" Tis the Season" as the old saying goes ; since I'm stuck at home recouping from knee surgery I have alot of time on my hands to explore all things about Yule & Christmas.
From a singular stand point both of these holidays / holy days have things in common ; not surprising inthe least since pagans all over Europe celebrated Yule in many forms before christianity was brought from the christianed Roman Empire.
Celebrations of "light" and also of the male God. I find t interesting that neither have much to do with Goddess. Seems that ancient Mid-Eastern and Western-Asian cultures also celebrated the Winter Solstice around the same time each year.
Now, go from ancient European, Mid-Eastern, & Western-Asian times to the present ;
even non-pagans celebrate the "Light" which is refered to as the Son / Jesus. He is known as the "Light of the World". I find that interesting. Seems that since he was really born in the spring the Catholic Church had to incorporate his birth into the Winter Solstice. OK, most already know this and yet some still don't understand it's importance.
We celebrate Yule & Christmas with tree's. We decorte them with strings of electric lights and glass or homemade ornaments in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Many have "themed" trees. Mine for the past few years has imitation apples, pomagranits, pears, gingerbread people, and candy canes amoung a few antique glass ornaments. I have candles decorating the mantel and dinning room table. I just knew as a young teenager that having candles was an important requirement for my personal celebration of the season. Used to drive my mom wild or scared with the amount of red, white, and dark green candles sitting around hr dinning room.
There's also the sents of the season ; pine, gingerbread, cinnamon & nutmeg to name a few. Some people also enjoy the smell of frankensence. We do all our baking and lavish meals. Not so sure that was the case in ancient times, but drinking muled wine, ales, and meads were definately part of many traditions. Not so sure where spiking the eggnog came into being, but I have memories of dad taking down the only bottle of whiskey they had every year on Christmas Eve & New Years Eve. That bottle was given to him when I was 4 years old and mom still had it right before dad passed-on almost 21 years later.
Gifts are another part of both holidays / holy days. Be it something we make with our own hands, or buy at a epartment store we try to match-up the best gift with the person in mind. I have made many cheese balls ; herbal oils and vinegars ; and cookies and sweet breads as gifts over the years. This year I'm hoping to be able to do just that and add herb butters and herb breads to my list. : - )
Hymns and songs of the season are also interesting if you think about them. Many of each { hymn & songs} have references of pagan customs and times. Such as "Here we come a Wasseling" , and "Oh Christmas Tree".....both have pagan references.
I love to listen the "Hymn of the Bells" done with hand bells. I get the warm fuzzy feeling all over when I hear it in concert.
Then there's the colors ; Red, White, & Dark Green. Yes, one may think of Italy or Portugal, but to most it's the 3 main colors of the Season. I have so much more to research but am glad I have some time to do so this year. Sure, I missed Black Friday and I didn't take advantage of Cyber Monday either { have to have $$$ in the account } but either way it's giving me the time to know what each of my 3 guys will get and who else will be on my recieving end and what to make for them.
Will I be adding my magickal intentions to the presents ; Yes, of course I will. I'll also be relying on Goddess Fortuna to guild and help me find the right ingredients and presents for those on my list.
Blessing of Peace,
Topaz
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
What Am I Thankful For This Year...
What Am I Thankful For This Year ...
First and foremost my family. I have a loving, hardworking hubsband who dispite health problems gets up 6 mornings a week & goes to work so his family has a roof over our heads , food on the table, and bills get paid.
I also have 2 loving sons who do their part to bring joy to our little family. The oldest is a hard working, good natured man. While the youngest is a sometimes hilarious & sometimes a pain in the ass teenager.
Secondly, I'm thankful that we live in the United States of America. In my opinion it is the greatest nation on earth, & it's people are the most helpful and giving people on the planet. Don't believe me just research how much money, food, water, and supplies were given to the people of Haiti and other places within the last couple of years. That's called "Love or Charity" depending on your viewpoint.
Thirdly, I'm thankful for our military. These brave young men & women are willing to fight to defend our / my rights to the death if needs be. Thank You All.
Fourth, I'm thankful for our / my Rights as a Citizen of our great country. I am one of those people / citizens who will stand-up for each of my rights and those of it's other Citizens. I will not "shut-up and sit down in the back of the bus". I take each of my Rights seriously ; this includes my Religious Rights. I have to Right to believe and practice my spiritual beliefs. Thank You God & Goddess !
OK, now that you've heard a few of the things I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving , What Are You Thankful For ?
Blessings,
Topaz
P.S. Since I'm slow at learning technical things here I wanted each of you to know that I do appreciate when you reply to my posts but that it wasn't until today that I learned how I could reply to your comments. I know..."DUH" on my part. : P
It wasn't until a few years ago that my hubby dragged me out of the "Dark Ages" and made me leave my chissel and stone tablet behind. ; }
First and foremost my family. I have a loving, hardworking hubsband who dispite health problems gets up 6 mornings a week & goes to work so his family has a roof over our heads , food on the table, and bills get paid.
