The class I'm taking can be found at www.mistresskalpanasrealm.com
They have MANY classes to choose from. Enjoy!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Introductory Assignment
The book referred to is "Celtic Women's Spirituality" by Edain McCoy
1. Please explain the difference between "religion" and "spirituality". Also discuss how these two terms are simmilar.
Religion is a set of beliefs — the "what," if you will. Spirituality is the "how." For some people, the way they approach their spiritual life is exactly how the leaders of their chosen religion tell them to. For others, the two things are completely different. Personally, I find a strict religion difficult to connect with the Divine. I know others for whom it's the strictness that they appreciate. That is the spirituality. The WAY you connect with the Divine.
2. What are the defining characteristics of Celtic Pagan spirituality, and how do they reflect in your life?
The characteristics of Celtic Pagan spirituality are listed on page xiii of the book. To summarize, though, it is a path that believes the Divine is everywhere and in everything; that magic is a natural thing; and that the Otherworld is a mirror of this physical world. These are things I was taught from an early age and grew up believing. Add in the fairy world and some festivals, and you have the Celtic beliefs! In my life, I make time for the fairies. I celebrate the holidays and festivals as best I can. I try to learn everything there is about the history of the Celts, because this is an ethnic path and without the history, you can't understand the people.
3. What are the defining characteristics of women's spirituality, and how do they reflect in your life?
These 6 characteristics are listed on page xiv. The main idea of this belief is that all women are worthy, all are a vision of the Goddess, all are amazing. While I can see all other women as part of the Goddess, I have trouble remembering *I* am part of Her as well. That is something I hope to "fix" with this course.
4. Explain how you can combine Celtic and Women's spirituality into one?
Personally, I feel that both "traditions" ask for women to be strong and independent. Because I find the history of the Celts so interesting, as well as the idea of strong women so appealing, combining the two ideals seems to fit my personality. I do not believe, though, that it is something that will take much additional effort because of the similarities that are already there.
5. What is the Cauldron of Life?
The Cauldron of Life is many things. It is the representation of the womb, where all life begins. It could also be a portal between worlds. In some mythology, the cauldron represented endless knowledge, endless life, or endless sustenance. As the book says on page xix, the cauldron is a "vessel of never-ending abundance." It is a symbol of the power of women — especially Celtic women.
1. Please explain the difference between "religion" and "spirituality". Also discuss how these two terms are simmilar.
Religion is a set of beliefs — the "what," if you will. Spirituality is the "how." For some people, the way they approach their spiritual life is exactly how the leaders of their chosen religion tell them to. For others, the two things are completely different. Personally, I find a strict religion difficult to connect with the Divine. I know others for whom it's the strictness that they appreciate. That is the spirituality. The WAY you connect with the Divine.
2. What are the defining characteristics of Celtic Pagan spirituality, and how do they reflect in your life?
The characteristics of Celtic Pagan spirituality are listed on page xiii of the book. To summarize, though, it is a path that believes the Divine is everywhere and in everything; that magic is a natural thing; and that the Otherworld is a mirror of this physical world. These are things I was taught from an early age and grew up believing. Add in the fairy world and some festivals, and you have the Celtic beliefs! In my life, I make time for the fairies. I celebrate the holidays and festivals as best I can. I try to learn everything there is about the history of the Celts, because this is an ethnic path and without the history, you can't understand the people.
3. What are the defining characteristics of women's spirituality, and how do they reflect in your life?
These 6 characteristics are listed on page xiv. The main idea of this belief is that all women are worthy, all are a vision of the Goddess, all are amazing. While I can see all other women as part of the Goddess, I have trouble remembering *I* am part of Her as well. That is something I hope to "fix" with this course.
4. Explain how you can combine Celtic and Women's spirituality into one?
Personally, I feel that both "traditions" ask for women to be strong and independent. Because I find the history of the Celts so interesting, as well as the idea of strong women so appealing, combining the two ideals seems to fit my personality. I do not believe, though, that it is something that will take much additional effort because of the similarities that are already there.
5. What is the Cauldron of Life?
The Cauldron of Life is many things. It is the representation of the womb, where all life begins. It could also be a portal between worlds. In some mythology, the cauldron represented endless knowledge, endless life, or endless sustenance. As the book says on page xix, the cauldron is a "vessel of never-ending abundance." It is a symbol of the power of women — especially Celtic women.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Where's Waldo? or How come I'm not hearing what I need to?
