Thursday, December 09, 2004

it isn't me

O.k. I don't know what is going on but for some reason or other I can't see my page. When I log in to blogger I can get the template etc. But when I try to update the page the link goes to another site (Charles Ingersol today). This is really bumming me. Wonder who is able to actually see my site. Here I was going to put some wonderful words of wisdom in, but alas, I can not find any real reason too if you are not going to be able to read it.

I am going to try to figure this out and then we will try to post something later on.

Saturday, November 13, 2004

imagine

They came to him

So many years ago

To a little boy

An only and lonely little boy

He asked for a brother

So he would have someone to play with

the call was answered not by the mother

But by another

that he learned to call Robert

He said you can call me your brother

If you so like and so he did

But he then needed someone to teach him

Teach him how to play the games

That he wanted to play so much

And that is when another came

You can call me James if you like

And I will teach you things

If you will listen

So with James teaching him

Like a father would teach a son

And Robert with him

Much like a brother would be

He played the games that he wanted to play

But there was still a void

In this little boys world

And then the other came

I am Fred he announced upon his arrival

And I have come to be your friend

If you are so inclined

So they came and they stayed

And played with the lonely little boy

Many games were won and lost

And many things were taught

And much laughter were shared

Between the four of them

The mother and the father

Of that lonely little boy

Thought it was so cute

That he had such a good imagination

To pretend to have friends that were with him

Some may call them imaginary friends,

And some may call them spirits,

Or maybe they are angels,

Or ghosts of long dead relatives

But he just calls them his family and friends

And that is all that matters to him

Monday, October 25, 2004

Just trying something

O.k. just a little update feature I'm trying to accomplish - we will see what happens huh
You two quit it right now

What???!???!

The fighting!

We weren’t fighting!

Bull, I saw you both, now quit it this instance.

Well, He started it.
No I didn’t.
Yes you did.
No, you did.

It does not matter, but you guys stop it and get along right now or I am going to separate you two.

Then who will you play with huh??

Well, I was sitting here first and then HE came along.
No, I was here first,
No you wasn’t,
yes I was…..

O.K. That is it – YOU – go fly over to that branch in that maple tree right now – and YOU – you go to that elm tree over there. I do NOT want to see you two fighting in this tree again.
DO I MAKE MYSELF UNDERSTOOD???

Yes
Yes

All right – now go on – Whoever in their right mind decreed that Dove’s were the bird of peace should be smacked.

Have you ever watched birds in a territorial dispute. Man they can be nasty mean to each other. I mean, claws flying, beaks zapping, and wings flapping. Yeah man, they can be in some pretty nasty fights sometimes. But you know, it is never to the death. No, they just try to out-spook the other. Until one gives up and flies away. Sometimes there is some damage done, but usually nothing serious. A loose feather, ruffled tails, etc. Yeah, no loss of life here. They realize that their lives are in a tender balance as it is. There are a lot more important things to be concerned about in their lives than just another branch in a tree.

Now, as we watch the events unfold around the world, I wonder. Who exactly is the higher life form on this world?

Sunday, October 24, 2004

so shoot me

O.k. so here I am - after 2 1/2 months doing another article. I've been busy. Yeah o.k. - sorta busy. Well believe it or not I was just sorta busy. Actually I got paranoid. See, in the past, I have had my words twisted and used against me. Slaundered and mocked, it was not a good time. There for a long time I really just hated my life. Growing up sucked!!!

Well sitting here thinking about writing something - and oh bye the way I will try to send something on a more timely matter - not promising - but will try :-) - anyway I digress.

So, I'm thinking of why I kinda stopped writing and then it occured to me that the reason is the same that I had when i was a kid and stopped writing letters, notes, and basically any written matterial. It's the same old proverb about opening mouth and removing all doubt of your utter stupidity. I am afraid of showing to the world my own failings as a human being. See, if I don't write things and not say things when I could, I leave this mystic about myself. When I do write things or say things then I leave myself open to criticism and mockery and hence the hating of my life. I don't want to hate my life (man it was a bummer) so I remove any reason to do that by not saying or writing things. O.k. makes sense in the short run alrighty.

But you can't do that. You inevitably open yourself up to the criticism and mockery of human treachery no matter what you do or don't do. You have an opinion on everything. No matter how small or how large, right or wrong, up or down. It is an opinion and it does matter. Bottom line though - people will lambast you no matter what you do or don't do. So you might as well go out with a bang.......

And that brings me to my next thought: why do some people actually hate their life? Oh, I know, been there - done that. But take a look at things. What caused me to do what I did probably has greatly increased my awareness upon certain things or items. I do not open my mouth and insert my foot as much as I probably would have (which is a good thing).

Looking back though, there were times when I did just hate my life. Which should be a normal (I feel) lifespan. There are going to be times when life just sucks and you wish it would be different. Job firings, family and friends deaths, divorce, ridicule from peers, yeah these things can just suck up and bring badness all over the place.

But also we must realize that these things also made us for what we are. No two people view the same thing in the same manner. Why is that? Because of what we have gone through in our lifetime. Our experiences have made us for what we are. My experiences have made me what I am today. Your experiences have made you what you are today. Even if you and I have lived through the same exact things all the way throughout life, we would still be different. Still view things in a different manner.

