Modern Witchcraft School

Preparing for Workings

2012-05-13T01:21:45Z

One thing that a lot of people start to think about is the Sabbats that occur in the summer/spring. Looking around the house or yard they start to think what needs to be done before they start to invite their groups over. Sharoun starts bay calling a wonderful carpet cleaning holly springs nc company that she has come twice a year to her home. Since she invites a lot of her group and three other area groups over she is always prepared when it comes to her cleaning list.

I am really envious of that! But I mainly use the yard to accommodate the larger gatherings at my home. We have a blast with the fire pit and with the yard looking woodsy it makes all our workings and gatherings so much fun!

I wish I could find a company to come in to do my floors. All hardwood and tile! But until that day I will be down there buffing and steam cleaning myself!!

Graduation Next Week

2012-05-08T22:48:07Z

I can hardly believe that my son is going to graduate high school this year! I am so proud of him. 17 and out of high school. He is already accepted into a college for the fall so he deserves a great graduation gift.

I looked at traser watches for the ideal gift as he loves watches and has one for nearly every event! They are really well made and last. My father had one and loved his so I thought why not! You only graduate high school once so that is the gift that will keep on ticking for him!

Next week will be a busy, busy graduation week. My youngest son is graduating into jr. high this year. Where does the time go????

In Memoriam: De-Anna Alba (1952-2012): Memorial Service on Saturday, May 12

2012-05-08T01:00:35Z

In Memoriam: De-Anna Alba (1952-2012): Memorial Service on Saturday, May 12

An interfaith memorial service for Pagan author, elder, and priestess, De-Anna Alba, also known as Wendy White, will be held his coming Saturday, May 12, 2012 in California.

De-Anna was one of Circle Sanctuary's first priestesses and was Circle Sanctuary's first church secretary. She assisted Circle Sanctuary senior minister Selena Fox with publications, events, music, networking, and other endeavors. De-Anna was part of the Pagan Spirit Gathering during its formative years. Selena Fox will give her eulogy and will be among the officiants at De-Anna's interfaith memorial service this Saturday. Selena also will be among the officiants at De-Anna's Pagan memorial service and cremains interment at Circle Cemetery in Wisconsin on July 21.

De-Anna's interfaith memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday at the Church of the Incarnation (Episcopal), 550 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, California.

ATTEND: Interested in attending De-Anna's Memorial? If you have not already done so, please RSVP De-Anna's partner Lea Pierce right away if you wish to attend the service: lea@leapierce.com.

Directions to the service can be found at www.incarnation-sr.org.

SHARE MEMORIES: Please leave memories, tributes, and other sharings about De-Anna, her life, work, and legacy on her In Memoriam page: www.circlesanctuary.org/memoriam/de-anna_alba.htm.

Thoughts For Friday

2012-05-04T11:34:09Z

If you turn your light inwardly, you will find what is esoteric within you.

- The Sutra of Hui Neng

Gardening In The Country

2012-04-30T01:31:13Z

Today I was talking with one of my friends about our gardens and pests came up. Our biggest pests here are racoons, rabbits and squirrels. Tons and tons of black squirrels. So gardening can be a real test of stamina when they decide to eat and grub around.

In the country though J. was talking about the deer as his main culprit. They love to come down to his property and eat the fresh greens when they pop out. So one thing that he does is use a Deer Scram repellent. It does not hurt any animals just gives them that little nudge to go away!

We have yet to have the deer venture here. I wouldn't be a bit surprised though to see one or two!

Although they are all really cute to look at they can be very destructive to your gardens!

Property Searching Not Easy

2012-04-15T16:32:07Z

An associate of ours has been looking for obx real estate for sale and it has not been easy at all!

They are looking for property in order to expand their retreat for those that wish to commune with nature and to celebrate the various Sabbats. Of course, the list of things that they are looking for completely wow'd me!

