I drink too much soda. I know this. I should drink more water. I know this, too. And yet, it's awfully convenient to grab a can of soda when I'm walking out the door instead of pouring water into a jug or other portable vessel. Also, I find that I don't really care for the taste of the filtered water in the fridge, or most bottled water either. There are a few brands I like, but I don't like actually buying bottled water just to have it easily accessible.
When I started looking for ways to make drinking water more palatable, I came across some yummy sounding recipes and methods for making homemade vitamin water, or flavored water. So, I made up a few batches following the directions (essentially, you put your fruits and herbs in a mason jar, muddle it a bit, add ice and fill with water, then refridgerate until you drink it). And the combinations I made turned out good. But, I realized it was still a bit of a pain to find something to pour it into to take with me, not to mention you really ought to strain it first, and most of the preparations ended up sitting in the fridge and lost their initial appeal.
I still loved the idea of having fruity/herb-y water, though. And I got to thinking, I have a couple of those reuseable insulated cups with lids and straws - you know the ones I mean? And, I have fruit and herbs in the fridge. And ice in the freezer. You see where I'm going with this? I decided to try just making enough for one cup at a time, so it doesn't get wasted and stays good. And I still get the healthy benefits and fresh flavor.
So here's the method: Get just a little bit of the fresh fruits and/or herbs you want to use. Squeeze any juice into your cup, then drop the fruit pieces in, add herbs, and mash a little with the end of the straw. Fill cup with ice, and then water. Put the lid on, stir the water around with the straw, and let sit 10-15 minutes while you do something else (usually for me, it's while I'm serving dinner or cleaning up in the evening before bed). The fruits and herbs are usually good for at least one refill, sometimes two. Enjoy!
( I also read that frozen fruits can be used, thawed first, but I haven't tried that yet.)
A few of my favorite combinations are:
Lime with Mint
Watermelon with Rosemary
Strawberries with Basil
Strawberries with Mint
Lemon and Strawberries
Blackberries with Basil
Blackberries with Mint
Citrus- mix any combo of Lemon, Lime or Orange (I used blood oranges, they're good and make the water a pretty ruby color)
Some combos I want to try are:
Lime with Rosemary
Strawberries with Rosemary
Cucumber with Mint
Cucumber with Rosemary
After I get some basics that I really love, and more fruits come into season (think raspberries!) I'm going to expand my options, and maybe combine more than just two items together. Hopefully I'll get to where it's my go-to drink and it'll make more sense to make up a bigger batch.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
I started this week out with good plans for Dragon Boy's lessons. He really is very smart, and can learn new things very quickly. I figured since he went about halfway through the year in public school (he's in 2nd grade), the first half or so of the textbooks for each subject should be fairly easy as they would mostly be review. And because he's so smart and already knows the information, we should be able to fly right through the work. This seemed to be sound reasoning.
Wrong.
My first week in the Lesson Planner was so organized: I had chapters, page numbers and assignment titles scheduled for the entire week for each subject, except math- where I had a note that each day of review would determine the next day. Texas only requires that homeschooled students study 5 subjects: Math, Reading, Grammar, Spelling and Good Citizenship (aka Social Studies). I have a few additional subjects that I think are valuable and should be included: Writing, Science, Art, Religion & a foreign language (at the moment, only the first two are actually on the schedule).
So far this week, we have consistently failed to complete everything on the day's schedule. I am beginning to think I should have scheduled less work per subject. As my husband reminded me the other night, the whole point of homeschooling is to do what works for us, at the pace that works for us. Which reminded me of the reasons I am choosing to homeschool (which I think deserves a post all it's own).
Although Dragon Boy is intellectually capable of accomplishing all that I set for him, he is physically incapable of accomplishing all that I set for him. Let me explain what I mean. DB is, as I said, very smart. His pediatrician has commented on it. His teachers at the elementary school have commented on it. His therapists have commented on it (his therapists have offered the idea that he could probably run circles around many of the teachers at school...). And, as long as we are doing the work verbally, he's all over it. He has every answer almost before I ask the question. Physically, though, he is 100% incapable of sitting and focusing long enough to do the work I know he can. Particularly when the assignments require written work. (Written answers are not his forte.) A Language Arts assignment (reading comprehension, writing, spelling, grammar) that should take no more than 20 minutes from start to finish turns into 40 minutes, most of that consisting of various delay tactics. A Math assignment that should take 35 minutes - less if we do it verbally - turns into an hour and a half because "writing the answers is boring".
Right now, the biggest problem I'm facing is that he is bored reviewing the information he has already learned. And, if I could, I would love to skip straight to new material. But I can't, because sending home work that has been completed and shows the progress of the student was not one of the things the school did well. Most of what did come home made little or no sense to me, and many times I was relying on my son's memory of the assignment/instructions to even figure out what it was for. Therefore, I have no idea what he actually did in school.
Although, today we did finally figure out where we will be starting for math (subtracting from double digits that requires borrowing). In Spelling we are simply picking up where we left off last year, since he has already worked halfway through the 2nd grade Spelling book. Reading Comprehension and Grammar have never been a problem as far as understanding the material, and our books are different from the books the school issued, so it is not a repeat of exactly the same thing. He is quick to tell me the answer, less prompt about writing the answers. Writing is a struggle, not because he doesn't have an answer, but again because he doesn't want to write it down. Although, I'll give him the excuse that due to some of his occupational and sensory issues writing can be a pain - literally. Science & Social Studies- again, I don't know what he's done, so we're going to just read straight through the books together, discussing the review questions as we come to them.
Which brings me to an idea I had floating around my brain. I think I am going to try a more relaxed approach to homeschooling. With Texas being one of the easiest states to homeschool in, with very few requirements, I can really tweak our program however I like. That being the case, I am going to focus less on quantity and more on quality. If it takes us all week to do 2 pages of any given subject, that's ok. And if we don't get to every subject every day, that's ok, too. Probably, I will rely less on planning assignments, and more on recording what we do as it gets done.
