Ending A Chapter

Hello Everyone! My oh my have I been busy. I am unfortunately so busy that I have decided I need to cut out some stuff out of my life. My life has been picking up and this year I am determined to get out there and live life to the fullest. I want to grasp at every moment and take away as much as I can from it. I want to share my life with other people and do more! It's time for me to leave the old behind. It is a new year. I will miss everyone who has come to know me through this blog. I will be checking my e-mail on this blog regularly so if you want to talk to me you can send me one. As for the writing contest. I'm sorry but I am ending this chapter of my blogging life and starting a new one. I'm still a witch and still a writer. I'm just trying to move in a new direction.

Below I will share the poems which people submitted for the contest:

Snow
Pure white
Soft and cold
Falling down
Here comes the snow

Making piles
looks so furry
Getting windy
let's go, hurry

Cold and blustery
Wonderland
More snow
than I can stand

Cozy warm
in my bed
like it in my home
looking out instead

Kim
(The Wiccan Life)

Esotre ~
The snow has all melted
And winter has gone,
Now Nature is singing
Springs’ most beautiful song;
As we honor the Goddess -
The Devine Eostre,
While she breathes her life
Into the birds and the bees;
She's fertile and loving
Ancient Mother is she
From the youngest child
To the oldest tree
~ Lady Caer Morganna
-by Brandy

Contest Update!

Thank you to the two people who have sent in their poems! I know it is a busy time for everyone so I'm not trying to pry but if anyone else would like to send in a poem then you have about 2 weeks left to do it. It doesn't need to be any specific kind of poem. Send one in even if you don't consider yourself a "good" writer. It's just a fun little contest so don't be shy! I hope to see more entries soon and feel free to ask an questions you may have. I would also appreciate any suggestions you have.

Edit: Sorry Everyone! I totally miscalculated the date that the opening for poetry entries closes. It is the 17th which is 2 weeks from now. I hope everyone is having fun preparing for Yule.

The Legend of the Snowflake Pixies

There are pixies living on a fluffy cloud
between the earth and the sky.
In winter they work swiftly to enshroud
the earth with snow piled high.
Without being seen, for they are not proud
but rather humble and shy,
they always begin to whisper aloud
where to go as into the air they fly.

You see in the past they vowed
that every raindrop the Sky Lady did cry,
for she was know to sadly sough,
they would catch after falling from her eye.
But the tears they caught started to crowd
that rather little cloud making one pixie sigh
then all the pixies were gleefully wowed
for in the place of the tear a crystal did lie.

Winter Witchy Writing Contest!

*click* *click click click* *click click* hmmmm.... *Pulls out paper and pen* hmmm... *Scratches head* AHA Brilliant!!

Now introducing the Winter Witchy Writing Contest! Where you write a poem and enter it in the contest to possibly win Blog Awards! The best part is that the winners are completely determined by you (the reader) via a poll I will put up once I get all submissions. 

Rules:

1. Only Poetry! No short stories or other longer works. You are limited to 5 stanzas or less. Please remember there is only one of me and I have limited time.

2. All Poetry must be sent to this e-mail address: Witchywomanrose28@gmail.com before or on the day of December 17th if you want to be included in the contest!

3. One Poem Per Person!

Awards:

So get your fingers unfrozen and ready to write up a snowy storm!

The Ghost

All at once I saw her before me
And I did not even think
As I said "hello" happily
But all she did was blink

Suddenly I saw it
The transparency of her gown
And with the candle I lit
I saw her dreadful frown

Her quivering blue lips parted
With a shuddered gasping moan
In an instant she departed
leaving me shocked by what I had been shown

