Making a Sacred Space

Everyone has those days where you need escape.  Whether it be work, school, family, friends, or any kind of drama.  Having a sacred space of your own is just lovely.  It is your space so you can do what you want.  If you want to meditate in your living room or den or cook away your issues in the kitchen, making a sacred space is simple.  There are many ideas about how to make a sacred space.  Some want to follow exact directions on making a circle, lighting sage, and chanting.  I feel like you can cleanse an area without following a directional sheet.  Lighting sage and swirling the smoke in a circle is a methodical way and some people prefer the classic how-to.  I made my space by bringing my own touch to the area.  I lite a few favorite candles and created my own blessings.   I also use my tarot cards to bring positive energy and do some blessings and charms.  I feel like making your own space personal with blessings and energy you originated, makes the sacred space even more sacred.  Googling how to do things like this adds to negative energy and doesn't stay true to yourself.  However,  I know people who prefer to have steps laid out for them.  If you make your own area with personal touches it will be an even better escape.

Here are some examples of sacred spaces.  It is up to you to make your space.  You can make it simple or however you like.  It belongs to you.

Revenge

Everyone has someone they hate or really really dislike.  It's only human.  People get bullied and pushed around and sometimes it is even by people who are supppose to love them.  Whatever the reason, it still hurts.  If someone I love yells at me or does something hurtful, I get this pain deep in my chest.  When I was little I figured it was my heart breaking.  As juvenile as that seems, I still feel the same way about it.  When people think of magick or spells they immediately jump to Harry Potter and media made ideas of what magick is.  I am sure we all have wanted to turn someone into a rat, but that's just not going to happen.  In all seriousness, harming others is against what Wicca is about.  I know there are people who deserve to get the bad end of the stick but leaving that to karma is the best way to handle the situation.  When you send out negative energy, you are still able to be hurt by it as well.  I always consider the The Rule of Three.  Getting all of that negative power back times three isn't worth it.  Even doing curses is not smart. There is no such thing as "little" or "small" curses because the energy is still out there.

Avoiding wishing harm on people is not always easy.  Like I said, we are only human.  Everyone has different situations.  Having an abusive (emotionally or physically) significant other, being bullied, being taken advantage of, not being apppreciated, or just being put down on any level can cause you to want to wish bad things on someone. So many things seem just for taking karma into your own hands, but there is no good reason.  A good bit of the time I don't want to be the better person. Hell, sometimes I have hoped people walk into traffic.  But thinking or saying things like this put even more bad energy out.  A double negative does not make a positive because this is definately not math.  Instead of harboring thoughts like that, relax, meditate, and think about the good in your life.  Life is stressful and those crappy challenges make everything worthwhile because it shows you as a strong person.  I know meditating at work when some punk trys to make your life hell seems like an impossible joke.  But stop and take a minute because you got this. Just send our your positive energy and it'll come back when you need it.

Fashionista

When it comes to fashion, I believe everyone should have their own style.  Style explains who people are and how they express themselves.  People add labels with style.  This is unfortunate but realistic.  With Wicca, people associate a witches style now-a-days to a style like the "goths."  Instead of pointy black hats and shows, Wiccans are thought to wear all black clothing and appear dark and sinister.  This is totatlly insane.  Most traditions/cultures do have their own style, but people always associate Wiccans with the devil and looking evil.  When it comes to dressing for your culture or beliefs, you do not have to go all out.  It is nice to wear small accessories to show you are proud of who you are and can still dress the way you want.  There are easy ways to incorporate Wiccan life into your fashion.  For example, pendants of pentacles or moons are a great way to do so.  Also, having symbols in Wicca on clothing or bags is an easy way to represent who you are as well.  With dressing for a belief system, there is not a lot of trends to worry about.  You can incorporate small things into the trends that already exist.  So many cool things are on the internet when it comes to shopping.  It makes everything so easy and widens the range.  I have a few examples of neat ideas for Wiccan fashion to add to your everday clothing.

