Sunday, October 31, 2010

Blessed Samhain / Beltain !

Blessed Samhain / Beltain !

Wanted to include both because they are the Yin & Yang of each other twice each year !   I have always seen this and marvel at it's simplicity.  Perhaps there are other major holidays that are celebrated on the same day , but I can't think of them myself.

Autumn & Spring are the "Yin & Yang" of each other and what better way to celebrate each than for their beginnings to be celebrated on the same date twice each year.

How amny of us have already carved our Jack-O-Lanterns and how many are doing a ritual or Dumb Supper this evening ?  Some may have celebrated earlier this weekend too.  

At this time of year I get to be a "kid again" by wearing in public my pointed witch hat {although this year I had a twist on it as the hat was very tiny and on a headband}, and wear some "witchy type" earrings and pins.   My youngest son was so embarrassed { cackling laughter and feeling of acheivement from me } that he refussed to walk or be seen with me and hubby yesterday when we were visiting in Yellow Springs.   Had alot of fun and completely enjoyed the day !

Looks like tonight we'll be having a bonefire and if all goes well I might do my own ritual type of protection blessing of the house & property again. 

Dinner tonight will be acorn squash stuffed with ground turkey spiced with thyme, rosemary, sage, cinnamon & nutmeg, and rice.   Tastes better than it sounds.
Hot cider & coffee after the bonfire to warm the body & soul.

Off to play.....
Blessings,
Topaz

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

How magick happens in my kitchen

Cooking with intent is a HUGE part of kitchen witchery.  One has to take into account what has already been cooked and what it's original intent was about before layering foods together.  Example :  If you cooked a romantic meal just for you and your honey you wouldn't want to serve the left-overs with some from Monday Night Football Bash.
Total clash there , even if both adults are larger than life football fans.   Trust me here.
Things must be able to mingle together....like friends at a party.   You wouldn't invite the Geeks to party with the Jocks...they just don't and won't mix !  Same thought with foods, especially left-overs.

I adore fresh herbs !  This is no secret to my family and I have made discoveries that don't always match-up with my favorite magickal herbal books by Scott Cunningham.
Such as when I use fresh Rosemary my hubby has some pretty strange dreams later that night, and fresh Thyme does that to me sometimes too.   In the summer I leave a fresh sprig of Thyme or Rosemary on my stove top alter for Goddess, but when Autumn & Winter arrive I turn to dried herbs instead.  I recommend searching the Internet or library to find which herbs and spices your kitchen Goddess desires and using them unless you wish to invoke Her help in gaining something specific....love, money, job, health or healing.

I also have notes inside my kitchen cabinet that help remind me of which herb or spice to use for protection ; healing ; love / lust ; purification ; courage ; money / finances ; & psychic awareness.   Some herbs & spices over-lap in their properties, but this is OK if your going for things that mesh well together.   Example : Money & Protection...both use Clover, Bay, and Fennel and could be looked at as spell work to protect your money coming into your home from flying out too fast.   You get the picture I'm sure.

I'm sure you know to always stir a pot or pan clockwise and your dominate hand is your power or sending hand ; whereas your non-dominate hand is your lesser or receiving hand.   Always find a moment or two to thank Goddess/God or Divine in your day before cooking anything.  This includes making your morning coffee or hot tea !  Thankfulness & gratitude go a long way to keep the flow of blessings going !

I also keep a candle sitting on my stove top until time to cook or bake.  I regularly light the candle while sending out my intentions in the morning and burn for a few hours. Please Do Not Leave Burning Any Candle Unattended, Ever !!!!   I watch that my Bubba kitty doesn't get too close to it so he doesn't get burned.....bathroom safe time for him.

I use a wooden spoon as my wand, so to speak.  When I use all my simple, everyday tools with deep intention I know things will happen.  Oh, they don't usually happen quickly....my life ain't the movies or TV series.....but things do happen & I believe kitchen magick has longer lasting effects than other forms of the Craft.   Always pay close attention to thoughts or feelings that may "pop" into your head as your cooking. Ward off negative vibes / thoughts and guard closely those that are positive.  That is unless your wanting a negative or unpleasant outcome.   There are some good books on that subject I'm sure.  

Always remember Karma.  One of my favorite quotes, "What comes around goes around and kicks you in the ass."   This is so true and even more so or quicker with kitchen witchery.  Karma can be a lady or a bitch...depending on your intent.  Which brings me to my last thought ..... Your Intention ; It's All Up To You !

Blessings,
Topaz

Monday, October 25, 2010

Humor in Tight Spots

Going through tight spots has been a reaccuring thing in my life ; as I'm sure it has in most people's lives.  The differnce is how one goes through it or if they decide to camp-out and live there.

Me, personally I don't camp anywhere, anymore !  Camping....that's staying at the local Holiday Inn, right ! ?   No for me I go through everything with my witty, dark humor in tact and laugh or at least sniddly remark on some serious subjects that most folks would be appauld at to say the least.

Examples :  Right now my hubby is going through some serious health issues and I've let him know that, "When the minister said, "Till Death Do You Part", it was'nt a goal he had to meet !" .   Right before his medical prceedure he had to doan one of those wonderful hospital gowns and my quirky humor got the best of me and out came, "Gee honey, you remind me of the dancing Henry's.".  The nurse walked out of his room while saying she didn't know what to think of me and my sense of humor.  Hey , at least I have one...all be it dark and with a twist.

