So so much going on this month. I told you it was my favorite month. My eight year anniversary is fast approaching. I've ended up having to move my mother this coming weekend so any hopes of going off for our anniversary are pretty much out the window.
We added a new female to our pack over the last 2 weeks. She's doing wonderful. Hopefully she'll give us great puppies. We had to spay our smallest female as she was just too tiny to have babies. I helped rehome some GSDs this last week as well. Hopefully they all ended up at the rescue safe and sound.
I can't stand working with rescues. They are all so holier than than thou and they spend so much time deciding why I can't have a dog that they end up losing more than they actually help. Not to mention, they required that the owner spay/neuter the dog before they take it. So really what are they doing for the 300.00 they charge for a dog? The dog is vetted and healthy when they get it. So they really do nothing. Maybe we should stop calling them rescues and start calling them brokers.
Next month is when Transgender Day of Rememberance is. It's always a very sad sad time. I wanted to share the link so that if you're in an area that has any type of gathering you might be able to attend.
I'm extremely excited about Samhain this year. My husband and I have decided to renew our vows. We were married 8 years ago in Balboa Park's Rose Garden in San Diego CA on Samhain. This time our vows will be renewed in our own back yard. I love him dearly and thank all the energies that led me to him.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query samhain. Sort by date Show all posts
NaBloWriMo - Saturday Craft-Tactular - 1
October 6, 2012
Every Saturday this month I'll be sending you on a journey over to the Samhain's Sirens Blog to see my entries for the Amazing Craft-tactular!!
You'll see things like this!!
There will be a wonderful how to post on creating a particular craft and then a wonderful giveaway! So head over to Samhain's Sirens page and check it out!
Namaste & Blessed Be!!
Sosanna
You'll see things like this!!
There will be a wonderful how to post on creating a particular craft and then a wonderful giveaway! So head over to Samhain's Sirens page and check it out!
Namaste & Blessed Be!!
Sosanna
Samhain's Sirens: Sirens Celebration: Day 5
October 8, 2017
Have you been following the Siren's Call? Head over and check it out....
Samhain's Sirens: Sirens Celebration: Day 5: It's Friday, and we know how much you love the weekend. Today, we offer our first Forget-Me-Not Tribute to someone who has contributed m...
Samhain's Sirens: Sirens Celebration: Day 5: It's Friday, and we know how much you love the weekend. Today, we offer our first Forget-Me-Not Tribute to someone who has contributed m...
The Book of Blessings and Rituals - A Review
July 28, 2019
Today I'm reviewing The Book of Blessings and Rituals - Magical Invocations For Healing, Setting Energy and Creating Sacred Space by Athena Perrakis, Ph.D.
Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page
Release Date: 7/30/19
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.
I'll begin this review with the physical book. The review copy I received is a hard cover book but did not have a dust jacket. The image on the front shows assorted religious emblems and is a very vibrant raised image on cover. The art inside is illustrative art and lends itself nicely to the context of the book. There is no index in this book but the table of contents is pretty extensive.
The chapters are broken down by month and include an assortment of rituals and blessings that correspond. January, for example has new year's blessings and directional invocations while September offers prayers for Rosh Hashanah, Mabon and a Honey Blessing Jar project.
As in many of her other books, the author provides a clear and concise delivery of the information within the pages. The chapters begin with a brief overview of each month which includes a brief history or explanation of that rites within.
The October chapter provides a brief look at Samhain (Summer's End in Gaelic) and how the Celts may have celebrated this new year. The author gives us several rituals and a project associated with the celebration of the dead. Creating an ancestor altar has been one of my yearly traditional for quite some time.
I really enjoyed the diversity included in this book. While reading up on Samhain I was delighted to find a section on Diwali. Diwali is Sanskrit for light or lamp. Its an ancient Hindu festival celebrated at the New Moon in October.
