In New Orleans, opponents of the demolition of public housing tried to get into a city council meeting which was said to be disproportionately composed of demolition supporters. They railed against an iron gate, which was locked tight against them.
Police showed up -- 40 on foot, and 12 on horseback -- and 4 people were sent to the hospital after they were tasered and sprayed with Gods-know-what chemical (probably mace/pepper-spray).
Democracy in action? Yeah, right.
Read the whole story and you be the judge:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071221/ap_on_re_us/katrina_public_housing
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The Most-memory-worthy Quote of 2007 is...
"Don't tase me, bro!"
Ahahahahaha.
Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071219/us_nm/usa_quotes_dc
Ahahahahaha.
Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071219/us_nm/usa_quotes_dc
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Just Because I Argue...
Just because I say, "the game would make more sense to me if it was put together this way," I get bitched at.
I'm sick of it.
I'm not arguing, I'm actually thinking for myself. I'm allowed to have my Gods-damned opinion, and I'm sick of being taken the wrong way, even when I explain to the person bitching at me that I'm not "should-ing" on him.
Then again, he's a man, and most men, as everyone knows, aren't capable of being un-self-centered.
He just came in here, "Cussing me out again?" "Yeah." "Do I get to read it?" "Nope."
And then a "discussion" about why my tone was personally critical. And then why I shouldn't have been critical, because I don't have any experience with the game at all, and it wasn't a critical discussion anyway, it was just 'informative'.
What. Ever.
Maybe I'll just drop out of my critical thinking class and go back to being a vegetable. But frankly, I'm tired of being a vegetable!!!!!!
I'm sick of it.
I'm not arguing, I'm actually thinking for myself. I'm allowed to have my Gods-damned opinion, and I'm sick of being taken the wrong way, even when I explain to the person bitching at me that I'm not "should-ing" on him.
Then again, he's a man, and most men, as everyone knows, aren't capable of being un-self-centered.
He just came in here, "Cussing me out again?" "Yeah." "Do I get to read it?" "Nope."
And then a "discussion" about why my tone was personally critical. And then why I shouldn't have been critical, because I don't have any experience with the game at all, and it wasn't a critical discussion anyway, it was just 'informative'.
What. Ever.
Maybe I'll just drop out of my critical thinking class and go back to being a vegetable. But frankly, I'm tired of being a vegetable!!!!!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Beyond the Veil
The Veil grows thin, so thin I can hear the thrum of the spirits within my mind, chattering away at me.
Every now and then my beloved Celeste will crawl up on the bed, and I can feel her body-weight against my calves as she settles in, curling up to sleep with me. Just like she used to when she lived.
And ah! how she lived. Such a beautiful four years, my troublesome furbaby had. Scratched everything in sight, she did! But I loved her so much. The fleas and the infection they carried killed her on a terrible Sunday night, laying across Rodney's lap as we cradled her and told her how much we loved her. The autopsy found she had feline leukemia, which would have given her a little over a year to live if the fleas hadn't weakened her.
I will never forget the heart-wrenching, gut-twisting scream she let loose, that groan of Death unmistakable. It was then I knew she was truly in so much pain, and urged her to let go -- we were there, she was safe, she was loved. I have not written about this night until now because I am still very upset with it. She was my first kitten, like my own child, and it still makes tears well to my eyes.
Beautiful Celeste, I love you.
Every now and then my beloved Celeste will crawl up on the bed, and I can feel her body-weight against my calves as she settles in, curling up to sleep with me. Just like she used to when she lived.
And ah! how she lived. Such a beautiful four years, my troublesome furbaby had. Scratched everything in sight, she did! But I loved her so much. The fleas and the infection they carried killed her on a terrible Sunday night, laying across Rodney's lap as we cradled her and told her how much we loved her. The autopsy found she had feline leukemia, which would have given her a little over a year to live if the fleas hadn't weakened her.
I will never forget the heart-wrenching, gut-twisting scream she let loose, that groan of Death unmistakable. It was then I knew she was truly in so much pain, and urged her to let go -- we were there, she was safe, she was loved. I have not written about this night until now because I am still very upset with it. She was my first kitten, like my own child, and it still makes tears well to my eyes.
Beautiful Celeste, I love you.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
HOW LONG MUST AMERICA PUT UP WITH THE EAGER OIL BEAVER?