So, what do you think of this type of humor and have you ever used it yourself while dealing with some serious situations in life ?  Let me know....I'm all ears.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

On opening an online store....

I have been planning for quiet sometime to open an on-line store to sell pet treats.  I know, sounds a bit boring or normal, but then I thought about expanding it just a wee bit.  Selling other items all made by myself for pets.  Sort of a pet theamed on-line store.

Now here's my question : Should I keep it like a regular mundan pet theamed store or gear it toward the pagan/magickal cmmunity ?  I'm all ears. 

I figure no matter which way I go there will be some spell work involved to bring in the customers and make it a success.  I don't believe in the "no personal gain" thing some have talked about online.  Sounds to much like the TV characters.  I believe in "Do what you will and harm none.".

Tell me your thoughts ; my ears are open.

Blessings,
Topaz

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Being T-Pee'd and Garage Stalkings

Late last night was interesting to say the least ; some friends {2 adults and 2 kids } T-pee'd part of our side yard while at the same time someone unknown to any of us was stalking around our garage.

Kismet happens for a reason and Mr. & Mrs. L were at the right place at the right time.  A car driving by saw them in the act and honked which helped to scar off the would be intruder.  Travis was getting a drink and saw the stalker at the same time he looked up and saw Travis.  All this and a honking car too.

We had a good laugh about everything after all was done and the garage was safe the rest of the night.   No warning from the dog or the outside cats.  I believe it's due to instinct that the persons doing the T-pee'ing were doing so in good nature and perhaps not realizing the person at the garage wasn't with this small group of merry-makers.   Hmmm, gives one pause. 

Now we have to decide of we want another dog that will be a gaurd dog or not.  Would have been alot of barking if Moose had still been alive.  LOL
The "toddler"/ Tanka slept through all of it.  Go figure !  { rolling my eyes}

Wondering if I should do a protection witch bottle for the whole property or just for the house and garage.   Nw, what would one put into a protection bottle of this nature.....will have to do some homework on this and will keep yoou posted.

Blessings,
Topaz

Friday, October 15, 2010

Do I Choose A Goddess or Does She Choose Me ?

I've been wondering lately if I'm to choose a Goddess or will She choose me.  Might sound a bit confusing , right. 

At first I talked with & prayed to the Jewish Goddess, Ashera.  Then several months went by and I started talking with Vesta / Heasta.  After all they are the protectors of the hearth and home.  I honor Goddess with my stovetop alter and a small modern bronze statue representing Her ; in which I leave offerings of herbs, spices, and nuts.

Does anyone else worship more than one Goddess at a time ?  If so, are they from the same patheon or different cultures ?  Do you worship or honor them in rituals only or other ways ?   Having come from a dogma background these types of questions are important to me.  So, if anyone cares to answer I'd love to know.

Blessings,
Topaz

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Opening a blog for the 1st time.....

Afternoon !

Well, I finally did it ; I opened my 1st blog and am posting.  Yeah, I know, "Boring", but it will get better.  I promise.

I'm a Domestic Witch that Rambles alot....hence the name of the blog.  So, for those who don't know what a Domestic Witch is I'll explain.....I'm a kitchen/Herb Witch who stays home and does the " Domestic Thing"the majority of the time.  Clean, cook, do all the grocery shopping, taking care of all the 4-legged furry children { 1 deaf Great Dane, 2 indoor cats, and 5 outside/inside cats }, schedualing of appointments, studying all forms of pet business and healing arts, and magickal studies. 

This time of year I get very domestic and cook & bake up a storm.  Seriously considering making a meal plan/chart for the following week.  It will help with the grocery shopping, or so I've been told.  For the last 3 weeks I have been using-up the meats in my freezers.  Almost out of cicken and ground turkey.  have used all the ground beef and pork already.  

Now this may sound strange, but to get an idea of the amount of grocery shopping I do every week.....
It's usually done on a Thursday and I go to 3 stores {Aldi, Wal-Mart, and Kroger}.  Our weekly bill was around $180 to $200 for 4 people { 1 woman & 3 guys}.  No small children and no junk food {chips, cookies, snack cakes, or pop}.   I've been an avide couponer since my husband's Navy days so I know how to shop using them, but have found that Aldi is still cheaper on most things than the other stores who accept coupons. 

My goal is to slash my grocery bill by 10% to 15% per week.  Will update on this as I go.  Will give helpful hints and post sales ifany are interested.

As for my magickal & spiritual side....
Am looking forward to Samhain.  Even though I'm a solitary witch {one who works her magick alone or  without a coven of other witches} I have been invited by another to join her and a few other pagans for their Samhain gathering.  This will be a first for me and I'm looking forward to it !   Samhain is the spiritual holiday for witches otherwise known as Halloween to everyone else.  I celebrate Halloween too just like everyone else, but there is a spiritual side to this day/night that is celebrated differently for witches, Wiccans, and other pagans.  

So, now that you have a "Flavor" of my posts and me I hope you come back often and post me questions or comments.

Blessings,
Topaz