[Daily Om] What We Can’t See

Another thought-provoking post from Daily Om.

Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, although this is a common way in which people deny the existence of spirit guides, angels, and other unseen helpers in our lives. However, anyone who has encountered such beings can attest to the fact that they do, indeed, exist, just as our breath exists, keeping us alive, even though we can’t see it. The wind exists, too, but we only know this because we feel it on our skin and hear it moving the leaves on the trees. All around us and within us are things we can’t see, and yet we know they are just as real as the grass beneath our feet.

What we see and don’t see may just be a matter of perspective, like the ladybug who sees the leaf on which she sits, but not the tree the leaf grows on, or the person sitting beneath it. And the person beneath the tree may or may not see the ladybug, depending on where he focuses his attention. Still, all of these things, whether seen or not seen by the person or the ladybug, exist in reality. Some people are more gifted at accessing that which we cannot see, but given an open and willing heart, anyone can tune into the invisible realm and begin to find their way.

Human beings have always done this, and it is only recently that we have fallen into distrusting the existence of what we can’t see. If you have lost touch with the unseen world, all you have to do is resolve to open your heart to its existence, and it will make itself known. Closing your eyes in meditation and visualization, or engaging the unseen through the written word, are just two ways to welcome the invisible back into your life. Whatever you choose to do, cultivating a relationship with that which you can’t see is a time-honored human practice that can greatly enhance your life.

The Hare

This morning, I drove Andrew to the train station. On the way there, we passed some roadkill — a rabbit. At first I thought it was a hare, but then I corrected myself and said it was too small. In any case, it was obviously fresh, and the local corvid population was already enjoying the feast. And so does the wheel of life turn…

On the way back however, just as I’d passed the roadkill again, something flashed from the bushes — and I braked, hard. The hare stopped in the middle of the road, all long and lithe and large, and stared at me with liquid eyes. For a moment, everything stopped. The sound of the radio drained away, to be replaced by the sound of a heart beating — mine or the hare’s, or maybe the Earth Mother’s, I wasn’t sure. The hair prickled on the back of my neck. But for one long second we stared at each other, the hare and I, and then it was gone — leaping easily across the remainder of the road, and into the undergrowth.

I didn’t think we had hares in this area; in fact, I’m pretty sure we don’t. Nonetheless, a hare stopped my car this morning. Am I to take this as a sign, or pure coincidence? Given I had a bit of a crisis of faith at the start of this week — one that is slowly resolving, with me beginning to feel not only back on the right path but even more sure on said path — I’m not exactly leaning towards the concept of “concidence”… And yet still I remain torn.

The hare is a symbol of the Goddess, and offers gifts of awareness, creativity/fertility, speed, and transformation. Ever since I saw my first hare — last June, whilst staying at a health spa with Andrew — I have found my thoughts returning to the hare again and again, but without any time to properly research or discover the hare’s teachings. The famous image of the moongazing hare is one that has repeatedly drawn me, but with no action on my part. And now this…

Maybe the Gods are trying to tell me something, and I’ve just been too wound up in my headspace to take heed. That should change. Going back to the beginning, back to being aware — simply aware, simply connecting — would not be a bad start. So, brother/sister hare, what secrets do you have to share?

My Tradition

In all the time I’ve had this blog, I don’t think I’ve ever explained the Tradition I follow. I know I have alluded to it, and even glossed over it some, but that’s not the same as detailing it in full. Yes, it can be found via my coven’s Web site, but really I feel it also deserves a place here. And so, here it is (still worded as for the coven, but as a coven member I feel that’s most appropriate):

Beliefs: Panentheism

1. We believe that deity is both of the world (immanent) and beyond it (transcendent).
2. We believe that everything is made up of Divine energy.
3. We believe that the natural world is an expression of the Divine.

Beliefs: Henotheism

1. We follow a small group of deities without denying the existence of any others.
2. We believe that an individual’s particular deities are valid, even if we do not follow that deity’s path.
3. We believe that no one deity has greater or lesser worth than another.