I want my kids to enjoy learning, especially Dragon Boy because he is showing resistance to school. In order to accomplish that most important goal, I have to be willing to be more flexible in what I think they should be able to do and what they actually are able to do. I will also have to be a bit more hands-on than I had intended. I had hoped that DB would be able to do some of his work independently, but that's not looking like it is going to happen just yet. But, if working with him one-on-one for most, if not all, of his subjects is what it takes to keep him focused, that is what I will do. And be glad that I have the ability and opportunity to do so.
Wrong.
My first week in the Lesson Planner was so organized: I had chapters, page numbers and assignment titles scheduled for the entire week for each subject, except math- where I had a note that each day of review would determine the next day. Texas only requires that homeschooled students study 5 subjects: Math, Reading, Grammar, Spelling and Good Citizenship (aka Social Studies). I have a few additional subjects that I think are valuable and should be included: Writing, Science, Art, Religion & a foreign language (at the moment, only the first two are actually on the schedule).
So far this week, we have consistently failed to complete everything on the day's schedule. I am beginning to think I should have scheduled less work per subject. As my husband reminded me the other night, the whole point of homeschooling is to do what works for us, at the pace that works for us. Which reminded me of the reasons I am choosing to homeschool (which I think deserves a post all it's own).
Although Dragon Boy is intellectually capable of accomplishing all that I set for him, he is physically incapable of accomplishing all that I set for him. Let me explain what I mean. DB is, as I said, very smart. His pediatrician has commented on it. His teachers at the elementary school have commented on it. His therapists have commented on it (his therapists have offered the idea that he could probably run circles around many of the teachers at school...). And, as long as we are doing the work verbally, he's all over it. He has every answer almost before I ask the question. Physically, though, he is 100% incapable of sitting and focusing long enough to do the work I know he can. Particularly when the assignments require written work. (Written answers are not his forte.) A Language Arts assignment (reading comprehension, writing, spelling, grammar) that should take no more than 20 minutes from start to finish turns into 40 minutes, most of that consisting of various delay tactics. A Math assignment that should take 35 minutes - less if we do it verbally - turns into an hour and a half because "writing the answers is boring".
Right now, the biggest problem I'm facing is that he is bored reviewing the information he has already learned. And, if I could, I would love to skip straight to new material. But I can't, because sending home work that has been completed and shows the progress of the student was not one of the things the school did well. Most of what did come home made little or no sense to me, and many times I was relying on my son's memory of the assignment/instructions to even figure out what it was for. Therefore, I have no idea what he actually did in school.
Although, today we did finally figure out where we will be starting for math (subtracting from double digits that requires borrowing). In Spelling we are simply picking up where we left off last year, since he has already worked halfway through the 2nd grade Spelling book. Reading Comprehension and Grammar have never been a problem as far as understanding the material, and our books are different from the books the school issued, so it is not a repeat of exactly the same thing. He is quick to tell me the answer, less prompt about writing the answers. Writing is a struggle, not because he doesn't have an answer, but again because he doesn't want to write it down. Although, I'll give him the excuse that due to some of his occupational and sensory issues writing can be a pain - literally. Science & Social Studies- again, I don't know what he's done, so we're going to just read straight through the books together, discussing the review questions as we come to them.
Which brings me to an idea I had floating around my brain. I think I am going to try a more relaxed approach to homeschooling. With Texas being one of the easiest states to homeschool in, with very few requirements, I can really tweak our program however I like. That being the case, I am going to focus less on quantity and more on quality. If it takes us all week to do 2 pages of any given subject, that's ok. And if we don't get to every subject every day, that's ok, too. Probably, I will rely less on planning assignments, and more on recording what we do as it gets done.
I want my kids to enjoy learning, especially Dragon Boy because he is showing resistance to school. In order to accomplish that most important goal, I have to be willing to be more flexible in what I think they should be able to do and what they actually are able to do. I will also have to be a bit more hands-on than I had intended. I had hoped that DB would be able to do some of his work independently, but that's not looking like it is going to happen just yet. But, if working with him one-on-one for most, if not all, of his subjects is what it takes to keep him focused, that is what I will do. And be glad that I have the ability and opportunity to do so.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Sleepless Nights and Infant Ear Infections
If you've ever had a baby with an ear infection, you know it's just as miserable for Mom and Dad as for Baby. Which leads to this post. There are other places on the internet you can find information on ear infections, signs and symptoms and treatments. However, since both my sons have suffered from chronic ear infections, I feel the need to address it here. (My daughter, luckily, did not go through them, and has only ever had one ear infection in her 4 1/2 years.)
Dragon Boy had his first ear infection when he was about 6 or 8 weeks old, and kept getting them for the first two and half years of his life. Every other week or so, he had another one, alternating ears, or sometimes both ears. I think the grand total was somewhere between 34-40 in those two years.
Chunky Monkey, who is not quite 7 months old (he will be 7mo in a few days) has also had more than his fair share of ear infections, starting at 7 weeks old. Same deal: alternating ears and double infections. The latest has been either a never-ending infection for the last 4-5 weeks, or just back-to-back infections with little to no relief in between.
In our case, the solution for both is tubes. DB got them at about 2 1/2 years old, and has only had one mild ear infection since. My monkey baby will be having the same surgery in a week and a half, and I am seriously hoping for similar results.
Like I said above, when Baby has an ear infection, it's miserable for everyone. Since they can't talk to tell us what's wrong, it's often a guessing game and a matter of ruling out all other possibilities to figure out what's wrong. And then, you have to try and figure out some way to help Baby find relief. I hope this helps someone.
Signs/Symptoms of an Ear Infection include (but are not limited to!):
Treatments for Ear Infections:
Non-medical
While these haven't worked for my boys, they might work for someone else.
(Anyone who has other questions about babies and ear infections, I'd be happy to try and give you an answer that will help.)
Dragon Boy had his first ear infection when he was about 6 or 8 weeks old, and kept getting them for the first two and half years of his life. Every other week or so, he had another one, alternating ears, or sometimes both ears. I think the grand total was somewhere between 34-40 in those two years.
Chunky Monkey, who is not quite 7 months old (he will be 7mo in a few days) has also had more than his fair share of ear infections, starting at 7 weeks old. Same deal: alternating ears and double infections. The latest has been either a never-ending infection for the last 4-5 weeks, or just back-to-back infections with little to no relief in between.
