To feel protected and secure
Gather as many three-leaf clovers as you can, either at home or at the local park, make sure the stems are attached. Place the clovers in the bath with three sticks of chopped celery. Visualize yourself as a knight wearing a shining armor that protects your body and soul. Know that, no one can penetrate your shield.

To dream at night
Add seven jasmine flowers, a bunch of holly and three drops of peppermint essential oil to your bath. Visualize yourself dreaming and enjoying your dream world. Enjoy this bath directly before going to bed.

After an illness
Draw a bath and in it add the petals from three white roses, three white gardenias and three white carnations with a sprinkle of dry rosemary. Do this on Sunday, the healing day.
To bring abundance
Add fresh basil, parsley and alfalfa to a warm bath. Also place a red flower in the bath for determination. Visualize abundance; see it happening in your mind's eye. When you lest expect it, it will come.

To cheer you up
Slice an orange and a lemon and place into a bath with three drops of neroli essential oil. Like the steam in the bathroom, imagine any heaviness of the heart slowly dissipating.

Dispelling anger
Fill a bath and add five violets and their leaves. Add three drops of lavender essential oil. When you sit in the bath remember that a word said in anger hurts not only yourself but also others around you. It eats away at peaceful energy. Visualize the anger dissipating, and yourself feeling calm.

What is Dark Paganism?
by John J. Coughlin (Dark Wyccan)
reprinted with John. J. Coughlin's permission

I am often asked what I mean by "Dark Paganism" and usually have a different answer depending on the context of the question. In my book, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick, instead of defining it directly, I explore the various aspects of darkness and how it applies to Paganism and even spirituality in general. I did this intentionally, but the average visitor to darkpagan.com would probably appreciate a more direct and formal elaboration.

In contemplating the many forms of Dark Paganism, I can safely say that it is one (or more likely a combination) of the following definitions depending on the individual. The idea of Dark Paganism having personal meaning is very important and will make more sense at the end of this essay.

1) Dark Paganism is a movement within modern Paganism to reclaim the dark portion of the light-dark polarity that has been denied or ignored by those who have confused this polarity with the good-bad dualism of the Judeo-Christian culture. Darkness is not the same as evil. This confusion has been caused by the increase in popularity of Pagan religions, particularly Wicca, and a lack of formal training and proper initiation. (By initiation I refer to the internal process that both a solitary or member of a group experiences. ) Without such an initiation the practitioner remains trapped in the dualistic mindset of his or her religion of birth and misinterprets the concepts of polarity and monism found in Paganism. Such reclaiming of darkness includes the acceptance of our shadow - the (usually) negative aspects of ourselves we refuse (often unconsciously) to accept as being an aspect of us. Such Dark Pagans challenge contemporary thought to ensure that one's beliefs hold true
to themselves and are not simply the result of repression or conditioning. It is important to be challenged since it allows us to think and reflect on what we believe and helps strengthen our true beliefs in the process.

2) Dark Paganism is the incorporation of dark imagery such as gothic imagery, that tends to have a death-related theme. Such Dark Pagans are not obsessed with death but rather fascinated by ,and drawn to, its symbolism. Through dark imagery the individual is made more aware of themselves and of the sacredness of life as well as the importance to live life to the fullest while always remaining true to who we are. Focus is on self exploration and expression.

3) Dark Paganism is the form of Paganism that is attuned with the internal or "dark" school or approach to spirituality. As explained in my book, spirituality can be approached in one of two ways: internally or externally. The internal approach has an emphasis on the Self. Concepts of deity and ethics are less of a focus or are based on personal perception and experience. The external approach works within a set framework. Deity is defined, religious practices are more structured, and ethics are decreed by an external authority figure and usually very specific in detailing appropriate behavior. Both approaches are viable but only the individual can determine which approach is best for him or her. Some work better in a rigid and structured approach while others work better in a highly personal experience. Dark Paganism in this respect, merely delineates those Pagans who operate within an internal approach from those of an external approach since there are some inherent
differences in how they operate. A spiritual paths following an internal approach encourages one to explore those aspects society or culture may label as taboo so that we can come to our own conclusion. By doing this, Dark Pagans free themselves of the social conditioning that often suffocates self expression and individuation as they strive to become more whole.

All thee of the above definitions help explain what Dark Paganism is by touching upon the nature of how it is approached. They all tend to merge into each other. While some Dark Pagans may operate under all three definitions, others may just fall under one. As with darkness itself, Dark Paganism cannot easily be defined. This is because darkness is by nature linked to our unconscious and thus is very personal. It is the nature of darkness to always remain elusive to strict delineation. The more one attempts to define it, the further one gets from it. Like the Tao of Taoist thought, darkness must be experienced to be understood. It must be embraced and incorporated into one's being to be appreciated. Attempting to "shine the light of reason" onto it only removes us from it.

