Balance is so important in the world of Witchcraft and Paganism.
When we are out of balance, our Magick is out of Balance...and that is not good.
So this week I challenge you to find a bit of balance. Do something routine. At the exact same time everyday do a meditation, some Divination, or journal. Do this until it becomes necessary to your life. Do this until it becomes just as much a part of your life as breathing.
Start now, don't wait.
Blessed Be.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
!!!The Outer Binding is reopening!!!
The Outer Binding is reopening!!!
I am going to be reopening my etsy shop in a few weeks!!!! On top of my usual Herbal products, I am adding Pendulums, Necklaces and earrings, and a few other things!
Be sure to like me on Facebook to stay updated!
t’s going to be reopening sometime in late march, early April.
Until then, I came up with 22 new product ideas today! Currently I have demo products for 4 of them.
Until then, I came up with 22 new product ideas today! Currently I have demo products for 4 of them.
The item I am working on this afternoon is a seed bead embellished spell box…..I totally underestimated the time it takes to place seed beads…..
I hope you guys and gals will enjoy my products when I am done!
Fun fact about my etsy shop:
Most products will retail for less than $20!!!
Most products will retail for less than $20!!!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Cultural Appropriation: What it is, and what it isn't
I love websites like Tumblr, Wikipedia, and YouTube. So do most of you.
The Internet has brought us into a new age of living. We can now learn about things, that our parents never could. Things like how to wear a traditional Indian Sari, how to properly perform a Native American Smudging Ritual, We can learn the history behind Tattooing and Language. Things from other countries, other cultures, are now able to be apart of our own culture.
And the new trend among our Web-Based Culture? Cultural Appropriation.
Never heard of it? No worries, I am here to give you some insight into what this new-found form of "Anti-Racism" is all about.
According to http://dictionary.reference.com
Appropriate means
to take to or for oneself; take possession of.
to take without permission or consent; seize; expropriate: He appropriated the trust funds for himself.
to steal, especially to commit petty theft.
Culture is defined as:
the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group
So Cultural Appropriation in essence means: to steal without permission the beliefs or behaviors of another group outside of your own culture.
Do you know how complicated that really is to not do in America?
I grew up in Michigan, back in 1674 my ancestral Grandfather on my mothers side was born in Scotland, grew up in Scotland, and got on a boat and came to the New World, where he most likely killed a few "Savages" Which is the horrid name Native Americans were called back then according to Pop Culture of Today. (That's right, my family were Pilgrims)
My family has been here ever since. I was raised American. Through and through. I never learned Gaelic, how to make Haggis, I couldn't even show you where Scotland is on a map.
But I consider myself Scottish. I honor my Ancient Heritage. I did research, bought a Rosetta Stone language CD-ROM, tracked down the original Tartan Print of my Clan, and listen to Scottish Folk music. And you know what? That is Cultural Appropriation. Why? Because I stole things from a culture outside my own without permission. You might be saying, But Elirea, your blood gives you permission, your family line gives you permission, etc.
NOPE!
According to the definition of Cultural Appropriation, I just committed a serious offense against another Culture. It doesn't matter that my intentions are not hostile. It doesn't matter the hours upon hours of research, emails, books and websites I scoured for info, nor does it matter that I can trace my family back to Scotland. You know why? Because I was raised in Michigan. Giving me no rights whatsoever to the Scottish Culture. On my dads side, I have Native American blood, but because I wasn't raised on the Res, or in that culture, I can't honor my heritage there either.
Sounds pretty ridiculous now doesn't it?
There are tons of examples of Cultural Appropriation all over the United States. And lately, it seems as though people are picking and choosing things that offend them. People almost seem to be seeking out something to get worked up about.
Here are some examples of Cultural Appropriation you, YES YOU, commit on a DAILY basis (No this doesn't imply that you do every one of these things on a daily basis, but you do one of them probably)
Welcome to the world of Cultural Appropriation! Leave your Freedom at the door!
