#pagnism

Every Samhain my mother leaves a plate of food outside. She says that the ancestors come in the form of raccoons to eat it. When I was little I of course wholeheartedly believe this. Now I think we probably just have a lot of raccoons in the neighboorhood, but that understanding doesn’t detract from the tradition. Suspending my disbelief for just one night to think that the animals I see wandering about are visiting spirits makes Samhain a hell of a lot more spooky and mystical then it would be otherwise. I wouldn’t want to do it any other way.

We don’t touch the garden between Samhain and Yule. The explanation given for this is that anything left outside during this time is food for the fairies and taking it angers them. As I’ve gotten older and learned more about gardening I’ve realized that this is probably an explanation for why we need to let the soil rest, and I certainly don’t think picking a plant in early December is going to cause me any harm, but don’t pick the plants anyways. Leaving the garden alone during the cold months makes tending to the plants that much more enjoyable and special during the hot months, and if my reasoning for why I can’t harvest that very last squash of the fall is fairies then that’s my own business.

Sometimes when I go down to the beach I find strange or out of place things. My explanation for these things is always selkies. In the back of my mind, I’m always aware that there’s probably a much more logical and reasonable explanation for whatever I’m seeing but those reasons usually aren’t quite as interesting, so I say that it’s selkies. And that’s fun. I feel like there’s some unspoken rule that after a certain age you’re not allowed to try and believe the things you’ve imagined, no matter how inconsequential and silly those things are and honestly, that’s boring, I’m not a fan.

The point here is that not all of the things we do in the name of our spirituality and faith need to be serious or even well thought out. Clearly, if you’re doing a ritual or a spell that’s one thing, but there are other fun little ways to make your spirituality more magical and wondrous that are less about what’s actually happening and more about the suspension of disbelief. And those things are wonderful and fun, and they add a little bit of joy to your life.

SIGIL ~ PROTECTION

Here is a new sigil, I’ll do more! This one is based on an old design I did when I was younger, I just added a few things. It’s made to protect you or objects from threats, negative vibes or anything you need to be protected from. Enjoy, share and use it the way you want ♥

A Light Overview:

  An insignia of power, the transcending beauty of an amethyst gemstone provides a plethora of uses for many ailments. Amethyst is a remarkable stone of spirituality, known for its metaphysical abilities to still the mid and initiate a meditative state.

   An effective cure for those troublesome headaches and protection against intoxication, it's no wonder this gem is so popular! Amethyst enhances the immune system, reduce pain and bruises, and is excellent in the treatment of arthritis. In terms of emotional healing, this crystal works as a supportive unit. Easing mental anxieties, exhaustion, and providing comfort from grief are only a few of the magnificent gifts granted by amethyst. In balancement, the Third Eye, and Crown Chakra are easily stimulated by its sweet, highly alluring energy. As a stone of immense spiritual connectivity, it’s highly conducive to calming a busy mind, and opening it to greater wisdom. The spiritual energy of amethyst allows the mind and body to cleanse itself of negative attachments.

   But the benefits don’t end at treating ailments! The amethyst is also a protector of the most vicious treachery. By protecting the mind from evil thoughts, a boost of intelligence and creativity occur in its presence, heightening the mind as well. Its ability to do that strengthens imagination, intuition, passion, and refines the thought process.

   This stone is excellent for diplomats, negotiators and business peoples as it eases angered temperaments, clearing the mind to truly focus on the task at hand.

For anything in need of “composing” (music, poetry, writing), amethyst is the perfect piece.

   In terms of meditation, amethyst is one of the best crystals to have. Stimulating the highest level of the Third Eye Chakra, when placed directly over it, this gem opens a serene meditative state -guiding toward deeper understanding.

   Amethyst is the birthstone for Pisces, the month of February, and most often the gemstone for the sixth year of marriage (historically it was to celebrate the seventeenth year). It is also the stone for St. Valentine, thus frequently associated with romance! Referred to as the “couple's stone”, the amethyst gives meaning to long-lasting relationships -forging a deeper, soulful connection between lovers. It becomes a symbol of fidelity when worn on an engagement ring, yet when worn as a locket, it can be used to call back a lost love.

In Lore & Legend:

   According to the Roman Mythology, Amethyst was a nymph being pursued by the wine god, Bacchus. In an attempt to flee, she desperately prayed to the goddess Diana -who turned her into a stone of pure crystals. Furiously, Bacchus threw his glass filled with wine on the stone; thus, giving the stone a brilliant purple hue. Since then, Romans used the crystal as a protector of overindulgence of food and drink. They would stud their goblets with amethyst believing the wine from it was powerless to intoxicate.

    Ancient Egyptians used this particular gem to ease guilt, fear, and provide safety for travelers. Peruvians held strong belief that if an amethyst was engraved with the names of the sun and moon, when worn around the neck, they would be protected against witchcraft and immune to poison!

    In other folklore, when a bear was engraved, the stone became capable of putting demons to flight! Another suggests that amethysts could summon any love by speaking a person's name into it -whether or not the other was committed to anyone.

   This absolutely stunning crystal truly has done, and continues to do, incredible things for the human mind and body.