Amethyst's Offerings

Daloinge or udxl(depending upon who’s translation one wants to use) is the Cherokee word for shadow. My brother used he first one, and signed all his work as “shadow”.  He adopted that name after tracing our family roots and being given entrance to the tribe.  We are part of the Bear clan, and that is is part of his artwork, a big bear pawprint within the artwork itself.  I’ve been thinking of him a lot lately.  I guess because it is almost anniversary of his passing too soon(9 yrs next month) and of course his birthday is next month as well..autumnal equinox, born on the cusp of Virgo/Libra.  My brother, Rick, and I were extremely close.  “Irish twins” my Gran called us.  he was born 8 days before my first birthday, so I guess we were destined to do everything together.  I miss him more this time of year than any other ..maybe in part because our birthdays are so close and they are coming up, but also because there are things that I didn’t understand about our heritage that I would love to ask him about now.  Things about his spirit journey and about what the desert spoke to him that called him so often. I didn’t understand how he could want to live alone away from family out on the streets, and while I know some of it may have been attributed to his mental illness(schizophrenia), some of it was indeed spiritual.  It was reflected in his artwork which was so amazing.  he worked for some time for Harley Davidson at all the major bike shows, sometimes tagging along with some friends and drawing patterns for the tattoo shows as well.  I shook my head in amazement at all the places he went and the people he met.  But mental illness, drugs and alcohol often bring genius to its knees and he was no exception.  He got so sick before his death, that a man in Arizona put him on a bus to come home to us..to me.  We never did find that person..divine intervention maybe, IDK…I had to become his guardian and have him committed to  make him stay in one place so that he could have the valve replaced in his heart.  That is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life..become responsible for someone else outside of my children for their mental, and physical well-being.  It hurt for him to face me with accusing eyes and demand to know why I was locking him up…I cried all the way home, even though I knew that it was for his benefit.  He had the surgery and I wore his ring..silver, tiger eye freeform, made on the reservation in Arizona especially for him.  “I get that back” he tells me smiling…”Maybe” I tell him, laughing.  He did in fact get it back….I put it on his finger when he was back in his room.  It is one of the few things that made it back home with his body upon his death.  I wear it daily now…it connects me with his spirit, I feel his presence when I look at it.  Someone once told me its a portal for him to come and go at will as our connection was very strong.  I don’t know if this is true, but it’s a comforting thought.  I’m not sure why I write about Rick tonight..maybe it’s because others have experienced loss and it connected with me..the difficulties in having a sibling with problems and how the family reacts to them…it’s difficult trying to be the “voice of reason” with someone who’s addictions coupled with mental illness makes them less than reasonable.  It’s hard trying to help pick up the pieces of their lives over and over again when they in their destructive madness seem intent on destroying themselves at every turn.  Sometimes people have to turn away because they can’t handle the pain..our parents did.  They loved him in their way I guess, but he always felt like he didn’t measure up to the military ideal of our dad,or  what my mother envisioned for his life as her only son.  She tried over and over again, but in the end, she could not be there for him when he was ill and needed a guardian.  Enter the ‘twin”. Rick even told his psychiatrist I was his twin…he was the shadow,I was the conscience.  Good analogy I guess.  I always have had opinion of how I thought he should be living and showcasing his work..but it wasn’t his ideal life, so was not to be. So tonight, I lift a drink in his honor and remember his wicked sense of humor that seems to be revisited in my son and grandson Benson, Check out his amazing artwork as I pull them out and look through them and smile as I look over old photographs of us as kids and play “remember when”… It’s been a nostalgic mood as of late, and I’m not sure what or why it’s there, so I’ll just use it to remember some of my favorite people and cherish the love that graced my life while they were with me, and feel the warmth of their spirit as they come.

