Friday, September 26, 2014
Pagan Parenting
A topic that is often raised nowadays is the difficulties and challenges of being a Wiccan parent.
Often, this can throw up challenges and tests that other parents often don’t have to deal with. Questions and situations arise that test our wisdom and the strength of our characters.
Conversely, it is a special joy that Wiccan parents get to experience, sharing this special set of values with those we cherish most – our children. It is a challenge and a joy. Juggling both of them is the hard part, but Wicca is a fantastic system and thus has its own special up-sides.
As most people know, being a good parent is one of the greatest things you can do for your child’s well-being. Allowing them to be free and soar, as well as knowing when to step in to guide them, it’s all part of a healthy balance.
The power and the insight that Wicca grants us is not to be taken for granted. Neither is the benefit that it will have on our children. It would be remiss to think that simply being a Wiccan parent grants you better parenting abilities than the next person. Good parenting comes from the heart, not from the system of beliefs that you choose to follow.
Imagine if you encountered someone that believed that, simply because of their religion, they were better qualified to be a parent. It would be easy to think that person was being very presumptuous! Talk about losing track of what matters!
Being Wiccan is no secret key to great parenting. However, if can be a very useful tool in helping to bring up well-rounded children who are full of joy. A gentle reminder of that now and then can be very timely.
Occasionally you will come across those who take exception to your status as a Wiccan. You may even experience the distress of someone acting differently towards your child because of what you are. Tales of children coming home from school having been picked on because other kids say their mother or father is a witch are all too common.
There may also be resistance or discrimination from adults who are older and should know better. You may find yourself being left out, or treated coldly because someone in authority, like a schoolteacher or principal dislikes your life choice. The worst outcome of that is, of course, the danger of your child not getting the support he or she needs.
What’s the solution? Every situation differs, but don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights. Most of us live in a country in which everyone is equal, no matter what their beliefs, and this is something to bear in mind.
Don’t be afraid to be proud to be Wiccan! Calmly standing behind what you are, and asserting yourself can be difficult, but it makes all the difference. You are first and foremost a parent, and you need to be respected as that in order to help your child develop. If you are not receiving this respect, you can take it to the authority that will afford you the rights you deserve.
Similarly, if your child is experiencing bullying because of your choices, you need to explain to him or her that what is going on isn't right. The people that are bullying are in the wrong, and it is in fact they who are acting improperly. Give your child support and don’t be afraid to talk about what Wicca actually is. That way they’ll see that it is something natural and not strange at all.
Doing the above while following the proper anti-bullying channels to report and minimize this sort of behavior is a good idea. My heart goes out to those who suffer this, as well as my hopes for a rapid improvement.
This is one of the best parts of being a Wiccan parent. You get to share some of the most enjoyable aspects of being Wiccan with your children as they grow and develop. What could be more fun?
Some of the more practical ways you can do this is through a true appreciation of nature. Long walks, and explaining to your children the importance of the natural world is a great way to establish a reverence for all things that flow from the Earth.
Special days like birthdays can be made extra fun by the inclusion of a ritual or Spell that everyone can take part in (within reason). Once your children are old enough to be trusted with ceremonial items, the rituals that celebrate ancient festivals, such as Imbolg and Lunasa can be enjoyed as a family. These are practical activities that your children can quite easily take to. Encouragement and simple explanations can make a world of difference.
Of course – being Wiccan allows you to use Magick to help your family. Protective Magick is often used in this sort of setting, and can make a real and vital difference in the development and safety of those who your hold dear.
Often, this can throw up challenges and tests that other parents often don’t have to deal with. Questions and situations arise that test our wisdom and the strength of our characters.
Conversely, it is a special joy that Wiccan parents get to experience, sharing this special set of values with those we cherish most – our children. It is a challenge and a joy. Juggling both of them is the hard part, but Wicca is a fantastic system and thus has its own special up-sides.
As most people know, being a good parent is one of the greatest things you can do for your child’s well-being. Allowing them to be free and soar, as well as knowing when to step in to guide them, it’s all part of a healthy balance.
The power and the insight that Wicca grants us is not to be taken for granted. Neither is the benefit that it will have on our children. It would be remiss to think that simply being a Wiccan parent grants you better parenting abilities than the next person. Good parenting comes from the heart, not from the system of beliefs that you choose to follow.
Imagine if you encountered someone that believed that, simply because of their religion, they were better qualified to be a parent. It would be easy to think that person was being very presumptuous! Talk about losing track of what matters!
Being Wiccan is no secret key to great parenting. However, if can be a very useful tool in helping to bring up well-rounded children who are full of joy. A gentle reminder of that now and then can be very timely.
