Dear Dr. Phil,
You asked yesterday on your show "What the hell is that"? in reference to being a Wiccan Priestess. I can not answer for everyone but I can answer for myself.
I am studying to some day become a Wiccan Priestess. It takes years of work and dedicated study.
In case you are unaware, Wiccan and other Neopagan groups have been recognized by governments in the US and Canada and given tax exempt status. Wiccan priests and priestesses have been given access to penitentiaries in both countries, and the privilege of performing marriages.
On March 15, 2001, the list of religious preferences in the U.S. Air Force Personnel Data System was augmented to include: Dianic Wicca, Druidism, Gardnerian Wicca, Pagan, Seax Wicca, Shamanism, and Wicca. This information was published in 2001, in an essay called "The Pagan and the Pentagon," printed by the Wiccan Pagan Times.
For further clarification, check out the following court cases that explain how Wicca is a religion. Dettmer vs. Landon, United States v. Seeger, and my favorite, United States v. Phillips. The judge in U.S. v Phillips stated "Wicca is a socially and legally recognized religion and it will be acknowledged as such by the U.S. Army.
Again, I can not speak for everyone who is or who will be a Wiccan Priestess, but I can and will speak out for myself and the amazing women, I know who practice Wicca. I am a Mother of three great kids, I vote, pay taxes, I am a Police Officer, who upholds the law and is honored to serve the citizens of my city. And yes, I practice my religion, one that is protected by law.
I found your comment insulting. This was made to sensationalize an already sad and tragic story. Wicca did not kill this woman, her husband did. If the mistress of this man had been any other religion, it would never have been mentioned. And if it had, I am sure you know there would be an outcry and some backlash.
If you are still unsure about exactly what the hell Wicca is, I invite you to read about it. There are thousands of books on the subject or ask someone who practices Wicca. Most of us are very happy to help answer questions, so the stereotype version of what we are can be set aside.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Proselytizing and Propriety or Wow, they are getting Sneaky! ;-)
We, as Pagan’s sometimes get a little annoyed but mostly amused when someone comes knocking on our door asking if we have found Jesus.
I have had Jehovah's Witnesses, fundamentalist Baptists, and even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints A.K.A. Mormon’s stop by….they must feel the desperation of my apparent NEED of being saved because they keep coming back! Anyway, it is a minor bother and I am always polite, decline and ask that they do not return but that always seems to fall on deaf ears.
I was thinking of putting up a nice sign asking them to refrain from knocking on my door as I have told them in the past, I am not interested. Maybe if I put up a section of Mark 4:12, it might help?
I was thinking of putting up a nice sign asking them to refrain from knocking on my door as I have told them in the past, I am not interested. Maybe if I put up a section of Mark 4:12, it might help?
“So that although they look, they may look but not see,and although they hear, they may hear but not understand, so they may not repent and be forgiven.” I forgive you for bothering me, AGAIN, please do not come back!
I do realize that proselytizing is important to many religions and I do my best to stay open minded. But something happened that has me a bit put off.
On Sunday night, Ender and I were in the front yard and he saw a female classmate of his,one he likes to play with at school. Her family apparently just moved in a few doors down from us. Very cool. Ender was very excited and we took a walk over and I introduced myself to the girl’s parents and we had a nice chat. The kids played a bit and we walked back home.
During the night, Ender started getting sick and the next morning, I decided to keep him home with me. We had a quiet day and did some extra snuggling, because he puts up less fuss when he is sick. Hey, he is my last kid and he is almost 9, I will steal snuggles anyway I can. Don’t judge me! :-)
After school, there was a knock at the door. It was the girl, asking for Ender to come out and play. I told her the reason she didn't see him at school today was he was feeling ill but as soon as he was better, they could play. She asked me to tell him she hopes he feels better soon and she said, “My Mom said to give this to him at school today” and she hands me a paper. I thank her, thinking its something she made for him or an invitation to a Halloween party. We say goodbye and I close the door. I am about to give Ender the card, when I look at it.