On my way to work this morning, I passed 2 gas stations. Prices were at $3.15 a gallon. Less than two hours later, they skyrocketed -- 3.49 a bloody effin' gallon. How long will America wait to realize that the oil companies are lining their pockets with OUR MONEY!?
Too long. And by then, I am so afraid it will be too late. America is FAR TOO DEPENDENT on oil.
So how do we force the corporate mojos to their knees? It won't be easy. In fact, it would be almost miraculous. Almost.
Here's what it would take. One solid seven-day stretch with as little gas consumption as humanly possible. I know for some of us this is a back-breaker -- two hour commutes, and such. But for MOST of us, we can scrape by.
How? Buy just a couple gallons of gas -- just enough to get by for one or two days. If every person who owned a car in America did this for ONE WEEK, those high-horses would buckle under the strain of all the excess oil.
It is high time we turned their rising price tide against them.
In the end, it will be either fill up and starve, or walk and eat another day. I'd rather eat than starve, so you know which boat *I* am in.
Too long. And by then, I am so afraid it will be too late. America is FAR TOO DEPENDENT on oil.
So how do we force the corporate mojos to their knees? It won't be easy. In fact, it would be almost miraculous. Almost.
Here's what it would take. One solid seven-day stretch with as little gas consumption as humanly possible. I know for some of us this is a back-breaker -- two hour commutes, and such. But for MOST of us, we can scrape by.
How? Buy just a couple gallons of gas -- just enough to get by for one or two days. If every person who owned a car in America did this for ONE WEEK, those high-horses would buckle under the strain of all the excess oil.
It is high time we turned their rising price tide against them.
In the end, it will be either fill up and starve, or walk and eat another day. I'd rather eat than starve, so you know which boat *I* am in.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Charge of the Goddess
Listen to the words of the Great Mother,
who of old was called
Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite,
Cerridwen, Diana, Arionrhod, Brigid,
and by many other names:
Whenever you have need of anything,
once a month, and better it be when the moon is full,
you shall assemble in some secret place
and adore the spirit of Me Who is Queen of all the Wise.
You shall be free from slavery,
and as a sign that you be free you
shall be naked in your rites.
Sing, feast, dance, make music and love,
all in My presence,
for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit
and Mine also is joy on Earth.
For My law is love unto all things.
Mine is the secret that opens
the door of youth,
and Mine is the cup of wine of life that is
the Cauldron of Cerridwen,
that is the holy grail of immortality.
I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal,
and beyond death I give peace and freedom
and reunion with those that have gone before.
Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for behold,
I am the Mother of all things
and My love is poured out upon the Earth.
Hear the words of the Star Goddess,
the dust of Whose feet are the hosts of Heaven,
Whose body encircles the universe.
I who am the beauty of the green earth
and the white moon among the stars
and the mysteries of the waters,
I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me.
For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe.
From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return.
Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices,
for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.
Let there be beauty and strength,
power and compassion,
honour and humility,
mirth and reverence within you.
And you who seek to know Me,
know that the seeking and yearning will avail you not,
unless you know the Mystery:
for if that which you seek,
you find not within yourself,
you will never find it without.
For behold,
I have been with you from the beginning,
and I am That which is attained at the end of desire.
who of old was called
Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite,
Cerridwen, Diana, Arionrhod, Brigid,
and by many other names:
Whenever you have need of anything,
once a month, and better it be when the moon is full,
you shall assemble in some secret place
and adore the spirit of Me Who is Queen of all the Wise.
You shall be free from slavery,
and as a sign that you be free you
shall be naked in your rites.
Sing, feast, dance, make music and love,
all in My presence,
for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit
and Mine also is joy on Earth.
For My law is love unto all things.
Mine is the secret that opens
the door of youth,
and Mine is the cup of wine of life that is
the Cauldron of Cerridwen,
that is the holy grail of immortality.
I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal,
and beyond death I give peace and freedom
and reunion with those that have gone before.
Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for behold,
I am the Mother of all things
and My love is poured out upon the Earth.
Hear the words of the Star Goddess,
the dust of Whose feet are the hosts of Heaven,
Whose body encircles the universe.
I who am the beauty of the green earth
and the white moon among the stars
and the mysteries of the waters,
I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me.
For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe.
From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return.
Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices,
for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.
Let there be beauty and strength,
power and compassion,
honour and humility,
mirth and reverence within you.