Beliefs: Polarity of Deity

1. We believe in both masculine and feminine aspects of the Divine.
2. We believe that masculine and feminine are equal, with neither gender being greater than or less than the other.

Beliefs: Liturgy and Deities of Circle

1. We have our own unique deities, legends and spiritual practices which take precedence in group events only.
2. We believe that, while inherently important to our group workings, these aspects are no more or less important than the personal deities and spiritual practices of each individual.
3. We believe that each individual has the right and ability to communicate with the Divine without the need for an intermediary.
4. We believe that each individual has to right to build up a personal relationship with the deities of his or her choosing.

Ethics: Of The Self — The Need for Personal Practice

1. We believe that individuals have the right to practice his or her Craft according to his or her own personal belief structure.
2. We believe that each individual should set aside time each day for personal spiritual practice and development.
3. We believe that each individual has the right to do whatever necessary to make themselves comfortable and secure in all areas — spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically.

Ethics: Toward Others — The Law of Return

1. We believe in the interconnectedness of all things.
2. We believe that life is a web and as each of us move upon it, the ripples caused by our actions affect others and therefore affect ourselves in turn.
3. We believe in promoting tolerance and respect for all beings regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, religion or species.
4. We believe that each individual should make his or her decisions based on his or her knowledge and/or perception at that time. Whatever comes of this is the individual’s responsibility and should be accepted as such.
5. We do not believe that inaction due to a fear of the consequences is a valid act.

Ethics: For The Earth — A Green Outlook

1. We believe that each individual should have and maintain a knowledge of environmental issues (both local and global).
2. We believe that each individual should do what they can to aid the causes to which they feel personally drawn.
3. We believe that every individual has a responsibility to ensure the ecological balance of his or her immediate local area.

Ethics: Toward Life — Reincarnation and the Clean Slate

1. We believe that we are born with a “clean slate” upon which to scribe our own mistakes and accomplishments.
2. We believe that death is the natural companion to life and that without one there cannot be the other.
3. We believe in reincarnation but recognise the right of the individual to perceive that belief in whichever way they wish.
4. We do not believe that the actions of one individual in a lifetime directly affects any other lifetime which that individual has.
5. We believe in other realities which may be perceived from our own.
6. We believe that, through training and spiritual/magical practice, each individual is capable of perceiving and learning from these additional realities.
7. We believe that each individual has the right to his or her own perspectives on life issues such as (but not limited to) the death penalty, abortion and euthanasia.

Practices: Teaching and Healing

1. We place equal importance on the actions of teaching and healing, and strive to offer both in a safe and supportive environment.
2. We believe that the healing of the self, of others, and of the Earth is inherent to our practices.
3. We encourage individuals to become adept with at least one energy healing method.
4. We believe that each day is a learning experience, no matter its events.

Practices: Solar and Lunar Celebrations

1. We celebrate eight sabbats in line with the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, starting/ending with Samhain.
2. We believe that there is no one correct mythos connected with the Wheel of the Year; rather, we encourage individuals to ascribe his or her own definitions to seasonal changes in line with his or her local environment and personal beliefs.
3. We also recognise the influence of the phases of the moon in our lives, and therefore celebrate both full and dark moons.
4. When possible, we also celebrate significant lunar events, such as black and blue moons.

Practices: Magic and Power

1. We believe that each individual has the ability to create magic.
2. We believe that each individual is responsible for his or her own magical acts.
3. We believe that any act of magic is sacred.
4. We do not believe in “white” or “black” magic; rather that magic itself is both and it is the responsibility of the individual as to which he or she casts.
5. We believe that the individual has the right to express his or her own personal power, and to take responsibility for any consequences thereof.

Practices: Personal Milestones

1. We encourage each individual to celebrate personal achievements and events in line with his or her own pathway and life choices.
2. We recognise the right for each individual to celebrate holy days connected to his or her own personal deities and/or spiritual practice.