THUD! My jaw hit the floor. It said “I am a Child of God.” “Are you?” and it was an invitation to attend their church, next week. Wow! Hmmmm. I had to sit and think about this for a minute. First, I was angry, then confused but ultimately amused. This is a new tactic…interesting.
I gave it to Ender, he read it, looked at me and said “Ug, do I have to go?” I said “of course not” and that was that. I considered going over to the house and talking with the Mom about it but the kid seems nice and Ender is looking forward to having someone in the neighborhood to play with after school. I am a bit miffed still that the Mom would try to send it covertly to school and not just ask me if he might be interested. Here is a picture, I intentionally left off the church's name and address in the picture.
THUD! My jaw hit the floor. It said “I am a Child of God.” “Are you?” and it was an invitation to attend their church, next week. Wow! Hmmmm. I had to sit and think about this for a minute. First, I was angry, then confused but ultimately amused. This is a new tactic…interesting.
I gave it to Ender, he read it, looked at me and said “Ug, do I have to go?” I said “of course not” and that was that. I considered going over to the house and talking with the Mom about it but the kid seems nice and Ender is looking forward to having someone in the neighborhood to play with after school. I am a bit miffed still that the Mom would try to send it covertly to school and not just ask me if he might be interested. Here is a picture, I intentionally left off the church's name and address in the picture.
So, I am sitting here now trying to figure out what I can send with Ender, to school for his new friend to bring home? An invitation to Samhain, maybe some kiddie Tarot cards, or should I just go big and give her a pentacle necklace? I would never do that, I have a sense of propriety that I fear my new neighbors lack, but still it would be awesome to see the look on their faces!!!!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Take me out to the ball game!
My first foray in to the the 42 list was....... #9. Attend a Brevard County Manatees Baseball Game. I loaded up the kids, one of their friends, "Super Hubby", and my good pal, Jessica and off we went.
We had tickets to sit on the berm, which is behind left field. We brought chairs to sit on and the $12 ticket, also included all you can eat burgers, hot dogs, chips and ice cream. This made "Ender" very happy! During the 7th inning stretch, Manny the Manatee, takes all the kids under 12 for a run across the field. "Ender" was also very happy with that!
The weather was great, warm and breezy. The Manatees were trailing 2 to 0, in the bottom of the 7th, when Manatee 2nd baseman, Greg Hopkins #14, hit a home run! It landed on the berm and "Ender" grabbed it! He was so excited and yes very very happy! His big brother, Rabbit, took him over to the dug out and Hopkins said he would sign it for "Ender" as soon as the game was over! An error by the other team allowed the Manatees to score two more runs, in the bottom of the 9th! Manatees win!
"Ender" got the ball signed, and we went home. We had a blast and we will be doing it again sometime soon.
We had tickets to sit on the berm, which is behind left field. We brought chairs to sit on and the $12 ticket, also included all you can eat burgers, hot dogs, chips and ice cream. This made "Ender" very happy! During the 7th inning stretch, Manny the Manatee, takes all the kids under 12 for a run across the field. "Ender" was also very happy with that!
The weather was great, warm and breezy. The Manatees were trailing 2 to 0, in the bottom of the 7th, when Manatee 2nd baseman, Greg Hopkins #14, hit a home run! It landed on the berm and "Ender" grabbed it! He was so excited and yes very very happy! His big brother, Rabbit, took him over to the dug out and Hopkins said he would sign it for "Ender" as soon as the game was over! An error by the other team allowed the Manatees to score two more runs, in the bottom of the 9th! Manatees win!
"Ender" got the ball signed, and we went home. We had a blast and we will be doing it again sometime soon.
