Pagan Living

28/03/2024

The thoughts of the past can be like a bag of scorpions. Interesting, but digging through it is painful!

27/03/2024

Just thought I would share with you my thoughts about this coming election.

Let’s lay some historical truths down about this coming election.

1. We have two candidates running for what would be their second term in office.

2. A second term president is in fact the worst fu***ng political job you could ever have. There is not another office to run for, so unless you are an attorney and can go get on to the Supreme Court - William Howard Taft the only one president who managed that trick - FYI

3. The only reason people have to work with a first term president is because they could be a second term president. In you second term you get to buy s**t for the office of the president (Obama a new plane and car) but you have NOTHING to offer for support of your ideas. No cabinet position, no embassadorship for the next term, no agency head). Fracking nothing - all anyone has to do is put you bill in the hopper and wait you out. Heck we are 6 months into this years federal budget and it hasn’t gone anywhere, most states are into the 9 month of their budgets. In fact, Biden released his next years budget this week.

4. So, in fact, you will get no one to work with you, no one to help you get anything accomplished, and no real power in international affairs because everyone just needs to wait until your gone.

So where does this little lesson leave us - don’t ducking vote for the president this time around (heck at 80 plus each will probably die in office). Look to the vice-président - that will be the real power this coming election. They will probably get part of this term and still have two more elections to go.

If I was a betting man, I would say those running for office now plan to hold out for two years and then leave saying medical issues or desire to spend time with family or something like that ( though in Trumps case it may be to serve prison time). Either way, they will be gone, and then, the real political power will rise as a person who could be president for a DECADE assumes the office!

26/03/2024

I could use some help.
I know is sounds strange but I am looking for my joy. Not loves or things to be thankful for..my joy

28/09/2023

I tripped over a piece of pizza in the kitchen! Oh damn - that was kind of spot on - at least it wasn’t my own feet

15/08/2023

SciFi has been predicting many things which have come true, but I am reminded of one part that also ran through the stories.

Given time the United States would divide along religious lines and eventually a popular personality would rise through the media and be elected thanks to the religious right to president of the United States - and when that happened there would a movement to ending voting and United States would become a dictatorship. How close they are with Donald Trump

15/08/2023

If the Republicans had done their job in 2020 during the second impeachment trial of Trump - we would not even be having these problems.

31/07/2023

As a reminder we have one more day before Lammas. I don’t know about you, but we are ready for this holiday as it not only means bringing in the garden but also getting ready for some much needed cooler weather ahead.

Here are final preparations for Lammas that you can include in a variety of activities to honor the harvest season and celebrate the abundance of nature:

1. Harvesting: If you have access to a garden or a local farm, consider harvesting some fruits, vegetables, or herbs that are in season. This can be a symbolic act of connecting with the Earth's bounty and expressing gratitude for the abundance provided. You can also find a local farmers market to visit as well to get your items.

2. Baking Bread: Lammas is often associated with breadmaking as it represents the first harvest of grains. Consider baking homemade bread or other baked goods using grains such as wheat, barley, or oats. This can be a meditative and meaningful activity to honor the harvest.

3. Creating an Altar: Set up a special altar or sacred space dedicated to Lammas. Decorate it with symbols of the harvest such as wheat sheaves, cornucopias, sunflowers, or other items mentioned earlier. Include candles, crystals, or any other objects that hold personal significance for you.

4. Offering Ritual: Prepare an offering for the Earth or your chosen deity to express gratitude for the harvest. This could be a simple act of leaving a plate of food outside, pouring out a libation, or reciting a prayer or poem of thanks.

5. Outdoor Celebration: If weather permits, consider celebrating Lammas outdoors. Plan a picnic, gather with friends or family, and enjoy the abundance of nature in a natural setting. You could also incorporate a bonfire or candlelight ceremony to symbolize the transforming energy of the season.

6. Reflect and Set Intentions: Take some time to reflect on the past months and the things you have harvested in your own life. Consider what you are grateful for and what intentions you wish to set for the future. Write them down or share them with others as a way of grounding your aspirations.

Remember, Lammas is a time to honor the cycles of nature and express gratitude for the abundance in our lives. It is also an opportunity to connect with community, both human and non-human, and celebrate the gifts of the Earth. Enjoy the celebration and embrace the spirit of Lammas!

