witchcraft
What Is It Like To Be Psychic?
I have been asked many time what it is like to be psychic? I have always felt this to be an odd question, because in my mind I am just an ordinary human being, the same as everyone else. We are all born with our own particular gifts and talents. Mine just happens to be a sixth sense.
Everyone of us is unique in our own special way. I just happen to have certain psychic abilities. I feel I was given these gifts to help people, to offer them insight and guidance from the spirit realm.
In the time of the European witch persecutions of the 16th century, and the American witch trials of the 17th century in Salem, people like me were often called ‘witches.’ At the time it was the only understanding people had as to why someone would know things they are not supposed not know.
Throughout human history people like me have been honored and appreciated, but also mocked, shunned and persecuted. People tend to fear what they do not understand, and it continues to this day. Many people remain skeptical of psychic and paranormal phenomena. To them it just cannot be real. I can assure you it is.
Many more people in the world actually have psychic abilities, but because it is so misunderstood, they just do not know it, or they simply choose not to recognize, accept, or use it. These gifted individuals ‘know’ or ‘sense’ things, but choose not to call themselves a ‘psychic.’
The Legacy Of The Modern Crone
The time of the crone is the third stage in the life of a woman, may she feels she has come full circle. The Crone is traditionally an archetypal figure for a ‘wise old woman.’ In ancient times the ‘crone’ was considered, in a matriarchal community, to typically be a mature woman past the age of menopause.
In society today, many women look at the time in life past menopause as a blessing. It is now considered a time to get on with life and achieve the things that may have been put on the backburner. It is a time when one hits that age where experience counts as true knowledge.
In my own opinion most of the women I know personally, who lived as young adults through the 1960’s and 1970’s, are not very much concerned with their physical age, as long as they have their health and feel good about themselves. They are not concerned about what society may call the age one is deemed ‘a crone.’
The term ‘crone’ is believed to originate from Rhea Kronia. Rhea is the ancient Greek goddess of female fertility, motherhood, and generation, also known as ‘Mother Time.’, She is also associated with black creatures, such as the crow, which is sacred and related to death.
There was a time when the crone was recognized as a treasured valued member of the community. Her advice was sought by those younger and less experienced. The good old golden rule was her belief of ‘the way life should be lived.’
The Magic Of The Plant Kingdom
I recently enrolled in a course to become professional herbalist. Herbs are something I’ve always been interested in. I wouldn’t say I have a green thumb for growing plants and gardening, but I certainly do love immersing myself with the herbs. I love combining them with oils, making tinctures and herbal remedies, and doing all of this in a magical setting with candles and other healing modalities.
One of my herbalist instructors said something that stands out for me. She said that you don’t need to be a great gardener, farmer, or botanist to be an herbalist. She went on to say that many of her greatest students and graduates have been urban dwellers who live in big cities. Rather than growing and harvesting their own herbs, they purchase them from trusted suppliers, both locally and online.
Spiritual Rituals Provide Sacred Space
Spiritual ceremonies, where humans gather together in a circle, are especially potent. An energetic hoop gathers over the circle to assist in the endeavor for the gathering, whether it be for the purpose of celebrating a new birth, honoring a solstice, or to express anything of importance to humanity, as individuals, or as a group.
Altars are also powerful. They are a gathering place for spirits to provide protection and shielding, to aid in a calling or, perhaps, to provide a sacred place for the energy of one who has crossed to another dimension to gather and connect. Or, we might choose to build an altar dedicated to providing an anchor for our business when we are away, the same as when we are present. Continue reading
The African River Man
During the time of my ukuthwasa (period of initiation to become a traditional healer or sangoma) some decades ago in Southern Africa, my mentor and some other village elders would join our group of ithwasa (sangoma trainees) by the campfire and discuss other spirits. That is, others in addition to those of our ancestors.
We heard many tales of other spirits who control the rivers, oceans and lakes, as well as those who live in the sky and control the rain. There were also stories told of sacred places where spirits inhabited mountains, trees and rocks. I loved hearing those stories from various individuals whom have had unique experiences and felt they had seen and communicated with those various spirits. Continue reading
A Message Of Hope From Hel’s Pond
A yellow butterfly guided me to Blanke Helle, or “Hel’s Pond” during a recent visit to Berlin, Germany. It darted ahead of me all the way from the bus stop in AlboinStraße, until I reached the entrance to the park where lies forgotten, and hidden from public notice, the ancient pagan site sacred to Hela, or Hel, the Norse-Germanic goddess of death and the underworld.
I have been guided by butterflies on a regular basis over the past two years, since the first one appeared to me at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. I was much encouraged by the sudden presence of this golden, magical creature, because it predicted that my visit to this sacred pagan site would be less somber than I had imagined. Yellow butterflies represent rebirth, new life, transformation and resurrection in several cultures. The Irish believe yellow butterflies to be an indicator of the peaceful transition of departed souls. And in Christian tradition yellow butterflies are symbolic of the Christ’s resurrection from death. They are also regarded as a sign of the presence of angels. Would Hel’s dark waters ultimately leave me with a message of hope? Continue reading
Confessions Of A Shape Shifter
I was born human, but I also have the ability to shape shift. I morph into the form of a female cougar a few times a month. Mostly, this happens when the time turns dark.
I suppose most would call me a demon, or something that is evil, but the truth be told my mission is to help other animal species. I mostly take care of domestic cats and dogs that are on the loose, and can’t take care of themselves.
My spirit has been the same from the beginning of time. When I feel the shift coming on, I am overcome by a feeling of dizziness, and sleep. From that point I feel myself changing. My vision becomes super sharp, as well as my sense of smell. I also feel my body change. I become sleek and strong, and all muscle, so it seems. Continue reading