PBP - Handparting

Handparting is the equivalent of a divorce for those who have been handfasted. It is basically a ceremony that is done to help those involved grieve, forgive and move on. Sometimes both are there but just the one who wishes to leave the relationship can be there as well. Some even invite guests to this. (I don't know why, it seems rather odd to me, personally). From what I know, it's way for those to say goodbye to the relationship and part ways in an amicable or least a peaceful way. Though a handfasting is not legally binding, it's still in some ways a wedding. sSo, if the union doesn't work it's simply wanted to end, a divorce or a handparting is the way to go about it.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Handfasting

A handfasting is basically a wedding of sorts. It can be temporary or long term. Handfasting chords are made and wrapped around the couples hands, symbolizing the joining together and unity of the two people. (That's how I understand it, as least). Unlike marriage though, it's not a legally binding event. It's more so just proclaiming that you want to be together. I believe that anyone can be handfasted. Sexual orientation does not prohibit you from proclaiming your love for a significant other. As I said, it's not legally recognized but it's still an important and beautiful union for those involved.

My mentor/teacher, Rose, making Handfasting chords. They are beautiful! I'm going to teach myself to make them as well. I realized that the chords have significance as well. The two cords used are symbolizing the joining of two people as well, in my opinion. Overall, I think the whole idea is simply beautiful

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Grounding

Grounding is a way of balancing yourself out and releasing extra energy you may have called upon to assist you. I"sure that there are many techniques to do this, but here's what my one mentor/teacher taught me to do.

First, close your eyes and concentrate on breathing. Plant both feet firmly on the ground. Focus on the energy you need to be rid of. Imagine it leaving your body through your feet. Almost like being a tree. Your feet are the roots where the energy flows out and into the ground. After that you should feel much better. I did, at least.

This may not work for everyone, but I found that it really worked for me. Of course, I am very new at all of this and I've only done it a handful of times, but I certainly hope that you find this helpful to you.

Blessed Be!

~Harmony

PBP - Green Man

The Green Man is yet another deity. He is the God of the forest (Said to roam the forests Europe) and is often shown with branches and other foliage growing out from around his face. In some cases, he is also depicted with horns. He is a representation of the spirits of plants, foliage and the trees. Some also believe that he has rain making abilities. In some places, he is known by other names such as Green Jack, Green George, and Jack in the Green. He is most commonly called upon in the spring. During festivals and the like, the Green Man is represent by a man dressed completely in green foliage who leads the Festival activities.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Familiar

A familiar is a certain animal that you have spiritual bond with. It's most often the family pet. So it could be a cat, dog, bird, bunny, or any other kind of animal you might own as a pet. These pets have been known to assist a Witch in their rituals and such.

I don't know if it counts as a familiar, but I have a pet collie, whom I love very much. She's not just a dog, she's family. I don't know if we have bond like a familiar would but I do know that I wouldn't trade her for all the dogs in the world.

PBP - Fairies

Fairies are perhaps, to me, one of the most fascinating of the mythical world. They go by name names such as Fairies, Little Folk, Fae, and so on. They are very young looking and beautiful beings. Though they do look young, most often, they are hundreds and sometimes thousands of years old. It's most commonly known that fairies have wings. I've read though, that not all of them have wings. I could be wrong, but that's what I've read.

There is much speculation about whether or not fairies even exist (I'm a believer myself) but for those who do believe, there are many guesses about where they come from. Some believe that they are the souls of the heroes and heroines from days passed.Still others believe that they are ancestors from long ago. There are many other theories and such but it's really all up to what you believe.

I have so much more to add about fairies, but this post would go on forever if I began to get into it. If anyone is interested though, just leave a comment and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.


Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Empathy

Have you ever been wondering through a crowd of people or even just sitting with a group of close friends and suddenly begin to feel an emotion that isn't your own? An intense feeling of Anger, Sadness, or even the good emotions like happiness. It could very well be that you are what is known as Empathic. Empathy means that you are able to feel  the emotions of others. Some can even manipulated them, though I believe that is known as something else. Some empathics have a hard time walking through or being in crowded rooms or areas.

