Do Bare Feet = Pagan?

Many people find walking around in their, bare feet is the most disgusting thing in the world, people who feel this way wear shoes all the time even inside their own homes.

Not me I find it freeing and a wonderful way to to connect with nature. I love nothing more than getting my toes in the sand, feeling the grass beneath my feet on a warm summer day, or the mud squishing between my toes after a cleansing rain. In fact I can't stand having shoes on my feet any longer than necessary.

I have never really associated loving to walk around in my bare feet to being Pagan until I read a post about just this subject, so now I am curious how many of you like to go barefoot and associate it with being a Pagan, Witch, or Wiccan? I would really love to hear your feedback on this.

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

My daughters and I have made making these ornaments a tradition over the past few years, we give them as gifts and even have them hanging on our tree. While we make them I tell Yule stories and share tidbits about Yule.

Image From Google

Ingredients & Supplies:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water
• cookie cutters
• paints and other decorative accessories
• yarn, twine or string for hanging

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 325º.
• Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl.
• Add in half of the water, then gradually add in the remaining water.
• Kneed the dough until it is smooth (10 minutes or so).
• Roll out dough on baking paper to use with cookie cutters, or press the dough into various shapes. Get creative!
• Use a straw or toothpick to make a hole to hang the ornament once it’s finished.
• Bake the ornaments until hard and dry (about 1 – 1.5 hours, depending on the thickness of the ornament).
• Allow to cool.
• Decorate with paint, glitter, beads, buttons, feathers or any other fun accessories.
• If you want to preserve them for a long time, allow all the paint and glue to dry and then coat with a clear acrylic varnish.

I hope you enjoy making these as much as we do.

Blessed Full Moon!!!!!

My view of the moon, from my front yard

Just wanted to take the time to wish all of you a blessed Full Moon, I went out side for a bit and soaked in her beautiful energies, but it's so cold my ritual will be inside tonight.

I hope all of you enjoy her energies and blessing and take in all she has to offer.

What does the word "Witch" mean?

I was just having a wonderful discussion with my KiCKASS friend Joanna, we were discussing the word "Witch" and what it means; I told her "I love the word Witch and what it means to me personally, I just hate the stereotype that comes with it" so I decided to expand on that, and tell you what the word "Witch" means to me and why.

Let's start off the with common definitions of the word "Witch"


Witch - noun~
1. a person, now especially a woman, who professes or is supposed to practice magic, especially black magic or the black art; sorceress.
2. an ugly or mean old woman; hag.

Now I have to say that I find both of those definitions not only offensive, but written by barbarians in a time long since past. Sadly over the years many people have come to believe those definitions. The Pagan or spiritual community have differing definitions for the word "Witch" I have heard it used to describe those who practices Wicca, and I have heard it used as someone who practices folk magick.

The word "Witch" has come to mean a lot to me. The word "Witch" to me defines a person who works in and with nature to not only help themselves but those around them, it also means for me at least freedom, freedom from the structure of organized religions, freedom from unhealthy things such as chemicalized medications and foods. It means the freedom to express myself spiritually for the first time in my life.

Sadly it also has come to mean living in fear of certain people finding out, it means being called ugly, hateful things by my family, it means keeping my true self hidden when I want to do is scream out this is the real me, love me or hate me here I am.

Mostly to me the word "Witch" means being in my kitchen cooking up some yummy food for my family while filling it with good energies, intentions and love. It means making a salve for my husbands dry skin or bath salts for friends and family, It means loving and believing in a higher power, for me that is both the God & Goddess and asking not only them but my ancestors and spirit guides to help and guide me along the way.

The word "Witch" means many things to many people, what does it mean to you?
  

Yule Blogging Project!!!

With Yule/Christmas Coming up, I was thinking of doing a blog special where TCOPW would have some guest bloggers, do a post on their favorite part of Yule/Christmas or what traditions, rituals, etc that they have/or will incorporate into their practice.




If You are interested in doing this please let me know by commenting here or e-mail me at chaoticdreamer68@gmail.com 



I can't wait to see your post!!!
 

Homemade Carpet Fresh

Nothing smells better then the fresh aroma of a clean house. Freshen up your carpets with this simple recipe. 

The baking soda will help to remove old odors and the herbal mixes will refresh the carpet fibers. Your carpet should hold the scent for 3 days before fading out.

 





To Make

1. Using your mortar and pestle, crush your herbs/flowers/resins to release the fragrance. The amount of herbs you use is really up to you.
2. Add your herbs to 1 cup of baking soda. If the baking soda has masked the aroma, you need more herbs. Your mixture should be very fragrant.
3. Secure the lid on your container and SHAKE WELL to mix the herbs and the baking soda. The mixture is most effective when fully blended.
   