PEACE OUT

 

Bullying is a fact of life..it happens everywhere to everyone at one time or another.  But just because it’s always been around, does that mean that it has to stay this way?  I mean I know some who say that people get through and over being bullied while they were growing up.. really?  Then why do things get triggered in certain situations when we go through them?  In truth, they do affect us whether we want to admit it or not.  So what to do about the things now?  As adults(presumably)we have the power of self control and as such should be able to reign in our tempers.  To pick on someone or take them out just because we can is not only ignorant, but reprehensible.  We then wonder where the children get it from?  They mirror what they learn from the adults in their lives.  If they see bigotry and intolerance for others who are different, then that is what they will also show the world.  I’ve seen postings on Fb where people encourage one to show empathy to that one lost kid in the hall and smile , say something positive.  nice thought…if it happens.  Majority of times, one is too wrapped up in their own drama to pay attention to the one lost soul out there until they see something happen between them and another individual who thinks it will be fun to make fun and ridicule them. And they will stand as watch as yet another victim falls prey.  Very few have the guts to take a stand and say “this is NOT right”.   But here’s the thing.  I’ve seen a lot of these postings on people’s pages and know that I have seen some be just as guilty as that bully in the hall.  If one posts something that does not align with what they perceive as ‘truth” , then they too go after that individual with both feet, demanding source, calling names as well as making them to appear to be a fool.  Now in truth, the person probably has shown some stupidity in their post, and used woeful sourcing, but to call names and come down harshly because we have lack of patience for such types of people to me is a type of bullying.  While it may offend the one individual, the negativity heaped upon the group as a whole lingers..”what affects one stone, reflects on all”…and yet one still posts about bullies.  Is it because we refuse to acknowledge that at times, we too are the bullies, who demand others come up to our expectations?  That our “truth” as seen from our perspective is the only way for a situation to be seen?  Not everyone is going to come up to the standards we set for ourselves and others in our lives..fact of life.  Some people are just not capable.  So while we  shake our heads at some who like to live in a fantasy world and not walk a path of truth, we can accept that that is their life, their path, and we have to learn to accept that whether we like it or not.  If we expect the bullies(and that includes us all) to learn to do something constructive with themselves, then we need to learn to accept people’s differences in everything about them.  We arent here to educate the whole world…we are here to learn how to live within it for ourselves.  If by chance what we learn happens to help someone else, then so much the better..bonus gift from the universe.   We need to learn to treat each other as human beings..one race, one love..one energy.  It is this above anything else that will pull us together in a network of humanity.

 

peace out

Ever wonder why people have this need to include fantasy in their lives?  Well, for one thing, it breaks up the mundane of our daily lives, and can help in our sexual release..but what about in a spiritual connection?  Now some would state that a belief in god, any god would be fantasy in itself due to their not understanding in a concept of an omnipotent being who watches us make our mistakes , seeing all the evil heaped upon our innocents, and the hate and rhetoric spewed at people who dare to believe something different than we do, or dare to live a different lifestyle.  And yet it is believed that souls will be “saved” if one just believes.  Now that sounds like a story straight from a fantasy novel doesn’t it?  And yet people believe in it..they develop their spirituality around it.  And that is their prerogative.  Pagans are not immune from things such as this…I’ve seen people believe in unicorns, fairies, dragons, being “otherkin”, vampires, werewolves, witches.  I know that in our realm of things, some things do indeed exist, but to actively add them to as path to the exclusion of common sense seems a little ridiculous to me.  I mean unicorns are cute and sparkly, but seriously..does anyone really believe they exist out of story books or cartoons?  dragons exist in various forms throughout the ages and some use them as guides, so cannot entirely discount them…I am a great believer of the Fae, as they are part of my heritage ..vampires do exist, some practice sanguination(that is blood to you) , while others are of the psychic variety and may or may not know that they practice as such, since they are the ones who can suck all the energy out of a room as soon as they enter it.  Witches exist..we are those who practice the craft of old in various ways.  The “otherkin” is difficult to explain and while some cultures have a form of shape shifters, it is usually those young or inexperienced who lay claim to this label ..I have yet to wrap my mind around it.