In our case, the solution for both is tubes. DB got them at about 2 1/2 years old, and has only had one mild ear infection since. My monkey baby will be having the same surgery in a week and a half, and I am seriously hoping for similar results.
Like I said above, when Baby has an ear infection, it's miserable for everyone. Since they can't talk to tell us what's wrong, it's often a guessing game and a matter of ruling out all other possibilities to figure out what's wrong. And then, you have to try and figure out some way to help Baby find relief. I hope this helps someone.
Signs/Symptoms of an Ear Infection include (but are not limited to!):
- Unusual fussiness/crankiness
- Excessive crying - especially when lying down
- Pulling or tugging on ears (mine never did this too much, until after being diagnosed)
- Refusing to nurse or take a bottle; diminished appetite if eating baby food
- Cannot be calmed using usual methods
- Fever can be associated with ear infections
- Restlessness; not sleeping
Treatments for Ear Infections:
Non-medical
- Warm compress on the ear
- Massage at the base of the ear to relieve pressure
- Keep Baby propped up at 30-90 degrees, even when sleeping
- Apply a couple drops of warm olive oil in ear, and place a bit of a torn cotton ball in the ear
- Walking or driving Baby around
- Cover Baby's head with a light blanket
- Keep the noise level around Baby as low as possible
- Tylenol and/or Motrin (dosage as directed by your pediatrician)
- Teething tablets - believe me, this works!
- Earache drops
- Cold tablets - this works especially if the earache is related to a cold, and has the bonus of working on the cold symptoms, too
- Benadryl might help, if the earache sets in around the same time as seasonal allergies start being a problem
- Your baby's pediatrician can determine if s/he has an ear infection or just an earache. There could be other factors causing ear pain, such as a wax build-up, which the doctor can clear out
- While sometimes ear infections will clear up on their own, there are other times when you might want to consider an antibiotic. Amoxicillin, Cephalexin and Supprax are common ones, among others. Be sure to tell the doctor if Baby has any known allergies. And, if Mom or Dad has any allergies, be aware of giving Baby those or related meds and watch her/his reactions.
- The pediatrician may also prescribe a steroid to boost Baby's immune system and their ability to fight off the infection
- Recurrent, or chronic, ear infections might require a trip to an ENT (ear, nose & throat) doctor. The ENT will likely monitor your baby's health, and number of infections, for a couple months, and will then discuss the best treatment options. These can include having a relatively simple surgical procedure done to insert tubes into the ears; adnoidectomy (removing adnoids that may be blocking the eustachian tube and not allowing proper drainage); and, in rare instances, tonsillectomy - though it is generally not thought that having tonsils removed actually makes a difference to chronic ear infections.
- Ear infections can be viral or bacterial. Many times, an ear infection will come along with a cold, but sometimes, they'll come on their own
- An under-developed eustachian tube that prevents proper drainage allows fluid to collect which then invites bacteria to grow causing the infection
- Boys are more susceptible to chronic ear infections, according to some research. Also, having a family history of ear problems is a good indicator whether you can expect it in your children.
- Allergies, asthma or other respiratory-related problems can contribute to ear infections
- Teething. Not sure why, and some experts deny it, but there is a connection between teething and ear infections. Possibly, it is the excess saliva babies produce that pools in the back of their mouths and gets "stuck".
- Being around cigarette smoke has been shown to increase the likelihood of developing ear infections
- Bottle-fed babies tend to be more likely have recurrent ear infections; I'm not sure why, but research shows breastfed babies tend to be less susceptible (though this certainly isn't the case in my family, here it's all genetics)
- Some literature also claims that pacifier use can lead to increased risk of infections
- Children who go to daycare or school are also more likely to get them, probably due to the unrestrained germ-swap they engage in with the other children
- Possible ear drum rupture - would be very painful, though it should heal on it's own. Carries an additional risk of infection and more medical treatment.
- Scarring, either from a ruptured ear drum or from the inflamed and irritated tissue caused by the infections
- Hearing loss
- Speech delay
- Other developmental delays
- Balance or sensory problems may be related
- Early weening for a breastfed baby
While these haven't worked for my boys, they might work for someone else.
- Avoid exposure cigarette smoke if at all possible
- Cover Baby's head and ears when it is cold, windy or rainy outside
- Try to have baby sit up a little bit when nursing or drinking from a bottle to prevent the liquid from pooling in the back of their mouth
- Try not to send Baby to bed with a bottle or sippy-cup
- Try to limit exposure to known seasonal or animal allergies
- As miserable as you are, Baby is feeling worse. S/he is tired and in pain, and can't understand why.
- You will have to experiment with the different relief options to see what works best for you and Baby.
- Rocking, walking and/or driving with Baby really do help.
- If Baby won't sleep on her/his own, take them to bed with you, even if you don't, as a rule, co-sleep. The closeness may provide the extra comfort s/he needs to fall asleep, and stay asleep.
- Try having Baby lie on your chest, and sit/lie supported by pillows or the back of a couch or chair. Get comfy - you will probably sleep in this half-sitting up position for as long as Baby will sleep.
- Stay calm. As tired as you are, getting frustrated that you can't settle your baby won't help you, and it won't help Baby. Try calling a family member or friend to come sit with the baby so you can get a little break, if you need to.
- Nap when Baby naps, if you can
- and, Good Luck!
(Anyone who has other questions about babies and ear infections, I'd be happy to try and give you an answer that will help.)
Friday, January 4, 2013
A New Year - A New Start
Well, it's 2013. So much happened last year! I don't even know where to begin. The major events include the birth of my 3rd child, and buying a house with my fiance for our family.
I attempted the 2012 Pagan Blog Project, but I'm afraid I was a miserable failure ;) But I did enjoy reading posts by other participants, and made some new friends that way. I also got my first taste of blogging, even if the PBP was a little too ambitious for me.
Funny enough, it's been 8 months, and we're still settling in to our new home. We'll be getting the carpets cleaned this weekend, and then, hopefully, we can finalize some of the furniture and room arrangements that we've been putting off. The baby is big enough to start sleeping in his own crib (sniff, sniff) but still in our room, which means we need to move our "office" into the spare room so we have room for it.
