tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16819459738250794132024-03-05T06:06:18.041-08:00Midnight Candle )0(An Advice/Learning Blog For PagansAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-82694891107960855302016-11-08T17:04:00.000-08:002016-11-09T18:31:19.695-08:00Maiden vs. Crone in American Society: Confessional Pt.1 It is time to begin revealing this secret...please bear with me during this process. I promise you that these revelations can alter your own magickal life, once I get to the bottom of it all.<br />
<br />
So...let's be real here. My journey "home" to Paganism may have been symbolized to me in dreams as a child, but the day my magickal journey TRULY began was on April 29, 2015, when I so happened to come across an interesting profile on SpellsofMagic.com. Basically, I began exchanging messages with another member of the Craft online (big surprise in this day and age, right?). While I wasn't expecting much, this person and I found that we had many views of witchcraft, magick, and our practices in common. From loving alternative lifestyles and our mutual distaste in limiting yourself to following only one Pagan tradition, we began learning about each other swiftly and naturally. We both embraced Native American spirituality and were keen on Gothic culture. After several days of non-stop communication, we "graduated" up to the next level by taking our conversation off site. <br />
<br />
And when I saw his face for the first time, my heart practically plopped out of my chest in fear.<br />
<br />
The delicate lines that stretched across his forehead warned me that I was leading myself astray by involving myself with this man. I was a young woman, keeping up with fast-paced college life while trying to keep myself afloat working part time in retail until graduation came around. Soon enough, I learned he was very much so "established"...a full blown resume of 23 years of work within the construction industry, three sons that are several years older than me, and the fact he was scattered through his own emptiness from the aftermath of a fatal divorce several years prior. Soon enough, he confessed his age. Craig was <b>thirty years</b> my senior! I glanced at his profile picture one more time, and asked myself, "He's much older. This can only lead to no good."<br />
<br />
Of course, my mind was hungry for knowledge, my heart thirsty to learn more wisdom about my spiritual path. The opportunity never arose for me to find a spiritually-experienced mentor. Craig seemed willing, almost eager to teach me something new. And so I sat with it, my phone constantly being blown up with enthusiastic messages. And somehow, in my mind I knew what I was getting myself into could be considered "wrong", but my inner voice kept begging me to keep engaging with this person. Having been raised in a conservatively Christian household where my "old-fashioned" parents frowned down upon Internet friendships, I sealed myself away in quiet contemplation of this newfound friendship I was dragging myself into. And so it began...and went on....and continued on. There was never a day I was spiritually "alone" anymore. He took me under his wing and instructed me on how to master using my first Oracle deck. At first, it felt like nothing. I was practically learning a new witchy "trade", if you will. These casual lessons stretched into long nights of widened eyes as I began to have more accurate readings on my own. Strangely, his card readings seemed to intertwine with mine, all too well. We began asking our decks questions about our friendship and the results were eerie each time, on both ends. After several weeks of us exchanging card readings and knowledge, we took it a step further. I learned something interesting. <br />
<br />
He lives in Australia. I am in America. Only after one month of talking, we became inseparable. It was on our "one month anniversary" of talking that we decided it was time to test something out. Both of us being curious about our card readings matching up so well, we decided to attempt participating in a ritual together, 10,000 miles apart, through Skype. I must admit, I was the one who discussed the possibility of such a ritual even working. We were both aware that we could attempt it, but I feel as if we both became healthy skeptics. For that initial ritual, we planned it would simply be a "sending" ritual to "blend" or "merge" our energy together to begin casting spells together in a magickal union, as two witches working towards similar spiritual goals.<br />
<br />
It was on this day that we would eventually discover the blissful magick that the Maiden and the Crone (or, better yet, let's call him <b>Mage</b>) can achieve together when working in sync and spiritual rhythm. Allow the Maiden and the Mage to come together to share this story with you all, for better or for worse...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-88978915835636766592016-11-06T23:18:00.000-08:002016-11-08T17:39:42.312-08:00My Confessional: I've Been Keeping A Secret...Hello and blessings, everyone...<br />
<br />
This is going to be a lengthy update post. Once again, life slapped me in the face. I'm not going to list out all the reasons for why I've been on a hiatus yet again, but I will also not be able to promise that I'll return to regular postings yet due to the fact I have been under a heavily tense situation for the last seven or so weeks of my life. I've been forced to truly reflect and focus on myself, my goals, and what my seemingly uncertain future holds personally and as a writer. Surely soon enough, you will understand my major reason for this absence.<br />
<br />
I have been silently lying to all that may come across my content.<br />
<br />
I have a secret. A huge secret in regards to my Pagan practices that I have been yearning to expose on this blog for quite some time. Due to personal circumstances, I could not dare to risk publishing it out to the world to see and bear. It is at this time I have decided that it is time to be honest with any readers I may still gain, or to anyone that stumbles across my work that finds an interest in exploring my posts. I have lied to you all, silently and reluctantly. As I now begin to finally embrace my spiritual self wholeheartedly, I am desperately eager to make this transition with my content. This blog has been tainted, twisted from the ultimate truths of my own spiritual life that may help or encourage others. Guilt strikes me. I only buried it away to protect myself, both physically and emotionally from struggles. But the struggles became a reality, and the lying has ceased to exist...to my family, my friends, and everyone I associate with within the Pagan community and outside of it.<br />
<br />
I will have to make a mini "Confessionals" series of posts to update you on the entire story. It is too long to squeeze into one post. While I slowly begin to work on writing these posts out, I will be throwing in unrelated content. I have gained much more knowledge since my last post. I think taking some time away overall will help you all due to the wisdom I've gained. I will also be working on establishing myself more in the Pagan community, online and offline.<br />
<br />
Be prepared for a wild ride. I will try to upload the Confessionals on a consistent basis. Also, I will be putting this website under further construction to improve your visit here. As for the unrelated posts, these are some topics you can expect to appear here in the next week or so. I will be uploading content regularly within the next week for sure. Here are the topics as follows:<br />
<br />
<b>1) Introducing my Christian friend into the world of witchcraft: how that went, how you can educate your Christian loved ones, and so forth.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2) Creating Flying Ointment.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>3) Making a Medicine Bag, spell/ritual writing tips, surviving your Year And A Day experience, etc.)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4) My Samhain ritual and how to improve your Sabbat rituals. </b><br />
<br />
Until then, please take care and I promise you that when the Confessionals are finally published, there WILL be a <b>Midnight Candle Youtube channel</b> I plan on starting to make this content more accessible for those of you that don't have much time to read posts. The YouTube channel will be a project I'll be slowly gravitating towards in the next six months, but I'll leave updates when I can about it's progress.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-39807242823471234062016-06-30T10:43:00.000-07:002016-06-30T17:00:36.763-07:00Herbal Magick101: Mugwort <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3u7KvLoNuOAiiyGVRCcNJb7rdq9fqSrzmHgs_QfAzitWSXXBeURQSpRcde9f7i1B5e0h-hH-vCxB7LlZwNt7Mu18h5BzjzabmsnkQF1CMbd7h28HZ3rS_CYfYZzcmAgFKSGRL-3bMiTi/s1600/mugwort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3u7KvLoNuOAiiyGVRCcNJb7rdq9fqSrzmHgs_QfAzitWSXXBeURQSpRcde9f7i1B5e0h-hH-vCxB7LlZwNt7Mu18h5BzjzabmsnkQF1CMbd7h28HZ3rS_CYfYZzcmAgFKSGRL-3bMiTi/s200/mugwort.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mugwort<br /></i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />I'm going to start a new "Theme Series". Every once in awhile, I will make a post about an herb I recommend to consider using in your own spiritual practice. As of now, I have fourteen herbs stashed neatly away in small mason jars (a picture will be uploaded of them soon!). Being a Shamanic Witch, I highly appreciate the use of plant medicine in my practice. Herbs are extremely helpful. If you haven't started up on studying herbalism yet, I totally recommend it. Today's plant of choice to write about will be my beloved and utmost sacred plant, Mugwort!