BLACK MAGIC: A Bad Press - REVIEW:

B is Black magic: associated with the supernatural, has a commonplace definition of evil use, selfish purpose, linked with Satanism and those who practice the 'dark art' are of ill-character and dubious conscience. Negativity surrounds their motives and when performed, done so for vengeance purpose.
The darkness is indeed strong, not to be underestimated and though it can be corrupted, it does not automatically follow that Black magic should be stricken from the library shelf - knowledge is indeed power.
Maybe it is the rituals that some deem perverse that is the problem? That Witch is not understandable is always open to criticism.
Hex, curses and most magic spells are always going to carry with them a degree of stigma – for those who are ignorant of its usage.
The fact that blood, tissue and other items of decaying material are used, does not automatically mean, that there is a sin behind its purpose.
Necromancy is defined “not as general black magic, but as any magic having to do with death itself”. If one looks at medical resuscitation, i.e. CPR, could one really look at this as Black magic? It could be described by some as raising the dead
The dark side of Paganism can encompass many facets of belief - its draw is quite cosmopolitan, leading to numerous interpretations of what it means to be a dark Pagan. One has to be open to many avenues. For, "Enlightenment doesn't occur from sitting around visualizing images of light, but from integrating the darker aspects of the Self into the conscious personality." ~ Carl Jung (See Wikipedia)
I feel there is a 3 way balance on all beliefs, the light, the dark and the shadow of Grey in between.
We have all heard of Yin Yang, its symbolic depiction of White and Black, Positive and Negative, Good and Evil, shows such unison of balance.
Mythology talks of darkness and chaos being the primeval force from which life sprang forth from.
We cannot claim by any means to be absorbed in the total brilliance of light, though we have come a long way – hence the shadow period. Whether we have to travel to another plain for such enlightenment, its true is conjecture.
The use and practice of Black Magic requires great self-discipline, and no magic should be taken lightly, especially that witch could cause harm.
The karmic concept of cause and effect is a serious consideration, with the practitioner accepting full responsibility for their actions, though it would be naive to suggest that there aren't those who take this approach to extremes.
Shadow self is a part of us all, holds our deepest anxieties though can; if we are not careful, taint our persona either consciously or subconsciously. I have an affinity for the dark and shadow. It brings a sense of comfort to my soul, I feel it is an integral part of Ye olde religion and faith. I believe it should be respected and not be clouded by a general media perception

Review and Pre-view

Well, not long to go now, and with no letting up in the Government strategy of public sector cuts, and a willingness of a force to comply without a steadfast defence; seemingly to prefer a “wait until the wheel falls off” approach, I wonder what tomorrows presentation will yield. Although it seems that any further reduction in the provision of service will see worrying consequences, the focus on streamlining and risk assessment will, have repercussions, of that I have no doubt. Still, one must keep positive focus, I guess.
I make a few trips to the library, though find disappointment as the book I ordered of Wiccan theme has not yet come in – though maybe it’s popularity being the reason – hmm.
This week marked the US holiday of MLK; a man of conviction, courage and inspiration. I have his speech posted up on my living room wall as a reminder that the 60s were not all spectrum colours and peace and Love, but built on a solid Black and White foundation of status that needed to be challenged and overcome before the pleasures could be embraced and enjoyed – something that many forget. I remember as a (very) young child being so impressed with his aura, a champion of just cause and a man destined to be a noted figure in history –the memory continues.
I had a visitor on Wednesday, a rather attractive young lady who with cheery smile and tender words attempted me to commit to a Direct Debit to assist an animal charity; though the cause worthy, financial restraint is with us all, it was only after reflection that although her convictions seemed to be true, there is always the taste of scam in the air and maybe my subconscious instinct served me well. Too suspicious, maybe but then again
I chat with another young lady. A friend I met some while ago though regrettably lost touch with, she too of public service, and of conviction of merit, continuing her academic studies in positive manner. I offer her opine upon her essay work, required for presentation for educational merit.
Since the New Year, I have become more self-disciplined in the provision of 500 word text within a structured timeframe. Well one can always offer assistance; even if it not taken. With a forthcoming assessment due, it’s hoped that achievement will follow! Followers of my arm will be interested (?) to know that I think I have sussed out the cause, and his name be Arthur, Arthur Ritus! Oh old age you are a bugger - especially when I view Linda on U-Tube! I reminisce of a time when youthful exuberance was common place and once again reflect upon the importance of living for the moment. Although Linda still retains her charms, my mirror shows, time is not as forgiving – lol.
To coin a phrase (One of mine) “The joyous memories of tomorrow will be based on the pleasure that we get from whilst living in and for today”