The blessing begins:
Over all, this book is well organized, and provides a well rounded bit of information from an assortment of cultures. Including projects with each chapter provides the reader the opportunity to not only read about rituals they may not have heard about, but also the ability to put them into practice as well. I believe this is a great book to have on your self to compliment an extensive religious text collection or to introduce yourself to new paths you may have otherwise missed.
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| Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Cover |
Author Links - Link
Amazon Book Link
Amazon Author Link
Good Reads Book Link
Good Reads Author Link
My Good Reads Profile
My Facebook Page
Release Date: 7/30/19
Generally I like to start out with a disclaimer. I am an contemporary witch. I look for the connection between magic and science without the need to search for a creator. I receive no compensation for these reviews and all my links are standard Amazon links and not affiliate links. I am a practicing photo reader and have spent the last 16 years honing my craft. I offer personal readings by request and have a strong online history that boasts nearly 400,000 views.
I'll begin this review with the physical book. The review copy I received is a hard cover book but did not have a dust jacket. The image on the front shows assorted religious emblems and is a very vibrant raised image on cover. The art inside is illustrative art and lends itself nicely to the context of the book. There is no index in this book but the table of contents is pretty extensive.
 |
| Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book |
The chapters are broken down by month and include an assortment of rituals and blessings that correspond. January, for example has new year's blessings and directional invocations while September offers prayers for Rosh Hashanah, Mabon and a Honey Blessing Jar project.
As in many of her other books, the author provides a clear and concise delivery of the information within the pages. The chapters begin with a brief overview of each month which includes a brief history or explanation of that rites within.
 |
| Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book |
The October chapter provides a brief look at Samhain (Summer's End in Gaelic) and how the Celts may have celebrated this new year. The author gives us several rituals and a project associated with the celebration of the dead. Creating an ancestor altar has been one of my yearly traditional for quite some time.
 |
| Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Photo Source - Book |
I really enjoyed the diversity included in this book. While reading up on Samhain I was delighted to find a section on Diwali. Diwali is Sanskrit for light or lamp. Its an ancient Hindu festival celebrated at the New Moon in October.
The blessing begins:
On this new moon,
we remember light's victory over darkness.
Diyas glow like treasures,
thunderous sounds boom triumphantly
illuminating the night with color and sound
Now is the time to delight in celebration.
Lakshmi, I honor you on this day.
Thank you for blessing us with your abundance.
Over all, this book is well organized, and provides a well rounded bit of information from an assortment of cultures. Including projects with each chapter provides the reader the opportunity to not only read about rituals they may not have heard about, but also the ability to put them into practice as well. I believe this is a great book to have on your self to compliment an extensive religious text collection or to introduce yourself to new paths you may have otherwise missed.
Samhain's Sirens - Witchy Wednesday
October 4, 2017
Can I just says - SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Happy October! It is that time of year that makes me sing and dance.
As you may have heard I've teamed up with an amazing bunch of people for the month of October. You'll find some amazing recipes, blogs, crafts and yes even giveaways over at the Samhain Siren's blog. I highly recommend heading over there and checking it out!
Keep a sharp eye out. I'll be joining those extremely talented folks with a couple giveaway's of my own from BaubleSmith.
Happy October! It is that time of year that makes me sing and dance.
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| Google Images |
Keep a sharp eye out. I'll be joining those extremely talented folks with a couple giveaway's of my own from BaubleSmith.
My Gift to You for Samhain
October 29, 2024
For a limited time, from today until the end of October, you have the exclusive opportunity to acquire the Witchcraft 101 program from my website completely free of charge! This program offers a comprehensive exploration of witchcraft practices and traditions, providing valuable insights and knowledge. By using the coupon code "Samhain2024" during checkout, you can unlock this special offer and save $34.98 on the regular price.
Once you enroll in the program, you will enjoy unrestricted access to the class materials for the entire lifespan of the website, allowing you to revisit the content at your own pace and convenience. Don't miss this chance to delve into the mystical world of witchcraft and expand your understanding of its ancient wisdom and modern applications!
