Simply Witchy

Dreamin On A Tuesday

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-05-08T22:42:57Z

After my near disastrous day I decided to have a little fun with the staffers so I asked where they would dream of going in the US. We have done the International dream vacations so now its the US turn!

Off the bat I pulled up some pictures of two destinations that when I am feeling a bit low or need a boost look at. One is looking at OrlandoVacation Homes that are simply lovely. Just to be there in one would be so relaxing for about a week maybe two! I would love to do that.

Jess said that his would be a stay in Frisco for about 2 weeks. Fran said she would go to Arizona to take some pictures of the vast scenery. Those were only two of the staffers choices. The other 2 could not think of one place.

I say they need shock therapy!

What A Day

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-05-08T22:37:36Z

Ever have one of those days? I mean a day that starts off OK and then slowly goes down hill from there? Well, guys and dolls that is the day here.

One of the first things that happened was a wheel fell off the printer cart. Now, this cart holds all kinds of things along with the printer and is not very old. Built well and has seen a lot, and I mean a lot of things here in the office. Today I think it took its revenge out on me personally! One of the stem casters literally fell out and the cart tipped over.

I was knocked off balance and I swear when I righted myself that cart was laughing at me. Sick piece of metal is all that it is. Now I have to go out to the supply house to get a replacement for it this week.

I am thinking of making it stationery. That will fix its wagon that is for sure!!

In Memoriam: De-Anna Alba (1952-2012)

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-05-08T00:59:38Z

In Memoriam: De-Anna Alba (1952-2012): Memorial Service on Saturday, May 12

An interfaith memorial service for Pagan author, elder, and priestess, De-Anna Alba, also known as Wendy White, will be held his coming Saturday, May 12, 2012 in California.

De-Anna was one of Circle Sanctuary's first priestesses and was Circle Sanctuary's first church secretary. She assisted Circle Sanctuary senior minister Selena Fox with publications, events, music, networking, and other endeavors. De-Anna was part of the Pagan Spirit Gathering during its formative years. Selena Fox will give her eulogy and will be among the officiants at De-Anna's interfaith memorial service this Saturday. Selena also will be among the officiants at De-Anna's Pagan memorial service and cremains interment at Circle Cemetery in Wisconsin on July 21.

De-Anna's interfaith memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday at the Church of the Incarnation (Episcopal), 550 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, California.

ATTEND: Interested in attending De-Anna's Memorial? If you have not already done so, please RSVP De-Anna's partner Lea Pierce right away if you wish to attend the service: lea@leapierce.com.

Directions to the service can be found at www.incarnation-sr.org.

SHARE MEMORIES: Please leave memories, tributes, and other sharings about De-Anna, her life, work, and legacy on her In Memoriam page: www.circlesanctuary.org/memoriam/de-anna_alba.htm.

A Fun Gift Idea

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-29T14:05:47Z

Are you looking for something a little different to give as a gift? No matter young or old a dark magic yoyo would be a fun and unique gift to give!

I think that no matter what the persons age they would love this! I remember yoyo's when I was younger and man they were fun. The tricks that I learned to do by my parents were so entertaining!

So why not think outside of the box and give something a little different? Who could resist the charm of a yoyo?

Pain Relief

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-29T14:01:24Z

While there are many workings for pain the best solution is to contact your doctor. For example those that need bulging disc surgery should not rely on a working to cure this.

Often times those on various paths seek out workings to cure everything. Finding that it may not work. Why is this? It could very well mean that the Universe is telling you to seek the help of those in the medical profession.

There is a time and place for all rituals and workings. But remember that the best cure is found from your doctor. Do not replace medical help with workings.

Your health is not something to leave up in the air!

Seats For All

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-15T15:54:18Z

We are having an upcoming gathering and came to the realization that we are lacking one huge item. Enough chairs for all! Renting can really be a pain and expensive so we needed to locate a company that might have what we need that would be reasonably inexpensive. OK, cheap is more the word but you catch where I am going with cost.

Running out of options one of the staff suggested that we might look at chairs for church buildings that are rented at a low cost. I will tell you that I would not have thought of that at all.

A nearby city had some great options for us and the best part it was far below our budget. Great idea that came to light!

With seating taken care of now we can breathe a little easier and figure out menu planning now!

Let Your Spirit Soar

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-15T15:46:23Z

Feeling down and out? Your spirit probably is telling you something. You may need to lighten the mood that is around you.