To Use

• Sprinkle onto carpets, by poring your mixture into an old sock and shaking gently
• Make sure to thoroughly covers the carpet area, but refrain from sprinkling it in excess.
• Allow the mixture to set for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming up.
  

NOTE: You can use various herbal combinations to suit your needs, this time of year you could even use pine, pumpkin spice, or an cinnamon/apple spice to make it smell like the holidays. There is also an added bonus cinnamon is a natural flea repellent that is safe for your pets!

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do, if you make it let me know if you like it.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 15

Today I am happy for Turkey, Sweet Potato's, Pumpkin Pie, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Football, My Family, My Friends, and for Goddess & God.

Have Blessed Thanksgiving, May your bellies be full and your football teams win by great margins.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 14

Today I thankful that I don't have to cook tomorrow, all I have to do is eat and watch football. Now don't get me wrong I will be cooking a Thanksgiving meal but not till Friday, it will be turkey with all the fixings. Tomorrow is a different story; we will be eating with my husbands family, which is about 60 some odd people.

I hope all of you have a wonderful day tomorrow and eat lots of yummy food. Enjoy your family and all that goes with the day, but don't forget when your giving thanks to thank the Goddess for the blessings you have received over the past year.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 13

Today I am thankful for my past, if not for my past I would not appreciate my present or be excited or my future.

OK so just the basics, my past sucked and I mean that, there where a few good things but all in all it sucked.

I am a survivor of molestation at the hands of my step-dad, I am a survivor of a mother who blamed me for my abuse, I am also a survivor or domestic abuse in my first marriage.

I don't dwell on these things or let them get me down, I embrace them, because with out them I would not know what kind of mother I wanted to be and work very hard to be, I would not know to love the little things that my husband does, that normally I would not even notice. I would not have become the strong person that I am and I would never be able to teach my daughter how to be the strong women they are becoming.

Do not let your past define who you are, do not be a victim, be a survivor, and be strong and teach the next generation to be strong.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Days 11 &12

I am so sorry for missing yesterday, so today I'll be posting for both days.

Warning before you read this I find this funny, you may not and may even find it gross; if you do I am sorry but I had to share.

Today I am thankful for my doctor and my pushy hubby, I have been having major pain in my back and stomach, today the hubby insisted that I go to the doctor so i did and.......... I have  a UTI(urinary track infection) and it's a bad one. So fun fun fun right, well the next few day while on on meds will not be boring, Why you ask? One of the meds the doctor put me on is a little purplish/brown pill that is for pain during a UTI, so far I have taken it once and guess what I now pee orange crush or that's what it looks like anyway, it is the funniest thing I have seen in a while.

OK sorry back to giving thanks, I am so thankful to be on the way to getting better, I am wishing you all good health during this Thanksgiving week.

                                      

15 Days Of Thanksgiving Day - 10

Today I am incredibly thankful for my Facebook friends, both new and old. You guys are great and are always there for me, and I appreciate that. I may not be able to list all of you but I do want to name a few who stand out.







Shelly Chandler - sister you are always there for me and I love you for that.
Stevie Williams & Tara Lee Cox - helped me get over being camera shy, and make me LMAO, my Stickam/FB Twins.
Michal Henderson  - Mikey your enthusiasm for learning brightens my day.
Dee/Tip Toe Chick - Women you are just awesome and that's all that needs to be said.
Lisa Cunningham - Lisa you where the person who got me re-enthused about losing weight, thank you.
Joanna DeVoe - You get me, and you inspire me and you my friend KiCK aSS

These are just a few and if your name is not on that list do not worry I love and appreciate you all.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 9

Today I am thankful for Music! Music is an amazing thing, it's the soundtrack to our lives; there is always a song to go along with every feeling, emotion, and memory we have.

There's the song that takes you back to the good old day, or the song that reminds you of a past love, the song that is special to you and your spouse, the song that reminds you of who you are or who you want to be.

We have songs or music that is special to us, music that can either lift us up or bring us to tears so in honor of that I will be turning up my music and driving my daughters crazy LOL.

Have a great weekend my friends.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 8

Today I am thankful for my Best Friend Laura, she is always there for me when I need her no matter what and I for her. The last few weeks have been rough on both of us but we stood strong and stood together and made it through.

Laura I Love You Sister, Your The Best.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 7

Today I am thankful for the bad things in life, because with out the bad we can't appreciate the good.

    OK so I decided to make a list of a few bad things in my life and what good they have taught me...

                     Bad                                                                                     Good
                  Diabetes                                           Taught me to eat better, and take care of myself
              Spousal abuse                                   Taught me to be strong & appreciate my 2nd hubby
spoiled children in public places                       Taught me my kids are angles, at least in public
            processed foods                               Taught me how much I love fresh vegetables and meats
I'm better than you Christians                  Taught me to not judge others and to stand up for my beliefs 


So you've seen what's on my list what's on yours?