A Poem Story: Hat Rat Bat

I had a happy little hat
it was pointed and black
Then my silly little cat
took it swiftly behind my back
She was too quickly so there I sat
before I could give my cat a smack
out to the woods went that little brat
I left the door open just a crack
So returned my silly cat with a little bat
It flew around and I caught it with a sack
Again came my little cat with a big live rat
My cat wanted it for a snack
ran away the rat so fat
jumping on books I had in a stack
out it went from a window slat
I shut the door and window with a clack
and my mischievous cat and I had a chat
about how he had an obvious knack
for getting into trouble but still I gave him a pat
and told that cat how love for him I did not lack
and though I never did see again my hat
on my heart is left a paw-printed track

Shame

I thought I held a good point of view
but my idea was shattered by this truth

My stomach sick from words
I fold into myself and slowly
rock back and forth in shame
I realize I lost my aim

I retreat now ashamed
I am nothing but what they see
And they see the worst of me

A bird is caged
My wings are shattered
by this torturous truth
backed by so much proof

I look in the mirror
at these reflections shattered

my blood pools around
my dark and cold feet
I have fallen to the ground
I admit defeat

Whispering Leaves Spell

Do you ever feel like there are a million voices floating of the breeze when the wind blows? I do and recently with Autumn beginning and the leaves starting to fall I have been thinking of a good spell to do. The wind represents many things to me but there are two which are prominent: communication and banishing bad energy.

Here is what you will need:
Two fallen leaves (One colorful and one brown. Get them from the same tree if possible.)
A hill where you can look up at the open sky and into the distance
A marker (black for banishing and blue for communication).

Up on the hill pick up the brown leaf which will represent banishing. Take the black marker and write one word on the back of the leaf which describes something you want to rid yourself of. Pick up the leaf and when the wind blows throw it into the air and say:

Leaf leaf float away
May I never go astray
Now I'm free to dance and play

Now take the colorful leaf and the blue marker. Write on the back something which you wish would happen. When the wind blows again take the leaf and release it into the air and say:

Leaf leaf I sent away
To the Divine I pray
That my wish be granted today

Autumn

As you all must know Autumn is coming fast. I was very happy today to feel some of that chill in the air and see leaves just starting to change their color. Autumn is my favorite season. I love the feeling of home, warm food, family and friends gathering together, fires starting to burn in fireplaces, and that general sense of magic in the air. There is much old magic I feel is connected with this time of the year. It will soon be harvest season and people will be picking apples and pumpkins. I love food coming from these two plants. There is such a warmth to this time. I wonder what is your favorite season and holiday? My favorite holiday is Halloween of course or otherwise known as Samhain.

Leaves

I see you smile
behind the leaves
I see your warmth
though the air is cold

My heart rejoices
I become a child eternally
I jump into your arms

But I will grow old
and if you have fallen
beneath the leaves
when my time has come to fall
I hope I fall into your arms
so I can once again
see your smile
behind the leaves

Fairies!

Fairies are called by many names: little folk, good folk, faeries, and the fae. Fae derives from the latin word fata meaning "fate". Faeries are magical beings which occupy a world in a different realm of existence. Our world and their world is separated by a barrier called the veil. The term faery can be used for any magical being. This includes elves, leprechauns, brownies, merepeople, pixies, ect. Many people make fairy houses for the smaller type of fae. These house are made of natural material like twigs, rocks, pine cones, acorns, ect. Mushrooms are a sign of faeries being near. If you find mushrooms which make a circle then this is called a faery ring and is said to be where faeries have danced around in a circle. Faeries are often found is gardens, woods, fields, and basically any natural places. Foods that attract them are basically anything sweet. Honey and jam is especially good. Moss, clovers, bell flowers like foxglove, thyme, lavender, and roses are all great plants for a faery garden. Faeries tend to dislike iron so don’t add this to your garden. They also dislike weed pulling and trimming of bushes and trees. They like when nature is left more wild. As with all beings some faeries are good and some faeries are not so nice. Faeries can be visited through meditation and astral travels. Use caution while meeting different beings and always show respect.

Now for the fun stuff!

Faery Milk

This is a drink recipe I ran across somewhere. I've made it several times. It's yummy and fantastic to have before you go to bed.

