The Cauldron Cafe

Getting back on track

2012-01-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

I always seem to be doing that, don't I?

My pledge for 2012 is to be better on a lot of things.

My organization system was all set up to kick off the new year smoothly. Then somewhere out of the darkness came a sinus infection. I fought it - and won - over the course of 14 days. Now I'm healthy and working tirelessly to get caught up and on track.

One of the things I'm hoping will help keep me on the Spiritual path is to take some classes. My first one in a series begins next week with Deborah Blake. You can read her blog post about it HERE The cost is affordable and being taught by someone I trust.

The first class, Introduction to Modern Witchcraft (and all subsequent classes) will be taught through a Yahoo Group Loop. You can check out the HomePage for all the info and how to sign up. I like classes taught in this format. I've taken a lot of writing courses this way. You can back-read if you miss a day, converse with other classmates on the material and ask questions of the instructor.

As a side note: The above mentioned Yahoo Group is totally separate from the Cauldron Writers Group I've talked about before. The class group is strictly for her workshops.

I'm not taking this particular course because I feel I need it, but because it's the first in what we hope will be a series of classes Deborah will offer over the coming months.

Having taught courses in this venue, I know first-hand how time consuming this is for her. It takes away from her personal life, coven life and business. (Did you know she has some of the most beautiful jewelry you'll ever want to wear?) So I encourage my friends to take the course and get to know this awesome lady. Who knows... there may be a gem of something you didn't know hidden in those magical posts.

Many Blessings

Rain

A New Year

2011-11-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

How was your Samhain? If you were lucky, like my friend Deborah Blake, you had snow on the ground for ritual. I know it's not exactly the weather we want for the biggest ritual of the season, but if the weather cooperates, I don't think there's anything quite so peaceful as a dark sky full of stars above and a blanket of snow beneath... and stillness all around. It's like the polar opposite of a raging thunderstorm for me.

For my Samhain, I had neither. What I did manage to do was finally get my altar the way I wanted it. Well except for the lack of candles. I can not believe with all the candles I have in this house - and in my ritual cabinet - I didn't have a single Yellow or Gold. :: shakes head in disbelief ::: But otherwise, I finally have a permanent altar. I've warned hubby NOTHING gets put on it.

So tomorrow when I go on a Quilt Shop Hop I'm going to buy the candle colors I need - at least two sets. I want to have a set I can use for a temporary altar. Hubby is gone 3 weeks at a time and home 3 weeks. It's part of his job as a river boat captain we've lived with for years. When he's gone, I can get up in the morning and visit the bedroom altar. But when he's home, he likes to sleep in at least til 8 and I'm an early riser. So I'm putting together a altar box I can keep in the living room and use a TV tray in front of the big East facing picture window.

As the holiday candles hit the shelves, now is the time to pick up the Gold and Silver candles in particular. With Halloween behind us, now is also the time to pick up the black and orange ones going on clearance. Learning from my own lesson, it's one of the things I'll stress in The Organized Witch.

As soon as I have those candles in place, I'll post a pic of my altar. I'd love to hear about yours. Is it traditional or is it more eclectic with things that mean something to you personally?

Bard of the South

2011-10-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

It doesn't matter where our journey takes us, there's always something new to discover or someone new to meet.

I met Rickey Pittman for the first time at the Ozark Creative Writers conference in Eureka Springs Arkansas. An author, he signed in to the event on Thursday night and was told about an Open Mic planned for the evening but they hadn’t set the mic up yet. He jumped right in to volunteer to help out. He just happened to have one in his car. That's the type of guy he is. Ready to help out where he can. He truly enjoys what he does and gives back when given the opportunity. And the journey for us began. He emceed the event on Thursday evening, treating us to the Irish brogue of a home he’s never been, and capturing us all with his songs and storytelling. Throughout the course of the weekend I would have several opportunities to talk with Rickey, as well as enjoy his musical talent.

As I write this, I’m enjoying his current CD – Bard of the South. Along with some Civil War classics, he shares originals like Arkansas Gypsy and Cry, Little Artillery Man. Each song will pull you in a different direction. One minute you’re laughing at the lyrics while hearing the pain many experienced in the war between the States.

Rickey entertains at many children's programs and Celtic festivals. If you want talent at your next event, I recommend you contact Rickey Pittman. You will be blessed.

Blessings

Rain

The Drum

2011-10-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

For the past 3 or 4 years, I've been in search of a drum. I wasn't sure what style I wanted, but I knew the sound had to be rich, like the sound of horse's hooves pounding across the hard, packed earth. Whenever I came across drums in stores or vendor booths, I'd touch one or two but nothing pulled to me... until Saturday.

After all the craziness around here I decided to take the day off and head for a pow wow being held in Hardy AR, about an hour south of me. I hadn't been to one in several years. Just the thought of making contact with Mother Earth and feeling the vibrations of the host drum around me was all the incentive I needed. Pow wow's are also a great place to pick up supplies such as sage, cedar and sweet grass. All three items came home with me as well as 2 pairs of earrings. But my most precious purchase of the day was my drum.

At first I thought it was part of a display at the vendor booth for the only thing the gentleman had was a wide variety of cases with silver and turquoise jewelry. But I kept going back and forth until I noticed a young man tapping one of them... this one... so I stopped to talk with him. He told me the top was bull skin and had a richer tone than the other one he had, which was made of elk. As he made contact with the drumstick to the head of the drum, I felt the pull and asked how much.

When a vendor smiles and tells you the price is dependent on the type of mood he is in, you know you're going to buy something. He told me what the drum sold for, but the price he shot me was lower. He also included the drumstick and gave me choice of any of the three he had on hand. I chose the dark purple and chocolate cowhide braid. He was also kind enough to accept a check - something vendors seldom do because the cash is their travel money for the weekend.

As soon as I touched the instrument, I felt the electricity travel through my body, bringing me to tears. The drum had come home.