We also managed to adopt a new kitten. She is the cutest little thing, but growing like a weed! She must have been abandoned by her mama; we found her hiding in our backyard and just couldn't turn her out on her own again. Add to that, we got saddled with two additional cats whose owners were going to dump them somewhere before moving out of state and being unable to take them along. Since I couldn't stand the thought of 4 cats just being tossed out to fend for themselves, I took it upon myself to find them homes. I got two rehomed, but the other two are proving more difficult to adopt out.
The kids started out this school year in public school: DB in 2nd grade and FP in Pre-K. Fairy Princess was doing fine, except for a tendency to be extremely tired and cranky, even though she only went for a half-day. Dragon Boy, on the other hand, was struggling - his grades were consistently going down and he was already in 2 resource classes. With his Challenges, and my anxiety, we decided to resume homeschooling as of right now, after the holiday break from school. Our Homeschool Adventure will begin again come Monday, Jan 7.
The baby (I'll have to come up with a nickname for him...) has been suffering from chronic ear infections for five months. After two bouts of croup, and an almost constant URI, he'll be having tubes put into his ears in a week and a half. Of course, I'm nervous about my 7mo old having surgery, but my older son had the same surgery and he's much better for it. Then again, he was 2 1/2 when he had it done...
So plans for the new year include a successful homeschool adventure; getting my children well - and keeping them that way!; blogging a bit more regularly - though not trying to hold myself to any certain requirements; and, as always, enjoying life and being a mom to 3 wonderful kids.
Happy New Year!
-Xaia
I attempted the 2012 Pagan Blog Project, but I'm afraid I was a miserable failure ;) But I did enjoy reading posts by other participants, and made some new friends that way. I also got my first taste of blogging, even if the PBP was a little too ambitious for me.
Funny enough, it's been 8 months, and we're still settling in to our new home. We'll be getting the carpets cleaned this weekend, and then, hopefully, we can finalize some of the furniture and room arrangements that we've been putting off. The baby is big enough to start sleeping in his own crib (sniff, sniff) but still in our room, which means we need to move our "office" into the spare room so we have room for it.
We also managed to adopt a new kitten. She is the cutest little thing, but growing like a weed! She must have been abandoned by her mama; we found her hiding in our backyard and just couldn't turn her out on her own again. Add to that, we got saddled with two additional cats whose owners were going to dump them somewhere before moving out of state and being unable to take them along. Since I couldn't stand the thought of 4 cats just being tossed out to fend for themselves, I took it upon myself to find them homes. I got two rehomed, but the other two are proving more difficult to adopt out.
The kids started out this school year in public school: DB in 2nd grade and FP in Pre-K. Fairy Princess was doing fine, except for a tendency to be extremely tired and cranky, even though she only went for a half-day. Dragon Boy, on the other hand, was struggling - his grades were consistently going down and he was already in 2 resource classes. With his Challenges, and my anxiety, we decided to resume homeschooling as of right now, after the holiday break from school. Our Homeschool Adventure will begin again come Monday, Jan 7.
The baby (I'll have to come up with a nickname for him...) has been suffering from chronic ear infections for five months. After two bouts of croup, and an almost constant URI, he'll be having tubes put into his ears in a week and a half. Of course, I'm nervous about my 7mo old having surgery, but my older son had the same surgery and he's much better for it. Then again, he was 2 1/2 when he had it done...
So plans for the new year include a successful homeschool adventure; getting my children well - and keeping them that way!; blogging a bit more regularly - though not trying to hold myself to any certain requirements; and, as always, enjoying life and being a mom to 3 wonderful kids.
Happy New Year!
-Xaia
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Q is also for ... The Quarters
Calling the Quarters. It's a staple in many rituals. But, what exactly is it? What does it mean? And, why do we do it? There are no "one-size-fits-all" answers, but I can tell you briefly how it works for me.
I view the Quarters as "guardians", but not necessarily as physical guardians of the directions; more as the "gatekeepers" to the qualities or characteristic represented by each element. Some Traditions call them Watchtowers, but that has never really resonated with me. When I call the Quarters, I am invoking the qualities associated with each element, in an effort to make myself more aware of, and better able to focus on those characteristics to aid me in my work.
The East is associated with intellectual persuits, clear thinking and communication. By recognizing the Guardians of the East, I am focusing my attention on these qualities and opening myself to receiving inspiration and guidance along those lines throughout my ritual working. The same holds true for South (passion, determination), West (emotions, love, memories, mental health) and North (stability, grounding, physical health). Which element you associate with the directions may vary by Tradition, and therefore the qualities associated with the directions may change. This is fine. Really, it is all symbolic and merely acts as a reference for us, rather than representing any actual, physical relationship.
There is contention on how best to release the Guardians when a ritual is completed and the Circle is being opened. It is popular to end with a line similar to "stay if you will, go if you must". Some sources contend that you should send the Quarters on their way with no invitation to stay, stating that it is just asking for trouble. While it is true that the Guardians are not human, and cannot be expected to act/react the same as we do, it does not necessarily follow that they will wreak havoc by being allowed to stick around. Personally, I have found that rather than banishing them (which seems a bit rude), if I give them the freedom to choose whether to remain present or not they do not cause any problems. They are not infantile, as has been suggested; rather they are a different sort of being that recognizes friendship and respect and responds in kind.
And on that note, here are sample Quarter Calls for casting and opening the Circle:
"Spirits of _________, Guardians of the _________, I(We) invite you here to this Circle to witness what I(We) do and lend what aid you may. Hail and Welcome."
"Spirits of _________, Guardians of the _________, I(We) thank you for your presence and assistance in my(our) work this night. Stay if you will, go if you must. Hail and Farewell."
I view the Quarters as "guardians", but not necessarily as physical guardians of the directions; more as the "gatekeepers" to the qualities or characteristic represented by each element. Some Traditions call them Watchtowers, but that has never really resonated with me. When I call the Quarters, I am invoking the qualities associated with each element, in an effort to make myself more aware of, and better able to focus on those characteristics to aid me in my work.
