Time

The news in the staff room today revolved around the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.  I was shocked at the announcement - I mean I thought Pope's were supposed to sign on to the whole "till death do we part" thing - only TO GOD not to some dude you will most likely divorce in less than 5 years.  But the big surprise came when a fellow teacher asked me if I was Catholic.  And I responded "yes". 

Now, this is new to me.  Whenever I have been asked this question on the past, I have answered "I used to be" or "that's what I was raised".  What on earth brought me to say "Yes" - yes, I am Catholic.  Yes, I am part of that church.  Yes, I have left my Pagan roots behind?

No.  No, I can't do that.  Granted, it has been a long time since I have practiced.  I have lovingly cultivated my herb collection and maintained my crystals, but I haven't actually DONE anything in a long time.  I have always chalked this up to having moved into a new house, had a child, gone back to work and having no time - but those are just excuses and I am letting them go.

It is time to get back to my faith, it is time to get back to who I am and to who I want to be. 

It is time for magick.

My Poor Herbs...

It seems I have been a bad bad green witch.  Upon moving into my new home, I had hoped that I would be able to overwinter my potted herbs in the (fairly sheltered) space under the front steps.  Unfortunately, I am seeing very few signs of life... I am thinking that I will have to start over.

The only plant that seems to be doing ok is the chives:

Here is the new plan: have fiance build a raised bed garden for the backyard.  I am going to start small, with a box that is 3 feet by 6 feet.  I plan to remove the sod from that area and dig down a few more inches (the soil underneath seems like a fairly equal mix of clay and sand).  This will allow me to fill it with good, healthy soil for my herbs and (hopefully) will allow my herbs to actually survive next winter.

An Explained Absence and a Big Announcement

For those of you who have been wondering where on Earth I have been hiding these last few months I would like to apologize and explain.  The reason I have been neglecting my blogging duties is because I am finding myself sick and tired a great deal of the time.  The reason that I am finding myself sick and tired is.........

I'm Pregnant!

It was a big shock, and I spent some time worried and scared to death but now things have settled down and I am happily awaiting the birth of my first child.  Though, I am very nervous about all the things I need to buy and the huge learning curve I am about to embark upon. 

Phobias

I have a crippling and debilitating fear of needles.  This fear has not had a great impact on my life because I have avoided shots and blood tests for a very long time.  However, as I get older, I am experiencing increased anxiety about the "what ifs" in life.  What if I get sick and have to deal with this on a regular basis, what if I avoid important testing because I am afraid of my reaction? 


I recently had a doctor ordered blood test.  I sucked it up, took a day off work and had fiance take me to the clinic.  Prior to this, my last blood test was 5 years ago.  I thought I would be ok.  I thought I might have gotten over the fear.  I thought "hey, I'm more grown up now, I can handle this".  I was dead wrong.  In the past, I have gotten worked up about the needle before entering the office.  This time, I was fine, chatting in the waiting area, following the nurse into the cubicle, sitting down in the chair.  And then I started crying, and feeling sick, and dizzy.  And then, for the first time in my entire life, I passed out.  Completely unconscious.  It. Was. Scary.  To make matters worse, because I passed out, the nurse was unable to finish and had to start over, on the other arm.  It was, easily, one of the worst medical experiences I have had in my life.  In fact, I am starting to feel a little ill while writing this.

Nobody seems to understand how difficult this is to overcome.  I have tried rationalizing: I know it doesn't hurt, I know the tests are necessary to my health and I know that nothing bad is going to happen to me while undergoing the test - telling myself those things doesn't make the anxiety stop.  I have tried deep breathing, I have tried visualization - nothing works. 

Has anyone else out there experienced a debilitating fear?  Have you had to deal with the "helpful" people who give advice like "just look away" (to which I think - OH MY GOD! I never thought about turning away! You have just solved ALL my problems!).  Have you found a way to conquer your fear?  I have gotten so desperate that I have considered seeing a therapist or hypnotist but don't know if anyone has found either of those options helpful.  Is there anyone out there who understands what I am going through?

SUCCESS!

Have you ever lost something and, despite wracking your brain for every possible location, you still can't find it.  I did this when I moved.  You see, every year I buy both Llewellyn's Datebook and Spell-A-Day Almanac.  I have a collection of them from quite a few years.  In fact, right now, 2011's versions are sitting on my "special" bookshelf just waiting for the turning of the calender page.  When I moved, way back in September, I lost both books.  I thought they would show up while unpacking, no such luck, I thought I might have left them at work and, with a newly organized desk - still no books.  It was driving me absolutely bonkers to see my collection marred by two missing volumes!
Tonight, I was determined to search everywhere and, if unsuccessful, finally give them up as lost.  I checked boxes and bins in the garage, under the stairs, the computer desk, my bedroom and finally sat down in my new "special" room and pulled what may very well be the first spell I ever memorized

Wolves and Faeries
Dragons and Ghosts
I've lost the thing I need the most
My planners are gone, they must be found
Whether lost above or below the ground
Bring them back as quick as can be
As I will, so mote it be*

Now, I had tried this spell before to no avail, but I think the extra oomph of the full moon pushed it over the edge because within minutes I was clutching the books in my hands.  They had been stored in a plastic bin with a ton of magazines, under the bed in the guestroom.  Does anyone else out there have any experience finding lost objects?  Or any helpful little spells that they have memorized for the mundane annoyances of life?