Some take there problems and run with them, growing stronger and more determined. Others let their failings get the better of them and allow them to nurture and fester into an open wound that grows over time to become a big black cloud over their whole life.

That black cloud does have a silver lining - they all do - all you have to do is look for it

Sunday, August 01, 2004

Dragon story (cont - again)

The years go by for the little girl. Soon she is grown and going away to college. The old man stays behind tending his gardens. Things don’t seem to grow as easily as it used to, or the flowers quite as pretty. But the little girl doesn’t notice. Life has gotten in the way. School, boys, driving, the newest movie and all the other trappings of society have interfered. She has almost forgotten the long walks that her and her PaPa used to have. Certainly, she has forgotten about the back woods by now.

She would go see her grandfather from time to time, as school and social life would allow. But as she got older those times got fewer and fewer apart. She knew that someday she would receive a phone call, dreaded receiving it, but she knew that eventually it would be placed. That day was today.

As she pulled into the driveway, she was taken back by the appearance. She knew he had been sick for a while now, never realized just how sick he must have been. Her eyes beheld a sight that she thought she would never see. It almost seemed that the yard had taken over. Everything was overgrown and a wildness was evident everywhere. She sat there a few moments taking in all the sights. In her minds eye she remembered, she remembered what it was like to live here. Her eyes filled with tears as she realized how much had changed and what she had missed.

She gets out of her car and walks up the stairs. She almost thought that she heard her grandfather’s nickname for her called from the woods out back, but brushed it off to the wind. Besides, who else but PaPa would ever call her Little One.

Out of habit, she cries out “PaPa” when she walks through the door. She hears a muffled “up here.” She climbs the stairs, probably the slowest she has ever climbed them before and stops at the door leading to his bedroom. There, laying in his bed, was the shell of the man she once knew as her beloved PaPa. The doctor is there with him and he stands as she enters the room. He motions for her to follow him out the door. Standing in the hallway, he tells her how bad it is. She is all he has and he is all she has. Soon, very soon, that will all change.

She sits down on the corner of his bed and waits for him to wake. Shortly he stirs and opens his eyes. Recognizable happiness shines from his eyes as he looks upon his Little One. “You’ve come back?” “Yes Papa, I am here. For as long as you need me.” She takes his hands into hers. The once strong hands that encompassed hers now seem so much smaller. The Old Man drifts off to sleep and again she hears Little One drifting upon the wind. Must have been Papa whispering in his sleep.

She goes downstairs to fix some hot tea. Filling the kettle, she places it upon the stove. She sets out the cups and gets the tea out of the cupboard. “Come to me Little One, I can help him.” She almost drops the tea on the floor. “Who Said that?”

“You know who I am”

“What do you want with me?”

“I can help him. Come to the woods, you know where I am. You have been there before.”

And a thousand forgotten thoughts cascade into her mind.

She walks out the kitchen door and toward the woods out back. The pathway that she treaded many times with her grandfather is still barely there. Thoughts come to her as she walks the path. Tales and stories that he told her, plants and trees he pointed out to her. They all come flooding back to her now. How could she have forgotten what it was like to walk through this area?

There, to her right, barely spotted through the overgrown brush is the pathway she took that fateful day so long ago. This is where she saw it and this is where she headed today. It is harder going here, more roots and brush to step over. Harder today than it was so many years ago, when she spied this small pathway. She always did let her curiosity get the better of her.

Finally she stops, her destination has been reached. Standing, she sees a white hilted sword laying on the ground. The iridescent glow belays the magic held within.

“Take it to him – to the Old One. Tell him the Burden has been paid in full. Tell him – Tell HIM that I give my Word.”

“Yes My Lady – I will”

She picks up the sword and feels the power course through the blade and into her. A thousand images flash through her mind. Humans and dragons walking side by side, in battle together, conversing and deep in thought. Some have the sense of being old, others of a more ancient times, but some seemed to be more recent. She feels the burden that is placed upon the wielder of the blade. She hurries back, back to the house. As she enters the kitchen the tea kettle is whistling but she pays no heed. She has something important to do. She hurries up the stairs, to the bedroom of her Grandfather. She walks into the room carrying the sword. He wakens as she crosses the room. A look of recognition flashes across his mind for a second before being replaced by a look of sadness. She bends down and places the sword into his hands.

“She, she told me to tell you that the burden has been paid – that she gives her word.”

He grasps the sword in renewed energy, “thank you old friend thank you.”

He reaches out with his right hand and clasps his beloved granddaughter’s hand. Holding the sword in his left hand, he holds his granddaughters hand in his right. He takes a long deep breath and then lets it out one last time.

Almost inaudible she hears “Í will miss you Old One” or was it just the wind??

Monday, July 19, 2004

bubbly

Bubble Bubble
Toil and Trouble

Eye of Newt
Rack of Lamp
2 sticks of butter
½-cup milk
Freshly ground stick of cinnamon
 
Oh, wait, wrong list.
 
I have been called many things in my lifetime.  Wizard, sorcerer, mage, sage, magician, witch, warlock, druid, and yes even an asshole believe it or not – oh wait that is my wife’s pet name for me isn’t it.  As you read those different words though, we all get our own preconceived ideas of what each one represents.  All basically the same thing, it is just tweaked a little differently.  Well take the asshole part out o.k. and then think about it.
 
