Saturday, April 4, 2015

UU Lent - Transcend

From Dictionary.com
Transcend
1. to rise above or go beyond; overpass; exceed; excel.

2. Theology. (of Deity) to be above and independent of the Universe, time, etc.


A lunar eclipse was visible today from Baltimore in the early morning hours right before moonset. I wasn't able to get a good view. The moon peeked out for a second then clouds covered Her. Restlessness consumed me; no wonder, the eclipse occurred almost dead center in my (sidereal) sun sign of Virgo. I think of Deity as both transcendent and immanent. Perhaps on some level She was trying to reach me. I like to think that when I rid myself of my physical body, I too will become more like Deity.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

UU Adult RE Spirit in Practice

For this week's journaling, reflect on something you do/have done to increase justice, equality, and/or compassion in the world. It could be serving at Sharing Table, bringing grape jelly to church, writing to your legislator, marching for a cause, participating in anti-racism training, adding some coins to an anonymous neighbor's expired parking meter, or any of an infinite number of expressions of interdependence. As you are reflecting on your practice, how would you articulate its deeper meaning? What inspires you about what you are doing? How does your action help you come alive?

What have I done to increase justice, equality, and compassion? Not enough but I'm trying to change that. I voted for the first time in 2012 as a registered Libertarian. Without arguing about politics, my goal is to educate whenever the topic comes up. (Did you know that the commission that handles the Presidential debates are owned / run by Dems and Reps? They set the rules for who gets to be in the debates which automatically disqualifies all 3rd party and independent candidates. Also most states have stipulations on 3rd parties in order to acquire and maintain ballot access. They have to meet a certain number of party-registered voters or else have to ask other voters to sign a petition. How is that fair or just? So I encourage those who say they are voting for the lesser of 2 evils to check out a 3rd party's platform.)

More recently, like today - just now - I registered for Pets on Wheels. My ex-religion didn't encourage any type of charity or community service, just their own door-knocking for converting purposes. Samus,, my 1st furbaby, is very friendly and I know she would bring a smile to someone's face.

Speaking of Samus - she is one of 4 furbabies that I have. They all come from my area rescues. If I had more room, I would have more kitties and puppies.

I'm not a people person. Really. I'm not. I'm painfully socially awkward but I deal with it well enough to get by. Samus picked me; she is such a loyal doggie. I hope with us doing PoW I can be a little less awkward.

My plan is to expand this part of my practice by participating more in the community service aspects via my church, (Honey, don't forget the grape jelly!)

Saturday, February 28, 2015

UU Adult RE Spirit in Practice

In what ways are you creative? 

I didn't inherit the artistic gene. My mother and my siblings draw pretty well. I draw well enough for Pictionary. I used to write poetry often but I'm out of practice. If you follow me on Twitter (@queenj) you may see some of my haikus from time to time. The first post for UULent2015 was a poem composed of haiku verses. Dramatic reading seems to suit me; I love to read parts for Sunday service when I can make it. Oh, and I sing a little.

When and where do you apply your inspiration, problem-solving, and sense of beauty? 

Sadly, inspiration is hard to come by these days. Crazy work schedule coupled with no time to connect to those who mean the most to me leaves me feeling depressed most of the time. It is a struggle to not write about doom and gloom. 

What creative processes do you engage in regularly?

I try to listen to the Universe. Instead of internalizing my problems, I see if the solution is "out there" somewhere. Occult practices require some creativity simply because of their nature. One can read tarot and use the accompanying book or one can feel the tarot.

I've thought about getting into some sort of knitting or crocheting. Anyone want to teach me?

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

UU Lent - Trust

My boyfriend of less than a month made a key for me to his house. He's mentioned doing it a few times before but I was apprehensive. I'm honored.

Monday, February 23, 2015

UU Lent - Home

Observable Universe
Virgo Supercluster
Local Group
Milky Way
Orion Arm
Sol
Earth
North Hemisphere
North America
United States
Maryland
county
city
neighborhood
street
number

Home.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

UU Lent - Friendship

My 2 favorite cartoons stress friendship. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic constantly shows how friendship is important. The series centers around 6 main (or mane!) characters. Usually one of them has a problem and refuses to get help which makes the problem worse. The other friends finally help and the original friend writes to the pony queen about the lesson.

The other cartoon is Winnie-the-Pooh. His best friend is Piglet who never turns Pooh away when he wants honey. Roo befriends a Hefflelump (elephant) in one of the movies. Pooh and the gang throw Tigger a party dressed like Tigger when it comes to light that he doesn't have a family.

