Article: Some Advice for Those Looking for a Teacher of Wicca

We thought this was a very-well written article, and had very helpful information to those interested in trying out any faith or path that is new to them.  http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usxx&c=basics&id=12737

Sad news about Ted Andrews…

We just got the news on the passing of Ted Andrews, well-known and well-respected author and inspiration to our community.  He died from cancer.

More information about him is on the web: http://www.llewellyn.com/blog/2009/10/blessed-be-ted/

Three top sellers…

Hey all,  we just wanted to rave about some of our top sellers.  We’ll be doing this periodically and we’ll be doing it in three’s (to honor the power of three… and based on the feedback we get, these three are pretty strong and well-liked).

Pentagram Book of Shadows

The Book of Shadows is a blank book for one’s own ritual use. It is a black covered book 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ with blank unlined pages inside. The book is well made and durable. Hardcover. 192 pages.

Why people love it: “Blank pages without lines to write on as I wish”, “well-made book,” “durable,” “feels like you have true ownership over the pages,” “writes like a journal.”

Garden Pentagram Amulet

This amulet features a flower pentacle ringed by a circle of vines and flowers. Measuring 1 ” in diameter, this amulet is intended as an aid in the promotion and protection of any gardening endeavor, bringing the elements needed for successful growth. Carry the magic found in your garden into your daily life with this stylish and subtle piece!

Why people love it: “it’s subtle,” “it’s well made and beautifully designed,” “it connects me to nature”

Pentagram 3″ x 3″ Sticker

This bumper sticker is made of high quality vinyl, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Why people love it: “it’s small, so it fits on the back of my car right next to my license plate,” “it’s short and to the point,” “I can put it practically anywhere”

The 12 Laws of Karma

Note: this is not my work.  This is from Derya Yayik, on the Facebook group “Spiritual Journey.”  I just thought it was great and wanted to share.  Please give credit to where credit is due if sharing with others.

1. THE GREAT LAW -
“As you sow, so shall you reap”. This is also known as the “Law of Cause and Effect”.
Whatever we put out in the Universe is what comes back to us.
If what we want is Happiness, Peace, Love, Friendship…Then we should BE Happy, Peaceful, Loving and a True Friend.

2. THE LAW OF CREATION -
Life doesn’t just HAPPEN, it requires our participation.
We are one with the Universe, both inside and out.
Whatever surrounds us gives us clues to our inner state.
BE yourself, and surround yourself with what you want to have present in your Life.

3. THE LAW OF HUMILITY -
What you refuse to accept, will continue for you.
If what we see is an enemy, or someone with a character trait that we find to be negative,
then we ourselves are not focused on a higher level of existence.

4. THE LAW OF GROWTH -
“Wherever you go, there you are”.
For us to GROW in Spirit, it is we who must change – and not the people, places or things around us.
The only given we have in our lives is OURSELVES
and that is the only factor we have control over.
When we change who and what we are within our heart
our life follows suit and changes too.

5. THE LAW OF RESPONSIBILITY -
Whenever there is something wrong in my life,
there is something wrong in me.
We mirror what surrounds us – and what surrounds us mirrors us; this is a Universal Truth.
We must take responsibility what is in our life.

6. THE LAW OF CONNECTION -
Even if something we do seems inconsequential,
it is very important that it gets done as everything in the Universe is connected.
Each step leads to the next step, and so forth and so on.
Someone must do the initial work to get a job done.
Neither the first step nor the last are of greater significance,
As they were both needed to accomplish the task.
Past – Present – Future
They are all connected…

7. THE LAW OF FOCUS – You can not think of two things at the same time.
When our focus is on Spiritual Values, it is impossible for us to have lower thoughts such as greed or anger.

8. THE LAW OF GIVING AND HOSPITALITY -
If you believe something to be true,
then sometime in your life
you will be called upon to demonstrate that particular truth.
Here is where we put what we CLAIM that we have learned,
into actual PRACTICE.

9. THE LAW OF HERE AND NOW -
Looking backward to examine what was,
prevents us from being totally in the HERE AND NOW.
Old thoughts, old patterns of behavior, old dreams…
Prevent us from having new ones.

10. THE LAW OF CHANGE -
History repeats itself until we learn the lessons that we need to change our path.

11. THE LAW OF PATIENCE AND REWARD – All Rewards require initial toil.
Rewards of lasting value require patient and persistent toil.
True joy follows doing what we’re suppose to be doing, and waiting for the reward to come in on it’s own time.

12. THE LAW OF SIGNIFICANCE AND INSPIRATION -
You get back from something whatever YOU have put into it.
The true value of something is a direct result of
the energy and intent that is put into it.
Every personal contribution is also a contribution to the Whole.
Lack luster contributions have no impact on the Whole, nor do they work to diminish it.
Loving contributions bring life to, and inspire, the Whole.

The garden of
Love
is green without
limit
and yields many
fruits
other than sorrow
and joy.
Love is beyond either
condition:
without spring,
without autumn,
it is always fresh.

Love & Light
Dery

Resource: New England Pagans and Witches (NEPW)

Live in New England?  Then check out the New England Pagans and Witches  (NEPW).  You can connect with them on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/nepagansandwitches or their Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NEPagansAndWitches.

They are a pagan events and gatherings networking group for those interested in building upon the “Magickal” community (Witch, Wiccan, Pagan, Druid, Heathen, Eclectic, etc).   This group hosts public gatherings for the Pagan community; however all are welcomed to join.

So if you’re a solitary, a group member, or someone looking to connect with like-faithed or like-minded people, check them out!

Resource: Wandmaster

Hey all… we love the work at WandMaster1, website:  http://www.wandmaster1.com/

Check out the hand carved wood tools, wands and staffs.  Amazing.  Plus, it’s another wicca-owned business to support.

Online Resource: Witch Raven

Hey all…  check out WitchRaven at www.witchraven.net.   This is a  witchcraft occult website, providing news information and resources for and about wiccans, pagans and heathens.  There are numerous articles, discussion boards and resources on this website.  It’s worth the visit.

Online Resource: Sapphire & Sage

We became friends with Sapphire & Sage on MySpace. You can visit them online at http://www.sapphireandsage.com.

They carry some very unique jewelry, including replication pieces, pirate accessories, and bodice jewelry.  They specialize in period portrait replication designs for Faires, SCA events, and weddings.

For website updates and special offers, subscribe to the Sapphire & Sage Newsletter:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sapphireandsage/

For website updates and special offers, become a friend or fan on Facebook :
http://www.facebook.com/ (search for “Sapphire And Sage ” or become a fan of “Sapphire & Sage”)

Online Resource: Holistic Healing Guide

We ran across a great website resource called the Holistic Healing Guide.  You can find it at: http://www.holistichealingguide.com/

They list holistic practitioners, places, products, and events.  You can search by your area (state, city). So if you’re looking for “alternative” healing resources, such as mind body therapies, accupuncture, aromatheraphy, etc, here’s a good place to look.

Blessed Moon is now on Twitter!

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/blessedmoon