Post Tribal Shamanism

Post Tribal Shamanism by Kenn Day

"no book or workshop can make you into a shaman...becoming a post tribal shaman requires the talent, the call and the training from which the necessary skills may be developed"

That line alone got me hooked...

Explaining in depth the role and purpose of a shaman in today's modern society whilst still retaining the essence of the original shaman.  More importantly, for me anyway, Kenn draws on his own experiences and practices in the art of shamanism including sharing a lot of his techniques for the reader to work with.

A fascinating and enlightening book, a definite 'must read from cover to cover in one sitting' kind of book but one that you will definitely go back to time and again.

The official blurb:

Modern life is lived cut off from our souls, our ancestors, the earth and other elements of what once made life worth living. Our souls still yearn for these missing pieces, causing what the author calls the Invisible Wound. This wound is responsible for much of the grief of modern life – through soul hungers displaced onto addictions and self-destructive behavior. Post-Tribal Shamanism offers a means of reclaiming many of these pieces, not by a return to the past, but by moving forward into a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.


http://www.moon-books.net/books/post-tribal-shamanism

Twisting pathways lead to interesting journeys

Some of you may know that my patron goddess is the Cailleach and has been for many years, however in the last few years she has given me a different deity to work with over the spring and summer months (her being a winter deity of course).  I have had some interesting deities to work with such as Merlin, Morgan le Fay, Ganesha, Papa Legba and last year was the Lady of Avalon.

This year I was very surprised to be given Brighid to work with, not a deity I have ever had much contact with before and to be honest not one I ever thought I would...but I am game for most things so it should be an interesting journey...

So my altar is set up in honour of Brighid and we will see where she takes me.  Interesting that I am off to Glastonbury in a couple of weeks ...  a kind of 'home' to Brighid.

The next few weeks will be filled with meditations and activites that honour and connect me with Brighid to see what she has to teach me and how she wants to guide me.   She is linked with healing, re-birth, creativity and inspiration which all sounds pretty good to me I can always use lots of those in abundance.

Love this pathway that keeps taking me on intiguing twists and turns :-)

On yer bike...my bike...no room for passengers

I made arrangements a couple of weeks ago to meet a friend yesterday to discuss a workshop we are running together (Introduction to tarot with a twist with Kate Bowman).

It was only yesterday morning that I realised I would have no car to get there as it was in for MOT...which sent me into blind panic mode...

I have had a car since I passed my test back when I was a teenager (yes they did have motor cars then)...and I haven't been without one since, so it was a bit of a reality check for me.  How was I going to get to Kate's house?  It is just a tad too far to walk.   Buses then?  I  had no idea of bus time tables or bus stops, haven't been on a bus since I was a teenager...settled for a taxi.   In actual fact the lovely Kate sent her taxi hubby to collect me and a very generous friend offered to come and collect me afterwards so I was rescued (thank you).

However it did get me to thinking about the necessity of a car.   Hubby has a car so he can get to work and back, I originally had my car to do the same, but I have worked from home for the past six years so why do I need a car?   My car isn't a new super dooper sparkly one, in fact it is old, faded and showing signs of rust...but I love it.  You can fit 7 people in it for days out, it has carried sofas and beds to various destinations and you can fit an entire drum kit in the back.

So if I don't have to drive to work and back each day why do I need a car?  I have to admit I don't, not really, it has become a luxury rather than a necessity.   For the past couple of years we have discussed me losing my car if it fails the MOT or costs too much to repair...it hasn't happened yet so I guess the Universe is telling me I still need it.

It did make me think about my carbon footprint - OK so my one trip a week in the car to take the children to grandma's house for tea isn't going to make a huge difference but how would my footprint differ if I didn't have a car?  Actually I don't think it would because instead of using my car I would go by taxi or bus - still not eco friendly.  The option of a push bike is there and will remain so when the car eventually gives up the ghost but it is a bit difficult to fit me and two children on a bike LOL  I did ride a motorbike for a while which was perhaps a lower footprint than a car but still no room for children...

So I will continue to do what I can for the environment in other ways and rest assured knowing that my carbon footprint of using a car once a week is actually not too bad.  When the Universe decides it is time to get on my bike...I will...