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Mugwort is an herb the Wise Women would use back in the splendid ancient days. Mugwort would be used for menstrual regulation, vivid and/or lucid dreaming (I'll touch base on that in a second!!), out of body experiences, astral travels, fertility enhancement in women, and it is a strong suit to help you in any divination method you use to enhance your sessions from its prophetic qualities. The scientific name for Mugwort is <i>Artemesis Vulgaris. </i>It can be found growing in Europe, Northern America, Asia, and Alaska. It is typically an invasive plant within a garden. Legend has it that if you put the herb in your shoes, it can help relieve sore feet! This I haven't tried yet, but I will. From personal experience, I can confidently assure you that Mugwort is quite a holy herb for how it helps induce your dreams to become vivid or lucid. I haven't yet experienced a lucid dream, but my dreams do become more vivid when I ingest it. I have only ever ingested this herb by taking it as a tea. If you make it into a tea by itself, the taste is slightly bitter. You can always add honey to the Mugwort tea or you can can use other herbs in your blend that have sweeter components to them to remove some of the bitter taste. If you want to pursue using Mugwort, I STRONGLY recommend you do extra research. Mugwort contains thujone, a neurotoxin. If the human body is given too much thujone, this can lead to fatalities but it is extremely rare. If you're ever making loose leaf teas, always, always, ALWAYS consult your doctor prior to ingesting your chosen herb. These plants can counteract with prescribed medicines and can lead to complications. Also, please do not regularly consume Mugwort or any other kind of herbal tea. Mugwort should not be taken if you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant. The FDA does not have enough evidence on how these plants can affect us in the long run. To be on the safe side, I only ingest Mugwort every full moon if I can.<br />
<br />
If you'd like more information on Mugwort, you can always comment below or continue extra research. Do you have any herb you'd like me to teach you about next time? Leave your thoughts below and please don't hesitate to subscribe! <br />
<br />
-StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-18892602373426468252016-06-23T23:34:00.000-07:002016-06-23T23:34:53.993-07:00An Open Letter To Christian Parents Of A Pagan Child <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dear Christian Parents,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Out of my own personal experience of being a Pagan child to Christian parents, I have submerged much pain over the last few years of being out in the open with my beliefs. As my own heart continues to break, I want to address this issue...not only with the Pagan child themselves, but also with their Christian parents. If you are a Christian parent of a child who has recently come out of the "Broom Closet" (becoming Pagan), as some of us call it, please consider this open letter I wish to write to you..<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Often times, when a teenager genuinely feels a calling to follow any Pagan tradition, they are at first filled with profound joy and peace. This is a time in life where your child will start to build their future identity for their adult self. We all begin to find ourselves and ask questions for ourselves about our own personal values, beliefs, and what we want for ourselves going into adulthood. I am sure you know this. You were once a teenager yourself. You, with your very own eyes, have seen how hard the teenage years can be. At this time, it is natural for us to start identifying ourselves. But, what happens when your child tells you that they have strayed from the Christian values you wanted them to believe? This I can answer; you may be feeling devastated, worried, and outright confused. Having been in this situation myself in the perspective of the Pagan child, please allow me to explain how your child may be feeling if you have expressed no desire to become educated in what they believe or to accept their choice: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your child is feeling broken. If they are absolutely genuine with their beliefs (as in, it truly isn't a phase passing by), they are feeling just as devastated as you are. They feel as if you no longer love them. They feel as if their own mother and father have disowned them emotionally. If you as the parent have made rude remarks about this situation (whether intentionally or not), your child is bleeding on the inside. They came to you with this news because they have trusted you. They wanted to have an open and honest relationship with you. If you have made remarks that turn down their feelings, they indeed will shut you out for future situations. That trusting bond is starting to feel lost to them. Yes, your child still loves you, but they may be feeling unsure of where to turn with their spiritual identity next. I completely understand that you as the parent has every right to develop an opinion on your child's newfound beliefs. We are all entitled to our own opinions. I am not saying that you have to be thrilled your child is a Pagan, but PLEASE...even if you don't feel as happy about their choice as they do, please show them unconditional love, rather than brewing a storm within the household over something their mind can only choose. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you lack knowledge in what a Pagan, Witch, or Wiccan truly does, please take some time to do some research if you are concerned about your child running into potential danger. If you are worried that your child (if underage) will try to meet older Pagans for advice online, I can reassure you that <i>THAT </i>is definitely a risky situation. I will never tell you to not be concerned for your child's safety in regards to this decision they've made. Every faith has predators within it, lurking through the dark waters of cybersapce in hopes to find a vulnerable victim. I've unfortunately seen this side of this faith myself, but with loving parents, you can protect your child while they still have their views. There are still many Pagan adults out there that will not allow minors into attending their religious meetings or ceremonies. When it comes to if you're open to let your child engage with other Pagans, whether that be in person or online, that is fully to consider under your own roof and discretion.<br />
<br />
I want to advise you that using harsh language, verbally abusive tactics, and cruel words to describe how you feel about your child's new beliefs will deeply damage your relationship with them altogether. Remember, this is your child. Your child is not just a Pagan. Your child is also a human being that needs compassion and understanding. Even if you can't ever accept the fact your child is a Pagan, please tell your child that you DO love and accept them as a person. Always remind them that you do love them. When we get our beliefs rejected (especially by our families), it tears a huge hole into our hearts. We begin to lose healthy self esteem and confidence. We can often feel condemned to not receive our parents' love because we feel unaccepted as a whole.<br />
<br />
You do not have to like your child's choice. Please just try to listen to them calmly and try to become educated and move beyond the typical misconceptions. If you can disapprove in a respectful manner, your child will one day still appreciate you for respecting them.<br />
<br />
Spread even more love to your Pagan child, not hate...<br />
<br />
With Love,<br />
<br />
Stacie</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-79861251709761189122016-06-21T22:07:00.002-07:002016-06-21T22:07:48.259-07:00Pagan Teens: Career Ideas For You! It's nice to talk to you all again,<br />
<br />
I want this post to be dedicated to all Pagan teenagers that have stumbled here looking for advice or perspective to enrich their Pagan paths. Not only just their spiritual paths, but to enrich their decision- making in regards to careers that involve some form of their Pagan lifestyle as they move forward into college. Recently, graduations have been celebrated everywhere. It is that time of year where high school seniors prepare to say goodbye to their high school way of life and move onto new opportunities and challenges in college. If you are a new college student like I once was, unsure of what to study and where to take life next, then this post is geared toward you. Are you wanting to find a meaningful career to gain out of a college education that can relate back to your earthy lifestyle and Pagan beliefs? If so, I went through that struggle, too. I attended my nearest community college in hopes of walking down a stage in a robe to accept an Associate's degree one day. That dream became less of a dream when I signed up for General Education classes I had no desire to learn from. At the end of my freshman year, my GPA plummeted down the drain and I was despaired..not over my grades, but over the thought of, "What do I want to be and how do I want my Pagan lifestyle to contribute to something greater in the world?"<br />
<br />
These are some careers I've personally researched and considered for myself when I was struggling with this choice. I hope they may be of interest to you! I will give a description in my own words, and if you're more interested, definitely take some time to do further research on your own. :)<br />
<br />
