and I pace, no sitting down for the mom.I alternate between wringing my hands and screaming.I also swear alot so I have learned to catch myself and cover my mouth and swear into my hands....which means I look like a total moron Im sure :D I swear if people didn't know me they would think I have tourette's syndrome. Yeah my behaviour is that bad.

Ok on to the other thing I am going to miss today.Today in my area it is the Pagan Pride festival.I have never gone since to be honest last year I had no idea something like that even existed, I'm a newbie as you all know.I really wanted to go this year and had planned to months ago when I 1st found out about it.But here I am :(


Edited: My son called me and told me that rapper Eminem was dead from a car crash.I searched for it, read it and then went back and the story was gone.Im guessing its not true.If he weren't on a bus going to a football game I would call him and yell at him lol Its kinda hard to yell at yourself but if I could I would yell at myself for being a gullible lil school girl lol

I used the bottles....and I got more!!

I walked down to my local shit shop yesterday ( I call it that because it has all sorts of shit, no disrespect meant) and I bought out all the bottles they had on hand. So I have added 26 more of those little bottles to my collection!! I also found a hideously beautiful bowl that I will use for offerings and I picked up a small silver spoon that I will probably use for my loose incense. I got such an amazing deal on it all that I was giddy all day :) Plus I saw a gazillion squirrels on my walk. It took me twice as long to get home because I had to stop and talk to them all lol
Ok back to the bottles.I had a previous post here about them and I was looking for ideas for their use. I sincerely want to thank you all for giving me ideas! I haven't had time to get to all of them but I will.

I have a very very small alter that is not even set up yet, its just got stuff tossed on it :( But to be honest it doesn't feel like I should set it up yet. I don't feel ready for whatever reason. So I have been going with my gut and not done it. Anyway the lack of space on there got me thinking of how I could represent the elements and then I got a idea :) I made element bottles.Here they are.

The earth one is dirt I got from under my fav squirrel tree outside.The air one has 3 feathers shed from my mothers bird.The fire one has 3 match sticks and the water one is moon water that I got during July's full moon.
I'm still looking for ideas since I have alot of bottles to use here, so keep the ideas coming.
Also there will be giveaway very soon ;) Keep a eye out!!

Tonights full moon : Harvest moon

September brings us the Harvest Moon, sometimes referred to as the Wine Moon or the Singing Moon. This is the time of year when the last of the crops are being gathered from the fields and stored for the winter. There's a chill in the air, and the earth is slowly beginning its move towards dormancy as the sun pulls away from us.

Correspondences:

• Colors: Browns and greens, earth tones
• Gemstones: Citrine, chrysolite, peridot, bloodstone
• Trees: Bay, larch, hawthorn
• Gods: Demeter, Brighid, Freyja, Vesta
• Herbs: Wheat, valerian, witch hazel, skullcap
• Element: Earth

This is a month of hearth and home. Spend some time preparing your environment for the upcoming chilly months. If you don't already have one, set up a hearth or kitchen alter for those times when you're cooking, baking and canning. Use this time to clear out clutter -- both physical and emotional -- before you have to spend the long winter days inside.

Also Known As: Wine Moon, Singing Moon

Is anyone planning on doing anything special tonight?

I have been out of it the past few days and I didnt have time to write up a post about this months full moon.I found this info here.I might come back and post something else later.

Natural solutions to your monthly cycle

I have been using a natural product for my moon cycle (menstrual cycle) for over the past 6 months.I decided to switch over from store bought for many many reasons.I didnt like the chemicals used in either tampons or pads, I didnt like the HUGE waste it produces and I like to save money.I couldnt see buying something that just gets wasted every month and thrown into the waste pile.I havent used tampons for years because after I had my son they were no longer comfortable for me.So I went out on a search for a more eco friendly alternative.I found cloth pads and I LOVE them.I have had no issues with them other than there is more work involved with them since you have to wash them and all.I hand wash mine because I dont want them in the washer with everything else and I want to make sure they are extra clean.I do not mind hand washing them and for me there was no yuck factor.Mine are handmade and I have bought mine from a few women on Etsy.
But then I began to view my moon cycle in a spiritual light.I already blogged about that and I will again, just to warn ya'll. I had read up on uses of menstrual blood and its significance in cultures.Since my moon time came to mean a time of power for me I thought it was wasteful to just throw it away.Some women collect their menstrual blood every month and mix it with water and feed their plants.They claim that they grow faster and fuller,which I believe to be true.Some women collect theirs every month for magickal purposes.I thought of using mine for both.....since its a sustainable resource and all lol I doubt I will run out any time soon.
So in my quest to find ways to collect my moon flow AND be gentle on the earth I came across two products.One you may have heard of but the other thats not so often spoke of.I contacted a few companies and asked them if I could do a product review on their product and 2 said yes.
I will be posting a review of one of the products tomorrow...or later tonight since Im so excited lol I have tons of pics ( of the product, nothing yucky lol) and just to give a warning I will be VERY open in my review.So if your squeamish you may want to use caution.
Does anyone have any natural or alternative solutions to their moon cycle that they would like to share?
Love & Light