 This is a neat backpack!

 I love this necklace!!!

 Amazing ring!

http://bellirosa.com/store/  <-----This is the site where the above items are for sale







These are some other cute examples of clothes from Wiccan/witch sites. 

http://www.pyramidcollection.com/default.asp  The above are from this site


Feel free to get creative with style and clothing.  Don't be afraid to incorporate some pieces that have to deal with your beliefs.  :)

Tattoos

When it comes to tattoos and religions or beliefs of any kind, there is always a point of controversy. Wiccan tattoos can be seen as magical or mystical but can certainly cause a stir, depending on your point of view.  There is the saying that says "do what you will, so long as it harms none," but if you do not consider tattoos as harmful to yourself, then why not? There is the age old argument that the body is sacred and tattoos ruin that idea.  However, people also consider tattoos as an art form and that tattoos do not make the body any less sacred.  I have tattoos, and I certainly see no issue with the subject.  I even have a symbol from the Ace of Cups in the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck on my wrist.  It is a meaningful card and symbol for me, so I got a tattoo for dedication.  Many Wiccan symbols are used for tattoos for people who are Wiccan and even for those who are not.  Some common ideas and themes that are tattooed from the belief structure are gods and goddesses, pentacle/pentagram (representing the 5 elements), sun, moon, and stars.  The Wiccan's have so many beautiful symbols that make great tattoo imagery.  Also, tarot decks carry just as much great imagery.  Getting tattoos should be a personal choice, despite the controversy that will proceed to follow it. 

The image above is my tattoo. 

Other tattoo examples:

13 Principles of Wiccan Belief

When it comes to practicing Wicca, there is not discrimination.  Whether your age, race, sex, or gender, Wicca welcomes all.  Aceepting and respecting these guides is expected of those you are willing to practice.

A little history behind the priciples: In Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the spring of 1974, the newly formed Council of American Witches decided to create a definition of what it means to practice modern WitchCraft. As Witches around the world respect all life and Wiccan traditions, the American experience also has new meaning and gives additional value to the Craft. The Council created this set of bi-laws for their members to practice and reconfirm their commitment to the God/Goddess and Wiccan traditions.

Unfortunately the Council disbanded later that same year, but their gatherings were definitely not in vain. The Principles have been welcomed, celebrated and accepted as the Principles of Wiccan Belief all over the world. There are some who believe that this was the sole mission of the council as determined by the Divine forces. If that is indeed the case, then their efforts can be harolded as a great success.

1.We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal quarters and cross-quarters.

2.We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment to life and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.

3.We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than is apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary, it is sometimes called "supernatural," but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.

4.We conceive of the Creative Power in the Universe as manifesting through polarity - as masculine and feminine - and that this same creative Power lives in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other knowing each to be supportive of the other. We value sexuality as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiement of Life and as one of the sources of energies used in magical practice and religious worship.

5.We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological worlds - sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, the Inner Planes, etc. - and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magical exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.

6.We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given to themselves in leadership.

7.We see religion, Magic, and wisdom-in-living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it - a world view and philosophy of life, which we identify as Witchcraft or the Wiccan Way.

8.Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch - but neither does heredity itself, or the collecting of titles, degrees and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within him/herself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well, without harm to others, and in harmony with Nature.

9.We acknowledge that it is the affirmation and fulfillment of life, in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness, that gives meaning to the Universe we know and to our personal role within it.

10.Our only animosity toward Christianity, or toward any other religion or philosophy-of-life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the one true right and only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practices and belief.

11.As American Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.

12.We do not accept the concept of "absolute evil", nor do we worship any entity known as "Satan" or "the Devil" as defined by Christian Tradition. We do not seek power through the suffering of others, nor do we accept the concept that personal benefits can only be derived by denial to another.

13.We work within Nature for that which is contributory to our health and well-being.