The East is associated with intellectual persuits, clear thinking and communication. By recognizing the Guardians of the East, I am focusing my attention on these qualities and opening myself to receiving inspiration and guidance along those lines throughout my ritual working. The same holds true for South (passion, determination), West (emotions, love, memories, mental health) and North (stability, grounding, physical health). Which element you associate with the directions may vary by Tradition, and therefore the qualities associated with the directions may change. This is fine. Really, it is all symbolic and merely acts as a reference for us, rather than representing any actual, physical relationship.
There is contention on how best to release the Guardians when a ritual is completed and the Circle is being opened. It is popular to end with a line similar to "stay if you will, go if you must". Some sources contend that you should send the Quarters on their way with no invitation to stay, stating that it is just asking for trouble. While it is true that the Guardians are not human, and cannot be expected to act/react the same as we do, it does not necessarily follow that they will wreak havoc by being allowed to stick around. Personally, I have found that rather than banishing them (which seems a bit rude), if I give them the freedom to choose whether to remain present or not they do not cause any problems. They are not infantile, as has been suggested; rather they are a different sort of being that recognizes friendship and respect and responds in kind.
And on that note, here are sample Quarter Calls for casting and opening the Circle:
"Spirits of _________, Guardians of the _________, I(We) invite you here to this Circle to witness what I(We) do and lend what aid you may. Hail and Welcome."
"Spirits of _________, Guardians of the _________, I(We) thank you for your presence and assistance in my(our) work this night. Stay if you will, go if you must. Hail and Farewell."
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Q is for ... Q and A
Q is one of those letters that is really difficult to write for. So, as I was asking the question what starts with "Q"?, I realized "question" was the perfect word.
There are so many questions asked, by those who are new to the Craft and even some who have been doing this for awhile. I'm going to just focus on some of the most commonly asked questions that I see, and my own personal take on them.
This list is not exhaustive; nor are my answers definitive. :)
Q: What is Paganism/Witchcraft/Wicca and how are they different?
A: Paganism is an umbrella term encompassing the earth-based religions.
Witchcraft is the practice of magic either in a religious sense or not.
Wicca is a modern religion, based on ancient pagan beliefs that incorporates the Goddess and God, practice of magic and reverence for nature.
Q: What is a witch/warlock/wizard?
A: A witch is a magic practitioner. While I am sure some traditions/people use the term wizard, I personally do not. Warlock is not often used, being considered an insult as in some cultures it means "oath-breaker".
Q: Are all Pagans witches/are all witches Wiccan/are all witches Pagan...?
A: No. Not all Pagans would appreciate being call a witch, and not all those who consider themselves a witch are Wiccan. There are also Christian witches, who blend the paths of mainstream Christian faiths with earth-based observances.
Q: Do Pagans worship Satan?
A: No. Satan is a construct of the Christian myths; therefore most Pagans not only do not worship any deity by that name, they do not even believe he exists.
Q: Is Witchcraft evil?
A: Again, no. Witchcraft itself is the practice of magic, or manipulation of energy, to achieve some goal. It is the intent of the practitioner that can be good or evil.
Q: Do you believe in God?
A: Yes, I believe in many. Goddesses, too. I believe there is a unifying Oneness with multiple facets that no-one can possibly fully comprehend; thus resulting in the myriad deities and pantheons we are familiar with.
Q: What is a coven?
A: A coven is a group of witches, as close as or closer than, family, who meet regularly to recognize, celebrate and worship nature and deity.
Q: How do I find pagans/witches/covens/teachers, etc in my area?
A: There are various websites, such as The Witch's Voice, where groups and individuals can post information about meetings, classes, etc. Meet-up.com is another place where groups will advertise, and checking the bulletin board at your local metaphysical shop can be an invaluable resource. Just be smart and exercise caution when meeting new people for the first time, and keep it in a public venue.
Q: How do I become a Pagan/Witch?
A: Study, read, learn and ask questions. If it is right for you, you will know.
Q: What book should I read?
A: There are so many good books, by many different authors. My best suggestion would be to go to your local library first and read any books they have on Paganism, Wicca or Witchcraft (usually found in the area devoted to books on religion). Then, head to your bookstore. There is also quite a bit of information available on the internet. Take everything you read with a grain of salt. It is not all correct information, and you want to be sure you don't get taken advantage of. Also, keep in mind, there is no "one true" anything when it comes to Paganism, and so you will sometimes find conflicting points of view.
Q: Is Witchcraft/Wicca/Paganism a real religion and is it legal?
A: Yes, and yes. Whichever variety of Paganism a person chooses to follow, as long as they are not breaking any existing laws, is legal. It is as real and legitimate as any other religion, mainstream or not.
Q: Do you have to be part of a coven to be a witch?
A: No, being in a coven is not a requirement of being a witch, or pagan. There are many solitary practitioners, either by choice or because there are no compatible groups in their area.
Q: What does it Solitary mean?
A: A Solitary is a person, who for one reason or another, practices their Craft on their own. There are several reason one might choose to be Solitary, including personal preference of working alone, there are no other Pagans in the area, there are no groups whose tenets and ideals reflect the beliefs of a practitioner, or they simply haven't found a group with the right fit yet.
Q: Do Pagans go to church?
A: Yes, and at the same time, no. Some groups do have brick and mortar buildings (temples) in which they hold services. Others meet at coven members' homes or a pagan-friendly establishment. However, most, if not all, Pagans are more comfortable outside, and prefer to hold circles and rituals outdoors when the weather permits and if they have a safe location to do so.
Q: What is a spell/do you cast spells/can I cast a spell/will you cast a spell for me?
A: A spell can be described as a petition to the gods or other higher power to effect a specific change. In working a spell, a witch is adding their own energy and exerting their will to create this change.
Yes, I do cast spells, when the needs arises. It is not done frivolously, though, and I make an effort to either exhaust mundane solutions or to have the spell work in tandem with more mundane efforts.
Anyone can attempt to cast a spell, however, usually only one who has a proper understanding of how to construct and carry out a spell may do so successfully.
No, I probably will not cast a spell for you. In some instances I may help someone (a friend or family member) write a spell or ritual, and give information and resources that may be beneficial, so that person can cast the spell themselves. Or, I may do a healing spell on behalf of a sick family member at their request, but that is definitely a case-by-case type of situation. I certainly am not going to advertise to cast spells for people- with guaranteed results, no less- and expect payment, as is frequently seen around the internet. If the person wanting the spell done does not invest some part of themselves into it, it cannot be successful.