I look forward to many hours honoring the God and Goddess with it's beautiful music, for I know however I play it, it will sing with love.

Many Blessings

Rain

REVIEW: The Secret Circle

2011-09-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

“You’re a witch.”

For once these words were not spoken in a derogatory manner or in disbelief. Wouldn’t we all love to have that experience every time someone found out (or better yet – we told them)? However, it didn’t happen to me in real life but to Cassie by opposing cast member Faye in the new CW series, The Secret Circle.

I keep hoping that just once there will be a show that actually portrays our beliefs they way they actually exist. Not as the crone on the broom flying across the night sky, the woman wanting to eat little children or the Bewitched type trying to live a mortal life without using her ‘powers’. Then there are the Charmed sisters who at least know there are some spells that require mixing something up, using your mind and working together.

With those things in mind, The Secret Circle is a mixture of good and bad portrayals so far. We understand there is power in numbers. Okay, they have their ‘group’, though they didn’t call it a coven – yet. We all know there are witches who, like anyone else in the world, may try to abuse the power. This show seems to have a ‘dark’ undercurrent of abuse in many forms. Leading me to believe that portrayals of who we are has missed the mark once again. I know it’s early in the game. Last night was only the pilot, after all. But like other paranormal/ witch shows before it, watch it for the story line and the entertainment value. But at this point, I’m not expecting realism.

To learn more about the author, L. J. Smith, (who also penned the Vampire Diaries), you can check out her website and blog at http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/

You can see a great review on last night’s premiere HERE.

If you watched it, I’d love to hear your comments.

And if you missed it, you can watch the extended trailer HERE.

Many Blessings

Rain

New Toy

2011-09-08T10:47:00.001-07:00

When I visited a friend, Curt's creative blog this morning and saw his Halloween Count down, I knew I had to have one for this blog.

If you click on the link below the countdown pic, you'll see a variety of themes and occasions to pick from. I like the full moon and tree from Curt's blog but I just had to have the cauldron on here. We are the Cauldron Cafe, after all hehe

The air has a crispness to it and it's beautiful here in the Ozarks. I know after the grandtoddler goes back home and hubby heads back to the boat next week, I'll be spending lots of time outside. It's my favorite weather for working around the property.

I'm also hoping to start a needlework project around Samhain. I'll post a link in a few days.

How are your plans for Samhain coming along? How do you celebrate our new year?

Stepping Back In

2011-08-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

My internet has just been bizarre! And it feels good to have it back on a regular basis. It was so incredibly hot here - as it has been most everywhere from what I'm hearing. But after two months of dealing with HughesNet tech support we finally determined my modem was overheating. I couldn't stay on-line for more than 10 minutes at a crack. Very frustrating. Keep in mind, my house has central air and a dehumidfier. So we're not sure WHY. But a 10" fan sits on my desk, blowing on the modem whenever it's plugged in and everything seems to be working fine. Please Goddess, hear my prayer.

As I fought with internet issues, I was spending a lot of time with Mother Earth. I have almost 50 tomato plants, 30 green pepper plants and 15 banana pepper plants I've been trying to coax through the heat. The banana peppers have been flourishing. I'll have enough banana pepper pickles for awhile. The cantalope also did well. The tomatoes, not so much. With the heat has come an abundance of grass hoppers and they think my plants taste just scrumptious. I've been battling them and stink bugs (a grey, triangular-shaped beetle) with an organic mixture of tobacco tea, dish detergent and Listerine. It is helping some. Now to figure out what to do about the tomato worms. They too seem worse this year. I so wish I had chickens to feed them to.

I've not been working in my journal. My writing time has been spent with my weekly column in a local newspaper and working on contest entries in my spare time. I've pulled it off the stack and placed it by my bed so I'll remember to write in it.

One of my first projects was to reconstruct my altar but I've put off doing that because I know we'll be remodeling the bedroom soon and I'll have to move everything again. So for now, it's the bare bones.

I've been picking up scrapbook papers, stamps and images to put a creative slant to my BOS as time permits. I bought a sheet of underlayment to make my cover. I'm trying to decide if I want to use it for a binding as well. That would give it the appearance of an old bound book. What kind of BOS do you have?

What Do I Write About?

2011-05-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

What do I write in my journal?

So what do we write about? As you can see, dreams and the messages they carry are great. Some things you might include:

1) Listing areas you want to target in your Spiritual Growth.

2) Journal a Tarot or Rune reading

3) How did I honor Mother Earth today?

4) Bits and pieces of new spells or rituals as they come to you.

5) Books you’ve read – both recreational and on the Path.

6) What did I learn about myself today?

And you can expand on any of these such as exploring the individual areas you want to target, or list ways you can honor Mother Earth.

Maybe you have Goals you want to accomplish on your journey. List them. Then as you take the steps towards those Goals, you’ll have additional things to write about.

GOALS are the important key to any successful trip. Determine what you expect from your Spiritual Journey. Your Goals might include:

1) Regular Altar Time

2) Participating in or attending a Circle Sanctuary gathering

3) Contributing to a Pagan publication or writing your own book.

4) Creating/ updating your BOS

5) Showing respect for the God and Goddess through Service to Others

6) Planting a Healing Garden

7) Writing your first spell or ritual

8) Start a blog about your journey – We’ll link up!

Remember –

Your GOALS are NOT set in stone. They will change as you grow.

Blessings on your journey

Rain

My First Entry

2011-05-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

The talk about beginning our Spiritual Journal and tracking our journey, I believe, sparked a dream I had on Sunday night.

In the dream, I received a message from author and Wiccan high priestess Deborah Blake (see her link to the right. You’ll love her books!) I won’t go through the entire dream but the last words she spoke to me were –

‘You possess the tools for this journey’.

I was so taken with the profoundness of Deborah’s words, the first thing I did upon waking was to grab my journal and write the whole dream down.

And now, I pass those words to you.

You possess the tools.

Whatever you want from this journey is yours. Take it one step at a time and watch for signs.