[Daily Om] Making Time For Reflection

Today’s Daily Om really spoke to me — it’s definitely how I’ve been feeling, and indeed what I’ve been doing, of late. And that’s not a bad thing — often the time we take for ourselves helps us to be there for others when they are in need.

Making Time For Reflection: Going On Retreat
Giving ourselves time to reflect and heal can be a powerful way to process the things that are happening in our lives, and one of the best approaches to do this is by going on a retreat. Going on a retreat means that we have set the intention to heal and learn more about our spirit, and doing this is a decision that we make for ourselves.

Since everyone sees and experiences the world differently, it is important to choose a type of retreat that works best for us. Even though a friend or loved one may recommend something, we have to trust our intuition and select a path that really connects with what our soul needs most at the time. The most essential thing is to be willing to respect our unique stage of development and to be patient with ourselves since any thoughts or issues that arise are simply part of the process of healing. Just remembering that a retreat is an intense period of time where serious soul searching takes place can help us allow whatever may happen to us to fully unfold. Going on retreat may sound like a vacation, but most retreat experiences ask you to look deep inside of yourself, and sometimes this can be uncomfortable or stir the pot of our soul.

Putting our trust in the retreat process will make space for the necessary work we have to do, making it easier for our hearts and minds to explore wholly the innermost reaches of our soul. By paying attention to these messages, we pave the way for greater healing and transformation, since spending time in contemplation at a retreat will give us the gift of insight and understanding that we can use in all aspects of our daily lives.

Going on a retreat does not have to mean getting away from it all, like going to a spa or to a spiritual centre or on holiday for a while. A retreat can be something as simple as just pulling back from more hectic or stressful parts of life for a time, or spending an evening pampering yourself (and/or your loved one) with a hot bubble bath, or curling up with a duvet and a good book. It may mean sitting in meditation for a while, or making the time to share a deep heart-to-heart with another, no interruptions. It doesn’t have to have bells and whistles, nor does it have to be boring. To me, the definition of a retreat is simple: it’s something that feels your soul. This can be something that comforts, or it can be something that hurts — but either way, it will offer healing. And that, to me at least, is a form of comfort.

Movin’ On and Makin’ Plans…

In line with previous thoughts, today I got on top of some things — deleting a community which no one wanted to take off my hands (because I was fed up with it, and it no longer held an interest for me), and successfully transferring another comm () to a pair of competent LJers who have become its new Maintainers. This leaves me with one comm left, and plans are in the works to transfer that one too. All of these are communities which are more of a burden than a joy for me now, and so they must go. It’s time for me to move on.

I have also done something for me today — I have signed up for a course in holistic spirituality, to be happening later this year. I am looking forward to this very much, and can’t wait to star. It is made up of multiple workshops spread throughout the year, plus background reading and also homework. I am already doing some of the background reading, in preparation — even though we’re a good few months away from the first workshop weekend.

This summer there is a level two Wild Earth Animal Essences course running, and I am also planning on attending that. It will be exciting, as there is a new subfamily within this family of vibrational remedies, called the Healing Path Essences. If I can, I aim to save up for these in stock bottle form so that I can add them to my practice.

For once, I am actually on top of all my emails and LJ comments/entries. I like the feeling that gives — a sense of freedom, of victory even! And I am currently keeping on top of things quite a bit. No doubt that will change over the next few days though, LOL …

Earlier I gave myself some Reiki, whilst resting in bed. I ended up falling into a pleasant sleep and woke to find myself in the same position, hands still over my heart and solar plexus chakras, still giving Reiki. It was a lovely, empowering and calming experience — one which I must repeat more often than I currently do.

I enjoyed going knitting tonight… There is something very meditative about the rhythm of the needles, and feel of the yarn in my fingers. It is both calming and mind-sharpening at the same time, allowing me to fall into a lull where my thoughts can skip forward and back, and make jumps that otherwise I don’t think I’d be able to do, and thus seeing things that weren’t immediately apparent before. This is good, because I’m becoming more aware of myself and what makes me tick in the process.

