What is Reiki and How Can it Benefit You?

rei·ki

/ˈrākē/

noun

1.    a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body, and restore physical and emotional well-being.

      The word “Reiki” means “mysterious atmosphere, miraculous sign.” It comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life energy.

Like so many other alternative healing methods, Reiki practitioners have seen a rise in their business over the last 8-10 years. There is no doubt that some people are frustrated with traditional medicine when it fails to bring them relief. Many of those people have turned to alternative forms of healing, including Reiki. Many medical doctors have begun to accept these alternative forms of healing as wonderful compliments to traditional medicine, effectively treating the entire body, mind, and soul. "Reiki aids in healing by helping people become energetically balanced- physically, emotionally, mentally, and spritually," Reiki Master Victoria Bodner, LMT states.

The spiritual healing art of Reiki can give your body a boost where it is most needed. Practitioners send a powerful flow of positive energy into your body through touch. This flow of energy may bring near immediate sensations of relief. Reiki is known to be gentle yet regarded as a powerhouse healing method when it comes to reducing anxiety and stress. Stress causes a number of health issues including chronic headaches and fatigue.

When your body is able to let go of the stress it is holding on to, you might start to notice the following things happening:

·       A boot to your body’s natural  healing     mechanisms will help them to function more   effectively, thus increasing your immune   system strength

·      Potential reduced blood pressure, heart rate and   stress hormones

·      A shift from the stress response of “fight or flight” to a more relaxed response

·      A restoration of balance to your body, mind and soul.

In its long history of use, Reiki has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury including problems like:

·       multiple sclerosis

·       heart disease

·       cancer

·       skin problems

·       cuts, bruises, broken bones

·       headaches

·       colds, flu, and sore throats

·       sunburn

·       fatigue and insomnia

·       impotence

·       poor memory

.       digestive issues

With virtually no side effects, it is highly beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy. If a client has a health condition, and wants to be treated with Reiki, it is recommended that they do so under the supervision of their medical doctor or other enlightened health care professional. Reiki can improve the results of all medical treatment, acting to reduce negative side effects, shorten healing time, reduce or eliminate pain, reduce stress, and help create optimism.

Reiki sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes. During the session, the client will lie down fully clothed as the Reiki practitioner gently places their hands on or just above the body in specific energy locations. This is not a massage and the healing session is completely reliant upon the practitioner.  There are no crystals or wands or any other vehicle of energy delivery other than the practitioner's hands. A series of 12-15 different hand positions may be used and the length of time in each position is determined by the flow of energy through their hands in each location.

Perhaps your journey is calling you to become a Reiki practitioner. Where do you start? The best place is to first be a client yourself. This will open your mind, body, and spirit up to the practice and the energy. No prior training, education, or experience is necessary to enter the Reiki attunement certification training. This attunement process requires a Reiki Master to transfer the energy and healing techniques to the student. While training may vary, one can expect to learn about the energies in the body, how to work with healing energy, and ethics of working with clients. There are also 5 key principals to Reiki that one must learn and try to master. They are:

         * Just for today, do not worry                

         * Just for today, do not anger

         * Just for today, be grateful

         * Just for today, be honest

         * Just for today, be compassionate

Preparation for attunement may include avoiding alcohol and caffeine for 3-5 days, meditation, time in nature and releasing negative emotions. There are three levels of mastery to become a Reiki Master.  Those who reach "Master" level will then be able to teach others and often develop the skill of remote healing. 

There are countless teachers and opportunities for reiki attunement certification. One of the beautiful things about the practice of Reiki becoming more prevalent and more widely sought out is that there is likely a Reiki Master within a reasonable distance to study with.

Whether you are looking for a complimentary treatment to your existing medical care or you simply need a boost to your system, Reiki may be the answer.  The world needs more healers. Is this part of your journey?

*Please speak with your physician before trying alternative forms of healing.  Reiki and other forms of alternative healing methods are not a substitute for seeing a medical doctor.  Please seek medical attention with a medical physician or practitioner for medical concerns.*

Planning Your Witchy Garden

 

Spring has sprung and for many of us, that means it's time to plan the garden! What do we witches consider to be essential, must-haves in the garden?

Alternative and holistic medicines are more commonplace today than they were just 5 years ago. People are (re)turning to plants and herbs for remedies. The truth is, these remedies are just the ones that were forgotten in favor of chemical laden, prescription medications.  As witches, we not only use these plants and herbs for healing, we are using them in our spell work and rituals. 

