2 Witches Blog lost a sizeable amount of traffic when we moved here to our own domain and even now at the 3 month mark we have not recovered.  It is discouraging at best.  But rather than stare in dread any longer at the reports on Google Analytics I have decided to simply do something about it.

Today being on the cusp of Imbolc to make a pledge to take my own writing and hopefully 2Witches further.

I have decided to keep Imbolc this year working on a book I hope one day to write.  The plan is to light some incense, consecrate and light a candle, utter a prayer to the Gods above and take some of the notes that I’ve jotted down over the years and start transcribing them into a format that can one day be submitted to a publishing house.  Just “saying that out loud” is hard for me as, frankly, self-esteeem is not my strong point.  The only thing standing in my way, aside from the lack of time, is my own fear of failure.  I received a Tweet a couple of days ago encouraging me and offering me a bit of praise and it meant the world to me.

But, I have also decided to put more effort into the content here on 2Witches and spend more time networking – getting out there and reading (and commenting) on more blogs.

I have decided to work on creating some new regular features – more “living wisely” articles, more recipes, more unique content such as prayers, invocations, etc. and less featuring of other’s youtube videos (as much fun as that feature has been).

I have decided to do some major work on the blogroll which I have not updated in far far too long. 

Odds are that this final task alone will take me a couple of weeks.  It is not for lack of desire to do the deed, it is just that between the tasks of hearth & home, the 40-hour work week, and the college class the spirit is willing, but oh is the flesh, well if not weak, then just plum exhausted.

And in that spirit, I need your help. 

What do YOU want to see more of?  Is there anything you wish you were seeing in the Pagan blogosphere in general that you aren’t?  What subjects would you like to see us write about?  Do you want to see Tarot readings?  Should we start offering more in the way of “Intro to Witchcraft” content geared toward either newbies to the path or outsiders.

Just let me know and Lady Rose & I will do our best to comply.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama Kelly

Old Dame Penniwig’s blog has become a daily highlight of my day. I love the tidbits she shares about her life, I love her humor which is always present, and I love the graphics she creates and shares for free (like the one above). I have so many graphics saved and even though her graphics are not intended for Pagan blogs they fit in here at 2Witches just fine.

Recently she hosted a giveaway and to my surprise I won. Today I came home to a wonderful package of beading goodies (earmarked for my girls to work with) as well as the sweetest little Witchy scrapping findings (I have a wee little spell book EEEEEEEEEE).

One of the best things about the Internet in general and blogging specifically are the people I have met and the moments of kindness I have witnessed. Coming home to my prize was a lovely end to a frankly lousy week.

So thank you Dame Penniwig!!!!
You are one rare and special lady indeed.

Blessed Be!

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama Kelly

I was raised Roman Catholic and while my parents were not religious I was.  From my communion to my confirmation I was “God’s”.   But, the older I got, the more reading I did, and the stronger my own convictions became I found less and less in the Catholic faith that I agreed with.  Like many other formerly Catholic Wiccans I’ve talked to or read over the years Mary stuck around the longest but eventually I realized that while I still believed in the Divine, I could no longer call myself a Christian, never mind a Roman Catholic. Losing my faith was hard, until I realized that my faith was fine, I just didn’t have a religion any longer to call home.

When I read my first real Wiccan book I knew I had a home again.  Dr. Martello’s book showed me that the things I believed made sense, that they had a name, I wasn’t weird, I was just a Witch.  And within a few months I had friends that had similar beliefs, as if by magic.   But, I spent a year on my own, honoring the Sabbats as best I could in my dorm room, or my bedroom in my parent’s house.  When I was invited to an open Candlemas ritual by a friend how could I say no? Years passed and I grew as a Witch with that circle, being initiated to third degree not long before the whole thing imploded. Since then the only times I have been in a group ritual have been at events such as Womongathering.