Teen Spirit Wicca

I loved David Salisbury's last book - The Deep Heart of Witchcraft and this book is just as good.

Teen Spirit Wicca by David Salisbury

Although aimed at teenagers wanting to learn about Wicca this book would work well for all ages and anyone coming to the Craft.

Covering the history (but totally NOT in a boring history lesson way!) including mention of those people that laid the foundations of modern witchcraft and a beautifully written creation myth.

This book covers all the basics and then some - deities, Wiccan practice, Sabbats, ritual, tools, magick and daily practive to name but a few of the chapters.

Very comprehensive and as I would expect from David exceptionally well written.


Offical blurb:

Nature-based practices like Wicca and Witchcraft are exploding in popularity all over the world. The days of old dudes spoon-feeding us religion from a pulpit are giving way to the age of information and active learning. Young people are growing up with an understanding of how to connect with the divine on their own terms. If you’re a teenager today, you’re in a great position to seek out spiritual teachings that are more widely accessible than ever before. Wicca is one of those teachings.
With this practical guide, you’ll get the lowdown on what Wiccans believe and practice, and how to become one yourself. Some of the information on the Craft of the Wise can seem vast, overwhelming, and even a little boring. But have no fear! Teen Spirit Wicca will cut to the chase and give you just what you need to start practicing the Craft and living your life as a Wiccan today.

So you want to write a book?

I have had a lot of enquiries from people asking advice on how to write a book or get one published (or both).

Whilst I am happy to help in any way I can, I am not an editor or publisher and can only share my own personal experiences getting my own books published - my experience may not be the same as others.

However, here is what I know:

It ain't always easy

It takes a lot of research to write a book and a huge amount of time and effort

You have to get your facts right, there are people out there just waiting to pick holes in what you write (and let's face it you don't really want people to read your work if it is incorrect.)

You may have to trawl around lots of publishers before one takes you on...and that might not happen at all (sorry but it's the bare face truth).  Even some of the famous authors have had rejections.

Research the market, if the subject you want to write about has been covered by lots of people already then unless you have a totally unique spin on it a publisher probably won't risk it

The chance of you becoming JK Rowling status in the book world is incredibly slim, especially if you are writing for a niche market such as Occult/Spiritual

It is unlikely that you will make enough money to actually make a living, you will most definitely need a second job 

Small publishers do not pay advances

You will have to do a huge amount of marketing for your book yourself

You will need to do as much proof reading and editing as you can, smaller publishers will only usually do one proof read - so make sure your spelling and grammar is as perfect as you can get it.

If you want to sell copies of your book at markets and fairs you will have to purchase them from the publisher up front (albeit at a reduced cost).

Most publishers have a scale of contracts, the highest level meaning they cover all the costs and you get a percentage of sales from the sale of the first book (usually around 10% on paperbacks) and a high level of marketing is done for you.  The scale then slides downwards.  It might be that you have to sell 500 or 1000 books before you receive any royalties - the publisher takes the initial monies to cover their printing costs.  The lower end of the contract scale you may be required to pay a fee to have your book printed. (I did say it wouldn't make you a living LOL)

If you are a new author then the publisher will probably want to see the whole finished manuscript, ideas of who your target market is and names of similar books already out there, they will also want to know what unique selling points you and your book have to offer.

Colour photographs in a book cost a lot of money, chances are smaller publishers won't want to produce anything more than simple line diagrams in a book.

Sorry it sounds all doom and gloom, it isn't really it is just reality.  And I would like to point out that my own publishers have been amazing and totally supportive.

And if all else fails there are several self publishing avenues you could follow (but that does cost money up front).

However having said all that - if you want to write a book I encourage you to do so - get on and do it - if you don't try you will never know...

The Magic of Nature Oracle

I have received a lovely parcel in the post today:

A beautiful set of oracle cards designed by Sheena Cundy with illustrations by Tania Copsey.

I opened the package to find a very pretty hessian bag and inside that a lovely set of 39 big (5.5 x 3.5") oracle cards, a very detailed book with all the meanings and a signed certificate of authenticity - a wonderful set!

The design of the cards is based around nature itself to include the seasons, trees and animals such as ladybird, silver birch, summer and badger.

