The Secrets In Plain Sight!

When I was first getting serious about the Craft, I felt bewildered by how expensive certain tools can be. And so I asked the people who were teaching me what I should do. They pointed out what gives tools their power, and showed me the real priorities. While some chalices can sell for as much as a small car, my first chalice came for less than a dollar. One of my other teachers told me of someone in her family who remembered when fear of discovery was genuine, and she needed to hide her tools in plain sight. Magickal tools can be wonderful, and they can be invaluable in directing and focusing your energies. But never lose sight of what your main (and most powerful) magickal tool is. And so, if you choose to have and use magickal tools, some basic principles will make those tools powerful! Blessed Be!  

How do you deal with the results of divination? Whether it is something you've done or something that somebody did for you, how will you use the results? While most of us know better than to risk the family fortune on the advice of the horoscope printed in today's newspaper, Many people do make use of divination. The question is: How do you know that something is worth your time and energy? There are certain tests available to you which can “separate the wheat from the chaff”. Much of this follows basic logic and common sense, but you do need to know where and how the logic is supposed to work. And then, if you are able to use some form of divination, a “second opinion”, compensating for differences in method, can be valuable. Blessed Be!  

While many will think of “Star Wars” if I mention 'the dark side”, some of us will think in terms of dabblers, wanna-be's and others who get in over their heads when messing with the spiritual. For that reason, much of initial training and a respectable portion of even advanced learning is devotes to knowing where and what the safe boundaries are. They are for your safety. Most people who have been in The Craft for any length of time can tell at least one story of what happens when someone crosses one of those lines. This does not mean that you have to meekly accept a bad situation. Quite the contrary, most of us would feel an obligation when faced with certain issues. Two things are necessary here: knowledge of the boundaries, and a decent supply of creativity. You can do what you need to do without getting yourself into trouble. Blessed Be!  

So often, I hear people complain that there are so many primer-level books in The Craft, but so few advanced-level books. There are answers to that. I can think of several people I consider to be highly advanced and people I would see for instruction and advice. Ask any of them what they are up to, and they will talk about what they are learning. And when they begin to learn something new, that learning begins with a review of the basics that they've heard ever-so-many times before. In many fields, you will here of incidents in which someone with enough experience and certificates to be considered a teacher makes an error with some really nasty results, and to most folks that error seems like a tiny thing. But as one teacher of mine said, “The bigger the problem, the smaller the cause”.For this and many other reasons, it behooves us to occasionally step back and review the basics. And sometimes, there might be new learning in the old stuff. Blessed Be!  

Just about everyone can think of something that they used to do and wishes they could do it again. This is just as true in spiritual pursuits as in anything else. I recently realized that I had been away from the Tarot for too long, and wanted to get back into it. My cards and my books had all “disappeared” in the sudden move, and I had to begin again. Re-entering a pursuit can be very profitable. To begin with, you will get re-acquainted with it, and your learning will be on a new level. In my case, I found some people who actually know the subject instead of just offering their opinion. And, the books which I had once accumulated and lost were replaced by quality standard references. Blessed Be!  

Prayer has become a subject of much confusion. At one extreme you'll find the devout, including monks and nuns as well as lay people, At the other extreme are the people who only claim to pray and the people who use prayer as an alternative to taking action. Typical examples are the politician offering “thoughts and prayers” to the victims of a major crime or disaster, or the student who tries to pray to pass a test instead of taking the effort to study. So, how is someone supposed to pray? Those of us who remember Christian Sunday schools may remember the teachers teaching us “Fold your hands, bow your head, and close your eyes.” We soon learn that doing those things are not always practical. But it does get a beginner to do one of the most important things that needs to be done in prayer. Follow that with a few basic principles, and you have the secret of powerful prayer! Blessed Be!  

Meditation is a subject that is much too “large” to do justice in one episode, but I can give you an overview which might help – especially if you are beginning, or feel like you are beginning. There are more meditation techniques and traditions that can be listed here, but there are some basic principles that are just about universal. Mediation is, in essence, listening. It might be to your inner self, higher consciousness, a deity or deities, or whatever. Entire libraries, schools and monasteries have been built for the study and experience of meditation. Nevertheless, certain basic principles exist. But this episode will give you either a good jumping-off point for exploring meditation and, if you are experience, you might find this useful to see the breadth and depth of the subject. Blessed Be!