42 Things to do before 42!
Here is the list for the next year! As always, you are welcome to join me in any of these activities! I start tonight with the baseball game with Family and my good pal, Jessica! When I finish something on the list, this time, I will try to do a small blog post about it! But no pressure, some will get them, some won't!:-)
- Visit Spook Hill
- Go to the rodeo
- Get a tattoo
- Go to Dinosaur World
- Have a garage sale and empty the garage
- Go to Sanibel Island
- Go on the Orange Blossom Express
- Run a 5K
- Attend a Brevard County Manatees Baseball Game
- Take a belly dancing class
- Go rafting or tubing in North Florida
- Attend Miami Pagan Pride Day
- Take the test for promotion to Detective
- Go to Key West again
- Go on a Haunted Ghost Tour
- Build a spiral herb garden
- Volunteer with the Sea Turtle Preservation Society
- Go see The Molly Roger Roller Girl
- Visit Mt Dora
- Go see Classic Albums Live
- Visit the Dali Museum in St. Pete
- Teach Reiki level 1
- Make a fire pit in backyard
- Volunteer at The Women's Center
- Dragon Con
- Visit Blowing Rocks Preserve
- Start a Spiral Scout Group
- Present Workshop about Pagans to Police Academy
- Take Matt to St Augustine for a pirate adventure
- Make Officers of Avalon a 501c3
- Get on the bone marrow donation list
- Give blood 6 times
- Watch the Mama Sea turtles lay eggs
- Leave a large tip to a server and leave a thank you note
- Watch the baby sea turtles hatch
- Start a garden project with the kids from PAL and BCC Environmental club
- Buy a pair of cowboy boots
- Get a drum and learn to drum
- Trip to Atlanta
- Write two articles for magazines
- Make homemade dill pickles
- Take the F.B.I. Statement Analysis Class
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Birthday Demands!
The other day in shift meeting, the subject of my birthday came up, because I am the only female and I am older than a lot of my squad.
Cops are strange, the more we like you, the more we tease you. I know some will say that is a form of bullying but it is not. I love my squad and they love me, we have to develop close relationships, it's a survival thing. We have to be willing to put ourselves in life threatening situations and trust that our squad mates have our back. It's easier when you care deeply for each other. You also can't help forming a bond with people who have been with you through apartment explosions, car accidents, almost shootings and the occasional loose pig or alligator in the neighborhood.
So, our Lieutenant told me Happy Birthday since we are off on my actual birthday. And the jokes began. They ranged from old lady jokes, and threats of practical jokes all shift, then someone asked what did I want "Super Hubby" to buy me. S.H. is an officer in the next town over so my whole squad knows him, very well, at work and off work too.
I had no answer. This prompted lots of discussion about the squad wives and things they have asked for....when one guy said "More like demanded!" We all laughed but it got me thinking....... I am not a demanding sort of person. I like to do for my friends and family, it's how I show love. I go with the flow. But shouldn't my birthday be different? Maybe I should ask for just a bit more on this special day.
I wrote out a list of Birthday Demands and gave it to S.H. and the boys. They looked confused but I told them, this way there is no pressure for a gift or trying to even figure out what to buy, in the first place. I am hard to buy for, my interests change like the wind and I am always trying something different.
My list is very simple.
1. I get to sleep in as late as I want. (I made it until 8 AM, I couldn't lay there any longer! LOL)
2. I am not responsible for my regular morning routine of chores...putting out the dog, lowering the a/c, making the coffee, getting the paper, and making breakfast. (Simple, I know but nice to not have to do them!)
3. We will go out for breakfast. I am the only one who LOVES going to breakfast, so today we will go!
4. I will be on the computer writing, playing games, looking at Facebook or watching cat videos as long as I want with little to no interruptions except in an emergency! :-) This means missing digits and/or blood. This also includes if I am reading a book, out in the garden, at my Altar, or meditating!
5. I will be doing no chores, so the dishes, laundry, cleaning the litter box, cooking and anything else that resembles work will be done by others or will wait until tomorrow!
6. My phone will be off all day so no work call ins or fires to put out with any of my groups, volunteer places etc. If it's a true emergency, people know to call S.H. to get to me.