When I was little? I was an Indian Princess with the YMCA, it was like Girl Scouts, except with a Native american theme. I was "Plays with Squirrels" because I had a pet squirrel.
One year, to teach me and my brother respect for other cultures, we celebrated Kwanzaa
I have a bridal Planning company, which I named after a Native American Dreamcatcher
In America, we are a HUGE blend of Cultures that come together and form a new culture. As a Wiccan Convert, I "Steal without permission" many things that to me, are SACRED.
I smudge my house, I keep a broom by the door, I jump the broom at Ritual, I anoint my forehead, hands and feet with oil, I wear a veil on my head and I worship Deities from all over the World from all points in History...But the newest thing people are doing? Is calling me out on it. Telling me I am not allowed to do that because it is Cultural Appropriation.
Guess what? SCREW YOU!!!!!
Cultural Appropriation has a place. Mainstream Fashion is a HUGE offender. Fluffy Bunny Pagans, the ones who don't know any better (Yet) are huge offenders. Government is a huge offender.
I believe that the definition of Cultural appropriation, needs to be changed. We live in a NEW WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY
We can share traditions with people like never before. We can explain why things are sacred, we can teach Respect for each others beliefs. We are now a world Wide culture, and things that weren't a part of us, now are.
Here is how I think Cultural Appropriation should be defined:
The taking, stealing, using of some Tradition, Image, or other thing from another culture without knowledge of, Respect for, or understanding of, significance of the culture in which it comes from. Example: Wearing a Bindi because you think it is cute, wearing a NA war headdress because its pretty etc.
Here is what it is not.
Cultural Appropriation is NOT
me smudging my house to be rid of evil spirits
wearing a Hijab style head covering (or any head covering for that matter)
using chopsticks
dancing a Tango
getting a tattoo
listening to music
wearing a corset
putting up a Christmas Tree
being Christian or Wiccan
ETC
Still not convinced that Cultural Appropriation needs to be edited? Think about it this way:
When Christianity was born, back in the day, In order to gain strength as a Religion, they had to steal and borrow holidays, Deities, traditions etc, from all the cultures of the places they were trying to control in order to get followers. Now, no one says "You're Culturally appropriating my culture! (Except the Pagans, because lets face it, we just can't control ourselves sometimes) Christians have been using those traditions for so long now, that it is a part of that culture.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't still hold things sacred and protect your traditions from the hands of those who will disrespect what you hold dear, but what it does mean is that you need to get down off your high horse, and realize the world we live in now.
I can't wait for the emails I am going to receive about this, and ya know what? That's fine. I can handle it.
But before you go off on me, telling me I am a racist bitch or whatever else you come up with, look around your house. Look in your iTunes playlist. Check your closet. If you can tell me you have never culturally appropriated? Think again.
The Internet has brought us into a new age of living. We can now learn about things, that our parents never could. Things like how to wear a traditional Indian Sari, how to properly perform a Native American Smudging Ritual, We can learn the history behind Tattooing and Language. Things from other countries, other cultures, are now able to be apart of our own culture.
And the new trend among our Web-Based Culture? Cultural Appropriation.
Never heard of it? No worries, I am here to give you some insight into what this new-found form of "Anti-Racism" is all about.
According to http://dictionary.reference.com
Appropriate means
to take to or for oneself; take possession of.
to take without permission or consent; seize; expropriate: He appropriated the trust funds for himself.
to steal, especially to commit petty theft.
Culture is defined as:
the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group
So Cultural Appropriation in essence means: to steal without permission the beliefs or behaviors of another group outside of your own culture.
Do you know how complicated that really is to not do in America?
I grew up in Michigan, back in 1674 my ancestral Grandfather on my mothers side was born in Scotland, grew up in Scotland, and got on a boat and came to the New World, where he most likely killed a few "Savages" Which is the horrid name Native Americans were called back then according to Pop Culture of Today. (That's right, my family were Pilgrims)
My family has been here ever since. I was raised American. Through and through. I never learned Gaelic, how to make Haggis, I couldn't even show you where Scotland is on a map.