<i>1) Licensed Massage Therapist: Massage Therapy is what I chose and am currently enrolled in at my school. Massages are relaxing, of course. They relieve your client's physical and mental aches. Human touch is a soothing thing. With the right expertise and a selection of modalities (different types of pressure and massage techniques) you can learn as you expand your education, you can (on average) complete this schooling in one year. You can also incorporate other holistic practices into massages such as aromatherapy, for example to enhance the client's experience. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>2) Landscaping: Do you feel as if you strictly want to work outdoors, always? Landscaping may be for you. If you have an interest in construction or creating aesthetically-pleasing environments, landscaping can be a fit for you, especially from your love and appreciation for the outdoors. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>3) Aromatherapist: Indulging our senses can help us to alleviate our thoughts and emotions. This is what an Aromatherapist aims to do. Currently, there are many ways to be successful with an education in aromatherapy. It is used in many holistic healthcare environments or you can work within a spa or in sales. There are many options that you can research into for more clear information.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>4) Reiki Healer: Reiki Healers use healing energy on their client to help induce relaxation to help the client with any stress or medical condition that may be impairing their quality of life.However, a Reiki Healer cannot diagnose any illness or prescribe medications. This can also be implemented into a professional massage. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>5) Naturopathic Doctor: A Naturopathic Doctor is a healthcare provider in regards to naturopathic medicine, otherwise known as holistic or alternative medicine strategies to help their patient's condition. These doctors can perform minor surgeries, such as stitching up superficial skin injuries or removing cysts. The Naturopathic Doctor's aim is to use very natural remedies to help. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>6) Running a Pagan Business (Online or in Real Life): This is a much more liberal idea, so I can't give specifics as to what a Pagan Business owner would accomplish other than selling their merchandise. Setting up a Pagan store in your community is a fantastic way to open the door to more acceptance and curiosity within your town. For this, you would have to go into Business school. That education will help you prepare for building a successful establishment. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>7) Tarot Card Reader/Psychic Reading Services: Of course, this one is slightly similar to Job Idea #6. This would be a career idea that will settle into managing yourself as your own boss. Do you love dabbling with divination methods? Do you have a keen sense on fanning out an accurate card? Becoming more of an expert card reader could help you find a self-employment opportunity you may thrive in. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>These are only a few ideas I've ever come across for myself. There are so many more to consider! Do you have any ideas? Please let me know in the comments below and please subscribe! I hope this helped!<br />
<br />
-StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-19487557018230620252016-06-21T16:24:00.002-07:002016-06-21T17:15:58.627-07:00Add Me On Facebook! Updates & More Hey everyone,<br />
<br />
As I'm still navigating the blogging world and how it works, I want to be able to have easier access to engage with you all. So, if you'd like to get to know me, feel free to click this link and add me from here:<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/stacie.klewin -My Account<br />
<br />
https://www.facebook.com/midnightcandl3/ -Midnight Candle Like Page<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to talking with you! :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-82709199259960491732016-06-20T22:36:00.000-07:002016-06-20T22:36:59.567-07:00Broken Friendships/Relationships: Advice From A Pagan Perspective I want you to know that this article contains a universal topic. Everyone in every part of the world has experienced some sort of heartbreak within a friendship or relationship that they held dear. Ally and I are currently going through the potential loss of friendships we held much meaning to in our lives. These people made our souls smile, but now our smiles have disappeared and turned upside down into constant frowns of shame and doubt. Pain is a spider web that weaves humanity together. We've all experienced grief towards someone in our lives that was still on this Earth with us. They left us. They shattered our hopes and desires. They abandoned us, throwing us into a darkened forest and casting us to the wolves that want to hunt us. We are in disgust with that person, yet our hearts still yearn for them during their absence. We ask ourselves, "Why do I still care after they betrayed me?" Well, I can give you that answer; you have formed an emotional attachment to that person and that in itself is healthy. But, when we care more than they ever will about us, why do we still leave a grip?<br />
<br />
That answer can only come in your own thoughts about your personal experience. <br />
<br />
We all seek out love and compassion. Of course, some friendships or romantic relationships take their course and we are left alone, fighting to survive the change in our lives we were not wanting to live through. We wanted that person to be there with us until the end. Sometimes, that cannot happen. Some people I believe are truly meant to be in our lives and will come back to us when the time is right. In other cases, when someone we love leaves us, it may have happened for the greater good that we would not rather try to process or come to an honest conclusion to about. The Universe knows its ways. It knows how to work alongside destiny and fate. The Universes will <i>never </i>stray us off on the wrong path if it is inherently meant to be the right one for us to follow. Sometimes, the Universe can lead us into emotionally painful situations (such as losing someone you deeply cared for) to teach us incredible lessons that will help us later in life. It is always hard to think of that during the initial ending of a friendship or relationship but during this hard time (if you're currently going through something similar), please try to utilize your own Pagan faith and consider this Pagan advice:<br />
<br />
<i>The Universe loves us on an infinite level. The astounding love the Universe has for us is beyond our mortal comprehension, but the love is ultimately there for us to confide in and to use to steer us onto a fantastic life journey. May the glittering of the stars remind you that you are not lost in this rough patch; let the light of the moon remind you that your heartbreak has some form of importance to your development spiritually. If need be, light a candle as you read this. Inhale and exhale slowly, allowing ease to dismiss your emotional tension. Reflect on the Universe; what does it personally mean to you? The Universe as we know it now is endless. It is always there, no matter wherever you go. The Universe has no end for its love for your soul. It's love will always persevere. The powers of the Universe connect us to everything within ourselves and to others. We are all still interconnected even though we may feel lost without someone else. Take some time to meditate upon your current situation. Use any form of divination you'd like to ask the Universe questions in regards to your situation. Let the Universe fill your heart with love and truth. It always will. <3 </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
-StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-80875217841359598292016-06-19T19:00:00.003-07:002016-06-19T19:00:51.834-07:00Do You Own An Etsy Shop For Pagans? Let Me Review It! :) Let me admit it; I'm an Etsy-obsessed freak! :D You can find so many golden treasures from such creative and hard-working minds that you can rarely come across from any corporate retail store. No products or shops ever get old or boring if they are a part of Etsy!<br />
<br />
Are you a solo Pagan/Etsy shop owner looking for some positive feedback and potential new clients? If so, I'd love to help promote your store. It's a trading deal: Ally and I give you an awesome review on your shop and publish your link here, and in return for our work you can use our published review link to assure your clients that they are shopping from somewhere fantastic!<br />
<br />
If you or an Etsy store friend are interested in this idea, you can use the Contact Form on the page to contact me or you can email me at midnightcandl3@gmail.com<br />
<br />
Here are the Rules:<br />
<br />
1. Your shop must sell products that can help Pagans, Wiccans, Witches, or New Age followers with their spiritual paths. <br />
<br />
2. When you contact me, please tell me the name of your shop and leave me with a link.<br />
<br />
I plan on starting to work on this post this week. I'd love to hear from you!<br />
<br />
-StacieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-7385526512540051742016-06-18T17:00:00.001-07:002016-06-18T17:00:07.873-07:00Pagan Equality & Mental Health/Abuse Advocacy: The Purpose of This Blog (Please Read!) It is with a heavy yet encouraged heart that I want to announce my reasoning for the future development of this blog...due to my own personal life experiences and the horrors I feel will happen in this world, I want to use Midnight Candle not ONLY as an informational Pagan blog, but I would also love to use it to promote Pagan equality in the modern day world, healing of mental health disorders, and for the healing of abuse survivors that may have been attacked emotionally, physically, spiritually, or sexually.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am a survivor myself of some of those brutal realities. I won't go much in depth over what I had endured only because this is the Internet and I do need to keep my private life private. With that being stated, I am extremely passionate about equality and mental health topics. I would like to promote those and write occasional posts related to them in hopes I can somehow help people. With this blog and my future novel, <i>The Water And The Wind</i>, I hope to help others and to inspire others to make a change when it comes to dealing with abuse and mental illness.<br />
<br />
As for the novel, it will be a fictional psychological thriller following a teenage girl who has just come to terms with the fact she is not Christian as she was raised to be. She discovers Wicca throughout her early childhood, but does not understand what it is until she has reached her teenage years. Dealing with social anxiety, she plunges into the world of cyberspace. There she makes a friend in the same situation and she encounters a virtual romance that she wants to blossom into something she can hold. The story will detail the case of this girl's inner demons during a time of adversity, all when a cyberstalker learns of her secret beliefs and threatens to cast them out to the people in her real world. I plan to self publish this novel within the next year or two through Amazon. The inspiration for this has made me decide that at least half of the profit this book will make will be donated to mental health and abuse charities. As for now, I want to utilize Midnight Candle as a way to spread some type of love and healing in the world until this book can help even more.<br />