I also have 2 loving sons who do their part to bring joy to our little family. The oldest is a hard working, good natured man. While the youngest is a sometimes hilarious & sometimes a pain in the ass teenager.
Secondly, I'm thankful that we live in the United States of America. In my opinion it is the greatest nation on earth, & it's people are the most helpful and giving people on the planet. Don't believe me just research how much money, food, water, and supplies were given to the people of Haiti and other places within the last couple of years. That's called "Love or Charity" depending on your viewpoint.
Thirdly, I'm thankful for our military. These brave young men & women are willing to fight to defend our / my rights to the death if needs be. Thank You All.
Fourth, I'm thankful for our / my Rights as a Citizen of our great country. I am one of those people / citizens who will stand-up for each of my rights and those of it's other Citizens. I will not "shut-up and sit down in the back of the bus". I take each of my Rights seriously ; this includes my Religious Rights. I have to Right to believe and practice my spiritual beliefs. Thank You God & Goddess !
OK, now that you've heard a few of the things I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving , What Are You Thankful For ?
Blessings,
Topaz
P.S. Since I'm slow at learning technical things here I wanted each of you to know that I do appreciate when you reply to my posts but that it wasn't until today that I learned how I could reply to your comments. I know..."DUH" on my part. : P
It wasn't until a few years ago that my hubby dragged me out of the "Dark Ages" and made me leave my chissel and stone tablet behind. ; }
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Todays Thoughts.....
Todays thoughts go from the roast and veggie's I've had in my crockpot the past few hours to "Operation Shield" that occured yesterday in MD for a fallen soldier and his family.
Today started as it always does ; up before 5am to take hubby to work and wait 45 minuets to pick ldest up from his job. Back home to feed my 4-legged toddler and then to start the days laundry, make fresh coffee { A Must }, and to begin my daily routine here at home. Part of my am routine today was to put a nice roast in the crockpot and chop all the fresh veggies and herbs before adding them. Let me tell you something , thse folks on the Food Network make it look so easy. Let us see them cutting, chopping, and pouring ingrediants into those cute little bowls before the show starts ! That's Never going to happen folks ; Ya know why ? They have Sou-Chef's do all of it before hand ; including all the cooking and baking so all the show's star has is a display of sorts.
OK, enough of my ranting here. I feel so much better for it too. Back on subject, after cuting & chopping for 20 minuets I had my CP filled with everything needed for tonights main course. I did some intentional chopping too {health & wealth}. Same with making the am coffee. No luck in having a bubble or two in my mug this morning. This doesn't happen much for me ; not sure why either.
The daily laundry was started and toddler fed and put in his kennel for his am nap. Checked on the other 4-legged children {aka cats} and fed a couple that didn't come in for their 5 am feeding. Decided on a couple more chores that will be done today, then hopped online to check e-mails and facebook.
Bless my friend, Mrs. B. , she shared a YouTube post of "Operation Shield" that happened yesterday in MD for a fallen soldier and his family. Thanks Mrs. B. for sharing that post !
I have to say that while I watched it I cried. It was amazing to see all those people standing alongside the highway where his funeral was passing by with their American flags and shirts supporting his family. Bless all of them for supporting him and his family. I'm so glad those awful people from the so-called Baptist church left !
There are a number of reasons I am so passionate about this :
1} I have 2 nephews that are Marines. One served in Iraq multiple times and had friends die there. They both will be going to Afghanastan shortly.
2} I am an ex-Navy wife and as such know the angruish the family and friends are going through when a loved one {Sailor, Marine,Soldier, or Airman} dies in the line of duty for this country.
3} I was raised to honor and respect the dead and their loved ones during their time of grief.
4} Respect should always be given to those who were willing to lay down their lives to protect our freedoms !
Enough said on my end.
Topaz
Today started as it always does ; up before 5am to take hubby to work and wait 45 minuets to pick ldest up from his job. Back home to feed my 4-legged toddler and then to start the days laundry, make fresh coffee { A Must }, and to begin my daily routine here at home. Part of my am routine today was to put a nice roast in the crockpot and chop all the fresh veggies and herbs before adding them. Let me tell you something , thse folks on the Food Network make it look so easy. Let us see them cutting, chopping, and pouring ingrediants into those cute little bowls before the show starts ! That's Never going to happen folks ; Ya know why ? They have Sou-Chef's do all of it before hand ; including all the cooking and baking so all the show's star has is a display of sorts.