Divination can be a powerful tool, if it is used wisely. To begin with, it is necessary to understand the difference between divination and so-called fortune-telling. Divination is a way to focus your instincts on a question and see what shadows we can see of things which are preparing be. Unlike so-called “fortune telling”, you remain in control and actions by the appropriate people can change what the shadows show. There is a wide variety of tools and methods available for divination. You might find one that works for you, or in some cases, one s chosen for you either by circumstance or by a teacher. There are numerous books and other ways to learn, and as you progress, you will learn how to recognize someone who is actually authoritative. Divination is a way to be in control of your life, provided only that you keep it in its proper perspective. Blessed Be!  

No subject creates more assumptions, presumptions, pronouncements, and avoidance reactions than death. When someone dies, there is usually a funeral which will have any of several possible functions, ranging from mourning someone's death to celebrating someone's life. But when it's your funeral, you might not be there, and we need to focus on what you will encounter. The literature and scriptures of most spiritual paths usually describe three possible fates. There is a special place of reward for the elite whether they are warriors, saints, or other exemplary people. There is also a special place where the most evil of people suffer eternal punishment, usually for offenses against their deity. In between there is the larger place where most of us will probably find ourselves. Wiccans commonly call this “The Rainbow Bridge”, which is an apt description. We do have some descriptions of near-death experiences, but daily life across the bridge is mostly speculation. But it appears we know enough about it to take some comfort. Blessed Be!  

Bullying is an epidemic.  It can happen on a kindergarten playground, a workplace, on the internet, or any other place you can imagine. Bullies can be schoolchildren, senior citizen, or anyone else in between. They can be any gender, race, religion or ethnicity. While some think of bullying in terms of fists in the schoolyard, bullying can also be verbal. Bullies are much weaker than they pretend to be. In fact, they generally have their own problems, and some are guilty of the same perceived shortcoming that they attack others for! Or, they could be afraid of becoming one of “them”. And, the response must be credible. Blessed Be!  

People make all kinds of comments about religion and religious groups, whether you are talking about a major church, a Hindu ashram, a Wiccan coven, or any other you can list. While much is said about groups which have problems, most of them do not have such problems. Nevertheless, even if the problem is only one percent, how can you recognize that one percent? After all, one percent means enough instances that you need to keep your eyes open. And, just because it isn't “big enough” to get the attention of the TV news doesn't mean that joining the wrong group can ruin your day! There are “red flags” which you can look for that will identify issues which will identify the group as one which has problems. You need to use your own judgment, and the issues can range from small irritations to valid reasons to leave immediately. Blessed Be!  

Christmas and New Year's Day are two holidays only a few days apart. In fact, in some traditions, Christmas is celebrated over a long enough period that New Year's Day is actually within the twelve days of Christmas. And Christmas and New Year's Day share thoughts of wishing and resolution. Even if you're mature enough not to believe in Santa Claus, there are many other wishes, such as wishing something for another person, wishing to revive a cherished memory, or wishing for something to happen. And, at New Year's, there are resolutions when we wish something for ourselves. A resolutions can be the beginning of something great, or it can become a joke. How many people resolve to quit smoking or lose weight?   Whether we're dealing with a wish or a resolution, there are ways to help it happen, and there are ways to make it actually successful. Some thing are best left alone, while other desires will need to be expressed in a way to allow it to not only succeed, but stay successful. And, of course, you still need to do your part. And, you want it to be a blessing and remain a blessing.   Blessed Be!  

When you see a Christian cringe when they hear someone wish them “happy holidays”, the fact is that this time of year has quite a number of holidays. Most of those holidays have religious or spiritual implications, and they are not all Christian or secular. It is the time of the winter solstice, when the sun begins its return. Wiccans and a number of other pagans celebrate the birth of the divine child who takes the place of the god who died at Samhain – the holiday know of us know as Halloween. Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, which celebrates their return from exile in Babylon and their temple coming back to life. And, of course, there is Christmas which on the surface celebrates the birth of the baby Jesus but like with many such celebrations, the implications go beyond the simplistic surface. I have often said that I cannot understand why there is so much conflict between the various religious path, and this is an example of why I see so little conflict. So many celebrations with so many different names, but all celebrate the basic fact of new beginnings! Blessed Be!  

