Thursday, October 20, 2011

Pagan Prompt - Energy

Do you believe in channeling energy (either your own or from other sources) into objects for a goal or purpose?

Do you conduct rituals to charge objects (with moonlight, water, salts, etc)?

Is the world just a bunch of energy, that we are moving and bending to our will (magic)?

Yes, yes, and yes.

Grounding is channelling energy to or from the Earth. Think of the non-magical definition of grounding; there are some similarities. If you need energy, take some. If you have extra energy, give it back.

I think a lot of magic is psychological. Tools aren't really necessary. You were born with everything you need to perform magic. The tools are a concrete representation to assist our subconscious with what it needs to do. Plus they're really cool to make! I charge my tools with moonlight. It seems fitting. I use filtered water and sea salt to make my holy water.

The universe is full of energy. When we perform rituals, we borrow some of it for our needs and focus it for specific purposes. Again, things like candles, incantations, chanting, arranging things in a certain way, wearing specific clothes, and choosing specific colors all assist our subconscious.

Friday, October 7, 2011

What is Truth

It really grinds my gears when I see religious sites stating how true Christians, Pagans, Buddists, Jews, etc. should practice. I recently visited a website talking about the pagan roots of the most commonly celebrated holidays. Unless you've been living under a rock, you are aware of this. However, this site also goes on to say that "true Christians" do not celebrate any of these holidays because it is not pleasing to Jehovah God. I'm assuming that the website's author is Jehovah's Witness. As a former JW, I can attest to the fact that JWs do not celebrate ANY holidays whatsoever except the commemmoration of Jesus' death. Milestones such as graduations, wedding anniversaries, and baby showers are acceptable (unless of course you have a baby out of wedlock :/)

Since when was pagan such a bad word? I remember when I used to defend JW beliefs to my friends while secretly I was dying inside. What good is living when you have absolutely nothing to celebrate, nothing to look forward to other than school, Kingdom Hall meetings, and field service? But I digress.

So this author like so many others in their respective religions knows what "truth" is. Truth is like beauty; it's in the eye of the beholder. You can take 2 people in the exact same denomination and have 2 different versions of the truth.

Christians should know by now that yes, historically most if not all of Christian holidays were Pagan first. I have no problem with Christians or anyone else for that matter celebrating whatever holidays they want to. However, I urge all to be educated. Do not insist that Christmas is *the* birthday of Jesus. It's not. Halloween aka Samhain has been perverted from its original purpose. Easter has nothing to do with Jesus either.

What your spirituality, be true to yourself. After all, some wo/man made up the rules to whatever path you're following.