Have a blessed Samhain
Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson
NaBloWriMo - Talented Tuesday 3 - Saga's Cottage
October 16, 2012
This talented Tuesday is brought to you by Samhain's Sirens Blog Project and Giveaway.
Over the last few months I've found some wonderful new friends. And some pretty talented ones. For Talented Tuesday I've decided to introduce Saga's Cottage to you. Loren Morris is an amazing artist and an all around great person.
As many of you know I'm a follower of Hecate. I've found some amazing stuff in Loren's shop. Here are a few examples.
Over the last few months I've found some wonderful new friends. And some pretty talented ones. For Talented Tuesday I've decided to introduce Saga's Cottage to you. Loren Morris is an amazing artist and an all around great person.
As many of you know I'm a follower of Hecate. I've found some amazing stuff in Loren's shop. Here are a few examples.
Loren has several other pieces there that are just amazing. Head over there and have a look at her amazing work. As I mentioned I met Loren as part of the Samhain's Sirens Blog Extravaganza. We've teamed up together to do a giveaway around the Goddess Hecate.
Head over to the blog to see just what goodies we have in store for you today!!
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
NaBloWriMo - Saturday Craft-Tactular - 3
October 20, 2012
Every Saturday this month I'll be sending you on a journey over to the Samhain's Sirens Blog to see my entries for the Amazing Craft-tactular!!
You'll see things like this!!
There will be a wonderful how to post on creating a particular craft and then a wonderful giveaway! So head over to Samhain's Sirens page and check it out!
Namaste & Blessed Be!!
Sosanna
NaBloWriMo - Saturday Craft-Tactular - 2
October 13, 2012
Every Saturday this month I'll be sending you on a journey over to the Samhain's Sirens Blog to see my entries for the Amazing Craft-tactular!!
You'll see things like this!!
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| Photo Credit - Photographer & Artist - Renee Olson |
There will be a wonderful how to post on creating a particular craft and then a wonderful giveaway! So head over to Samhain's Sirens page and check it out!
Namaste & Blessed Be!!
Sosanna
Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year - A Review
January 17, 2018
This week I'm doing a review of a book published by Simon & Schuster writen by Judy Ann Nock called The Modern Witchcraft Guide to the Wheel of the Year.
I would like to preface this review with a confession. I do not practice Wicca. I am a solitary atheist witch. I work in alchemy and dabble in metal work. I use chants, herbs and metals to cast my spells and do a bit of image reading. I also receive no compensation for the reviews that I do. I am sent the books at no cost to me and I provide a review to share with you, and sometimes a freebie to use as a giveaway as well.
Now, that we have that out of the way let's have a look at this book. Like most of the of these style books our author takes on on a journey around the wheel of the year. Beginning with Samhain, we have a break down of the history behind each of the holidays and including meditations, a rituals, crafts, references to the astrological influences of the season and some legend and lore. As the title indicates this is a look at the Wiccan holidays and hence employees the typical Wiccan perspective on the seasons and rites. In one of the Samhain meditations titled "Descend to the Realm of Hecate" the author refers to the Goddess as "the crone goddess of wisdom", of which there is no historic reference. In fact quite the contrary. Hecate is most often depicted as a maiden and only Aleister Crowley referred to her as such. I have written several pieces related to this reference and they can be found here. I did like the reference to the Dead Supper and the ritual carving ideas. Most books leave out a way to incorporate our modern traditions into the seasons of the past.
The rest of the book continues through the wheel with similar set up. Ostara of course lists egg decorating as the craft and includes a table of natural dyes which is a nice addition to those wishing to stay along the lines of the natural witch. I found the Litha Mediation "Dancing with the Sidhe" especially rewarding. I can also see how the Edible Lammas Effigy would work wonders, if for nothing else but satisfaction in our current political climate, but I digress. In additional to the standard wheel, the author included a year and a day lunar calendar as well as several tables in the back of the book. Over all a great addition to any Wiccan library and a great companion book to the two books I reviewed last year in the series. You can find that review here.
U is for Un-Everything - Pagan Blog Project 2012
October 12, 2012
For today's post I've decided to compile all my blog projects into one big post.