One of the most common things people want to do, and actually do, spiritually is to reach out across the bridge to those who have crossed over that bridge through death. No matter what we are taught, it happens. What is more, they reach out to us, and we're not stopping them. The question is not whether it is right or wrong, but being in control, recognizing what we are being offered, and what to do with it. Some might call it “occult” or “evil”, but it's more a case of people not knowing. Please note that some of those folks would have called the Internet “witchcraft” 100 years ago. This is something which happens, whether we want it or not. We might as well recognize them and see what they mean. And with that, we can be blessed even more! Blessed Be!  

Where religion or spirituality is concerned, the first thing it needs to do is WORK. People who don't see it working quit trying – either they go through the motions to be socially acceptable, or they simply quit.. The problem is , so many of those who try to tell us of how The Divine (by whatever name) is active in our lives tend to speak of what one author called “fingerprints of God”, which calls to attention what The Divine has set into motion. What you and I need is to be able to see The Divine as not only caring about us, but also able to see our situations and respond.   Two things to look for are what is already in front of you, and what you can cause to be. Look at what The Divine might have been doing for you which you might have though to be “coincidence”. But then, see what you might be able to cause to be. There are a few things to understand, if it can in fact be!   Blessed Be!    

One of the first things you need on your spiritual journey is improving your communication with The Divine, regardless of how the name or names you associate with The Divine. Some people may think that they have never communicated with The Divine, while others are considered to be advanced. While beginners usually know that they are beginners, the truly advanced know how how little they have learned compared to totality of what might be there. The first questions usually concern what t pray and where to pray. What to pray is a process of knowledge that will span your lifetime and will take many turns. Where to pray is another question which will face most people in one way of another. This is a growth process. Blessed Be!  

The fact that I was away from my keyboard and microphone does not mean that I didn't have my eyes open. And, over the past year, one issue seemed most apparent, and it is the same issue which I addressed in my very first podcast: “Why can't we get along?” It's at least as relevant an issue today as it was in April of 2006. Inn fact, for me the question is more emphatic!   So many of the most bigoted claim to be Christians, but an examination of their Bible tells us something else. Besides the fact that Jesus himself pointed out that some scripture was out-of-date when he was on Earth, there is more which reveals that the gates of their heaven might open wider than many think. Some of the issues which are a big deal to some might not be so big to The Divine.   And, is this one of the issues which are keeping us back. How can we expect to see and understand more when we do not understand what is already in front of us? Blessed Be!

I've been away for a while, and it has been a difficult journey. But, I am back, and I'm ready to be back. What I went through will certainly contribute to the content of future episodes, but for this one I'm going to talk about the difficult journey itself, so you'll know what happened and you'll have some idea of what happened and what it might come to mean. I know that it has been more than a year since my last podcast, but many have asked when I'll be back. Lady Stormy was my wife, life partner and High Priestess beginning in 2000 until she died on December 24, 2019. Yes, Christmas Eve. There was so much more that I wish we could have done together. And that was just the beginning. Six months later, almost to the day, I had my own medical issues which led me to an ambulance ride, Emergency Room, and Intensive care, followed by a long time in a so-called "skilled norsing facility". Except for a few minutes, I never got to see my house again. My son packed up what he thought I might need, I found a lawyer to adle the sale of the house, and my son found me a place to live in Eugene, Oregon - the very town I left to begin my life with Lady Stormy. Thankfully, my dog Veronica is with me. That's not all, but that's plenty. And so it's time to resume and also build. Blessed Be!  

This episode is one for everyone on any path that is spiritual, because it applies to everyone. Simply put, spirit happens. And so, I find something that all can use and many need. To say nothing of it being something that might have been taken from you, perhaps even deliberately. And so you knock on the door. It opens. Do you know that it is opened? Someone was waiting for you. Come in. This might not be your first beginning, and it probably won't be your last. And each builds on the others. Blessed Be!