Wiccan Holiday Decor

Wicca, as an organized religion, is really very young, but the roots do go pretty far back in time. It is interesting to realize that Christmas is actually a kind of adaptation of the Pagan/Wiccan holiday of Yule. In modern times, Yule is observed as a cultural festival and also with religious rites by some Christians and by some Neopagans. It's fun to decorate and get ready for the holidays!

It is a tradition to decorate the Christmas/Holiday tree in many family, so why not get some Wiccan themed ornaments.  Anything from pentacles to the three of life make greats decorations.  There is an endless list. 

Also, wreaths are a great idea as well.  The circular design of wreaths symbolizes the life cycle. It is a celebration of renewal and rebirth, one of Yule's meanings. So, feel free to grab any fun holiday wreath to add some decor.

Great holiday candles are another way to heat up the holiday cheer too.

So many great ideas are out there! Even though Thanksgiving has yet to pass by, stores are getting their Christmas/Yule decorations set up.  Grab some with a great wiccan theme to incorporate your beliefs. 

AH! IT'S A SPIDER!

Let's face it, people are scared of spiders.  They are sneaky, creepy, hairy creatures.  They hide, they lounge around, and they bite.  Spiders have a reason for taking up space, unlike mosquitos.  Spiders are weaved into Wiccan traditions and certain mythologies.  They are more than a symbol for Halloween. 

   The spider, a natural weaver, is symbol of Clotho (Greek Mythology- sister of The Fates) the spinner of thread of life and/or Athene, the spinner of destiny .  It was believed that the future could be read in a spider's web because each thread represented a lifetime for someone.  Also, according to the mythology of the first nations, a spider grandmother created the world by spinning a web.  This shows the spider in a new way: as a symbol of creation and new beginnings.

This weaving magic of the world and the destiny is associated to the witches, who also try to weave and reweave the reality.

Spiders in dreams are also supposed to represent that someone is coming to you with a matter of guilt or trying to trap a "dreamer" with something negative that could hold back their dreams.

Spiders have a deeper meaning and are more than a gross bug.  Let their meanings sink in and vary.  Try to considered them more as a warning of sorts or a creature of ability dealing with beginnings.  Just try to squish them less if they aren't harming you :)

Tarot Origins

It is frustrating to explain to people that being a tarot reader does not mean you worship the devil.  It seems like every Christian (I am not pointing fingers or saying they are the only religion that is capable of making wrong assumptions.) I talk to seems to automatically label the tarot as a major sin.  How is it a sin?  No where in the commandments does it say that tarot cards are a sin.  They do not worship a god or a devil.  They can be used in magick but are not always, so I can understand people labeling magick as wrong.  People always associate tarot with having bad "juju" or something completely outragous.  Tarot cards were invented sometime in the mid to late 1400’s, relatively shortly after regular playing cards were introduced to Europe in the 14th Century. It is suggested that Tarot cards were made as a game to amuse members of the Visconti, d’Este and other royal houses of Northern Italy. The oldest Tarot cards in existence, from the hand-painted Visconti and d’Este Tarot decks, date from this period.  Some readers can even read cards using a deck of playing cards.  The origin does not deal with satan worship; it was just a form of entertainment for royals. 

People also consider Wiccans to be witches of satan.  What people do not realize is that the Wicca and Pagan traditions are similar to some Christian practices.  However, Wicca does involve magick and witchcraft.  Some chose not to believe in the matter, and some realize that not all witchcraft is black.  Many people use the terms Wicca and witchcraft interchangeably. Paganism is an umbrella term used to apply to a number of different earth-based faiths. Wicca falls under that heading, although not all Pagans are Wiccan.  Wiccans have commandments and guidelines for morals like Christianity.  Being a good person and not causing harm to others is a major part of the Wiccan tradition.  Also, celebrating the earth and being grateful are strong morals as well. 

People just assume that every person who titles themselves a Wiccan or who reads tarot cards is a witch who worships the devil.  WRONG.  Wiccan's worship the earth!  Reading tarot cards is a spiritual experience, and it can be a complete selfless act.