Q: What is a Tradition and how many are there?
A: A Tradition is a specific sect, usually of Wicca, with a particular set of rules and dogma. Some examples are Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Dianic and Faery, to name a few. It is impossible to know exactly how many there are, especially as there are many groups that begin as Eclectic and evolve into something more lasting.
Q: What is magic? What is white/black magic?
A: Magic is the process by which a person exerts his or her energy and will to manifest a change. There is, in my opinion, no such thing as "white" or "black" magic; this goes back to the intent of the practitioner.
Q: Are Pagans anti-Christian?
A: Not really. There are some extremists in every religion, though, so I'm sure there are some Pagans who truly are anti-Christian. In general, though, Pagans promote tolerance of all religions.
Q: Do you follow the Wiccan Rede? What does it mean?
A: This usually means "An' it harm none, do what ye will". Essentially, this is a rule that says your actions should not cause harm. It is a reminder to be mindful of what you do and the consequences thereof. And, yes, I do try to follow this in principle; meaning that I do not (usually) intend harm to come from my actions. There is somewhat of a fine line, here, though. At what point does it become more harmful to try to avoid causing harm? Sometimes, inaction may be worse than intending harm, as in the case of a violent crime, to use an extreme example, when may be required to defend oneself. Not causing harm applies not only to your actions concerning others, but yourself, as well.
We have to also beware of taking this too literally; after all, even the smallest of actions or inaction may cause unintended harm. For example, when we eat, we, in effect, cause harm to the plant or animal that is providing our meal - on the flip side, if we refuse to eat to avoid harming plants & animals, we would cause harm to our own bodies.
I prefer "and it harm none, do what ye will. And it cause harm, do as ye must."
Plus, keep in mind that not all witches follow the Wiccan Rede.
Q: Is Witchcraft/Wicca a cult?
A: No. A cult is when there is one supreme leader, in whom the followers blindly believe. There is no room for free-thinkers and non-conformists. Paganism, on the other hand, is almost entirely made up of non-conformists; those who have been drawn to this path are the ones who never accepted that there is one, and only one, right or true way to believe.
Q: Why are rituals held at night/in secret?
A: There are many reasons this might be true. Historically, witches were hunted and burned or drowned for their beliefs, and that is the reason the Craft was kept secret and rituals were done away from prying eyes. Nowadays, busy work schedules often mean evenings are the only free time many practitioners. Also, many Pagans feel closer to the Goddess at night when the moon is out. Not to mention, there is still widespread fear and ridicule of Paganism, leading some practitioners to practice in secret as a means of self-preservation.
Q: What is a Book of Shadows?
A: It is a book, or books, containing a witch's rituals, spells, correspondences and other information important to his or her path.
Q: Can only women be witches?
A: No, the term "witch" applies equally to women and to men who follow a Pagan path and practice magic.
There are so many questions asked, by those who are new to the Craft and even some who have been doing this for awhile. I'm going to just focus on some of the most commonly asked questions that I see, and my own personal take on them.
This list is not exhaustive; nor are my answers definitive. :)
Q: What is Paganism/Witchcraft/Wicca and how are they different?
A: Paganism is an umbrella term encompassing the earth-based religions.
Witchcraft is the practice of magic either in a religious sense or not.
Wicca is a modern religion, based on ancient pagan beliefs that incorporates the Goddess and God, practice of magic and reverence for nature.
Q: What is a witch/warlock/wizard?
A: A witch is a magic practitioner. While I am sure some traditions/people use the term wizard, I personally do not. Warlock is not often used, being considered an insult as in some cultures it means "oath-breaker".
Q: Are all Pagans witches/are all witches Wiccan/are all witches Pagan...?
A: No. Not all Pagans would appreciate being call a witch, and not all those who consider themselves a witch are Wiccan. There are also Christian witches, who blend the paths of mainstream Christian faiths with earth-based observances.
Q: Do Pagans worship Satan?
A: No. Satan is a construct of the Christian myths; therefore most Pagans not only do not worship any deity by that name, they do not even believe he exists.
Q: Is Witchcraft evil?
A: Again, no. Witchcraft itself is the practice of magic, or manipulation of energy, to achieve some goal. It is the intent of the practitioner that can be good or evil.
Q: Do you believe in God?
A: Yes, I believe in many. Goddesses, too. I believe there is a unifying Oneness with multiple facets that no-one can possibly fully comprehend; thus resulting in the myriad deities and pantheons we are familiar with.
Q: What is a coven?
A: A coven is a group of witches, as close as or closer than, family, who meet regularly to recognize, celebrate and worship nature and deity.
Q: How do I find pagans/witches/covens/teachers, etc in my area?
A: There are various websites, such as The Witch's Voice, where groups and individuals can post information about meetings, classes, etc. Meet-up.com is another place where groups will advertise, and checking the bulletin board at your local metaphysical shop can be an invaluable resource. Just be smart and exercise caution when meeting new people for the first time, and keep it in a public venue.
Q: How do I become a Pagan/Witch?
A: Study, read, learn and ask questions. If it is right for you, you will know.
Q: What book should I read?
A: There are so many good books, by many different authors. My best suggestion would be to go to your local library first and read any books they have on Paganism, Wicca or Witchcraft (usually found in the area devoted to books on religion). Then, head to your bookstore. There is also quite a bit of information available on the internet. Take everything you read with a grain of salt. It is not all correct information, and you want to be sure you don't get taken advantage of. Also, keep in mind, there is no "one true" anything when it comes to Paganism, and so you will sometimes find conflicting points of view.
Q: Is Witchcraft/Wicca/Paganism a real religion and is it legal?
A: Yes, and yes. Whichever variety of Paganism a person chooses to follow, as long as they are not breaking any existing laws, is legal. It is as real and legitimate as any other religion, mainstream or not.
Q: Do you have to be part of a coven to be a witch?
A: No, being in a coven is not a requirement of being a witch, or pagan. There are many solitary practitioners, either by choice or because there are no compatible groups in their area.
Q: What does it Solitary mean?