Ingredients:

Warm Milk
A sprinkle of cinammon
A little vanilla extract
honey to taste
thyme (I added this in once and found it to be pleasent.)

Faery Chant

Oh fellows of nature gather round
to listen to the a soulful call
May your magic and grace abound
like laughter at a merry ball
May what is lost always be found
and may the Goddess bless you all

(I think this would be a good spell to use if it is suspect the fae decided to hide something from you. What little tricksters they can be but what good fun too!)

Essay on Witchvox: Practical Paganism!

Finally my essay was put up on Witchvox! They said it would take a few business days to get it up but I've been waiting for what seems like forever. I love Witchvox though and I'm glad there is still an opportunity for us to have our thoughts published. I also noted there are two new followers. Did you creep on in from there? lol! Anyhow I have decided to post my essay on here so all my blog followers can take a looksy. Here is my: Practical Paganism

Practical Paganism
Author: Rhosewen
Posted: September 4th. 2011
Times Viewed: 254

As I look around the room, it hits me how much I have related to Wicca. It has literally become a huge part of my existence. My focus is directed to a piece of amber crystal that I bought for fifteen dollars at a local shop. I now wonder to myself whether it was worth it but a bigger question arises from this. Whatever happened to down to earth practical magic?

It’s no secret that most people live on a budget. Although I love those spiritual stores with so many wonderfully witchy objects, I have to wonder if my life would be even more fulfilled by not just buying things but creating them. I’m talking about cheap, practical, and personal ways to bring magic into every aspect of life. Creation is a force that the Goddess teaches us everyday. Each time we eat, we are recognizing the fact that something was created so we could sustain our lives. When we are cleaning, we are assuming the position of cleansing which, although the opposite of creation, makes way for something to be created. The way magic is done does not matter; the energy behind it is what truly makes it powerful.

This being said I want to focus attention on the benefits of practical magic. My reasons why this type of magic has attracted my attention will be included. How to achieve the same level of magical power while intertwining it with simple tasks will also be discussed.

One reason I like this idea is time management. I simply have no time to do long rituals, spells, or meditations. I will always have to make meals, clean, and do other necessary tasks to sustain life. In my extra time I want to do crafts, create a garden, make art and generally live with the movement of life. Taking the time to slow down and do a ritual is just not possible. It is fantastic when I feel inspired to do it but still does not fill an itch I have.

Another reason this path is awesome is because it saves money! Instead of buying gifts, organic soaps, herbal remedies, and even clothing, I can make it! When we get down to nature we will find that it provides us with all we need. We can grow our own food, make our own clothes, and generally being self-sustaining. This in turn saves money. Instead of buying that twenty-dollar sweater, you can make it with a yarn ball you bought at a craft store for at most ten dollars.

My third reason is that it just feels right. Every religion, even Wicca, loses their initial meaning after awhile. Some people may think of Wicca as just a way to get what they want by simply casting a few powerful spells. Yes spells can help direct energy in a positive way so you can reach your goal but at the same time action must be taken. It is not what we can get from nature that is important but what it freely gives all of humanity. It gives us the power of movement and the constant ability to build from the ground up (literally) . Using what nature gives us to make everyday tasks a magical event is truly telling the Goddess and God thanks for everything.

This is magic of the hearth and home. My fourth fantastic reason for this way of magic is that you cannot get caught up in the stress of life. Everything you do is enveloped by such fantastic magic! You live a truly enchanted life and learn to love just about every task that needs to be done. Building spirituality into every aspect of life allows you to relax and enjoy each moment as it comes. While doing the dishes you can put yourself into a slight trance and connect with the cleansing energies in this world. At the end of the day you feel fulfilled spiritually and have gotten everything you needed to get done.

