Follow-Through

I know, again, this topic feels all not-pagan-y, but it is, at least to me it is. Maybe it is more witchy than pagany, but, eh semantics.

This really does have a bit to do with spell-work. We do all the planning for our spells and we find all of the right things, and we do everything in the right order. Then we raise our energy and cast our spell. And it is all done, we quit worrying about it, but why don’t we care anymore?

This is not true for everyone some people ARE really good about their follow-through. Asking for raises after money spells, putting job applications in after job spells, going out and talking to people after love spells. More people seem not to. It seems as though some people want to go through the motions and say the words and let someone, or something else do everything else for them.

Spells are great, I can do things with magic that I never could without it. But the universe, or divine, or spirits aren’t all perfect, they will not bend they laws of reality for you, they make things move in your favor, but if you can’t be bothered to start the ball rolling, there is no point in there being a place to get it. If you don’t back your magic with a few actions often the spell itself is even incomplete, and nothing can happen, because you may be actively holding it back. Magic can help you achieve your goal of being a bit skinnier this year, but not if all the food you are living off of comes from the donut shop… There is only so much your spell can do, if you don’t really care whether or not it works…

Maybe that is the crux of the issue, why most spells require follow-through, because without the follow-through, you aren’t really putting your energy behind the spell. You are holding it in, and really fully committed to making the spell work, or having what the spell may result in. If the results of the spell are not going to be something you are prepared for, then maybe it is a good way of judging whether or not the spell should work. Just my thought on this though, and I am certainly not perfect.

Cleansing Life

Yes the last post was about cleaning, but this one is about cleansing, not the same thing, but similar ideas.

Cleansing spiritually, yourself, your home, any tools you may use. This should be done regularly, or as needed. There are all sorts of opinions as to when and how to do a cleansing, Tools are supposed to be cleared of energy at the full moon, and lunar cycles are not bad timelines for getting things done either. I personally find the full moon a good time for meditation and mind clearing, but I do not feel like it is a requirement. If you need to cleanse your mind, do it when it needs to be done, you do not have to wait until the full moon, new moon, or some specific sabbat, some things need doing when they need doing.

Some use sage, incense, and oils, different tools and rituals, and as said above different lunar cycles, but all you really need is yourself. Your own mind and inner visualizations are more than enough to accomplish a simple purpose, if you can visualize the energy running through you for a specific purpose, and you can feel it, and direct it you can use it for whatever purpose you need. All you need is your intent and the will to direct the energy. I helps to have a private space, or at least a group concentrating on the same purpose to do this, but it is not necessary. It only takes a moment to clear your mind and build energy, all the other things done during rituals or formal spells is mostly pomp, it can certainly aid in the process, but the key in all of it is the person making it work, throwing their intent and purpose behind it, using their energy and directing it, and knowing that it will work. Cleansing is really no different, whether cleansing your mind or aura, your home or some new crystals, you can do it all by yourself. Some days you just need that moment, the renewed energy running through you, and a short personal cleansing can help, along with some simple meditation can turn your whole day around. It is a simple step but one which is so often forgotten.

 Any technique you use, embrace it, and do it, let the energy around you be clear. Keep yourself cleansed!

Half baked

So today I am going to bring up a particularly enjoyable topic, (for me at least,) Spells!

ZOMG! She has cheated on the Pagan Blog Project already!

Well I haven’t, specifically, I am referring to spells in Baking, Yes baking! Spell craft and baking absolutely go hand in hand!

I am completely serious. Baking with intent is one of my very favorite ways to do any kind of spell work. It is a lovely and loving ritual, and fits in with all sorts of different spells. What better way to protect and bless your friends, self and loved ones than from the inside out? Anything seasonal can become a spell, (or out of season, seasonal will likely be cheaper and easier though.)

If I am just doing a regular spell, with candles and an altar and such, I tend to use things which are already readily available in my pantry, so for me the transition is fairly seamless. I build energy when I stir something by hand, (machines work too, I just don’t have room for the big ones.) I concentrate on intent while I measure and pour.  This is wonderful for festivals and celebrations too. It is my very favorite form of ritual, and my husband likes it too! This is something you can get children involved in, and it’s almost traditional for everyone. My grandmother taught me and my mother how to bake, and it always mattered that you bake with love, an idea that goes hand in hand with spell work, intent! If you do traditional rituals, and you use food, cakes and ale, or bread, having blessed food is always a bonus.

I always bake a calming and health spell before a particularly hectic or trying week, if I know it is coming, and after a trying week the action can be quite cathartic and help even relieve stress in the actions, in addition to the magickal benefits.