Social Media Break

Facebook. I hate to admit my addiction to the site. I have absentmindedly wasted many hours staring at my phone screen keeping up with posts of all those in my close and outer circles. It can be a wonderful tool to stay in touch and even to network with other pagans far and near.

However, with a small one to care for, this form of social media has become an issue. My son, now 6 months, has learned that his mother enjoys staring at her device and that it therefore interests him. One of my parenting goals is to avoid the technology dependence that is becoming more and more of a problem in society. I want my boy to play outside and know the joy of fishing in the backyard creek.

This is something I must show by example. So for now, Facebook has been deleted from my devices. Then each day, I must learn to go back to the times before smart phoned and apps...I must be more present and enjoy activities that don't involve technology. This is my best life change yet.

Distasteful Funeral Service

Two days ago, I attended a funeral for a baby whom was born stillborn from a premature birth. I did not know the parents personally but the mother was a good friend of my ex husband. I could only imagine the emotional turmoil she was facing and after the sermon at the graveside service, I could only imagine it made it far worse....

I've never particularly liked Christian funerals. They have often times seemed too much like a church sermon and in no way related to the life of the individual that had passed on. I've only known two services that ever did so. One my mother went to where she raved about a live band and everyone wearing Hawaiian shirts and flip flops. The other was a dinner for my Uncle Robert where the point was to talk about him in good light and to tell the funny stories that made his life memorable. These have been my favorite forms for remembering those who have crossed the veil. However, both involved someone who had lived many years and led a good life. So what does one do for a baby that didn't even live a day? 

It seems the situation called for the telling the family, including both parents, that if you do not live your life well and accept Jesus that you will never meet this beautiful baby in heaven. I was shocked that anyone would say to a grieving mother who just lost her precious baby, who never once even got to see him smile or coo, that they may never see their child in heaven. Being Wiccan, I do not have to dread the idea of that feeling of pressure to do right by "God" so to see my baby in heaven. However, it is still a very insensitive thing to ever hear at any funeral I have attended or heard of. I know in the Christian views that it makes sense that one might not be reunited with loved ones, but to actually hear this at a funeral for a baby? I was appalled.

I guess this is the downside to living within the bible belt. *sigh*

EO Shopping

My mother and I decided we wanted to attempt making a natural mosquito repellant today but lacked the required oils needed for many of the recipes we had viewed. Therefore, a trip to the local health food store was in order.

As with all purchases at the health food store, we managed to wind up with more than what we came in for. While looking at the oils, we noticed a recipe taped to the shelves for thieves blend. My mother couldn't resist and before long our buggy had ever essential oil to create it. Then I remembered a fantastic blend for edema, which I suffer from due to a knee injury. I got oils for it as well. We ended up with quite the set of oils by the time we left.

Looks like tomorrow is going to be another day of essential oil alchemy and I can't wait!

Wet Weather

The weather this year has been somewhat odd. Seems there is a flash-flood warning every other day in this neck of the Texas woods. Parts of this state are already heavily under water such as Austin and Houston. The next town over even had flooding issues. I can't say I ever remember a year like this before. Even as I type, rain is pelting down upon my roof and lulling my little one into a deeper sleep. In the morning, however, there will be more downed branches and plants in the garden getting root rot. I pray this rain wains and the sun makes it's way out. It might just be time to call the coven to gather for a ritual to repel these storms. The land just can't take it.

Hawk Messages

"The Hawk represents a messenger in the Native American culture. It often shows up in our life when we need to pay attention to the subtle messages found around us, and from those we come into contact with. As with all messages recieved, it is important to recognize the messages underlying truth."  

I've known for a long time now that a red shouldered hawk resides within the woods beside my home. He makes it a habit of flying past in the afternoon a few times a week. Shortly becoming aware to his presence, I decided to name him Kyte. Mostly due to his appearance, when gliding in the open sky, being similar to a kite; controlled only by the winds. Kyte generally pays me no attention as he flies past. However, as of late, he has been staying closer by to my house. The other day I found him perching on my roof. The day before that in the trees just in the backyard. Today, I found him in the shaded ritual area making his calls. Three days he has showed up for me. I can't help but wonder if he is attempting to tell me something. Tomorrow, if he comes about, I guess I will just have to ask him.

 Quote Source: www.shamanicjourney.com 

Essential Oils

A coven mate of mine recently began selling Young Living brand essential oils. Now, I've always enjoyed oils for their magickal properties and for their aromatherapy qualities when on the oil warmer that sits upon my altar, but I had paid them little attention for healing. Partly due to heavy prices of the 100% pure undiluted oils needed when using topically for healing. However, my coven mate decided to give me a sample of a custom blend designed for edema which I suffer with from an old car wreck injury. I couldn't believe just how amazing this method worked for me. For the first time in several months, I laid down bed for the night with a pain free knee.

....and now I am addicted to the healing benefits of essential oils. I've since purchased a few Young Living oils and also pulled out my oils purchased from the local health food store. I'm building up a personalized medicine cabinet of healing oils and removing the nasty chemical mainstream medicines.

There are many other uses for these oils too. One I plan to try out this summer is a essential oil flea collar for my feline friends. I hope it works as it sounds like a much more mild method of flea removal, which would be a great change as the last attempt at flea drops went horribly wrong and ended up with a trip to the vet. Other uses are in homemade cleaning products and bug repellent. Crossing my fingers on the bug repellent as the mosquitoes in my area have made this hedge witch afraid of the outdoors. If only there was a spell to banish these little devils.

Getting Ready for a Wiccaning

I'm very excited to announce that I have a beautiful baby boy back on December 30, 2014!

I know, I know....I should have posted sooner about this wonderful news, but with that life changing event, I haven't exactly had time to fiddle around with my blog. There was so much that had to be done in preparation to his arrival and then there was a lot of adjusting once he came home in my arms.

One thing that I've been lacking time to getting around to is his Wiccaning ceremony. Blessing a baby is very important after all! I finally asked a fellow Wiccan, whom is a High Priestess from another area, to perform the ceremony. She has agreed to the task and will be meeting with me next week or so to go over the where, when and the rite itself.

I'm so excited about it!

I've performed a Wiccaning in the past, but its fun to work with new people and to actually be the one having it done for instead of the one doing it. Its a whole new experience and a great one to be on the opposite side of the table for.

Well, I guess the only thing left for me to post is a picture of my handsome little hereditary witch...

Jacob Dorian Bennett

1 Day Old

&

4 Months Old