Recommended reading?

Since I am a solitary and new to my path I have been trying to read everything I can get my hands on.The library is my BFF.There are a few books that I have read and put down almost as soon as I picked it up.And then there are a few that I LOVE and keep renewing from the library ( Im going to have to give in and just buy them).But does anyone have any books that they can recommend? Any book that spoke to you the minute you cracked the cover? I would greatly appreciate the input.Here are a few books I have already read, and maybe re-read :

• Paganism : an introduction to earth-centered religions - Joyce Higginbotham
• The complete idiots guide to Paganism - Carl McColeman
• Paganism : A beginners guide - Teresa Morrey
• The craft: A witch's book of shadows - Dorothy Morrison
• Grimoire for the green witch - Aoumiel
• Natural witchery - Ellen Dougan
• Solitary witch: The ultimate book of shadows - Silver Ravenwolf
• Crafting wiccan traditions :creating a foundation for your spiritual beliefs - Raven Grimassi
• Wicca : A guide to the solitary practitioner - Scott Cunningham

I have read many other books but these are a few to give you the idea.Do you have any opinions on any of these? And PLEASE share with me any books that you have found helpful in your own life.I know all paths are different but I think there is much to be learned by ALL spiritual paths.Besides I think you need to know what you believe as much as what you dont.If that makes any sense :) Thanks in advance for the input!
Love & Light

What is my culture?

This was originally written with another blog entry.I kind of went off with this and it didnt really have anything to do with the original post, so I cut it out and am reposting it here.
Ok well here it is:

I am only 1/4 Native Mohawk.My family is very very small and no one ever discusses this.They know nothing of their own culture so I was not passed anything in regard to that.This does not change the fact that I have ALWAYS felt that a HUGE part of myself was lost and still missing.I feel a great connection to that aspect of myself but sadly I feel like it is out of reach to me.I am clueless when it comes to my family line and my native culture.My grandmother was born and grew up on a reservation not very far from my house.However she died when my mother was a very small child.And as a single parent ( my grandfather died of a heart attack) the children, all 9 of them, were sent to different orphanages and separated.So my mother knows VERY VERY little of that side of her family.She has never really felt the urge to try and find out I guess.However when I was a child my mother put me into something called "Indian Class" ( no kidding thats what our school called it) We had a very high population of native children at my school and so every friday for a hour we left regular class and went to a room by the cafeteria and elders from a local tribe would come in and teach us our culture.I LOVED my time with them and still remember a bit of what was taught.I still have a leather bag and a leather beaded book mark that I made in that class.I remember how to count to 19, for some reason I cant remember 20.I used to know how to sing "Old McDonald" but I have lost it along the way.I am registered in Washington DC as a native, my mother had to fill out the paperwork and she seems to have lost whatever paperwork she got back.If anyone out there knows how/who to contact in regards to this I would really appreciate any info at all.
Love & Light!

