I'm torn... Utterly torn. It has taken me 11 years of spiritual soul seeking and belief defining, and value weighing to get where I'm at now with Paganism. Exactly half my life has been dedicated to the developing of my own Paganistic beliefs. It has been an uphill battle. I've been persecuted by my family, by my friends, by my peers. But for the first time, I am being persecuted by fellow Pagans. And it has struck a nerve. I have been naive about it. I have been naive to believe that Pagans would welcome me with the same open arms that I offer them. I have been naive to believe that here, among other Pagans, I am untouchable to those who wish nothing more than to spew their spite. I have been naive to believe that when the inevitable persecution rose back up in my life, I would be able to ward it off with a cold shoulder and unbreakable feelings. I was very, very wrong. It is becoming more and more clear that within the Pagan society, one must prove their worth before being accepted; like hazing within a college fraternity. One wrong step, one toe out of pre-formed box of unacceptable, immoral demands the society places on it's members, and you are shunned. No, you are attacked. You become the outcast, and the ravenous bloodthirsty hounds are hot on your heels. And this society should be ashamed. It should be ashamed of the hypocrisy it feels entitled to. It should be ashamed to persecute its own members, after preaching how wrongfully persecuted they are by the outside world. It should be ashamed for the damage it causes to its members who desperately strive to find that little spot in this society where they fit in, where they are wanted, where they are valued. It should be ashamed for chasing off all the curious wanderers who want nothing more than to learn and grow. For all this, this Pagan society should be ashamed. One bad apple can ruin the entire barrel. Our Pagan society, with how closely it is monitored by those outsiders who are ever so bloodthirsty and hungry to start a war, has no room for one bad apple. I am appalled by the hypocrisy and the spite. I am appalled to be persecuted by those I call spiritual brothers and sisters. I am appalled that my beliefs, no matter how eclectic they may be, are spat on by the very society that encouraged me down an 11 year journey. But most of all, I am appalled that the very society I call home, would rather see me fail in my own spirituality.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Samhain - A Thin Veil
We recently celebrated Samhain. And Samhain happens to be my namesake, or at least, for my pagan name. Samhain is especially special to me! It marks another year practicing paganism... that's 11 years total! That's half the years I've been alive! I have officially spent half my life as a pagan of some form! PROUD MOMENT!!
Whew...ok, back to Samhain.
I know this post is a bit late. My apologies.
My Samhain was pretty busy. My soulmate and I took my child out trick-or-treating. The Tigger costume was absolutely adorable! So much candy!
It was nice to see all the costumes, and just sense the happy atmosphere! I hope your Samhain was as lovely as mine.
I would like to share my Samhain altar with you, so below are some photos!
And as always, here is a layout of my Samhain altar, complete with labels:
And of course, and infographic for more information on Samhain:
Whew...ok, back to Samhain.
I know this post is a bit late. My apologies.
My Samhain was pretty busy. My soulmate and I took my child out trick-or-treating. The Tigger costume was absolutely adorable! So much candy!
It was nice to see all the costumes, and just sense the happy atmosphere! I hope your Samhain was as lovely as mine.
I would like to share my Samhain altar with you, so below are some photos!
And as always, here is a layout of my Samhain altar, complete with labels:
And of course, and infographic for more information on Samhain:
I hope you all enjoy!
Blessed Be and Merry ye Part!
)0(
Voting Day in the USA!
It's voting day here! And although it isn't a huge presidential election, I still encourage everyone to vote! Voting is our way of taking control of our government, and instilling the changes we want in our country! If you haven't voted already, and you live within the USA, please consider voting!
If you need more information on how to register to vote, where to vote, or what is being voted on, please click HERE!
If you need more information on how to register to vote, where to vote, or what is being voted on, please click HERE!
Friday, October 10, 2014
Mabon
I know this post is a bit late, especially since Samhain is right around the corner. However, I did want to share this infographic about Mabon, as well as my altar for Mabon.
Mabon is like the pagan's Thanksgiving. So many traditions will seem similar. We celebrate Mabon around September 21st. Check out the infographic below for more information.
So with all this info in mind. Here are some photos of my altar for Mabon.
Here is the layout of my altar. I have labeled everything for your convenience and inspiration.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Empathic Relationships
About a month and a half ago, I met my soulmate - a Buddhist man. It was an instant connection, and we both knew we were soul mates. However, we have been taking it as slow as possible, but actively pressing forward in our relationship.