They want to purchase the land and begin construction by 2013. Which sounds like a long time away but as quickly as our days go by it really isn't!

Hopefully they will be able to locate the perfect property. Personally I can not wait as I will be there with wings on with the grand opening!

Preparing For Beltane

2012-04-15T16:26:10Z

A lot of people are starting to prepare for Beltane. One thing that we would like to mention is to plan out your fire if you are going to have one.

Fire safety is number one so prepare in advance. We are lucky here in that we are allowed open fire pits in our yards. Most of the yards are pretty large so it is not an uncommon sight for people in the spring and summer to be sitting around a fire in their back yards.

If this is something that you can not do, try gas fire pits instead. These are wonderful to use! But you still need to practice caution

No matter what you are planning write on your list to be safe and sane!

Soothe Your Mood

2012-04-15T16:19:36Z

Sometimes when an individual is performing a ritual or working they find that they just can't focus. A great suggestion is to use music in the background. Choose music that is pleasing to you. Softly playing music in the background can give a magical ambiance that may just help you concentrate and put you in the right mood to focus on what it is you are trying to achieve.

Dean was having a hard time with a working and found that light drumming in the background helped him to stay focus with the soft beating of the drums. Saying that he felt more connected to what he was doing than by not having music playing.

Give it a try and see what happens!

Windy Sunday

2012-04-15T16:02:55Z

This has really been a windy weekend. This afternoon here in Indiana has been so windy that the house has shook so many times I had to catch my breath.

Instead of working on the herb garden I decided that I should put that off until the winds settle down a bit. Instead of tinkering in the garden I will be helping an old friend research car title loans California today. Not as fun as what I had planned I will tell you that much but I will get to chit chat with my friend off and on all day!

Our hearts and golden energies are being sent out to all those in tornado alley as they are being hit pretty hard this weekend.

Want to present a workshop or other program activity at this year’s PSG?

2012-04-13T17:40:42Z

Want to present a workshop or other program activity at this year’s PSG?

After you have registered, you can submit proposals on-line or by postal mail.

Deadline for program proposals is MONDAY, APRIL 30.

No proposals will be considered after April 30!

Use the online form at the PSG website: www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/proposals

The updated PSG website includes info about this year’s authors, musicians, and other program activities.

Some of this year’s workshop are listed on-line at www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/proposals/approved.php. Keep checking back for new entries!

In Review: 365 Dalai Lama: Daily Advice From the Heart

2012-04-04T15:21:38Z

365 Dalai Lama
Daily Advice From the Heart
Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama
ISBN: 9781571746818
Edited by Matthieu Ricard
Book (Paperback)
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
$16.95
5 1/4 x 6 3/4
384 pages
March 1, 2012

Need a book that will inspire you? This may just be the book for you. 365 Dalai Lama, Daily Advice From The Heart gives you an inspirational thought for every single day of the year.
A great way to start your day or end your night before retiring. Giving you food for thought with each day's advice.

There are so many topics in this small book you are sure to find something that will inspire and uplift you.
We have our copy in the office and use it daily. Does it work? Yes, often times the daily advice is used as a conversation starter on the topic which leads to wonderful insights from one and all.
You can not loose on this book. Highly recommended.

More Information:
Imagine having an audience with the Dalai Lama every day, receiving personal advice about how to make your life better and more joyful.
365 Dalai Lama offers exactly that: short and inspiring words offering enlightening advice for everyday living.
The teachings in 365 Dalai Lama offer an opportunity to feel the focus and presence of the Dalai Lama as never before. His holiness shares his advice from the heart on a variety of topics including:

    Living and Growing Old
    Young People and Families
    Sickness and Dying
    Living in Poverty and Wealth
    Anger, Jealousy,Pride, and Desire
    Religion and Faith
    Sexual Desire and Homosexuality
    War and Politics
    Mindfulness and a Contemplative Life

From the book:
Day 156: “The only aggressive attitude that is acceptable is recognizing one’s own talent and working with unshakable determination, saying to oneself, ‘I, too, am capable, and even if nobody helps me, I will succeed.’"