The first card I pulled was Silver Birch with the meaning "service" - Purification, Reverence, Mediumship which is quite funny as I have my mediumship development class this evening LOL

The book gives several meanings for each card - experience, lesson, gift and a magical mantra.

Lovely cards and a really nice gift to give someone as well with the addition of beautiful packaging.

Card sets can be purchased from

 http://www.themagicofnatureoracle.com/

A ramble into expectations...

Expectations

This blog subject has been rattling around in my head for days...not sure how it will play out but let's give it a go...

We all have expectations of one kind or another whether it is how we expect an event to turn out, a recipe to work, a job to be or a person to act (or react).  The outcome isn't always what we 'expected' it to be.

One of my life lessons (that I still struggle with on occasion) is my expectation of how people act and react to me, to others and to certain situations.  Unfortunately quite often I am disappointed, maybe I have high or unrealistic expectations?

We have just had all our festive celebrations - did they all live up to your expectations?  Did the presents you receive turn out to be what you expected or maybe more than you expected? (or less?).

Why do we put these levels of expectation on ourselves and others?  (I don't have an actual answer to that question).  Aren't we just setting ourselves up to be let down?  Or is that too negative, do we put those expectations in place so that we can be pleased and surprised when things all work out?

I hopefully live up to the expectations of others, I certainly try my best to be a good wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher etc - I try to do all that I can to be there, support and help others - but I have to assume that sometimes I fail - but is it that I haven't done enough or have gotten it wrong or is it that that the other person's expectations of me were unrealistic?

I can only be ME, I have worked for many years with my shadow - to recognise and work with those parts of my personality that I don't like much, to become the best person I can be but I am after all human so I do slip up occasionally.

Or maybe I try too hard to be that perfect person, maybe sometimes I am actually walked over, used or manipulated by others in my attempt to live up to their expectations, finding myself going against my intuition and personal code of conduct just to keep them happy?

I don't have any real answers to these questions, I just wanted to put the thoughts from my head into the written word to make some sort of sense to it.

In reality I will continue to do what I can to be the best person that I can possibly be, but I think I will temper it now and remember that actually I have my own code of conduct to live by and that won't necessarily be the same as others so I mustn't beat myself up when my views, words or actions differ from those of someone else or when they don't do or say what I expect them to.

I shall continue to be ME and actually maybe I do have high expectations but I don't want to lower them because I believe them to be right for me, if others don't agree or meet my expectations then maybe we aren't meant to be walking the same journey...

Paganism 101...a must have book

A fabulous new book due out 28th February 2014, available now for pre-order:

A really interesting idea from Trevor at Moon Books - he got 101 pagans to write about paganism...inspired idea and such a diverse and interesting collection of essays from some amazing people (and me) and of course it has a cracking review from Professor Ronald Hutton (swoon) and  Phillip Carr Gomm so it has high praise from very well respected people.

"Paganism 101 is an introduction to Paganism written by 101 Pagans. Grouped into three main sections, Who we are, What we believe and What we do, twenty topics fundamental to the understanding of the main Pagan traditions are each introduced by essay and then elaborated upon by other followers and practitioners, giving the reader a greater flavour of the variety and diversity that Paganism offers. 

With introductory essays from leading writers such as Emma Restall Orr, Mark Townsend, Brendan Myers, Jane Meredith, Alaric Albertsson and Rachel Patterson and with supporting vignettes from those at the heart of the Pagan community, Paganism 101 offers a truly unique insight."

…Paganism is an umbrella term covering a rich profusion of traditions, attitudes, experiences and beliefs. What better way to reflect that reality within one book than to get so many good writers to represent it? Professor Ronald Hutton

…a much-needed book that gives voice to the diversity of ideas and opinions being voiced by contemporary Pagans. Philip Carr Gomm, Author and Leader of The Order of Bards Ovates & Driuids

...I thoroughly recommend this book as an introduction for people who are exploring Paganism for the first time, and also to Pagans who have been walking their paths for some time for the insights it provides. Mike Stygal, President of the Pagan Federation

…the rather rare opportunity of tuning in to 101 voices, all willing and eager to speak to you directly of what resonated with them. Barbara Meiklejohn-Free, Author, shaman and advocate of our earth-centred traditions.

http://www.moon-books.net/books/paganism-101

An exciting magical herb start to 2014...