OK, enough of my ranting here. I feel so much better for it too. Back on subject, after cuting & chopping for 20 minuets I had my CP filled with everything needed for tonights main course. I did some intentional chopping too {health & wealth}. Same with making the am coffee. No luck in having a bubble or two in my mug this morning. This doesn't happen much for me ; not sure why either.
The daily laundry was started and toddler fed and put in his kennel for his am nap. Checked on the other 4-legged children {aka cats} and fed a couple that didn't come in for their 5 am feeding. Decided on a couple more chores that will be done today, then hopped online to check e-mails and facebook.
Bless my friend, Mrs. B. , she shared a YouTube post of "Operation Shield" that happened yesterday in MD for a fallen soldier and his family. Thanks Mrs. B. for sharing that post !
I have to say that while I watched it I cried. It was amazing to see all those people standing alongside the highway where his funeral was passing by with their American flags and shirts supporting his family. Bless all of them for supporting him and his family. I'm so glad those awful people from the so-called Baptist church left !
There are a number of reasons I am so passionate about this :
1} I have 2 nephews that are Marines. One served in Iraq multiple times and had friends die there. They both will be going to Afghanastan shortly.
2} I am an ex-Navy wife and as such know the angruish the family and friends are going through when a loved one {Sailor, Marine,Soldier, or Airman} dies in the line of duty for this country.
3} I was raised to honor and respect the dead and their loved ones during their time of grief.
4} Respect should always be given to those who were willing to lay down their lives to protect our freedoms !
Enough said on my end.
Topaz
Monday, November 15, 2010
What's a Birthday Really ?
This past weekend has me pondering "Birthdays". As silly as this may sound , everyone one way or another celebrate their birthday from refusing to admit to it {change in their age}, to huge eleborate parties thrown for them.
My own was this past weekend. I turned 46 yrs old {Thank You Very Much}. That morning I awoke to the knowledge I was a year older. Hmmm, was a bit different feeling than the previous year ; perhaps because I was 1 full year closer to being the big 5 0. As I layed in the quiet of early morning hours I took stock of what constitutes my life ; all my accomplishments and the things I still want to do & places I want to see. I'm a little less than halfway through my life.....Yes, I know this for a fact ; I am going to live to be a "Very Old Lady" !!!
I found the simplest things mean more to me now than they did say a decade ago. Such as spending time with my sons. They are both considered adults now {18yrs, & 27yrs} and eating a tasty, well prepared meal.
As you can guess they took me to lunch at a local restruant and then spent the rest of the afternoon with me. Now here's where it gets humoris.....it was at a local craft fair. They were the only two males there over the age of 8 or 9 yrs that weren't sellers. My sons are brave young men to file behind their mom while she shops the differnt booths and selects items , then to carry the bags was something else. Of course both saw friends of the opposite sex there and all were amazed that not one but both of my sons were there with their mom {"how brave" ;"how wonderful that they love" me that much....ROFL}.
Yes, my birthday made me appreciate how much they love me. Oh, I forgot to mention the normal bantering was kept to a minimal too. Miracles & Natural Magick really does happen when we least expect them too ! LOL
Now what does all this have to do with being a Kitchen / Herb Witch you wonder..... Let me explain :
1} I will fix and enjoy more tasty meals. Eating is to be a pleasure ; something not rushed through but enjoyed.
2} I will be watching my money more closely from now on. To vacation in Europe is going to cost some money { aka, Mucho Mulla } and I'm going to be more careful so I can fulfill my traveling goals before I'm too old to enjoy traveling.
3} Must learn more from Mother Nature. She hs so much to teach & I want to be more of a sponge so I can soak-up all her leassons on natural magick and nature herself.
4} My Time has arrived to start my next phase of life....opening my own business on 2 leavels. {Will explain this in more detail when it occurse in reality.}.
5} Not to sweat the small stuff in life. Most things are small stuff.
6} Last but not least , Enjoy my family and close friends more ! Every man considers his sons his "prodigy" , but if one thinks on it for a short amount of time they will see it's more often than not the mom who riases the young and teaches them right from wrong, and so forth. Therefore "prodigy" praises should go to the mom ! : D
So, there you have it.
Blessings,
Topaz
My own was this past weekend. I turned 46 yrs old {Thank You Very Much}. That morning I awoke to the knowledge I was a year older. Hmmm, was a bit different feeling than the previous year ; perhaps because I was 1 full year closer to being the big 5 0. As I layed in the quiet of early morning hours I took stock of what constitutes my life ; all my accomplishments and the things I still want to do & places I want to see. I'm a little less than halfway through my life.....Yes, I know this for a fact ; I am going to live to be a "Very Old Lady" !!!
I found the simplest things mean more to me now than they did say a decade ago. Such as spending time with my sons. They are both considered adults now {18yrs, & 27yrs} and eating a tasty, well prepared meal.