But I consider myself Scottish. I honor my Ancient Heritage. I did research, bought a Rosetta Stone language CD-ROM, tracked down the original Tartan Print of my Clan, and listen to Scottish Folk music. And you know what? That is Cultural Appropriation. Why? Because I stole things from a culture outside my own without permission. You might be saying, But Elirea, your blood gives you permission, your family line gives you permission, etc.
NOPE!
According to the definition of Cultural Appropriation, I just committed a serious offense against another Culture. It doesn't matter that my intentions are not hostile. It doesn't matter the hours upon hours of research, emails, books and websites I scoured for info, nor does it matter that I can trace my family back to Scotland. You know why? Because I was raised in Michigan. Giving me no rights whatsoever to the Scottish Culture. On my dads side, I have Native American blood, but because I wasn't raised on the Res, or in that culture, I can't honor my heritage there either.
Sounds pretty ridiculous now doesn't it?
There are tons of examples of Cultural Appropriation all over the United States. And lately, it seems as though people are picking and choosing things that offend them. People almost seem to be seeking out something to get worked up about.
Here are some examples of Cultural Appropriation you, YES YOU, commit on a DAILY basis (No this doesn't imply that you do every one of these things on a daily basis, but you do one of them probably)
- Use chopsticks at an Asian based restaurant
- Speaking a language other than the one you grew up with
- Saying "As American as Apple Pie"
- Smudging your house, Ritual Circle, or other space
- If you are Christian, You're just screwed, because you all took stuff from other people
- Wiccans, (even me) You too.
- If you enjoy Rap Music
- Wearing a Bindi or getting a Henna Tattoo
- Getting a regular Tattoo
- have Dreadlocks
- wear Moccasin looking slippers or shoes
- wearing jewelry made from Turquoise
- put up a Christmas Tree
Welcome to the world of Cultural Appropriation! Leave your Freedom at the door!
When I was little? I was an Indian Princess with the YMCA, it was like Girl Scouts, except with a Native american theme. I was "Plays with Squirrels" because I had a pet squirrel.
One year, to teach me and my brother respect for other cultures, we celebrated Kwanzaa
I have a bridal Planning company, which I named after a Native American Dreamcatcher
In America, we are a HUGE blend of Cultures that come together and form a new culture. As a Wiccan Convert, I "Steal without permission" many things that to me, are SACRED.
I smudge my house, I keep a broom by the door, I jump the broom at Ritual, I anoint my forehead, hands and feet with oil, I wear a veil on my head and I worship Deities from all over the World from all points in History...But the newest thing people are doing? Is calling me out on it. Telling me I am not allowed to do that because it is Cultural Appropriation.
Guess what? SCREW YOU!!!!!
Cultural Appropriation has a place. Mainstream Fashion is a HUGE offender. Fluffy Bunny Pagans, the ones who don't know any better (Yet) are huge offenders. Government is a huge offender.
I believe that the definition of Cultural appropriation, needs to be changed. We live in a NEW WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY
We can share traditions with people like never before. We can explain why things are sacred, we can teach Respect for each others beliefs. We are now a world Wide culture, and things that weren't a part of us, now are.
Here is how I think Cultural Appropriation should be defined:
The taking, stealing, using of some Tradition, Image, or other thing from another culture without knowledge of, Respect for, or understanding of, significance of the culture in which it comes from. Example: Wearing a Bindi because you think it is cute, wearing a NA war headdress because its pretty etc.
Here is what it is not.
Cultural Appropriation is NOT
me smudging my house to be rid of evil spirits
wearing a Hijab style head covering (or any head covering for that matter)
using chopsticks
dancing a Tango
getting a tattoo
listening to music
wearing a corset
putting up a Christmas Tree
being Christian or Wiccan
ETC
Still not convinced that Cultural Appropriation needs to be edited? Think about it this way:
When Christianity was born, back in the day, In order to gain strength as a Religion, they had to steal and borrow holidays, Deities, traditions etc, from all the cultures of the places they were trying to control in order to get followers. Now, no one says "You're Culturally appropriating my culture! (Except the Pagans, because lets face it, we just can't control ourselves sometimes) Christians have been using those traditions for so long now, that it is a part of that culture.