Despite the fact that we are not of the same religion or system of beliefs, we are quite similar, and DO connect on a spiritual level. Our beliefs are similar, we just identify as different religions. He has been teaching me a lot - unbeknownst to him. And I have been hungry to learn. I've practically been sucking knowledge from his very being. I wrote about it below:
We are both empaths - him more than me. And I recently had the pleasure of experiencing something quite amazing...spiritual and emotional syncing.
We were not close in proximity when it happened, but it happened at the same time. Our hearts synced. It felt like my heart actually shuttered. It hurt for only a split second before the sensation dissipated. He felt the same thing.
It was then that our spiritual selves synced up. With us both being empaths, the connection is very strong. It is something I have not experienced before. In fact, before I met him, I was not even sure what an empath was...
So I did a little research, which I'm happy do share in the form of an infographic!
Despite the fact that we are not of the same religion or system of beliefs, we are quite similar, and DO connect on a spiritual level. Our beliefs are similar, we just identify as different religions. He has been teaching me a lot - unbeknownst to him. And I have been hungry to learn. I've practically been sucking knowledge from his very being. I wrote about it below:
We are both empaths - him more than me. And I recently had the pleasure of experiencing something quite amazing...spiritual and emotional syncing.
We were not close in proximity when it happened, but it happened at the same time. Our hearts synced. It felt like my heart actually shuttered. It hurt for only a split second before the sensation dissipated. He felt the same thing.
It was then that our spiritual selves synced up. With us both being empaths, the connection is very strong. It is something I have not experienced before. In fact, before I met him, I was not even sure what an empath was...
So I did a little research, which I'm happy do share in the form of an infographic!
Friday, August 8, 2014
Maiden, Mother, Crone, Me - Poetry
My soul is made of three.
My face shows three parts of me.
A tri knowledge,
A tri spirit,
A personality combined.
Eclectic by nature.
A montage mind by choice.
The Maiden in me
Is full of fire.
She is wild
And cannot be contained.
She runs with the moon
Like a wayward girl.
Her passion for spirit
Overflows the brim of her very being.
Her anger can rage and destroy
But her harmony can balance and heal.
She is young and ever-learning.
Bringing a new view to a dull life.
The Mother in me
Is full of life.
She is calm
And slow to anger.
She walks among the trees
With a peace and collectiveness.
Her actions can teach
And her patience is her moral.
She is gentle and ever-teaching.
Bringing knowledge to a naive life.
The Crone in me
Is full of knowledge.
She is wise
Even beyond her own years.
She sits among decaying nature
Understanding it is part of a greater cycle.
Her silence is full of understanding
A wisdom only learned from time.
She knows that even the teacher
Never stops learning.
She is quiet and ever-knowing.
Bringing wisdom and understanding to an evolving life.
February 11th, 2014
©2014 natureboundpagan.blogspot.com
My face shows three parts of me.
A tri knowledge,
A tri spirit,
A personality combined.
Eclectic by nature.
A montage mind by choice.
The Maiden in me
Is full of fire.
She is wild
And cannot be contained.
She runs with the moon
Like a wayward girl.
Her passion for spirit
Overflows the brim of her very being.
Her anger can rage and destroy
But her harmony can balance and heal.
She is young and ever-learning.
Bringing a new view to a dull life.
The Mother in me
Is full of life.
She is calm
And slow to anger.
She walks among the trees
With a peace and collectiveness.
Her actions can teach
And her patience is her moral.
She is gentle and ever-teaching.
Bringing knowledge to a naive life.
The Crone in me
Is full of knowledge.
She is wise
Even beyond her own years.
She sits among decaying nature
Understanding it is part of a greater cycle.
Her silence is full of understanding
A wisdom only learned from time.
She knows that even the teacher
Never stops learning.
She is quiet and ever-knowing.
Bringing wisdom and understanding to an evolving life.
February 11th, 2014
©2014 natureboundpagan.blogspot.com
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
100 Magickal Days - The Photo Challenge
The challenge, titled "100 Magickal Days" was started by an online store called "Blessed Be Garden" (blessedbegarden.com IG name: BlessedBeGardenStore). Basically, for 100 days, you share a photo of something that is magickal to you. The idea is that as you are actively looking for something magickal to share, more magic will enter your life, and you will be able to live more in the present moment and appreciate the things in your life.
