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Facilitator : PAniteowl Date : 14 May 1995 |
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Facilitator : PAniteowl Date : 14 May 1995 |
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AS WITH ALL ENDEAVORS, DIFFERENT PEOPLE HAVE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ABILITY. Some are good in math, others in art. Some can cook, others can't boil an egg. Education and practice help you to find your nitch and the disciplines of learning help you to best develop your particular talent. So too in the practice of the craft, each person should identify and develop that talent for which they are most adept. Everyone begins as a "dabbler". Some only embrace Wicca for the "Magik". They deal a little taro, mix a little herbs, light a few candles, and cast a few spells and play at being a "Witch". Thank the Goddess that they don't grow warts on their noses, or maybe they should so we'd know them by their itching. Novice magik can be damaging. Those who would learn more can follow a few simple steps to find and develop their own talents. First, read all you can, sift out the ridiculous, use common sense, then practice..practice..practice. For instance.. Taro.. there are a number of good books available. Learning the Major & Minor Arcanas is basic, how the cards fall in a reading relative to the significator.. their placement in relationship to other cards in the throw...tell a story, but most important is the reader's ability to go beyond and listen to the inner voice of interpretation. Reading for total strangers is better since you have no preconceived notions about them. Read often, then get back to the subject and check your readings. List those things which you interpreted correctly, but most important, the ones you missed. Make notes after each reading and check where and if you misinterpreted. Make a log, review, then DO YOUR HOMEWORK...get to know your cards, and trust them and yourself. They are the tools of your talent, even an artist has to learn to mix paint...so do you.
Herbalists too must practice, but their expertise is more easily seen. If the herbs are not cultivated properly, they die. If they are used improperly, people can become ill and/or die. Again, read.. study.. practice. Gardening books and tools are there aplenty. Using plants as teas, poultices, aromatherapy, and yes in spells, also takes practice. Make your own recipe book, not only for uses, but cultivation, and moon cycles not normally found in Gardening books. Remember first of all THAT IT BRINGS HARM TO NONE.
The one thing Wicca stresses is that there is cause and effect of all actions (3 fold rule). This is not limited to spell casting, this means an awareness of the rules of nature. Some plants take over and choke others out, some plants enhance others when planted nearby. Learn the language of nature.
Empaths..all of us who work with earth magik develop our empathic abilities. It is the undercurrent of our lives. As you work the craft you become more aware of this happening and it can be the greatest gift from the Goddess. All of you have had flashes of insight on occasion, but recognizing and consciously developing this ability is well worth your while. Meditation while communing with nature (taking a walk in the woods, or by the sea) has always been my method of nurturing the empathic ability. It is necessary for me in doing well with Taro, or when I am searching for lost objects.
As you learn a new language, or a new skill, it's the nuances you absorb that make some people virtuosos and others bathtub baritones. (You knew I sneak in a reference to the Hot Tub didn't you?) You can't be a Weekend Witch if your empathic awareness is developed. You begin to live the craft, not in the practice of rituals or holiday rites, but in your everyday awareness of life (human & nature). This is the best talent Wicca can teach you. This is the basic Magik people are searching for. This is the celebration of nature...This is Wicca as I know it.
Please go to chat for discussion now.. Thanks for joining us.. Bright Blessings..
PANIGHTOWL:
OK...shall we begin.. standard rules.. Exclude all unfriendlies?
Sunflowerme:
i won't be able to stay for the whole class.. Elenya can you send me a copy please?
PANIGHTOWL:
show no mercy
Elenya:
But of course
Nestor:
ok Pa --like I said I will probably have to leave early too
Elenya:
I have another disc for you too
PANIGHTOWL:
Nestor will you guard...class wont be too long.
Nestor:
ok Ladies I got the watch --please begin
PANIGHTOWL:
Talents are natural abilities but sometimes you have to find your particular talent and work at developing it. There are no easy shortcuts through Wicca, in fact the responsibility to operate within the Rede is more difficult than most. Those who play at the craft, or think that it is a practice that allows them to have no responsibility or liability for their actions are doing a disservice to all of us who follow the Goddess. It is our choice to embrace the craft, it may be a calling for some, and the way we use our talents within the structure pays honor to the Goddess....having said this, lets talk about the basics of learning
It is important for us to meditate and have some time to develop not only a particular talent, but the meanings beyond the physical. What we also must do is share
Any comments or questions?