If you go back to ancient writings and thoughts though, you will get different impressions.  Whereas the warlock was a traitor, the wizard was still a nice guy doing things for the people.  The denotation of warlock as a male witch really comes from our watching Bewitched when we were younger.  Let’s face it, we all did it, and all wished we could do those things with our noses too.  I really wished I could have been Samantha’s dad, I thought he was cool.  Oh, and let us not forget about Paul Lynn, the uncle he played was hilarious.
 
We can dig out all the old dusty tombs and read through them all until we are full of dust and cobwebs, and our conception of them may change.  However, what you will not change is the mundane outlook on the descriptions.  What matters the most is not what we think we are, it is truly, what others think we are.  That is where the true power lies anyway.  We can boast and brag all we want.  We can change our appearance to greatly reflect the persona that we want to project, but in the end, the true end of it, all we are deceiving is ourselves
 
I was asked once if I was a Druid.  I stated that I was a Wanna-be Druid.  That is wrong.  I tried to label myself, to fit into some stereotype, to be something more than what I truly am.  Just like a person who professes to being a witch, or a wizard or any of the other hundreds of things a person can be. 

 I am just…..Rog

Sunday, July 18, 2004

A Dragon Story (cont)

Finally everyone was asleep in the house.  He gathered his old cloak and wrapped it around him to ward of the dampness in the air.  He walked out the back door and closed it quietly behind him.  No sense in waking the sleeping people inside.  Not tonight, especially tonight.  He did not want anyone to know he had left and he especially did not want anyone to see him leave.  They may try to follow.
 
The pathway was dimly lit by the moon that was out.  He didn’t carry a flashlight or torches to help light his way.  He knew the way though, walked it many times in the past.  Would have walked it many times more if things hadn’t changed.  But something had happened and he meant to put an end to it. 
 
Finally he arrives at his destination.  “Come out Dragon, I have need of you.”
 
I am here Old one
 
She saw you
 
Yes, she caught me – just like you did.
 
“I didn’t catch you and you know that – just like I know she didn’t catch you.  But you promised me – you swore – she would not be The One.”
 
She is the chosen one just like you were.
 
“You have gotten forgetful in your old age, Wyrm, I chose you,” the old man shouts
 
No Old Man, you were chosen, just like your grandfather was and his grandfather before him.  She is the one in line now.  She will carry the burden for the next generation.
 
“No Wyrm, the burden was mine alone.  You cannot take another, not of my kin.  It will stop with me.” 
 
The old man slips out the sword he had hidden behind him.  He holds it up in front of him like he has so many times in the past.  Its blade shines in the moonlight.  The iridescent aura shimmers along its sharp edge.  The dragon hilt pulses with the energy that is emanating this night.
 
“This is the mark of my burden that I have carried.  The burden that was placed upon my family generations ago.  That burden ends tonight Dragon!”
 
The old man slides one of his hands up the tip of the blade.  He holds the Dragon sword by the hilt and the tip of the blade.  Bending to one knee, he cries out.  “The Burden Ends tonight!”  He swings the sword down across his knee and breaks the blade cleanly in two.  The pieces drop to the ground.  Time stands still.
 
A thousand thoughts race across the minds of both human and dragon.  Altercations and brawls, fights and battles.  Some won and some lost, but through all of them, there was a bond that was shared between the human and dragon.  Alliance formed so many years ago.
 
The old man looks down at those two pieces and fully realizes what he has done.  He has broken a promise, a vow he made so many years ago.  But the curse will not affect his beloved granddaughter, that much he knows.  She will be spared the burden; it will not be placed upon her shoulders to carry.  He stands and turns, never to look back again.  A tear forms and runs down his cheek as he starts to realize what he has lost.
 
The old man is to far away to see or hear the dragon pick up the sword.  He is too far away to notice the glimmer of light emanating from the two broken pieces as they are formed together as one.
 
As you wish - Old Friend – as you wish

I think therefore I am

I read that somewhere and I really don’t remember where.  I use it here unquoted for I don’t remember who wrote it.  I apologize and would state who wrote it if I remembered.  But I don’t, so I won’t.
 
That statement though, denotes the difference between animal life and human life.  We have evolved with an imagination, thoughts, and ideas.  Now I am not going into the merits of evolution or creationism, but I will say that “IF” God did create us in his image – well he has a sadistic sense of humor.
 
Well, let’s face it.  I am 5 foot 6 inches and maybe 140 pounds (soaking wet with a parka on).  I cannot tell you the number of times when I could have been a few inches taller.  You know, like when you need to get that bowl from the top of the cupboard, or changing that light bulb.  It would be so much easier and simpler if I could have just reached up there and got it.  But Noooo, I have to FIRST try to reach it, and then grab a chair, stand up on it, reach and pull the item down, climb back down off the chair, and then put the chair back.  It would have been so much faster just to be able to reach the dog-gone thing.
 