This doesn't mean you shouldn't still hold things sacred and protect your traditions from the hands of those who will disrespect what you hold dear, but what it does mean is that you need to get down off your high horse, and realize the world we live in now.
I can't wait for the emails I am going to receive about this, and ya know what? That's fine. I can handle it.
But before you go off on me, telling me I am a racist bitch or whatever else you come up with, look around your house. Look in your iTunes playlist. Check your closet. If you can tell me you have never culturally appropriated? Think again.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Happy New Year!!!!
Okay, so I'm a little late....but thats okay, because you still love me right?
Anyways, New Year, New Blog! So, if you are reading this, post a comment telling me what you would like to see in 2013. Seriously, I need suggestions. DO IT NOW!
Anyways, New Year, New Blog! So, if you are reading this, post a comment telling me what you would like to see in 2013. Seriously, I need suggestions. DO IT NOW!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Mental illness and the Craft
WARNING POSSIBLE TRIGGERS FOR DEPRESSION, ADHD and BIPOLAR as well as hoarding
I love being a witch. It brings me peace. It gives me purpose. But sometimes, when my days are sunny but my mind is all darkness, I just sit and stare and pray for silence.
I have a plethora of mental issues. My brain just doesn't work like it should. I have depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and probably some other forms of crazy thrown in there. Being unemployed and a hoarder doesn't help matters either. I can't afford medication or therapy so I am forced to sit back in my corner and weep for unknown reasons, to get frustrated at the drop of a hat. I want to understand why I am like this and yet I can't. I want to cast a spell and make It all go away, but I can't.
I am the worst type of hoarder, I don't hoard keepsakes or clothes or things, I hoard trash, useless things that do nobody any good. I toss them on the floor and don't notice if things get messy. I just walk around it content to pick it up another day. That day rarely comes. I have gotten better with the help I my boyfriend, but he doesn't understand me. He gets upset and angry that he has to tell a 23 year old woman when to clean the kitchen or pick up her room. I try making lists, setting alarms, but I lack all motivation to do such things. They aren't what I want to do, so I don't do them. I put them off for another day..so what can I, a bipolar, hoarding, depressed hyperactive witch do?
What I can do is pray. I can work magick for self confidence and motivation, meditate on keeping still for longer lengths of time, I can practice making incense to help calm my shattered nerves. I can do all this because I am a witch. Being who I am meant to be keeps me sane, keeps me going, keeps me alive. On the days when I practice magick my panic attacks are fewer, my house gets a little cleaner, my boyfriend comes home to a better energy.
There really wasn't a need for this post other than I think it's important I share my...mind with others. Bring myself out of the solitude and into the light.
It is also so those who need to can come forward and share there stories with me. So I know, and you know you aren't alone in the world. That above all is most important.
I love being a witch. It brings me peace. It gives me purpose. But sometimes, when my days are sunny but my mind is all darkness, I just sit and stare and pray for silence.
I have a plethora of mental issues. My brain just doesn't work like it should. I have depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and probably some other forms of crazy thrown in there. Being unemployed and a hoarder doesn't help matters either. I can't afford medication or therapy so I am forced to sit back in my corner and weep for unknown reasons, to get frustrated at the drop of a hat. I want to understand why I am like this and yet I can't. I want to cast a spell and make It all go away, but I can't.
I am the worst type of hoarder, I don't hoard keepsakes or clothes or things, I hoard trash, useless things that do nobody any good. I toss them on the floor and don't notice if things get messy. I just walk around it content to pick it up another day. That day rarely comes. I have gotten better with the help I my boyfriend, but he doesn't understand me. He gets upset and angry that he has to tell a 23 year old woman when to clean the kitchen or pick up her room. I try making lists, setting alarms, but I lack all motivation to do such things. They aren't what I want to do, so I don't do them. I put them off for another day..so what can I, a bipolar, hoarding, depressed hyperactive witch do?