And you who seek to know Me,
know that the seeking and yearning will avail you not,
unless you know the Mystery:
for if that which you seek,
you find not within yourself,
you will never find it without.
For behold,
I have been with you from the beginning,
and I am That which is attained at the end of desire.
The Charge of The God
Listen to the Words of the Horned God,
Who was of old called among men:
Adonis, Tammuz, Dianus, Herne,
Bran, Beli, Lugh, Gwyn,
Dionysus, Osiris, Cernunnos, Pan,
And by many other Names.
O Secret of Secrets,
That art hidden in the being of all that lives,
Not Thee do we adore,
For That which adoreth is also Thou.
Thou art That, and That am I.
I am the Flame that burns in the heart of every being,
And in the core of every Star.
I am Life, and the Giver of Life,
Yet therefore is the Knowledge of Me
The Knowledge of Death and Resurrection.
I am alone, the Lord within ourselves,
Whose Name is Mystery of Mysteries.
I am the Horned God.
I am the Lord of the Universe,
The Father of all living,
The All-Devourer and the All-Begetter.
I am He Whose Seed lies strewn
As glittering Gems across velvet darkness
Within the Womb of the Mother.
I am the Lord of the Shadows
In the darkness of the Underworld,
For I am the Midnight Sun.
I am the Light of the Stars,
And the Spark of the Spirit Eternal,
For I am the God Within.
I am the Horned Leader of the Hosts of Air,
The Leader of the Wild Hunt,
The Judge of Gods and of Men.
I am the Hidden God,
Who ever yet remains,
For I dwell within the secret seed.
I am the seed of grain,
I am the seed of flesh,
I am the Seed of the Stars.
I am the Lord of the Heights,
I am the Lord of the Depths,
God of forest, of flock, and of field.
I am the Hunter and Hunted,
I am the wolf and the Shepherd,
I am the vine and the grain.
I am a Guiding Star above you,
I am a bright Flame before you,
I am a smooth Path beneath you.
I am the Light of Life.
I am the Flame of Love.
I am the Horned God!
Monday, March 12, 2007
One month
This month has been one of many hectic things. One, I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I got my tattoo. Two, Pete's Shrine left Heritage. Three, Tammy's Blue Rose is no longer part of Heritage. Four, Steff's Sacred Sea Shrine is no longer part of Heritage either. And five, Debbe our High Priestess has decided that her path is no longer the same as Heritage's, so she left as well, after saying she would stick it out with the rest of us if we were willing.
May the Blessing be upon those who have decided to part with Heritage. I will be sticking around until it falls to dust. Rod built it once with the help of one other, and we can do it again.
Rod was very sick with pneumonia after eating the salmonella-infested peanut butter that was brought to our attention by the news. And the moment he left, everything seemed to go to hell in a handbasket. It seems all too coincidental to me. But one thing I have learned since starting this path: coincidences don't exist.
He is much better now, and we're getting Heritage up on its feet again with the help of Tammy and Marcy, two very wonderful women to whom we owe much gratitude. More later.
May the Blessing be upon those who have decided to part with Heritage. I will be sticking around until it falls to dust. Rod built it once with the help of one other, and we can do it again.
Rod was very sick with pneumonia after eating the salmonella-infested peanut butter that was brought to our attention by the news. And the moment he left, everything seemed to go to hell in a handbasket. It seems all too coincidental to me. But one thing I have learned since starting this path: coincidences don't exist.
He is much better now, and we're getting Heritage up on its feet again with the help of Tammy and Marcy, two very wonderful women to whom we owe much gratitude. More later.
Rules for Life
1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
2. Don't worry about what people think, they don't do it very often.
3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
8. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention! It never fails.)
9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
14. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.
15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
16. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
19. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.
24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
25. It ain't the jeans that make your butt look fat.
26. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, & never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
27. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
28. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
29. You should not confuse your career with your life.
30. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
31. Never lick a steak knife.
32. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
33. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
35. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
36. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
37. Your friends love you anyway.
38. Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
2. Don't worry about what people think, they don't do it very often.
3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.
6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.
7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.
8. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention! It never fails.)
9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.
12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
14. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.
15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
16. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.
17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.
18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
19. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.
20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.
24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
25. It ain't the jeans that make your butt look fat.
26. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, & never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."
27. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
28. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.
29. You should not confuse your career with your life.
30. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
31. Never lick a steak knife.
32. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.
33. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.
34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.
35. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.
36. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.