When you were a little child, your imagination was free, and so was your mind! Do you remember an invisible friend, knowing about something that you had no way of knowing about, or seeing things in a way others did not? Many of us did, and others of us had those memories driven from us by parents, teachers, other kids, or others. And, some of us miss them. If they ever were there, they still are there. And if they are still there, they are waiting for you! Common sense and a sense of good manners will tell you the difference between something genuine and something genuinely unreal. But before we open a door, it's important to know that the door is there.

Looking at the people who have become the news lately, I cannot help but wonder whom they really answer to, and why. Most people consider themselves accountable to some person, some deity, or some group - or a combination, depending on what their life is like. But what about those who don't seem to be accountable to anyone? Actually, there is a simple answer, compatible with most scriptures or even a total lack of scripture! Let's look and find it! Blessed Be!  

It's that time of year when some people worry if they'll offend others with a seasonal greeting that might hint at a possible religious or ethnic affiliation, and others insist ion feeling offended if such a greeting is not their kind of greeting. And so many of the rest of us are just happy that someone wishes us well, including in their own terms. I see this as an opportunity to learn how much we actually have in common. Once we do that, there's no limit to what we can do! Blessed Be!  

Some questions should not have to be asked! As an example, I have ridden on many busses and have never asked the bus driver if he or she were sober! Some issues should be presumed resolved by the time you're involved. The recent special election in Alabama is an example of questions being asked which should have never needed asking. Standards might change. In the 12th and 14th centuries, it was not uncommon for a girl to be married at 12, but now we consider anyone at that age to be a child. The needs of society dictated the change, and it does not get changed based on some whim or temporary sentiment. Similarly, it was once not uncommon for certain people to own slaves, but no more. We need to know what our standards are, why they are there and follow them! Blessed Be!

There is a secret ingredient to prayer, and it can often make a major difference! It not only helps you to pray, it makes it flow better. And, it helps you to know what you need to do. Unlike the "secret ingredients" mentioned in advertising, which usually prove to be standard components which everyone uses, this one is a genuine "secret in plain sight", often overlooked by many. Blessed Be!

I've spoken about prayer in the last few episodes, and that leaves us with one question. The problem is, the question is so obvious that some don't even see it as a question. Very simply: to whom should you address your prayers? And some other questions would follow. For instance, if what works for me doesn't work for you, or vice versa, does that mean that one should impose their faith on the other? The answer to this and other similar questions can be found, and found clearly, even in the Christians' Bible. People who can keep their preconceived notions from interfering with the actual content will understand. Blessed Be!  

We've spent a fair amount of time discussing prayer in the last couple of episodes, and not flatteringly in the case of some who seem to mis-use or actually avoid real prayer. It's time to see how prayer can actually be made to work, and work effectively! To begin with, understand that praying for what you need is not greed, but also know that praying for others does help them. In fact, I am aware of a very recent and well-documented case that proves that point. And The Divine is indeed listening! Blessed Be!  

With every major tragedy on the news, especially storms and mass shootings, many politicians and others say that the victims have their "thoughts and prayers". I often wonder if their "thoughts and prayers" are a euphemism for doing nothing. But, people who want to do something can transform genuine thoughts and prayers into powerful action! And, it is well within our grasp! Not only is it within our grasp, but many of the tasks are ones you do anyway, and look forward to doing! Let's see what can happen when we turn other people's insincerities into genuine action! Blessed Be!  

We call ourselves spiritual, and/or magickal, and/or religious. Yet even the best of us is getting too accustomed to the continuing wave of gun violence. Here in the Philadelphia area, part of the routine is to turn on the morning news to learn who got shot last night. And then, there are the mass shootings in which any number from a dozen to several hundred are shot! When do we draw the line and say that enough is enough? It might be fair to say that we are the victims of bullying. The fact is that public officials, including elected ones, are attracted to money and promises of good publicity. And that has attracted them to the point that it was recently shown how little their own lives matter! The question is begging for an answer! Blessed Be!  