Do you remember the Where's Waldo books? If not, it's a book for kids with pictures like this one and your mission is to find the hidden Waldo on each page. I'm usually pretty good at that.Maybe it's because I *love* mysteries. Maybe I'm just pretty good at finding things. Maybe I'm just able to pick up on where the hidden object is. Whatever the reason, I enjoy any of those hidden-picture things. But lately I'm not seeing the hidden.
I seem to be so focused on the nitty-gritty crap of life that I'm not seeing the big picture. Truthfully, it's driving me nuts. I'm not hearing the spirits or the angels or my inner guidance or whatever your personal belief system calls it. But I don't know *why* I'm not getting those messages.
Is it me? Am I doing something wrong? Probably. At least a little. I know I'm not taking the time I need for myself. But how do I change that? I have a teenager who wants to spend the summer anywhere but here, and a busy life that doesn't always take place in my home or office. I need to take that time. I need to get out of the house. I need to hike through the Black Hills and be in nature. Yet, when I do, there's so much stuff I should/could do around the house that isn't getting done because I'm out "goofing off."
Is it the energy around me? Maybe. I feel like my teenager is doing all she can to pull away. Yes, I know that's normal growing up nonsense, but it hurts. She recently told me I wasn't the best tarot reader for her because I put in too much mom-stuff. That may not sound so bad, but I took it as I wasn't a good reader. It hurt. And even though I heard the words she said, it was her tone that said more than anything else. It hurt. A lot.
Is it work? Maybe. I'm still trying to write that mystery. I am stuck on a part and it just frustrates the hell out of me! I can't even hear messages from the Goddess Brigid (whom I just LOVE, by the way!). Then again, I don't feel much like asking.
Is it clutter? Probably. My office is cluttered and I spend a lot of time in here. Both for work as a web designer, work as a writer, to study, to read. I need to clear some things out and not let my family use my office as their dumping ground. Not for their stuff, their problems, or their negative energy. (And no, the family doesn't always dump their negative on me, but hey, Mom can fix everything, right?)
Am I just not listening? That could be it, too. I'm sure the lessons and the messages are there and I'm just missing them. I need to take the time for me. I need to do what's in/on my heart.
Am I not seeing the opportunities around me? Hmmm... just thought of this one. I really want to read tarot cards professionally. (Maybe that's why it hurt so badly when my teen said what she did.) I don't know how to start reading, though. Well, I mean, I *read* the cards and think I'm pretty good, but how do I get started reading professionally? How do I make that happen? Have there been opportunities that I just didn't see? Messages I didn't hear? If so, how did I miss them? Where did I miss them?
Bottom line is that I need to get out of this funk. I need to remember to ask my amazing husband for help, but not get bitchy when he can't do something (another long story...). I need to expect our teenage daughter to pull her weight (which, granted isn't much -- skinny little thing *grin*) around here before she gets to enjoy the reward. Most importantly, though, is that I need to take time for myself and not be so hard on myself when I fail. And I will fail. I'm still on this path. I still have plans and dreams and goals and I need to continue to strive to reach them.
I'm open to thoughts and suggestions.... Anyone?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Which Major Arcana Card Am I?
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Which Major Arcana Tarot Card Are You? created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as III - The Empress The Empress is a maternal symbol. She is the mother figure who loves, nurtures and protects.
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Sunday, June 1, 2008
Decision made
I've signed up for the Celtic Women's Spirituality course.
In case you were wondering! lol
In case you were wondering! lol
Monday, May 26, 2008
Narrowing it down
I have it down to three classes to take.
The first is "Celtic Women's Spirituality" This is the "next" part of the Celtic Wicca class I just completed.
Next is "Meet your Spirit Guides." I'm fascinated by the idea of Sprit Guides, so I think this would be very enlightening.
Finally is "Kitchen Witchery." This is part of the HOW of my witchcraft. I really enjoy the kitchen, so that's where I seem to put my energies. More so than in the garden, for example.
At least I've narrowed the playing field. I"m seriously thinking I could take two, but then I look at all the rest I have going on in my life and know I should only do one at a time. Ah well....
The first is "Celtic Women's Spirituality" This is the "next" part of the Celtic Wicca class I just completed.
Next is "Meet your Spirit Guides." I'm fascinated by the idea of Sprit Guides, so I think this would be very enlightening.
Finally is "Kitchen Witchery." This is part of the HOW of my witchcraft. I really enjoy the kitchen, so that's where I seem to put my energies. More so than in the garden, for example.
At least I've narrowed the playing field. I"m seriously thinking I could take two, but then I look at all the rest I have going on in my life and know I should only do one at a time. Ah well....
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Passed!
I have the certificate that I passed the Celtic Wicca 101 class. So now what should I take? I'm still no closer to a decision, but I'm ready to start SOMETHING....
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