7. I will be taking the time to bring my laptop to get fixed, which I have been putting off, to do stuff for others. I love my laptop, I want it fixed. Today is that day! :-)
8. S.H. and the boys will be ready to do whatever crazy thing I decide we should do today with little to no complaining! Yes, that may mean going to that lecture on Backyard Chickens at the library tonight! :-)
9. If I choose to watch TV or see a movie, it's my pick. I know it's hard for the guys to give up control of the remote but they will be okay, this one time.
10. Any and all of these demands are subject to modification at any time, at my whim, so buckle up guys, it's my 41st Birthday!
After I wrote out the list, I saw one of my favorite places, Florida Wildlife Hospital is having a fundraiser all week, so I will be going to get a pizza and have 20% of my bill go to them....I "demand" you do the same if you live in my area! LOL. The Birthday Girl (girl...41...not quite) has spoken!
And if your Birthday is coming up, make your "Demands List", you deserve it!!!!
Cops are strange, the more we like you, the more we tease you. I know some will say that is a form of bullying but it is not. I love my squad and they love me, we have to develop close relationships, it's a survival thing. We have to be willing to put ourselves in life threatening situations and trust that our squad mates have our back. It's easier when you care deeply for each other. You also can't help forming a bond with people who have been with you through apartment explosions, car accidents, almost shootings and the occasional loose pig or alligator in the neighborhood.
So, our Lieutenant told me Happy Birthday since we are off on my actual birthday. And the jokes began. They ranged from old lady jokes, and threats of practical jokes all shift, then someone asked what did I want "Super Hubby" to buy me. S.H. is an officer in the next town over so my whole squad knows him, very well, at work and off work too.
I had no answer. This prompted lots of discussion about the squad wives and things they have asked for....when one guy said "More like demanded!" We all laughed but it got me thinking....... I am not a demanding sort of person. I like to do for my friends and family, it's how I show love. I go with the flow. But shouldn't my birthday be different? Maybe I should ask for just a bit more on this special day.
I wrote out a list of Birthday Demands and gave it to S.H. and the boys. They looked confused but I told them, this way there is no pressure for a gift or trying to even figure out what to buy, in the first place. I am hard to buy for, my interests change like the wind and I am always trying something different.
My list is very simple.
1. I get to sleep in as late as I want. (I made it until 8 AM, I couldn't lay there any longer! LOL)
2. I am not responsible for my regular morning routine of chores...putting out the dog, lowering the a/c, making the coffee, getting the paper, and making breakfast. (Simple, I know but nice to not have to do them!)
3. We will go out for breakfast. I am the only one who LOVES going to breakfast, so today we will go!
4. I will be on the computer writing, playing games, looking at Facebook or watching cat videos as long as I want with little to no interruptions except in an emergency! :-) This means missing digits and/or blood. This also includes if I am reading a book, out in the garden, at my Altar, or meditating!
5. I will be doing no chores, so the dishes, laundry, cleaning the litter box, cooking and anything else that resembles work will be done by others or will wait until tomorrow!
6. My phone will be off all day so no work call ins or fires to put out with any of my groups, volunteer places etc. If it's a true emergency, people know to call S.H. to get to me.
7. I will be taking the time to bring my laptop to get fixed, which I have been putting off, to do stuff for others. I love my laptop, I want it fixed. Today is that day! :-)
8. S.H. and the boys will be ready to do whatever crazy thing I decide we should do today with little to no complaining! Yes, that may mean going to that lecture on Backyard Chickens at the library tonight! :-)
9. If I choose to watch TV or see a movie, it's my pick. I know it's hard for the guys to give up control of the remote but they will be okay, this one time.
10. Any and all of these demands are subject to modification at any time, at my whim, so buckle up guys, it's my 41st Birthday!
After I wrote out the list, I saw one of my favorite places, Florida Wildlife Hospital is having a fundraiser all week, so I will be going to get a pizza and have 20% of my bill go to them....I "demand" you do the same if you live in my area! LOL. The Birthday Girl (girl...41...not quite) has spoken!
41 Things Birthday Update!
I only completed 22 things this year. The completed ones are in bold and underlined. Last year I managed 25 of of 40!