25/07/2023

We have been talking about alter items you can incorporate into you Lammas ritual. We thought we would share a link for making your own Corn Dollies (please note: we are not associated with or promote websites - nor do we make any money for any items sold here).

How to make a corn dolly craft, a traditional English craft and prefect craft for a harvest festival or samhain craft

24/07/2023

The addition of pagan symbols to a Lammas celebration can contribute to the overall atmosphere and ambiance in several ways. Here are some ways you can add these items to your event:

1. Cultural Authenticity: Using pagan symbols that have been traditionally associated with Lammas helps to create an authentic and meaningful experience. It allows participants to connect with the ancient roots of the holiday and honor the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors.

2. Symbolic Meaning: Pagan symbols used during Lammas carry deep symbolic significance. For example, wheat sheaves represent the harvest and abundance, while cornucopias symbolize plenty and fertility. By incorporating these symbols, you infuse deeper layers of meaning into the celebration, emphasizing the themes of gratitude, harvest, and renewal.

3. Visual Impact: Pagan symbols such as cornucopias, sunflowers, and seasonal flowers can enhance the visual appeal of the celebration. They add color, texture, and natural beauty to the environment, creating a visually pleasing and inviting atmosphere.

4. Connection to Nature: Many pagan symbols used during Lammas celebrations are connected to the cycles of nature. This connection reminds participants of the importance of the Earth's bounty and encourages a deeper appreciation for the natural world. It helps foster a sense of harmony and interconnectedness with the environment.

5. Spiritual Significance: Pagan symbols often hold spiritual meanings and associations. When incorporated into a Lammas celebration, they can evoke a sense of reverence, spirituality, and connection to the divine. They serve as reminders of the sacredness of the harvest season and the cycles of life and death.

6. Emotional Resonance: Pagan symbols have a way of eliciting certain emotions and moods. For example, the sight of a wheat sheaf may evoke feelings of warmth, abundance, and gratitude. Incorporating these symbols taps into the emotional aspects of the celebration, creating a more immersive and meaningful experience for participants.

In summary, the use of pagan symbols during a Lammas celebration adds cultural authenticity, symbolic depth, visual appeal, a connection to nature, spiritual significance, and emotional resonance. Together, these elements contribute to the overall ambiance and atmosphere of the celebration, creating a rich and meaningful experience for all involved.

24/07/2023

If you like us - share us with your friends

23/07/2023

As we get closer to Lammas let’s look in to the inclusion of traditional pagan symbols in a Lammas celebration you can us to enhance the overall atmosphere in your ritual:

1. Cultural Authenticity: Using traditional pagan symbols helps to honor and connect with the historical and cultural roots of Lammas. It creates a sense of authenticity and reverence for the ancient traditions associated with the holiday.

2. Symbolic Meaning: Each pagan symbol used during Lammas carries its own symbolic meaning. These symbols represent concepts such as abundance, harvest, fertility, and the cycles of nature. By incorporating them into the celebration, you are infusing deeper layers of significance and intention into the event.

3. Visual Appeal: Pagan symbols, such as cornucopias, wheat sheaves, sunflowers, and seasonal flowers, add visual interest and beauty to your Lammas celebration. They create a visually pleasing and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of the season.

4. Connection to Nature: Many pagan symbols used in Lammas celebrations are directly tied to nature and the agricultural cycle. By including these symbols, you are fostering a deeper connection to the natural world and the cycles of growth, harvest, and renewal. This connection can bring a sense of peace, grounding, and appreciation for the Earth's abundance.

5. Emotional and Spiritual Resonance: Pagan symbols have been used for centuries to evoke specific emotions and spiritual states. When you incorporate these symbols into your Lammas celebration, they can help create a sacred space that encourages reflection, gratitude, and a deeper connection to the divine or spiritual realm.

Overall, the inclusion of traditional pagan symbols enhances the atmosphere of a Lammas celebration by adding cultural authenticity, symbolic depth, visual appeal, a connection to nature, and an emotional and spiritual resonance. It contributes to a meaningful and immersive experience for participants, fostering a greater sense of appreciation, gratitude, and celebration for the bountiful harvest season.

