paganism

atthequillsmercy

Lenni Reviews: “Witchcraft: A Graphic History” by Lindsay Squire

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(Image Source)

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

Told through a young girl named Lindsay visiting Biddy, a the early 19th century Irish witch, this book tells the history of witchcraft through the ages.

First off, the art style if perfect for this. It captures the beauty of nature and magic; even gives biddy a knowing glint in her expressions. It’s exposition heavy in places but the book is trying to teach the reader. It’s a perfect entry point for someone curious about what witches do; past and present. It’s cute to me as a practitioner with 30 years under my belt but for someone new, this is an enjoyable introduction. 3.7 out of 5.

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atthequillsmercy

Blessed Samhain!

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Ah, the wheel continues to turn. I didn’t workout today or anything, I just enjoyed the day and lit a candle for the ancestors. I did make the chicken stew from this book:

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And it’s one of my favorites to make. I haven’t had much motivation to make traditional recipes lately and it felt good to get back into it again. I also made a cake from a pumpkin mix that I forgot to take a picture of before the kid and I nibbled on it.

I hope everyone enjoyed their spooky day!

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atthequillsmercy

Easter Feast!

Despite not being Christian, making a big deal out of an Easter dinner is a tradition. I’ll take any excuse to make something cool.

I managed to save up enough for leg of lamb, rosemary, chives, and potatoes.

I also harvested some mint from my garden and made some chocolate chip mint ice cream for a treat while I “force” my kid into the annual tradition of watching The Ten Commandments with me. I love this movie and I have fond memories of watching with Ma every year.

Ah right in the feels…

But delicious food in the name of my ancestors no matter the mythology. I am happy to share a delicious meal anyway.

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atthequillsmercy

Blessed Samhain!!

I don’t think I’ve been happier for the new year to come. Day by day things are actually changing for the better! 😀

I tore through the house cleaning everything. I washed down the floors with lemongrass and High John the Conquerer oil and smudged every room in the house, the backyard, and my car. Laundry is going and soon my signature chicken and rice stew will be bubbling on the stove.

Man I love this holiday. May we all be blessed in the new year!

atthequillsmercy

See? Bookstores are dangerous for me…

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Yeeaahhh… I was left unattended in Barnes and Noble with a credit card… This is the result. Actually, this and a couple things for my kiddo for Easter/Ostara gifts, but still…  >_< *smoke wafts off debit card*

I regret nothing. “Ghost” was I comic I read in high school and while it may seem silly to others, she was a huge role-model for me.  Rediscovering her at this time in my life has to be fate. 🙂 As for the special edition “Death?” It’s Neil Gaiman. I’d read the phone book if he wrote it. :p

The Tarot and Trace books just looked cool. I’ve always wanted to expand what I can do with my tarot cards and any sort of spiritual advancement I’ll take. :p

This is about IT for me in regards to book shopping. I did a big shop last week when I took the demon seed to get pictures with the Easter Bunny and still haven’t finished all THOSE comics. Looks like reading isn’t my anti-drug, it IS my drug. XD

atthequillsmercy

Pagan Blog Project – “U” for “Understanding”

I’ve always been reticent to really chat with other Pagans about what I believe and how I practice. This is usually because I’m very different from most practicing Pagans or Witches. Hell, even saying “Yes, I’m a witch” gets me funny looks from Pagans and comments like “You shouldn’t say that.”

You’d think a bunch a tree hugging dirt worshipers would be a little more open to how individuals practice. Every so often, you’ll see posts in major Pagan blogs about how Pagans need to be more understanding of one another and that trying to get a consensus of what we all believe is a kin to herding cats. While I believe there is strength in that lack of uniformity, but a little more understanding of that very lack of uniformity would go miles towards a greater sense of community despite all our differences. Then perhaps wouldn’t be so hesitant to talk to people who share my brand of faith.

atthequillsmercy

Pagan Blog Project – “U” for “Undefined”

Ahh, the unknowable element. The looming cloud of the incomprehensible. I know this may scare some people but to me, this can also mean potential. Anything undefined leaves space for definition, for discovery.

In a way I envy neopyites since they have so much to discover and to learn. In their search for definition, they will have epiphanies I have to search my tired old brain to remember.

I try to explain to friends and my kid that not knowing, being undefined, isn’t a bad thing; it’s an opportunity. It’s a clear path to discovery and it’s being laid out right before you. Don’t miss the chance and enjoy the journey.

 

atthequillsmercy

Pagan Blog Project – T for Training

I try and meditate every day for at least 20 minutes to clear my mind and be able to focus. It’s not every day that I have to perform a huge ritual or anything but each little meditation session is like running laps to train for a marathon. I’ve found it much easier to get in the right frame of mind for worship since I’ve started to train my mind to reach that state.

My eventual goal is to have 40 minutes to an hour of meditation time a night but yyeeaahhh… Maybe when I retire. =_= There are days where those 20 minutes are spent just calming myself down. But the benefits are more than worth it. It’s like an old muscle you stretch back into fighting form. I suppose all those years of martial arts paid off in the sense of giving me a trainer’s mind. I’m always training, striving, trying to be better and so better to improve.

atthequillsmercy

Pagan Blog Project – “T” for “Teacher”

“When the student is ready the teacher will appear” ~Buddhist proverb

There are few things would dare call absolute but the statement above is indeed an absolute. In my experience, this has been the most true thing I have ever heard. Whenever I have had need of a certain spiritual lesson, the person or persons who will give me this lesson are right there having come into my life at exactly the right time.

For good or ill, I am grateful for all these impromptu teachers. Not all the lessons have been easy or pleasant. Many involved a fair amount of tears and still hurt to this day. But what I have taken away from these lessons have made me the strong, capable person I am today. So, I look forward to the next teacher to come into my life. May they be lenient with their lessons. XD

atthequillsmercy

Pagan Blog Project – “S” for “Spell”

It’s usually the first question I get asked when I tell people I’m a Pagan Witch. “Do you cast spells?” Can it get annoying, sure. But it beats getting asked if I worship the devil.

The quick and dirty answer is, yes I cast spells. Many may think of this as a roughshod explanation but most of the time for me, spells are prayers with kickass props. Can I cast without props? Sure. I do it all the time. Quick thanks for a good day, guidance in a decision, safety when traveling, patience with my kid; anything that strikes me at the time.

I say it’s like prayer because a spell is just focusing your will and intent on a specific goal. And like prayer, it only works if YOU do. Go ahead, cast 100 weight loss spells. If you sit on your ass and eat gallons of ice cream for dinner, it won’t work. If you pray for a job yet never take an interview, it won’t work. It sets you up to go out and make your destiny. It gives you confidence and a sense of purpose. Something some of us sorely need.