It is believed that I could be empathic myself. I've not had much experience just yet but from what I have had happen, they could be right. Though I have never had an issue being in a crowd, I've found that I can often feel and/or experience the emotions of those I'm close to or tuned into. It's bizarre, but sometimes really helpful. I enjoy helping friends and being able to feel how they are feeling is a tremendous help when doing so. I believe I have a lot more research and experience to obtain before I go around claiming that I am empathic, but hopefully, soon enough, the answers will come to me.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Esbat

Esbats are the solstices and equinoxes. They are the times in which the seasons and such change. Most know them as Sabbats, but the techical term is Esbats. There are four total. Litha is the Summer Solstice, Ostara is the Spring Equinox, Mabon is the Fall Equinox, and Yule is the Winter Solstice. Each of them are celebrated in their own ways.

Litha is actually tomorrow. It can be celebrated in many ways by pagans and those who aren't. You could go pick flowers, have a cook-out, just take a walk and enjoy nature, etc. For those who are Pagan, it is also a time that you could dedicate or rededicate yourself to your path on Litha. If you don't plan on doing that, just take the time to enjoy and appreciate all that Mother Earth has to offer.

Sidenote: I got the part about Litha from my Teacher/Mentor/Friend, Rose. It's not exactly word for word, but it's close. I just wanted to give her credit where credit is due.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Drawing Down The Moon

Drawing down the moon is actually a relatively new term to me. I just recently learned a little about what it means. Simply put, drawing down the moon is invoking the Goddess. This is asking her for her help and/or guidance in anything you do. From what I've read, when in a coven, the High Priestess will often invite the Goddess to speak and act through her. She will go into a trance as this happens, allowing the Goddess to use her body and voice. I'm not nearly as familiar with this. I suppose it likens to something like her lending her power, wisdom or anything they may need and dispersing it through the Priestess. I believe though, if you're practicing alone, it's simply calling upon her to lend her what you need. From what I've heard, Drawing down the moon is an amazing thing and leaves with a feeling that is almost indescribable. I have never tried it, being new in my path. Someday perhaps, when I feel, I've reached that point, I'll try to do this and see for myself just how wonderful it can make a person feel.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Divination

While we walk through life and make decisions,  we often wonder if we made the right choice, how different things would have been had we chosen the other option. Sometimes you wonder what lies ahead of you. There are some who practice divination, or, to put in simple terms, they use an object, cards or something like that to answer the questions you may have. There are many different types of divination. Tarot Cards, Oracles, Runes, Scrying, etc. Depending on the question, the type of divination may vary. Tarot cards, for instance, come in many types. Some of them are meant to read your past, present and future. Others are able to read relationships and such. You can also learn to do these things on your own, should one or more of them catch your interest. Most of them will come with instructions and such so that you may learn at your own pace. So if any catch your eye, then there are many many websites sell such items, or if you have a local New Age shop, they will also stock most of the above mentioned items.

Blessed Be!

~Harmony

PBP - Coven

As you continue along your path, you will meet others who are traveling the same path. Sometimes, those with a like path will band together to form what is known as a coven. Covens are most often made up of about thirteen witches. Personally though, I see no reason there has to be a limit on numbers as long as there are at least two witches. But as far as covens go, they are most often an assembly of witches who practice rituals and the like together.

For those who are new or who are not comfortable in groups, joining a coven is not necessary. There are many many solitary witches, meaning they practice their path alone. Being solitary though, doesn't meant that you can't associate with others who follow the path. Advice and teachers are always great to have. I personally am not a part of a coven, but I do have some amazing teachers/mentors. I've mentioned them before. They have taught me a lot about not only my Paganism and my path, but also about myself. So you see, you can choose to be in a coven, or you can practice alone. Either way is good way to do it. Just don't forget, it's alright to ask for advice and make friends.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Chakra

Chakras are like a source of energy you can pull from. It comes from your own body. Each Chakra is represented by a different color and certain body part. There are seven different chakra areas. It goes as follows:

Crown (Violet)
Brow (Indigo)
Throat (Blue)
Heart (Green)
Solar Plexus (Yellow)
Spleen (Orange)
Root (Red)

Chakras are important must all be in balance. If they are not, it can affect you and possibly the other Chakras as well. There are ways that the Chakras can be re-balanced. To my knowledge, I believe meditation can help with this. The energy comes from many places, sunlight being one of the most common. The energies balance or imbalance can affect your moods and feelings. In places where people aren't exposed to sunlight as often, they are often less cheerful than those who get more sun.