37. Your friends love you anyway.
38. Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Prevented from Harassing Wiccans & Pagans, Christains Claim Discrimination
Read the Article Here
Wow. Just, wow. It never ceases to amaze me. These so-called "street-preachers" are quite convinced they have the right to go against the law of the United States (the one that says it's wrong to harass people) and not get in trouble for it!
There is a difference between being conceited and convinced, and these people are it.
Wow. Just, wow. It never ceases to amaze me. These so-called "street-preachers" are quite convinced they have the right to go against the law of the United States (the one that says it's wrong to harass people) and not get in trouble for it!
There is a difference between being conceited and convinced, and these people are it.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
WitchSchool on "reality" TV
Witch School set for reality TV debut
Producers keep Hoopeston facility details secret
BY BRIAN L. HUCHELCommercial-News
HOOPESTON — In a matter of months, Witch School in Hoopeston hopes to graduate from the world of magic to the ranks of reality TV.
The SCI FI Channel this month revealed its plans to create a reality series about the school at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour in Pasadena, Calif.
The news comes just six months after the Hoopeston establishment announced it would offer on-site courses at its home at 112 W. Main St.
The lid remains tight on program details.
Witch School chancellor, the Rev. Don Lewis, confirmed the program “is happening,” but couldn’t comment further at the request of NBC executives.
Despite the tight-lipped situation, he couldn’t hide his excitement for the school.
“There are lots of interesting things forthcoming in the future,” Lewis said.
The SCI FI Channel calls the program a “docusoap” about a school for aspiring conjurers. It is being assembled in cooperation with New York-based Stick Figure Productions, which handled the HBO documentary series “Family Bonds” and the UPN reality series “Amish in the City.”
Read more here
Ready or not?
Hoopeston Witch School more messy than scary
BY JOE LARSON
HOOPESTON — Controversy about Witch School has swirled around Hoopeston the last three years, but very few people step inside the building to see for themselves.
If they did, they would probably be surprised — and disappointed.
“Everyone gets this glorious vision of it,” said Witch School CEO Ed Hubbard, 43, of Hoopeston. “We have to start from scratch.”
After operating behind closed doors, the school opened to the public and for classes this week.
“We are in great disarray because we’re rearranging,” added Don Lewis, 43, of Hoopeston. He is the chancellor of Witch School at 112 W. Main St.
Read more here
BY JOE LARSON
HOOPESTON — Controversy about Witch School has swirled around Hoopeston the last three years, but very few people step inside the building to see for themselves.
If they did, they would probably be surprised — and disappointed.
“Everyone gets this glorious vision of it,” said Witch School CEO Ed Hubbard, 43, of Hoopeston. “We have to start from scratch.”
After operating behind closed doors, the school opened to the public and for classes this week.
“We are in great disarray because we’re rearranging,” added Don Lewis, 43, of Hoopeston. He is the chancellor of Witch School at 112 W. Main St.
Read more here
WIDTH="88" HEIGHT="130" ALT="Want to Get Sorted?" />Monday, January 15, 2007
First Tattoo
On February 21, 07 Aquarius I will get my first ink, shown on the left. The outer petals will be a dark red, and the inner petals will be purple fading outward to lilac and off-white. My sister Tammy has agreed to come with me.
Blessed Be.
A Look Back
Looking back, I would not believe it possible to be where I am today: in a small upstairs office of the home Rod, Deb, and I share, living the pagan life, every single day, without fear.
About six years ago I faced down my father who told me he wouldn't have "a witch for a daughter". This is the same man who forcibly pinned me to my bed and wrenched my cell phone from me all because I made a fuss over vacuuming my room for the second time in one week; a room I used 4 to 8 days out of every month. He suggested I had psychological problems, too. For my own sanity, I'm glad the details of March 5, 06 Aquarius are clouded now.
I miss my dojo and my family there. I hope they know I still care about them and think about them.
My grandmother and grandfather visited me a few months ago and refused a tour of my home. Then they told me my father bought me a car that I would have received if I just had been reasonable; that if I came back and went to college at East Stroudsburg University (the college I told them way back when I had no desire to attend), I would get it and full auto insurance and room and board for nothing, because they love their granddaughter.
Hogwash, in my opinion. Not make me pay for room and board? Yeah, right. Who do they think they're kidding? I wouldn't give up my life as it stands right now for a million dollars. Living with them would mean no altar in my room or down in the family room to celebrate my Gods. It would mean no dreamcatchers to add touches of beauty throughout the house. It would mean suppressing who and what I am -- Pagan, to the core; Mind, Body, and Soul.