International Friendship Day has several dates: July 30, Aug 2 or the 1st Sunday in Aug.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

UU Lent - Hospitality

Hospitality - the friendly treatment of guests or strangers (Dictionary.com)

Every Sunday before service my church says a welcoming statement. We also invite any new persons to stay afterwards to have any questions answered. The coffee hour is new to me. After the service, there are snacks and coffee. Everyone mingles and talks about the service or what is going on in their lives.

Friday, February 20, 2015

UU Lent - Waiting

I'm still waiting to have another baby. It's been several years since my tubal reversal. Sometimes I fear that it's too late and the Mother phase of my life is turning into the Crone.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

UU Lent - Practice

unitarian
"deist-buddhist-pagan-witch"
universalist

north east south and west
call the quarters, cast circle
i'm goddess and god

calming buddhist chants
nam myoho renge kyo
ding ding sound the chime

she's full of mercy
hail! om mani padme hum!
blessed sweet qwan yin

decisions aren't clear
pentacles, cups, wands, and swords
clarity ensues

is there a god? *shrugs*
who knows? is science proof? yes?
no? Schrodinger's cat

lunar cycle divine
new, waning, full, waxing, new
crescent and gibbous

7 principles
all congregations unique
everyone welcome

unitarian
"deist-buddhist-pagan-witch"
universalist




Friday, February 6, 2015

UU Adult RE Spirit in Practice #4

For this week's journaling, return to your memory of a meaningful communal worship experience, or think of a new one. Weddings and funerals count as well as Sunday services and special holiday observances. How do you think the presence of a community affected your meaningful experience?

-Chanting with a Nichiren Buddhist group. At first it was kind of weird but after I got used to it, there was something energetic about many people chanting together. We were encouraged to chant alone but it's not the same. I used to chant along with a youtube video. Again, not the same as chanting with real people and experiencing that energy in person and in real-time.

-UU Sunday service. I enjoy it most when the house band UU2 plays. Jehovah's Witnesses would never* allow secular music in their "churches" so I was pretty surprised when UU2 played Pink Floyd. Various members give their gift of song and music. I've been called on a few times to read the children's story or a passage with the worship theme. Music speaks to me so I'm quite happy that my UU congregation is musically inclined.

-Pagan family's ritual. This was the first time I participated in a pagan group ritual. I believe the family was Wiccan. After the ritual, we shared a vegetarian meal. The event occurred at the beginning of my new spiritual journey so I really didn't know what to make of it. However, I wouldn't mind participating in other group rituals even though I am a solitary.
My preference is to perform rituals and practice alone. However, I really enjoy sharing and learning from others in the UU community whether in person or online. I think both are necessary to have a complete spiritual practice.
What do you appreciate most about worshipping with a community? What are some things you can do - actions within your own power to accomplish - that would help you to experience worship more deeply?

I appreciate being part of the energy that comes with being in a community where you truly belong. For years after I was formally expelled from JW, I still occasionally attended the meetings. The last one I attending was their 2010 celebration of Jesus' death. It felt all wrong and I never went back again. That was truly the first step of my new spiritual journey. 

My goal for this year is to visit neighboring UU congregations. Since each congregation is autonomous, the worship and energy will be different in each one. I would also like to participate more in programs sponsoring by my home congregation; my work schedule prevents me from even attending regularly.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Deism and Prayer

Deists have varying thoughts on prayer. Some believe that Deity does not interfere in human affairs and thus prayer is a waste of time. Others like myself believe that prayer connects to the Higher Self which can be view as the God/dess within.

I remember hearing a sermon that mentioned 4 types of prayer. I'm guessing this refers to Christian prayer but I'll go over each type and why it may or may not fit into my practice.