*I would love to give credit to the source for this spell but I memorized it so long ago that I have no idea where it came from.

Great New Song - Library Girl

I absolutely love this song. 

Happy Samhain

 Well, here I am.  All alone.  Fiance is on his ship for the next 5 weeks and I am spending my very first night alone in our new home.  At the moment I am listening to the Witches Brew Ha Ha podcast (a friend has been recommending it for weeks), reading Magical Housekeeping by Tess Whitehurst (review to come) and laughing at my two dogs as they desperately try to remove their Halloween costumes (Callie is a Witch and Poseidon is a Pirate).  I have had a grand total of 5 trick or treaters so far and am seriously hoping that more kids come by or I am going to be handing out some serious candy in my classroom on Monday.  My plan, is to do some magickal working (smudging and the like) tonight after I am sure that no more kids are going to show up. 

Here is hoping that everyone is having a safe and happy Samhain!

Just Not Feeling It This Year

Normally, I am thrilled for this time of year. Normally, I would break out the Halloween music weeks in advance. Normally, I would relish in the Halloween blogs and read scary stories until well past the witching hour. This year however, I'm just not feeling it. I haven't bought a pumpkin, I've barely glanced at most of my favorite blogs and I haven't even given a thought to plans for Samhain. I'm not sure what exactly is causing this disconnect. Perhaps it is the fact that I have just moved and am pre-occupied with getting everything just-so. Perhaps I am unable to look forward to the 31st as it is also the day that Fiance leaves for a 5 week stint at sea. Or, perhaps, my busy schedule leaves time for little more than sleeping, working, eating and bathing (occasionally at least hehe).

Have you ever felt that you just couldn't get into the spirit? Did you do anything to break the funk? Or just let it ride out and hope for next year?

FCK H8 - WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE

A Fantastic Video.  Really wish I could find a way to incorporate this in my jr high English Classes.....

Almost a Milestone!

Just noticed that I am at 99 followers.  Come on #100!!!

A Great New Blog!

 A couple of friends of mine have started a great new blog:  Remedial Witchcraft.  The plan is for Rhi and her partner, Son of Hermes, to go back to the basics of witchcraft and spend two months on each topic. Here is how she explains it:

"I've broken it down into 6 core skillsets - visualization, stones, tarot, herbs, mythology, and tools. My intention is to spend 2 months on each topic, posting 3 times weekly (or more, should I be able to manage it). At the end, my goal is to have the good beginnings of a book of shadows, as well as a better understand of myself. I also want to offer it as something anyone can follow, should they feel the need to brush up on their own skills."

I encourage everyone to take a look and become a follower, I guarantee great things to come!

Jumping Back In

 Have you ever found yourself in a period of time where your spirituality (and hobbies and personal time) take a backseat to the business of real life?  Since we made the offer on the house, I have been swept along in a sea of "got to do's".  First, I was busy packing, organizing and re-routing my life in preparation of the move.  Then, it was unpacking, organizing and getting used to a new area.  Now, I'm playing catch-up at work, STILL organizing and trying to find a balance between the "got to do's" and the "want to do's". 
I took a step back from my spiritual work (blogging, studying, practicing) in order to gain some extra time for move preparation and, as more time went on, I found it more and more difficult to return to my old schedules.  I still am not where I want to be at work (tons of correcting to do), I still don't have EVERY box unpacked or everything that is unpacked organized the way I want it and I still don't have all my pictures up and I definitely haven't bought all the things that I need BUT, nevertheless, here I am, jumping back in.  Here's hoping I don't drown!

TeacherWitch Buys A Home

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind adventure.  We returned from visiting the future in-laws to a notice that our rent would be increasing AGAIN.  It was set to go up from $915 to $950 plus an extra $15/month for the second parking space.  When speaking to my parents about this, and lamenting that this is close to what we would pay for a mortgage, my incredible, wonderful, loving parents offered to lend us the deposit money for a house.  So we started shopping.  On the first day I saw a beautiful home with cathedral ceilings and an open concept living room/dining room/kitchen.  It was perfect.  BUT, it was the first day out.  So we saw more homes.  Three trips later and it was Friday, we were set to look at more homes and take a second look at the one I already loved.  Lo and behold, the sellers had agreed to drop the price.  They were motivated because they had already purchased another home.  At the end of the day, I didn't want to wait any longer and just five days after we started looking, we made an offer and it was accepted.  This last week has been full of phone calls and contract signing and all the ins and outs of making sure the deal doesn't fall through (there was another couple waiting in the wings if we backed out, EEP!).  So far, all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed.  Financing is done, Home inspection went great and we have arranged for a lawyer and for home insurance.  NOW, it is down to packing, selling some items that are no longer needed, donating whatever I can't sell and shopping for new furniture for my beautiful new home. 