Occasionally you will come across those who take exception to your status as a Wiccan. You may even experience the distress of someone acting differently towards your child because of what you are. Tales of children coming home from school having been picked on because other kids say their mother or father is a witch are all too common.
There may also be resistance or discrimination from adults who are older and should know better. You may find yourself being left out, or treated coldly because someone in authority, like a schoolteacher or principal dislikes your life choice. The worst outcome of that is, of course, the danger of your child not getting the support he or she needs.
What’s the solution? Every situation differs, but don’t be afraid to stand up for your rights. Most of us live in a country in which everyone is equal, no matter what their beliefs, and this is something to bear in mind.
Don’t be afraid to be proud to be Wiccan! Calmly standing behind what you are, and asserting yourself can be difficult, but it makes all the difference. You are first and foremost a parent, and you need to be respected as that in order to help your child develop. If you are not receiving this respect, you can take it to the authority that will afford you the rights you deserve.
Similarly, if your child is experiencing bullying because of your choices, you need to explain to him or her that what is going on isn't right. The people that are bullying are in the wrong, and it is in fact they who are acting improperly. Give your child support and don’t be afraid to talk about what Wicca actually is. That way they’ll see that it is something natural and not strange at all.
Doing the above while following the proper anti-bullying channels to report and minimize this sort of behavior is a good idea. My heart goes out to those who suffer this, as well as my hopes for a rapid improvement.
This is one of the best parts of being a Wiccan parent. You get to share some of the most enjoyable aspects of being Wiccan with your children as they grow and develop. What could be more fun?
Some of the more practical ways you can do this is through a true appreciation of nature. Long walks, and explaining to your children the importance of the natural world is a great way to establish a reverence for all things that flow from the Earth.
Special days like birthdays can be made extra fun by the inclusion of a ritual or Spell that everyone can take part in (within reason). Once your children are old enough to be trusted with ceremonial items, the rituals that celebrate ancient festivals, such as Imbolg and Lunasa can be enjoyed as a family. These are practical activities that your children can quite easily take to. Encouragement and simple explanations can make a world of difference.
Of course – being Wiccan allows you to use Magick to help your family. Protective Magick is often used in this sort of setting, and can make a real and vital difference in the development and safety of those who your hold dear.
The Meaning of a Purple Door ☽○☾
As children our mother had a variety of Old Wives tales she would say. Some she may have made up herself…heck the woman has her own language at times, I swear, but that’s what makes her our magnificent Crone. I got curious as to if there was any meaning behind this one, so I did a general search and this is what I found.
A purple door represents wealth, honor and royalty. Having a purple front door lets others know that you are living a prosperous life. It does not necessarily mean that you are wealthy monetarily, but you are rich in your quality of life and well being. You are also honorable.
Sounds like a Witch to me…
A purple door can show your open mindedness. The color purple in the practice of feng shui is the only color that you can place in any direction. This shows that purple is a versatile color. The color purple also is not a common front door color depending on where you live. So when you paint your front door purple, you are telling people that you are open minded and versatile to life’s possibilities. You think outside the box.
Sounds like a Witch to me…
A purple door can bring a sense of calm. If the shade of purple you choose for your door has some blue hues in it as well, this can bring a sense of calm and have a peaceful affect on your front door space. There is a lot of good energy surrounding the color purple. Think about how you’ll feel if you come home to a front door that is painted purple.
Sounds like a Witch to me…
-Zoe-
EARTH
Earth is the element of form, binding, and manifestation. From an occult perspective the element of Earth is the lowest in vibratory rate of the four elements. Most modern Witchcraft/Wiccan Traditions consider Earth to be a feminine² element.
Creatures known as Gnomes, a dwarf-like race, symbolize the active magickal principle of the elemental Earth. In a metaphysical sense, the color of Earth is yellow, symbolizing its vitality, activated by the sun, and it is associated with the Northern quarter. Some Wiccan Traditions associate Earth with other directional quarters and other colors. As a magickal agent the element of Earth is symbolized by the ritual tool known as a pentacle. In astrology the zodiac signs Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus are associated with the element of Earth.
Creatures known as Gnomes, a dwarf-like race, symbolize the active magickal principle of the elemental Earth. In a metaphysical sense, the color of Earth is yellow, symbolizing its vitality, activated by the sun, and it is associated with the Northern quarter. Some Wiccan Traditions associate Earth with other directional quarters and other colors. As a magickal agent the element of Earth is symbolized by the ritual tool known as a pentacle. In astrology the zodiac signs Capricorn, Virgo, and Taurus are associated with the element of Earth.
AIR
Air is commonly associated with mental activity and is considered masculine¹ in nature.