The NaBloWriMo project, the Pagan Blog Project 2012 and the Samhain's Sirens' Blog Extravaganza.
You can fine today's entry on the Samhain's Sirens' Blog.
Enjoy!
NaBloWriMo - Witchy Wednesday #3 - Eliora
October 17, 2012
Today for Witchy Wednesday I’m going to focus on things that
help you get your Witch on. Head over to
Eliora Enchanting Elegance for your Magical Life on Facebook or to
the Etsy shop.
The items that are available in this shop are amazing. Everything from complete altar sets to
delicate hand designed athames for your altar.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces from her shop.
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| Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting |
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| Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting |
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| Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting |
Eliora has also joined up with the Samhain’s Sirens’ BlogExtravaganza and graciously donated items such as a Pentacle
Pendant and a Candle
Snuffer to the daily giveaways.
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| Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting |
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| Photo Credit - Eliora Elegantly Enchanting |
She’s also contributed a gift certificate to the grand prize
giveaway. A giveaway that I’d like to
remind everyone totals over 350.00 for one very lucky winner. Each daily entry goes into a HUGE drawing at the end of this and can win this awesome prize package from all the Sirens!
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| Photo Credit - Samhain's Sirens' Blog Extravaganza |
So for all your Witchy Wednesday needs head over to Eliora’s
shops and pick up something Witchy!
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
October... my favorite month of the year.
October 17, 2010
October is awesome. The temperature is coming down. The leaves are changing. The air has a crisp feel to it. My favorite time of the year.
Samhain marks the end of the harvest. That time of year when the line between death and life is at it's closest. It it believed that at this time people can and do make contact with those friends, loved ones and even pets that have crossed over.
My husband and I were married on Samhain in a lovely rose garden in a park at midnight. It was a magical time. I have never felt more connected to another soul on the planet. He is indeeed my other 1/2. That part that makes me whole. I spent my entire life looking for him. Only to find that he had been looking for me as well.
This magical time, I share with my beloved. I want him to feel as close to me as I do to him. This makes me complete.
Samhain marks the end of the harvest. That time of year when the line between death and life is at it's closest. It it believed that at this time people can and do make contact with those friends, loved ones and even pets that have crossed over.
My husband and I were married on Samhain in a lovely rose garden in a park at midnight. It was a magical time. I have never felt more connected to another soul on the planet. He is indeeed my other 1/2. That part that makes me whole. I spent my entire life looking for him. Only to find that he had been looking for me as well.
This magical time, I share with my beloved. I want him to feel as close to me as I do to him. This makes me complete.
Blessed Samhain/Beltane
October 31, 2013
Over the years I've learned that everyone will not agree. This year is no exception. Two of my favorite times of the year are
Beltane and Samhain. I love the fiery
nature of the day and I love what they both represent. One with its sexual passion and the other it’s
ending the cycle of life by honoring those passed.
This is a fantastic time to clean out negativity in your
life. Open the door to new beginnings
and try to let go of those things that are dragging you down. It is time to start anew.
This year I’m working on releasing a few things and
welcoming a few things.
I release the expectation that others understand me.
I release the desire to explain myself to others.
I release the need to please others.
I welcome new friends.
I welcome new opportunities.
I welcome new understanding.
As we look around the world today it is full of people who
would rather toss us up on the proverbial stake as opposed to getting to know
us, even in the smallest way. We don’t
need to spend our days destroying each other.
I’m saying that we ignore bad behavior or give a pass to those who are
attacking others. What I am saying it
before you jump, stop and breathe. Look
at the evidence. If you’re wrong, say
you’re wrong and don’t follow that apology with the word “but”.
I wish each one of you a very blessed day, I’ll be honoring
those in my life that have moved on and ask that Hecate with her fiery torches
light the way for their journey.
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| Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson Ancestor Altar 2013 |
-
I wish
all health, prosperity and wisdom.
Sosanna
)O(
Hail Missouri!