------------ --------- --------- ---

Dark Wyccan is also an author. Currently, he is on the process of getting his book published and printed. Please go to Dark Wyccan's website to find out more about his book, Out of the Shadows: An Exploration of Dark Paganism and Magick. At this website location you can find out the status of his book, preview information in the book, and some personal information about Dark Wyccan. He also has a great site that has lots of other dark pagan information you might enjoy checking out. wanningmoon. com

How To Tell If You Are An American Witch:
by Kerry
You have substituted soda-pop for wine in ritual--
Coke=Traditional/ Gardenarian,
Cherry Coke=Alexandrian,
Dr. Pepper=Eclectric,
7-Up or Vanilla Coke=Dianic,
RootBeer=Folk/ Appalachian,
GingerAle=Native American,
Grape=Neo/Reconstru ctionist,
Orange=Chaos,
Pepsi=New Age/Wiccan,
Cream Soda=Faery,
Mountain Dew=Satanic

You have substituted cookies for cakes in ritual--
Almond Cookies=Traditional /Gardenarian,
Brownies=Alexandria n,
Chips Ahoy=Eclectric,
Sugar Cookies=Dianic,
Oatmeal Raisin=Folk/ Appalachian,
Molasses=Native American,
Pecan Sandies=Neo/ Reconstructionis t,
Nutter Butters=Chaos,
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut=New Age/Wiccan,
Vanilla Wafers=Faery,
Oreos=Satanic

You bought your chalice on eBay and it has at least one dragon on it

You bought your athame at a Flea Market and it has at least one dragon
on it

Your paten or pentacle on the altar is hand-made ceramic that you
bought at a Pagan Craft Faire and it has at least one dragon on it

You have left an 'offering' of hotdogs and potato chips under the oak
tree after a family cook-out

You consider the end of your driveway as a 'crossroads'

You have ever 'honored the Lord and Lady' in a tent in the back yard

Marshmallows and S'Mores are incorporated in your Beltaine Fire
celebration

Your home is Feng-Shui, your Chakras are all open, and your Aura is
clean and you are not concerned about your Karma because you harmed
none today

You have ever saved the last sip of Mocha Latte and the last bite of
Krispy Kreme for the Fairies(they love Krispy Kremes!)

You have ever used Kosher Salt on the altar or burned Opium incense
(it does smell better than Sandalwood!)

You have ever used the Flag of the United States as an altar cloth
(only on 4th of July, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day!)

At least one of your ritual robes is denim or tie-dyed

Your Goddesses are Isis and Diana and Hecate and your Gods are Odin
and Herne and Dionysius and if you invited them to a dinner party you
would serve sushi and quesadillas

You have ever smudged your bathroom with white sage after your
husband/boyfriend/ brother/father used it -------

And finally you KNOW you are an American Witch if you hope someday to
make a Sacred Pilgrimage to Salem, Massachusetts.

In darkness you paint us but we will not hide,

We're the light of the country in which you abide.

We're fearless and strong, protector's of life,

Hidden in shadows we conquer all strife.

We come from the old ones, our lineage secure

We rise from the ashes, we always endure.

Its time you remembered that we were here first,

We healed your sick yet suffered your worst.

From time immemorial we've woven our lore,

Cunning folk, healers, benandanti, there's more.

We're black and we're white, we're brown and we're yellow,

we're women and children and mighty fine fellows.

We're her hidden children, the angels of light

our task is to teach and to help set things right.

We conjure and cast and whisper and pray,

so you can enjoy your freedom each day.

We've long been your army, protecting your back

When you are in trouble, in secret we act.

Mothers watching, she hasn't missed much

She's gathered her magick and given the touch

To witches and pagans and druids and such.

The times are a changing, and one thing is clear.

The lord and the lady have now reappeared.

Two pillars, three points, four quarters extend.

Five is the number of magickal blend.

By moon and by sun, fire and by stars

realize this day, that the power is ours.

Pagan Pride, live it, breathe it, be it!

 

Page Created by : Myst

The Truth Behind This Month's Blue Moon Joe Rao
SPACE.com Skywatching Columnist
SPACE.com Fri May 25, 12:45 AM ET

Thursday, May 31 brings us the second of two full Moons for North Americans this month. Some almanacs and calendars assert that when two full Moons occur within a calendar month, that the second full Moon is called the "Blue Moon."

The full Moon that night will likely look no different than any other full Moon. But the Moon can change color in certain conditions.

After forest fires or volcanic eruptions, the Moon can appear to take on a bluish or even lavender hue. Soot and ash particles, deposited high in the Earth's atmosphere can sometimes make the Moon appear bluish. Smoke from widespread forest fire activity in western Canada created a blue Moon across eastern North America in late September 1950. In the aftermath of the massive eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in June 1991 there were reports of blue moons (and even blue Suns) worldwide.

Origin of the term

The phrase "Once in a blue Moon" was first noted in 1824 and refers to occurrences that are uncommon, though not truly rare. Yet, to have two full Moons in the same month is not as uncommon as one might think. In fact, it occurs, on average, about every 32 months. And in the year 1999, it occurred twice in a span of just three months!

For the longest time no one seemed to have a clue as to where the "Blue Moon Rule" originated. Many years ago in the pages of Natural History magazine, I speculated that the rule might have evolved out of the fact that the word "belewe" came from the Old English, meaning, "to betray." "Perhaps," I suggested, "the second full Moon is 'belewe' because it betrays the usual perception of one full moon per month."

But as innovative as my explanation was, it turned out to be completely wrong.

More mistakes

It was not until the year 1999 that the origin of the calendrical term "Blue Moon" was at long last discovered. It was during the time frame from 1932 through 1957 that the Maine Farmers' Almanac suggested that if one of the four seasons (winter, spring, summer or fall) contained four full Moons instead of the usual three, that the third full Moon should be called a "Blue Moon."

But thanks to a couple of misinterpretations of this arcane rule, first by a writer in a 1946 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine, and much later, in 1980 in a syndicated radio program, it now appears that the second full Moon in a month is the one that's now popularly accepted as the definition of a "Blue Moon."

This time around, the Moon will turn full on May 31 at 9:04 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (6:04 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time).

But for those living in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia, that same full Moon occurs after midnight, on the calendar date of June 1. So in these regions of world, this will not be second of two full Moons in May, but the first of two full Moons in June. So, if (for example) you live London, you'll have to wait until June 30 to declare that the Moon is "officially" blue.