Some things like the learning archery and fencing...I took a few lessons in both, I would not say I learned them but I did try them and it was super fun!
Thanks to my friends who help get me motivated and come along for the ride! As always whatever, I did not do, this year, will get added to the 42 list. Also, I have decided if something doesn't get crossed off the list in 3 years, I will take it off, it must not be that important.
Some things like the learning archery and fencing...I took a few lessons in both, I would not say I learned them but I did try them and it was super fun!
Thanks to my friends who help get me motivated and come along for the ride! As always whatever, I did not do, this year, will get added to the 42 list. Also, I have decided if something doesn't get crossed off the list in 3 years, I will take it off, it must not be that important.
- Learn Archery
- See Buddha the turtle get released back into the wild
- Go to the rodeo
- Get a tattoo
- Build an aquaponics system in the house
- Have a garage sale and empty the garage
- Lose 10 lbs
- Go to Sanibel Island
- Pagan Food Drive for "The Women’s Center”
- Run a 5K
- Grow more heirloom seeds or unusual foods
- Take a belly dancing class
- Go rafting or tubing in North Florida
- Go to FPG
- Learn to use a sewing machine
- Go to Cassadaga
- Go on a Haunted Ghost Tour
- Build a spiral herb garden
- Get Reiki attunement level 3
- Go see The Molly Roger Roller Girl
- Visit Mt Dora
- Go see Classic Albums Live
- Visit the Dali Museum in St. Pete
- Teach Reiki level 1
- Make a fire pit in backyard
- Re-do garden Altar
- Fight HOA about chickens!
- Visit land in S.C.
- See an ADF Ritual
- Present Workshop about Pagans to Police Academy
- Visit Morikami Gardens
- Get DNA done
- Go to Jacksonville Pagan Pride Day
- Go Vegan for a month
- Learn Fencing
- Learn to make hpyertufa pots
- Put in application for C.O.G.
- Start a garden project with the kids from PAL and BCC Environmental club
- Buy a pair of cowboy boots
- Get a drum and learn to drum
- Volunteer
Sunday, May 12, 2013
The Dark Moon and The Clootie Tree
I
did my dark moon circle by myself, this past Friday....out by my oak tree in
the backyard. I have built a cairn at the base of the tree and I have
turned that awesome oak into a clootie tree. I had seen several in my
travels, and always thought they were beautiful.
In
parts of Britain, Ireland and northern Europe, there is a tradition of
fastening a piece of cloth to trees, usually oaks, near the holy wells.
The oak tree is a symbol of long life, wisdom and health. I did see
them in many those places but I also saw a version of it at Ephesus, in
Turkey. An entire wall by the House of Mary. Here’s a picture.....very
impressive!
In
Celtic traditions, a ‘Clootie’ or ‘Cloot’, ‘Clought’ or even
‘Cloughtie’ is a strip of cloth, rag or ribbon is dipped in the water of
the spring or well and offered to the tree or Deity. This is done as
prayer or wish to cure an illness or solve a problem. The cloth is tied
to the tree, and as it fades and disintegrates over time, so does the
sickness or issue. Another way to incorporate this into a practice is
to make a Wish Tree, where offerings are hung on the branches or placed
by the spring or well. These offerings may include a coin, stone, charm,
necklaces, medals, beads and any symbol of your faith.
My
tree is a bit of both, it has cloth, beads, shells, whatever strikes my
fancy. I only started doing this about 6 months ago, so feel free next
time you visit my home, to bring something to the tree. I can see it
from my dining room window, and it never fails to make me smile. Here is
a picture of my tree. Please ignore the huge blue rain barrel. :-)
So,
last night, I stood out by the tree, cast a circle and then just stood
there...listening to the night sounds of my backyard. I didn’t ask for
anything or do any ritual...just hung out with the tree and in that way,
was one with nature and my God and Goddess. I did say Thank you for all
my blessings, and friends and the all around great life I have been
given.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
41 Things Update!
With 2 months and 9 days to go, I have completed 17 out of 41
things...I had better get moving! :-) The competed ones are the ones
underlined and in bold! Thanks to my friends who help get me motivated
and come along for the ride!