BLUE MOON - REVIEW:

B is for Blue Moon.
Long before the chants from the football (/soccer) terraces, the 1981 film of a 'Bad Moon Rising' and the 1961 'Marcels' hit record, there was, is and will be the 'Blue Moon'. English usage of the title; according to the Oxford English Dictionary, refers to a Blue Moon coming from a proverb recorded in 1528: -
"If they say the moon is blue, we must believe that it is true"
The next expected occurrence being 21/08/13 then 21/05/16 with the next time a Blue Moon due to dawn on New Year’s Eve being 2028 - Witch will coincide with a total lunar eclipse - surely is worth the wait? The familiar phrase "once in a blue moon" is, it seems, not a mere expression. Blue Luna; I feel, has a magical allure – indeed, it is a time when many covens hold their initiations.
Whist signifying rarity, reported sightings at two notable events in history, Krakatoa (1883) and more recently Mount St. Helens (1980) is quite ominous, so may be just as well less frequent.
Pagan Lore has varying definitions, with the origin unsubstantiated. One is that it holds an energy held by Grandmother Goddess in her 3 forms of Maiden, Mother and Crone (similarly, it is aligned with the auras of Mind, Body and Spirit) The later evolution of Christianity, associating such with the Divine Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit also shows a symbol of reverence. Other traditions favour the transition of knowledge and teachings, resulting in enlightenment. That she represents a time of heightened or clearer communication, of and for our mental awareness, when we are more attuned to and linking of both masculine and feminine spiritual clarity and thereby more apt to yield a greater insight. I have; as far back as I can remember, felt drawn to the serene calmness that Lady Luna brings. When frustrated in mind, heart or body, when dazed and confused and when opening up to the realisation of I find her silent presence. Each of us attune with an element of significance. Not only am I drawn to Luna beauty, I am with that of the Wolf; such a union that seems to be inevitably connected.
Forlorn too is the myth of a lover pining for a love of unification that never will be, the sadness of Blue may too have a significance; dependant on circumstance and/or relevance. Still, though Blue may be the colour, there is also; I feel, a conclusion that upon the end of the night, and by the next day the vision is all that is Blue; of sadness, negativity and ill fortune will be gone, and a new dawn of hope and better favour will be upon all
BLUE MOON
Beaming down, through darkest night
Luna glows, with coloured light
Under witch, we all can share
Enlightenment, and with gentle care
Moonbeams, that with glow she brings
Overtures - that sweetly sing
Of Witch we all, embrace anew
Natures gift - through moon of Blue

Back to work 2K12

Monday, and I am slightly disappointed to come back from the library bookless. The tone I had ordered of Wiccan content had still not arrived. I have not been there for a while and found; perhaps unsurprisingly, IT had made its way there too, still, there has to be a place for books to remain surely? The other thing I found out was the reduction of opening hours, due to Public spending cuts and less usage, I guess we should all be aware and remember to “use it or lose it”
Following a respite of leave, I prepare for the day – can’t put it off any longer, and for the first time this year, I return to work.
The new haircut seems to go down well with positive comments coming from two of the younger girls within the office – which is nice, although comment from a male supervisor of “you look almost smart today Billy ... almost” brings me back down to earth.
The negative email that greets me (et al) regarding the latest proposal for financial and job cuts to the workforce, sees disappointment, although there seems a general acceptance of and generally felt belief of mis-managerial practices, there remains a degree of solidarity remaining – things have to get better sometime – just not today.
I ease back into work with a familiar un-expectancy, though maybe it is because I had detached myself so fully whilst away from it, auto-pilot naturally kicks in and I am away, though it seems that a testing of the arms strength may be relevant
Gentle banter during the day sees one of the girls tagged with a new nickname, thanks to olde British TV, and Lady Emily (formerly Lady Penelope-Thunderbirds) is born.
A late night call (for her kit) sees a return to football activity of my younger daughter, which stimulates my itchy feet, and I wonder if I follow suit and participate in the Unit football fun – hmm, Ill think on it over the weekend.
I look to update my Pagan Blog for the week with my choice of A is for Aries, though as I begin to look into my persona, I find that my normal target of 500 words will be far too short for to do it justice, so I move to another.
The 13th is day of notorious fortune. For me, it is a good one, and I purchase this week’s lottery numbers in the hope of financial reward (those fingers are crossed)
I do some Samaritan work, as I assist a neighbour (of sight not knowing) with use of some de-icer; for it is a cold start to the day.
Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable end to the 4 day week, as the teamwork, camaraderie and spirit see humour and work wind down for a good weekend – one can hope.
I post my Blog for Pagan with my A subject being Afterlife (see related post) and I guess I must look into the B’s for my next topic.