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, is the exiled spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He is widely recognized as an advocate of world peace and has received many honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Barbecue

2012-04-04T15:13:06Z

Thanks for the article from Jermaine Haynes

My husband and I started our own barbeque restaurant three years ago, and it is one of the best decisions that we ever made. We have turned it into a family business, with my sister and brother-in-law working with us full-time starting last year.

The business has picked up significantly over the last year as word-of-mouth and good local reviews have allowed us to grow steadily. The most difficult thing about owning a restaurant is the long hours. However, we are not open on Mondays, and we do not serve breakfast. Those two things keep us from working 80 hours per week. We got our internet and phone here, and we created a web page with our menu and weekly specials.

I do most of the cooking, but my husband is the one who prepares the meat, which we slow-cook daily. I have to admit, our food is delicious. While it has been stressful at times, it is great to not have to answer to anyone. My husband was a restaurant manager for ten years, and he did not like having to always answer to the owner over every mistake or problem that arose in the restaurant. Now he is his own boss.

Grey Cat Has Passed Away

2012-04-03T13:14:18Z

It was announced yesterday that Pagan author and elder Grey Cat has passed away. She was well known and beloved in the community.

Grey Cat wrote the book Deepening Witchcraft: Advancing Skills & Knowledge and was a contributor to many other books, such as Exploring the Pagan Path: Wisdom From the Elders and the Chas Clifton Witchcraft Today series.

We, as many others, are saddened by this news as she will be deeply missed by the countless of people that she had touched.

Casting Sacred Space

2012-04-02T18:21:39Z

Casting Sacred Space
The Core of All Magickal Work
Ivo Dominguez, Jr., Foreword by T. Thorn Coyle
ISBN: 9781578634996
Book (Paperback)
Weiser Books
$17.95
6 x 9
224 pages
Spot art
February 1, 2012

For those of you that are just starting out this is a great step by step book in guiding you in casting your own spaces.
Ever wonder how to cast a sacred magickal space? Calling the Quarters? or Grounding & centering? Well, let me tell you this is the book to learn it by.

Not only are there many different methods given each has a step by step instructions and at the end gives you practice exercises.

No, they are not difficult to learn at all so do not worry about that. Written in a way that nearly anyone can understand you will be able to actually learn and do. Not question and shy away as many books often lead the reader to doing.

The Three Pillars was eloquently written and finally someone issued a warning while using. Often times this is written about making it seem easy and safe as pie while it can be somewhat unsafe for a person that is just starting out or not taking it seriously. A big thank you for that.

I would definitely recommend this book for the novice and even as a refresher book for the experienced.

Yard Safety

2012-04-02T01:07:13Z

With the warmer weather finally here and most of us are working in the yards after a long, cold winter it is time to think about yard safety.

Not only clearing out old debris that may have accumulated during the winter but if you have a pool it is time to make sure that it is safe. Especially if you have small children that are about. Check your fences that are around the pool and do not over look your pool covers for anything that may harm small children.

Since I have my grandson most days I have been stepping up the search for things that may not be safe for him. Being an active child I want to make sure he can not get hurt by something that I did not fix!

While you are cleaning and clearing for the spring start looking for those dangers in yard too!

Spring Yard Addition

2012-04-02T01:01:25Z

I have always wanted a small gazebo in my yard. Now we had something like this but it was destroyed by a strong storm that we had and I never had it replaced. So this spring I am doing just that by looking at gazebos for sale to add to my yard.

I have a flat land and a hill that I think that this would be so perfect to place one in this time. I am trying to find one this spring so we can have the flowers planted around it and on the hill before the 4th of July comes around.

Every spring I try to do something in the yard to celebrate the warmer weather. With the flowers & hill the gazebo will be such a welcoming addition when we have our gatherings this summer!