And then there is the whole genre of people who watch the shows and movies from Hollyweird and believe that all who are wiccan/pagan are as portrayed in them.  I shake my head at those who cannot miss an episode of the newest one “true blood” because it contains all the addictions, sex, blood and the occult. Witches hunt the vampires, there is plenty of fairy glitter to sprinkle around, and a witch who is said to be Wiccan, since that is a legitimate faith  recognized by the U.S. supreme Court.  And yet, mainstream news always wants reaction from ‘real” witches to see how they feel…There will always be those who cry foul and demand that this is not the truth, and in some aspects they are right.  The best fiction always carries a grain of truth to be more believable to the reader.  Charmed witches used herbs for workings..so do those of us who are real witches…we don’t go hunt down demons, because why would we try to destroy those who cannot be destroyed , and could be a potential help in what we are trying to do?  FYI..demons/daemons/angels..same things depending upon the faith one is checking out.  Harry Potter used enough terms used by those in the pagan world to resonate with the “muggles” who do not practice.  But as with the show Bewitched from days gone by and “I dream of Jeanie”, it is all entertainment, not meant to be a primer on what those of us who go about our daily lives do on our paths.  Go ahead and enjoy the fantasy, it breaks up the monotony of life, but temper it with some reality.  The shows are entertainment, nothing more.  Want reality?  Spend some time with a single mom who has to budget life so that her child(ren) have the things that are necessary in life as well as maybe some of the frills their friends get, while receiving little or nothing  from the other parent.  Or try  talking to a veteran who came home from fighting for his country to find there is no employment for him in this economy, so how is he supposed to support his family and deal with all he’s seen and done in the name of freedom?  Those are realities that people deal with every day, and nobody makes movies of those because its not entertaining or sexy enough to hold your attention.  so the next time you feed your fix for the “occult”..remember that its only fiction and nothing like the real world..but that can be a good thing most days when life has been handing you crap.

 

Peace out.

Boundaries…just the word alone brings to mind a partition of separation, a divide.  So why would we have those..should we have those.From a personal perspective, I have always had  boundaries .  I hate having my personal space invaded when I am working or doing things that require a lot of concentration.  I also dislike it when people touch my personal belongings.  This weekend was full of conversation of people not respecting other’s personal space regarding their path(you’re doing it wrong), overstepping boundaries about family dynamics(don’t even ask), and lest we forget the personal attacks..”you’re going to go out wearing that”? yeah..I know sometimes it seems like to those on the outside looking in, that its about “petty stuff”, but really when you think about it, we all have things that we would prefer others to just keep their nose the hell out of.  We fashion our lives, our paths, our spirituality as best we can.  Sometimes we cobble it from a blueprint already set up by others, sometimes taking things that are workable and shaping it to reflect who we are.  So what gives others the right to overstep those walls we erect for our own protection?  Robert Frost once remarked

Before I built a wall, I’d ask to know
What I was walling up or in
And to whom I was like to give offence 

Truthfully, most people respect boundaries, but then you have those who take offense that you will not let them into every aspect of your life.  I don’t get that.  I feel everyone is entitled to some private space..that one corner that you can keep hidden from the world.  So what is it that makes people want to pry into secrets of others..the reading of diaries, the stepping over boundaries..even those spelled out  in full view of everyone.  I mean I dont know how much plainer one can get when you tell someone…It’s personal..back away…..I’ve even had people get mad at me for not saying everything my path encompasses…I don’t get that either..Why does it matter?  I give a general view..sometimes what I know comes out in conversations, other times I am not telling, not because it’s some gigantic secret passed down by elders, ancestors, or what have you..but because it’s my own personal beliefs, practices and rituals.  I made them mine based upon a few things shown to me by others that I respect, other things that my guides have shown me and things that resonated when I found them in my search for knowledge.  It’s MY journey–and if that wall I erect to keep you from satisfying your curiosity  offends you..then SO FUCKING WHAT!!!  I don’t care!  I am not here to feed your insatiable ignorant curiosity about what it is that makes me tick.  I choose to live my life as I will and your opinions do NOT matter in the grand scheme of things.  So yes, boundaries are important because they set limits for people who do not get the concept that everyone has their own code of morals, ideals and general views of life.  Was asked if this was directed at specific people, and while I could be snarky and say yes..I’ll just hold up the mirror and see who doesn’t care for the view…