<br />
Please support this page as we're in the process of allowing something great to happen!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-65317361873639409082016-06-17T20:48:00.004-07:002016-06-17T20:48:54.864-07:00Perspective From A (Sort Of) Satanist <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Perspective From a (Sort of) Satanist</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; text-align: start;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-4734d53b-56a2-b8a6-fd0b-91ddb42f88f5" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pentagrams, the devil, sacrifice of animals, and evil are all associated with Satanism. But why? What is Satanism really? Is it truly evil? The answer is no, not at all! In this post I’ll cover the basics of Satanism and what it really means.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; text-align: start;">The Church of Satan was founded on April 30, 1996 by Anton LaVey. LaVey is also the author of the Satanic Bible. The belief of LaVeyan Satanism is that each </span>person is their own god. Satanists don’t actually believe in the devil. Say it with me; </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"Satanists do NOT believe in the devil!"</i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Satan is used as a </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>symbol</i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to represent pride, individualism, and the idea of indulgence rather than abstinence. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Could you possibly have anything in common with a belief system wrongfully associated with so much evil? Do you believe that you should not harm children? Do you believe you should show respect to other people when you are in their home? Are you against rape? If you answered yes to these, then you agree with three out of eleven Satanic Rules of Earth.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Below is a list of the eleven rules.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<ol style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not give opinions or advice unless you are asked. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When in another’s lair, show him respect or else do not go there.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If a guest in your lair annoys you, treat him cruelly and without mercy.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not make sexual advances unless you are given the mating signal. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the other person and he cries to be relieved.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Acknowledge the power of magic if you have employed it successfully to obtain your desires. If you deny the power of magic after having called upon it with success, you will lose what you have obtained.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Do not harm little children.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do not kill non-human animals unless you are attacked or for your food.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When walking in open territory, bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask him to stop. If he does not stop, destroy him.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not bad rules to live by! Now you see that Satanism is in no way evil and should not be treated as such. If you’d like me to go more in depth on this topic, leave a comment below! If you like this post, share it with your friends. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-Ally </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Email: </span><a href="mailto:allymidnightcandl3@gmail.com" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">allymidnightcandl3@gmail.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like us on Facebook, and be sure to follow our NEW Instagram account @midnightcandl3blog!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-72394039510024159562016-06-15T14:25:00.001-07:002016-06-16T00:04:48.441-07:00Orlando Shooting & My Fear For The Pagan Community The power of hatred has struck and has plagued our everyday world. Firearms are shot, civilians left bleeding....the impact the Orlando shooting has had on the United States and the world has been tremendous. I'm no news reporter. I don't broadcast these horrific events, nor do I desire to. There is no need for me to repeat the accounts of everything that was destroyed in the Pulse that wicked night, so I will not write about the event itself. As we watch the LGBT community grieve and mourn at this major setback along their path to equality, deep in my blood boils and gives life to my new fear. Not just for humanity as a whole, but for our beloved Pagan community in the United States and everywhere else.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately, us Pagans can still be considered a minority group. Our views have definitely become more tolerated in today's society, but we still have road blocks to drive around to get to our destination; respect and equality. With every shot that keeps being fired on this American soil, there is an internal battle raging inside us all. We ask, "Who is next?" Who is the next target going to be to face hatred-inspired crimes and deaths? And again, I must admit... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Deep in my bleeding heart, I sense it could be us. Our community...my local Pagan store....all my lovely and beautiful Pagan friends that have become a part of my soul's family. What if we are next simply for being a minority group? What will we do? How will we act? Who will be there when the flame of our peoples' lives may burn out into the darkness of such a killing act? </div>
<div>
<br />
With all due respect, I will not discuss what my personal political views are. I want to be the one that can prevent any hatred from pouring out onto yet another stained page. We are in dire need to come together and to face these adversities that continue to happen. But, as Pagans, how can we protect our community while all of these shooting outrages are going on? If you have any thoughts, ideas, or opinions on this matter, feel free to respectively comment. Do you feel the same?<br />
<br />
Please....please light a candle and raise positive energies for our world. That is all I can ask of whomever is reading this. <3 <br />
<br />
-Stacie </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-5990014077634135012016-06-14T17:44:00.000-07:002016-06-14T17:44:11.263-07:00A New Guest Contributor: Meet Ally! It is with my pleasure that I made the decision to allow a guest contributor onto Midnight Candle. To all of you that still follow my blog, I'd love to introduce you to my dear friend Ally. Ally has been mentioned on here in a post or two before, but now she will be joining me in giving you exciting and interesting content. :) If you enjoy reading about eyewitness accounts of paranormal activity, then Ally is your girl to follow. She has more knowledge and a sharper third eye than I ever probably will have. She can sense the other side more naturally than I can! So, that being said, her and I have shared our devoted love to all paranormal mysteries and I would love to feature that content on here for you all to read. She will be writing posts on here several times throughout each month (our planning is still evolving into action, so she may be here more.) You can find new posts from me every <b>Monday, Wednesday, and Friday</b> on a weekly basis. The timing of when I'll publish these posts will vary throughout the day, but I can promise you they will be here. Also, we will be constructing a Midnight Candle Instagram account and if this goes well, we'll definitely be creating a Youtube account for easier access to see what we're up to! If any of you would also like to chime in with Ally and I about your personal paranormal experiences, you can e-mail me at <b>midnightcandl3@gmail.com. </b> Maybe we'll even feature your stories on the blog as well!<br />
<br />
Check in with us soon! I will have Ally make an e-mail account herself in case you may want to say hello or ask her any paranormal/mediumship questions I may not be able to answer!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-53746261039970108042016-05-28T16:04:00.001-07:002016-05-28T16:04:17.087-07:00I'm Back And Better Than Ever! An Update And A Return Message! Hello, my dear readers and followers!<br />
<br />
I am very excited to announce that I have made the decision to return to writing Midnight Candle. There has been a void in my heart without it. I know I last posted many months ago, but I hope some of you will at least will return and maybe some new folks will join us, too. I think I left due to needing to expand my own personal spirituality before I could feel obligated to write more. And yes, this I have achieved.<br />
<br />
There's a new twist to my spiritual story. I am now practicing as a Shamanic Witch, and indeed, I have found my first in-person group to celebrate, learn from, and explore with. My group meets in my local Pagan store (that will be in another post) and we all come together for drum circles once a month under the enchanted light of the full moon. There is nothing like the serenity that comes to my spirit when we pass our burning sage around. It's almost as if the serenity is an ingredient in such a peace-giving plant. I am extremely happy to be a part of a very small, yet loyal spiritual group. Our group is still in dire need to extend its members, but anyone is always welcome as they should be.<br />
<br />