October 28, 2011
Wow, the month is nearly gone, Samhain is just around the corner! I'm so very excited! Today we're going to jump right into the next stop on the DC40 Prayer Initiative. If you'd like to chat with us on our journey around the US. Head over to our Facebook Page "What Makes Your State Great" for songs, stories and photos honoring the state of the day.
My facts come from 50states.com.
Hail Missouri!
Missouri is known as the "Show Me State". The 'Show Me State' expression may have began in 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver stated, "I'm from Missouri and you've got to show me."
St. Louis Missouri is considered the "Home of the Blues". The origins of the blues are closely related to the religious music of the Afro-American community, the spirituals. The origins of spirituals go back much further than the blues, usually dating back to the middle of the 18th century, when the slaves were Christianized and began to sing and play hymns. Singers like Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith took Blues to a whole new level.
According to legend, Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil at the cross roads in order to learn to play in exchange for his soul.
The Blues is famous for using the "Slide Guitar". I love hearing this being played. Here's an example of the slide guitar. There is nothing sexier than this.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse. During a nationwide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen's inspired design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction of the Arch began in 1963 and was completed on October 28, 1965.The Arch has foundations sunken 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds. It sways up to one inch in a 20 mph wind, and is built to sway up to 18 inches.
Creve Coeur's name means broken heart in French, comes from nearby Creve Coeur Lake. Legend has it that an Indian princess fell in love with a French fur trapper, but the love was not returned. According to the story, she then leapt from a ledge overlooking Creve Coeur Lake; the lake then formed itself into a broken heart.
The original inhabitants of Missouri are:
The Chickasaw tribe
The Illini tribe
The Ioway tribe
The Missouri tribe
The Osage tribe
The Otoe tribe
The Quapaw tribe
I found this intro to a movie called "Lost Nation: The Ioway". This clip is called "I am Ioway".
Being connected with your ancestors; your past allows you to know who you are today and allows you to be prepared for the future. As a solitary, I have my altar set up for remembering the dead. Looking into the past and honoring those that have gone before me.
Sending light and love to the great state of Missouri.
Namaste & Blessed Be!
Sosanna
)O(
My facts come from 50states.com.
Hail Missouri!
Missouri is known as the "Show Me State". The 'Show Me State' expression may have began in 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver stated, "I'm from Missouri and you've got to show me."
St. Louis Missouri is considered the "Home of the Blues". The origins of the blues are closely related to the religious music of the Afro-American community, the spirituals. The origins of spirituals go back much further than the blues, usually dating back to the middle of the 18th century, when the slaves were Christianized and began to sing and play hymns. Singers like Robert Johnson and Bessie Smith took Blues to a whole new level.
According to legend, Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil at the cross roads in order to learn to play in exchange for his soul.
The Blues is famous for using the "Slide Guitar". I love hearing this being played. Here's an example of the slide guitar. There is nothing sexier than this.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse. During a nationwide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen's inspired design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction of the Arch began in 1963 and was completed on October 28, 1965.The Arch has foundations sunken 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds. It sways up to one inch in a 20 mph wind, and is built to sway up to 18 inches.
Creve Coeur's name means broken heart in French, comes from nearby Creve Coeur Lake. Legend has it that an Indian princess fell in love with a French fur trapper, but the love was not returned. According to the story, she then leapt from a ledge overlooking Creve Coeur Lake; the lake then formed itself into a broken heart.
The original inhabitants of Missouri are:
The Chickasaw tribe
The Illini tribe
The Ioway tribe
The Missouri tribe
The Osage tribe
The Otoe tribe
The Quapaw tribe
I found this intro to a movie called "Lost Nation: The Ioway". This clip is called "I am Ioway".
Being connected with your ancestors; your past allows you to know who you are today and allows you to be prepared for the future. As a solitary, I have my altar set up for remembering the dead. Looking into the past and honoring those that have gone before me.
Sending light and love to the great state of Missouri.
Namaste & Blessed Be!