This year’s Imbolc/Candlemas marks the 20th anniversary of the first time I stepped foot in circle with a group.  I wish I could say that I remember that night in vivid detail.  The fact of the matter is 20 years is a long time, much has happened since that night and I was too nervous to pay attention to making memories.  What I can tell you is that I do remember the sheer joy I had in Wicca at that time.  While I do not feel that joy the same way – the exhuberance of youth is fleeting – Wicca is still the place I call home, even without complex rites or covenmates.  However, that does not mean that I do not on occassion experience whispers of disconnection or discontent and I am not alone.

Recently there has been an exodus of sorts in the online Pagan community away from Wicca. Rev. Hovey, who ran a “Wiccan church” has converted to Christianity, Dianne Sylvan no longer calls herself Wiccan, the hosts of the podcast Deo’s Shadow have announced that they now consider themselves atheist. I understand how one can outgrow a faith, to simply find that your own personal core beliefs have changed and no longer fit.  But also, with a religion such as Wicca which is growing and evolving so much so quickly it is also easy to feel as though the faith itself has moved on without you.  Or, at the very least, to look at what Wicca is today and find it unrecognizable in many ways as compared to the path 20 or more years ago. 

For now, I still choose to see the Divine as being at once unfathomably complex and present in my day to day life.  For now, I still choose to commune with the Divine as God and Goddess … Lord and Lady.  For now, I am still Wiccan.  But, the faith is changing and much like when my own beliefs evolved away from Catholicism, they may one day move me away from Wicca as well.

I won’t say what I think Wicca is or what Wicca should be.  I won’t be that presumptuous.  I will simply share what I wish it could be.  I wish I could walk into my neighborhood Wiccan Church, meet some likeminded people, worship together, and be part of a network of support (to receive and to give) in times of need.  I wish that the Wiccan faith was accurately portrayed on television and in movies even though without the shock value of sterotypes these portrayals may be fairly bland and boring.  I wish it was safer to live life outside of the closet.  But, for any of this to be possible at some point, Wicca will most likely have to convene a council much like they did in 1974 and hammer out what makes up the framework of Wiccan belief.  Individual Witches at some point will have to branch out of their living rooms, rec centers, and public parks (not that there is anything wrong with any of these venues) and create more in the way of permanent sacred places that are open to congragants and newcomers both. 

With the strong feeling so many Wiccans have about eclecticsm, autonomy, and personal freedom I am not sure if any of this would be attainable. But is still what I wish Wicca could become.

Here’s to the next 20 years of Wicca!

Here’s to the next 20 years of my personal spiritual journey!

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:Candlemas, Imbolc, religion, spirituality, wicca

Normally I would’ve saved this until next week and a new installment of Pagan Video Tuesday. But, it seemed too important to sit on.

Just in case you missed this story last week, a pagan group in the D.C. area held a ritual to sweep away the energies of the Bush administration as well as to welcome and bless President Obama to Washington. Here are some videos relating to the pre-inaugural “Ritual of Unity and Blessing” in Washington D.C.

1 hour, 20 minutes

Just over 16 minutes of interviews, thanks to MagickTV

a brief video, under 2 minutes, in case you dont have time to watch the longer piece

Thanks to Hecate you can even read about her ire at Comcast Cable in regards to their using video footage of this rite and highlighting it under their “News of the Weird” feature. Thanks to her links you can also read the invocation to the element of water used during the rite as well as a blessing delivered that day.

I personally understand how unusual this ritual must’ve seen to an outsider’s eyes. A bunch of grownups in robes, with drums and brooms, is not something the average American sees on a daily basis. But then how often do you witness any religious rituals outside of your own in a public venue? To have been highlighted as the weird news of the day offends me. Hecate makes a valid point when she says that Comcast would be unlikely to treat any other religious group in this fashion.

As a Pagan, as a Witch, or as someone who obviously has a degree of tolerance toward the faith system (otherwise you wouldn’t be here reading my blog would you) how does this make you feel?