  • Praise/Adoration/Love/Awe: When you tell Deity how great She and Her Works are. Chances are, She already knows but it doesn't hurt to be reminded every now and then. Deism is based in science so praising the beauty of the sunset or being in awe of the human birthing process would fit in with this belief system. In my Pagan rituals there are invocations that could be likened to prayers of adoration although I'm not really one for flowery speech.
  • Thanks: Not sure if this form has a place in deism. The creative side of my brain whispers a quick Thank you to the Universe when things go my way unexpectedly. The rational side realizes that there is no proof that a Deity exists so who am I thanking? Does Deity even intervene? In case She does, no harm and saying Good looking out!
  • Petition/Intercession: This is the I need, I want, or somebody else needs/wants prayer. I feel torn about this form. For example, I lost my job a few years back. Along with prayer and ritual, I looked for employment and asked friend for leads. Currently employed so was that me or Goddess? On the other hand, there's poverty, war, lack of drinking water, animal cruelty, crime, disease, and other bad things going on in the world. These things rarely make it into my prayers. Why? Because we humans caused them and it's not Goddess' responsibility to get rid of them. We have everything we need to get rid of man-made conditions.
  • Confession: No such type in Paganism or deism. You would have to believe in some type of sin. Sin implies a wrongdoing again Deity. Many Pagans follow the rule of do what you want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else. Although broad, this edict carries common sense. If some sort of wrongdoing took place, the only confession necessary would be to the person wronged and/or to law enforcement.





UU Adult RE: Spirit in Practice #3

What have your experiences been with meditation and prayer? What forms have you tried? What forms of meditation and prayer have been personally meaningful for you? How have your prayer and/or meditation practices affected you? 

My views on prayer have changed drastically from when I was a kid. First I needed to define who or what I was praying to and for what. It's more meaningful to visualize a loving Creatrix not a patriarchal dictator. Deity resides within and without. Prayer accesses and connects the two forms. Prayer as a conversation between you and Deity should remain that way although interfaith group prayers embrace community. 

I suppose prayer can be a form of meditation. When I chanted daily, I was able to concentrate better, to sit still without fidgeting. One needs to still the monkey / kitten mind. In the stillness comes realizations and solutions to problems. 

Where would you like to go with a personal spiritual practice?
I would like to get into a daily routine of some kind of spiritual practice. Right now, it's hit or miss but it's better than nothing. So far, I'm enjoying my trip through the tarot. Maybe I'll delve into yoga.

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Daily Meditation 1/24/15

Lunar month - Rehk Wer 5
Solar month - Aqu 5
Metonic - Year 1, Lunation 2

Tzolk'in - 1 Kan
Dreamspell - Blue Solar Monkey

Lunar phase --
Tarot - 0 Fool - Uranus. Change, new beginnings, carefree. Leave the past behind. 

I-Ching - 4 Inexperience (Water below Mountain): You don't have all the facts at your fingertips or your are lacking in experience to deal with this situation. Seek advice and further knowledge before proceeding but don't lose your enthusiasm.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

UU Adult RE: Spirit in Practice #2

Write about the prospect or the experience of discussing spirituality with someone else. If spirituality isn't a meaningful term for you, write about discussing your participation in a congregation or revealing something else about yourself related to your search for meaning.

I have no problem discussing spirituality with others. It's a way to get to know others and opens the way to acceptance, not just tolerance. People should connect by finding common points instead of distancing by focusing on differences. Problems occur when the objective is to convert. No one likes being told they are wrong. If at the end of the discussion parties "agree to disagree," fine. But hopefully everyone will come out of it with a better understanding of the others.

Eight Spheres of Spiritual Practice
#5 Body Practices

I know, I know, I need to exercise more. I've been walking around my building on my 15 min break at work. When it gets warmer, I'll walk outside. Maybe I'll get a human walking partner by then. Weight Watchers program helps a bit with how to eat. Denying oneself food is a recipe for disaster, unless you are allergic to said foodstuffs. All things in moderation including eating. Therefore, no more carb-less meals for me. Ever. 

Other things that may fall under body practices:

  • Body is a temple. Decorate it as you see fit. I usually don't wear makeup but I love gold jewelry (I have multiple piercings). Looking to get another tattoo.
  • Smoking can be a ritualistic practice. Smoking what, you say? *wink*
  • Limiting unnecessary medications. Instead of reaching for aspirin to clear a headache, I try to calm myself to see if will go away on its own. USA dispenses way too much medication each with its own side effects. So then we take more medication to combat the side effects.
  • Safe, sane, consensual sex. Again - Safe. Sane. Consensual.
  • Learning to love your body even through the changes. This is a struggle I deal with which is why you will hardly see any full length pictures of me. Here is a body meditation that you may find useful. It is not my own but I forgot where I read it. Stand in front of a mirror au naturel. Look at yourself from all angles. Study yourself as if you were a piece of artwork. You are Art and the mirror is a frame. Look at your "flaws" and how they make you, you. Look at them without judgement. Do not be afraid to see You. 