Then, and I am talking to you guys out there on this one, how about when we are going to do some type of manly thing like cutting a board, working on the car, or any number of other Manly type feats of strength, cunning, and fortitude.  There are times when a third arm and hand would have come in handy.  One sticking right out of the middle of our chest.  O.k. o.k. I know, but give it a second now and think about this.  How about when we have to carry a bunch of something small.  Like the Christmas decorations.  All those little boxes of ornaments and the like.  O.k. so we got like 15 boxes all piled in a semblance of order and we go down the stairs, walk into the house and get like 5 inches away from where we are going to put them down and POOF all the boxes go flying across the floor.  How many times has something similar to that happened to you?  Now, wouldn’t it have been easier if we had a third arm to help steady them?  I am not going to go into the many other times when we could have used another hand or arm when there weren’t any other people around. 
 
However, I digress, sorry.  We humans think, we have an imagination, we have thoughts, and we can come up with ideas.  Our thoughts have made the cave into a 3-bedroom cottage, on a concrete road lined with trees.  We plant flowers and other fancy weeds, into eye-appealing formations throughout the grassy subdivision we live in.  We seek refuge from the day-to-day trials that we face in these places of safety.  Bottling ourselves up from the harsh outside world, we watch the TV for our entertainment.  We are slowly losing ourselves, our humanness.  Turning into mindless zombies waiting and watching the latest wonderful entertainment idea presented upon that small screen.
 
Take a moment and go outside.  Feel the grass comfort your steps as you walk. Sit in the middle of your yard and look around you.  See the trees and flowers for what they are, an abstract form of a very primitive time, where the outside world was truly a harsh place to be.  Look at the stars and the moon as they come out at night to play.  Feel the caress of the Lunar Maiden as She looks down upon you.  It is all there, just waiting for you.
 
Come outside.  Sit in the grass and look at the Moon and the Stars.  Come and play with us.  I share nicely

Friday, July 16, 2004

a mothers trust

I’m not sure if mom trusts me anymore.  Seems like every time I walk outside and start to do any type of yard work at all, she suddenly shows up to see what I am doing.  My son’s brother-in-law is staying with him during the summer.  He has come over and mowed the yard a couple of times and he ventured again today in that direction.  I thought the least I could do is trim the yard while he mowed.  So, I was outside with the weed trimmer and moving stuff around when she came outside. She stood a good distance away, but she watched me for quite some time before she went back inside.  I did catch her a few times looking out the windows at us, but for the most part I think she realized I wasn’t doing any major damages to the yard today.
 
Now, you ask, how do I know she doesn’t trust me.  Maybe she was just interested in what we were doing and just was out there in the nice sunshine.  Yeah, right.  After the last two weeks a.k.a. Compost Pile??  No, I know mom.  She, if she was going to be openly interested in what I was doing, would have been talking about it.  No, she feigned indifference, and hence the worry.  She talked about everything in the world but what was going on in the yard at that moment.  She talked about the sewing program, the sale flyer in the mail today, what she had for lunch.  Everything but the yard. 
 
See, if she was not worried about the yard she would have talked about trimming the flower beds (watch out for the hosta that is laying on the rock border) to not forgetting about these weeds over there.  She would have talked about how the cone flowers are in full bloom, or how the butterfly bushes being so full this year.  No, she talked about the sewing program, and how they modeled a quilt on it that her group had made a number of years ago.  She told me about the sandwich she had made and taken with her yesterday and how much money we will save if we buy milk at the grocery store this week.
 
I would have heard about how nice this and that looks, how we could plant something in this flower bed or some other thing.  What we could be doing here and there.  But no, she did not say a word about the yard and what I was doing.  The conversational topic didn’t come up in the least.  I think she is afraid to find out.
 
Nope, she don’t trust me.

invoking the watchtowers II

Invoke Watchtowers Two:
 
East:
Hail to Thee Guardians of the Watchtower of the East, the powers of Air!
Spirit of the invisible, and of the fresh, cool winds,
Your living breath animates all life
Yours is the power of clarity, to hear the inner sounds
To bring change and challenge,
Bring your power to our circle this night,
So that your power may flow through us
For the good of the Earth and all the beings living here.
So Mote It Be.
 
South:
Hail to Thee Guardians of the Watchtower of the South, the powers of Fire!
Spirit of the Sun, the great nuclear fire,
O power of life energy, vital spark,
Power to see far and to imaging with boldness
Power to purify, and to mesmerize,
Bring your power to our circle this night.
So that your power may flow through us
For the good of the Earth and all the beings living here.
So Mote It Be.
 
West:
Hail to Thee Guardians of the Watchtower of the West, the powers of Water!
Spirit of new beginnings, Spirit of the great waters,
Of rain, rivers, lakes and springs,
And ancient ocean, deep matrix, womb of all life,
Power to taste and to feel, to cleanse and to heal,
Bring your power to our circle this night,
So that your power may flow through us
For the good of the Earth, and all the beings living here.
So Mote It Be.
 
North:
Hail to Thee Guardians of the Watchtower of the North, the powers of Earth!
Spirit protector of the fruitful land,
And of all green and growing things.
O soul of Nature, of nurturance and endurance,
Power to grow and to bring forth
Bring your power to our circle this night.
So that your power may flow through us
For the good of the Earth and all the beings living here.
So Mote It Be.
 