My fifth reason for liking this path is helping heal the environment and preventing causing it further damage. If you make your own bath supplies, clothes, food, etc., then you are doing this. Not only will what you make be organic but will not have been shipped to you. This means that there is one less thing using energy and gas to come to your front door. Every little bit helps push everyone else to become aware of how they affect the environment. People catch on to the fact that it is possible to lessen our dependence on non-renewable energy and that, for them, it can be beneficial. They can spend less and make more. Your home project can inspire a community effort to go green.

The problem is that most chants and spells are not based around these daily events. People consider these activities chores and try to get them done as fast as possible. Why not slow down and put yourself into the task? Why not say a chant? Why not weave your own spell? I will present to you now a few chants I have created around these mundane "chores".

Here are some chants for cleansing.

Laundry Blessing

Clothes blowing in the breeze
Wind dry them with ease
Sun dry my tears
Take away all my fears

Sweeping

Sweep out the past
Sweep out the dark
With this broom I cast
A protective mark

Here are some chants of creation.

Stirring

Stirring up a cauldron brew
Ready to taste something new
A taste of something pure and true
Filled with what the Mother grew

Craft

As I do this craft
Mother sat back and laughed
Her joy spilled into my creation
Filling its owner with much elation

In conclusion, practical magic is something that is worth a try for many reasons. It is a chance to find uses for magic in our daily lives. With a deep focus on the home, it may become a way to connect with family and friends. It takes other people to enjoy a feast or a home-made gift. This is my final and, in my opinion, the best reason for this path: It joins us together and promotes love for all.
Here is the link to Witchvox: http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=words&id=14711

Incense

Smoke swirling through the air
Surround me with your care
Into a trance I stare
Free floating everywhere
Onto my skin so bare
Through my hands and hair
Smoke swirling through the air

Full Moon

People who are starting out with magic or just plain old curious may ask what the big deal is with the full moon. The moon represents the Goddess and when it is full, the Goddess is in full power. With every full moon there is a noticeable change in the feel of the night it falls on. Everything dark becomes illuminated in its glow and what seemed to be out of reach can be as palpable as a pentacle hanging from your neck. Energy thrives during a full moon. In fact menstrual cycles often correspond with lunar cycles to add on the power of women on these blessed nights. Moonstone is known to look more luminescent after bathing in the moonlight, hence its name. Every person has to admit that, though they may not believe in such a thing as magic, the full moon is beautiful.

Full Moon

moonlight glows on your skin
longing to feel the power from within
a sweet dark warm
where pain swirls a storm
ridden story of ages past
with our shadows being cast
as time suddenly slows
energy constantly flows
from moonlight which softly glows

Candlelight Offering

Today is Friday so it means I finally get some time to myself and to generally relax. I was inspired to go outside when the sun was dim and the dark of night just starting to set in. The air was warm on my face. I took out a little birthday candle and matches to a rock in my yard. I proceeded to light the candle and stick it on the rock with melted wax. I placed and stick and rocks/crystals in front of the candle and said "If there are any faeries around this is for you". I glow of the candle was so peaceful and I truly felt good with having done something positively magical. Naturally I was inspired and decided to write a poem about it.

Candlelight

Faery folk of old
gather round the sacred flame
dance and twirl around it
as I call your name

May it light the dark
with its warm glow
join our hands in friendship
shall we never be foe

Beltane

Between leaping over and dancing around the bonfire and dancing around the maypole, Beltane is one of the most energetic holidays. Everything has awoken and started blooming by May 1st and their is an abundance of growth. Fertility is of course honored again but also the rise of the sun. We are now between spring and summer and we are feeling the happiness from the warm and beauty filled days! The dandelions as many of you may notice are in full bloom too. I really love dandelions. I think their pretty. They also can be used for your health and for food. Dried and ground their roots make a coffee substitute minus the caffeine. The leaves are high in iron and great for salad! Dandelions also increase appetite and have other medical uses I can't remember. Anyway. Next time you look upon a dandelion, take a moment to think about all the possibilities one little plant holds. Then take a moment to look at all the world around you and see all the potential hidden in the color of green! Blessed be and here's my poem about Dandelions.