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Daily Meditation 1/8/15

Lunar month - Shef Bedet 19
Solar month - Cap 19
Metonic - Year 1, Lunation 1

Tzolk'in - 11 Lamat
Dreamspell - Blue Rhythmic Eagle

Lunar phase --
Tarot --
I-Ching - 29 The Deep (Water below Water): You must take care; there is much danger about. Watch your step as you teeter on the edge of a deep pit. You must remove yourself from this situation but proceed with extreme caution.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Daily Meditation 1/7/15

Lunar month - Shef Bedet 18
Solar month - Cap 18
Metonic - Year 1, Lunation 1

Tzolk'in - 10 Manik 
Dreamspell - White Overtone Wizard

Lunar phase --
Tarot --
I-Ching - 3 Initial Difficulty (Thunder below Water): You must plan ahead. If you embark without seeing the difficulties you will fail. Look ahead and progress can be made. Birth is always painful but essential - enjoy the power.

UU Adult RE: Spirit in Practice #1


Reflect on your lifelong spiritual journey.

Well, that's what this blog kinda sorta started out as. I needed somewhere to put my thoughts down about finally breaking free of being Jehovah's Witness. Many things that I've said before will probably be repeated here but this is an assignment so...whatever.

What did you learn about practicing spirituality as a child?
Not a damn thing! JW is not a study in spirituality. To me, spirituality is a private thing; one has to find the beginnings of it from within. As a JW, you are told what to believe and if you disagree, you get kick out if you don't conform or get badgered (read: brainwashed) until you do agree.

JW is a Christian sect. Lots of doctrines to remember and points of the Bible to argue with other Christian sects. I suppose I should be grateful that I know something about America's majority belief system. I missed out on everything that normal childhoods consist of since I was a "born-in": birthdays, ALL holidays, extracurricular activities, picking my own friends --JW only, everyone else is "worldly", Saturday morning cartoons, going to college, dating. We were told that only JW is "The Truth" and everyone else will get destroyed at Armageddon. Sounds elitist, right?


I was baptized at 17, a year after I had my daughter. I felt forced because I was made to feel like a failure for having a child out of wedlock. People in the congregation would not even look at me when I was pregnant and would console my mother as if someone just died. I felt no different when I came up out of the water. No connection to Jehovah, no ray of sun from the ceiling, just an awful feeling that I just made a huge mistake. At age 21, I was shunned for being pregnant out of wedlock.

How have your spiritual needs changed?
Where do I begin? After trying through the years trying to go back to JW, my mother who doesn't speak to me was the one who made me see that that religion was no longer for me. She said to me in an email, "I love you but I love Jehovah more." I cannot imaging telling either of my children something like that. From that point on, I started doing research for a spiritual home. I was non-denominational Christian but I didn't understand why a Savior or Mediator was needed to get to God. A co-worker introduced me to Nichiren Buddhism and from there I found my way to Paganism.

I wanted to find somewhere to practice and to meet people. The Buddhist sangha was too far and honestly turned out to be somewhat similar to my old religion. Wiccan covens required an invitation from a current member. I can't remember what led me to Unitarian Universalist, maybe a Beliefnet quiz? A Google search turned up a congregation close to me and the rest as they say is history.

My spirituality needs to be on my own terms. I'm an agnostic deist - I cannot say for sure there is a God but I choose to believe there is one. My belief is based in science and logic, not a holy book. I'm an eclectic Pagan, a solitary witch.

What practices have you engaged in at different points in your life? What practices might speak to your ideas and needs as they are today?
As a child, I went door-to-door trying to convince people that they are wrong and we are right. Meetings were 3x a week. Family study night was another night. And we were suppose to study on our own for all of the meetings. A minimum of 10 hrs door-to-door was strongly suggested.

Now, I follow the natural cycles of the sun and moon (and realize the Gregorian calendar lacks any connection to nature). Chanting was a part of my practice; I could return to that. Other items of spiritual interest are sidereal astrology, tarot, I-Ching, the Divine Feminine / Triple Goddess, and the Egyptian pantheon.

My goal this year is to get through the tarot (by solar month) and I-Ching (by lunar month). Ugh, I'm already behind. Thank Goddess for backdating!

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Daily Meditation 1/6/15

Lunar month - Shef Bedet 17
Solar month - Cap 17
Metonic - Year 1, Lunation 1

Tzolk'in - 9 Cimi
Dreamspell - Red Self-Existing Skywalker

Lunar phase --
Tarot --
I-Ching - 8 Union (Earth below Water): In perfect harmony and accord you can proceed but you do need your partner's agreement. Together you can accomplish much. Going it alone will be a disaster but you know that already.