It is raining outside, and the sound on the skylight is invigorating. I wonder what tomorrow will bring! :)

[Daily Om] Keeping Things In Perspective

Huh. I really needed to read this Daily Om today.

Keeping Things In Perspective: Mountains
Mountains have always captured our imaginations, calling us to scale their heights, to circle and worship at their feet, and to pay homage to their greatness. Mountains can be seen from thousands of miles away, and if we are lucky enough to be on top of one, we can see great stretches of the surrounding earth. As a result, mountains symbolize vision, the ability to rise above the adjacent lowlands and see beyond our immediate vicinity. From the top of the mountain, we are able to witness life from a new perspective—cities and towns that seem so large when we are in them look tiny. We can take the whole thing in with a single glance, regaining our composure and our sense of proportion as we realize how much bigger this world is than we sometimes remember it to be.

Mountains are almost always considered holy and spiritual places, and the energy at the top of a mountain is undeniably unique. When we are on top of a mountain, it is as if we have ascended to an alternate realm, one in which the air is purer and the energy lighter. Many a human being has climbed to the top of a mountain in order to connect with a higher source of understanding, and many have come back down feeling stronger and wiser. Whenever we are feeling trapped or limited in our vision, a trip to our nearest mountain may be just the cure we need.

There’s a reason that mountain views are so highly prized in this world, and it is because, even from a distance, mountains remind us of how small we are, which often comes as a wonderful relief. In addition, they illustrate our ability to connect with higher energy. As they rise up from the earth, sometimes disappearing in the clouds that gather around them, they are a visual symbol of earth reaching up into the heavens. Whether we have a mountain view out of our window or just a photograph of a mountain where we see it every day, we can rely on these earthly giants to provide inspiration, vision, and a daily reminder of our humble place in the grand scheme of life.

Dismantling the Sacred

I was re-reading some old copies of Kindred Spirit recently, and in the Jan/Feb 2007 issue there is an interview with Caroline Myss, the American medical intuitive and mystic. In particular, one quote caught my eye:

“We’ve got too familiar, we’ve dismantled the sacred. Instead of a serious spiritual practice, we’ve got trinkets. People wear crystals — for protection, from what? Negativity. Is negativity afraid of crystals? All of this is mythic nonsense, fantasies that require no maintenance, they require no interior practice. Believing in trinkets doesn’t require devotion or discipline, it doesn’t require anything but jewellery! What is this superstitious nonsense in lieu of a serious soul theology?”

Now, to some degree I agree with her — a lot of us have “dismantled the sacred”. I think a lot of people today want a “quick fix” spirituality, one which requires very little work from themselves. This is particularly evident with the number of “instant” spell books available in bookstores, such as the ones which say “light this candle, say these words, and your prince will come!”. Bah. How many times, as people, are we taught “you only get out of this what you put in”, in so many areas of our lives? Why should our spiritualities be any different?

I, for one, do not want a “quick-fix spirituality”. If I did, I wouldn’t be a Witch. I want (and have) a spirituality that challenges me, that fills me up to the brim, that makes me feel at home within myself and my surroundings. I like to invest myself in my spirituality, and feel something come out of it in return — whether it be circumstances falling into place just so, or a welcome visit from a robin or some other unexpected, but welcome, guest. I like the idea that, as Witches, we can apply our will upon the structure of the universe, thus causing an effect to manifest which alters the state of reality. I like that — not for reasons of control or ego, but for the reason that I like to manifest my own world. I like to have a say in all this.

However, I only partially agree with what Myss says about “trinkets”. While I understand, and agree with, her point about “no interior practice”, I do feel that she cuts the line too finely, too sharply, here. Yes, just buying a crystal and wearing it for the sake that it will “protect” you will do very little in its claim. However, I believe that linking the crystal with your own abilities — psychic, magical, spiritual, whatever you want to call it — will reap some form of result. This is the kind of “interior practice” that I believe Myss to be intimating — a practice initiated by some kind of spiritual/magical spark within, one that challenges and intrigues us and leads us onto the pathway of self-seeking, and one which is further nourished through disciplines such as meditation, creative visualisation, and other spiritual or personal development practices.