My heart beats to the Mother's rhythms. My mind eagerly learns all that She has to offer. My soul rocks gently on the waves of Her love.
Here, we celebrate the cycles of the seasons on Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnassadh, and Mabon. Each month we celebrate the height of the Moon, Earth's little sibling. Twice a year we gather for the blessing of everyone Correllian, all around the planet, in this world and the Otherworld.
Here, we work magic. Magic is our focused will which drives the Universe to manifest our desires, if those desires harm none. Magic is beautiful, vibrant, and alive. Magic is helping a child grow within our Craft. Magic is watching the earth bear the fruits of our labors after a long spring and summer. Magic is two people falling in love and sharing that love with all around them.
Magic is watching the sunrise, something I do as often as I can.
I AM A WITCH. Neither the wrath nor the sadness nor the disappointment of anyone can change that.
About six years ago I faced down my father who told me he wouldn't have "a witch for a daughter". This is the same man who forcibly pinned me to my bed and wrenched my cell phone from me all because I made a fuss over vacuuming my room for the second time in one week; a room I used 4 to 8 days out of every month. He suggested I had psychological problems, too. For my own sanity, I'm glad the details of March 5, 06 Aquarius are clouded now.
I miss my dojo and my family there. I hope they know I still care about them and think about them.
My grandmother and grandfather visited me a few months ago and refused a tour of my home. Then they told me my father bought me a car that I would have received if I just had been reasonable; that if I came back and went to college at East Stroudsburg University (the college I told them way back when I had no desire to attend), I would get it and full auto insurance and room and board for nothing, because they love their granddaughter.
Hogwash, in my opinion. Not make me pay for room and board? Yeah, right. Who do they think they're kidding? I wouldn't give up my life as it stands right now for a million dollars. Living with them would mean no altar in my room or down in the family room to celebrate my Gods. It would mean no dreamcatchers to add touches of beauty throughout the house. It would mean suppressing who and what I am -- Pagan, to the core; Mind, Body, and Soul.
My heart beats to the Mother's rhythms. My mind eagerly learns all that She has to offer. My soul rocks gently on the waves of Her love.
Here, we celebrate the cycles of the seasons on Samhain, Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lughnassadh, and Mabon. Each month we celebrate the height of the Moon, Earth's little sibling. Twice a year we gather for the blessing of everyone Correllian, all around the planet, in this world and the Otherworld.
Here, we work magic. Magic is our focused will which drives the Universe to manifest our desires, if those desires harm none. Magic is beautiful, vibrant, and alive. Magic is helping a child grow within our Craft. Magic is watching the earth bear the fruits of our labors after a long spring and summer. Magic is two people falling in love and sharing that love with all around them.
Magic is watching the sunrise, something I do as often as I can.
I AM A WITCH. Neither the wrath nor the sadness nor the disappointment of anyone can change that.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The Wiccan Rede
Bide the Wiccan Law ye must
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live and let live -- Fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about, To keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time, Let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch, Speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by the Waxing Moon, Sing and dance the Witches Rune.
Tuathail go by the Waning Moon, Chanting out the baneful tune.
When the Lady’s Moon is new, Kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the Moon rides at Her peak, Then your heart’s desire seek.
Heed the Northwind’s mighty gale -- Lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West, Departed spirits have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go -- burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady’s tree, Burn it not or curs’d ye’ll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn, Let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule, Light the log and the Horned One rules.
Heed ye flower, bush, and tree; By the Lady, blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go, Cast a stone and truth ye’ll know.
When ye have and hold a need, Hearken not to others’ greed.
With a fool no season spend, Nor be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part, Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should -- Three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow, Wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in love, ever be, Lest thy lover’s false to thee.
Eight words ye Wiccan Rede Fulfill:
An’ it harm none, Do as thou will.
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.
Live and let live -- Fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the Circle thrice about, To keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time, Let the spell be spake in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch, Speak ye little, listen much.
Deosil go by the Waxing Moon, Sing and dance the Witches Rune.
Tuathail go by the Waning Moon, Chanting out the baneful tune.
When the Lady’s Moon is new, Kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the Moon rides at Her peak, Then your heart’s desire seek.