Nestor:
PA one of the points
PANIGHTOWL:
go ahead
Nestor:
that I feel is the most important that you raise is that of responsibility for our actions how can we assist the others in understanding this principle?
PANIGHTOWL:
yes...that is the most difficult point to get across.
Sunflowerme:
by example.. by teaching and by constant reminder which both you and PA do well Nestor....
PANIGHTOWL:
there has been centuries of others perspective on what we do not very flattering in most cases
Elenya:
to put it mildly
PANIGHTOWL:
but we too are at fault...we have been so secretive, we have not written our teachings, we have tried to protect ourselves but in so doing we have lost a rich heritage from those who
Jekler:
Secrecy is not the ally of growth.
PANIGHTOWL:
have gone before...we pick up bits & pieces from those who have had the craft handed down from generations, but things get lost in the translation. The Wiccan way is not easy, and as a group we have been maligned very thoroughly...because we do not proselytize
Jekler:
The language this is unwritten and untold of is often forgotten. often the wisest of speeches dwindles to but a short phrase as words are forgotten one by one.
PANIGHTOWL:
We are not very politically adept...after all. Our teachings are more internal and personal, we have not tried to create an entity of the craft. We may also be selfish, because it is so personal, we are reluctant to share. It is after all a profoundly personal commitment and fear of rejection must be dealt with. Although I do Taro, I do not tell everyone....I don't hang out a shingle and try to make a business of it. For me to cast the cards, I have to feel comfortable with the person I read....but I also teach as I go....this takes a lot of time and it is debilitating after some readings so I tend to rest awhile between cycles. To do it properly, I have to feel good. When I first began, it was like a game...but as I got more adept and involved...I realized it was more than a game and my realization of its consequences grew. So too does any talent reflect on the artist....the more you develop the more you see to do and learn....it is almost a hunger. If you are truly called to a particular talent...then concentrate on that...plan your growth within the sphere and you will be rewarded. The 3 fold works very well in this context. OK that's enough lecture...questions & comments till end of class....you all have the floor
Jekler:
Comment: Fear is merely the reluctance to accept bravery because the path of bravery is often less rewarding but more self satisfying, people want more physical rewards. You must use bravery to reap the more long term benefits, if you choose fear you'll be happier at the moment until it catches up with you.
PANIGHTOWL:
Fear can make you happy???
Sunflowerme:
PA...you touch a chord within me...there are many things i have denied within myself...recently i have realized my skill at writing and poetry.. and my spirituality.. it was always with me just hidden
Jekler:
even the greatest of cowards cannot evade his fate forever, and when it catches up it'll be much worse than if you had just accepted it earlier. again the 3 fold rule
Sunflowerme:
now i am focusing on what is there...and working toward their development...it is beautiful now...
Sylvanas:
Sorry I burst in like that PA.
PANIGHTOWL:
Yes Sun...it is a reward isn't it
PANIGHTOWL:
OK Syl...glad to have you
Jekler:
Fear can make you happy, if you're afraid to tell people what you are or what you're religion is, then you don't tell them, you're satisfied that they're not angry at the moment but the longer you wait to tell them, the worse they'll react in the end.
Sylvanas:
May I have your attention for a important announcement???
PANIGHTOWL:
Oh I see Jek,...rationalizing
Nestor:
Fear is also born of wisdom Jekler -- we need each person
PANIGHTOWL:
Nestor.. can Syl jump in...you are en guarde
Nestor:
Fear is nature's way of send a warning --it is you ability to accept that fear and carry on that is the real test
PANIGHTOWL:
But what is the warning Nestor....we can deceive ourselves that we are protecting ourselves, when in reality we are projecting a negative aspect on others without giving them a
Nestor:
to ignore that you have fear is to place yourself and maybe others in jeopardy without good or sufficient reason
Jekler:
if you lead people on to believe that you're something you're not, for the time being both of you are happy, but when they find out, you're not only wiccan, but then you're a liar too..
PANIGHTOWL:
chance to accept or reject us automatically
Jekler:
it's better for people to know the truth earlier on
Sylvanas:
Pantheocon Aug. 11-13 a @ Sheraton Leominster Inn in Leominister, Ma ALL proceeds above expenses go to help Iron Oak Church with court Fees. I will post more detailed info today.
Nestor:
no one is suggesting that you ignore the fear or give into to it
PANIGHTOWL:
thanks Syl
Nestor:
but it is a natural tool that must be learned about and accepted and then used wisely
Sunflowerme:
thanks Sylv....