During the several months I was gone, I took it upon myself to continue using my Oracle cards. I picked up on learning more about herbalism. Finally, I've started to make loose leaf tea blends to accompany my growth. I have fallen in love with Mugwort's profound ability to enhance my dreams. That I can explain more in detail later! Spiritually speaking, I've evolved. With that evolving process, I have the capability to bring you more interesting content, inspiration, and things to learn. I hope you can join me in this spiritual evolution and use my fuel as inspiration to evolve your own practices and beliefs. <br />
<br />
Also, I have evolved emotionally and academically. I've been struggling with depression and OCD. That may have interfered with my writing of this blog. I've been back on antidepressants for several months and am feeling able to do things again. I also enrolled in my college's massage therapy program. I hope to use my passion for spirituality to incorporate into my future massage practice. When school comes around, life will get hectic again, but this time I feel I can persevere. This is just a brief update. I don't want to keep you long. To all my old and new followers, here is a big thank you. I've seen that this blog STILL gets pageviews on a weekly basis. Thank you, thank you, and thank you! :) I couldn't have been more blessed for that. I will be back with some interesting content!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-29488112224468930222015-08-23T16:35:00.002-07:002015-08-23T16:35:42.004-07:00The New BlogHello,<br />
<br />
So far, I've been sitting on my bed for the past three hours working on constructing the new blog, called <i style="font-weight: bold;">Confessions of a Damned Heart: A Writer's Condemned Journey. </i>I have the basics of the page started up, so if you'd like to continue to follow me actively in the next stage of my blogging life, here's the link. Please share and follow my new work. :)<br />
<br />
Link: https://confessionsofadamnedheart.wordpress.com/<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for every Midnight Candle post you all have read and contributed to. I've made a few new friends from the adventure of writing a blog in the Pagan community. Thank you to those Facebook and Twitter friends who continue to engaged with me now.<br />
<br />
Don't worry; I may jump back to posting here in the future occasionally as well. Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-45416042163397346692015-08-23T12:08:00.000-07:002015-08-23T12:08:53.194-07:00Moving On..Hello to my old friends and readers,<br />
<br />
I am sorry I could not keep up with myself on this for so long..but within the past few months, I have come to the conclusion that I cannot continue blogging on Midnight Candle anymore.<br />
<br />
I'm sure you were all prepared for this announcement to come, but I also must state that I WILL continue to be blogging publicly online. I am starting to walk onto the path I have always longed to walk on. It feels amazing to say that I am going to be transitioning over to WordPress to fulfill my desire of creating my official author/writing blog. I feel that I would not have reached this decision without my boyfriend spontaneously creating Midnight Candle for me over one year ago when I felt least prepared to start.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I am not sure what the title of this new blog will be yet! But, I can tell you that the majority of the new blog's content will be based on my journey to become an independent (and young!) author. Plus, it will give deeper insight into my unborn novel and the motives and intentions behind the creation of it. I may also publish glimpses into my other written works from the past on there, as well. Basically, this new blog will be more emotionally intimate for me than Midnight Candle has been.<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading, everyone. It's been a pleasure while it lasted. :) <br />
<br />
I will post another update on my new blog's information in case you'd like to start following me there. Also, I will not delete this page; instead, I plan on leaving it up in case I ever do decide on pursuing it more actively again.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-52324077767002283602015-04-10T11:01:00.000-07:002015-04-10T11:01:23.141-07:00Crisis of FaithI'm sorry, but I have realized something.<br />
<br />
I can't keep my promises. At all.<br />
<br />
There is something in me that doesn't want to be on a schedule for writing. As a writer, I tend to write when my spirit wants to express something or to review my past experiences that are unresolved. That is what I have been starting to do for myself. I've been planning how to heal my soul. I have a longing to find that part of myself that has the ability to believe in a higher power. The anxiety kills me, day by day. I wish certain things in my life have never happened. I wish I knew how to resolve my crisis of faith. I've been avoiding all thoughts of the problem to try to focus on what's important; a job, passing college, maintaining my social life, and keeping my relationship stable. But, I have some interesting news to share. <br />
<br />
I will be conceiving a novel. And yes, I will be releasing it electronically in about a year or two.<br />
<br />
This novel will be based on my past experience with an unhealthy relationship that was based on my spiritual growth. I think the story will be an inspiration to teens and will warn them of cyber danger's existence out there. I want to use my story as a way to heal myself and to reach out to other at-risk teenagers of Internet danger.<br />
<br />
I just wanted you to know that will be happening.<br />
<br />
As for the time being, I can't promise that I will "come back" to writing the blog weekly like I attempted promising before. I guess I'll return when I feel like it. So, to find any updates, keep checking back here or on my Twitter or Facebook page.<br />
<br />
I am sorry I have let you down. I need to find the strength in me to keep going on this spiritual journey.<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<br />
Stacie<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-59474782156820756492015-02-18T14:09:00.000-08:002015-02-18T14:10:48.660-08:00One Month Later: UpdateHello, readers!<br />
<br />
I took time off to truly ponder what this spiritual journey will hold in store for me if I do go out of my way to pursue a new path.<br />
<br />
Several people have asked me if I've made any new posts. I feel sorry that I ran off, but I think I really just needed a break of obsessing over if my faith is true. I also feel that I definitely needed to cut the chains and let myself soar from the self guilt and pressure of meeting my audience's desire for me to write consistently. Being a college student, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a girlfriend, a cousin, a niece, a guinea pig mother, a struggling writer, and a Pagan in questioning all at once is a hectic load to carry. We all carry this load of different roles we must commit to playing as. My mind was stuck in the role of being a Pagan in questioning at the time. It was straining my relationship with Eddie, the site's page designer and my boyfriend of eleven months. I realized that I couldn't allow myself to drown in the depression of questioning a deeper part of my being. I needed to start focusing more on the people and education in my life. So, I gave the pressure of being an amateur blogger up for quite a few weeks in hope to find some peace within myself. For the past few days now, I have felt an obligation to return. Here I am.<br />
<br />
I'm sure I have made myself look like a fool to you all that are so kind and dear to come back to my blog. The amount of views I have received have startled me in a way. It means that 4,180 people in this world have seen my inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences since June of 2014. But, the conceiving of this blog isn't just entirely for me. The new route I plan to take my writing will hopefully spark the thinking process in others out there that are questioning if being a Pagan is right for them. Maybe this blog will help the parents of a newly-confessed Pagan teenager to understand that it is indeed going to be <i>okay </i>if their child worships multiple gods. Whatever may come next on this page, I hope that whoever is reading this right now has gained or learned something. This is my mission; to educate and help others to heal and accept that this path may be a part of who they are. If my blog hasn't done this for anyone, please tell me so I can remove it. Writing this for the benefit of no result would be a shame I'd carry on myself. <br />
<br />
Now that I have an opened mind, I will begin to start reading more about other Pagan and witchcraft traditions to share with you. But, you may remember that there were many times where I'd speak vaguely of there being a traumatic reasoning for why I've struggled with Paganism so much. I need someone to hear me.<br />
<br />
It has been kept confidential by me to protect the perpetrator. But, why should I conceal his actions when maybe someone is going through a similar problem with someone else? My story may be of good advice to someone else, maybe even you. After deep thought, I have made a decision.<br />
<br />
<i>I am going to release my story to you all. </i><i> </i>It will help you to understand my thinking and writing about it can help me to better understand myself in this spiritual situation. If you'd like to see this story, come back to the next post once I publish it. Expect that to be sometime in the next few days. <br />
<br />
In regards to my last post, I've changed my mind. I will make a new post <i><b>once a week</b></i> in order to balance out my focus for my college work.<br />
<br />
Once again, I am sorry for disappearing selfishly. I just needed a recovery process from the pressure the blog put on me as a writer. <br />
<br />
P.S. I will be creating a Midnight Candle Google+ Community page if anyone is interested. I do apologize wholeheartedly that my blog runs through Google--it just happened to be this way--but I have made a Facebook group for non-Google users that are interested. Also, expect the page design to look and maybe function different soon. The design is boring my eyes! Thank you for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-24299169012301352512015-01-11T13:16:00.001-08:002015-01-11T13:17:46.037-08:00Amazing Update & BreakthroughI have returned with many new exciting twists, turns, and challenges.<br />