Sosanna
)O(
Pagan Blog Project 2013 - U is for Ubiquitous
October 11, 2013
Ubiquitous is defined as being everywhere at once.
When I read the definition of this word, I double checked to
be sure there was not a picture of me in there.
Over my life I have found that generally I multitask. I am everywhere at a one time. When I’m cooking, I’m also reading and
looking and thinking and listing. The
brain just goes and goes and goes.
My pagan life is the same.
Currently I’m assisting on a calendar project. This project helped me sit down and finally
write about solar vs. lunar calendars and how they came to be. I’m participating in Pagan Blog Project,
obviously as well as serving as a moderator for two groups on Facebook. I’m currently attempting to read several
books for COH work as well as a book for work learning SQL. And participating in
the Samhain’s Sirens October Blog Project.
My brain is indeed ubiquitous.
I’m also struggling with the holidays coming up. This time of the year is often hard for me
and my mania has a tendency to rear its ugly head.
I’ve started opening my days by lighting a candle on my
entryway altar and burning a bit of sage.
I’m going to spend a little longer time there each morning to try to
create a spot where I can park that ubiquitous mind and let it rest. Maybe only for a few seconds right now, but
my goal is to hopefully get to a point when I might be able to attempt some meditation.
Learning to live with my mind is a challenge. It is always needing a project, or a
plan. I always need to have something going
on. I never EVER relax. I never EVER stop. I am always on, I am all over. And for now, I
am ubiquitous.
Blessings
Sosanna
)O(
)O(
Death and Dying in Reality
October 27, 2014
De mortuis nil nisi bonum - (“Of the dead, nothing unless good.”)
We hear this spoken usually after someone who was not a nice person dies. I read a blog post recently that had the following quote:
"You should have got your criticism in when they were still alive, and preferably, while they still had some power. We don’t speak ill of the dead because it’s not just distasteful: it’s cowardly." -Source
Well, while I get the gist of that. I am completely one who will indeed speak my mind when presented with the opportunity. Now that doesn't mean I'm going to spread rumors, run someone down I have blocked on social media while professing some sort of spiritual superiority. What it does mean that I am not going to support someone who I feel has their feet firmly placed in racism, bigotry or any negativity at all when they stand to the world professing spiritual awareness. It means that while I will work within the bounds of professionalism, if someone comes to me me looking for what what you have to offer, I will direct them to someone else who has less baggage. That's just a fact. Now, that being said, why would I treat the dead any different?
Back in 2011 I entered a blog contest to win a copy of Christian Day's Witches Book of the Dead. I wrote about my cousin Tony, who passed away while I was living in California. His brothers had moved him while he was passed out and bound him to a stop sign at a three way crossroad near my house with plastic wrap as a joke. He never regained consciousness. The police ruled his death an accident. When the book arrived I got to page 137, The Ritual of the Crossroads the way Hecate is described as being at the crossroads, that point where the worlds of the living and dead can often meet was a powerful visualization for me.
With the coming of Samhain many groups on social media are having discussions around ancestor altars and who should or should not be included on them. My altar has an assortment of photos, trinkets and possessions of those who have moved on. This is a very spiritual time for me, when I call upon those who have moved on to send energy and knowledge in exchange for my respecting and willingness to learn.
There are those who are intentionally left off the altar. I do not want their energy or their knowledge. I knew them too well in physical world. They caused too much pain here in this life to be honored in anyway in their passing.
When starting your ritual altar on don't feel that you have to do anything like one book or one person says. This is a personal space for you to honor those who have moved on from this life. It is a time for you to do work that is important to you. Don't feel like you have to add people or include energy that you're not comfortable with.
In my discussions, I found that some think they have to include a certain person for fear of them creating havoc in their home because they have "disrespected the dead". Personally I believe that not all dead are worthy of respect. Not every one who has crossed over is someone that should be honored no different than if they were here in the physical realm. If you have unruly dead making mischief in your house you need to take control of the situation and move them out, not give in and place them in higher regard.