What I can do is pray. I can work magick for self confidence and motivation, meditate on keeping still for longer lengths of time, I can practice making incense to help calm my shattered nerves. I can do all this because I am a witch. Being who I am meant to be keeps me sane, keeps me going, keeps me alive. On the days when I practice magick my panic attacks are fewer, my house gets a little cleaner, my boyfriend comes home to a better energy.
There really wasn't a need for this post other than I think it's important I share my...mind with others. Bring myself out of the solitude and into the light.
It is also so those who need to can come forward and share there stories with me. So I know, and you know you aren't alone in the world. That above all is most important.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
New YouTube Video Series!
Hello Sweeties!
I am in the process of updating my Youtube channel with new videos, something I have not done since, well, since I don’t remember how long ago! and I am in need of your help!
Please fill my Email Ladyelireaivy@gmail.com with questions!!!
My plan is to make 6-10 videos each answering 10 or so questions. So far, I have 2!!!! So please keep them coming!
I will begin posting Videos on January 10!
Here are some of the things I am knowledgeable on(but feel free to ask others too!):
- Wicca
- Paganism
- Witchcraft
- Tarot
- Dreams
- Wiccan Rede
- Pendulums
- Spirit Communication
- Stones and Gems
- Herbs
- Candle Magick
- Celtic Paganism
- Firefly Wicca
- Spells
- Rituals
- Spiritual Advice
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Dealing with doubt
It's been a while since I updated this blog. I have been busy busy busy! From planning Yule rituals and meals and parties to learning how not to make bacon in an oven and I even had a round of flu. But aside from that I have been dealing with a lot of personal troubles.
I have a friend who I shall not name. She is a wonderful girl going through a lot. She has been Pagan on and off for a number of years, She was never fully set on her path, as many aren't. She met a boy of another Faith, and he made her happy. She started re embracing the faith she had left behind when she became Pagan. The boy turned out to be a not so Mr. Right and now she is torn and Confused about her Faith.
Her experience made me think a bit about Doubt. It's a dreadful feeling. We spend so much time working out whether or not a choice is the right one, we make the choice with confidence, and lo and behold someone says anything to us, even if it's just "okay if you're sure" it drives us mad. we fret more, second guess ourselves, and the finally change our minds, and sometimes we find out later that our original choice would have led to another outcome that would have possibly been more beneficial to us.
Doubt comes in many flavors too, but the one I would like to focus on today is Religious Doubt.
As Pagans, the majority of us have had to seek out this path, we were not born into a family lineage of hereditary witches, in fact most of us (in the United States) were raised Christian, and went to church on Sundays, prayed to Christ at supper and attended Wednesday or Friday night Youth Group. We were told nothing about the ways of the modern day Witch, only that the Witch called ones, were evil and going to Hell and needed to be saved from their blind ways.
And in the USA, most people, are content with that knowledge. They plateau on their path, and become a sheep that the Good Shepherd must take care of for the rest of their life.
But those of us that make that move to Wicca, Paganism etc, we do not plateau. We continue up the big hill, intent on reaching the top, which will lead to pure enlightenment, Nirvana, Summerland, whatever. We prepare ourselves mentally to approach the challenge, we fight our way through prejudice, through hatred, through ignorance. We lose jobs, family members, and friends. Some of us are even institutionalized in parts of the world.
The struggles of being a Witch are present in our life, so it makes sense that many of us will experience moments of fogginess, of doubt about our choice. Some of us will flip flop from Christianity or another Religion back to Paganism, sometimes numerous times. Until finally, we make our final choice whatever that may be.
But what causes us to flip flop? For me, though I have not yet flip flopped, and I do not intend to, I always feel a pang of loss at the holidays, the Christmas Carols on the radio, the beautiful Christmas Nativity scenes, the Midnight church services, they always remind me of the beautiful Faith and Fellowship life, the EASY life I gave up. And there are sometimes, when I am a victim of a rude Youtube comment, or a nasty email, that I think, man, I could just go to Church and be fine, none of this would happen. But then, as She is known to do in times of struggle, the Mother Goddess reaches down and embraces me, reminds me that no one and nothing is allowed to shake me from my path unless I give them permission. So, my faith is restored, the doubt retreats to fight with me in this battle until another day.