<br />
But before I start, here's a belated Happy Yule and Happy New Year shout out to everyone reading this right now. Life got hectic in the holiday week for me; I fell down with a cold, I had to attend six different holiday parties, and I had to help my family and my boyfriend's family out with Christmas/Yule preparations. Now that the holidays have passed and I still have two days left before I return to my college studies, I have found the time now to share with you an important breakthrough I had encountered just yesterday and how this will change the blog. I promise you that Midnight Candle is about to get more interesting, because...<br />
<br />
The content on this blog will no longer focus on Wicca or general Pagan beliefs. I have discovered that I am not a true Pagan. I've been more towards being a spiritual Witch, an idea I have considered pursuing before. While I run through the flames of trying to find something new and more suit for my beliefs at this time, I will begin to study these different paths:<br />
<br />
1) Shamanism<br />
<br />
2) Druidism<br />
<br />
3) Athiest Paganism<br />
<br />
4) Traditional Witchcraft (more in depth from 5-9)<br />
<br />
5) Fey Witchcraft<br />
<br />
6) Dianic Witchcraft<br />
<br />
7) Hedge Witchcraft<br />
<br />
8) Sabbatic Craft<br />
<br />
9) Cochrane's Craft <br />
<br />
10) Buddhism<br />
<br />
I want to begin to explore a variety of faiths and magickal beliefs in order to start finding myself. I have been suffering with the concept of blind belief immensely due to my former involvement in a emotionally abusive relationship. I have done some long and hard thinking about this, but I think I will share my relationship story with you all to better understand my current situation. I considered shutting the blog down and running as fast as I could from this, but if I write about my faith exploring journey, I can help myself while helping out people in the same type of situation. Therefore, I feel there is a purpose to keep posting my adventure in Paganism to the public eye.<br />
<br />
In regards to the new material I plan on creating, <b>a new schedule will be set. </b><u>I will make two new posts in advance and they will be published in the same week. </u> So, expect to see two posts per week added to the site. Keep watching for new posts because it's about to get very interesting and eclectic here. Thank you for all of your time and patience with my ever-changing ideas. I appreciate you all. You have my life so much more exciting! Please follow me on my blog social media profiles or please feel free to subscribe to Midnight Candle for future updates on new posts. Blessed Be, blessings, and cheers!<br />
<br />
P.S. I'm about to hit my first 4,000 pageviews worldwide. Only one thousand more until I reach the milestone of 5,000 pageviews!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-51348272083872419212014-12-11T00:11:00.001-08:002014-12-11T21:52:02.815-08:00A Soaring Soul: My Story Blessings to you all!<br />
<br />
All I can say is...wow. Wow, wow, and wow again. As you see in the title, the time has come for some subtle changes I need to build up my spiritual path. Something very unexpected happened last night and I feel incredibly obligated to explain the experience, what I learned from it, and what it means for the near future of Midnight Candle. <br />
<br />
As you are all well aware, I'm going through bucket loads of self doubt and anxiety when it comes to involving some Wiccan concepts on my spiritual journey. I am questioning if I believe in any deities at all, if magick exists, and practically if I should just "convert" to Athiesm from Paganism. Science has convinced me that it entirely disproves every spiritual idea, philosophy, and hell, even some quantum science theories!<br />
<br />
Last night, I searched up some basic information on Druidism and Shamanism. As I read, I sensed that my interest in Pagan religion has been indeed genuine. I'll explain that part later. After reading, I laid myself down to sleep, but I began to deeply ponder.<br />
<br />
For those people that can't practice where they live, outside Pagans will advise them to respect their roommate's wishes and not practice in the home. Instead, the outside Pagans tell the spiritually trapped Pagan to continue to learn and grow until they can practice in a place of their own. I realized that I shouldn't be paranoid about <i>what </i>I believe in during the present moment. I realized that it shouldn't matter if I am struggling with deity worship. I realized that I shouldn't automatically think one friend from my past influenced me into Paganism. I realized that my mom thinking Paganism is my hobby should no longer matter. I suddenly realized that it's <i>okay </i>if I'm questioning some aspects of my current path. I suddenly realized that that friend <i>didn't </i>influence me; she was someone who helped me to learn what true Witchcraft was, which eventually led to me deciding to go Pagan <i>myself. </i>She unlocked me from my confusing childhood when it came to witchcraft in my life. I suddenly realized that my mother's point of view is <i>not </i>my perception of being Pagan. During all of this, I felt an insane amount of releasing. I finally released all my anxieties, fears, and doubts. When I was reading information earlier, I indeed was interested. My heart has been with Paganism. My heart has been with the blog. As I pieced this all together, I felt at utmost peace and joy. The weight of my bitter world has unfolded and disappeared. <br />
<br />
I began to text my boyfriend about the whole epiphany until my body began tingling. I turned my phone lighting off and relaxed. Within a short amount of time, the basic signs of an Out of Body Experience picked up. I felt myself rapidly falling. I became startled. I intentionally used my inner voice to remind myself that it was safe and that I could fly and let go. Then, I felt myself soaring. Unfortunately, I could not fully astral project. I saw a quick vision of a distant valley far below me. With that, I felt a deep connection to the earth and then the image faded. I don't think this is as spiritual; I just had memories of feeling connected to the earth before the trance started. But, I found the trance strange because of how <i>natural </i>the flight came to me. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget!<br />
<br />
I can't decide what may have produced the miniature OBE. Whatever it was, I'm glad I am feeling refreshed for this blog and for myself.<br />
<br />
Let me guess. You've been thinking, "Stacie, get to the point already!" That is where I am headed. When it comes to how Midnight Candle is going to change, I don't mean that it will drastically change. I mean that I will be collecting a large amount of information on different Pagan traditions I haven't gotten around to writing about yet in order to help myself learn and consider new spiritual ideas. Also, I feel an urge to admit one of my flaws with you. I am a very <i>indecisive being</i>. So, if one day you see me claiming to be an Athiest, don't take it too seriously until I begin repeating that statement. I go back and forth between many different thoughts and feelings. I'm confusing in my wonderful ways...! Please know I am only trying to discover myself. There will be times of trial and questioning such as now.<br />
<br />
Something I do know for sure is this; when I went into that trance, I feel as if my soul finally soared away to some resolution and blissful peace!<br />
<br />
<script><br />
(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){<br />
(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),<br />
m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)<br />
})(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga');<br />
<br />
ga('create', 'UA-57608208-1', 'auto');<br />
ga('send', 'pageview');<br />
<br />
</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-12191176323394550382014-12-09T22:31:00.001-08:002014-12-11T21:52:13.735-08:00Psychology VS. Magick: Article Debate During my long class break at college today, I came across a very intriguing article for those of you out there (like me) that may be questioning if magick's theory is true, false, or total bogus that was invented throughout the centuries. For those of you readers who highly value magick, please be aware that I am not about to attempt withering the existence of magick. I am simply writing my response to this article I came across. This article appeared on Psychology Today. It is called <i>Magical Thinking </i>and the rights fully belong to the author, Matthew Hutson, and the administration behind Psychology Today's website. Please be aware that this is my homemade summary based upon the contents within the article. Enough said. If you'd like to follow along with my post and the article, here is the link before I start:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200802/magical-thinking<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>My Summary </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>Magical Thinking </i>is an article about how irrational beliefs may impact the believers in today's society. From everything ranging to telling children that Santa Claus is real, and of course, the concept of belief in magick, spells, and rituals, the psychological perspective on irrational magical thinking in every age group of people can either be a negative or positive quality in society. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Magick in Paganism: My Point of View (According to the article) </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