Nestor:
great Sylv...
Jekler:
I've many friends that choose to tell people they're not wiccan when I in truth know they are. they fear being different when in truth there is nothing to fear, yet.
Soul Reaper:
yet
PANIGHTOWL:
good point Nestor.. fear itself can be restrictive...and we have had go reason to fear whoops good reason
Nestor:
Jekler -- it is an individual choice to say whether they are in the craft or not
Jekler:
yes there is nothing to fear yet, there isn't something to fear until they have lived the lie for a long time.
Soul Reaper:
History has a way of repeating and a lot of wiccans are frightened
Nestor:
each person must make that choice based on their situation and needs
PANIGHTOWL:
kind of like coming out of the closet Jek?
Jekler:
Nestor it is an individual choice, but to lie about what you are isn't something that should be done.
Jekler:
Yes PA
Nestor:
if it serve the purpose to save or protect others then I will do what I must
PANIGHTOWL:
I am a terrible keeper of secrets...I like to share with friends and as some of you know, once I start it is difficult to shut me up I think Red Deer & I have something in common... right El?
Soul Reaper:
For all intents and purposes, non wiccans or ignorant people more appropriately, think its a fad, that we will see the light and become Christian again. This is a threat.
Jekler:
And Nestor, if you're serving a false purpose is it still ok?
Elenya:
Jeckler, you would prefer I wear a pentagram, as the Jews were made to wear stars? I live in the bible belt.. I don't think so. I prefer to practice in solitary
Sunflowerme:
Jek...I have had difficulty answering what I believe sometimes because of the job I have and the responsibilities I carry in that job...but I do not consider this to be lying to myself....
Nestor:
for example I go to church on Christmas and Easter so that my step-daughter does not have to face the potential of having her nature father raise the specter of me being a Witch in court
Elenya:
(LOL) PA. It's just been inside for so long!
Jekler:
Soul Reaper, threats are often imagined.
Soul Reaper:
They must understand that wiccan is not pagan, but orthodox
Nestor:
and him attempting to get her away from her mother there is no need to know in that case
Soul Reaper:
True jekler, but you must see that you don't ignore them all...besides Wicca is accepted in the military
PANIGHTOWL:
That's not lying Nestor...that's self protection and it brings harm to none...I would do the same in that case
Soul Reaper:
me to owl
Jekler:
But there are many cases where there really is no "threat" but individuals choose to keep in secrecy, sure practice is in secrecy if you like.
Soul Reaper:
true
Nestor:
let each person make that decision for them self
PANIGHTOWL:
Jek.. as a solitary for many years it has been difficult to "come out" and trust those I've met on the net.
PANIGHTOWL:
BB Syl thanks for coming
Jekler:
Nestor, secrecy is still the enemy of growth, if you use secrecy all the time, things are lost, and numbers diminish, you'll never grow if no one knows.
Nestor:
I do not appreciate those who are in this 'everyone must come out' movement
Soul Reaper:
Your right owl...I am more of a magus now than witch, though my beliefs still hold true
PANIGHTOWL:
But I have found a new joy in the craft...thanks to Saf & El & RD & Sun & Nestor... ad infinitum
Soul Reaper:
what don't you understand
Jekler:
My mind can't think anymore, I'm sorry. I won't be making anymore statements
Nestor:
Jekler --- you must understand that if some of us had not been will to open up somewhat in the later 60's there would probably not be a pagan/wiccan movement today
Elenya:
{{{{{{{PA}}}}}}
PANIGHTOWL:
Do I feel the need to retreat at times....definitely! But touching base with you all rejuvenates me...Thanks for being here friends
Elenya:
thanks, I needed that
BrandonC:
what is a rpg
Lionflower:
amazing how good vibes can scare some away... No, I didn't, PA.
PANIGHTOWL:
take a look at your leisure....you can catch up
PANIGHTOWL:
Any one else have any input...Saf...El???
Lionflower:
Soul Reaper, that's the book I started with. It's pretty good for basics, but there's a lot of other valuable reading out there.
Nestor:
suggest you read Ray's earlier book "Witchcraft from the Inside"
Elenya:
PA - what about talents that have not been used for years, wanted to forget?