- Learn Archery
- See Buddha the turtle get released back into the wild
- Go to the rodeo
- Get a tattoo
- Build an aquaponics system in the house
- Have a garage sale and empty the garage
- Lose 10 lbs
- Go to Sanibel Island
- Pagan Food Drive for "The Women’s Center”
- Run a 5K
- Grow more heirloom seeds or unusual foods
- Take a belly dancing class
- Go rafting or tubing in North Florida
- Go to FPG
- Learn to use a sewing machine
- Go to Cassadaga
- Go on a Haunted Ghost Tour
- Build a spiral herb garden
- Get Reiki attunement level 3
- Go see The Molly Roger Roller Girl
- Visit Mt Dora
- Go see Classic Albums Live
- Visit the Dali Museum in St. Pete
- Teach Reiki level 1
- Make a fire pit in backyard
- Re-do garden Altar
- Fight HOA about chickens!
- Visit land in S.C.
- See an ADF Ritual
- Present Workshop about Pagans to Police Academy
- Visit Morikami Gardens
- Get DNA done
- Go to Jacksonville Pagan Pride Day
- Go Vegan for a month
- Learn Fencing
- Learn to make hpyertufa pots
- Put in application for C.O.G.
- Start a garden project with the kids from PAL and BCC Environmental club
- Buy a pair of cowboy boots
- Get a drum and learn to drum
- Volunteer
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Turtle Update!
On February 19th, I got a call from Sea World saying that "Buddha" was going to be released the next day and they wanted me and the other officers who help save him there for the event!
We drove out to Sea World and found out we were going to be filmed for the TV show "Sea Rescue" that is on ABC on Saturday mornings!!! Uh, no thanks! I let my fellow officers do all the talking and I just hung out with the turtle, who was renamed "Lazarus" by Sea World staff, because he almost died so many times.
Here are the Sea World crew doing a final weigh in and measure....then into the truck and off to the beach we went! Doesn't he look like he is smiling!!!
We arrived at the beach and carried him down and he took the long way but ended up in the ocean, where he belongs!! Here is a Video....I do not know when the episode of Sea Rescue will be aired, but I will let you all know. Here is the crew, the officers involved (I look very short in this picture!) and a lady from The Sea Turtle Preservation Society!
We drove out to Sea World and found out we were going to be filmed for the TV show "Sea Rescue" that is on ABC on Saturday mornings!!! Uh, no thanks! I let my fellow officers do all the talking and I just hung out with the turtle, who was renamed "Lazarus" by Sea World staff, because he almost died so many times.
We arrived at the beach and carried him down and he took the long way but ended up in the ocean, where he belongs!! Here is a Video....I do not know when the episode of Sea Rescue will be aired, but I will let you all know. Here is the crew, the officers involved (I look very short in this picture!) and a lady from The Sea Turtle Preservation Society!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Officers Of Avalon 2013 Board Of Directors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amber Moon
ambermoonie@gmail.com
OFFICERS OF AVALON WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND WEBSITE
Florida (January 25 2013 ) – Officers of Avalon (www.officersofavalon.com) announced today the individuals who will join the newly structured Officers of Avalon Board of Directors and unveiled a new website.
President: Timothy Flanagan, who has been an member of Officers of Avalon since it's inception and a former Vice President, has now taken on the responsibility of the President. Tim is Wiccan and a retired police officer from New Jersey.
Vice President: Amber Moon, has been a member of Officers of Avalon for two years and is a current law enforcement officer from Florida. Amber is the group's web mistress and public relations officer as well as being a member of Ár nDraíocht Féin.
Secretary: Caroline Knowles has experience as a secretary and account manager in real estate. Caroline follows a Celtic path and has been a member of Officers of Avalon for 2 years.