If you are a letter writer, or if this story inspires you to be one for the first time here, again thanks to Hecate, is the contact info:

Comcast’s CEO is Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Corporation. Comcast is located at 1 Comcast Center, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Their phone numbers are: 215-286-1700 and Toll Free: 800-266-2278.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:news, religion, religious tolerance, video

May Imbolc grace you with a spark of light to see you through the darkest nights of your soul.

May Imbolc grace you with new beginnings and renewed hope.

May you and yours be blessed now and always.

Written by Mama KellyTags:Candlemas, Imbolc, video

Links when available take you to Amazon.com so that you can see as much detail about the book as possible. I also list my preferred price for the book, but if you are looking to buy a number of books, or simply want to haggle a bit feel free to make me an offer. Just remember that prices do not reflect shipping.

Healing Crystals and Gemstones: From Amethyst to Zircon by Dr. Flora Peschak-Bohmer and Gisela Schreiber 
Hardcover.  A  few dings in back cover and title page is dogearred, otherwise in the same condition it came home from store. $5

Aromatherapy Through the Seasons: Restorative Recipes and Sensory Suggestions by Paula M. Bousquet and Judith Fitzsimmons
Softcover.  Seller’s mark.  Price tag on front cover showing original price and my purchase price.  $3

Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch and James F. Balch
Like new.  Third edition (current publication is 4th).  Price sticker on front cover.  $10

Love Story and Oliver’s Story by Erich Segal
I will only sell these as a pair. They are hardcover editions from the 70s and yes they show their age. However both are in their original (albeit battered) dustjackets. They belonged to my late mother. $5

The Childbirth Kit: Ideas and Images to Help You Through Labor by Marie Fellenstein Hale and Liz Chalmers
This is out of print.  Cardboard “case” is a little battered but still has all the cards and the book. I used these cards during my labor with Princess Nibbles and found them helpful.  $8

The Art of Spiritual Healing: Chakra & Energy Bodywork by Keith Sherwood
I’ve had this book since 1989 or 1990. The book is seperating from the cover but a little glue and it will be good as new. $4

Spirit Healing: How to Make Your Life Work by Mary Dean Atwood
Hardcover edition. Price stickers on front cover. $4

Healing Wise (Wise Woman Herbal Series) by Susan Weed
Dogearred pages and a personal library sticker inside front cover (blank and ready for YOUR name) $4

The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide To The Curative Power Of Nature’s Medicines by Michael Castleman
Hardcover. Like new. $6

Cookie Dough Fun (no link, out of print)
Recipes using both homemade dough and refrigerated dough. Lots of cute ideas like hamburger cookies, sunflower cookies, mug o’ rootbear cookies, graduation cap cookies, Tie Dye Tshirt cookies, Tea Cup cookies, and so much more.
Hardcover. Spiral-bound. Like new. $3

Running on Empty: The Complete Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFIDS) by Katrina Berne, Ph.D>
Some dogearred pages, else in very good condition. $5

Tis the Season: a vegatarian Christmas cookbook by Nanette Blanchard
Hardcover, with dust jacket. Dustjacket is a bit dusty, etc. $5

The Complete Guide to Divination: How to Foretell the Future Using the Most Popular Methods of Prediction by Cassandra Eason
Price sticker on front cover, else like new. $4

The Life You Were Born to Live: A Guide to Finding Your Life Purpose by Dan Millman
Same condition it came home from store in. $6

Neal’s Yard Natural Remedies (no link, out of print)
Remedies given for various illnesses using herbs, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.
Softcover 1988 edition. Some age-related discoloration. Some pencil notes on blank page at end of book. $3

Yamuna’s Table: Healthy Vegetarian Cuisine Inspired by the Flavors of India
Hardover edition. Missing Dust Jacket. $4

You Can Do It!: The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-Up Girls
Near bookstore condition. $4

Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray’s 30-Minute Meals for Kids
Near bookstore condition. $3

Magical Spells for Your Home: How to Bring Magic into Every Area of Your Life
Still in dust jacket, though cover is a little battered. $3

Encyclopedia of Gods: Over 2500 Deities of the World
Missing dust jacket. Hardcover 1993 edition. $4

Leaving a Trace: On Keeping a Journal By Alexandra Johnson
Dust cover intact, though a bit wrinkled. Price sticker on front cover. $3

The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by Chris Hardisty (out of print)
Hardcover. Every recipe has a picture. $5

My preferred shipping means is USPS. If you are buying only 1 book I will ship via media mail or first class, whichever is cheaper, if you are buying a box of books I will ship via parcel post. As a guide you should count on $2.00 for each book.