Most of us understand manners and common courtesy in dealing with our fellow mortals in any number of situations, whether it's in an elementary school classroom, a corporate boardroom, or anywhere ale you can imagine. But what about dealing with The Divine, or The Departed? And what about deities or departed ones who are not your own? And what about the people who do revere them? Some basic principles can go a long way here. Not only might they keep us out of trouble, we might even benefit! Blessed Be!

At Samhaintide, the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. Many consider Samhaintide to be the time beginning eight days before and ending eight days after Samhain. It does not mean that the veil is ever impenetrable, but this is when it is easiest for us to reach through to them, and for them to reach through to us. And, they remember us and still care. If you are here, you probably already understand the necessity of respect between the worlds, but there are many who do not. In this world, you would not simply barge into someone's home and mess around, would you? A little respect can go a long, long way! Blessed Be!  

A Facebook friend of mine has been posting some spectacular photos of sacred sites in the UK where she lives, and I notice that many of them have pre-Christian roots. Yes, they were sacred before they were Christian. What is more, the people in charge of those sites appear to recognize and respect that! In much of the rest of the world, where the original peoples are strong end populous enough, the pre-Christian historic sites and burial grounds are treated with respect. It is in North America and Australia where aboriginal sacred sites are ignored or outright disrespected. Given what I have learned, I don't want the consequences. We need to learn to recognize and respect sacred sites, as if they were our own because they are!

Hate distracts, and sometimes throws us off-schedule. Yet again, someone accused me of hate, when the truth is that I only hate hate. And so, something about a special blessing dating back to our most ancient ancestors and available at your fingertips today will have to be next week. It is a proven fact that hate is wasteful. Even ignoring the actions of nations and looking at small communities, how much is lost because of refused service, substandard service, ignored employment applications and the like where someone uses hate as an excuse to ignore opportunity? And, of course, never forget the fact that the "geek" you tormented in school might become your commanding officer or the person reading your resume. Education at the national and community level is not the entire answer. We must be able to reach the consciousness of each individual. Blessed Be! PS: I might have gotten the date wrong on the audio, don't let that get in the way of the message!

Protests have been a part of our lives almost since the invention of the opinion. But to be effective, the nature of the protest must be expressed in a way that those seeing the protest will understand. The first protest which I personally instigated was intentionally subtle, but those who recognized what was going on needed only a once-sentence justification to understand and know that they could not really disagree with an obvious point. One current form of protest seems to be causing some controversy, even though it involves some symbolism which most adults and older children should be able to understand. Blessed Be!  

People talk about "church and state", but there are much more than churches involved. And, it is an issue that has been there since the first existence of organized religion within the borders of a secular state. But, it got more complicated. Complications began when people tried to follow the same religion in different places which had their own histories, traditions and cultures. And that was only the beginning! How much authority did the state have over religion, and vice versa? At one time, people identified as clergy could only be tried in church courts, and held in church prisons. Matters become even more complicated in modern times when religions and cultures mix together in many places worldwide. Blessed Be!

The history of a people can be conspicuous either by its overabundance or its absence. We know only too well how history can be embellished, especially when there are significant characters such as Moses, Jesus, George Washington or Elvis. But then there are those which seem to "disappear," either because an oral tradition never got written down, or the influence of a conqueror to ignore it and perhaps replace it with their own. There is much to be discovered, and some of the results can be amazing! Put them together, and your ancestors will no longer to appear to be living in trees until Rome "rescued" them. And the learning can give us much that we can value and cherish! Blessed Be!  

From time to time, I've heard of some person being described as "a real one". At the same time, we see people every day who claim to be one thing or another, or act as if they were. Whether you are talking about a security guard who acts as if they were a police officer, an "open carry" advocate dressed and armed as if he or she were a soldier, or someone preaching their religion, the question is the same: "Is that person a real one?" Real ones can be identified by certain characteristics. Those who are not often share similar shortcomings. And there is also something that all "Real Ones" have in common in the process which forms them. Blessed Be!

For some, history is taught with tales and folklore, sometimes seeming so full of lore, superstition and even fairies that it loses credibility. For others, history is a series of lists of names, places and dates that offer no emotion or feeling. Both leave much to be desired. Whether or not George Washington chopped down his father's cherry tree or Davy Crockett shot a bear at age three, such tales do not come out of a vacuum. We need to understand the folklore, the emotions and the spirituality, especially if we are exploring something hiddeen in mystery from times long past. By doing so, we open ourselves up to quite a lot! Blessed Be!  