Death is a transition to the next part of the energy exchange. It can be sad but it should be looked at as a natural part of life. Working with the dead is about listening and learning. We should listen twice as much as we speak in order to learn as much as we can. We should also learn that our time on this planet is limited. If we want to have others not speak ill of us after we move on, then maybe we should be a little more considerate of others while we have that opportunity. Not the other way around.
I'd love to see what altars you create or what rituals you do working with the dead this week. Feel free to post here or find me on social media at Tsu or Facebook.
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| Ancestor Altar - Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson |
Witchy Wednesday - Thinning of the Veil
October 18, 2017
Usually by this time I have the ancestor altar in full switch. Candles, updated photos, flowers. Usually I have my photos taken and submitted to altar projects and I'm completely set for Samhain. This year is proving to be an exception. With the remodel of the house and our plans to move things have taken a turn for the "Huh?". (laughing) I may even start experimenting with vlogging. I have been working with the video a bit more and I think I may look to test that out as we start making more progress for our move.
Over the last two weeks we have slowly sold off the majority of what we own. We are living full time in the RV now and getting set in our routine. My ancestor altar is only inches away from me every day now, instead of being across the room in my office. I have no pictures or flowers. Just a box of incense and a cat from time to time. Meanwhile, I think I have been more in touch with spirits over this time period than any other time in my life. With all the construction in the house it is a buzz with activity. Yesterday a closet door swung open while I was talking to Eli.
We have so much more work on the house to do and with me working full time, I'm not sure that I'll have the ability to do much more than seeing my altar and thinking of them. Sometimes you have more, sometimes less.
What are you doing to honor the dead this year?
I'm already having so much contact I'm really looking forward for any messages this year. I plan to sit and actively listen over the next two weeks to see what is coming. I am having more vivid dreams which leads me to believe there's someone out there wanting to chat. Hopefully I'll have a visit.
Looking forward to what life has in store for me. Changes they are a coming.
Over the last two weeks we have slowly sold off the majority of what we own. We are living full time in the RV now and getting set in our routine. My ancestor altar is only inches away from me every day now, instead of being across the room in my office. I have no pictures or flowers. Just a box of incense and a cat from time to time. Meanwhile, I think I have been more in touch with spirits over this time period than any other time in my life. With all the construction in the house it is a buzz with activity. Yesterday a closet door swung open while I was talking to Eli.
We have so much more work on the house to do and with me working full time, I'm not sure that I'll have the ability to do much more than seeing my altar and thinking of them. Sometimes you have more, sometimes less.
What are you doing to honor the dead this year?
I'm already having so much contact I'm really looking forward for any messages this year. I plan to sit and actively listen over the next two weeks to see what is coming. I am having more vivid dreams which leads me to believe there's someone out there wanting to chat. Hopefully I'll have a visit.
Looking forward to what life has in store for me. Changes they are a coming.
Hail Arkansas
October 27, 2011
Good Morning! On this lovely fall morning we're opening up our hearts and sending protection energy out to the next state on the DC40 Prayer Siege; Arkansas. If you'd like to join the conversation head over to our Facebook Group "What Makes Your State Great". Here we're chatting about the good things about each state and sending positive energy out to them. No religion or non religion, mostly great photos, great pictures and great stories about the states near and dear to our hearts.
So let's get moving ...
Hail Arkansas!
Arkansas contains over 600,000 acres of lakes and 9,700 miles of streams and rivers. The state contains six national park sites, two-and-a half million acres of national forests, seven national scenic byways, three state scenic byways, and 50 state parks.
Since the 1830s the area now known as Hot Springs National Park has bathed notables as diverse as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and Al Capone. The park is entirely surrounded by the city of Hot Springs, the boyhood home of President Bill Clinton.
Located just outside of Murfreesboro, Crater of Diamonds State Park allows dedicated prospectors to search for precious gems including diamonds, amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz.
The largest freestanding rock formation located in Eureka Springs has a base circumference of about 10 inches and the top measures almost 10 feet across.