Myss talks about “superstitious nonsense in lieu of a serious soul theology”. I believe that a “serious soul theology” is lacking for a lot of people; even, at times, those who feel safe and solid in their spiritualities and religions (like me). After all, if we were to feel safe and solid all the time, how would we know true connection with the Divine, the true touch of Mystery? If, from time to time, we were to lose that connection, doubt it or just plain take it for granted, it will then mean all the more to us when we do re-experience it. After all, we don’t want to become too complacent in our beliefs, do we?

With complacency comes the desire to make things easy, and the lack of intent to rise to the challenges that appear before us. If one becomes too complacent, then they do not feel themselves stretched or fulfilled by their spirituality/religion — in time, one would face one of two choices: to “put up and shut up” with it (that is, just accepting that said compl
acency is the norm, and thus falling into a rut which does nothing to nourish or expand us on a spiritual level, eventually bubbling over to affect us on mental/emotional/physical levels); or — in the words of Rascal Flatts — for you to “get mad you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off, then you stand”.

The only person who can take responsibility for your spirituality is yourself. Your parents, siblings, best friends, priests, spiritual leaders, self-help authors — none of them are going to do it. And sure as hell, $Deity ain’t gonna do it — sure, They may have a hand in it, but without you reaching towards Them in return it’s going to mean diddly-squat. You are the only person who can make a difference, but it’s up to you whether that be taking an active grasp of your beliefs, and working out what works for you and then walking that talk, or if it be following a fantasy “that requires no maintenance”, or even — to some degree — accepting a religion on a silver platter. It’s your life, your spirituality: no one can take that from you, except yourself. If you don’t take a stand for yourself and your own beliefs, no one else will. And then you’ll only have one person to blame: yourself. So, ask yourself — are you going to “dismantle the sacred”?

Showertime Meditation

One of my favourite meditations, when I’m feeling really yukky from dealing with day-to-day stuff or have had one of those days where everything seems to spark me off, is a very simple shower meditation. It’s quick and easy, and leaves me feeling very refreshed. Though it may not work for, or suit, everyone, this is how it goes:

Heathwitch’s Showertime Meditation
Before you begin, make sure you have some of your favourite shower gel to hand. Take some time slowing down and consciously removing your clothes before you head for the shower — make the act of removing your clothing one of respect and steadfastness; move slowly and consciously, aware of every brush of fabric against your skin, the way your body breathes as the clothing is removed.

When you are ready, step into the shower. Turn the shower on. Stand for a few minutes underneath the spray, eyes closed. If you can tolerate it, turn your face toward the spray and let the water beat down on you for a short while. Then just lower your face to a comfortable position and take a few breaths — in for four, hold for four, out for four, wait for four, then in for four again. Repeat this breathing pattern three more times, then settle into a rhythm that is comfortable for you.

In your mind’s eye, picture a meadow. The time of day and season are up to you. Running through the meadow is a stream, happily bubbling away across rocks and stones. You follow the stream through the meadow, alongside a rising hillside, until you come to a cove cut into the hill. The stream curves into the cove and forms a pool in its centre. Cascading down from the rocky hillside, into the pool itself, is a waterfall.

You notice a path leading around the edge of the pool and behind the waterfall, and you decide to follow it. As you step behind the waterfall, you become aware of the fresh scent of the water, and the cool sanctuary it offers. There is enough room behind the waterfall for you to stand without being in the full force of the falling water, and so you stand there, facing the natural curtain that falls before you. After a few moments you decide to step beneath the flow of the water itself, and as you do it seems that every part of your body is tingling. As the water flows around you, you notice that each droplet of water takes on a pale hint of colour — white, violet, indigo, blue, green, pink, yellow, orange, red. These colours wash over you and you feel all the rubbish that you’ve been carrying about with you of late just seeping away.