Thanks for your attention

Mama Kelly

Now that the holidays are behind me (and now that I have the blessing of 2-day weekends again) I have resumed the purging I began over the summer. The goal is to move toward a simpler, less cluttered life and empty out our little upstairs living room so that Miss Artistic can go back to having her own room – something she hasn’t had since we moved in with Mr Grumpy in 2001.

As I clean through my books I find titles that I have either outgrown, replaced, or simply fall into the category of if I haven’t read it/used it by now I’m obviously never going to.  Some of these , but only the ones that have a fairly significant bottom line.

Written by Mama KellyTags:selling books, used books

by Angelgirl (age 12)

Written by Lady RoseTags:poem

Mother of All, Father of All:
as I go through the day,
keep my eyes open wide.
May I not miss beauty.
May I not miss joy.
May I not miss wonder.
Keep me awake and aware of the world.

Ceisiwr Serith

Written by Mama KellyTags:prayer

Proof that you can eat well even on a budget. This meal served 3 adults, a teenager, and a child and provided enough leftovers for a few lunches, and yes those who wanted them even had seconds!!!   Granted, I can’t feed them in this style every night, but for about the cost of 1 plain cheese pizza in my neighborhood we can all eat a meal that is good enough to be served at a restaurant (if I do say so myself).

The Ingredients
2 lbs. Pasta (your choice shells, penne, linguini)

2 TBSP Olive Oil
2 TBSP Unsalted Butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, diced
2 8 oz. packages cream cheese
12 oz. frozen broccoli (florets or chopped)
1 lb frozen pre-cooked salad sized shrimp
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup grated romano cheese
1/4 tsp dried rosemary
salt and pepper to taste

The Procedure
Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes (or the time listed on the package) until al dente.

Drain.

While pasta is cooking, begin to prepare the sauce.

On medium heat, melt olive oil and butter together.

Saute garlic and onion until oniolns are translucent.

Add tomatoes and cook about 10 minutes.

Add cream cheese and cook until thoroughly incorporated.

Note: Using a potato masher will help speed the incorporation of the tomatoes and cream cheese and will result in as mooth texture with very little effort.

Add seasonings.

Add broccoli and shrimp and cook until heated through.

Add wine and cook for 5 minutes.

Add cheese and cook for another 10 minutes

Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your tastes.

Toss with cooked pasta and serve immidiately.

The estimated cost
Pasta – 2.00
Oil – .25
Butter – .10
Garlic & Onion – .30
Tomatoes – approx. 1.00
Cream Cheese – 2.00
Peas – 1.00
Shrimp – 4.45
Wine – .50
Cheese – .50
Seasonings – negligable

Total: $12.10

Enjoy!

Mama Kelly

Other ideas:

• leave out the shrimp and add 1/4-1/2 cup chicken broth to stretch the sauce
• use peas instead of broccoli
• feel free to increase the amount of onion and garlic
• feel free to use more tomatoes, especially when they are in season

Recipe inspired here

Written by Mama KellyTags:Recipes

Today I am grateful for friends from work, who despite in many cases being 15 years or more younger than me, still think I am cool enough to hang out with.

Today I am grateful for being able to cook ahead for another week and for being able to tidy up my hall bookcases (some, not entirely).

Today I am grateful for being able to sell 3 books already via Amazon.com and for the funds it will bring into my home.

Today I am grateful that Miss Artistic has been doing so much better in terms of her depression issues and her school issues. Today I am grateful that Princess Nibbles remains her happy self.

Today I am grateful for simply having the gift of another day.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:gratitude, prayer