A: A Solitary is a person, who for one reason or another, practices their Craft on their own. There are several reason one might choose to be Solitary, including personal preference of working alone, there are no other Pagans in the area, there are no groups whose tenets and ideals reflect the beliefs of a practitioner, or they simply haven't found a group with the right fit yet.
Q: Do Pagans go to church?
A: Yes, and at the same time, no. Some groups do have brick and mortar buildings (temples) in which they hold services. Others meet at coven members' homes or a pagan-friendly establishment. However, most, if not all, Pagans are more comfortable outside, and prefer to hold circles and rituals outdoors when the weather permits and if they have a safe location to do so.
Q: What is a spell/do you cast spells/can I cast a spell/will you cast a spell for me?
A: A spell can be described as a petition to the gods or other higher power to effect a specific change. In working a spell, a witch is adding their own energy and exerting their will to create this change.
Yes, I do cast spells, when the needs arises. It is not done frivolously, though, and I make an effort to either exhaust mundane solutions or to have the spell work in tandem with more mundane efforts.
Anyone can attempt to cast a spell, however, usually only one who has a proper understanding of how to construct and carry out a spell may do so successfully.
No, I probably will not cast a spell for you. In some instances I may help someone (a friend or family member) write a spell or ritual, and give information and resources that may be beneficial, so that person can cast the spell themselves. Or, I may do a healing spell on behalf of a sick family member at their request, but that is definitely a case-by-case type of situation. I certainly am not going to advertise to cast spells for people- with guaranteed results, no less- and expect payment, as is frequently seen around the internet. If the person wanting the spell done does not invest some part of themselves into it, it cannot be successful.
Q: What is a Tradition and how many are there?
A: A Tradition is a specific sect, usually of Wicca, with a particular set of rules and dogma. Some examples are Gardnerian, Alexandrian, Dianic and Faery, to name a few. It is impossible to know exactly how many there are, especially as there are many groups that begin as Eclectic and evolve into something more lasting.
Q: What is magic? What is white/black magic?
A: Magic is the process by which a person exerts his or her energy and will to manifest a change. There is, in my opinion, no such thing as "white" or "black" magic; this goes back to the intent of the practitioner.
Q: Are Pagans anti-Christian?
A: Not really. There are some extremists in every religion, though, so I'm sure there are some Pagans who truly are anti-Christian. In general, though, Pagans promote tolerance of all religions.
Q: Do you follow the Wiccan Rede? What does it mean?
A: This usually means "An' it harm none, do what ye will". Essentially, this is a rule that says your actions should not cause harm. It is a reminder to be mindful of what you do and the consequences thereof. And, yes, I do try to follow this in principle; meaning that I do not (usually) intend harm to come from my actions. There is somewhat of a fine line, here, though. At what point does it become more harmful to try to avoid causing harm? Sometimes, inaction may be worse than intending harm, as in the case of a violent crime, to use an extreme example, when may be required to defend oneself. Not causing harm applies not only to your actions concerning others, but yourself, as well.
We have to also beware of taking this too literally; after all, even the smallest of actions or inaction may cause unintended harm. For example, when we eat, we, in effect, cause harm to the plant or animal that is providing our meal - on the flip side, if we refuse to eat to avoid harming plants & animals, we would cause harm to our own bodies.
I prefer "and it harm none, do what ye will. And it cause harm, do as ye must."
Plus, keep in mind that not all witches follow the Wiccan Rede.
Q: Is Witchcraft/Wicca a cult?
A: No. A cult is when there is one supreme leader, in whom the followers blindly believe. There is no room for free-thinkers and non-conformists. Paganism, on the other hand, is almost entirely made up of non-conformists; those who have been drawn to this path are the ones who never accepted that there is one, and only one, right or true way to believe.
Q: Why are rituals held at night/in secret?
A: There are many reasons this might be true. Historically, witches were hunted and burned or drowned for their beliefs, and that is the reason the Craft was kept secret and rituals were done away from prying eyes. Nowadays, busy work schedules often mean evenings are the only free time many practitioners. Also, many Pagans feel closer to the Goddess at night when the moon is out. Not to mention, there is still widespread fear and ridicule of Paganism, leading some practitioners to practice in secret as a means of self-preservation.
Q: What is a Book of Shadows?
A: It is a book, or books, containing a witch's rituals, spells, correspondences and other information important to his or her path.
Q: Can only women be witches?
A: No, the term "witch" applies equally to women and to men who follow a Pagan path and practice magic.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
P is for ... Paganing Ceremony
This is the ritual I wrote for my children, which we performed at our Lughnassa celebration on August 4, 2012. It didn't play out exactly as written below, but with kids, it never does :) One difference I did make here is for the elemental blessings where it says "HPS", in actuality, each of my coven sisters and I volunteered for one, spoke for and presented the gifts of that element. Each sister chose their own gift to represent their element, which to me made it more personal. One of my sisters also gave each of the kids something extra-special after the ritual was complete to keep in their altar boxes.
Feel free to adapt this for your own use, keeping in mind that the children it was written for are 7, 4 and 2 months, which is why the older two had participatory parts.
Paganing Dedication Ritual
High Priestess Dydan Presiding
Incense (Artemis blend)
Red candle
Bowl of water
Silver and gold candles
Goddess image
Cakes and Ale - don't laugh, we're having grape juice and Nilla wafers
Plates/cups
Offering dish
candle holders
matches/lighter
snuffer
Rose oil (for kids' ritual baths)
Altar boxes and contents
HPS: We have come together for a very special ritual, a Paganing for (children's names). While this ceremony will dedicate the Children to the path of the Mother, Goddess of All, and Her Consort, the Father God, it is not binding, and the children remain free to choose their own path when they are of age to do so; knowing that all paths lead to the same destination.
Mom: Always.
Coven: We do.
HPS: In the name of Air, I greet you, (children's names).
Feel free to adapt this for your own use, keeping in mind that the children it was written for are 7, 4 and 2 months, which is why the older two had participatory parts.
Paganing Dedication Ritual
High Priestess Dydan Presiding
Materials
needed
Dish of saltIncense (Artemis blend)
Red candle
Bowl of water
Silver and gold candles
Goddess image
Cakes and Ale - don't laugh, we're having grape juice and Nilla wafers
Plates/cups
Offering dish
candle holders
matches/lighter
snuffer
Rose oil (for kids' ritual baths)
Altar boxes and contents
Bathe kids
with rose oil before everyone arrives. Set up altar before hand, too.