Soul Reaper:
Go into the new age section of a book store or library.. where tarot and zodiac stuff is, and browse.. if your interested...READ
BrandonC:
I have a lot of other books
safphire:
Am listening today PA
PANIGHTOWL:
First El I would determine what it was I wanted to forget...
BrandonC:
a hate tarot
Nestor:
and keep up with your regular school work --not matter how boring it may seem
Lionflower:
Also, haunt used book stores......
Soul Reaper:
Tarot is not Wicca
PANIGHTOWL:
was there a bad experience???
BrandonC:
yes
Elenya:
Saw something very troubling..
PANIGHTOWL:
Novice magik can be harmful, but you can work through it
Elenya:
Afraid it will happen again -
BrandonC:
i have book about 200 years old
BrandonC:
yes
Soul Reaper:
Before trying magic, be totally familiar w/ every aspect
PANIGHTOWL:
do you feel comfortable about confronting this fear El?
BrandonC:
that I read and use
Soul Reaper:
What book brandon?
Elenya:
The fear was not for me, of something that was going to happen to someone else
Lionflower:
((-- doesn't think it's possible to know EVERY aspect of magick.
BrandonC:
which one?
Soul Reaper:
I know Lionflower
Soul Reaper:
the 200 yr old
BrandonC:
I have several
PANIGHTOWL:
El...you can't just see the good things...that's not how life works...Yen & Yang...Good & Bad...it was not the fault of your talent
Soul Reaper:
And you just casually browse through 200 yr old books?
BrandonC:
no I read and study them
PANIGHTOWL:
To see something using the talent does not mean the talent caused it
Elenya:
I'm aware...but this was terrible I did not want the responsibility
safphire:
(likes brandon)
Soul Reaper:
What talents do you have...I can see auras
BrandonC:
cool
Lionflower:
Nestor, are you posting the class on the Wicca BB in its entirety?
BrandonC:
well I have a lot
BrandonC:
mostly for my birthrank
Nestor:
oh that wonderful word 'responsibility'' --now we must start talking about what you are responsible for and what you are not responsible for---seeing something in a reading does NOT
PANIGHTOWL:
Yes.. I too have had a similar situation and retreated for awhile, but I continued...and got a better perspective
Nestor:
make you responsible for it
Soul Reaper:
all i can say brandon is explore and talk to people on the net
Elenya:
Not a reading, Nestor
BrandonC:
okay
Lionflower:
I think so, Storm.
PANIGHTOWL:
did you confront an entity El
Lionflower:
But it seems to be continuing ...
Lionflower:
blessed be, starbyrd.
Soul Reaper:
I got tired of reading. people feel more hurt than elated when you something about them. Hence my code name.
BrandonC:
me?
Nestor:
you have to real see what it is that you should be responsible for
Lionflower:
Think of it as a learning experience and move on. I'm sure we've all had poor experiences at one time or another.
Soul Reaper:
sure
BrandonC:
ditto
PANIGHTOWL:
agree Lion
Nestor:
I had some real disasters
Soul Reaper:
too psychic brandon
Soul Reaper:
i mean you
BrandonC:
okay
Soul Reaper:
yes or no
Lionflower:
Yeah. I managed to get the entire 7th grade scared to death of me... not good for the popularity contest... LOL.
BrandonC:
yes, I fell things in my mind
BrandonC:
sometimes good
starbyrd:
like what
Soul Reaper:
You see brandon, a lot of pagans/wiccans are psychic to start. which doesn't fit into most religions.
PANIGHTOWL:
must leave now...Mom's day ya know...how come I'm cooking though???? I think my kids have this backwards!!!
Stormfyre:
Merry Part everyone. Sorry I missed class. Hopefully I will see you all again soon. Hugs, Alonda (smile)
Lionflower:
Yes, and most have above-average intelligence, which makes us dangerous!
Lionflower:
LOL
BrandonC:
if i am by someone i can read them like a book their every move
safphire:
LOL pa. see ya
Lionflower:
Merry Part, PA!
Soul Reaper:
auras, like me?
Elenya:
{{{{{{{PA}}}}}}}} Have given me much to think about, AGAIN
BrandonC:
no
Soul Reaper:
just a feeling
starbyrd:
Sorry i couldn't stay for long just thought i stop in and say howdy!! Blessed Be lion MP all
Soul Reaper:
mp starbyrd
PANIGHTOWL:
MP & BB...any comments can be added to the BB and we can have a follow up class in the future...
Posting Date: 04 September 1995
©1995 Red
Deer@pagani