Many Blessings

Rain

TIME

2011-05-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday, I told you we’d talk about Time to Write on Tuesday. Here it is Wednesday. I guess that makes this topic appropriate.

Time just got away from me yesterday. I did update a couple other blogs, did some laundry and worked in the yard. I also got the first ten pages of one of my novels-in-progress ready for a contest. A productive day. But ahead of it all, I did put the first entry in my Spiritual Journal. I’ll talk about that in the next post. For now, it’s all about TIME.

As you can tell, I can relate to the lack of time. But it is important to make a space in our day, or even week, to talk to our journal. Nothing says writing has to be a daily event.

You might designate a couple of hours one day a week. Not sure where you’d find the time- regardless of the frequency? Try this little exercise.

For one week, access how you spend your time. Mentally, you may THINK you know where your day goes, but you might be surprised how many ‘black holes’ of time you have.

Keep a time card of your activities. Business executives don’t just keep some form of day planner to look important. They are effective in showing the ‘give and take’, allowing them to see where they can fit something else in.

After your week, look to see what ‘black holes’ you discovered. Too much TV time? Too much Social Network? In today’s society those are the top two ‘time leaches’. I ask you to step away from ‘scripted’ reality shows. Create your own reality. Limit your social network time. Let family and friends know you’re alive – then move on with your day.

Another idea is to keep your journal handy and jot a few notes as things come to you. doesn't have to be a long thought process written all at once. Remember, it’s about the things you notice on your journey – not the volume.

We always have time for what we feel is important. Your Spiritual growth IS important. Try a contract with yourself. Write WHY you want to keep a journal. Then PLEDGE to yourself and the Goddess that you WILL spend time with it. Write the pledge in the beginning of your journal. Or create a bookmark with your pledge written on it and move it through your journal as you travel as a constant reminder of why you’re here.

Keep in mind – A balanced life holds time for both Reality and Recreation. Find the balance and be happy.

Blessings

Rain

Choosing Our Journal

2011-05-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Metta Winter says –

“The personal journal is a private space of quiet solitude.”

Your Spiritual journal is the place you will discover yourself – the deepest part of you.

So how do we begin on this magical journey?

First – you’ll need a journal. This can be anything from loose-leaf paper in a 3-ring binder to a beautiful bound, hardback book. I have samples of some of mine in the photo below.

What you choose is entirely up to you. If you’ve never kept a journal before – or it’s been awhile – finding one that fits you may be trial and error. Settling on the perfect one can be the first clue to who you are.

I use all styles, depending on its purpose. For my Spiritual Journal I’ve chosen a beautiful bound item I found at of all places, SAM’s Club several years ago. I’ve started it in the past and included things such as 13 GOALS OF A WITCH and The Law of Power. These items were printed on a parchment-type paper, torn around the edges and inked for an aged/ distressed look. They look lovely in my journal. Past these two items the only things I ever entered were my ‘intentions’ and a first entry – September 26th, 2007. That’s as far as I traveled. Short trip.

Until I discovered this book on my magical shelf, I intended to use a 5-Subject spiral notebook. I love them for being able to turn the pages back, always having a flat surface. But the journal I’d already started can’t be cast aside. It’s too beautiful and I had a purpose for it once.

It was to be my Mirror Book. A mirror of my spiritual journey so that I might see the path more clearly. A magical record of my progress and education in Wicca. A place to record my thoughts and feelings on the Path, results of readings, magical successes and failures, doubts and fears about my journey. Yet after that very first entry on my birthday of 2007, it got put aside, as did the serious attempt at my journey.

So with it rescued from the shelf, it becomes a part of my journey once more.

Tomorrow we’ll talk about the difficulty in finding time to write amongst every day life, and the importance of the process within our grasp.

Many Blessings

Rain

A Spiritual Journey

2011-05-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

I believe in Serendipity. And when serendipitous moments occur, I get a tingle all through my body. A few days ago I talked about getting back to the basics of the Spiritual side of being Wiccan and that was going to be my main focus here at the Cafe.

A couple days later, two writing friends of mine from IL came down for a long weekend visit. I'd not seen these ladies in over two years and it was such a treat. As we're all three writers, I wanted to take them to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Homestead in Mansfield MO for a day-trip. I thought it would be a fun way to spiritually connect with another writer - especially one whose books we'd grown up reading.

After spending several hours wandering the museum as well as touring both the homestead and the Rock House their daughter Rose had built for them, we made our way back into Mansfield to find lunch. There was a really cool used book store on a corner of the square called The Next Chapter- Books on the Square. What a cool name for a store giving new life to books.

Walk in the door and you are greeted - yes greeted with enthusiasm - by 3 cats. They were all of a gray tabby variety, the largest named Beans. I so fell in love with Beans that I never even found out the names of the other two. In my opinion, any store that allows cats as a welcoming committee (or friendly dogs for that matter) is worth investigating.

The place was neat, clean, tidy... like a mini library. All the sections were well-identified and the owners, Shirley Wilki and Sarah Quintana, were knowledgeable about the stock and very friendly. One of my friends, Cheri, found a Julia Cameron book she's been looking to find for some time. I also picked up one of Ms. Cameron's books.

But another book caught my eye...

How To Keep A Spiritual Journal - by Ronald Klug. Although very rooted in Christianity, I've found some valuable gems that can be applied to any Spiritual Journey. I've nearly finished pulling out references and am putting together posts for us to use together.

So here's what I'd like you to think about today. Have you ever kept a journal? Do you still? If not, why not? Did it have a specific theme or just something you rambled in when you needed someone to talk to? What kind was it? Did you use an actual journal? A spiral notebook? A composition book?

Because I want to wait until I've finished going through Mr. Klug's book before I begin, we'll start talking about journals and journaling on Monday. For now, just think about the questions I've asked and we'll talk again soon.