When everyone is ready, begin ritual. Briefly explain to kids what is
expected. (i.e. We're going to cast the
circle, say our parts, then have a little bit to eat/drink before ending the
ritual. We can eat more after.)
Cast the
Circle
East:
Light the incense and say, "Spirits of Air, Guardians of the East,
we invite you to this Circle to witness the introduction and Dedication of
these children. Hail and welcome."
South:
Light the candle and say, "Spirits of Fire, Guardians of the South,
we invite you to this Circle to witness the introduction and Dedication of
these children. Hail and welcome."
West: Scatter drops of water about the
Circle and say, "Spirits of Water, Guardians of the West, we invite you to
this Circle to witness the introduction and Dedication of these children. Hail and welcome."
North: Sprinkle salt around the Circle
and say, "Spirits of Earth, Guardians of the North, we invite you to this
Circle to witness the introduction and Dedication of these children. Hail and welcome."
Center:
Lighting each candle in turn say, "Goddess, please hear us and
attend our Circle, with your Consort, to witness the introduction and Dedication
of these children. Hail and
welcome."
"The
Circle is cast in this sacred space between the worlds."
HPS: We have come together for a very special ritual, a Paganing for (children's names). While this ceremony will dedicate the Children to the path of the Mother, Goddess of All, and Her Consort, the Father God, it is not binding, and the children remain free to choose their own path when they are of age to do so; knowing that all paths lead to the same destination.
HPS:
(mom), as the mother of these children, is it your desire to have them
Dedicated to the Goddess and Her Consort?
Mom:
Yes, it is.
HPS:
And do you promise to teach then and guide them on this Path your have
chosen?
Mom:
I do.
HPS:
Will you love your children unconditionally, support them throughout
their lives, and be the disciplinarian, friend and confidante they need?
Mom: Always.
HPS:
(dad), (mom) has expressed and affirmed her desire to raise the children
on a Pagan path. Do you accept and
support her in this?
Dad:
Yes, I do.
HPS:
You have chosen (child's name) to be your son and (child's name) to be
your daughter, along with your son (child's name). Do you promise to protect your children from
what threatens them to the best of your ability, and to teach them to protect
themselves?
Dad:
Yes.
HPS:
And will you love your children unconditionally, support them throughout
their lives, and be the disciplinarian, friend and confidante they need?
Dad:
Always.
HPS:
(children's names), you have heard your parents' promises. They want only the best for each of you. Now, (children's names), it is time for you
to make promises of your own. Are you
ready?
kids:
Yes.
HPS:
(children's names), do you promise to love and respect your parents, to
listen when they teach and do your best to obey?
kids:
Yes.
HPS:
Do you accept the presence of the Goddess and God in your lives?
kids:
Yes.
HPS:
Do you promise to learn what you can about religions that interest you
as you grow, so that when you are old enough you can choose the best path for
you?
kids:
Yes.
HPS:
Who stands as witness to the Dedication of these children?
Coven: We do.
HPS:
It is now time to greet and receive the blessings of the Elements.
face the children to the East
HPS: In the name of Air, I greet you, (children's names).
kids:
We greet you, Air.
HPS:
From Air come the gifts of intellect and communication. May you always have clear thought, wise
judgment and eloquent expression. I
bestow upon you the gift of raven feathers so that you might always remember.
kids:
Thank you.
face the children South
HPS: In
the name of Fire, I greet you, (children's names).
kids:
We greet you, Fire.
HPS:
From Fire come the gifts of passion and strength. May you be blessed with strong bodies and
strength of character, and experience life fully. I bestow upon you the gift of candles so that
you might always remember.
kids:
Thank you.
face the children West
HPS:
In the name of Water, I greet you, (children's names).
kids:
We greet you, Water.
HPS:
From Water come the gifts of emotion and health. May you find happiness, love and be loved
always, and enjoy good health. I bestow
upon you the gift of abalone shells so that you might always remember.
kids:
Thank you.
face the children North
HPS:
In the name of Earth, I greet you, (children's names).
kids:
We greet you, Earth.
HPS:
From Earth come the gifts of stability and balance. May you always feel secure in your
environment, satisfied with your routines and centered within yourselves. I bestow upon you the gift of pentacles so
that you might always remember.
kids:
Thank you.
face the children Center
HPS:
The final element is Spirit, that which is found within. As you learn and grow you will come to
understand that the answers to all we seek may be found within ourselves. The Goddess and God reside inside each and
every one of us We are the containers for
all we will ever need. In recognition of
this, we now present you each with an altar box, in which you may keep the
elemental gifts you have just received, as well as any other altar items you
make or acquire. Like you, the box is
only the container, and you will find what you need inside.
kids:
Thank you.
HPS:
(children's names), you have now been recognized by the elemental
spirits. When you have need, you may
call upon them and you will be heard.
You have been presented to the Goddess and God, and they will be with
you always.
HPS:
The children have been Dedicated to this path their mother walks. As a community, it is our responsibility to
ensure they are given the proper guidance to learn and develop as they
grow. Who will pledge their support to
the parents in their endeavor to raise their children with respect to
their chosen path?
Individual Coven members: I will.
HPS:
So it is witnessed and so it is done.
So mote it be.
Coven:
So mote it be.
Cakes and
Ale, with offering. (Brief explanation
for kids.)
Open Circle.
North:
"Spirits of Earth, Guardians of the North, we thank you for your
presence and witnessing the Dedication of these children. Stay if you will, go if you must. Hail and farewell."
West: "Spirits of Water, Guardians of the West,
we thank you for your presence and witnessing the Dedication of these
children. Stay if you will, go if you
must. Hail and farewell."
South:
"Spirits of Fire, Guardians of the South, we thank you for your
presence and witnessing the Dedication of these children. Stay if you will, go if you must. Hail and farewell."
East:
"Spirits of Air, Guardians of the East, we thank you for your
presence and witnessing the Dedication of these children. Stay if you will, go if you must. Hail and farewell."
"The
Circle is open, but never broken."
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