So what are these must-have healing and magickal plants? 

* Sage- Common garden sage is a must have in your witchy garden. It is just as effective at removing heavy energies and purification as white sage is. You can also plant white sage if you feel called to do so.  Cleansing is not the only thing this powerful herb does.  It is known for promoting wisdom and bringing good luck.  Because of its natural aroma, sage is also highly effective at keeping pests out of your garden. Medicinally, Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in your body. Sage is linked to impressive health benefits, such as a lower risk of cancer and improved brain function and memory.

*Rosemary- Another common kitchen herb, rosemary packs a powerful punch when it comes to cleansing and protection. Because rosemary is associated with loyalty, it is often used in love magicks and worn during handfasting ceremonies. Rosemary is for remembrance so it is often used or burned during Samhain rituals to honor the ancestors and it can also help facilitate past life recall. This versatile herb can also help to promote healthy hair. Recent studies are showing that it can actually help with hair growth by improving circulation and stimulating nerve growth in the scalp better than some of the prescriptions for alopecia. Rosemary's aroma is also a powerful tool against stress and anxiety. If that weren't enough, there are three immune boosting components found in Rosemary- anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, and anti-carcinogens.

*Calendula- This sunshiny flower is an important herb to include in your garden. The positive and cheerful energy makes a wonderful mood boosting tea/ tincture. Its association with the sun makes calendula a powerhouse when it comes to bringing good luck. Prophetic dreams and messages are also brought by the flowers- just tuck them into a sachet under your pillow. Calendula is revered for its healing properties for skin conditions. Petals can be incorporated into oils and salves for healing wounds, rashes, burns, acne and dry skin. Using tinctures taken internally, calendula is known for being an anti-fungal, antibacterial, helping to stimulate the lymphatic system, to stimulate the menses, and as a digestive anti-inflammatory.

*Mugwort- Artemisia Vulgaris honors the Greek goddess, Artemis. Like its namesake, the plant is associated with the moon, cycles, women’s health, and childbirth. Mugwort can be used to help with menstruation and menopause. However, one of the well known and common uses for mugwort is for its capability to bring one into a deep meditative state and to help facilitate prophetic dreams and psychic experiences. Sister herb, Motherwort is also revered for relieving aches and pains associated with headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle sprains. Motherwort is another ally during menopause, helping to ease hot flashes and hormone induce irritability. Motherwort can be used in spell work to promote inner trust and self-confidence. It can also be used in fertility spells/ magick.

*Basil- This common and highly aromatic herb is known for its ability to bring luck and abundance and prosperity so it is often included in money spells. Associated with Mars and the fire element, basil should be used for spell work or rituals to bring about strength, courage, and protection. This herb is often included in love and happiness spells. In the garden, basil will help to repel pests. Medicinally, this herb is antimicrobial as well as an anti-inflammatory and can be used to help treat illness. It can also relieve stress and anxiety and help one with mental clarity.  Holy Basil is close relative and makes a tasty herbal tea (Tulsi). It too has antimicrobial properties and can be effective when treating colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Holy Basil has an uplifting energy bringing you lightness and warmth. This herb is also known for being an adaptogen and helps to protect the body from the negative effects of stress. 

*Echinacea- This plant is more well known for its immune boosting capabilities. Roots, seeds, and the fresh or dried flowers can be used to make a tasty herbal tea.  Magickal uses include power, success and the ability to strengthen spells.

*Bee Balm (Bergamot)- This beautiful plant is one of the best at attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden. Its aromatic scent and enticing flavor makes a wonderful tea and can help one unwind and de-stress. One can use dried flowers in a sachet to bring restful sleep

and possibly interesting dreams. Keep dried flowers/ leaves in your wallet or purse to attract money. It can also be sprinkled (dried) or planted outside the home to draw abundance and prosperity. Due to its high thymol content, bee balm has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anesthetic properties. It can be used in mouthwashes, foot baths, and douches to relieve odor and/ or itching. It can also be infused into a wash for minor cuts and scrapes.

*Mint- This herb is yet another powerful ally for prosperity magick. Because it is associated with the planet Mercury and the element of air, mint can be used in spells to help facilitate good communication, whether it is with a person, spirit guide or deity.  Mint is wonderful at providing mental clarity either in a spell or taking internally such as in a tea. This herb is known to help alleviate upset or unsettled stomachs, relieve tension headaches and support sinus health and aid in decongestion. 