Many Blessings

Rain

Finally Dry

2011-05-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

We have one of the most beautiful nights in the Ozarks we've seen in almost three weeks. For one, it's dry. We've had over 20 inches of rain in the past three weeks - 17 of that in the early 7 days of that period.

But tonight the sky is clear, the stars are bright and there is a beautiful cradle moon. Every time I see the cradle moon my mind goes back to a Fables story book I received as a child nearly 45 years ago (and I still have). I can't see the cradle without seeing the storybook witch in the black dress and pointy hat. In this particular story she was just sitting 'side-saddle' on the moon. I think that is my first memory of a 'witch' and I thought how cool it must be to sit up there and see everything in the world from up there.

I might not sit on the moon but I know if I sit quietly and let the earth talk to me I will see everything I'm meant to.

There is so much to learn if we'll only listen.

Many Blessings

Rain

Spiritual Practice

2011-05-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

For weeks I’ve been trying to determine the direction I wanted this blog to go.

Initially it was to be a venue for test-running one of the books I have outlined. Then life happened, sidetracking my intentions… and my Spiritual practice.

As life settled around me, I discovered the book isn’t ready to be written. Also, posting any part of it here could be detrimental in it ever seeing publication in paper form as putting it here constitutes ‘publishing’.

With those two things in mind I found myself stuck. I still wanted to keep the blog but what did I have to offer?

Last night, I read an article by Crystal Blanton in the Spring 2011 issue of Circle Magazine. Ms Blanton talks about the Spirituality side of being a Witch. And it hit me. I say I’m a witch but I don’t make the time to consciously practice my faith. I WANT to. I PLAN to. But I don’t MAKE THE TIME.

I don’t want to be a practicing witch who only talks to the God and Goddess on Sabbats. That isn’t ‘living my faith’. I’ve been out of balance. I need to ground myself. Being a witch isn’t something I do. It’s who I AM… inside. I also believe I’m not the only one. With that in mind, I knew where this needed to go.

Practical Practice (part of the working title of my book) isn’t just about ‘being prepared’. It’s also about ‘living the life’.

Some days my posts will seem like nothing more than a peek into my journal. Other days it will be about the more tangible part of being a witch. But I promise it will ALWAYS be about the Spirit in Practice.

Many Blessings

Rain

A New Year is almost Here!

2010-09-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Merry Meet friends.

I am sorry it has taken me awhile to find my way back on the path to the Cauldron. It has been an interesting year with lots of little bumps along the way. I won't bore you with the where I've been, but know you were always in my thoughts and I was anxious to get back here.

A new year is upon us. We've had a few crisp mornings here in the Ozarks making me long for Autumn to come. The fall season has always been my time of rejuvination. I look forward to it like kids look forward to Christmas. For me, the season is full of so many blessed gifts.

With the coming of the New Year, I am itching to get back to my research and will begin regular postings again. I also am hoping for a couple of surprise guests in the coming weeks so hold on to your brooms.. it's going to get busy!

Many Blessings
Rain

The Ostara Casket

2010-03-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

For Imbolc, we did some housecleaning. From this point on you should have space to store your Ritual Caskets. This week we talk about the Ostara sabbat supplies.

This is an excellent time to do a little Spiritual Spring housecleaning. Do a house blessings ritual. Open the windows and let the fresh air in as you usher out the dark mustiness of the closed-up winter months.

The Ritual Casket

CANDLES & COLORS:
All the pastels… Yellow, Pink, pale green, soft blue, lavender and white. Think soft, cuddly, baby colors

SCENTS & HERBS:
Herbs/Flowers: daffodils, violets, forsythia, daisy
Scents: light floral or citrus

CHARMS & STONES:
Stones: rose quartz, moonstone, aquamarine, tourmaline, amethyst, citrine and clear quartz

Ostara

2010-03-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

I am so ready for spring. Here in the Ozarks there are definitive signs. There is the mass of yellow daffodils in my backyard, crocuses in varying shades of purple, peeper frogs and masses of robins. And let’s not forget those cute little skunks with raging hormones and very little brains. Their remains litter the side of the highways. Poor creatures.

With the Spring Equinox upon us this weekend, I find myself referring to Llewellyn’s Sabbats Almanac. You can find info about the book here: http://tinyurl.com/yafcagb

The article on the Spring Equinox was written by a fellow writer, Deborah Blake (see her link to the right). Deborah provides us with excellent background on Ostara (pronounced Oh-STAR-Ah).

As I lean more toward the Celtic origin of many of my beliefs, I am most drawn to Deborah’s explanation of Ostara being referred to by the Celts as Lady Day. Lady Day celebrates the return of the Goddess after her winter hibernation. “Many of the early myths reflected the feeling of abandonment that people felt during the dark, cold myths of winter, and their joy at the return of the light and warmth which they associated with their gods.”

Balance is one of many magickal associations with this sabbat. We are shifting to the equality of lightness and of darkness, between the God and Goddess energies and of the meeting of worlds.

Now is the time to strive for balance in our life. Awaken ourselves to the possibilities all around us. Deborah sums it best when she says, “If Samhain is the sabbat that allows Pagans to acknowledge the darker side of life, then Ostara is one in which we embrace the light, opening ourselves to the energy of a reawakening Earth.” (from Llewellyn’s Sabbats Almanac pg. 125)

Be prepared for great things.
Many Blessings
Rain

Religious Freedom

2010-02-01T18:08:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me how some people easily forget the 'freedom of religion' part of our Constitution. I've come to the conclusion that the Constitution, like many other rules and regulations, are only observed or enforced when it will benefit the person involved. Otherwise, it's just words. That's sad.

But then there are days like today when I read the yahoo news to find the Government is recognizing alternative religions on our military bases. If you've not seen the story about the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs CO, here's the link...

http://www.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100201/ap_on_re_us/us_air_force_academy_earth_religion

I've never had a desire to take part in a group ritual or ceremony. I am a Solitary and prefer it that way but being born and bred in Colorado, that is one dedication I'd love to be a part of.