22/07/2023

Incorporating traditional pagan symbols and elements into your Lammas altar or focal point can help create a meaningful and authentic atmosphere for your celebration. Here are some ideas:

1. Cornucopia: Use a cornucopia, also known as the Horn of Plenty, as a central focus on your altar. It symbolizes abundance and the bountiful harvest.

2. Wheat and Grains: Arrange sheaves of wheat or bundles of various grains, such as barley, oats, or cornstalks, on your altar. These represent the fruits of the harvest and fertility.

3. Sunflowers: Sunflowers are associated with the energy of the sun and the harvest season. Include fresh sunflowers or dried sunflower heads to bring a vibrant and cheerful element to your altar.

4. Candles: Use candles in warm colors like yellow, orange, and gold to represent the sun and its life-giving energy. Place them strategically on your altar to create an inviting ambiance.

5. Fruits and Vegetables: Display an assortment of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables on your altar. Apples, grapes, berries, corn, and squash are all traditional choices that symbolize the abundance of the season.

6. Harvest Tools: Add some traditional harvest tools, such as a sickle, scythe, or basket, to represent the labor and effort involved in bringing in the harvest. You can place them near the symbolic fruits or hang them on the wall behind your altar.

7. Chalice and Bread: Include a chalice or cup filled with cider or mead to represent the harvest's liquid bounty. Pair it with a loaf of freshly baked bread, which represents sustenance and nourishment.

8. Seasonal Flowers and Leaves: Decorate your altar with seasonal flowers, such as daisies, marigolds, or dahlias. You can also incorporate fallen leaves, acorns, or pine cones to signify the changing season.

Remember, the most important aspect is to choose symbols and elements that resonate with you personally and have significance in your own spiritual practice.

21/07/2023

Just so you have time to consider and prepare for Lammas, also known as Lughnasadh, is a pagan holiday that celebrates the first harvest of the year. It typically falls on August 1st or around that time. Here's a basic ritual outline for celebrating Lammas:

1. Setting up the Sacred Space:
- Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can perform your ritual.
- Cleanse the space by smudging with sage or using other purification methods.
- Set up an altar or a focal point with symbols of Lammas, such as sheaves of wheat, corn, or sunflowers.

2. Grounding and Centering:
- Begin by taking a few deep breaths to calm your mind and center yourself.
- Visualize roots growing from your feet, reaching deep into the earth, grounding you.

3. Invocation:
- Light a candle or some incense to invoke the presence of the God and Goddess.
- You can recite a simple invocation, expressing your gratitude for the harvest and calling upon the deities to join your ritual.

4. Harvest Reflection:
- Take a moment to reflect on the themes of Lammas and the significance of the harvest in your life.
- Consider what you have accomplished and achieved so far in the year and express gratitude for the abundance in your life.

5. Offering and Blessing:
- Prepare a small offering of grains, fruits, or baked goods to symbolize the harvest.
- Place the offering on your altar and say a blessing or prayer, expressing your gratitude and asking for continued abundance and nourishment.

6. Personal Intentions:
- Take some time to set intentions for the coming months and the second half of the year.
- Reflect on what you would like to cultivate and harvest in your own life, whether it's personal growth, new opportunities, or projects.

7. Closing:
- Thank the God and Goddess for their presence and guidance.
- Extinguish the candle or incense.
- Take a moment to ground yourself once again, feeling rooted in the earth.

Remember, this is just a basic outline, and you can personalize and modify the ritual to suit your own beliefs and practices. Feel free to incorporate any other elements or traditions that resonate with you.

21/07/2023

Modern Pagans embrace a variety of beliefs and practices to find a deeper sense of meaning and connection in their lives. Here are some key beliefs and practices commonly embraced by modern Pagans:

1. Pantheism or Polytheism: Many modern Pagans believe in the existence of multiple deities or a divine force manifest in all of nature. They often view the Earth and its natural elements as sacred and imbued with spiritual energy.

2. Rituals and Ceremonies: Modern Pagans engage in rituals and ceremonies to connect with the divine, honor the seasons and cycles of nature, celebrate life milestones, and seek personal growth. These rituals may involve sacred symbols, chants, dances, and offerings.

3. Wheel of the Year: The Wheel of the Year is a central concept in modern Paganism. It consists of eight seasonal festivals, also known as Sabbats, which mark significant points in the cycle of nature. These festivals include Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, and Mabon.