It's important to keep your Chakras in balance as this, in turn, will keep you balanced.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

PBP - Brighid

Studying Celtic Wicca, I thought it would be a great idea to talk about a goddess from the Celtic Pantheon. Brighid is the Goddess of Healing, poetry, Fire, smithing, and wisdom. She is the daughter of Dagda and one of the Tuatha De Danaan. Many places bear her name or a variation of it, particularly in the British Isles. Brighid is the goddess of fire and her cross is a symbol of that. She is also known to be associated with the beginning of spring. 

Sidenote: I apologize for lack of knowledge on the subject as I am still currently researching her. I will hopefully come back to this a little later.

Blessed Be!

~Harmony

PBP - Book of Shadows

As you walk your chosen path, you learn so much. Everything that you learn can be recorded in A Book of Shadows. A BOS (Book of Shadows) is basically a compilation of everything that you've learned, rituals you've performed, and so much more. This can be something that you keep private or you can choose to share your knowledge with those who are also traveling along the path. That is completely up to you. 

Making a BOS is fairly simply. All you need is a folder or binder with plenty of paper. On the first page, you could write "______'s Book of Shadows" Or "The book of Shadows of _________." A blessing can also be written here. It can be a blessing you make up yourself for protection, it can be a knowledge blessing, and so on. It's completely up to you and whatever feels right to you. After that you can start where ever you wish to start. I personally, put in a page that has information about me. My name, age, path, etc. I thought it seemed like a great way to remember exactly how and when I started. Again though, it's completely up to you. page dividers are also a great way to keep things organized in your BOS. You can add anything you learned at all. Even you can even include your thoughts and feelings as you progress. A Book of Shadows is meant to fit you and you should do what you feel is right in it. 

I hope this has helped!

Blessed  Be!

~Harmony

PBP - Aura

An aura is something every single person has. It's definition is hard to put into words. It's like the essence of that person. It radiates from and surrounds them. Some have the gift of being able to see them. An aura can be many different colors. Each of these colors meanings something. The meaning is supposed to describe or closely describe the person's personality. An aura can also be more than one color as people have many different aspects of who they are.

I never knew about this or that reading them could be done until a friend of mine read my aura. I was dumbfounded. She had told me that my aura was pink and green. I asked what the colors meant and what I found was amazing. Both had described who I was to a tee. It was truly incredible to witness such things and certainly made me a believer that it could be done. 

Here are a few examples of color meanings:

Pink-Bright and light: Loving, tender, sensitive, sensual, artistic, affection, purity, compassion;new or revieved romantic relationship. Can indicate clairaudience.

Green-Relates to heart and lungs.It is a very comfortable, healthy color of nature. When seen in the aura this usually represents growth and balance, and most of all, something that leads to change.Love of people, animals, nature; teacher; social

There are many other colors and meanings of course. There are also many websites that can be referenced, should you want to learn about more of them.

Blessed Be!

~Harmony

PBP - Amulet

An amulet is described as anything that will repel negative energy away from the user. It can be anything from a necklace or ring to a coin or animal. The most common examples of such things are the Four Leaf Clover and the Horseshoe. Both are used to promote good luck and ward of negative energies. When hung up above a doorway or something such as that a shoe is supposed to keep evil away and bring good fortune. It must but hung up so that the curved end is at the bottom or the opposite will happen. Amulets can also be used for protection. Often times, if you don't want to make your own, certain gemstones and crystals have those properties. There are many books and websites to refer to, should you ever wonder ones work for protection or good luck. 