Here's to our Troops of all religions and may each be tolerant of the others choice. Isn't Freedom what we're fighting for?

Many Blessings
Rain

Imbolc

2010-01-29T18:52:00.001-08:00

Imbolc is the first of three fertility Sabbats and the first of four fire festivals. It is the beginning of new life... new beginnings.

A Sabbat of promise. Imbolc is the seed planted for a bountiful year in all aspects of your life.
Now is the time to ready your cabinet for the year. Empty it, wipe out the cob webs ( that effect is only cool in Hollywood movies), and take inventory. Take inventory of your personal life as well. Are there things you need to deal with and dispense with so you can move forward?

This is a good time to welcome new things into your life. Invite inspiration and creativity to abide with you throughout the year.

The Ritual Casket

CANDLES & COLORS:
Yellow, White, Red

SCENTS & HERBS:
Wintergreen & Frankincense

CHARMS & STONES:
Snow quartz, moss agate, fire agate

Many Blessings
Rain

A Shift in Time

2010-01-29T18:27:00.000-08:00

After all my years of being in this body on this plane, it still amazes me how time passes so quickly. You'd think I'd be use to it by now.

Since the first of the year, I've been thinking about the next casket post. Imbolc would (at that time) be just a few short weeks away. Because I want to post these two weeks prior to needing the supplies, I knew I was good until about the 15th of the month. Then my household shifted drastically and time as I knew it, ceased to exist. Nothing life-threatening.. just life-altering for the time being.

At 48 years old I find myself solely responsible for a 2 yr old 24/7. Our daughter left for Nashville for a job interview (which she got and is now in the process of settling in music city). My husband left for his three weeks on the river boat. Tootsie Pop and I are having a ball. But by the end of the evening I'm tired. I manage to make it about two hours longer than she does. hehe. Not a bunch of time to keep up with email and the blogs.

How long this will last, I'm not sure. Hubby will be gone two more weeks and then I'll have an extra pair of eyes. She climbs everywhere! But until our daughter is settled and has moved the baby down there with her, my time isn't my own. I'll do my best to keep up here but the posts may not always come as far ahead of an event as I would prefer. Bear with me, please. Life will return to normal... someday.

Many Blessings
Rain

Once in a Blue Moon...

2009-12-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

The Blue Moon isn’t as rare as you might think. It actually occurs approximately every two and a half years. The rarity is that the Blue Moon occurs on New Years eve only every nineteen years.

The typical Birch Moon, which can occur between December 24th and January 20th, is the best time for casting spells and wishes for new beginnings and what you hope to achieve in the coming year.

The Blue Moon is perfect for those requiring long-term results because it holds double the power. Any spells cast in its glow may not come to full fruition until the next one – two and a half years away.

A deep blue ribbon works best for binding spells made at this time.

Blessings
Rain

The YULE Casket

2009-12-19T11:18:00.001-08:00

YULE is a time for celebration. With these supplies on hand, we can truly Celebrate the lengthening days and the blessings we have to look forward to.

Candles & Colors:
Candles: Red, Green, Silver, Gold
If you're doing any type of a YULE log candelabra, you will need 2 green and one red

Colors: stash some lengths of ribbon in these colors as well.

NOW is the time to purchase the Silver and Gold candles. They will go on clearance after Christmas in the retail stores and unless you go on-line through a supplier, you're going to be hard pressed to find them. The only exception will be at a Hallmark or someplace that carries anniversary candles. In which case, they're probably going to say 25th or 50th Wedding anniversary on them.

Scents & Herbs:
Bayberry - Wealth and Happiness. (As a Candle, this is incredibly hard to find so stock up when you do)
Mistletoe, Balsam, Fir, Holly, Catnip, Pine Cones/needles, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Chamomile, Frankincense, Myrrh

Incense in any of these scents will work well. Whether you use the loose and a charcoal block, the sticks or cones, it's a personal preference. However, you can keep the naturals in their dried form in small amounts in your box. If you use dried, I recommend offering them back to Mother Earth at the end of the year and restocking with freshly dried. Also, some of the items will be best used straight from nature at the time. So those items that are readily available to you do not necessarily have to be stored at all.

Charms & Stones:
Stones: Clear quarts, Ruby, Garnet, Green Tourmaline, Citrine, Jet, Diamond, Alexandrite, Kumzie

Do you have anything else you use for YULE?

Ritual and Celebration Caskets

2009-12-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

Imagine walking over to your magick cabinet, opening the door and pulling out exactly what you need at a moments notice. You are not shuffling among the items on the shelves or in the drawers to find the items you 'just know are here somewhere'. Instead, you take out the shoe box labeled YULE, close the door and continue with your task at hand. How are you able to do this? Because all the essentials you need are in that little box. Granted, there may be some things you'll use that cross the ritual spectrum such as your wand, candle holders, bowl, etc. But inside this little chest you've put together are all the things SPECIAL to your YULE celebration.

I have broken the contents of the Ritual Caskets into three main categories:
Candles & Colors, Scents & Herbs, and Charms & Stones. Detailing the items into categories will also help you on your shopping trips. Placing like items together means you can shop for at least two of the items needed at the same source or location.

If you have a link to a source for any of these items and know of their reputation, please comment. They'll thank you for the promotion they'll receive in the book!

Blessed YULE

2009-12-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

I really let the family stuff take me over the last couple of weeks. I've been so focused on trying to clear up end of the year stuff. I finally booked a hotel room for a couple days so I could hide and get into a personal place where all things would come together. So far it's working.

When I've not been scurrying around like a field mouse stocking for winter, I've been reading verociously about YULE and the supplies needed for celebration.

Have you created a YULE log yet? I was hoping to create a tabletop version but decided to err on the side of safety and wait until hubby is home to plane the bottom for me on his table saw. The chain saw or hand saw and I would have gotten along fine, but I didn't want to start the season off minus a finger. So the YULE long will come next season. For now, I'll enjoy the moment with pillar candles.