 

East:
Hail to Thee Guardians of the Watchtower of the East, the powers of air.
We thank you for sharing with us the Spirit of your powers.
And as ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell
And harm ye none on your way, So Mote It Be.  
  
South:
Hail to Thee Guardians of the Watchtower of the South, the powers of fire.
We thank you for sharing with us the Spirit of your powers.
And as ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell
And harm ye none on your way, So Mote It Be.
 
West:
Hail to Thee Guardians of the Watchtower of the West, the powers of water.
We thank you for sharing with us the Spirit of your powers.
And as ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell
And harm ye none on your way, So Mote It Be.
 
North:
Hail to Thee Guardians of the Watchtower of the North, the powers of earth.
We thank you for sharing with us the Spirit of your powers.
And as ye depart to your mighty realms, we bid thee Hail and Farewell
And harm ye none on your way, So Mote It Be. 
 

Saturday, July 10, 2004

The Moon and Stars

***** MAJOR WARNING ****

O.k. so here is the deal. I was given the Moon and the Stars when I was 4 years old. You all get to look at them and yes, I will even allow SOME to walk on the moon. However, they are mine understand? My Great Grandmother Elizabeth (Grandma Lizzie) gave them to me. She told me that they were hers and hers alone to give to me. Now, a great grandmother DOES NOT LIE!!! And if any of you tell me otherwise, well that is just sacrilegious.

Dad and I had gone over to their house and had stayed late. It was usual for us to go there almost on a daily basis. See, I was Grandma Lizzie’s birthday present. Yeah, I was born the day before her birthday so hence, claimed that I was given to her. There where many little perks to this distinction and I do not have a problem with that. For example, there was always a candy bar on the table or a Popsicle in the freezer. Nope, not a problem at all.

For the first 6 to almost 7 years of my life we would go to their house (3 whole blocks away) and visit with her and my Great Grandfather Emanuel (Grandpa Manuel). We did that until Grandpa Manuel passed away when I was around eight

Well, we had stayed late, the outside light burned out just as we were getting ready to leave and let’s face it, it was fricken dark outside. Too dark for this little boy to go outside. Grandma took pity on her grandson, picked me up, and started to comfort me. She started talking as she started to walk to the car. As we stepped outside, she stopped and let dad go ahead. That is when she had me look at the sky.

Tonight there was a full moon or dang close to it. I remember her pointing out the shape of a face on the moon to me. Pointing to the different stars and telling me to look over there and there. That is when she told me – that is when she gave me the Moon and the Stars. That She and They were there to light up the night for me.

That is when she told me wondrous things. I do not know how long that magical moment lasted, but I know it was over way too soon. I sorely wish I remembered everything she said. And the way she said it. But I did walk away with the knowledge that it was a magical time and she believed in the Fairy kingdom. Believed and respected. We walked the pathway from hundreds of year’s gone bye. She told me things that night, that were told to her when she was young. Things that have been handed down from generation to generation. I know that, I feel that, and I believe that.

She talked about Grandpa’s flowers and how there were things there to watch the flowers and plants. How these things came to be there she did not state. But they were and I did not have to do a thing. They were there no matter what. Whether I looked for them or not (but if I did I would not find them) it did not matter. They were there just because. Because we were who we were, they are there to watch and protect us too. That no matter what, because of them, there was nothing outside for us to ever be afraid of. That no matter where I went, I could find them in the flowers, plants, or trees around me.

As we walked towards the car, Grandpa Manuel followed. When we reached the front of the house, Grandpa told me about the buckeye tree. How it grew in the front of the house and protected the entranceway. He bent down and picked up one of the buckeyes that had fallen. He handed it to me and told me to keep this in my pocket. Never put it in my mouth, but to always keep it in my pocket.

I cannot express in dismal words and sentences everything I felt that night. How can I share with you what was said, what was heard, what was seen, or what was felt. Because that is really where the magic was. It was a feeling I felt. Total love and commitment from my grandmother emanating from her to that world. I felt it from her through her gestures, words, and in the way she held me close. I felt the magic leave her body and go through mine out into that realm. Part of her and part of me traveled that night, together, to that world. We only stayed a short time, a fleeting second, but that was enough. I have been touched (and I am pretty sure I will not hear any arguments there either).

I learned in those few moments. What it fully means to behold the world around us. I strive to gain that goal. For you see, like many before and after, we forget. We forget what we are. The mundane life enters our world and then we have to “grow-up.” It has a tendency to knock on the door quite often. Bills in the mail, tank of gas, groceries. Yeah those little perks all interrupt. However, we can push the boundaries a little bit and keep them at bay.

That realm is there, all we have to do is allow it to enter our lives. FULLY enter our lives. Open your eyes, your ears, and your heart and see what surrounds us. Even amongst all the implements of a normal, mundane contempory 21st century person, they are here. That flowerbed you walked by, the trees in the backyard, the front lawn, they are there. What about the flowerpot in the front room window? Do you see them? Can you feel them?

So, I simply don’t care what you say. The Moon and the Stars are mine. Try to tell me otherwise.

Wednesday, July 07, 2004

Calling the Quarters

Hail guardians of the east, spirits of Air, powers of Thought
I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from
all negativity from the east.