*Lavender- This magickal herb is known and regarded for its ability to aid in relaxation and promote restful sleep.  Use in a tea or in spell work to help with dream recall. Lavender is also known to help bring happiness into a space. Hang or plant near your front door to ensure that negative energies stay away and only happiness, love and joy may enter. Lavender has also been used in love/ fidelity spells. Lavender can be used to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Additionally, lavender oil can be used to treat skin conditions such as fugal infections, minor cuts and scrapes, eczema, and acne. 

Other plants and herbs to consider are yarrow, feverfew, chamomile, stinging nettle, vervain, meadowsweet, hyssop, St. John's wort, comfrey, sunflowers, jasmine, dandelions, and roses. 

For anyone considering planting an herb garden or working with them in the future, I recommend purchasing herbal, plant, and flower dictionaries.  One of my favorites is Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham. One can also find a wealth of knowledge online.

If you cannot plant a full herb garden, consider plants that might do well in container gardens or windowsill boxes. You can't go wrong by having these amazing plants easily at your disposal. Get creative and Happy Gardening!

**Please note, one should always seek medical attention when necessary and ask their doctor before starting an alternative or holistic herbal regimen.**

How Adventure Saved Me: Domesticated Wreck to Wild Woman Rising

My soul was suffering.  Suicidal thoughts plagued me daily.  It took an enormous effort just to get through each day.  The same monotonous life, day in and day out.  Get up, get the kids ready, take them to school, go to work, boring fucking office job that I hated but still had to be grateful for because it helped to pay the bills, pick up the kids after work, make dinner, get the kids ready for bed, go to bed myself only to get up and do it all over again the next day.  Mixed in there, of course, are the other usual things like cleaning and doing laundry (so much fucking laundry).  There were gymnastics classes, soccer, basketball and 

baseball games.  Those did offer some rays of sunshine into what I considered an otherwise drab existence. Don't get me wrong, I love my children dearly and they are the ONLY reason I kept going but I remember feeling like I was missing something.  There was some puzzle piece that needed to be fit into place.

"We should try backpacking," my then-husband says out of the blue one day.  Me with a puzzled look on my face, "Huh? What are you talking about?"  "Backpacking.  I heard some people talking about it," he says.  "You get a big backpack and have all of the gear, food, etc. that you need to survive for a few days and you head out into the wilderness.  What do you think?"  I'm sitting there, mulling this idea over and wondering if it's possible.  The thought of surviving out of a backpack wasn't the issue.  I was in love with the idea the moment he explained it.  The issue... we lived in Texas.  Not a ton of "wilderness" readily available, at least not what I considered to be wilderness.  "Sure, I'm in.  But where would we go?" I ask.  So the planning began.   

A few trips to the local sporting goods store ended up with a mountain of gear and supplies.  Backpacks, a cook set, fuel canisters, and a backpacking stove, sleeping bags and pads, tent, nifty dehydrated meals, the list goes on.  We were so uneducated it was funny.  We brought an axe.  AN AXE.  That thing weighed a ton!  Now we just needed a destination.  I wanted to keep it simple and close for the first time out.  It would be just the two of us to see how it went.  I planned a canoe float trip that was only a few hours from home but seemingly in the middle of nowhere.  Perfect!  This also made it much easier for us to be able to

have our packs in the canoe instead of having to try to carry all of the unnecessary (and HEAVY!) things we had acquired.  The company we enlisted would haul us and the canoe upstream to a put-in point.  We would then float down the 26 miles over the next couple of days to the company's property which was our ending point.  We could camp anywhere we wanted along the river as long as there wasn't a "Private Property" sign.

I had been car and RV camping as a child and always loved it but I couldn't imagine what this "roughing it" experience would do for me as an adult.  Upon setting out into the wilderness, I remember being thoroughly giddy.  This is a feeling that I hadn't had in a very long time.  I felt like I could breathe for the first time in ages.  We canoed, we fished, set up camp along the river, made a campfire, ate dehydrated meals, stargazed and fell asleep to the coyote's song.  I was a little sore the next morning from having paddled the canoe the day before but that didn't matter.  For the first time that I could remember since being a child, my soul felt alive.  This.  This was the missing puzzle piece.  The wilderness, being one with nature, the adventure.