AFTERLIFE - Review:

My second A is for Afterlife.
There is nothing to fear when one passes on, it is more of an inconvenience to suffer. Although leaving behind loved ones can make folk sad, one has to accept that all things must pass, the circle of life is like the seasons, continuing on an ever turning wheel.
I believe in a spiritual pathway that sees us ascend to another plain. When the time comes, shaking loose these mortal shackles, we are free to express ourselves with exuberance, to run, to play in greener pastures and fields of gold.
Maybe a paradise there be, maybe reincarnation lies beyond, or maybe we dwell in respite prior to returning to another form of existence (both known and unknown).
I have often heard the comment "I must have been bad in another life" when things go awry, and there are those who feel they have past-life memories with visions of unknown origins. Though its true there is no way of being sure with hard and fast assuredly, who can refute such with equally certainty?
As the body fades to dust, the aura has to go somewhere, and the recycling of soul is something that many tenets teach. A lot of religions use this as a shadowed threat for compliance to their doctrine. My faith is based around conviction of conscience and needs not a stick or carrot to persuade me, my credo is a choice embraced without fear or reservation.
Different traditions suggest different viewpoints. Whether it’s is Summerland; Wiccan concept of paradise, a place of comfort for souls and source of the renewal of mystical energy; where one experiences happiness and sensual pleasure.
‘Valhalla’ the "Hall of the Slain" a land where the spirits of noble warriors from Norse myth embark to, before feasting well prior to assisting the gods in the apocalyptic battle that is said to occur at the end of age.
Hades; the site of Greek myth, a 3 zoned land of ‘just and due reward’ or the attuning to Druidic lore, that sees the spirit sail to the isle of Avalon, the Isle of Apples and Arthurian legend.
For peace of mind, one chooses their own version for contentment, and therein finds their personal serenity or goal to strive for.
Departing this sphere, grief can comes with a sense of personal loss, emptiness and loneliness moreover to those left behind. Though rather than a fear for the fate of the deceased, we should encourage hope and joy rather than fear. Those left behind facing the aftermath of such departure, appraised with more understanding will allow I feel a degree of solace.
What lies beyond and how we move to, reside, and move on from is a process that many conjecture over, though it is an important tenet of Paganism, for there is much to look forward to awaiting over the rainbow Be not afraid of the unknown, it is only an answer to a question that we have yet to calculate

ALTAR - Review:

My first Pagan posting of the year, and as I am a week behind written in haste। I feel however it captures the spirit of the subject matter to some, if not all extent
My A is for Altars for I have two. I believe in the balance the light the dark and; more relevantly I think, the shadows in between.
My Altar White is situated near to the front window at the bottom of my stairs. With natural light and fresh air of opened window that allows the growth of flowers to bloom. Along with this I have elemental representation of soil from the Earth of Avalon’s slopes, Spring Water; also obtained from Glastonbury village, Fire is represented by the aromatic candles lit every night, and a simple White feather which blew in on the breeze of Air resting naturally on the table by seemingly spiritual guidance.
Around the base I have stone, wood, heather and aromatic sticks of essence. I place fresh flowers in the vase above, along with crystals of several choice; witch I wash upon every Luna passing.
This set against a background of tree branch taken from the background of my garden of witch I hang bracelet; again of crystals, gifts that came to me from unknown origin. Nymphs stand either side of the window, with fallen leaf that gently fade as the seasons pass.
Beneath my daughters of allure and wisdom three; standing on a plinth that holds a silver crystal and carved Goddess image of ancient past, are other representatives of acknowledgement. The one that stands out being the gift of ancient hand carved token of Wolf design. It is another gift from another time and place (originating from a small New Mexican village) and holds particular significance as a symbol of simplicity and spirituality.
Finally, I place fruit of the seasons, as well as providing part of my 5ive a day, it is a reminder that for, and with every season there is a time – as the lines states is to “turn, turn, turn”, and as such though I keep the principles, I make movement to their standing and utilise their properties when heeding to ritual practice.
My second Altar, I position under the stairs, there within the shadows it is dark and though has a degree of Black (for balance) it is with respectful acknowledgement that I lay my items of dead flower, rotten fruit and decayed material – though they may not be alive, they are far from dead, and sit there before going to that witch lies beyond. There are also objects of elemental importance - though not as ‘perky’ there are nevertheless relevant and important to hold.
In the performance of ritual I am mindful and careful, for whilst being somewhat of an academic novice, I am aware of the consequences of using the magic. Though it is moreover drawn by personal instinct the course I take is I feel is the right one – for I do have faith