Hail guardians of the south, spirits of Fire, powers of Will
I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from
all negativity from the south.

Hail guardians of the west, spirits of Water, powers of Emotion
I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from
all negativity from the west.

Hail guardians of the north, spirits of Earth, powers of Stability
I call you to lend your essence to this rite and protect us from
all negativity from the north.




Guardians of the east, We thank you for your presence here and for your gift of clarity. Hail and farewell

Guardians of the south, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of purity. Hail and farewell

Guardians of the West, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of empathy. Hail and farewell

Guardians of the north, we thank you for your presence here and for your gift of stability. Hail and farewell

A Dragon story

The old man was sitting on the porch reading his paper when she came busting in. “PaPa, Papa, I saw a dragon. I saw a dragon.”

Chuckling slightly the old man looks at the bundle of energy running through the door. Oh you did, did you?

Yes PaPa, I did see a Dragon.

Are you sure Little One?

Yes PaPa, it was all shiny and glowed, just like your ring does in the sunshine.

The old man takes a long, deep breath; "It glowed? Like gold? Are you sure?

Yes PaPa, it was a Golden, it was a Gold Dragon.

But she is too young – It’s not the right time.

PaPa, I’m seven years old.

The old man looks at his pride and joy as he says; “Yes, Yes maybe it is time.

Inhaling deeply and letting it out slowly the Old man takes out his pipe, fills it with tobacco, lights it and then starts to spin his tale

O.k. Little One; let me tell you about the Dragons."

Ah, the Dragoons, well they are old * ancient * Deep * an Earthly Magic. Some say that they are dark and foreboding, that they are bad and should be feared. For some, they are, but for others, well it is an all together different story.

Legends say that they have vast and great hordes that are worth a small fortune. It is also said that they guard this great horde and will destroy all who enter their vast underground lairs. Now, to the oriental people, the dragon is a good sign. That great fortune will befall the person who sees one. Though they look very menacing to the onlooker.

In ancient days, the dragon was regarded as a most sacred animal, and used to be the imperial emblem of Chinese emperors. To the Chinese they are the first of the four Divine Creatures. The others are the unicorn, the phoenix and the tortoise. But, unlike the dragon that the West sees, the Chinese Dragon is a benevolent and gracious creature and is worshipped as the divine ruler of Lakes, Rivers and Seas. It is the powerful yet gentle ‘Loong" that brings rain to the earth, hastens the crops and cools the toiling farmer. It is one of the most popular of Chinese art motifs. It is sculpted on stone pillars, on Chinese temples and embroidered on beautiful gold and silk tapestries.

Legend says that the Dragon first appeared in the sky, while an heir to the throne was born, and the country was blessed with peace and prosperity for many generations thereafter. Thus, the Dragon served as a symbol of good fortune.

However, to the western world, the dragon is seen as evil, greedy, and mean. A hoarder of great wealth, it is said that if you are able to steal a dragons horde your family will be wealthy for many generations. They were sought out and slaughtered one by one, until most had gone far underground. That is how the western world perceives things they do not understand. They would rather destroy the very ground they live on than to understand the great burden that has been given to them.

Dragons are an ancient race that walked this land long before many creatures that roam the world today. They are part of the earth, the air, the water, and fire. Long-lived, they are also highly intelligent. If you are ever lucky (or to some unlucky) enough to spend time with them you would understand. For this is the primary reason Western Man fears the dragon. They show the frailty of humankind. That we are not the ultimate rulers of the world.

Now it is said that the dragons are the messengers of the gods and some say they are the protectors of the elements, and of the land. They are a mythical creature with great magic and great lore. They are all this, and much more. Their magic is old, ancient, and very powerful. They are very intelligent and their knowledge is vast, for they know many things. To befriend a dragon, is a commitment for your whole life. For you not only commit to the dragon, but to all dragon kind, humankind, and the riches of Mother Earth.

But just like humankind, there are good and bad dragons. Would you not be bad if you were not treated with admiration, love and respect? If all you have seen is hatred, how could you not show the same? Moreover, this is the primary reason why some (but not all) dragons are bad.

Good and evil is not a concept to the normal dragon. They only know what must be. Now some have been tainted, their hearts have turned as cold as the stone of their lairs. These are the ones that must be feared, for they know no fear. They are the ones whose colors have turned dark. They are the ones who have lost their truth. However, the others, whose colors are still bright and clear, are the ones who you must abide by, the ones who deserve your admiration for goodness and gladness are in their hearts still. They are here to help you, if you so desire it. However, do not take their gifts lightly, my child, for to accept the dragons favor places a great burden upon your shoulders. They will look to you to be their eyes and ears. You will become their helpers in the world. Moreover, you can never turn your back on them again. Their spirit will be around you and in you. You will walk with them, and they will walk with you until the end of time.

Now, Little One, it is your bedtime so bundle yourself off.

Night Papa

Good night Little One, Happy Nightmares

He sits, puffing on his pipe; the bowl is in the shape of a dragon. It glows to life again. In a voice only he can hear, “You did well Old One”

“Old one huh
” and he losses himself in thought……

A conversation

So, you guys don’t believe in the Ten Commandments anymore, do you?

Huh, what do you mean?