One great way to restore some happiness to your spirit is to open you Bass Guitar Cases that you have growing dust over and begin playing. Everyone has heard the saying 'Music soothes the savage beast' well it is true.

Play your favorite music while you are doing your daily chores. You will be so surprised how quickly your spirit is uplifted and your work is done quicker also!

Music is another element that works wonders while doing workings. Choose special music that will set the mood. Be it drumming, chanting or simply instrumentals. Your workings or rituals will have a special sense and meaning.

Lighten up your spirit with the sounds of music letting your spirit soar and dance!

Using Oils All The Time

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-15T15:39:43Z

A lot of men and women use their intent oils all the time. I know that a lot of individuals have switched from using womens perfume for the intent oils.

While using these oils every day they have noticed that some of their jewelry has been looking a little worn and tarnished. This can be easily prevented.

One thing is as with any perfumes or oils of any kind contact with metals should not happen. Apply your oils first allowing time for drying. Making sure that your fingers are clean and oil free before putting on your jewelry. Pearls are easily damaged with any perfumes, oils and yes, hair spray. Causing discoloring and this may or may not be repaired.

Mixing oils and jewelry is easy to do just take extra care while using both!

Pearls of Wisdom 30 Inspirational Ideas to Love Your Best Life Now!

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-15T12:42:35Z

Pearls of Wisdom
30 Inspirational Ideas to Love Your Best Life Now!
Jack Canfield, Marci Shimoff, Chris and Janet Bray Attwood
ISBN: 9780981877150
Book (Hardcover)
Hierophant Publishing
$23.95
5 1/4 x 7 1/4
216 pages
April 1, 2012

Last week this was one of the great books that I curled up to read and then review. Instead of trying my hand at researching information on quick step laminate that I really should be doing I picked this book up and settled in for a reading adventure. By the time I finished reading the book I knew that the following day the research would be completed and sent off to my daughter.

Without further delays here is the review on The Pearls of Wisdom!

We all know that this reader is not fond of self help books. As reading so many over the years either for reviews or personal choice they seem to all be redundant and repetitive. This was the mind set that I had when I first started the book.

Turning page after page I found that I was engrossed in what was being told. Amazed even more that an hour had passed unnoticed by me and the last page was read.

There were two chapters that I enjoyed and gained the most insight in. The first was "Access Your Angels". Whether you believe in your Guardian Angels or not this was very well written in words that were heart felt and really to the point. Some of the points I have read various other articles and books about but overall the chapter gave me a fresh look at utilizing the Angels that surround myself. There was a rather Ah Ha moment was certainly had at the end of this particular chapter.

The following chapter that I applaud and cheer was "Take a Family Sabbatical". I have been telling many of my clients just this. Take time to be away from your family and remember who you are other than Mom & Dad. It is not bad parenting but smart personal management in a way.
There are quotes at the end of the book that are relating to the Golden Rule that gives the reader a refresher on how we should treat others but may not.

Pearls of Wisdom is a self help book but with the stories relating to each chapter it did not feel like one. Instead of finger wagging the words gave warming wisdom that many of us should utilize in our lives.

We all know that this reader is not fond of self help books. As reading so many over the years either for reviews or personal choice they seem to all be redundant and repetitive. This was the mind set that I had when I first started the book.

Turning page after page I found that I was engrossed in what was being told. Amazed even more that an hour had passed unnoticed by me and the last page was read.

There were two chapters that I enjoyed and gained the most insight in. The first was "Access Your Angels". Whether you believe in your Guardian Angels or not this was very well written in words that were heart felt and really to the point. Some of the points I have read various other articles and books about but overall the chapter gave me a fresh look at utilizing the Angels that surround myself. There was a rather Ah Ha moment was certainly had at the end of this particular chapter.

The following chapter that I applaud and cheer was "Take a Family Sabbatical". I have been telling many of my clients just this. Take time to be away from your family and remember who you are other than Mom & Dad. It is not bad parenting but smart personal management in a way.
There are quotes at the end of the book that are relating to the Golden Rule that gives the reader a refresher on how we should treat others but may not.

Pearls of Wisdom is a self help book but with the stories relating to each chapter it did not feel like one. Instead of finger wagging the words gave warming wisdom that many of us should utilize in our lives.

present a workshop or other program activity at this year’s PSG

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-13T17:38:54Z

Want to present a workshop or other program activity at this year’s PSG?

After you have registered, you can submit proposals on-line or by postal mail.