I apologize in advance for any further absence but my to-do list has tripled in size and school is just over a week away!

The NEW Halifax Market

Today Fiance and I went to check out the new market.  It is a beautiful airy space (albeit very crowded on opening day).  There was some controversy surrounding the new digs but I say progress (especially progress that allows for more room and better maneuverability for the less-able patrons) is fine by me!  I am assuming that a great deal of the foot traffic consisted of people who were there for a gander at the new building and that, in the coming weeks, things will calm down to the point where the market will be a more relaxing place to be. 


My first glimpse:

Some of the Vendors' wares:

The Wall of Green:

The View from Above:

My Haul: (Fiance couldn't wait to steal a few blueberries)

A Return and a Prize Winner!

I have returned to the land of The Grid.  Fiance and I were planning a trip to see his family sometime in August.  On Friday night we found out that his father was leaving within the week for a job in Alberta (oh the woes of the East Coast family).  SOOOO, we decided to head out Sunday morning.  Which, was much sooner than I anticipated and left me scrambling to get things shored up here.  As a result, a few things were left unfinished.  One of which, is the blog giveaway.  And so, without further ado, the winner of Out of The Broom Closet is Debbie!  Please email me (zabet17@gmail.com) with your address, so I can send out your prize. 

To all of those who did not win, thanks for playing and rest assured, a new prize draw is coming in a few weeks!

Banished

I have been banished to the living room.  You see, my guestroom is my little sanctuary.  I keep all my books in there, my herbs and crystals and my big computer (I am currently using my netbook).  I normally do all my blogging in there, especially the stone and herb of the week posts because I refer to a number of books for them. 

However, the cat has thwarted my comfort.  A couple of nights ago he brought a live mouse into the house and chased it into my guest room.  I despise rodents.  Every time I see one I get the shivers and an overwhelming urge to jump on furniture.  So, the first night, we locked the cat in the room, hoping that he would kill the mouse.  Next morning - no body that we can find.  The next night, sticky traps went down with a blob of peanut butter in the middle.  This morning - no mouse.  I am thoroughly freaked out and refusing to go in the room.  Is is possible that the cat ate the whole mouse and left no remnants behind?  Should I leave the traps out for another few days or should I start clearing out the guestroom and its over-stuffed closet just to be sure...

P.S yes, that is a picture of a cat eating a computer mouse.  It is not my cat, but I couldn't even bear to put up a picture of a cat with a real mouse - that's how freaked out I am!

PEI Pagan Gathering

 AHHHH home safe and sound.  I had a wonderful weekend at the PEI Pagan Gathering and would like to encourage anyone who lives in the maritimes to make plans to attend next year. We had beautiful weather right up until the last morning and were just minutes from the beach.  The hosting group led a ritual for each element including a moonlit beach water ritual (including a moonlight swim!) and a fantastically exciting fire ritual that kept us asking "how did they do that?".  The weekend also included a number of workshops on topics like tarot, journeying, and creating rituals as well as a message circle.  Our campfire was blessed with the sound of drums and the taste of smores (and grilled pineapple, YUM!).  I want to thank the organizers and all those who attended for a wonderful atmosphere and a fantastic weekend.  Can't wait till next year!

Time to Escape

I will be away for the next few days.  My friends and I are off to the PEI Pagan Gathering.  It is held at a campground that is just minutes away from the beach.  Time for some relaxation and rejuvenation.  See you next week!

ABC Book of Shadows

On a recent trip to my favorite pagan store Little Mysteries.  I came across the cutest little board book and decided to buy it for my friend's daughter.  It is called ABC Book of Shadows and is by Katie Lydon Olivares.  Here are some pics:

I love the God and Goddess pages and Samhain is one of my favorites.  I think I'm going to have to start buying this book in bulk for all my little witchlets!

P.S Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the book Out of the Broom Closet! 

Book Giveaway: Out of the Broom Closet

Out of the Broom Closet: 50 True Stories of Witches Who Found and Embraced the Craft is a wonderful book that describes, through narratives, the fear, excitement and nervousness that abounds when one steps out of the proverbial Broom Closet.  The stories are funny, inspiring and sometimes a little sad.  They deal with parents, friends, children, co-workers and show how those who stand by you can sometimes be surprising.  This is a great book for anyone who has ever stepped out of the Broom Closet or even for those still buried deep inside.


I will keep the giveaway up for a week or two and then draw a winner.  Remember, the more times you enter, the more chances you get! 

How to Enter


1 entry will be given for each of the following:
-Following my Blog (or already being a follower)
-Adding me on Facebook
-Adding me on Twitter
-Tweeting about the Giveaway
-Blogging about the Giveaway

2 entries will be given for each Friend you refer.  They should comment here or email zabet17@gmail.com and mention your username.

Make sure you comment on this post and tell me which of the above you have done.