After returning home I felt rejuvenated.  This was exactly what I had needed so I did what any (somewhat) sane person would do.  I started planning the next adventure.  Obviously, we needed to get our shit together as far as our gear was concerned.  We couldn't afford new gear right then after already having spent a small fortune on the "wrong" stuff.  I started researching backpacking and gear, subscribed to several outdoors magazines like Backpacker and Outside so that when it came time to make new 

purchases I would be well educated.  I researched places to go, "must do trails" and figured out how long it would take to get there since a lot of them were out-of-state.  "If we take turns driving overnight then we'll get to the trailhead around 4 am and can sleep for a couple of hours in the car before hitting the trail," was a common thought when it came to destinations.  Crazy, I know but you do what you must for the sake of the adventure.

New Mexico, just outside of Ruidoso, was the next adventure.  This was a true backpacking trip.  There was something so exhilarating about having everything I needed to survive for the next 3 days stuffed into a pack and carrying it on my back.  The packs were still heavy as fuck but I didn't mind.  I was young and could handle whatever it took to be able to be out there.  My first time backpacking, doing it at elevation, having come from basically sea level, 16 miles over 3 days and I rocked it!  I was officially addicted.  THIS is my happy place.

The planning and going, the time put in researching and then being able to carry out that plan, that is what saved me.  The adventure fed my soul and gave me back something that I was desperately needing but it was the planning that kept me going day to day.  I had a trip planned every summer to an outdoor destination, spring break, and every 3-day weekend was mapped out to include a backpacking adventure.  When I was feeling down, I would research destinations.  It didn't matter that I already had stuff planned.  The thought of a new place, a new adventure helped me to make it through some very dark times.  I would remember the feelings while on the trail.  I'd look through the photos and I'd think about the sounds, the smells, and how my pack felt, the comforting weight of it.  "If I can just make it to the next trip, I'll be fine," became my mantra.   

I know first hand what suicide can do to a family.  I made a promise to my children to never put them through that so that is the reason I held on when I wanted nothing more than to give up.  I guess one would argue that it was my kids that saved me.  While that is not untrue, I was simply going through the motions of what needed to be done.  I was existing without living.  Adventure is what saved me from the dark abyss, the prison that had trapped my soul.  Yes, I still struggled but now I had something to look forward to. The coals of a long-dormant fire had been stoked and it now burned within me and has yet to be extinguished.  I am not saying that backpacking is for everyone because it isn't.  However, there is a healing quality within nature.  Adventure gives us back something we lose in the transition from childhood to adulthood.  I know it saved me from a place that I couldn't have dug myself out of otherwise. 

I honestly believe that it is time for us to rewild ourselves in order to save ourselves. 

Peace, love, and light.  Blessed be.

*If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts, please seek help.  You are not alone! *
   

  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

            Call 1-800-273-8255

Rabbit Animal Guide

Rabbit, the iconic symbol of the spring season.  

Rabbits live on every continent except Antarctica, thus appearing in the mythologies and folklore of different cultures around the world. "The Ojibwe and other Algonquin tribes associate the rabbit with their god, Nanabozho. He is a creator deity who named all of the world’s plants and animals. For the Aztecs, the rabbit symbolized fertility, drinking, and parties. The Aztecs told stories about the Centzon Totochtin, which consisted of 400 rabbit gods. Evidence of the ancient Egyptians celebrating springtime in ways that are similar to how many of us celebrate Easter today date back to at least 2300 BC.  The Egyptians depicted hares, eggs, the sunrise, and the resurrection of their god Osiris in the Book of the Dead, other hieroglyphs, and artwork. The Celts also associated rabbits with fairies, believing the two communicated when they were underground. The Celts also believed certain people could shape shift into rabbits, thus they had taboos about killing them.  In some Buddhist stories, Buddha is said to have been a hare in an earlier incarnation." *from UniGuide: Stories and Guides for Nature Lovers and Spiritual Seekers by Kristen M. Stanton 

Rabbits symbolize fertility, sensitivity, gentleness, haste, new beginnings, the moon, prosperity, and good luck. 

Many of us have heard the term "breeding like rabbits".  This is because rabbits reach sexual maturity at a very young age, sometimes as early as 2-3 months old and females can have several litters a year.  If you and your partner need a little extra help with fertility, call on Rabbit to assist you with the magick.  Rabbit can also help with other types of "fertility" such as manifestation or garden witch work to help with soil fertility.  Because of this, Rabbit is also associated with prosperity. 