Well, like, it’s a Christian thing right? I mean, I mean, Christians are suppose to follow them and all. So does that mean you guys don’t follow the Ten Commandments any more?
Well, shoot Mike, it’s like we have the Wicca Rede and there are some other little litany’s and such. But no, not really any Ten Commandments.

So, then, it’s o.k. for you guys to break those things then. You know, since you don’t follow them.
It’s a little more complicated than that. But wouldn’t you say that the Ten Commandments make some type of sense though. I mean, why not follow them? Just because they are a “Christian” thing or a Muslim thing, or any of the other multitude of religions out there, doesn’t mean it’s worthy of the trash just because you don’t adhere to them.

Lets take those Ten Commandments. Now, don’t most all religions have some type of litany, saying, verse, or written communications from a Higher Source stating virtually what those Ten Commandments state? I mean, they can be worded differently, but they will have something similar to them, right? Shouldn’t the Ten Commandments and others like that be more of a way of life than anything else? It would be a whole lot easier life if we wouldn’t run around stealing things, committing adultery, killing people, or any number of other things we shouldn't be doing. Makes common sense to me, that a person should lead a life that incorporates these thing, plus others. But the one I like the best – Do unto others.

Lets face it,

less stealing = less killing,

less adultery = less killing. (just ask your significant other about this one)

Where’s the problem????

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Compost pile

I ticked Mom off yesterday. Yeah, I was a bad boy. I tore down the compost pile and moved it. We had talked about it for a while now. I’ve warned her that I was going to do it. So, she knew it was coming. Still, confronted with it, it shocked her.

See, this was something that she created once she was able to. Dad would never have put up with it. I can just imagine what he would have said if he really knew. Dad was a hard-line leaf burner from way back and he would have torched them all the first year. But once dad got sick and wasn’t able to do those type of things anymore she took advantage. She created all types of stuff in and around the house. He never knew what hit him.

One of those was the compost pile. Now, the idea behind it is grand. Use organic material, let it break down on its own and it will create the best growing medium for your plants and flowerbeds. Have to give it to her that she did “somewhat” take care of it. But they are low maintenance and doesn’t take much to watch over. The problem is where she had put it. Now, to create the compost the fastest is to have it in a airy, sunny area (stir frequently). But to keep it more out of sight (more specifically Dad’s sight) she put it behind the garage under a big maple tree. Probably the most moist and dark area in both yards. It was a mosquito haven. With the West Nile scare, it had to go.

So, I tore out a bunch of the lilac bushes (another near heart attack) and cordoned off a spot of the yard on the west side of the garage. It should have direct sunshine from about 11:00 to about 4:00 everyday. Plus it will be more open on three sides now. That added to the fact that we cut the tree down last year has opened the back yard more anyway.

So, I took the potato fork and dug into it. If it went through the tings of the fork then it was dirt, if it didn’t, it wasn’t. Took the “dirt” and spread it around the yard and took the “not dirt” and put it in the new compost pile. Cleaned up the whole area and then moved the swing back in that corner. I even had some sandstone and created a little stone pad to put the swing on. Plant some flowers or herbs around the area and VOILA, a nice sitting area. Now, if I can keep the area opened up, Mosquito haven has been destroyed.

But, while I was doing all that, my mind kinda wandered off and I thought about how she looked when she first walked out and saw me digging into the compost pile. I’m reminded that she is getting more and more like her mother (my grandmother) every day.

My grandmother was a unique person. She was 101 when she passed away a few years ago. When told about President Kennedy’s assassination, the only comment she made was that it wasn’t a nice thing to do. Her comment when man walked on the moon “That’s nice.” I really don’t think she comprehended either one of those major events. Her point of view: If it didn’t affected her life, her immediate life, then it really didn’t matter. The price of milk, loaf of bread, or the hot dogs bothered her. Getting out in the yard and tending her garden and flowers, cooking and washing bothered her. But what happened away from her 60 by 80 life didn’t really matter. Oh, we can debate the merits of it but the key thing is that she lived WITHOUT worrying about them. There was little to nothing she could or would do about it anyway, so why worry about it at all. It didn’t effect her, it didn’t matter, and she lived to 101 with a stress level that was virtually nothing.

I’m reminded of this fact daily. The self-brought on stress that I accumulate is brought on simply because I worry about things way too much. Some, granted, I can do something about, but there are things that I simply can not change. I would much rather worry about the price of milk, loaf of bread or cooking and washing than to worry about when that meteorite is going to strike the earth, the Illuminate, or any of the other myriad of conspiracy theories that are out there.

You can steal candy from a baby, but is the outrage worth it?
Well I have received the THREE (3) Witchie approval rating. So, that means I will continue to bug you guys by writing stuff – aren’t you glad.

Yep, yep, yep – got these replies:

From an email correspondent: Loved it

From Twiddle-dee-dee: Yes – fine

From Brianna (my wife): It’s pretty good (well – that is better than “It’s not bad” isn’t it)

So, anyway, the way I keep score, that is a Three (3) witchie-type approvals. So, on my scale of 1-4 and 4 being the highest, then I did really well.

Life – it’s all how you perceive it to be.