I have a recurring dream..I’ve had it for as long as I can remember.  It is always of a hoodoo woman in the swamps named Maman Celeste’.  She is a small woman, barely standing 5 foot tall, and her lithe body is often dressed in a colorful skirt that barely covers her bare feet.  Her cinnamon colored skin is perfumed by the herbs she uses and around her neck are some of the most colorful beads/shells I have ever seen.  Her dark eyes seem to peer into my soul as if she can see every emotion that has ever been wrought in my life or ever will be.  I have never been afraid to come to her place in the swamp, the small hut sitting above the water as if it is there by magic, the spanish moss hanging from the trees as if they were pulled from the mists of Avalon.  Smoke from her fire draws me in , filling me with its warmth and allowing me to relax.  Sometimes I find myself coming in on a boat, low slung canoe like that the trappers use, but this night I just appeared at her door.  “Come child”, Maman instructs me.  “For you have journeyed long”.  I do not know if this is indeed a long journey here or if I am just deeper in sleep, but I never have questioned Maman, nor will I, so I do as she bids me.  As I enter the hut, Jacques, the oldest, blackest, hugest dog one would ever meet raises his head to peer at the company.  Seeing that it is I, he lays his head back down and closes his eyes.  “It has been awhile Cher” says Maman.  I agree that it has been at least a year since I have been here, and I guess I am wondering why it is that I have chosen now to come.  I have been stressed from family issues, working too hard to keep things afloat and have made myself sick in the process by not staying shielded enough, and usually when I come to this place of sanctuary..and yeah, it does feel that way for me…I am gathering for a big working and need her guidance.  I rarely work when I am sick unless there is an emergency or its required by my guides(and I do consider Maman one to be sure).  “You are here because I have things to show you” she says.  “you have been walking around hiding the things you know..you let others speak.”  I do this I know..I rarely tell people what I have gathered into my path, that this form of folk magic was passed to me by my Gran who was taught by hers…I don’t expect others to understand it, nor care if they feel it has no place in a pagan path…It’s part of who I am, what I do.  I still have much to learn about the ancestors though  and tell her this.  “So…how do you want to acquire that knowledge?” Maman asks me.  I have no idea..probably why I sit back and watch…that too is part of who I am, a habit cultivated from living life as I did growing up.  “I will tell you something”, she says.  “I think that if you would stop fighting with who you are meant to be, things would come a lot more easily”.  I agree..but sometimes life in society causes me to assume some sort of secret identity , like a clark kent/superman kind of thing, because I fear that if I were to walk more openly, things could get really crazy in my life.  So I set a boundary up..one I have yet to cross.  So what to do?  Will I have to cross that line in order for me to gain the knowledge that I seek?  “Not yet”, I am told..but “soon”..I’m more than a little relieved that I don’t have to move out of this comfort zone I am in, but the soon remains in the back of my head.  Not an idle word to be sure.  Maman Celeste goes to a chest and brings back a box for me to open..It is just a small wooden thing that looks so old, I am almost sure that it will fall apart in my hands if I remove the lid, but I open it at her insistence and there on a small piece of parchment is the answer I was seeking in my books.  I look up in amazement, although I should know not to be surprised by anything I receive here.  She laughs at my face…”You just needed to ask the right person in the correct manner, Cher”…I shake my head and laugh at myself a little more than ruefully, for she is right.  I should know by now that asking the right questions to the right person in the most respectful manner will always give the right direction.  I take my answer and put it in my right pocket and close the small box and hand it back to Maman.  It’s almost like a feeling of relief has washed over me and I lean back in my chair and close my eyes.  I hadn’t realized until now that it was worrying me that much.  “Rest child”, Maman’s voice comes from behind me.  I feel her hands touch my forehead lightly as if she were anointing me , touching me with lightly perfumed fingertips.  I sigh with contentment, allowing myself to fall deeper into rest, enveloped into the warmth and safety of the peace that I have only been able to find here in this place.  I awoke in the dawn with a smile on my face, for not only did I receive the information I was seeking, but received the rest I needed to get well.  I know that eventually I will have to ask the questions of what next, and do I step across the line permanently or can I travel back and forth..things that I know Maman Celeste’ knows but will not tell me …yet.  She will wait to see what I have done with this new piece of the puzzle, and where it leads me.  For a change, I am not worried…maybe I am growing….maybe I have decided to live life instead of existing, looking for problems where none exist.  I am amused.