About Officers of Avalon:
On 15 December 1999 Corporal Tricia Mullensky of the University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth) Police Department created the Yahoo e-group Officers of Avalon as a "way for Pagan law enforcement and emergency personnel to talk, discuss, vent or ask questions to others of like mind."
On 15 December 1999 Corporal Tricia Mullensky of the University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth) Police Department created the Yahoo e-group Officers of Avalon as a "way for Pagan law enforcement and emergency personnel to talk, discuss, vent or ask questions to others of like mind."
In its infancy, Officers of Avalon was a small e-group where Pagans in the emergency services could chat.
That all changed on 12 May, 2002, when Tim Flanagan posted on the e-group about forming a non-profit group.The initial burst of enthusiasm expanded the membership.
Officers
of Avalon isn't just an e-group anymore. It has become a benevolent
association for Pagan professionals in the emergency services. We will
offer Pagan police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, military
and rescue personnel a safe place to vent, to share ideas and to
disseminate information that affects us.
The Officers of Avalon is a fraternal, educational, and charitable organization. We seek to provide a community and network for Pagan first responders and to serve as a voice for them. We seek to provide accurate information and improve public perception about Pagan spirituality through education. We seek to defend followers of Pagan spirituality by working against misinformation, discrimination, defamation, harassment and intimidation. We are an outreach to Pagans in the Emergency Services. We also seek to demonstrate that Pagans are a charitable people. To that end, we work on the collection and distribution of donations to communities in need for natural disaster relief. Join us today as an Officer of Avalon or as a Friend of Avalon.
The Officers of Avalon is a fraternal, educational, and charitable organization. We seek to provide a community and network for Pagan first responders and to serve as a voice for them. We seek to provide accurate information and improve public perception about Pagan spirituality through education. We seek to defend followers of Pagan spirituality by working against misinformation, discrimination, defamation, harassment and intimidation. We are an outreach to Pagans in the Emergency Services. We also seek to demonstrate that Pagans are a charitable people. To that end, we work on the collection and distribution of donations to communities in need for natural disaster relief. Join us today as an Officer of Avalon or as a Friend of Avalon.
Friday, January 18, 2013
A Witchy vacation with some Baptists :-)
At the beginning of the month, I was lucky enough to get some time off work, load up my SUV with "Super Hubby" and the goofy mutt and go to South Carolina. My Dad moved to S.C. back in April, after living his whole life in New England... he was having a bit of culture shock, so we went to visit.
Dad has a bunch of land out in the middle of "nowhere", and let me tell you that "nowhere" is beautiful. I hiked with the dog twice a day and never saw a soul. I saw black squirrels, heard mooing cows and even one night, when we were late getting back, a howling yi-yi sound of a coyote! I was not afraid! :-)
But there something that I was a little nervous about, everyone in town and I think, possibly in that section of South Carolina are Baptist. I don't know many personally, growing up in New England, everyone I knew was Roman Catholic. I did have a vague sense that they do not drink, and some do not dance or play cards...so a drinking, dancing, Texas hold 'em playing witch had just come to town....Interesting.
My Dad is Anglican, which is a tradition within Christianity, his wife was raised Baptist and they go to a Baptist Church.They are not hard to find in S.C., I counted 17 in town. So, everyone at church had heard that "Super Hubby" and I were coming for a visit and wanted to meet us. Yikes!
We were invited to the house of a church Deacon for lunch. "Super Hubby" could not contain his evil glee at the thought! I am very respectful when it comes to religion and while I do not offer my personal beliefs to strangers, if one should ask, I am always forthcoming about being Pagan. I just hoped no one would ask....
Oh, one little historical tidbit.....one of the last witch trails in the United States was in S.C., in 1813. Barbara Powers was tried on the charge of witchcraft, accused of turning a young girl into a horse and riding her. Interesting.......
We had a nice lunch, making small talk and such. The conversation turned to gardening and herbal tea and the Deacon's mother, who was in her 80's, pulled me into the kitchen to show me her Grandmother's cookbook.