After a time the colours fade and the water runs clear — so brilliantly clear that you can’t look straight at it. You turn away to face the rockface behind the waterfall again, and, when you are ready, step out from underneath the flow of water. As you make your way out from behind the waterfall, it is as though the water has left a fluid shell around you, adhering to your skin. This quickly dries, but it doesn’t disappear — rather, it feels akin to a gentle shield between you and the negativity of the world. You feel light and comfortable and at peace. (If you want to spend some time sitting beside the pool, perhaps scrying or asking for a companion/guide/Deity to join you, now would be a good opportunity to do so.)

When you are ready, make your way back to the meadow. As you do so, you can feel yourself becoming heavier and more solid. The meadow fades, and you are back in your shower. Take a few deep breaths and shake out your limbs. Now spend some time lathering yourself down with your favourite shower gel. Really go to town on this — enjoy the process. Welcome each and every part of your body and honour it for what it does for you — your feet for keeping you connected to the earth, your legs for carrying you places, and so on. Do the same for your hair, if you wish. Finish your shower in your usual manner and then go back into the world feeling calm, refreshed and protected.

Note: If you want to make the meditation even more interesting, try showering in the dark
(but be careful not to fall over or crash into anything), or with a single candle lit in the room.

I usually preface this meditation by spritzing an essence spray — such as one of Wild Earth’s Spirit Sprays or one of Alaskan Essence’s Sacred Space Sprays — on the showerhead before I begin. Then when I turn the shower on, all the lovely essencey goodness cascades down through the water to me. Bliss!

I have also been known to run round, spritzing showerheads, when we have a houseful of people all taking showers at various times… A little balance and calmness here and there is always useful. :)

Oya Speaks…

Words of wisdom from Oya, via a meditation last night — and yes, damnit, I know exactly what She’s talking about. :-\

“Inaction due to the fear of change is no action at all.”

Furthermore, today’s Daily Om reads thus:

Declaring Our Intentions: Ready For Change
There comes a point in most of our lives when we feel ready to experience a change we’ve had trouble carrying out. Maybe we’ve been stuck in a home, a relationship, job, or a town that hasn’t felt right for a long time, but we’ve been unable to shift our circumstances in the direction we want to go. At times like this, it can help to declare to the universe that we are ready for a change. Think of it as informing a helpful friend that you need her assistance to move to the next level in your life. If the time is right, the universe will respond with opportunities and offers designed to help you create the change you wish to see.

You can begin the process of making your declaration by getting clear within yourself about what exactly you want to change. Whenever we ask anyone for help, they can assist us that much better if we are specific. The universe also appreciates our clarity and has an easier time answering a direct communication than a vague yearning. When you are clear on what you want, write your declaration on a piece of paper and place it on your altar, if you have one. If you don’t, you can also place it under your pillow or in a box on your nightstand. Set aside a period of time every day to be silent with your wishes for change, repeating your declaration like a mantra. This lets the universe know that you are ready to change and will be receptive to its efforts.

Feel free to continue to refine and redefine your declaration, and remember to be open to the many different ways in which the change you seek might come to be. Remember also to be active in your own efforts, taking opportunities that come your way, watching for signs, and always taking responsibility for your intentions. If things don’t happen quickly, try not to be discouraged; it might take time to free up energy that has been blocked and possibly serving a purpose beyond what we can understand. If you continue your conversation with the universe, declaring yourself clearly and openly, you cannot help but experience the magic of changing and being changed.

Stand With Me

Just a little something that came to me in circle earlier. :)

Stand With Me
by Heathwitch (Heather K Ward)

Stand at my back in wartime; let me feel you there
Stand at my front in peacetime; let me feel you there.
Stand at my left in sorrowtime; let me feel you there.
Stand at my right in joytime; let me feel you there.
But more than anything else:
Stand with me always in Circle. Let me feel you there.