So you want a pet?

DO

  • check your local shelters and humane societies FIRST. There are so many unwanted pets. Government-run facilities are likely to be kill shelters because space and funding is limited. Small dogs don't stay long so you may need to visit frequently if that is your preference. 
  • check breed-specific rescues if you are looking for a particular dog. 
  • as a last resort, go to a reputable breeder. I'm not talking about "hey let my dog mate with your dog and we can sell the puppies" breeders. As a starting point, search for breed clubs. Research, research, research.
  • get permission from your landlord if you are a renter. All too often animals are return because the adopter didn't follow terms of the lease.
  • realize that a pet is a long term commitment. Cats and dogs can live 10-15 on the average depending on breed, size, and health.
  • find out where the vet and emergency pet hospital is. 
  • follow your local laws on number of pets. In my area, 6 is the limit. 
  • give locally if you can't adopt. I personally tire of the sad kitty and puppy faces on those tv ads. You know the ones. I'm a proud mom of 4 furbabies so I'm giving already. Instead of running those ads, wouldn't that money be better spent on the animals that the ad is asking money for?
  • treat your pet especially dogs as a part of the family. Dogs are pack members. To a dog, pack = family. Dogs aren't meant to be outside unattended and chained to a tree. Cats on the other hand can survive outside since they are not fully domesticated but use your good judgement in deciding to let your cat roam. 
  • microchip and collar / name tag your pet. If Princess gets away from home, this increases the chance that if found, she will be returned.

DON'T


  • buy from a pet store. First, they are overpriced. Second, most likely they come from puppy mills. Those dogs are treated horribly and when they can't breed anymore, they are thrown out like trash. Fortunately, some end up at shelters where they are adopted into loving homes
  • give a pet as a gift to a child. A pet is a living being, not a toy. 
  • leave your furry family member if you have to move. Yes, things happen. There are child-free rental apartments. Would you leave your kids at Social Services because you want to move there? Of course not. I know, extreme example but you get my point. Find a place that is pet-friendly. Yes, you may have to pay an extra deposit but that's way better than for Sparky to be put back in a shelter.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Daily Meditation 1/3/15

Lunar month - Shef Bedet 14
Solar month - Cap 14
Metonic - Year 1, Lunation 1

Tzolk'in - 6 Akb'al
Dreamspell - White Magnetic Dog

Lunar phase --
Tarot --
I-Ching - 55 Prosperity (Fire below Thunder): Enjoy the fruits of your labors. This is a time of great wealth and prosperity. Remember - it won't last, so put something aside for a rainy day. 

The wild card game with the Ravens @ Steelers is tonight. We won the Super Bowl in 2000 from a wild card spot and we can do it again. CAW!!!

Friday, January 2, 2015

Daily Meditation 1/2/15

Lunar month - Shef Bedet 13
Solar month - Cap 13
Metonic - Year 1, Lunation 1

Tzolk'in - 5 Ik'
Dreamspell - Red Cosmic Moon

Lunar phase --
Tarot --
I-Ching - 62 Detail (Mountain below Thunder): Only by paying attention to detail can you achieve success. Have you checked everything? If not, check now. You may have overlooked the obvious. Proceed in small steps.

I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting of the year. Up 4 lbs. Can't seem to break past the the barrier to get to my 10% goal. But honestly I have been eating more. 1 step forward, 5 steps back. The details would be to really stick to the point allotment and find time to actually plan my meals.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Daily Meditation 1/1/15

Lunar month - Shef Bedet 12
Solar month - Cap 12
Metonic - Year 1, Lunation 1

Tzolk'in - 4 Imix
Dreamspell - White Magnetic Dog

Yule Day 13
Kwanzaa Day 7: Habari gani? Imani / Faith

Gregorian New Year's Day

Lunar phase -- waxing gibbous in sidereal Taurus. During the Farmer's Moon, we learn about being part of a balanced system that includes Nature and yet makes room for our own efforts. We learn about taking full responsibility for what we own, and all the work that taking care of it entails. 

Tarot --
I-Ching - 54 Relationships (Lake below Thunder): Sometimes we need a partner to achieve our dreams. Seek out your soul-mate and join forces - together you can conquer the world. You need to be a part of a team.