The original inhabitants of Arkansas were:
The Caddo Indians
The Chickasaw Indians
The Osage Indians
The Quapaw Indians
The Tunica Indians
As Samhain approaches, my mind drifts to the moon. For me, the link between this sacred day and the moon is unbreakable. Taking time to remember our ancestors and honor the dead. While doing my research for this track through the states, I found this amazing piece of music. It's called The Moon - Red Sky - Native American - Chant - Meditation.
Namaste & Blessed Be!
Sosanna
)O(
So let's get moving ...
Hail Arkansas!
Since the 1830s the area now known as Hot Springs National Park has bathed notables as diverse as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and Al Capone. The park is entirely surrounded by the city of Hot Springs, the boyhood home of President Bill Clinton.
Located just outside of Murfreesboro, Crater of Diamonds State Park allows dedicated prospectors to search for precious gems including diamonds, amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz.
The largest freestanding rock formation located in Eureka Springs has a base circumference of about 10 inches and the top measures almost 10 feet across.
The original inhabitants of Arkansas were:
The Caddo Indians
The Chickasaw Indians
The Osage Indians
The Quapaw Indians
The Tunica Indians
As Samhain approaches, my mind drifts to the moon. For me, the link between this sacred day and the moon is unbreakable. Taking time to remember our ancestors and honor the dead. While doing my research for this track through the states, I found this amazing piece of music. It's called The Moon - Red Sky - Native American - Chant - Meditation.
Namaste & Blessed Be!
Sosanna
)O(
P is for Patience
August 10, 2012
pa·tience [pey-shuhns]
noun
1.
the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
To me one of the hardest things to learn is patience. At first the word may not appear to be something that would be appropriate for a pagan inspired blog project. However I beg to differ. There are so many things that pagans do that really call for patience.
Let's take spell casting for example. Now, first I'm generalizing, not every pagan casts spells. But those that do know that there are a lot of steps within and it does take a bit to work the spells. First steps may be to collect the components for the spell. Some components need to be cleansed/blessed by being bathed in the light of a full moon. That step alone can add a weeks to the spell. Then we look at moon cycles to be sure we're looking for the right phase to cast a particular spell in. Some require a waxing moon, some a dark. Again, weeks could be added to the casting process.
After we have the moon right and the components right we then can preform our ritual. Many start a circle by calling the quarters or calling the guardians of the watchtowers.
Just as the spell and the components this is very specific to the caster. In this particular video the person calling the quarters using the words "I summon". I always ask... I feel the "summoning" someone is pulling them somewhere that they may not want to be. I'd like them to come because they want to. But that's just me. Next comes the actual spell part. This is where we take those components and working with them.
There are different ways to cast a spell. There are very formal rituals which include using their magical instruments to call the energy into the spell. A spell is really quite like a prayer. This video shows every different types of spell casting.
After you've completed the spell, then you go through the process of closing the circle. The entire process can take hours. For someone like me, a seasoned witch with BiPolar and budding ADHD, it can be trying. Books on my shelf include Wheel of Life, The Druidy Handbook and assorted others recommend by friends to calm my mind and bring me into the now.
I have tapes of guided meditation and ways to become centered and still I can't walk through a store and hold a conversation with my hubby with out drifting off in the middle of a sentence when I see something sparkly. Just as I can't stay on topic for this posting, I'd like to put out here that if there are others with problems concentrating, focusing or relaxing one of the best things I've found is an album called Canyon Storm. The melodies are amazing and it really brings me to a calm state.
Now back to the word of the week, patience. Working with the ritual of casting a circle, I've actually seen a growth in the amount of time I can spend doing a particular activity. So using magic or the process of magic has shown me that I can focus on a particular thing for a little while. I'm no where near where I'd like to be on this. And even though I'm trying to get to a point where patience is something that is a virtue to me. I still can't help but completely relate to this MEM I saw recently.
Just a quick note, I'm working with a group on a wonderful project coming in October. Keep a look out for some great things come for Samhain.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
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