My point today is this: There will always be battles with Doubt we have to face, but as long as we remain strong willed, and do not give in to the Hate of others, we will remain strong in our faith, and in ourselves. Do not give in to the Doubt that we will all inevitably face. Lean on friends and Family members who support your choices. Sure it hurts to lose friends and family members, but if they cannot accept you for your choices, do not change who you are supposed to be to please them, because in the end all it will do is make you bitter and filled with regret and resentment.
If you are solitary, you know you can always lean on me here, I am always available to lend a shoulder or a hand.
Blessed be my dears!
I have a friend who I shall not name. She is a wonderful girl going through a lot. She has been Pagan on and off for a number of years, She was never fully set on her path, as many aren't. She met a boy of another Faith, and he made her happy. She started re embracing the faith she had left behind when she became Pagan. The boy turned out to be a not so Mr. Right and now she is torn and Confused about her Faith.
Her experience made me think a bit about Doubt. It's a dreadful feeling. We spend so much time working out whether or not a choice is the right one, we make the choice with confidence, and lo and behold someone says anything to us, even if it's just "okay if you're sure" it drives us mad. we fret more, second guess ourselves, and the finally change our minds, and sometimes we find out later that our original choice would have led to another outcome that would have possibly been more beneficial to us.
Doubt comes in many flavors too, but the one I would like to focus on today is Religious Doubt.
As Pagans, the majority of us have had to seek out this path, we were not born into a family lineage of hereditary witches, in fact most of us (in the United States) were raised Christian, and went to church on Sundays, prayed to Christ at supper and attended Wednesday or Friday night Youth Group. We were told nothing about the ways of the modern day Witch, only that the Witch called ones, were evil and going to Hell and needed to be saved from their blind ways.
And in the USA, most people, are content with that knowledge. They plateau on their path, and become a sheep that the Good Shepherd must take care of for the rest of their life.
But those of us that make that move to Wicca, Paganism etc, we do not plateau. We continue up the big hill, intent on reaching the top, which will lead to pure enlightenment, Nirvana, Summerland, whatever. We prepare ourselves mentally to approach the challenge, we fight our way through prejudice, through hatred, through ignorance. We lose jobs, family members, and friends. Some of us are even institutionalized in parts of the world.
The struggles of being a Witch are present in our life, so it makes sense that many of us will experience moments of fogginess, of doubt about our choice. Some of us will flip flop from Christianity or another Religion back to Paganism, sometimes numerous times. Until finally, we make our final choice whatever that may be.
But what causes us to flip flop? For me, though I have not yet flip flopped, and I do not intend to, I always feel a pang of loss at the holidays, the Christmas Carols on the radio, the beautiful Christmas Nativity scenes, the Midnight church services, they always remind me of the beautiful Faith and Fellowship life, the EASY life I gave up. And there are sometimes, when I am a victim of a rude Youtube comment, or a nasty email, that I think, man, I could just go to Church and be fine, none of this would happen. But then, as She is known to do in times of struggle, the Mother Goddess reaches down and embraces me, reminds me that no one and nothing is allowed to shake me from my path unless I give them permission. So, my faith is restored, the doubt retreats to fight with me in this battle until another day.
My point today is this: There will always be battles with Doubt we have to face, but as long as we remain strong willed, and do not give in to the Hate of others, we will remain strong in our faith, and in ourselves. Do not give in to the Doubt that we will all inevitably face. Lean on friends and Family members who support your choices. Sure it hurts to lose friends and family members, but if they cannot accept you for your choices, do not change who you are supposed to be to please them, because in the end all it will do is make you bitter and filled with regret and resentment.
If you are solitary, you know you can always lean on me here, I am always available to lend a shoulder or a hand.
Blessed be my dears!
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