As you can guess they took me to lunch at a local restruant and then spent the rest of the afternoon with me. Now here's where it gets humoris.....it was at a local craft fair. They were the only two males there over the age of 8 or 9 yrs that weren't sellers. My sons are brave young men to file behind their mom while she shops the differnt booths and selects items , then to carry the bags was something else. Of course both saw friends of the opposite sex there and all were amazed that not one but both of my sons were there with their mom {"how brave" ;"how wonderful that they love" me that much....ROFL}.
Yes, my birthday made me appreciate how much they love me. Oh, I forgot to mention the normal bantering was kept to a minimal too. Miracles & Natural Magick really does happen when we least expect them too ! LOL
Now what does all this have to do with being a Kitchen / Herb Witch you wonder..... Let me explain :
1} I will fix and enjoy more tasty meals. Eating is to be a pleasure ; something not rushed through but enjoyed.
2} I will be watching my money more closely from now on. To vacation in Europe is going to cost some money { aka, Mucho Mulla } and I'm going to be more careful so I can fulfill my traveling goals before I'm too old to enjoy traveling.
3} Must learn more from Mother Nature. She hs so much to teach & I want to be more of a sponge so I can soak-up all her leassons on natural magick and nature herself.
4} My Time has arrived to start my next phase of life....opening my own business on 2 leavels. {Will explain this in more detail when it occurse in reality.}.
5} Not to sweat the small stuff in life. Most things are small stuff.
6} Last but not least , Enjoy my family and close friends more ! Every man considers his sons his "prodigy" , but if one thinks on it for a short amount of time they will see it's more often than not the mom who riases the young and teaches them right from wrong, and so forth. Therefore "prodigy" praises should go to the mom ! : D
So, there you have it.
Blessings,
Topaz
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
How Magickal or Mundane is Life ?
How mundane is each of our lives really ? We wake-up and get our day started like every other day and seem to go through the grind until we fall into bed to sleep each night.
Does that sound familar to you ? If so how about looking for the small magickal moments that occure most days that go un-noticed by the majority of the population.
A perfect example happened extremely early this morning as I was taking hubby to work ; a bright white shooting star streaked across the northern sky for a split second. It was enough to catch both of our attention and wonder at the beauty of it.
My family & I have been able to see five of them within the past week going in three different directions and at different times during the evening or early morning while it's darkest before dawn. The colors have ranged from bright white to a glowing redish orange. This is very special to those of us living in the Mid-West as we have many large cities that seem to obscure these magickal displays in the heavens.
Anotehr example is noticing ina different way a large barren oak tree. I've always seen it goiing into a nearby town, but didn't notice all the tiny branches it still had sprouting out on it's more massive limbs. This tree has to be well over a 100 years old, but it's still growing and buds will form on all it's limbs in the coming spring.
These are but 2 magickal moments in what others would call a mundane life.
You might ask, why haven't you done any spells, or conjured something to help or aid in someway ? Wouldn't that be more "witch like" ? My answer is "No, I have neither done any spell work the past week & No, life for a witch isn't always like that either. { I have to smile and shake my head when I think of somethings others say or ask. }
Bring the magick into your life and home by looking for or opening yourself to the extra ordinary in life. It's like looking through a telescope lens and seeing something far differnt than you've ever seen it before.
Blessings of Openess,
Topaz
Does that sound familar to you ? If so how about looking for the small magickal moments that occure most days that go un-noticed by the majority of the population.
A perfect example happened extremely early this morning as I was taking hubby to work ; a bright white shooting star streaked across the northern sky for a split second. It was enough to catch both of our attention and wonder at the beauty of it.
My family & I have been able to see five of them within the past week going in three different directions and at different times during the evening or early morning while it's darkest before dawn. The colors have ranged from bright white to a glowing redish orange. This is very special to those of us living in the Mid-West as we have many large cities that seem to obscure these magickal displays in the heavens.
Anotehr example is noticing ina different way a large barren oak tree. I've always seen it goiing into a nearby town, but didn't notice all the tiny branches it still had sprouting out on it's more massive limbs. This tree has to be well over a 100 years old, but it's still growing and buds will form on all it's limbs in the coming spring.
These are but 2 magickal moments in what others would call a mundane life.
You might ask, why haven't you done any spells, or conjured something to help or aid in someway ? Wouldn't that be more "witch like" ? My answer is "No, I have neither done any spell work the past week & No, life for a witch isn't always like that either. { I have to smile and shake my head when I think of somethings others say or ask. }
Bring the magick into your life and home by looking for or opening yourself to the extra ordinary in life. It's like looking through a telescope lens and seeing something far differnt than you've ever seen it before.
Blessings of Openess,
Topaz
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