Monday, July 05, 2004

Witchie People

interesting link on Blue Moons

http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/moon/article_127_1.asp

Mom is funny. As you know, we live next door. I won't go into the big history etc., but if you know me you probably have been bored with all the details already.

Anyway, she came over yesterday (July 4th), as is her usual habit when we are home, to have a cup of coffee and chit-chat. As she plopped into the chair she said; "Happy 4th of July, Independance Day, Flag Day, or whatever you "Witchie" people celebrate. If you guys celebrate today." "Yes Mom, it's Independance Day for us too." As a person who is in her late 70's, she has finally confronted her biggest fear - her daughter as a Catholic and her son as a Pagan.

She has learned a lot this last couple of years about Wicca, Paganism and what "we do." Frequently left books or papers on the kitchen table has had blatant headlines of Living Wicca, Magical Herbalism, Duid Magic, and other Witchie Stuff books. She has had an insightful gleeming of what these books entale. The kids have also found out in a round-a-bout way too. Especially when a ritual happens to fall upon a date that one of them were coming over. We mentioned we were busy and have slowely talked to them about what we do. My sister also has had an informal and a "mater-of-fact" we are pagan-types.

So, what is my point in all this? Matter of fact - Oh by the way - instead of IN YOUR FACE explanations worked just fine for us to tell the family. Well immediate family anyway. We still haven't done a ritual outside. Well, the few "private" moments outside with very little fanfare I wouldn't count. But one of these days.......

That got me to thinking though, (Uh oh - **** WARNING **** ) why does mom think we are "Witchie People?" What makes us "Witchie People?" Just because we have books and papers sitting on the table, certain "witchie" stuff situated around the house, doesn't really mean we are "Witchie People" does it?

"Witchie People" or being wiccan or pagan has to be more than just having the right "equipment" or stuff decorating your house. It's more than just telling the world you are pagan, it's a way of life and how you live it. From saying a few words over the washer as you do laundry (use rosebuds by the way), a litany to the stove as you cook, or the way you greet the morning light, how you do these helps to mark you as a pagan.

Being Pagan means more than just not being christian, muslim, or jew. It is finding the God and Goddess in all the things we say and do. It is finding the Spirit whenever and wherever we are. It is walking out in the yard and finding the Spirit in the blade of grass, the trees, the breeze, the clouds and all the world around you.

Light candle
O' Goddess of the Moon
Earth Mother
I thank you for watching over me
and mine this night

Light candle
O' God of the Sun
Lord of the Fiery Light
I request your presence
watch over me and mine this day

Evening

Light candle
O' God of the Sun
Of the Forest and the Mountains
I thank you for watching over me
and mine this day

Light candle
O' Goddess of the Moon
Of the waters and the Earth
I request your presence this evening
watch over me and mine throughout the night

Use those small candles that last about half hour or so - allow to burn completely down

It matters not what you say in life, it is truly how you live it.

Sunday, July 04, 2004

Flat Footed

O.k. so I got caught flat-footed and I don't like that - nope not one bit. You better believe that I am going to remedy that situation.

So, what am i talking about?? Full Moon kiddies. Yep yep yep, flat-footed and couldn't think of one fricken thing to say. Daaa, duhhhhhh ah ah ah - nope wasn't good. I mean, I have this reputation of being so full of hot air to maintain - come on - and I couldn't think of one fricken thing to say. Geesh, what about all those books I've read - nope not a word.

And where should I have turned to for this kinda of help? Where are we all suppose to turn to when all else fails. Yeah, you know what I mean. Book of Shadows, Grimore, Blessed Book, Spell Book, or whatever you feel to call it. Are there not suppose to be stuff in there to help? You know, magical, secret stuff. And wouldn't calling the Quarters be something that is magical secret stuff?

Well now, I surely think it is and I'm going to remedy that this week. See I am on vacation this week and I am going to make it a point that I write 2 hours per day in this book. Should have been doing that all along anyway. Guess what will be the first thing I am putting in it????? BINGO - calling the quarters - my way or better explanation - the way I would call them if I was going to have to call them using my own words (whew).

So, I will come up with these words and put them in my Book. I also think I will publish a short and sweet Calling here to. How about if you would send a comment as to how you would want to Call the Quarters if you had to do it on the cuff sorta speak.

Love and Light

rog;

uh oh

**** Warning **** **** Warning ****
Operator error

operator error

Eye Dee Ten Tea at the controls

We are going down

May day May day

Houston - We have a Problem

rog;

well you see

Well I had reservations about my first post so I thought I would try to change it. Tried 3 times and have given up. guess that means my second post will try to recreate the update to the first post. Wow, what insightful thoughts I have today.

This is a place where I am going to subject The Sacred Few to my thoughts. Hopefully they will inspire you to post a comment.

I had some other ramblings about enlightened and infinite wisdom and yada yada yada but didn't think I would bore you with my self-promotions.

Love and Light

rog;

Saturday, July 03, 2004

First Day

Hello world;

Drum roll please, O.k. so I finally did it and created a blog. This is just a place for me to infringe on the Sacred Few who will get the link. I hope that this forum will inspire you to make comments on my elightened and infinite wisdom. I hope to post frequently, but time will tell how often I will be able to. I don't know where my thought pattern will ramble from day to day so reader beware.

Love and Light to all

rog;