A womans 'Moon Time'

Just recently my moon time ( menstrual time) has come to have a very spiritual meaning to me.I have always thought it to be a beautiful time in a womans life (Woman= Womb of Man) and I think its pretty significant that almost 1/4 of every month during our childbearing years is spent dedicated to it.My moon time has become very sacred to me.During your moon time you have both life and death in your body going on at the same time.The death being the releasing of the old uterus lining and the unfertilized egg , the life aspect is the renewal and the fresh lining.And during this time you have those dueling energies occurring so a womans personal energy and power is greatly amplified.In most if not all Native American cultures it was a time of great respect from both men and women.Tribes had 'Moon Lodges' and a woman would go into and stay in the lodge until her moon time has passed.(Other cultures called theirs 'red tents' or many other terms, but all kinda along the same lines) During her time in the moon lodge the elder women would teach her medicine, herbs, ceremonies, rites, prayers and on.Teachings were handed down to her.The women , at this time, were expected to rest and not perform any chores and she was taken care of by the elder women of the tribe.No cooking,cleaning or lifting.This was a time for the woman to learn and nurture herself and to also embrace her womanhood.A womens moon time was never looked down upon, there was no negativity put on it.( There were no jokes about PMS, lucky for them).The men respected and revered her.The men also cooked and took care of the children at this time which was a wonderful time of bonding between a father and their children.Its was a time of love and respect.Women are the ones who nurture life and carry it, and on top of this, women are the only sex that can carry two souls/spirits in her body at the same time, being her own and her unborn child's.( just imagine multiple births, twins and so forth!!)

Now this part might freak some out so if your faint of heart go check out one of my squirrel pics.................Ok dont say I didnt warn you.

Menstrual blood was thought to carry extreme power and many women harvested their own menstrual blood.It was the most natural and powerful element that could be harvested from a person and it was the same as holding life/death itself in your hands.It is still used today, although I believe not to the same extent as it was in times ago.There is also use of the placenta after child birth ( a topic for another day).

Ok you can peek again :)

Getting back on track, the native view of moon time for me is very deep.I have another post to come after this one branching off of this topic and even after that I have 2 ( count them 2!!!) product reviews on their way....again along the same lines as this.Just thought I would give you a heads up.Im not sure who else is interested in this topic but I know I am so if anyone reading this has ANY info at all, or has any views on a womans moon time PLEASE share it with me.I would love to hear it.Also if anyone would like to see a post with more indepth folklore on this topic let me know and I would be happy to post it.
Love and Light!

1000 arms dance

I sat here ready to eat a fly when I watched this cause my mouth was wide open the whole time! That was amazing!! You know if I got together with all the other personalities I have in my head I bet we could pull off something as cool as this....you wouldnt be able to see it but just take my word for it, we would ROCK!

What the squirrels and I are listening to

This is on the top 5 of my all time fav songs.The person who has this video posted has had some issues with youtube taking the video down so this time I hope it stays up.Sorry about the size...but then again its Bob,he can take up as much room as he wants :)

July Full Moon - Blessing Moon

July's Full Moon falls on Tuesday, July 7th and is known several names - Blessing Moon, Thunder Moon and Meadow Moon, just to name a few.

The July 2009 Full Moon distinguishes itself from other 2009 Full Moons, because it’s the smallest, farthest full moon of the year.

Farthest and closest full moons recur in regular cycles. The closest full moon comes 7 lunar months – full moons – after the farthest full moon. And the farthest full moon comes 7 lunar months – full moons – after the closest full moon.

For the next 7 lunar months, the full moon will come progressively closer to Earth. Seven full moons after tomorrow’s July full moon, the closest full moon of the cycle will fall on January 30, 2010. On that date, the full moon will be closer than 222,000 miles. Then 7 full moons after the January 30, 2010 full moon, it’ll be the farthest full moon again on August 24, 2010!

Correspondences:

* Colors: Green, silver, blue-gray
* Gemstones: Moonstone, white agate, opals or pearls
* Trees: Ash and oak
* Gods: Juno, Venus, Cerridwen, Athena, Nephthys, Lugh
* Herbs: Mugwort, hyssop, lemon balm
* Element: Water

This is a great time to do divination and dreamwork. Find a way to incorporate the watery energy of the Blessing Moon into your spell crafting and ritual.

This article was written and used with permission by Witchy Mama.Check her blog out, it's AMAZING!

25 ways to live a better life

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, ‘My purpose is to __________ today.’
5. Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.
7. Make time to practice meditation.It provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
10. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
11. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum,they appear and fade away, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the negativity away.
14. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
15. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
16. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
17. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
18. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
19. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’
20. What other people think of you is none of your business.( This one is my favorite)
    
21. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
22. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
23. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
24. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for _______. Today I accomplished ____.
25. Breathe.