There is no prize for completing the challenge, or at least, no material prize. The reward you get for completing is the feelings of being more spiritually connected, happiness, peacefulness, better daily moods, and generally being more optimistic. It isn't a competition. It's a challenge, for you and you alone.
Photos can be entered on Instagram by adding #100magickaldays in the caption, by posting to
Blessed Be Garden's Facebook wall: Facebook.com/BlessedBeGardenStore, or via twitter @BlessedBeGarden.
More information on the challenge can be found on Blessed Be Garden's website: blessedbegarden.com
I can honestly say, this is one of the best things I've done, and has bettered me greatly. With that in mind, I'd like to share my 100 Magickal Days with you.
Day 1: My studies as a pagan. This collection of books, that I've shown you before is not all of my books, but a good chunk. They stay underneath my altar. |
Day 3: My dreamcatchers. The far left one I handmade. The middle was a gift. The far right I've had since I was a child. |
Day 4: This stone. I'm not 100% sure what kind of stone it is. I found it floating in a lake in Michigan. It's very light weight. It sits on my altar. |
Day 9: My spell cards. I handmade these. They're like recipe cards, but for spells. I plan to make a bunch and eventually sell them. |
Day 10: My Witch's Wishing Box. It was a gift from a friend. You write a wish on a piece of paper and put it in the box. It has been cleansed and blessed, and now sits on my altar. |
Day 12: My oil and herbal books. These were actually part of my research for my book, but they are also for my personal benefit as well. I'm big on natural remedies. |
Day 14: My pentagram and goddess pendant. I wear them fairly regularly. They both have been cleansed and blessed. |
Day 15: My spider plant. This plant is....let me count...17 years old. That's an old plant! I planted it in a shoe when I was in kindergarden. Now look how big! |
Day 16: My dog, Trina. She's my familiar, and is 13 years old. She has a gorgeous blue tint to her eyes, and the vet says it may mean she'll go blind one day, but not yet! |
Day 17: My other dog, Luke. He's more of my child's familiar, as he is gentle and even playful with my child. He too is 13 years old. |
Day 18: New wax scents. Got them on clearance too! Now I can meditate with some relaxing aromas! |
Day 19: The book store. No, that sign does not lie. There really are 32 rooms of floor to ceiling books. A reader's paradise. |
Day 21: Light magic. I took this photo back when I was in high school. It was my first experience with light magic. Talk about the world of magic being opened before my eyes for the first time! |
Day 22: My stripes. Yes, this is my belly. Yes, these are my pregnancy stretch marks. And I find them beautiful. |
Day 23: Thirty one pounds of blueberries. My family and I hand picked these blueberries in Michigan, years ago. We froze most of them at the time. Now we still use them, in salads, pies, yogurt, etc. |
Day 24: One of my biggest role models in life: Kevin Michael. He was my former philosophy professor, and opened my mind like never before. I miss this man so much. May he rest in peace. |
Day 25: This jar of cinnamon. It sits on my altar, and represents air (cinnamon = incense = air). |
Day 26: Recognition. After four years of university band, I received this plaque for my hard work and dedication. I am now the president of the university band. Woot! |
Day 27: This antler, which sits on my altar. I'm not sure when or where I got it, but I've had it since I was a child. I think my grandfather gave it to me. |
Day 31: My dog's memorial stone. My first dog was a loyal and very faithful dalmatian. This stone sits out in our garden. It has her name and death date on it. |
Day 32: The warm weather that is quickly approaching. Finally, I can go outside and enjoy myself without having to shake frost off of everything! |
Day 33: Friendship. This guy is like my brother. In fact, I introduce him as such. We've had a friendship of 8+ years now! |
Day 34: Raw stones. These are raw and unpolished. I found them in my backyard, further proving how much magic is out there. |
Day 35: Quality time with my child. There is no question about it. It's magickal. Here are some toddler doodles. See what I mean? MAGIC! |
Day 37: My runes. Yes, it's something you can buy at any book store. But it's a good starter kit. Runes are something I want to learn more about, and there's only one way to learn: DO IT! |
Day 40: Long, thoughtful car rides. I love riding in the car. It gives me time to think, relax, and unwind. Sometimes I can even meditate a bit. |
Day 42: My education. Yes, these are my grades for the Spring 2014 semester. I've been on deans list for two years straight now. I take my education seriously. Knowledge = magic. |
Day 43: Surviving a tornado. That's pretty magickal, right? |