Deadline for program proposals is MONDAY, APRIL 30.

No proposals will be considered after April 30!

Use the online form at the PSG website: www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/proposals

The updated PSG website includes info about this year’s authors, musicians, and other program activities.

Some of this year’s workshop are listed on-line at www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/proposals/approved.php. Keep checking back for new entries!

365 Dalai Lama: Daily Advice From the Heart

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-04T15:20:00Z

365 Dalai Lama
Daily Advice From the Heart
Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama
ISBN: 9781571746818
Edited by Matthieu Ricard
Book (Paperback)
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
$16.95
5 1/4 x 6 3/4
384 pages
March 1, 2012

Need a book that will inspire you? This may just be the book for you. 365 Dalai Lama, Daily Advice From The Heart gives you an inspirational thought for every single day of the year.
A great way to start your day or end your night before retiring. Giving you food for thought with each day's advice.

There are so many topics in this small book you are sure to find something that will inspire and uplift you.
We have our copy in the office and use it daily. Does it work? Yes, often times the daily advice is used as a conversation starter on the topic which leads to wonderful insights from one and all.
You can not loose on this book. Highly recommended.

More Information:
Imagine having an audience with the Dalai Lama every day, receiving personal advice about how to make your life better and more joyful.
365 Dalai Lama offers exactly that: short and inspiring words offering enlightening advice for everyday living.
The teachings in 365 Dalai Lama offer an opportunity to feel the focus and presence of the Dalai Lama as never before. His holiness shares his advice from the heart on a variety of topics including:

    Living and Growing Old
    Young People and Families
    Sickness and Dying
    Living in Poverty and Wealth
    Anger, Jealousy,Pride, and Desire
    Religion and Faith
    Sexual Desire and Homosexuality
    War and Politics
    Mindfulness and a Contemplative Life

From the book:
Day 156: “The only aggressive attitude that is acceptable is recognizing one’s own talent and working with unshakable determination, saying to oneself, ‘I, too, am capable, and even if nobody helps me, I will succeed.’"

Tenzin Gyatso, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama, is the exiled spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He is widely recognized as an advocate of world peace and has received many honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Grey Cat Memoriam

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-03T13:13:33Z

It was announced yesterday that Pagan author and elder Grey Cat has passed away. She was well known and beloved in the community.

Grey Cat wrote the book Deepening Witchcraft: Advancing Skills & Knowledge and was a contributor to many other books, such as Exploring the Pagan Path: Wisdom From the Elders and the Chas Clifton Witchcraft Today series.

We, as many others, are saddened by this news as she will be deeply missed by the countless of people that she had touched.

Casting Sacred Space: The Core of All Magickal Work

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-02T18:20:27Z

Casting Sacred Space
The Core of All Magickal Work
Ivo Dominguez, Jr., Foreword by T. Thorn Coyle
ISBN: 9781578634996
Book (Paperback)
Weiser Books
$17.95
6 x 9
224 pages
Spot art
February 1, 2012

For those of you that are just starting out this is a great step by step book in guiding you in casting your own spaces.
Ever wonder how to cast a sacred magickal space? Calling the Quarters? or Grounding & centering? Well, let me tell you this is the book to learn it by.

Not only are there many different methods given each has a step by step instructions and at the end gives you practice exercises.

No, they are not difficult to learn at all so do not worry about that. Written in a way that nearly anyone can understand you will be able to actually learn and do. Not question and shy away as many books often lead the reader to doing.

The Three Pillars was eloquently written and finally someone issued a warning while using. Often times this is written about making it seem easy and safe as pie while it can be somewhat unsafe for a person that is just starting out or not taking it seriously. A big thank you for that.

I would definitely recommend this book for the novice and even as a refresher book for the experienced.

Quick Request

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-02T00:47:06Z

Last month we received a handful of requests that we just do not normally handle. They were more on the business side of requests. So we do try to locate services when we can but it does not always work out quickly.

One such request for the location of a cpa firm raleigh area. Since we are in Indiana this is a tough one for us. They did have some specific requests to go along with this so if you live in and around this area and know of a great CPA would you give us a holler and we can fill you in with the details.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Prom & Graduations Coming Up

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-02T00:43:21Z

It's that time of year again where the talk is all about the proms and graduations that are coming up. My son is preparing for his final prom this year and graduating from high school as well so we are all so very busy with clothes shopping and what to buy as his gift.