2014 starts with the exciting (well for me anyway...) news that a contract is on its way for book number five...A Kitchen Witch's World of Magical Herbs & Plants.

It isn't written yet, it will take some time but it should be published in the summer.

So...as I am about to start the writing journey I thought I would set up a facebook page to document my progress, a page where I can share information that I find about magical herbs and plants in my research, interesting (hopefully) tit bits about how to grow, harvest, store and work with herbs and plants and what to do with them on a magical level.

If you would like to join me for the ride hop on over to

https://www.facebook.com/kitchenwitchmagicalherbs

Where I will also be sharing regular readings from my Magical Herbs and Plants Oracle card set as well.

♥

Following and dancing to the beat of my own drum

Prompted by the Sassology group run by author and go get 'em girl Lisa Lister I pulled a Sassy She oracle card for the year ahead...and I got:

Rhythm

This card says - stop being swayed by others and listen to the beat of your own drum.

I like that.

I have had a habit in the past, of being swayed and I would even go as far to say manipulated by others, not in a wimpy 'I have no brain of my own' kind of way (anyone that knows me will know that is very unlikely to happen LOL) but of buckling under pressure so as not to upset others or cause arguments.

Well this card says just how I feel for the future - I will do whatever I can to help my friends and anyone in need, I will support you and encourage you in all sorts of ways but and here's the crux...although I won't say or do anything to purposely hurt anyone, I am however done with keeping my mouth shut when I think things are wrong, I am not going to sit in the background and ignore my intuition just because it is easier and quieter and I will not be told that I am wrong or that someone is not a good person or that I shouldn't be doing something or following a pathway just because someone else says so, I WILL trust my own intuition, it hasn't failed me yet but I have ignored it on more than one occasion...to my detriment.

I am ME...I am in total control of my own destiny and I am not only gonna beat that drum I am going to dance to it too.

2014 bring it on...it's going to be fantastic...



Sassy She oracle cards can be purchased online from:
http://sassyology.com/sassy-she-oracle-cards/

January...make it magical...

I have to admit January is not my favourite month...having had Samhain/Halloween (my birthday) then the build up and the festivities of the Yule season January seems a bit of a let down.  No one has any money, the weather is always wet and miserable and it seems a bit flat.

So I am attempting to make January rock this year...

In the Celtic tree calendar January is represented by Birch, a tree of new beginnings and change, it is nourishment for the soul and brings inspiration and cleansing...perfect, sounds exactly what we need.

Magical workings in January have the added power of new beginnings and new endeavours, creativity, healing, protection and fertility. Also a good time to banish negative energies, weather divination, wish magic, working reversing spells and helping you to achieve your goals.

A time for rebirth and regeneration. As the Winter Solstice passes we look towards the growing light again.
There are also certain deities associated with January if you wanted to work with them or perhaps make a nod in their direction on your altar:

Chang – O, Freya, Hera, Innana, Juno, Sarasvati, Venus, Janus

January is named after the Roman God Janus.

And on to totem animals that are associated with January, their energies will be particuarly strong this month:

Otter, Goose, Magpie, Tiger, Duck, Fox

Crystals to use in January:

Garnet, onyx, jet, chrysoprase, rose quartz, pink tourmaline, rhodochrosite, ruby, moss agate, amber, fire opal, clear quartz

Herbs and plants associated with January:

Birch, marjoram/oregano, pine cones, crocus, snow drop, rosemary, chickweed, ash, rowan, bay, chervil, parsley, sage, thyme and nuts

And in the kitchen in January:

In season in the UK (from River Cottage Year by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall):

Veg:
Artichokes, Beetroot, Broccoli – purple sprouting, Brussel sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celeriac, Celery, Chard, Chicory, Endive, Spring & winter greens, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Pak choi, Parsnips, Potatoes, Radishes, Rocket, Salsify, Spinach, Swede, Turnips, Watercress

Fruit:
Apples, Pears, Forced rhubarb

Wild plants & herbs:
Cow parsley, Nettles, Juniper berries, Chestnuts

Oils/Incense for January:

Musk, Mimosa, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Tangerine, Lavender, Spearmint, Peppermint, Juniper, Cedarwood, Cypress, Bergamot, Frankincense

Well that is plenty to be going on with to occupy your mind and keep away the January blues...