Rabbits are highly sensitive creatures.  Their large ears help them perceive noises that we cannot along with their large, round eyes that take in everything.  If Rabbit has hopped into your life, they could be telling you that there is an issue you need to be more sensitive about.  If Rabbit is your life animal guide, then you are more than likely a highly sensitive person.

With their quiet, gentle nature, Rabbit reminds us to treat ourselves gently. Stay clear of behaviors that affect you negatively.  They also remind us that others are walking their own soul journey and that we should be kind, empathetic and compassionate.

Is Rabbit dashing through your dreams?  This could be telling you that there is an issue or circumstance that needs to be handled with haste or on the flip side, you might be acting in haste and should take caution.

A woman's cycle follows the moon, a 28-day cycle just as the moon circles the earth in 28 days.  Because women's menstruation is a sign of her fertility, it isn't a far stretch to see how the Rabbit (a symbol of fertility) became associated with the moon as well.  Rabbit would be a powerful ally to call upon during the new or waxing moon for intentions and manifestation magick. 

Are you looking to start over? A new home, a new career, a new relationship or getting out of one and on your own, or possibly your spiritual path?  As a symbol of spring which is all about renewal and new beginnings, call on Rabbit to help assist you with the transition. 

While Rabbit may seem like a small and shy creature, we should not take their magick for granted.  Rabbit's energy will work side by side with you for fertility, luck and prosperity, and new beginnings. 

CELEBRATING MABON

Cooler temperatures.  Boots, sweaters, and scarves. Football!  Picking apples in the orchard and visiting a pumpkin patch.  Apple cider spiked with Fireball Whiskey (if you haven't tried this, you're missing out. Seriously).  Trees ablaze in colors of yellow, gold, orange, and red.  Halloween!  Pumpkin spice everything.  What's not to love about autumn?  Fall is definitely one of my favorite seasons.  Ok, I like them all for different reasons but for me, fall means the end of the relentlessly cruel summer heat and is the gateway to winter which I absolutely adore.

With today being the Autumnal Equinox/ Mabon, I wanted to share a few ways to celebrate and usher in the new season.  For those of you that don't know, there are two equinoxes, the Autumnal and the Vernal (which is the one in the spring) every year and two solstices.  The Autumnal Equinox's energy is all about balance, gratitude, harvest, and letting go of what no longer serves us.  In Pagan and Wiccan traditions, Mabon is the celebration of the second harvest, the first being in mid-August and celebrated as the Sabbat Lammas or Lughnasadh.  Mabon is often considered the Witch's Thanksgiving. It is a giving of thanks for a bountiful harvest and the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us.  It is also the perfect time to look back on what was planted, metaphysically speaking, in the spring and early summer and take note of what is now being harvested because of our hard work. 

With the Equinox also being about balance, we need to be aware of our light and our dark, masculine and feminine, holding on and letting go, work and play, care for self and care of others.  Are we living in balance? Where can we improve upon this in our lives?  

And just like the trees that lose their leaves, we too need to shed what is no longer serving us.  Mabon's energy and the time following that up until Samhain is a wonderful time for decluttering both mundane and spiritually.  Most people associate springtime with deep cleaning and decluttering but it is just as important to do this in the fall to "ready our nest" for the dark half of the year.  Cutting energetic cords, banishing toxic relationships, releasing negative thought patterns, and working to break bad habits are all ways to energetically declutter. 

Here are some ways that you can celebrate the harvest Sabbat of Mabon.

1. Participate in fall-type activities such as apple picking, hayrides, corn mazes, or visiting a pumpkin patch.

2. Make a meal or dessert from harvested foods.  Think apple pie, pumpkin bread, roasted veggies, apple cider, etc.  

3. Equinoxes are a day of equal light and equal dark- balance.  You can celebrate this aspect by honoring balance in your life through yoga, a thorough house cleaning and/ or decluttering, honoring the Divine Masculine and Feminine, or light a white and a black candle to represent the light and dark within you.

4. We all know that autumn is a time of death.  The leaves change and fall from the trees; fields become barren after the last harvest; all of the summer flowers begin to wither away.  Celebrate this lifecycle by honoring the dark.  Stargazing is a great way to do this as well as sitting on the patio at night with a nice fire going in the firepit while drinking some of that apple cider you spent all day making.  