I'm not sure where to begin with this. In Wicca, for example, a very common Pagan faith that emphasizes using magick, believes that when our thoughts are released, it creates energy that can influence a desired outcome or result. While this philosophy sounds a tad bit logical, how do we know if magick <i>actually</i> produces the desired outcome or result in a situation? Belief may not be the answer to that question alone. While magick does require belief, how can we observe how magick functions in life? Does successful magick charge through the power or coincidence? Or, is the power of coincidence not sacred at all and is merely just a coincidence promoted by luck and chance? Most likely, no one can answer this unsettling mystery. I'm beginning to desire logical evidence that can prove the essence of magick. When I read the article, I became slightly confused over what I have been doing with the last nine years on and off of my life. I also read a different article that made it sound like the use of magick may only be the use of OCD patients to feel in control of their anxieties. I am diagnosed with OCD. I began to worry and think, "What if my love for this has been a lie?" Well, maybe my OCD did ignite an obsessive need to practice magick in order to feel control. I hardly remember practicing it consistently in times of worry or self doubt. There was a time period where I did become fixated on learning and practicing Wicca back in 2011. But, was that an indication that I shouldn't follow a spiritual path that I had been intensely eager about? No. Instead, it was just my OCD getting a bit too focused on learning. If I would have set a weekly time limit on my studies, I probably would have been better off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the article, it also talks about how magical thinking may be a positive quality to have. When it comes down to our kind of magick, some psychologists claim that the desired outcome of our magick may stem directly from magick enhancing our positive thinking in order to reach the outcome. If this is the case, then magick is nothing magickal at all. In fact, it isn't considered magickal in witchcraft-related religion, because magick is a natural process in the world. If this is the question answered about how magick transforms reality, then I would believe that this claim is the best answer. To me, magick is a creative and trance-induced art that is really just a creative expression of prayer. Christians do it. We do it. There's not much of a difference. All in all, both perspectives are unique. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The simple answer is this: the interpretation of if magick works in the way we think cannot lead us to a positive answer. Take it as you will. As for me personally, I think I'll tap into the art again to see what I truly think. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Blessings!<br />
<div>
<br />
<script><br />
(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){<br />
(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),<br />
m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)<br />
})(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga');<br />
<br />
ga('create', 'UA-57608208-1', 'auto');<br />
ga('send', 'pageview');<br />
<br />
</script></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-74952474903831518452014-12-08T20:15:00.000-08:002014-12-11T21:52:27.612-08:00Deity Worship & My PhilosophyThis evening, I will be discussing my philosophical thinking about deity worship. Due to struggling with my questioning on if I should believe in deities or not, I have taken the time and consideration to determine that the theory of deity worship is <i>not </i>needed by any means to be a Pagan or witch. Spirituality is a matter of the heart; religion is what lists out the "special requirements" to fit a certain faith group, better known as a certain "label".<br />
<br />
I have been fighting myself and I have lose the battle. Like a hero trying to break free from the grasp of a dragon's claws, I have failed myself by thinking I should fit my beliefs within a certain type of Pagan faith. While I like some religious dogma from Wicca and agree with it, the idea that I should believe in a God and Goddess is too frigid for me to even contemplate anymore at this time in my life. But, as I thought about it, I had an epiphany. The God and Goddess, the male and female energies, are only <i>metaphorical </i>concepts to <i>personify </i>the mystery of the Divine so we can better relate to the mysteries of the Universe. Don't get me wrong; I am not trying to belittle any belief form. I write this in spite of sparing my own spiritual sanity! I also feel that this article could help someone else who may be thinking along a similar line as me. Now, we all know that Witchcraft and Wicca are two different routes to take. Witchcraft <i>is </i>a small fraction of Wicca's religion. Not all Wiccans practice witchcraft or magick, but if someone is a Witch, then they most likely are indeed practicing magick. Witchcraft is a metaphysical practice whereas Wicca is a modernized Pagan <i>religion</i>! In Witchcraft, the belief in deities is not needed or required. A Witch must believe in magick in order for it to cast and shine.<br />
<br />
Being a Pagan is a bit different. From the perspective of labeling what a Pagan is, they say that Pagans should believe in and worship a multitude of Gods and Goddesses. The counteractive part of that statement is this; all Pagans can be seen as <i>pantheistic. </i>Pantheist means that "All is God or God is all." Pantheism strides in the sacredness of nature and Earth. Therefore, someone who desires to claim themselves as Pagan without the belief in deities could adopt the pantheist beliefs instead. This is what I could do. This is what other questioning Pagans can consider, as well!<br />
<br />
How do you feel about this? Feel free to leave a comment and let the discussion begin!<br />
<br />
<script><br />
(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){<br />
(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),<br />
m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)<br />
})(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga');<br />
<br />
ga('create', 'UA-57608208-1', 'auto');<br />
ga('send', 'pageview');<br />
<br />
</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-5449923591081553272014-12-05T13:09:00.003-08:002014-12-11T00:20:20.408-08:00A Heart-Felt Note To My Followers...Dear Readers,<br />
<br />
I need to apologize for the long delay in my writing process. I'm sorry I haven't published anything new like I said I would. Besides giving you the typical excuses like the holidays, college, job-searching, and being with the people I care about, I will give you the ultimate truth that you deserve to hear.<br />
<br />
I am toying with the idea of deleting Midnight Candle...deleting all its successes, fails, hopes, and goals from the Internet and my mind. I am playing with the idea of destroying all my attempts to call myself a devoted Eclectic Pagan like I have claimed I am. It is only fair if I put this news on the table. I've been contemplating how to write this depressive note. It probably isn't depressing for you, but the thought of wiping my body clean of coming in touch with Spirit is depressing for me.<br />
<br />
I have endured enough from this experience. For years, I have endured too much obsession, threats, tears, fights, and petty drama that I no longer would like to inhabit in my brain. You see, I am at the point where I can barely take much any longer. I have been thinking heavily about the topic of where I stand spiritually and I feel like I may not be a Pagan after all. Science has won me over. The thought of worshiping an imaginary world hidden in the sky has become dull. Unacceptable. Too imaginary. It is a product of my psyche's wishful thinking that hopes for something more. I hope to see my dog Cody again. I obsess over the idea. But, from studying topics ranging from consciousness to quantum physics and everything in between, I feel like I do not belong here anymore. From not "belonging" to the Pagan heart, I feel that it is not fair for me to sit on this chair and continue to say that I do belong to this blog. I have given you all a piece of myself that I keep hidden from the world, from those around me. But, it is a world that I've hidden that doesn't match up to my opinions anymore.<br />
<br />
Everything feels dead. I like the lessons, values, and morals I have seen through the Pagan perspective. Currently, I am confused of what feels right. Practicing either Wicca or modern-day witchcraft spiritually feels decent, but I'm not sure if I could totally fit there 100%. Now that I have learned about the pineal gland, how scientists can provoke the Out of Body Experience, how organized religion offers blind faith, I question if I'm a believer of a Goddess and God at all. This doesn't mean I'm advising anyone to turn away from their faith; you are fortunate to have the psychological comfort of belief in something extraordinary. I long for that, but I am seeking more scientific and philosophical evidence that can support that kind of a belief for me. <br />
<br />
I sat with my long time therapist and told her about this situation. She looked me in the eye and asked why I'm still writing the blog if I'm second guessing my beliefs. That is a good question.<br />
<br />
I need to keep this page up for other people. A wonderful being out there emailed me, distraught and seeking advice for leaving the Broom Closet. Their situation felt close to home like mine. I almost cried. For once, I felt as if someone could look up to me for wisdom and advice. Writing this blog has helped me to express my thoughts and feelings for myself. There sounds like one last reason to keep pushing through this confusion.<br />
<br />
I apologize for the length of this letter. I only need to find more faith in me...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-60849919991212293152014-11-08T01:32:00.001-08:002014-12-11T21:52:41.211-08:00Labeling Your Path = Bad Idea<div dir="ltr">