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 6

Today I am thankful for the Phases Of The Moon, but in particularly tonight's New Moon.

The New Moon is when the moon and the sun are in perfect alignment therefor hiding the moon. The duration of the New Moon is 3 days.

The New Moon is a time of new beginnings, it's a time to start new projects, set new goals, etc. The New Moon is also a time for magical workings in divination, love, and prosperity.  This would be a good time to reset crystal grids, start your year and a day, or maybe to begin a course of study.

The New Moon is also a good time to cleanse the negative energies from your home so you can have a fresh start to the month(new moon to new moon).


Tonight I will be doing a simple ritual(if you can call it that) that I do on the Esbats, it involves candles and meditation, I will also be setting up a new crystal grid and as always I will be using a sage stick and dragons blood to cleanse my home.

What are your plans for tonight?

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 5

Today I am thankful for.....

 The Wiccan Rede

Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destinys pathway, That now we bring forth in the light.

Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air,
By hidden Quintessence we know Them, and we will keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring,
We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat, returns, and the Witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candelas dancing, on May Eve and old Halloween

When daytime and nighttime are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array,
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.

The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man
Each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.

When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies, in the land of shades of that hour.

Our world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the great work of Magic is wrought.

For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces divine.

And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.

Eight words the Witches Rede fulfill:
If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!

 I am not Wiccan but I do love the final 2 lines of the Rede and I believe in them for the most part, in this world and in this life you can do anything as ling as you don't bring harm to others or yourself.

What is your take on the Rede?

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 4

Today I am thankful for all the veterans in my life who have served and continue to serve, to insure that the United States remains safe and free.

 

Image From Google

I would like to give a special thank you to my father in law, whom served in the Koren War, and my ex-father in law who served in the Vietnam War, 2 of the bravest men I have ever known.

Eleven Things Every Witch Should Know

Image Found On Google

1. Magic is what happens when you open yourself to the Divine. All real magic is
a manifestation of the Divine - it is how you co-create reality with deity.

2. The Divine is within you and is everywhere present in the natural world. And
everything is interconnected by this sacred energy.

3. Wicca is not about information -- it's about transformation, so practice,
practice, practice -- and do it as much as possible in Nature! Witchcraft
enables you to commune with divinity and to manifest your destiny, your desires
and your highest and sacred self.

4. The real ethics of how Witches live and practice magic are simple: Witches
live in a sacred manner because we live in a sacred world. We therefore treat
all of life with reverence and respect.

5. Because all magic flows from our connection to the Sacred, our lives and our
magic, must be guided by the sacred nature of the energy with which we work.

6. The energy Witches work with is not neutral -- it is divine love.

7. Magic often works in unexpected way because it is not a mechanical process,
and the Universe is not a machine. You are living and making magic within a
divine, organic, living reality.

8. Witches don't command and control -- they commune and co-create.

9. The real secret of successful spell casting, as with all of magic, is your
connection to the Divine power that dwells within you, and surrounds you. And
spells do work so be careful what you ask for!

10. Nature makes the Divine tangible. By working, living, and practicing your
magic in harmony with Nature, you are in harmony with the Divine.

11. The ultimate teacher is the God/Goddess inside you and in the world of
Nature all around you.

Author unknown

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 3

Today I am thankful to have a voice, a voice that lets me express my thoughts, my spirituality, my opinions and my world with my friends and family both on and offline. Using your voice is very important and should never be taken for granted.

I want to share a few quotes with you on using your voice.....

Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.
Maya Angelou

I write for those women who do not speak, for those who do not have a voice because they were so terrified, because we are taught to respect fear more than ourselves. We've been taught that silence would save us, but it won't.
Audre Lorde

For myself, for a long time... maybe I felt inauthentic or something, I felt like my voice wasn't worth hearing, and I think everyone's voice is worth hearing. So if you've got something to say, say it from the rooftops.
Tom Hiddleston

Never be afraid to use your voice, it's yours and if you don't use it will be lost and no one will know your thoughts, your views, your feelings.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving - Day 2

Today I am thankful for the inspiring Witchy ladies in my life I would like to tell you about a few of them and in doing so I hope they inspire you too.

First up is Dee (aka Tiptoe Chick). Dee is a true inspiration to me not just in my witchy life but in all life, She is a wife, mother, business owner, and a Witch; who does not let the world beat her down. She is the owner and operator of The Green Eyed Owl, makes awesome and inspiring YouTube videos, and with doing all that she still has time to be a friend to many and if your down or having a problem she is one of the first ones there trying to cheer you up. Dee does it all and for that she inspires me and lets me know that I can too <3

Next up is KiCKASS WiTCH Joanna Devoe. Joanna is an inspiration on many levels as well, she is always happy and upbeat and always has inspirational words for her friends and followers. She is a blogger/vlogger, who's insights on life, the law of attraction and healthy eating have literately made me stop and go "wow she put into words how I feel about that" You can find Joanna on her blog KiCKASS WiTCH: Putting The "K" In Magick or on her YouTube.