This book isn't going to be about rituals. There are plenty of those out there written by talented followers of the Craft. I'll even spotlight some of them as we go along and their books will be listed in the bibliography of The Organzied Witch.

Rather, The Organzied Witch is about the essentials we need for rituals and hopefully to prepare ahead of time (unlike this year hehe). As we go along, watch the Shortcuts for Ritual Caskets and you'll be able to pull up those posts.

Many Blessings
Rain

The Christmas Tarot

2009-12-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

I just received the most beautiful set of Tarot. This is not your every day tarot deck. For those of you who love Victorian designs, this set is perfect for you or as a Yule gift.

Author of Tarot for Writers, Tarot specialist Corrine Kenner sent me an email this afternoon with the following note...

I am excited to announce my latest project: a Christmas tarot deck, inspired by the magic of a Victorian Christmas. It's electronic so you can download it in less than a minute. It also comes with a 45-page guidebook that you can read online. For more information visit www.ChristmasTarot.com
Merry Christmas

I checked out the website and fell in love. Of course, that led to purchasing. Normally, this deck will cost $9.99 but during the 2009 holiday season you can download it for only $2.09! Wow!

Not only can you use the deck on-line, but you can use any photo-printing medium of your choice to print a hard copy 4x6 deck. The site even includes printing tips to get a great quality deck to work with.

Please remember to post to Corrine what you think of the deck. I'd love to hear your comments here, too.

Blessings
Rain

Shopping Day

2009-11-01T06:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Meet and Happy New Year friends

I hope you enjoyed an evening with family and friends from both sides of our world last night. Wasn't the moon beautiful!

If you've not already left the house, today is the day you need to visit your local discount and grocery stores. Traditional Halloween stuff will be marked down. You'll want to focus on candles--black in particular. Pick up as many as you can afford as we'll be placing them in several ritual caskets throughout this journey. Also look at fabrics for altar covers and linens/dishes for table setting. This is the time to begin planning Samhain for future years and future generations.

Something that has gone by the wayside over the past years is the Hope Chest. When shopping for items, consider picking up extras to put aside for your child(ren). Starting your own home can be expensive enough without the added cost of celebration necessities. When passing on your beliefs, pass on the things they need to continue your traditions.

Let us know what kind of deals you find today. And as an added bonus, everyone who posts their shopping experience by midnight (CST) Nov. 2nd will go into a drawing for items you'll want in your Samhain Ritual Casket.

Many Blessings
Rain

The Organized Witch - the Basic Tools

2009-10-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

One of the things I'll be focusing on is preparing Ritual Caskets. If you don't already know, Ritual Caskets are baskets/boxes/containers that hold all of the basics for a specific ritual or ceremony.

We will discuss the contents for each Ritual Casket as we go along. You might find some information for materials you hadn't been aware of. To create Ritual Caskets, I'm suggesting those plastic shoe boxes you find at discount stores for under $1. Most are clear and have a snap-on lid. You're also going to want to create labels for them. You can use your printer and rubber stamps and get as artistic as you want. Make them yours!

The neat thing about Ritual Caskets is they are portable. You won't have to go through your entire supply cabinet to pull out what you need. If you're doing a Full Moon, pull out the casket already filled with those supplies.

The other thing you'll learn as we go is that some things you'll need in your caskets are only available at specific times of year. Unless you have access to a candle shop, for example, have you ever tried finding a black candle in July? What if you plan to do a banishing spell? Do you have everything you need?

Beginning with Yule preparation, we'll start talking about each Ritual Casket two weeks ahead of time. We'll discuss the contents, possible suppliers and Ritual content. This will give you plenty of time to shop for supplies. If you have a supplier you work with and recommend, please share them here. I'm looking for suppliers to share but want to provide quality to my readers.

Remember the 'Harm None' creed. Please don't post negative comments about someone or place. If someone posts a recommendation and you've had problems with, please email me off-list - LdyRainLyte@yahoo.com so I might follow-up in private.

The Organized Witch - Intro

2009-10-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

Merry Meet everyone!

With this post we begin the journey into what I hope will be my first non-fiction book and my first on the Craft. The concept of the book is to take us through the wheel, beginning with Samhain. We will travel through the Sabbats, Esbats and various other rituals in a creatively organized fashion.

The idea came to me when participating in a group that helped us pre-plan for non-pagan holidays, mainly Christmas. I was amazed at how much smoother the holidays ran when I wasn't stressing out over not having everything I needed when the time came. Imagine being prepared for Ritual ahead of time!

We know we are more receptive to what the Goddess and God have to share if we are relaxed and open. 'Relaxed and Open' do not describe the witch who suddenly realizes she doesn't have the proper candle color or enough essential oil fragrance required for Ritual.

Add stress to this if you are in a 'blended' family. A family situation where you are still committed to 'traditional' holidays and all their trappings, while trying to practice your own beliefs. Now you are trying to make sure you have everything in place for those AND yours.

I am a strong believer in planning ahead. In fact, the original working title for this book was to be 'A Year and A Day: The Practical Practicioner's Guide to Practical Practice'. Quite a mouthful, huh? :-) So as we walk through this project together, I'm receptive to a title I hope the publisher will let me keep when the time comes. For now, let's just call it, 'The Organized Witch'.

Along the way I hope to bring in guest bloggers. Some names you will know and others I look forward to introducing to you. These will be extras just for you taking this journey with me. Please thank them by commenting on their posts and visiting their websites. If you buy their books, that will be an added bonus for them.

I hope you find a nugget or two in this process - or a whole cauldron full of good stuff that will help you on your Magikal Journey.

Mabon

2009-09-22T19:48:00.000-07:00

Goddess, I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted. We took our first vacation in 20+ years the week after the last post, then the in-laws were here for a week. I spent the whole next week getting back into a schedule.

Today marked the second- to- last harvest of the cycle. The pantry is full of goodness reaped from the garden and we've already sampled some of the bounty. Soon we will be protecting the hibernating plants for winter and preparing for Samhain. This will be my first Samhain with my granddaughter. Though she will be just under two years, there is so much she can enjoy.