Heed the Northwind’s mighty gale -- Lock the door and trim the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on the mouth.
When the wind blows from the West, Departed spirits have no rest.
When the wind blows from the East, Expect the new and set the feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go -- burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be the Lady’s tree, Burn it not or curs’d ye’ll be.
When the Wheel begins to turn, Let the Beltane fires burn.
When the Wheel has turned to Yule, Light the log and the Horned One rules.
Heed ye flower, bush, and tree; By the Lady, blessed be.
Where the rippling waters go, Cast a stone and truth ye’ll know.
When ye have and hold a need, Hearken not to others’ greed.
With a fool no season spend, Nor be counted as his friend.
Merry meet and merry part, Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Law ye should -- Three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow, Wear the blue star on thy brow.
True in love, ever be, Lest thy lover’s false to thee.
Eight words ye Wiccan Rede Fulfill:
An’ it harm none, Do as thou will.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
where there's a will, there's a way!
The Nevada State VA has decided that since the cemetary in which Sgt. Patrick Stewart is buried is not a national VA cemetary, the pentacle is allowed! Way To Go, Nevada!
This is what I like to see in the papers and hear on the news. This is what America is all about -- democracy, freedom of expression, freedom to believe whatever you feel is right for you. End war, end violence, end oppression of people everywhere. Sometimes I wonder why we can't all just get along; but then I am snapped back into reality by the fact that the world will most likely never be a perfect place, because humans in their nature are imperfect. I hope, however, that this silly war in Iraq over oil and terrorism is DONE WITH. And that the future generations will learn from such horrors and NOT repeat history.
And that brings up something else, too, something that I feel I just have to rant about -- the Pope and his crazy comments on the Islamic religion!!! Is he trying to start Armageddon??? I swear, with all this back and forth and talk of jihad, etc., they're pushing us closer and closer to it every day. But no worries, before Armageddon can begin, according to the Bible, several things must occur -- one of them being the appearance of the Anti-Christ, whom everyone will believe is the true Christ. Nobody like that has shown up yet, so we're all safe for now.
As if we have time to worry about trivial stuff like the end of the world. I prefer to live in the here, in the now. For example, this morning I am typing at you from the lovely Sweet Corn Capital of the World, Hoopeston, Illinois. We (Rod, Deb, and I) rolled in around 10pm local time, got all our night time stuff out, made our beds here at WitchSchool, and now Rod is on the computer in the office and Deb is sleeping away. Tomorrow morning at around 10 we're on the road again, headed for Madison, Wisconsin. Rev. Pete Hertzberg, one of our Distance Shrinekeepers, has invited us out for Madison Pagan Pride Day. Before that we're going to meet everyone from Northern Lakes Formal Distance Shrine; I can't wait to get to know them!
Earlier today I spoke with my paternal grandmother, told her about this weekend's trip. She inquired what we were going to Madison for, and I told her so. She didn't seem all that enthusiastic; but she wasn't a raging lunatic to "save" her beloved granddaughter, either. I told her I was also a member of the Clergy, and she gave a noncommittal, "Ahh, okay." So much the better for me.
At least she's not like my dad, who is still not willing to admit that his only child, his little girl, is all grown up. I'm not going to apologize for who I am, but I am sorry for the way he is deciding to ignore that part of me, or treat it as a funny hat that I wear. Face it, Daddy. Your little girl is all grown up. Your punkin-pie IS a Pagan, IS a Wiccan, IS a Witch, IS a proud member of the Correllian Clergy. I AM Reverend Elizabeth Hamilton, Maiden Priestess of Heritage Nativist Temple, and I will be ashamed for no one. I will hide from no one. This is my life. This is my path. I can't change that anymore than I can change the wind's direction.
And for anyone else who has any problems with who and what I am, I have an old saying that fits perfectly: If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
By the way, readers, whomever you may be... I love comments. I love questions, and controversy, as long as it remains FRIENDLY.
An' it harm none, do as thou wilt.
This is what I like to see in the papers and hear on the news. This is what America is all about -- democracy, freedom of expression, freedom to believe whatever you feel is right for you. End war, end violence, end oppression of people everywhere. Sometimes I wonder why we can't all just get along; but then I am snapped back into reality by the fact that the world will most likely never be a perfect place, because humans in their nature are imperfect. I hope, however, that this silly war in Iraq over oil and terrorism is DONE WITH. And that the future generations will learn from such horrors and NOT repeat history.