This year I am sending his girlfriend a gift of strawberries dipped in chocolate for her gift as she loves those. You can click here to see some of the gift ideas to choose from.It is so hard to just choose one! I have seen so many that I would love to choose but settling on the strawberries.

The next two months will be a whirl wind of activities.

Congrats To Lousie

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-02T00:38:35Z

Last Lousie came rushing into the main office and started handing out ashton cigars to everyone. At first we were all like what are you doing and then it hit us I think all at the same time. The baby was born!

A bouncing, healthy set of twin boys! Now around the office we knew that they were boys but waiting till they arrived has been agony. With every call it was 'is it time?'

We are so happy for the parents and just know they are truly doubley blessed!!!

Early Discount Rates

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-04-01T13:33:09Z

Register through this coming MONDAY, APRIL 2 in order to qualify for the early registration discount rates for this year's Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG).

Registrations using a paper form through the mail must be postmarked by April 2 to receive the discount rates. You can download a paper version online at www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/faqs.htm

For more info and to register, go to:
www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/register

The 2012 Pagan Spirit Gathering is being held June 17-24 at Stonehouse Park near Earlville, Illinois.

Rituals * Workshops * Concerts * Leadership Training * Youth Activities * Fire Spinning
Bonfires * Dancing * Drumming * Networking * Merchanting * Candlelight Labyrinth * & More

PRESENTERS: www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/presenters

MUSICIANS: www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/music

PROGRAM PROPOSALS: Want to present a workshop, ritual, or other program activity?
After you register, submit your program proposal on-line. Deadline is April 30.
www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/proposals

MERCHANTING: Attention Merchants, Artists, and Craftspeople! Attend one of the largest Pagan gatherings in the country and take advantage of the opportunity to sell your wares in a Pagan Town for a week. Together, we create a festival community, of which our Merchants are an important part. Please visit www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/merchants for information about the festival and merchant registration. Space is available on a 1st-come basis, so register early and join us for a week of rejuvenation and networking!

SPREAD THE WORD: Help us get the word out about this year's festival -- forward this email to lists, blogs, websites, others you know who may be interested in taking part. Free brochures and flyers are available upon request for distribution to festivals, classes, centers, and other places.

Springing Into Action

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-03-18T16:02:19Z

The joys of Spring abound! Seeing the buds popping their heads out of the warm earth is simply invigorating! Making all of us here feeling like we have a slight fever. Spring fever that is!

One thing that makes Spring so wonderful is planning those outdoor foraging trips. One of the first things that we do is to make sure that our bikes, equipment and even down to the trailer hitches are ready to go!

Taking a foraging trip to a local forest or meadow is simply wonderful for the soul that has been sleeping all winter waiting to wake up and breathe in the fresh scents that the foliage exudes.

Being able to gather those materials for wands, herbal mixes and whatever else that one may find that they will need in the summer and winter is something that is so looked forward to.

Plan your spring adventure soon!

Circle Healing Circle Now On Facebook

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-03-12T12:18:42Z

Circle Healing Circle now has a place on Facebook for posting and responding to requests for spiritual healing: Circle Healing Circle. www.facebook.com/CircleHealingCircle

This new aspect of their healing networking permits those in need to directly post healing requests as well as updates and for members of the Healing Circle to post supportive comments without the need to send email messages.

If you are already part of Facebook, they invite you to visit this page and join it by clicking "Like." This will give you the ability to post comments & requests for healing.

CIRCLE CRAFT STUDY

MistressRavenfyre — 2012-03-06T21:39:22Z

CIRCLE CRAFT STUDY

Beginning tonight, Tuesday, March 6, Selena Fox will begin a series of weekly classes on Circle Craft philosophy and practice through a new internet radio show.

Circle Craft Study with Selena Fox will broadcast live on Tuesday nights from 8-9 pm central time.

Tonight's Show explores Circle Craft as a path of Pagan Spirituality
www.blogtalkradio.com/witchschool/2012/03/07/circle-craft-study-with-selena-fox-and-pagan-priest

The show will include instruction, invocation, guided meditation, and a time for discussion & call-ins.
Call in number: (347) 308-8222.

Shows also will be available for later listening on-line archives at the Pagans Tonight Radio Network site on Blog Talk Radio.

Other shows this month include: Sacred Circle, Sacred Sphere on March 13, Spring Equinox Rituals & Meditations on March 20, and Pantheon Journeys on March 27.

More info about upcoming shows: www.circlesanctuary.org/classes/circle_craft_radio.htm