Day 44: Jewelry making. I'm a well rounded artist. I love making boho-esque jewelry. I never sell any of it. It's so hard to part with my creations. |
Day 46: The blooming spring! Finally warm weather hits, and the flowers are opening up! Everything is alive and thriving, hungry for sun and warmth after that long winter we had! |
Day 48: Raw crystals and diamonds. I actually mined these in Alaska, while on a family vacation. They sit in a little clear box on my altar. Some of them still have rock and earth clinging to them. |
Day 49: My gingko pin. I bought this at a yard sale for a dollar. Gingkos are very precious to me, and this pin is worn on a regular basis. |
Day 50: My cup that sits on my altar and is occasionally used in rituals. I also bought it at a garage sale for a dollar. |
Day 52: Hidden Ohio maps. It's a map of haunted locations, big foot and UFO sightings, and other paranormal locations. |
Day 53: My tool box. Yes, it's pink and black. And awesome! I'm an artist, but I never know when I'm going to actually have to drill or hammer something. |
Day 54: My memorial shelf. It's more of an altar, paying tribute to my ancestors who have gone before me, and my first dog. Can't forget her! |
Day 55: Finding out about my family history and their involvement in witchcraft. You can read about it all in one of my earlier posts: Blood Witch - The Salem Story and More Ancestry |
Day 56: My laptop sticker. This sticker was given to me by one of my closest and bestest friends. She's like my twin! The friendship I have with her is truly magickal. |
Day 61: My horseshoe. This hangs next to my bedroom door. It also has wheat and peppers on it, which is more of a folklore concept for good luck. |
Day 65: My birthday! What could be more magickal than that? |
Day 69: This blog! You couldn't honestly think this baby of mine wouldn't make my list! Sharing my knowledge and experience is truly magickal! |
Day 71: My offering plate. My offering plate sits on my altar, and holds my offerings/sacrifices that I give to my Goddess and God. Right now, it is holding a candle, which was my offering for Litha. |
Day 72: This vintage trinket box. My mother gave me this box. The lid has broken off, but I plan to fix it. It sits on my altar, but doesn't hold anything. That will change once the lid is fixed. |
Day 73: Another vintage trinket box. My mother gave me this trinket box as well. Right now, it sits on my altar and holds my matches. |
Day 74: My music trophies, and dedication. I've been playing music for over 13 years. I'm in awe of my own dedication when it comes to music. It is probably my longest lasting hobby. |
Day 75: This gingko leaf. Gingkos are very personal to me. In fact, I've branded myself with a logo of a gingko leaf. This particular one is dried, and rolled up, but it still sits on my dresser. |
Day 76: Trinket boxes. This little guy used to hold some broken jewelry that is still in desperate need of fixing. I might put him on my altar. Who knows. |
Day 77: Another trinket box. I seem to like trinket boxes. This one may find itself on my altar for some occasion in the future. |
Day 79: Bone. This piece of bone sits on my altar. I found it while vacationing in Alaska. I'm not sure what it's from, but there's no doubt it's bone. |
Day 80: Tiger's Eye. This stone I've had for years. I no longer remember where I got it, but now it sits on my altar. |
Day 81: Fools gold. This too sits on my altar. The light from candle flames flickers off of it, adding a magickal glow. |
Day 83: Spell casting. I did my first official spell the night before Litha. That was truly magickal! |
Day 84: Sage sticks. Great for cleansing, and the smell is absolutely amazing! Plus, burning it wards of mosquitos, so that's a bonus. |
Day 85: Rainbows. They are always proof that no matter how bad something is, beauty and peace always follows. It's a gentle reminder of the way life works. |
Day 88: Cloud formations. This cloud formation I like to call an "orb." It is hiding the sun, so it's glowing beautifully. Some believe that cloud formations can tell the future. |
Day 92: Vanilla cupcake flavored goldfish crackers. Or more importantly, the sweeter things in life that I treasure even more since trying to eat healthy and lose weight. |
Day 93: Cleansing day! The dogs got a nice shave and a bath, as well as everyone and everything else in the house. I took the time to spiritually cleanse myself too! |
Day 95: Mother Nature. For the longest time, I have wondered what my Goddess would look like. What form would she embody? This picture is my Goddess, in all her glory. Truly magickal. |
Day 96: The late blooming life in my own backyard. This rose is quite tiny, but makes up for its size with its beauty. Its fiery color always brightens up the backyard. |
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