And that brings up something else, too, something that I feel I just have to rant about -- the Pope and his crazy comments on the Islamic religion!!! Is he trying to start Armageddon??? I swear, with all this back and forth and talk of jihad, etc., they're pushing us closer and closer to it every day. But no worries, before Armageddon can begin, according to the Bible, several things must occur -- one of them being the appearance of the Anti-Christ, whom everyone will believe is the true Christ. Nobody like that has shown up yet, so we're all safe for now.
As if we have time to worry about trivial stuff like the end of the world. I prefer to live in the here, in the now. For example, this morning I am typing at you from the lovely Sweet Corn Capital of the World, Hoopeston, Illinois. We (Rod, Deb, and I) rolled in around 10pm local time, got all our night time stuff out, made our beds here at WitchSchool, and now Rod is on the computer in the office and Deb is sleeping away. Tomorrow morning at around 10 we're on the road again, headed for Madison, Wisconsin. Rev. Pete Hertzberg, one of our Distance Shrinekeepers, has invited us out for Madison Pagan Pride Day. Before that we're going to meet everyone from Northern Lakes Formal Distance Shrine; I can't wait to get to know them!
Earlier today I spoke with my paternal grandmother, told her about this weekend's trip. She inquired what we were going to Madison for, and I told her so. She didn't seem all that enthusiastic; but she wasn't a raging lunatic to "save" her beloved granddaughter, either. I told her I was also a member of the Clergy, and she gave a noncommittal, "Ahh, okay." So much the better for me.
At least she's not like my dad, who is still not willing to admit that his only child, his little girl, is all grown up. I'm not going to apologize for who I am, but I am sorry for the way he is deciding to ignore that part of me, or treat it as a funny hat that I wear. Face it, Daddy. Your little girl is all grown up. Your punkin-pie IS a Pagan, IS a Wiccan, IS a Witch, IS a proud member of the Correllian Clergy. I AM Reverend Elizabeth Hamilton, Maiden Priestess of Heritage Nativist Temple, and I will be ashamed for no one. I will hide from no one. This is my life. This is my path. I can't change that anymore than I can change the wind's direction.
And for anyone else who has any problems with who and what I am, I have an old saying that fits perfectly: If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
By the way, readers, whomever you may be... I love comments. I love questions, and controversy, as long as it remains FRIENDLY.
An' it harm none, do as thou wilt.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Bachelor of Dark Arts
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?in_article_id=18382&in_page_id=2
This post is in response to the kind folks who decided to add comments. My comment is too large to fit on that site, so I decided to post it here.
Hail and well met!
First I would like to say that I agree with Lh of London in that "Wicca is a spiritual path you are drawn towards and follow, learning as you go." However, I must DISagree with her in that "this (the personal connection to Wicca) is something that cannot be taught or appreciated over the internet". This is because for myself, and many others such as myself, it has been an amazing experience. I first began at Witchschool with my studies, and then did end up finding a realtime mentor within the Correllian Nativist Tradition; my studies have furthered from there.
There are thousands like myself that use WitchSchool as it was meant to be used -- a learning tool. Does it replace a real-time teacher? No, of course not. The First, Second, and Third Degree courses are meant to be taken over quite a lengthy period of time; but this does not prevent those who wish to learn for the sake of gaining information from doing so. I would also like to say that the Correllian Nativist Church International, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the United States -- its only affiliation with WitchSchool is that WitchSchool provides a way for the Correllian course materials to be disseminated. Out of thousands of initiates, we have about 40 in our High Priesthood -- that is to say, those who have been initiated into the Third Degree of our organization.
Secondly -- Karl of Los Angeles, California. Karl, as I have previously stated, the Correllian Nativist Church has about 40 High Priest/esses in our entire Tradition. It is a fact that those who wish to become Third Degree MUST take several, in-person intensives, as well as complete MANY other requirements, before they will be initiated into the High Priesthood of the Correllian Tradition.
Now let me address Stephen of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. "What if that person was not "stable" or worse a sexual predator", he asks. This is why the Correllian Nativist Church DOES have background checks performed for those who wish to become Clergy within the Correllian Nativist Church -- ESPECIALLY Third Degrees. There are also several other steps designed to weed out those who are "unstable" or who may be sexual predators. The church does not hesitate to contact appropriate authorities if a sexual predator (or the like) is suspected. Please do not confuse us with organizations that would give their membership -- especially our Clergy -- the "rubber stamp", because this is simply not so. I do not appreciate comments that are downright false -- such as those you have made regarding our policies on accepting individuals into our Clergy.