I'm sure that if you have that rare shot at coming across another Pagan on the street, you ask them what Pagan tradition they follow and they'll say they are Wiccan, Druid, Shaman, or any other path name. But, I have noticed that many of us have the infamous habit to label our path with a specific name that must adhere to everything that path teaches. Is this a positive action for our spiritual evolution or not? I think it's a bad idea. Here's why: </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i>1. Labeling can potentially lead us to becoming more close-minded about what can be out there.</i> As they say, modern day Paganism has no dogma. That's right! We have the amazing free will to study other things and the free choice to stir one tradition with another to meet our soul's satisfaction. If we label, we may not discover other practices that exist and that can aid us on the spiritual journey. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i>2. Labeling can create self-confusion in times of spiritual doubt. </i>I am your prime example. Currently, I am dabbling between Pantheism blended with Witchcraft or Wicca. For three years, I preferred to title myself as a 110% Wiccan. I didn't consider the other options. I am becoming very interested in science's role in spirituality and faith. Therefore, I have contemplated what I'd fit better into label wise. I have questioned the existence of Goddess. I have realized that there are unique blends of faith out there besides calling myself a Wiccan. If I would have been more open earlier, maybe I wouldn't be so mind-boggled now. And, as we grow older, it is natural for our minds to not feel satisfied with a certain title anymore. Hell, does a title even fucking matter anymore? </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
3. <i>Labeling can limit our lifelong knowledge. </i>If we become too involved in studying our labeled faith, we will indeed miss out on learning about every form of Paganism on the planet. This will also take away intelligent conversations we could have had with other people. So, crack open a new book just to gain the treasure of new knowledge. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
All in all, we don't need to label our path in order to feel secure. Giving our path a name isn't a horrible idea either, but when we become slightly stubborn over that title, that is when things can start to go wrong. Let's study and learn new things! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
P.S. I have a new and very interesting article on how the story of the Big Bang Theory's creation can relate to the Goddess and God creating us. It will be a post describing how I can possibly fuse some pantheistic ideas into my Wiccan perspective with some science involved. Check back for it soon!<br />
<br />
<script><br />
(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){<br />
(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),<br />
m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)<br />
})(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga');<br />
<br />
ga('create', 'UA-57608208-1', 'auto');<br />
ga('send', 'pageview');<br />
<br />
</script></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-45689181964847819692014-10-29T22:08:00.001-07:002014-12-11T00:20:58.429-08:00Very Important Update...<div dir="ltr">
I have very unfortunate news...</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
My laptop was stolen at my college on Tuesday. I filed it as a missing report with my county's police department but the odds of me getting it back seem very slim. That being said, writing here is going to be quite chaotic until either A) I save up and buy myself a new laptop. B) I have my old laptop fixed and blog from home. C) The police miraculously find this laptop. I'm very disappointed with everything. But, just because my second baby (a baby alongside my guinea piglet, Presley) was stolen by some bitch at my school, I still have enough resources to write here. Everyone, please thank Blogspot for having their mobile app "Blogger" out! Without it, MC would not be able to happen anymore. Now, let's hope my Android doesn't slip from my hand and never return...! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
There is the first piece of bad news. I'm not done yet. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I need to prioritize my everyday responsibilities. I've come to the conclusion that I will publish one new post <b>every Friday</b>. I need to learn how to balance my time between school, finding work, friends, and my boyfriend. I love writing, talking, and learning, but I need to jump over some hurdles in order to make this work. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
Please don't let these occurrences convince you not to continue reading. They are only minor setbacks though they don't feel that way now. <i>The show is still going on. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1681945973825079413.post-60029326009633102652014-10-21T00:32:00.001-07:002014-12-11T00:21:46.296-08:00Samhain: Celebration IdeasAs you all know, Halloween and/or Samhain will be here in eleven days! While the children are finishing their costumes' last touches, carving creepy pumpkins, and making their last minute Trick or Treating plans, us Pagans are awaiting the ending of the spiritual year to reflect when the veil of the spirit world is at its thinnest point. Many covens and solitary practitioners already have their ritual ingredients ready to be mixed in their cauldrons. Many Pagans already memorized their chants and prayers. But, you're not alone if you haven't established how you will be celebrating Samhain this year. I am at a debate with myself as of when and where to put my ritual work to action. I am also feeling positive that our fellow Broom Closet members are highly struggling with forming Samhain plans. I'll tell you a bit about what my plan is Samhain is and I'll lend you some ideas to help you establish your sacred plans!<br />
<br />
<i>My Plan</i><br />
<br />
Knowing that I cannot perform a formal ritual due to my living situation, I have a simple but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally charging type of ritual I'd like to perform as my spiritual year in 2014 comes to a rapid close. My recent experience with my friend Ally and her oracle card deck is highly pushing me to follow it's advice. As you all know, I have been struggling consistently with the passing of Cody back in 2013. When I pulled the "Letting Go" card from Ally's deck, it hit me that the root of my thirst to find full belief in the afterlife is from my death anxiety from Cody's death. The negative pain of losing him has sent me to a breaking point; I know I need to let go, but it is a challenge. I want to communicate with Cody about how I've been feeling. I want him to know I still love with all of my heart and that I hope I will see him again, whether that be through a second dream or when my time here on Earth comes to a close. I've decided that Samhain would be the perfect time to release my fear, to release my doubts, and to release my tears. I have focused on his <i>death. </i>As his little human sister, I have put his <i>life </i>in vain because I allow my thoughts to indirectly "celebrate" his death rather than remember his life. I want to celebrate his life. I want to find a closing point in my grief and be able to smile and laugh and think of the good times, not how those good times ended. My Samhain night will consist of having a tear-jerking letter written to Cody prepared. I will be with people I am close to and comfortable to cry (if need be) by, and I will take my letter outside and burn it until it is purely ash. I am doing this to not only release my drained mental energy, but I am doing this because I want to release my love to Cody and "talk" to him, if that makes sense. The veil will be at its thinnest point which is perfect timing to achieve some possible form of communication. My friends keep inviting me to their parties and late night graveyard walks. I have not officially decided what my <i>social </i>celebration of <i>Halloween </i>will be yet. No matter what social celebration I choose to attend, I will find time to perform my much-needed release.<br />
<br />
<i>Celebration Ideas! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
If you are stuck, here are some homemade ideas as to what you can do with your splendid Samhain night:<br />
<br />
1. <i>Celebrate your deceased loved ones. </i>If you want a simple ritual for this, all you need is pictures of the people or pets that you want to celebrate and a white candle. Place the pictures on a table and light the candle in a safe setting. You can sit around with a bunch of traditional Halloween candy your kids bring home or with a hearty autumn supper and recall your memories with the loved ones you are celebrating.<br />
<br />
2. <i>Attempt to make contact with someone on the other side. </i>This can go both ways; you can either plan a complex ritual or if you can't look unnatural, you can use some professional Broom Closet tips. You can use a pendulum, a Ouija board (for the Halloween effect; use caution if you do this), or try some meditation. You can do this with friends or family members who would be open to experiment with after-death contact.<br />
<br />
3. <i>Learn some Samhain songs and celebrate through music. </i>If you don't have Halloween outings to attend, just stay in, have a glass of wine, and throw a Samhain party of one by listening to Samhain-themed songs to reflect on your spiritual year's ending. Music is always great! <br />
<br />
4. <i>Throw a pumpkin festival. </i>If you are not planning on celebrating through spells or rituals, make a trip to a grocery store and get all the pumpkin types of food possible! Make pumpkin food recipes and gobble up your past year's celebration. Food is fun for everyone.<br />
<br />
5. <i>Skip the Pagan part of the day and trick or treat. </i>If you're still in high school, go out with your friends. I'm not totally saying to throw away your Samhain night, but consider going out and enjoy all the free candy strangers are giving out. You can always celebrate when you get home, too!<br />
<br />
6. <i>Take time to reflect on your year and set up goals for what you want next year. </i>This is a productive idea. Grab some paper and write about what went good and bad this year and ponder up some ways to improve your state of happiness later. Burn the paper and enjoy the rest of the night.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09228528848035762297noreply@blogger.com0