Ever notice those people either on the fringes of your life or even in the midst of it that like to keep drama and chaotic energy flowing?  I’ve been a spectator to it for some time now and one has to wonder exactly what benefit do they derive from it?  Is it that they like the feel of the energy flow and feed from it..possible, but I suspect that for all their bogosity of how spectacular their life is…it isn’t and to compensate for that, they pull others down into the mire with them.  I am not a fan of being pulled into the middle of watching such a show.  First, it violates my own personal ethics of  drawing attention..as any survivor of abuse will tell you..you learn pretty damn fast to stay out of the way and not draw attention to yourself if you can help it.  So if the issue doesn’t concern me, I am out of it, without feeling the need to step into the fray.  Now there are exceptions to every “rule” like if someone cannot protect themselves from a bully, then I might decide to relax that rule..but its a rare situation.  Secondly, I am not into watching people beat each other up even online.  The flame wars and words that are directed back and forth, all the sniping and snarky comments..that is just ridiculous to me..makes both parties look completely ignorant and the energy it sends out is putrid and tastes like shit~those who read such energies know exactly what I mean~.  Third and last, which is probably the most important is that I like to think I am above that.  I try to treat others with respect and expect the same in return.  I have nothing to gain by causing issues in someone else’s life or talking behind others backs..believe me, if I have something to say to or about you..you will know it..it’s how I roll.  So then what to do with all the negative these people place in and around us?  I personally would like to bitch slap them and tell them “snap out of it”~have always loved that scene in Moonstruck~, but in this age of assault charges and lawsuits, that isn’t possible on a physical plane, unfortunately.  I guess we could “kick” them, cross, hex whatever you call it..and that works too, but I usually save my workings for something bigger than an asshat who annoys me.  So what is one to do?  Ignore! walk away, let them know they are less than the dust under your feet in their ignorant attempts at chaos. That  usually infuriates them and causes issues within themselves, and if that makes them ratchet up their attempts, well then I guess it gives one an excuse to kick their ass after all,lol.  We’re always going to have people who infuriate us with their tactics and sly little digs…its just a fact of life. So acceptance of that and allow it to roll off our backs allows us to keep our shields intact and remain centered.  If we allow it to become personal then we have given them power in our lives and I personally have control issues so that is not gonna happen any time soon in this lifetime,lol.  So to those who would like to cause drama..child please…you better come up with something good cause I just don’t have time for your shit.

Peace Out

To teach or not to teach, that is the question…forgive me for semi-invoking the bard, but have been privy to several conversations in the past month in which people discuss whether or not to teach their children about their path.  So I decided to chime in with my 2 cents worth.