Here in the Ozarks, the days are in the upper 70's and the nights in the mid 50's. I love it. The window open, the fan pulling in the lovely smells of a autumn night. When I drive my daughter to work on early mornings, the mist nestles amongst the valley's. It's is breathtaking. It's my one joy in getting up and out the door by 5 a.m. Soon the leaves will be changing color, intensifying the beauty.

The hummingbirds are still buzzing around. Chatters was at the feeder this afternoon. They are fewer in number and I suspect they will be gone by end of the week.

The garden and brown spiders are enmasse. The garden spiders are beautiful and I love to look at the intricacy of their web with the little zipper string in the center. The brown spiders, I'm not so crazy about but they have their place as well.

Speaking of the spiders, I have noticed them building a lot closer to the house this year and the garden spiders have been right up by the door. Everything seems to be coming in a couple weeks ahead of normal. I'm watching other signs from Mother Earth. I think she's telling me to prepare.

Are you prepared for winter?

And while we're on the subject of being prepared, I am working on the book and will begin posting snippets sometime next week. I hope you will comment. Anything you see I might explain better, give more detail about or include in the book will be appreciated and a blessing.

Many Blessings
Rain

Preparing for the New Year

2009-08-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

As the hummingbirds begin to visit the feeder en mass, I know they're preparing for their trip south. Just in the past week, my feeder has gone from being a buffet for 6 to hosting 11 or more. One in particular is interesting. I've named him Chatters. He is a very sociable bird. Where most are territorial and will run other birds off, Chatters will perch and talk to the others as they feed. Sometimes talking more than he's drinking. I wonder if Mother Nature has scolded him for not preparing for his forthcoming journey?

When they leave, and I suspect it will happen within the next couple of weeks, fall will be right around the cycle. With this final burst of heat and humidity I am so ready for the rustling of leaves, the cooler nights and all the renewed energy I gain.

This past week, I mowed the sacred space and also found someone to tell me what size wire they're using for rock columns here in the Ozarks. I know my pillars will not be ready this year... but a work in progress. But by the time Samhain comes in, I will have a place to celebrate the coming of the new year.

I'll be posting some things over the next few weeks about preparing ritual caskets and being ready for rituals. I hope you'll join me.

Blessings
Rain

Remember Earth Day!

2009-04-22T11:01:00.001-07:00

Although today is the National day to recognize Mother Earth, I'd like to hear how you guys show your respect year round.

I'm making a concious effort to put less into the landfills. I shredd all my paper and use it as mulch and to feed the worms in my worm compost bedding

I unplug appliances not in use, we've switched to those cute little energy efficient bulbs and we are getting back to basics as far as our daily living goes.

Share your tips and tricks for being kind to Mother Earth

Blessings
Rain

Construction begins

2009-04-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

Although my sacred space already exists, there are some things I want to add. From the moment I stepped into the area I envisioned stone columns marking the four points. I saw them to be about 4' high. Each one with a spot to hold the necessary candle and/or incense. I knew I was looking at an expense and thus the reason for the delay in really doing anything beyond upkeep of the space. And then the vision became more clear.

As we tilled parts of the yard for the rose beds/wild flower garden/vegetable areas we turned up LOTS of Missouri rock the size of a man's fist. Some were slightly larger while others were closer to the size of a young adult fist. At first I dreaded the thought of the work involved in removing them from the tilled areas. Then I remembered that around here, many farmers mark their property corners with wire 'barrels' filled with the rock they remove from the property. Hmmmm

So after mowing the area the other day, I decided the time has come. For now, as I remove the rock, I'll pile it to a far East end of the space. When I have enough to support the chicken wire formed into the barrel shapes, I'll begin tossing those and any new rocks into place.

My thought is when the columns are complete, I want to use a smooth mortar mix to create a solid top for placing the magical tools necessary for those points.

The cauldron, hanging from the wrought iron tripod, will be placed in the center over a small fire ring.

The North fence will be lined with Quacking Aspens. I remember these trees as part of my childhood in the foothills of Colorado and was thrilled to find we are still far enough North for them to grow here.

I haven't decided on how to acknowledge the 'gateway' to the sacred space - but outside the circle. It is on the West side of the space. Because the path to the pond also begins here, I want to designate a 'don't go beyond this point' kind of thing so people do not stray into the area, but remain on the path. There are a couple of pine trees there now and I'm considering leaving them.

Do you have a outdoor space? How is it set up?
If you don't have an outdoor space, what would yours look like if you did?

Blessed Be

I'm so Excited!!!

2009-03-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Even though I didn't have the time to go anywhere on Sat. night, hubby lovingly encouraged I attend a local auction with him. "We won't stay late, I promise. But you really will be happy you went." So, I took time out from packing for a road trip to go. Five feet in the door, he gave something a kick. I looked down to see a large cast iron cauldron. Squeeee!!!!! This puppy will hold about 8 gallons. The entitites were with me as I bid. I got it for an awesome price and I'm so excited. Guess that means I need to get the sacred space cleared. hehe

What have you added to your 'magic closet' recently?

Creative Blessings!
Rain

Full Worm Moon

2009-03-10T08:01:00.000-07:00

It seems like such a short time ago we were celebrating the Full Wolf Moon and here we are into March and the Full Worm Moon. The days are getting longer, the earth is beginning to warm. Warm soil means easier travel for the earth worm and the sign of robins. For a couple days in late February my yard was covered in robins - dozens upon dozens of them. I didn't know until last year that robins are not a migratory bird. I grew up with the impression that the sign spring meant the robins were returning North. When in fact they are here all along! So where do they go in the winter? Do they hibernate?

With the arrival of the warmer days, I am anxious to build my worm composting beds. Since last fall, I've been raising worms in a aerated rubbermade tub in the basement. Now, I want to move them outside and give them more of their natural habitat to munch away at debris and multiply.