In high school, I recall being subjected to lectures on the subject of "secret societies", whatever they were. Apparently, they were deep, dark and deadly. But except for a couple of honoraries and a few church groups, we didn't know who they might be. And no, I get to see tabloids telling about conspiracies ranging from the killing of John Kennedy to treaties made with UFO aliens! The nice thing about all of this conspiracy noise is that it diverts attention from some real and important work being done quietly. Some knowledge is preserved that most folks are not ready for. There are religious and historical relics that most people would not be able to deal with. All to be revealed in due time. Meanwhile, we can be glad for the people who do engage in such work! Blessed Be!  

One of the bigger challenges of any historical expedition, whether in a library or on-site, is the fact that human history is created and recorded by humans. Not only that, but much of history is dominated by the viewpoint of the people who considered themselves to be the winners. You can imagine the surprise that someone of Norse heritage might have when discovering that King Atli, revered in their own heritage, was the same person known in other places as Atilla The Hun. Some of the most sober and somber of one religious group seem to have a hard time remembering that their movement began with a man who appears to have really known how to party! The list goes on. The challenge is to find the actual human being within the historical figure. Blessed Be!

I accepted my own challenge, and have taken on the task of learning what I can about Glastonbury and its legends, beginning with Joseph of Arimathea and expanding toward Arthur.  As with any expedition, I have some idea of where I'm going and I have some idea of what I am looking for, but I know to keep my eyes open as doors may open along the way. This is my journey, and yours is the one which you choose.  But, many of the principles are the same, and we all seek knowledge.  Glastonbury has been attracting me for some time because of certain legends which, if proven, would force at least some of us to shift our perspectives! And with this, we can explore the secrets in plain sight which have been waiting for us. Blessed Be!

We're back, after hopefully winning some battles concerning health and hired help.  Some aspects of being a "senior citizen" are not fun!  And we're starting off this new round with something that everyone can get into! As weapons go, perhaps none is more powerful than truth.  Even the worst fanatics get forced to face some truth!  And we have an opportunity to uncover a lot of truth through our studies!  Did you ever notice how much "history" has a very narrow focus?  Even in the most ancient of times when many might have believed that their little world was the entire world, others were reaching out and learning! It's a nice thought to think that if we can find out how much our ancestors knew about each other, perhaps it might encourage our ancestors' descendants into getting along with each other! Blessed Be!

Unless you happen to be a monk or nun living in highly cloistered isolation, dealing with the world can be a real challenge.  The divisiveness being created among people for various reasons makes it even more so.  And, such challenges in daily life are among the basic reasons for needing religion and spirituality.  Regardless of their name, nature or number, they do care about us.  And they have inspired us to find ways to find help. The breaking of bread is a component of more rituals in more traditions than anyone wishes to list, and you can even find variations within traditions which use the breaking of bread for its primary purpose.  When we come together at a table or altar, we share the brad and more.  And therein lays the magick which we need at this time.   Blessed Be!

A comedy stunt by comedienne Kathy Griffin brought out a point worth sharing.  Many people, including myself, did not like the supposed humor in a skit using what was supposedly the severed head of Donald Trunp.  And this is in spite of some of the supposed humor aimed at us. I also could not stomach the fact that Donald Trump invited Ted Nugent to the White House after a performance which included a suggestion that Barak Obama be shot and Hillary Clinton be hanged.  If President Trump is worried about the trauma his son might suffer from the sight of a supposedly severed head, does he have any appreciation of what President Obama's daughters endured seeing images of their father being lynched or burned?   We simply cannot afford to stoop to the level of stupid people.  Taking the "high road" has its advantages.  The people at Seekers' Temple set an example for us, and we will do well to follow, Blessed Be!

Like in secular education, your spiritual learning begins with learning a broad and general range of topics.  As you grow, you become more focused in certain areas, especially those where you've discovered interest or ability.  Eventually, you might become known for particular abilities in certain areas. Everyone has particular talents, and so do you!  Everyone has particular interests, and so do you.  Some you might only share with a deity, but others you might want to share with anyone who wishes to listen.   And with this, we bring blessings on ourselves! Blessed Be!