My feeling is that it is our job as a parent, grandparent, village, that we are to teach our young people about faith(s).  Just like any other subject that we are to instruct them on, this one is relevant to their lives.  Who else will teach them truth about what you believe and why you practice as you do?  Some say that it influences them and would make them feel like they have to believe the same way.  And?  Do not other faiths expect to give their young the same foundation?  If as a parent, you walk as a pagan, where are the other examples of how fulfilling that path can be except what is mirrored in front of them?  Children learn by example, so why not from a sound one who has their best interests at heart.  And let them know its okay to explore other faiths as well.  Believe me, if you have a kid in the public school, they will be inundated with the secular faiths, such as christianity because it is the most prevalent.  What to do if they want to go with the others to church or a camp?  I say let them go..How else are they going to know if this is the right thing for them?  Talk about it when they get home, keep that communication going as to how it makes them feel, does it resonate within them or are they simply going along with the group.  Peer pressure is a huge thing, so some of it may creep in, and for a time they follow a path different from you,but if you have been open and honest about your beliefs, and taught them truth instead of some fantasy crap that gets tossed around occasionally, then they at least have a way to compare and see what works for them in their lives.  I think if one allows a child to learn about the faiths and talk about what each one brings to the table as far as fulfilling ones spirituality(not talking doctrine or dogma here), then it gives a broader view of humanity and fosters respect for others point of views.  And in truth, that is what we as  a “village” should be trying to provide to the children in our world…respect for one another as human beings and peace in knowing that they are unique and valued for who they are and are destined to become.

Peace out

Can someone please explain to me the need for people’s one-upmanship?  I mean, no matter what the conversation. there will invariably be someone who is smarter, prettier, more devout, has the best house, car, dog,( insert your favorite  noun here).  Is there some gene I am lacking that makes me care less?  I mean seriously…I know that I am not a jack-of -all trades kind of person..there are just some things that I am not capable of doing..and yet I am perfectly competent in other areas.  So what is it that makes these people want to stand and demand attention for themselves at being “better” than others?  They claim to walk the “best” path..according to whom I inquire?  Society I am told…And all of society knows what my spirit feels and how I am supposed to walk this path?  Sorry..but I have control issues(no surprise to those who read this blog on a regular basis)..it’s my path and I choose what it contains and how I practice my faith.  There are those who claim to have more knowledge about my path..and while they certainly may know quite a bit about the history of certain elements…are they in my head or feel my spirit when I am out among the stars?  I am certain they are not..so let’s say they might be half right on part of it.  I accept who I am and know that I still have much to learn.  So what is behind all the “I am top dog” mentality?  Is it conceit? Narcissism? Ignorance?  Probably some sort of a combination of any and all of the previously listed.   Whatever the issue, it’s damned annoying to attempt any conversation with such a person.  And the goddess forbid that I might actually disagree with what they have to say.  Oh my Jebus, the discussion can go in a thousand different directions and come out on the other side a totally different animal!  So what to do when one encounters such a person?  Well you could try and reason with them, but why waste your breath and energy with such stupidity? Or you could knock them the hell out(my personal favorite choice)…or just walk away because they take too much energy trying to understand their mentality.  Whatever choice you make, rest assured it will not change them or who they are, because it has become a way of life for them.  But if any of you ever find a way to head them off at the pass and shut them down before they start…just tell me..

 