5. Make a fall craft (see Pinterest for endless ideas).

6. Get out into nature for a fall leaf hike and collect leaves, pinecones, and acorns.

7. Set up an altar honoring all that is Autumn.    

8. Give thanks by making a gratitude list.

Since I mentioned giving thanks, I want to take a few moments to sit in gratitude. I believe that we often get too wrapped up in the things that we don't have or the things that are going wrong instead of focusing on the things that we DO have and the things that ARE going RIGHT.  We are so accustomed to the everyday struggle of "keeping up with the Jones'" that we forget to be grateful on a daily basis.  Sure we practice this at Thanksgiving here in America but what about the other 364 days of the year?  So do me a favor, please.  Sit down and make a list of at least 5 things you are grateful for.  Here are 5 of mine:

* I am grateful for my two amazing children.  They are the lights of my life.  I am so grateful that they are healthy and that they think for themselves instead of just following the crowd.  

* I am grateful for my best friend.  She is my soul sister and fellow badass hiker babe and adventurer.  She has lifted me up when I needed it most, makes me laugh like no other, and has made me believe in friendship again.

*I am grateful for my Clan and my path.  My coven sisters and my High Priestess have become my family.  My path is a continual journey of learning and I love it more every day. 

* I am grateful that I get to call the beautiful state of Colorado home.  This place is an outdoor enthusiast's playground.  Hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, rock climbing.  So much fun to be had here and I am taking advantage of it!

* I am grateful for my health.  My good health allows me to do all of the outdoor things that I love so much.  


Well, witches, I'm headed out to meet my Clan for ritual so I better shut this down.  I guess now that it's officially fall we can expect to see some Christmas lights going up.  Do NOT get me started on that. *Insert angry emoji face here*.  Enjoy this day.  Be grateful for it because there are so many that didn't get that chance.  

Peace, Love, and Light.  Blessed Be.  

Shamanism: Myth and Fact

The beating of drums as chants are sung and danced out around the fire echoes through the night. Maidens and warriors alike join in the celebration of the hunt. The blind crone shakes her rattle in time with the pounding of the feet that surround her as she offers up her thanks to Mother Earth and Father Sky. The howl of the wolf in the distance is an answering tune, hauntingly beautiful. These may be some of the images that are conjured when the word “Shaman” comes up.

Shamanism has long been associated with the Native American people however, many indigenous cultures have a shamanic healer amongst their tribe. "The word shaman originates from the Tungus tribe in Siberia. Anthropologists coined this term and have used it to refer to the spiritual and ceremonial leaders among indigenous cultures worldwide. The word shamanism can be used to describe the ancient spiritual practices of these indigenous cultures. Clearly, the countless similarities between various ancient traditions played a role in the continual generalization of the word." -from Dance of the Deer Foundation. The Shaman or "Medicine Man or Woman" is typically revered and holds a high place with the elders of the tribe. Shamanism is shrouded in mysticism so let’s look at the myths and facts related to this practice and learn what it is to feel the Call of the Shaman.  

Myth: Shamanism is akin to witchcraft and Paganism.

Fact: Shamanism is a healing tradition that holds no religious ties to specific deities and no spells are performed.  Shamans do work closely with Spirit and spiritual energies such as animal spirit medicine. Shamans direct these spirits or spiritual energies into the physical world, for healing or other purposes.  

Myth: Shamans use drugs like peyote to have their visions.

Fact: “Shamanism is a practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with what they believe to be a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world.” from Wikipedia. Most journey work is done through simple meditation techniques and not the use of mind-altering substances. Shamans are people that have the natural ability to “walk between worlds”.

Myth: Only indigenous people can be shamans.

Fact: Being a shaman is a calling. It is an awakening to the other orders of reality and an opening up to the visionary realms that form the essence of Shamanic vision. If a Caucasian American female feels The Call to learn and practice the shamanic path, then so be it. This is a contract between the soul and Spirit. 

Myth:  The tribe chooses the shaman.

Fact: In some cultures, the shaman is chosen through lineage. In other cultures, it is through specific external signs and proclamations of what those signs mean. Shamanistic cultures are incredibly diverse and there is no single way a shaman is identified. Shamans are also awakening outside of the indigenous tribes and showing up in modern-day suburbia. They are seeking out teachers and mentors to help them answer The Call and walk the Medicine Wheel. 