And finally, Kasha of Newcastle. I understand that many Traditions do not like the idea of "celebratory Wicca" -- that is to say, those who come to circle and celebrate as often or as little as they have the time/money/resources/desire to do so. My question is, why reinvent the wheel? Why put restraints on who can call themselves "Wiccan" and who can't? It is my personal opinion that doing so pushes thousands away from a wonderful spirituality that ANYONE ANYWHERE can practice. Are you God/dess? Certainly not. So why do you think you have the authority to tell those who have NO desire to become initiates that they CAN'T be Wiccan? The fact is, you can't; because as it has been noted by other commenters, belief comes from WITHIN. Religion is not a cloak which you can put on and take off at will; it is not jewelry that one simply has because it "looks cool" or is "in style".
That is all I have to say on the matter. Nobody can tell another that they AREN'T something; that is the greatness of what we call personal religious and spiritual choice. If you BELIEVE you are Wiccan, then you ARE Wiccan, and that is the bottom line.
Blessed Be,
Rev. Liz Hamilton
This post is in response to the kind folks who decided to add comments. My comment is too large to fit on that site, so I decided to post it here.
Hail and well met!
First I would like to say that I agree with Lh of London in that "Wicca is a spiritual path you are drawn towards and follow, learning as you go." However, I must DISagree with her in that "this (the personal connection to Wicca) is something that cannot be taught or appreciated over the internet". This is because for myself, and many others such as myself, it has been an amazing experience. I first began at Witchschool with my studies, and then did end up finding a realtime mentor within the Correllian Nativist Tradition; my studies have furthered from there.
There are thousands like myself that use WitchSchool as it was meant to be used -- a learning tool. Does it replace a real-time teacher? No, of course not. The First, Second, and Third Degree courses are meant to be taken over quite a lengthy period of time; but this does not prevent those who wish to learn for the sake of gaining information from doing so. I would also like to say that the Correllian Nativist Church International, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the United States -- its only affiliation with WitchSchool is that WitchSchool provides a way for the Correllian course materials to be disseminated. Out of thousands of initiates, we have about 40 in our High Priesthood -- that is to say, those who have been initiated into the Third Degree of our organization.
Secondly -- Karl of Los Angeles, California. Karl, as I have previously stated, the Correllian Nativist Church has about 40 High Priest/esses in our entire Tradition. It is a fact that those who wish to become Third Degree MUST take several, in-person intensives, as well as complete MANY other requirements, before they will be initiated into the High Priesthood of the Correllian Tradition.
Now let me address Stephen of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. "What if that person was not "stable" or worse a sexual predator", he asks. This is why the Correllian Nativist Church DOES have background checks performed for those who wish to become Clergy within the Correllian Nativist Church -- ESPECIALLY Third Degrees. There are also several other steps designed to weed out those who are "unstable" or who may be sexual predators. The church does not hesitate to contact appropriate authorities if a sexual predator (or the like) is suspected. Please do not confuse us with organizations that would give their membership -- especially our Clergy -- the "rubber stamp", because this is simply not so. I do not appreciate comments that are downright false -- such as those you have made regarding our policies on accepting individuals into our Clergy.
And finally, Kasha of Newcastle. I understand that many Traditions do not like the idea of "celebratory Wicca" -- that is to say, those who come to circle and celebrate as often or as little as they have the time/money/resources/desire to do so. My question is, why reinvent the wheel? Why put restraints on who can call themselves "Wiccan" and who can't? It is my personal opinion that doing so pushes thousands away from a wonderful spirituality that ANYONE ANYWHERE can practice. Are you God/dess? Certainly not. So why do you think you have the authority to tell those who have NO desire to become initiates that they CAN'T be Wiccan? The fact is, you can't; because as it has been noted by other commenters, belief comes from WITHIN. Religion is not a cloak which you can put on and take off at will; it is not jewelry that one simply has because it "looks cool" or is "in style".
That is all I have to say on the matter. Nobody can tell another that they AREN'T something; that is the greatness of what we call personal religious and spiritual choice. If you BELIEVE you are Wiccan, then you ARE Wiccan, and that is the bottom line.
Blessed Be,
Rev. Liz Hamilton
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