You may have noticed lately the collection of "alternative facts" which some politicians are using in place of actual history.  While claims made by politicians about historical figures can muddle up our mundane lives, similar claims can have an even worse effect in our spiritual lives.   It can be said that at the heart of any legend is a kernel of truth.  And, it is amazing how much archaeology has done to show legends and revered writings to be accurate history.  And, the internet makes more available in the way of documentation and distance exploration than has ever existed!  This means that most people will be able to read literature of history and/or legends, experience the places where they happened, and also have a more fulfilling spiritual experience.   While many people have been exposed to Biblical Archaeology, other traditions have their ancient times and their tales, writings, sites and ways waiting to be explored and learned.  Heorot, the mead-hall made famous in the tale of Beowulf, for instance, has been located.  The Celtic lands have many sites, and more waiting discovery.  I could go on and on. The result will not only help your journey, but it will also put your spiritual feet on firmer ground due to your adding knowledge to experience! Blessed Be!

Is something coming?  Or is it here?  Do we wait for it, do we enjoy it, or do we enjoy what we have and anticipate even more?   There is much anticipation in most spiritual traditions, looking forward to what is coming.  Or is it already here?  Some among the followers of the Norse tradition feel that Ragnarok and Baldur's return have happened, while others are waiting.  There are those among the Christians who will tell us that we are supposed to wait for the coming of the Kingdom of God, but would Jesus agree? The answer might surprise many, and give us a clue as to our own actions which we need to take. Blessed Be!

If you see or hear something that others do not, or if you have a significant dream, who are the ones who are communicating with you, and what does it mean?  It's a question which most of us have at times in our lives and for some of us, it nags us almost constantly. Following the death of a loved one, a series of very vivid dreams concerning that loved one or what that loved one knows about you.  Lying in bed late at night, depressed and not quite asleep, and suddenly a voice calls your name.  Someone you love and miss appears in a dream to show you something.  The possibilities are limitless, but sometimes a dream is only a dream. The task for each of us is to gain understanding of what we are seeing   Blessed Be!

What is the difference between your friend who has a vision of a goddess or an angel, and the TV preacher who claims that his god tolls him to tell you to support a particular politician?  Quite a lot, probably, beginning with the fact that real visions do not come to support partisan agendas. People can and do see, hear and feel things from the spiritual.  And, if it happens to you, you probably do not need the services of a psychiatrist.  But you should use common sense in making use of what you are given. If you are entrusted with something, you are intrusted to use it with wisdom.  Knowledge is power, but wisdom is what gives that power strength and credibility. Blessed Be!

Prayer is just possibly the most powerful thing you can do in working with your deities.  No matter the name, number, or gender, deities like to receive prayer, and they do respond.   Prayer can be corporate, such as in a group.  But it can also be alone, sometimes solitary and sometimes even absolutely secret.  And, of course, what you pray is between you and your deity, and nobody else. The only thing left to consider is what you are praying for or about.  There are indeed some lines you don't want to cross.  But, there are ways to bring about what you need.  Never forget that your deity's will is your happiness and well-being. Blessed Be!

Some of our best spiritual teachers are around us most of the day, and many of them have four feet.  There are exceptions, of course, such as those who have wings.  And the trick is to put their teaching to use without convincing your secular/ mundane neighbor that you're crazy! They come to you in any number of ways, but often with impeccable timing.  And, nurturing the learning they offer will bring you much joy.  And eventually, you'll have a confidante and partner. Watch, and you'll be amazed.  And you will also grow. Blessed Be!

Sorry for my absence last week, but my wife and I were terribly sick.  Hopefully, that's over and now we can make some progress. Nothing bothers me so much in what passes for news these days as the number of examples of hate I see, especially when it appears to be organized.  And most especially, when it appears to be orchestrated and managed by people who have enough education to know better!  Did they cut class that day in Sunday school?        A solution offers itself which will create a situation which might well be a hate-monger's worst nightmare.  Let's go for it! Blessed Be!