Myth: Shamans shouldn’t charge a fee.

Fact: Shamans are performing a service to another, so exchanging money, goods, or a trade of services is entirely acceptable.

Myth: Modern shamanism is a career choice.

Fact: Shamanism, “as expressed through a universal archetypal soul expression”, is not a career choice; it is a calling from Spirit. Shamans are defined by specific experiences and through specific signs. These signs can be culturally defined or through personal investigation, but they are essential for defining a shaman as a specific type of healer who works in specific ways.  

Through the ages, the practice of Shamanism has remained vital.  Shamans not only work to heal individuals but also the community and the land.  Do you feel The Call of the Shaman?

Common Misconceptions about Wicca, Witches, and Witchcraft

Heretic, Satan-worshiper, seductress… these are the words that have historically been used to describe someone that was considered a witch. With many people becoming increasingly frustrated with organized religion, some of them are turning to Wicca or other forms of Paganism. Despite what people have believed in the past, being Wiccan or a witch is becoming “a more acceptable practice.” This is because as a collective, Wiccans and other Pagans are finally dispelling the previous misconceptions.

Satan- Worshipper:  Wiccans and witches do not believe in the Christian’s Satan. While there are

groups of people that do have ties to what is considered Satan, they are not, and never have been Wiccan or witches. It is believed that this misconception may have come from the fact that the majority of witches do acknowledge the Horned God. One of his many forms is the Celtic deity, Cernunnos, the God of nature and fertility. 

White and Black Magick:  “Magick” is simply the act of directing energy into a specific outcome or desire. It isn’t good or bad, it’s neutral. The intent behind the spell is what is important. Most witches follow the “Law of Three”, meaning if you should seek to harm someone then it will come back to you threefold. Also, even a well-intended spell can backfire if the result of it is not meant to be.

Dancing Naked Under the Full Moon:  Yes, witches do acknowledge the phases of the moon. While the new and full moon are both filled with powerful energy for ritual or spell-work, the

majority of modern witches do not practice naked or “skyclad”. This misconception comes from the ancients when more Pagans were practicing nude because they felt clothing disrupted the energy flow. Most witches today wear simple robes during spell or ritual work.

All Witches are Female:  There is a beautiful and also violent history for women and witchcraft. Many women have used witchcraft to tap into their own power and potential to survive the once very male-dominated society however, magick is genderless and there are many practicing male witches. Gerald Gardner is the founder of modern witchcraft as we know it, Gardnerian Wicca.

Familial Witch Lineage: You do not need to come from a long line of witches to be a witch. The energy of magick does not care about your family lineage. Witchcraft is a path you are drawn to and choose for yourself.

Religion: Wicca is a nature-based religion.  The thought that one must be Wiccan to practice witchcraft is simply untrue.  There is a newer concept of "Christian Witches". These witches hold on to their Christian roots and God but also practice magick.  It is also untrue that someone that is Wiccan always practices witchcraft.  One can be Wiccan, honor Pagan deities, and the Sabbats without ever casting a circle or spell. It is also a misconception that Wiccans have a "Dark Bible".  Wiccans and witches have no bible.  They may have a Book of Shadows which is simply a collection of their rituals, spells, journal work, and other such entries. 

Animal Sacrifice: The Wiccan Rede states "And ye harm none, do what ye will," and since Wicca is a nature-based religion, it is encouraged to respect all living things.  Witches typically follow this rule as well and thus would not practice the slaughter of animals for ritualistic purposes. Offerings may be made to chosen deities but are typically bread, fruit, wine, or flowers. Many witches include things such as bones or feathers on their altar but these would be items "gifted" by nature.

Joining a Coven and Training are a Must: There is a popular theory that all witches belong to a coven and must have years of extensive training before calling themself a true witch and practicing magick.  There aren't any exact numbers on the ratio of coven witches to those that are solitary but one does not need to join a coven to be a witch.  While some covens require learning their particular practice, it is not necessary to have any type of "Witch 101" course to practice magick.  It is, however, always advised to read and learn.  Know the basics of circle casting, get to know the deities that are being honored, and be familiar with the Wheel of the Year.  Plus, learning is fun, especially if this is one's true path.

As the misconceptions surrounding witchcraft continue to fall, you just might find yourself or that you have a friend stepping out of the broom closet.