I have never made my own, but I do know that there are ways. I'm researching this and will hopefully be able to give more information at a later date. I do own what could be an amulet. It's on my chain. It's a stone known as Adventurine. My amulet has never worked. Before I did research, I never thought it would actually work so it didn't. In my opinion, you've gotta believe that something will work for it to happen. I neglected to do so, thinking it was only a decoration for keys. Now that I know more about such things, I think that if I put enough of my own belief in it, that it will work better. Perhaps not right away, as instant gratification isn't possible but with time, it will prove it's worth.

Sidenote: Please be aware that this is my first attempt at PBP and it's nowhere near perfect. I'm definitely trying my best and I hope that with a little time, my posts will get better. Thank you for reading!

Blessed Be!

~Harmony

 

Pagan Blog Project

Hello Everyone!

I will be participating in the Pagan Blog Project and will be putting up entries as soon as possible to catch up. For those of you who don't know what that is, the PBP is a yearly project meant to help you focus on Studying, reflecting and dedicating to your path. It has already begun the entries on the letter L but I will be starting with A so that I can be caught up. I'll try to be quick about catching up. 

I've chosen to do this project because I think it's a great way to learn more about being a Pagan. You can use topics you already know, or find one of interest and research it. I will be learning so much, as I've chosen topics that I'm not particularly familiar with. I hope that everyone who reads it will go away knowing something they didn't know before. My wish is to help others grow in their path as I grow in mine. I wish you all the best of luck in your paths.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony

The Journey Starts Here...

Hello Everyone!

  My name is Harmony Moonflower and I'm here to share with you my journey into discovering Paganism and my path as well as to share new things that I learn. My goal is to help others who want to become Pagan but don't know how to go about it. So here's how it happened for me:

  For a long time, I had no specific religion. When I was born, my parents decided that they would have no hand in choosing my religion. So I never thought it was a big deal to be undecided. Well, when I was about 16-17, a friend of mine asked me if I would go to a Christian youth group. I thought it would be fun so I agreed and we went. I had a great time and made new friends right away. I quickly decided that I would be Christian. Everyone was so nice and helped me out whenever I needed it. I went to all sorts of events with the youth group. At last one I went to, I was watching everyone else pray and feel the devotion. It hit me like a ton of bricks; I don't belong here. I didn't feel the same thing that everyone else did and I had my doubts about the religion as a whole. (I have nothing at all against those who are Christian, it just wasn't for me.) I tried to shake it off and believe anyway. Shortly after that, my dad wanted to take a trip to Lilydale. I don't know if any of you will know what that is, but it's a little victorian village where Pagan ceremonies and such are often held. Well, I was unsure if I should go, being a Christian, so I asked my friend and she advised against it. Needless to say, I told my dad that and he lost his mind. He was so upset with me for being closed minded. When they left, I realized that he was right. I wasn't being the open minded person he wanted and raised me to be. I knew things had to change.

  Shortly after that, I had a falling out with the above mentioned friend and stopped going to church completely. After that, I wasn't sure what to believe. My dad had been looking into some Pagan religions such as Asatru and the like. I was curious so I asked about it. He told me a little bit but then told me that I would have to look for my own answers. I was upset with him at the time, but now I know that he was right. So I began looking at websites and every book I could find. I didn't get far on my own, to be honest. I only knew that from what I had read, the Pagan way was fitting for me. I just didn't know which path to take or how to even start to choose.

  Soon after that, I met some influential people. Here they will be known as Vysyn and Rose. I met them and shortly after, my life was changed. Vysyn worked with me extensively, assuring me that I had potential and could certainly do everything she taught me. I enjoyed every moment of my learning and I still do. Rose helped me learn as well and, as of recently, she's taken me on as an apprentice. Both women helped me so much and for that, I'll always be grateful. I wouldn't be where I am without them to guide me this far. I'd like to thank them again for everything that they have done.

  Currently, I'm studying Celtic Wicca as my chosen path. I have much to learn still, but I'm ready and excited to learn all that I can. I hope that everyone of  you out there can find their path like I did. It's not always easy, but I do know that's definitely worth everything.

Blessed Be!
~Harmony