In modern Wicca/Witchcraft the magickal agent of the element of Air is symbolized by a ritual tool. Some traditions assign the wand to Air because it was once a branch moving in the wind. Other traditions assign the element of Air to the ritual blade because of the sound a blade can make when slicing the air.
Creatures known as Sylphs, a fairy-like race, symbolize the active magickal principle of elemental air. In a metaphysical sense, the color of Air is blue and it is associated with the Eastern quarter. Some Wiccan Traditions associate Air with other directional quarters and other colors. In astrology, the zodiac signs Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini are associated with the element of Air.
In old occult lore it was believed that spirits and ghosts had the power to wrap themselves inside the wind, giving them the ability to become invisible. From this lore, we find other associations such as the presence of a ghost indicated by areas of cold air.Howling winds were believed to carry spirits of the night. Because of the association of air, sudden gusts of wind were attributed to spirits and poltergeists.
In modern Wicca/Witchcraft the magickal agent of the element of Air is symbolized by a ritual tool. Some traditions assign the wand to Air because it was once a branch moving in the wind. Other traditions assign the element of Air to the ritual blade because of the sound a blade can make when slicing the air.
Creatures known as Sylphs, a fairy-like race, symbolize the active magickal principle of elemental air. In a metaphysical sense, the color of Air is blue and it is associated with the Eastern quarter. Some Wiccan Traditions associate Air with other directional quarters and other colors. In astrology, the zodiac signs Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini are associated with the element of Air.
In old occult lore it was believed that spirits and ghosts had the power to wrap themselves inside the wind, giving them the ability to become invisible. From this lore, we find other associations such as the presence of a ghost indicated by areas of cold air.Howling winds were believed to carry spirits of the night. Because of the association of air, sudden gusts of wind were attributed to spirits and poltergeists.
SPIRIT
Akasha meaning pure spirit, is the fifth element.It is the subtle spiritual essence that pervades all space. It is not ether itself, but is an ether-like substance of a spiritual rather than material nature. Essentially, Akasha is to ether what spirit is to physical matter. In ancient writings, such as thePuranas, Akasha is said to operate through sound or vibration. Thus it is identified with the element of Air, and in a spiritual sense with the "breath of god" concept in ancient Hebraic texts. Where we read in the book of Genesis that the "spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters," we can see Akasha in action through motion. In occultism, Akasha is considered to be an indispensable element of each magickal act.
To move energy in a ritual, spell, or work of magick is to evoke Akasha. Akasha is an element of the kundalini force as well, lying latent at the base of all magickal operations. The power of Akasha, as it relates to kundalini, is an "occult electricity." This energy rises with our emotions and desires, and is the basis for fertility of mind, body, and spirit. It is the energy of motivation, passion, and determination.
On a larger scale, Akasha is one of the Tattvic Tides³ of occult philosophy, an energy form that is most active at sunrise. As one of the Tattvic Tides, Akasha emanates the power of spirit to harmonize the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The ancient myths of Western civiliztion tell of a time when the chaos was brought into harmony by the intervention of spirit. This is the symbolism of the pentagram, the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water controlled by spirit. In ancient Roman mythology the four elemental winds were the gods Borus, Eurus, Notus, and Zephyrus. Above them was a higher god, Aeoulus, who kept watch over them.
To move energy in a ritual, spell, or work of magick is to evoke Akasha. Akasha is an element of the kundalini force as well, lying latent at the base of all magickal operations. The power of Akasha, as it relates to kundalini, is an "occult electricity." This energy rises with our emotions and desires, and is the basis for fertility of mind, body, and spirit. It is the energy of motivation, passion, and determination.
On a larger scale, Akasha is one of the Tattvic Tides³ of occult philosophy, an energy form that is most active at sunrise. As one of the Tattvic Tides, Akasha emanates the power of spirit to harmonize the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The ancient myths of Western civiliztion tell of a time when the chaos was brought into harmony by the intervention of spirit. This is the symbolism of the pentagram, the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water controlled by spirit. In ancient Roman mythology the four elemental winds were the gods Borus, Eurus, Notus, and Zephyrus. Above them was a higher god, Aeoulus, who kept watch over them.
WATER
Water is an element associated with the west quarter. It is a symbol of regeneration, renovation, and dissolution. In occultism beings known as Undines are creatures of this element. Traditionally, the element of Water is associated with the color green - in many modern Wiccan/Witchcraft Traditions the color is blue.
In modern Wicca, Water is symbolized by the ritual tool known as the chalice. The chalice contains either water or wine that is used for ritual or magickal purposes. In astrology the zodiac signs Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio are associated with the element of Water.
In modern Wicca, Water is symbolized by the ritual tool known as the chalice. The chalice contains either water or wine that is used for ritual or magickal purposes. In astrology the zodiac signs Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio are associated with the element of Water.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)