Week 1 2K12

It is the first week of 2012, and just as a Monday morning is a disappointment to the week when returning to work, I like to take leave of absence at this time from returning to society norm – so I did. It does, I feel, provide a respite following the hullabaloo of Christian and New Year celebrations.
I begin my first project of the year with a commitment of noting daily thoughts in my page a day diary; which in the past I have waned in my fortitude of such. At least this year, the impetus to provide review notes for my weekly Blog may, give reason to commit to such.
Three days in, and a now re-opened barber shop sees somewhat of a change, and a number 3, squared back and fringe cut sees fresh face for a fresh year.
Because; it would seem, of the festive break, I receive a belated Yuletide present from across the pond - what an admirable gift it be. The adoption of an endangered animal is the least one can do, and it was my friend Emily who did so, on my behalf. Her choice was a Gray Wolf; an animal in real decline, on behalf of defenders of wildlife organisation. It is an obvious; though very much overlooked choice of gift, and be it animals (endangered), natures woes (rain forests) humanitarian (destitution, post war and natural disasters) need, or the Green warriors of conviction, it seems to me there can be few more gratifying gifts to give than a donation to others who; despite our moaning and groaning about how down we are, there are others and places lying in far darker places than we are, go to or even dare not think to be. It is a choice of gift; appropriate to the person, of which I intend to make to others in lieu of my affection and conviction of conscience.
I explain to my Grand Daughter my thinking on this, and it brings a smile to her face; so I know she approves and will be duly appreciative. I have the pleasure of her company for a full day which is always nice and educational (though to whom, and by whom is debatable)
In the latter part of the first period of anew, I make contact with another FB friend; whom I originally met two years plus ago whilst at the educational establishment of union training. Now politically active for a party to which she has an affinity with. The date we arrange should meet with interesting topic, theme and discussion.A minor concern is a loss of strength to my right hand. The elbow is a location of pain, with the broken bone to my hand feeling the curse of arthritis that deprives me of the actions that my body can’t, but my mind thinks it ought to be able to do. Ho hum, I’ll deal, it’s not like it’s the end of the world – although it is 2012 – Ooh Err

And so IT is a New Year

Whenever ones New Year is to the individual, a time which each of us can relate to, there lies the opportunity to make changes to habits, addictions and indeed lifestyles. Though my faith looks to February as the onset of the year and March is the Seasons start, the calendar looks at this day as the end/start of a period anew. Traditionally, it is a time to make of resolutions, to change, cut out vices, start regimes of diet and give fresh focus to the forthcoming time ahead.
I have plenty of times to do so as each of the eight Sabbats give an opportunity to do so, witch I would rather do than wait for an annual review.
It is therefore not so much a reflection over the past twelve months, but a more gradual and recently more intensively muse that I find I am entering a new phase of lifestyle.
It is a case of embracing solitude; not so much that it accepts an inevitability of defeatism, for my Arien persona could not allow that. It is moreover that I look to the persona of youth’s importance of values, and to embrace the living for and of the moment. Not so much selfishness but usage of self focus and self-responsibility.
This week I had the misfortune to lose the ability to surf upon the inter-waves – finding it to be of most inconvenience; especially at the time when communication is most relevant.
When one is left without the use of IT, whether it is due to virus contraction, power shut down of equipment breakdown, IT becomes evident how reliant we are of IT. The usage of communication WW, access to information and social enjoyment makes IT, habitual to some, addictive to others and in some cases even obsessive. IT seems that the attraction of the Goggle box has been replaced by the reliance of the interface of the PC.
Disassociation from the Interweb is not something that I would recommend however, IT is a tool of education and self-development and along with the capabilities that international understanding has to offer something we would be remiss to ignore.
Though I could have made use of the library or internet cafes that are to hand, I chose instead to take a break from the cyber world for a week; whilst going back to the basics may go against my policy of ‘tree watch’, the ideas of creative mind and returning to my minds experiences and imagination was certainly a throw-back Those days of mental analysis and theoretical muse often provides inspiration then, and indeed, now. When one combines the mental and methodical calculations that witch we have at our disposal, then the combination of IT and me, can be a myriad of expansive fantasy and adventure – ah the onset of the diary New Year, with all that I and IT provide can be if not spectacular then of quirky and slightly unnervingly mix and fun – It the kinda guy I am.