Holy cow!!!! It had recipes for chicken and biscuits and every other food you can think of.... but guess what else? Folk remedies, and herbal medicine and gardening tips using moon phases.
When I asked about some of it, she got a little embarrassed and said her Grandmother came to the U.S. from Wales and was very superstitious. I told her so was I and I asked if I could write down some things from the book. She agreed and here is some of it....
There was a poem that young girls can recite while looking over their shoulder at a new moon:
New moon, new moon, let me see
Who my husband is to be;
The color of his hair, the clothes he wears,
and the day he is to wed me.
Sounds like a spell to me!!!!! LOL.
To cure a sore back, boil pine tree roots and pain ants ( I guess that means, the biting red ones) in a clean cloth and place it on the sore spot.
Got a sore throat? Put a live toad on your neck where the pain is.....Ewwwwwww!
There was a bunch more, so many of them witchy, like wear a ring with a green stone if you have eye problems....lots of things that she called poems but to me were definitely spells! :-)
Before my next trip up there, I will do some research about the folklore and witchcraft of that area....who knows what I will find. If anyone can suggest some books or websites about the folklore of the area, please let me know.
They Deacon never asked what religion I was, but I think his Mom knew.... :-)
Dad has a bunch of land out in the middle of "nowhere", and let me tell you that "nowhere" is beautiful. I hiked with the dog twice a day and never saw a soul. I saw black squirrels, heard mooing cows and even one night, when we were late getting back, a howling yi-yi sound of a coyote! I was not afraid! :-)
But there something that I was a little nervous about, everyone in town and I think, possibly in that section of South Carolina are Baptist. I don't know many personally, growing up in New England, everyone I knew was Roman Catholic. I did have a vague sense that they do not drink, and some do not dance or play cards...so a drinking, dancing, Texas hold 'em playing witch had just come to town....Interesting.
My Dad is Anglican, which is a tradition within Christianity, his wife was raised Baptist and they go to a Baptist Church.They are not hard to find in S.C., I counted 17 in town. So, everyone at church had heard that "Super Hubby" and I were coming for a visit and wanted to meet us. Yikes!
We were invited to the house of a church Deacon for lunch. "Super Hubby" could not contain his evil glee at the thought! I am very respectful when it comes to religion and while I do not offer my personal beliefs to strangers, if one should ask, I am always forthcoming about being Pagan. I just hoped no one would ask....
Oh, one little historical tidbit.....one of the last witch trails in the United States was in S.C., in 1813. Barbara Powers was tried on the charge of witchcraft, accused of turning a young girl into a horse and riding her. Interesting.......
We had a nice lunch, making small talk and such. The conversation turned to gardening and herbal tea and the Deacon's mother, who was in her 80's, pulled me into the kitchen to show me her Grandmother's cookbook.
Holy cow!!!! It had recipes for chicken and biscuits and every other food you can think of.... but guess what else? Folk remedies, and herbal medicine and gardening tips using moon phases.
When I asked about some of it, she got a little embarrassed and said her Grandmother came to the U.S. from Wales and was very superstitious. I told her so was I and I asked if I could write down some things from the book. She agreed and here is some of it....
There was a poem that young girls can recite while looking over their shoulder at a new moon:
New moon, new moon, let me see
Who my husband is to be;
The color of his hair, the clothes he wears,
and the day he is to wed me.
Sounds like a spell to me!!!!! LOL.
To cure a sore back, boil pine tree roots and pain ants ( I guess that means, the biting red ones) in a clean cloth and place it on the sore spot.
Got a sore throat? Put a live toad on your neck where the pain is.....Ewwwwwww!
There was a bunch more, so many of them witchy, like wear a ring with a green stone if you have eye problems....lots of things that she called poems but to me were definitely spells! :-)
Before my next trip up there, I will do some research about the folklore and witchcraft of that area....who knows what I will find. If anyone can suggest some books or websites about the folklore of the area, please let me know.
They Deacon never asked what religion I was, but I think his Mom knew.... :-)
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