Of course, we're suppose to have storms in here tonight. Storm clouds hiding the moon make moon magic so difficult. Maybe when the Full Pink Moon of April rolls around, weather will have improved.

Until next week...
Blessings

Imbolc

2009-01-31T21:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Meet friends.
I'm finally getting a daily routine in place. Today seems the perfect time to begin offering up information.

Imbolc is Feb. 1 at 10 p.m. It is common practice for celebrations to begin on February eve (tonight) and carry through Feb. 2nd.
Imbolc is all about a new beginning. The Crone's grip on winter begins to loosen, preparing the way for the warmth and rebirth of Spring. This is the perfect time for initiation Rites, rededication and purification of self/space/tools. Spring cleaning begins in earnest and inventory of our Magickal supplies begins.

Symbol of Imbolc is the candle and is often referred to as Candlemas. Candles signify the growing strength of the sun and the lengthening of the days. Choose candles in Yellow (sun), Green (Mother Earth), Lavendar and White
Water, and all it's healing power, is also a symbol - recognizing the Celtc deityBrigid and her reputation as a healer . This is a time for healing and rejuvination. Your ritual might include scrying and meditation.

Dress your Alter for the occasion. You might include a crystal bowl with spring water or snow, white flowers or paper snowflakes.
Along with your candles, your incense choices should be cinnamon, Frankincense or rosemary

After ritual and meditation, Feast on Dairy (honoring the season of 'ewes milk and promise of new lambs'), Spicy foods, spiced wines and dishes containing raisins (honoring the sun).

At sunset, light candles or lamps in every window, inviting Brigid to visit.

May your Imbolc bring you peace and the promise of a new beginning
Blessings
Rain

Cold Full Moon

2008-12-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

Have you been out to look at the moon over the last couple of evenings? It's gorgeous--radiating with power. And it isn't even at it's peak yet. I subscribe to the Farmers Almanac Companion Newsletter. The one I received today said:

" this Moon is 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons this year. Why? The Moon is both in its full phase and at a point in its orbit that is nearest Earth, called its perigee. When these events occur together, the Moon is closer to Earth than usual. The effect? The Full Cold Moon will appear especially large near the horizon as the Sun sets. The Moon is also high at this time of year; when it's overhead (near midnight), it will light up the landscape. Take a magical stroll and see your world at night. You won't need a flashlight!"

Now is also the perfect time to charge your tools.

I hope you'll take a moment to bask in it's powerful beauty and absorb it's greatness.
Many Blessings
Rain

Full Moon Power

2008-11-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

One of the things I'm enjoying about living out here in the wide open beauty of the Ozarks is the sky. I can walk out my door and look up into the most spectacular view. Tonight is no exception. It's cold, clear and crisp -- perfect weather for gazing upon the greatness of the Full Moon. To have the opportunity to absorb energy from such an awesome entity is to truly feel the blessings flow through me.

I am empowered to follow the path and continue by journey.

Creative Blessings
Rain

Getting it Written!

2008-11-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

Most of you have seen my signature line I borrowed from a friend.
~ Don't get it right - Get it Written! ~

This statement is what Nano is all about. Turning off the internal editor and just taking the dictation from the characters. We might not like what they have to say or where they lead us, but we write it down anyway. Through their ramblings they can also take us to unexpected places. Follow them--even if it isn't where you intended to go. Let them show you their world. If you don't like it, you don't have to go back--except to maybe cut it come NanoEdmo in March.
Even if you don't think it fits right now, you might later find it's just the ticket you needed to make this journey a success.

My characters did this to me yesterday. I knew there would be some turning point where Faith would toss aside her resolve to save herself for marriage. I didn't think in terms of what it would be until I listened.

Scribbling away madly in the local KFC/Taco Bell with country music on the Sirus radio I wrote down everything both Dallas and Faith had to say -- to discover seeing Dallas with another woman is just what Faith needs to send caution to the coast and give herself to another man on a whim. It is the first catapult into the twisted plot of H/H separated - rejoined again.

Take time today to listen to your characters. We learn so much when we listen to what others have to say.

Creative Blessings
Rain

~ Don't get it right - Get it Written! ~

One More Day!

2008-10-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well, technically we have 2 days. But aside from celebrating Samhain tomorrow night, I'll be waiting for the stroke of 12:01 a.m. The Nano Hour.

The Nano Hour is that precise moment when we embark on the journey into the dark world of our characters. Some of us have been outlining for days, even weeks. While others are just going to start typing and see what happens.

Personally, I'm an organized person about most things in my life--almost to the point of nutty. Ask my husband. He'll tell you. I know who my characters are, where they live and who's going to screw up who's life. They'll still throw me a surprise or two. It wouldn't be any fun if they didn't.

So... how prepared are you for Nano? Share your organized - or not so organized- plan for making it to the 50k. And together we'll cheer each other on.

Creative Blessings
Rain
~ Don't get it right - Get it Written! ~

Nano Begins in 10 Days!

2008-10-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Okay... Blogger just ate my post. I've seen this happen on someone else's page in the last few hours.

Wonder if it's trying to tell us we should be doing something more constructive in Nano Prep? Hehe.

Check back later to see if we've been recharged.

Creative Blessings
Rain

Creative Lady

2008-10-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Marla for the beautiful header. I have a couple others I'll be sharing periodically. I've never met Marla. She is a friend of my sister, Dona. Out of the blue she began sharing her talent with me. I am blessed.

Creative Blessings
Rain

2008-10-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

Merry Meet friends!

Welcome to the Cauldron Cafe.
This space was created primarily for writers, but I've expanded to accomodate anyone needing a place to gather, meditate or just be.
Comfy chairs abound. On the back wall you'll find an extensive research library. You're also welcome to use any one of the smaller tables throughout the cafe for tarot spreads or runes.

Find a spot and make yourself at home. I'm glad you're here.
Creative Blessings
Rainlyte