Peace out

I’m sure at one time or another you have heard the saying/scripture..pride goeth before a fall..In truth the proverb says Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. But what does that mean exactly, and why am Iwriting about such things?  Well biblically, it means to not be so proud that you tripped yourself up because pride is not necessarily a bad thing, although to the puritans, it was one of the original Seven Deadly Sins…one was not to be proud about being recognized for your work, craft, talent etc.  But what about those who stand on the rooftops demanding attention for their crafting, be it writing, art, etc?  I mean, they have a right to be proud of what they have done, right?  Well, yes and no.  Yes, because it takes a lot of dedication to do anything talent wise, and I applaud those who can do so.  But what of those who prostitute themselves in search of the almighty dollar and pervert their talent?  Those are the ones I take issue with and think that this proverb applies to them.  They throw all sorts of crap out among the sheeple who are seeking, and care less if what they do is of any value to anyone.  Now I know plenty of writers thanks to the social media  and chat services, and find that among those, there are a few that I would not hesitate to recommend..On the other hand, I have seen those who tout their wares under the guise of a pagan banner that leave me shaking my head at how they can look themselves in the mirror at night.  And it’s not just the writers, I have seen artists paint, make jewelry, clothing and pass it off as something that one needs to fit in with the pagan set.  Really?  Are we not like everybody else?  Do I need a picture of a certain deity/orisha to practice?  Do I have to wear certain colors, unnumbered pendants, rings, etc to be classified as real? Do I have to study for a hundred years under certain teachers to be considered qualified to speak?  All of these things and more are pushed at people searching for themselves, some place that makes sense to them spiritually.  So how does one find the reputable?  Usually it’s a lucky accident, speaking for myself,.  I have come across some extremely knowledgeable people in my quest for knowledge and inner peace.  I have also on occasion pointed people in their direction, not to introduce them, but to let them listen in on conversations going on…sort of to see how they feel about it.  I don’t teach …I am mostly a listener…one of my gifts that my friends appreciate…it can be frustrating to some who want all the answers given to them, but one should work for what they obtain in my personal opinion.  So what to do about those people trying to “sell” you a path?  Try not to stand in their way because it’s gonna be a huge boom when they land..and not a pretty sight either.

Peace Out

 

We’ve all seen the causes button posted by people or invited to them on the social medias.  We’ve had experience somewhere with people panhandling for some group or charity in order to get more money in the hopes of furthering their good deeds.  So how do you feel about them?  For myself, I am not a big fan of causes..although to be fair, most of them are worthy causes..prevention of abuse of any kind, be it children, domestic violence, animal cruelty…cancer research etc.  I don’t mind helping out sometimes.  I just don’t like being made to feel that it is expected of me because I either , have kids, know someone with cancer, have pets, am pagan, etc.   I’ve seen some who have causes for wiccan/pagan people to unite under one banner.  Now I am wondering just how people under an umbrella term can come to a meeting of like-minded people to agree on anything.  I mean it would be like the Southern Baptist convention and the Roman Catholic Church being lumped together.  I mean, they both proclaim christianity, and yet have a great many differences in their dogma.  I often think they have it a little easier than those of us on pagan paths, because they have rules and a book to direct their calling, whereas, those of us coloring outside the lines make our own rules, and have no books to tell us what to believe…unless you could the plethora of books lining the shelves about occult, wicca, and the like in many major bookstores and online.  But not all of them are the same caliber of knowledge and some are just pure fantasy and make believe, making their authors money off the unsuspecting seeker.  So then how can one expect us all to come to some general consensus? Well, we do have some similarities, so that helps in that we don’t believe as those in the Abrahamic faiths believe…although I have seen some try to incorporate chrisitanity into wicca(smh)…Yet there are causes put out there by some who demand we all come together to stop the persecution of pagan/wiccans..Really?  I live in a small southern town and have yet to be accosted…now that isn’t to say that some might not have had some words flung their way..it happens..to everyone about everything if you want to know the truth.  They demand people be allowed to marry as they choose…I can agree to that, already posted on it before…But why try and drag people into a “cause” of which there isn’t much substance?  You really want a cause?  Why not start a cause on what it really means to be a human being?  To treat others with respect and compassion as you want to be treated(yeah those with books to lead them recognize this..but do they all follow it or just give it lip service?).  Why not become an advocate for those who have no voice? People discarded by society such as the homeless, those with communicable illnesses, addicts, abuse victims.  We stand and yell on the corner when things don’t go our way, at some perceived notion of persecution in the name of whatever faith you are espousing today, and yet do not a damn thing to lift your finger let alone voice for those who are not able to communicate their need to someone who would listen.  Go ahead if you want with your misspelled definitions about why you need a cause if it makes you feel better, but I for one, am not going there.  i think life is too short to act like an asshat when so many others could use the help.  So if it’s all the same to you, I’m going about my business of being a responsible  human being, helping as I can and trying not to show my ignorance in my walk.  you could do that too..we could actually have unity in that…wouldn’t it be nice if the rest of the world took notice and did the same.

Peace Out.