Father's Day Gift Idea

2012-04-02T00:57:13Z

Looking for something a little different for a loved one on this upcoming Father's Day? How about a coin that they can carry around with them as good luck? I am sending a military challenge coin which will be blessed and protection implemented into the it for a dear friend of mine that served in the Marines.

He is always carrying around coins that he uses for protection, good luck & prosperity I thought that this would be a great token for him on his special day! Not only will it have his military branch on it he will always carry it around with him knowing that he can have protection when he touches it.

What better way to thank him for being a friend?

Pagan Spirit Gathering Discount

2012-04-01T13:34:03Z

Register through this coming MONDAY, APRIL 2 in order to qualify for the early registration discount rates for this year's Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG).

Registrations using a paper form through the mail must be postmarked by April 2 to receive the discount rates. You can download a paper version online at www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/faqs.htm

For more info and to register, go to:
www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/register

The 2012 Pagan Spirit Gathering is being held June 17-24 at Stonehouse Park near Earlville, Illinois.

Rituals * Workshops * Concerts * Leadership Training * Youth Activities * Fire Spinning
Bonfires * Dancing * Drumming * Networking * Merchanting * Candlelight Labyrinth * & More

PRESENTERS: www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/presenters

MUSICIANS: www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/music

PROGRAM PROPOSALS: Want to present a workshop, ritual, or other program activity?
After you register, submit your program proposal on-line. Deadline is April 30.
www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/proposals

MERCHANTING: Attention Merchants, Artists, and Craftspeople! Attend one of the largest Pagan gatherings in the country and take advantage of the opportunity to sell your wares in a Pagan Town for a week. Together, we create a festival community, of which our Merchants are an important part. Please visit www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/merchants for information about the festival and merchant registration. Space is available on a 1st-come basis, so register early and join us for a week of rejuvenation and networking!

SPREAD THE WORD: Help us get the word out about this year's festival -- forward this email to lists, blogs, websites, others you know who may be interested in taking part. Free brochures and flyers are available upon request for distribution to festivals, classes, centers, and other places.

The Law of Agreement Discover the True Power of Intention

2012-03-18T21:03:59Z

The Law of Agreement

The Law of Agreement
Discover the True Power of Intention
Tony Burroughs
ISBN: 9781578635184
Book (Paperback)
Weiser Books
$14.95
5 1/2 x 8 1/2
144 pages
April 1, 2012

If you want a quick read this is the book to be just that. I have for many years practiced manifestations and trust in the out come when properly done, then throw in the Law of Attraction you have a win win manifestation going on. Now in reading this book you add in Law of Agreement and this being said it should increase your goals.

At first the book was interesting and the material was flowing like a river then out of no where I felt like I was in the middle of a political book no more about interest in manifestations, Power of Intentions nor Law of Agreement. It was coming more across as raising a firm fist and shouting Fight the Man!

The premise is to stop allowing others to rule you. I get and agreed with this completely. But it appeared to loose touch and circle around to fighting the man over and over again. Yes, the general public is aware that the government, media and other sources do not tell the truth and lead the masses on a quest to seeking the truth. Do I want to begin reading a book that I thought would be about one thing yet led to another topic? I found that the main topic was more on fighting the political media BS than manifestations and how to really work with them.

I was compelled to ask myself a question of the author. Was he not adding to the agreeing of his point in fighting the man just as he was preaching not to? Hmmm, not nodding my head, (this is in the book as something to do) I believe he was.
By the end of the book I had nearly forgotten what the title of the book or what the supposed topic was. I felt very let down as those that may wish to learn how to use this will find there is nothing in the book giving any help or instructions.

I was also quiet disgusted in the plugging of the authors pendulums he had on sale in one section. It was slyly written in and personally I thought it was done in bad taste.

Would I say purchase this book? No.

I read it in 35 minutes and walked away shaking my head.

The Law of Agreement

2012-03-18T21:03:07Z