These two Ladies truly inspire me and I am so thankful the Goddess brought them into my life they have both shown me that no matter what life throws at you, that you can over come it and become stronger and better for it.

I would love to know who inspires you, please feel free to share.

15 Days Of Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving just 15 days away I have decided that everyday between now and the 22nd I will post one thing everyday that I am thankful for, and  I Challenge all of you to find 15 things you are thankful for too.





Day 1 - I am thankful to have love in my life, the love I get from my witchlets, the love I get from my mother, the love I receive from my siblings and of course the love from my wonderful husband and soul mate. 


Everyone should have love in their life, love that you get from others and love that you give to others, but you also have to remember to love for yourself, because if you don't love yourself it will be very difficult if not impossible for anyone to love you.

So what are you thankful for today? let us know.

Mercury In Retrograde 11/6/12 - 11/26/12

For those who may not know Mercury will entering it's third and final retrograde cycle of the year tomorrow.

What does this mean? it means for the next few weeks while Mercury in in retrograde or going in a backwards motion, there will be much confusion. Delays and frustrations, basically it's Murphy's Law in full affect - Meaning, if it can go wrong it will.

Mercury in retrograde occurs 3 times a year and last for about 3 week

What Not To Do During Mercury Retrograde:

Start anything new, Make important decisions, Buy computers, appliances, TVs, radios, etc., Travel without back-up plans, Sign contracts, Buy a car, Negotiate a contract, File a lawsuit, Start a new job, Begin a new class, Go on a “first” date, Expect things to move quickly, Take anything for granted.

What To Expect:

Angrier people, Crazy drivers, More accidents, Miscommunication, Quarrels, Computer problems, Delays, More mistakes, Slow mail, Games of phone tag, Wrong directions, Missed appointments, Dead cell phone batteries.

What You Can Do To Make It Through Mercury In Retrograde:

Do anything that has a positive affect on you and your life, laugh, dance, sing, eat a healthy diet, keep your thoughts positive, what ever you do make sure it is something you like and that makes you happy. Oh! I almost forgot sage your home before Mercury goes retro and after to keep the negative away.

What Mercury Retrograde Means To Me:

I personally love, love love when Mercury goes retrograde, unlike most people I have a positive time during Mercury in retrograde. I am not sure if this has anything to do with me being born under Mercury or if it has to do with Him being one of my Patron Gods, I'm just glad that he blesses me during his reversed days.

White Willow Bark

6 or 7 months ago I was introduced to a lovely little herb called White Willow Bark  and its amazing pain relieving abilities. you can click the link to read more about it.

 White Willow Bark is now my go to pain reliever, it works on everything from my back pain to headaches, I even used it for tooth pain a few months ago. There are several ways you can take WWB, my preferred method is a making a tea/infusion. Below is my recipe for a yummy WWB tea.




What you'll need

2 tbls white willow bark
8-10 oz of water
Cooking pot or tea kettle
wire strainer and/or a cheese cloth

Directions

Heat water in a cooking pot or tea kettle until it comes to a boil. add 2 teaspoons of willow bark for every 8 ounces of water. Turn it to low and let it steep for 10 to 15 min. Strain and enjoy

For added flavor you can add vanilla, cinnamon, honey, my favorite add in right now is pumpkin spice it's a perfect yummy way to ease your pain.

As always check with your Doctor or other health care provider before using any herbal remedy.

To Be A Witch

Image From Deviant Art via Google

To be a witch is to love and be loved.
To be a witch is to know everything, and nothing at all.
To be a witch is to move amongst the stars while staying on earth.
To be a witch is to change the world around you, and yourself.
To be a witch is to share and give, while receiving all the while.
To be a witch is to dance and sing, and hold hands with the universe.
To be a witch is to honor the gods, and yourself.
To be a witch is to Be Magic, not just perform it.
To be a witch is to be honorable, or nothing at all.
To be a witch is to accept others who are not.
To be a witch is to know what you feel is right and good.
To be a witch is to harm none.
To be a witch is to know the ways of old.
To be a witch is to see beyond the barriers.
To be a witch is to follow the moon.
To be a witch is to be one with the gods.
To be a witch is to study and to learn.
To be a witch is to be the teacher and the student.
To be a witch is to acknowledge the truth.
To be a witch is to live with the earth, not just on it.
To be a witch is to be truly free!


~author unknown