Weeds?

Scattered upon a grassy hill
are yellow suns
bursting from green.

A hand pulls the suns
and tosses them aside
unaware of what potential
they hide.

At this sight I sigh
and internally cry.
Why! Oh why?!
Do you make my relatives die.

I try
to see the destroyers
face
and find to much
disgrace
my reflection in its
place.

Trees by Iris

Trees

Long ago the trees spoke
Spoke through the blowing breeze.
The wind softly whispered
Redwood to Oak,
gently conversing with ease.

Years pass on, humans roam the lands.
The trees verbalize to humans,
But the humans do not heed,
for they are oblivious beings.

In melancholy the tree
Start submerging,
deep with in their roots.
No longer talking,
Now the wind blows
without a whisper.

~Iris
copyright©Iris

Immortality by Iris

Immortality

Some mortals dread death.
For dread of the unknown: after life here.
Dread of the coffin that will inhabit thee eventually.

Always conversing, searching for immortality.
"What do mortals speak about death?", you say.
They utter no word.
Never knowing that what they dread,
Is the key to immortality.
The mortals will never know,
until the end of life is here,
and then they will see.
Immortality was with them,
from the beginning of being.

~ Iris
copyright©Iris

Happy Ostara!

Happy Spring Equinox! I can't believe it is spring! The smell of the wet earth is absolutely delightful and soon the smell of flowers will fill the air. It is very true that the spring is of the element air. Make sure to look at both the sun and moon today/tonight and give thanks for everything nature gives us. We shall sow our seeds. I am hoping to make a faery garden this spring. I started a faery house. I'll make sure to post a picture of it when I'm done. Anyway have a fantastic Ostara everyone!

Spring Poems and Haikus:

Growth
I watch the flowers growing.
I watch the flowers run.
I watch the flowers playing games.
I watch the flowers have fun.

I feed the flowers friendship.
I feed the flowers love.
I feed the flowers knowledge.
I feed the flowers sun from above.

I grow the garden with all my might.
I try to make it bloom bright.
And when it blooms it is a wonderful sight.

Sunny Day
Forest
windy, sunny
sighing, sweeping, turning
whispering secrets of the past
peaceful

Make a Wish
Stars, luminous light
blown out by shining bright sun.
Daylight returning.

Smile
White lily, opens
facing rising shining sun.
Luminous petals.

Samhain (Halloween)

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope everyone has a fantastic time treat or treating, pumpkin carving, and generally making merry! Tonight is the time to honor the dead and do some divination. I remember two people who have past in my family and will light a candle for each of them.

Chant for the Dead

For one who did expire
to a realm much higher
I ignite this divine fire

(Can be said while lighting a candle for ghosts and spirits.)

For a Deceased Loved One

I remember your face
your smile and grace
I will see you in time
and in a better place

Sleep.

Sleep is an important part of health and happiness. It is also when we dream we open ourselves into the subconscious and sometimes other realms. There is much lore about sleep. Mugwort under the pillow will help one dream of the future. Lavender will help one sleep soundly. Oak branches over ones bed will protect them while sleeping. Anyway here is my stuff on sleep.

Nightmare Relief Potion

teaspoon of cloves
3 sage leaves
handful of lavender flowers
teaspoon of vanilla extract

Sweet Dreams Tea

A few leaves of catnip
handful of chamomile flower
tablespoon of lavender

Sleep Mojo Bag
put in purple or blue cloth and tie up:

An amethyst crystal
three bay leaves (for prophetic dreams)
your favorite trinket

The Dreamer

chose the hidden path
seen by no average eye

many eyes see darkness
few eyes illuminate

no soul can find his or her way
a soul will on this day

a strong heart beats within her chest
until the end she will never rest

she swears this
sealing her wish
with a magic kiss

she dares to enter the unknown
adventure shall be sown

by her subconscious she is led
fantasy streaming through her head

awaken she thinks these images dreams
still enchanted by how real it seems