4. Nature Connection: Modern Pagans strive to cultivate a deep connection with nature. They spend time outdoors, observe the cycles of the moon and seasons, practice environmental stewardship, and seek to live in harmony with the natural world.

5. Magick and Spellwork: Many modern Pagans believe in the power of magick, which is seen as the ability to manipulate energy to bring about desired changes. They may practice spellwork, meditation, divination, and other forms of metaphysical techniques to manifest their intentions and deepen their spiritual connection.

6. Ancestor Veneration: Modern Pagans often honor their ancestors and seek guidance from their wisdom and experiences. Ancestor veneration can involve setting up ancestral altars, performing rituals to remember and honor ancestors, and seeking their presence and guidance in daily life.

7. Personal Responsibility: Modern Pagans believe in personal responsibility for one's actions and the impact they have on oneself, others, and the environment. This includes ethical decision-making, practicing mindfulness, fostering positive relationships, and living in harmony with the natural world.By embracing these beliefs and practices, modern Pagans seek to find a deeper sense of meaning, connection, and spiritual fulfillment in their lives.

20/07/2023

Title: Embracing the Modern Pagan Path: Living a Meaningful Life

Introduction:

In our fast-paced and technologically advanced modern world, many individuals find themselves seeking a deeper sense of meaning and connection. While mainstream religions may not resonate with everyone, there is a growing community of individuals who have found solace and spiritual fulfillment in the path of modern Paganism. Being a modern-day Pagan means embracing ancient wisdom and living in harmony with nature, all while navigating the challenges and complexities of modern life. In this article, we will explore how to live a meaningful life as a modern-day Pagan.

1. Connecting with Nature:

At the core of modern Paganism is the concept of reverence for nature. Living a meaningful life as a modern-day Pagan involves developing a deep connection with the natural world. This can be achieved through spending time outdoors, practicing environmental stewardship, and observing the cycles of nature. Engaging in activities such as gardening, hiking, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation amidst nature can bring a sense of grounding and interconnectedness.

2. Honoring Ancestors and Traditions:

Modern Pagans often draw inspiration from ancient traditions and the wisdom of their ancestors. It is important to honor and learn from the past while adapting these practices to suit modern circumstances. This can include exploring the mythology and folklore of ancient cultures, celebrating seasonal festivals, and participating in rituals that honor ancestral spirits. By embracing the wisdom of the past, modern Pagans find guidance and a sense of belonging.

3. Personal Growth and Spiritual Development:

Living a meaningful life as a modern-day Pagan involves continuous personal growth and spiritual development. This can be achieved through practices such as meditation, journaling, divination, and working with energy. Self-reflection and introspection are key components of this journey, allowing individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Developing a personal relationship with deity, whether it be through prayer or ritual, is also a central aspect of spiritual development.

4. Community and Connection:

Modern Pagans often find support and connection within like-minded communities. Whether it is through local groups, online forums, or attending Pagan festivals and gatherings, building relationships with others who share similar beliefs can enrich one's spiritual journey. Collaborating with others in group rituals, sharing knowledge, and engaging in discussions fosters a sense of belonging and a deeper understanding of the Pagan path.

5. Embracing Ethics and Values:

Living a meaningful life as a modern-day Pagan involves embodying ethical principles and values. These can vary among individuals but often include concepts such as respect for all beings, environmental sustainability, and personal responsibility. Modern Pagans strive to live in harmony with themselves, others, and the world around them, seeking to create a positive impact on their immediate surroundings and the wider community.

Conclusion:

Living a meaningful life as a modern-day Pagan is a unique and personal journey. It is about finding one's own path, embracing ancient wisdom, and adapting it to the complexities of our modern world. By connecting with nature, honoring ancestors, focusing on personal growth, fostering community, and embodying ethical values, modern Pagans can find fulfillment, purpose, and a deep sense of meaning in their lives. In doing so, they inspire others to explore their own spiritual paths and embrace a more connected and harmonious way of living.

28/11/2022

♥️ Love ♥️

Credit: Corinna Anne Ebbs

28/11/2022

Still here and now that other clients have moved on - it’s time to come back.

31/03/2022

We need a change.

01/10/2021

01/10/2021

01/10/2021

Are you all still here?
Are you ready for us to return?