The Attitude of Gratitude

Here in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November- some say it is to honor the peaceful meal shared between some of the early settlers of the Plimoth colony and the Native Americans of the area.  Of course, having grown up in the Southeastern Massachusetts area, I have been often to Plimoth Plantation (a living history site for visiting the Pilgrim settlers), and once I even participated in their "Eat Like a Pilgrim" event where you can learn some interesting facts about history, table manners, and what these folks may have actually eaten at the "first Thanksgiving".  It's quite interesting, and the food is delicious, so if you find yourself looking to visit America's Hometown (now spelled Plymouth), this is a must do!

Now, gratitude seems to be "a thing" lately - people are urging others to practice gratitude every day.  Like Alice's Restaurant (when sung by 50 people a day, with feeling, when it comes around again on the guitar) is a movement; the practice of gratitude seems to be becoming a movement.  There are many Facebook posts - people challenging each other to post what they are grateful for for a specified number of days - or to post a certain number of things they are grateful for each day for so many days.... there are gratitude journals, and last year I noticed that Lululemon was giving away free note-cards for their customers to send a note of gratitude to someone.... That is all very very nice.  In fact, I took a few, and sent even more than what I took - but then again, if you know me, you know that I write notes of love and gratitude as a regular practice... no prompting needed.

Sigh*

Shouldn't we be grateful every day?  Of course we should.  I'm not saying that people shouldn't be shouting from the rooftops, or posting in caps on FB, Twitter, etc or even blogging about it (conspiratorial wink inserted here)... I do think that we shouldn't wait until one holiday a year.... and I hope it is a part of your daily life.  Why not make it a daily tradition... let the gratitude envelope you and surround you with it's comforting warmth.  Know that you are loved and that obstacles are just the universe's way of saying - "hey, you could do better".  Be kind to yourself, and be kind to each other.

I believe in you.

For those who have never experienced the blessing of Arlo Guthrie - enjoy this; a family Thanksgiving tradition for 25 years in my house - plays on the local radio at noon - we all tune in and sing along.  Alice's Restuarant - A Thanksgiving Tradition

Let's not assume

You remember the old adage; when you assume you make an ass out of you and me?  It still makes me chuckle, perhaps because I can hear my father telling me that among many other adages... "failure to plan on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my part" being another one of my favorites.

But as human beings, we make assumptions a lot.  And recently, I have been looking at the assumptions I have made about people, and those that others have made about me.  It can be an eye opening experience.  I propose that you also try it.

Do not assume that because I am a witch that Halloween is my favorite holiday.  For the record, it isn't.

Do not assume that because I am a witch that I do not believe in God.  For the record, I do... though my belief is my own, and my relationship with God is between me and God.  I have faith that we have a complete understanding of each other.

Do not assume that because I am a witch that I can make things happen with a wiggle of my nose.  For the record, no one can.  No matter what method of change a person employs, it takes time to affect change.

Do not assume that because I am a witch that I only want to discuss witchcraft.  For the record, I enjoy several topics of conversation, I have diverse interests!  I enjoy reading, writing letters, going out to tea, knitting, traveling, and history!

Do not assume that because I am a witch that I can solve all your problems with one spell, candle or charm.  For the record, I can point you in the right direction and give you guidance to help yourself, but remember that you have to participate willingly, without your cooperation, nothing will change for you.

I do not assume that every person proclaiming that they are Christian thinks that I am evil.  For the record, I have several friends and acquaintances who are Christian, and we get along very well.

I do assume that we live in a free country where everyone has the right to give their opinion whether I agree with them or not.  For the record, if I do not agree with someone's opinion, I will not comment, post or otherwise lend my energy to it - positive or negatively.

I do assume that not everyone will agree with me.  For the record, that is OK with me!

And like all human beings, I make assumptions about my family and friends that often turn out to be incorrect because they are indeed just assumptions.  I have learned that open communication is the best way to really know what someone is thinking or feeling.  Engage them in conversation and ask!  

Here's another adage - You will not know, until you ask.

Thank you for reading.  As a dear friend says whenever we part company... Namaste, and Blessed Be!

The Spiritual Significance of Katydids - is it a sign?

There are insects all around, all the time - except for during the Winter here in the Northeast... and then again, sometimes in the winter if the house is warm enough and we bring the firewood inside to dry a bit we get an ant or two that will rouse from their slumber to investigate... we don't take that as a spiritual sign - just a sign of a warm house and ant filled logs.

BUT - this past two weeks we have had a remarkable visitor - repeatedly onto our front porch.  Since the majority of signs in my life come in the form of those darling 4-6-8 legged critters, I am pretty good at recognizing who's who in the insect and arachnid kingdom... when my husband called me out on the porch and said... what the heck is that?  I said... OH, that's a Katydid... they have been around a lot this past week... and he said.... I DON"T REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I SAW ONE THIS CLOSE TO THE HOUSE.... That gave me pause, and then I thought about it a bit more... and I realized, he was right!  Though we hear them often enough in the evening, they are fairly shy and are not among those that are drawn to the light of the front porch.... which led me to wonder... are they a sign?

Yesterday I was home sick, and in my musings from the couch I noticed that there were a couple of Katydids on the window, during broad daylight!  So I looked them up and here is what I found - and it certainly makes sense to where my business and my personal self are at this moment

Katydid:

Katydid teaches attunement to new vibrations and will aid in heightening intuition, sensitivity and awareness. They teach transformation in five stages as part of the molting process. Is it time to shed old ideas to make way for the new? Expect changes and new developments that will bring growth through reflection and patience as the sensitivity to mental, emotional and physical challenges are coming are your way. Katydids also teach the art of camouflage and the ability to evolve and use many survival techniques. Are you adapting to your surroundings? Are you blending in or standing out? Katydid will aid in strengthening senses and perceptions of the seen and unseen so whatever transformation stage you are in will be a time to be aware; mentally and spiritually sharp
Read more: http://spiritualguidance.proboards.com/thread/131/spiritual-significance-katydids-sign#ixzz3kAXpU7PE

KatyDid visits the porch

The LoonWitch Presents - Aura Photography

Village Witch Service

On my business card, one of the services I offer is called "Village Witch Service".  I get a lot of questions about this, people often remark about this and ask what is a village witch service?  I think that is a great question!

In today's hustle and bustle society we often take for granted the natural world that is around us.  And it is that natural world, and the tradition of witchcraft that my village witch service stems from.  I create charms, mojo bags, crystal grids, divination tools and other items that are available for purchase.  In addition, I will sit and consult with you about how to use magic in your life to attract the right energy to a situation.  I will help you understand how spells work, and will even create and cast a spell with you. 

When it comes to spell work, I believe that you should participate in the working - it is your intention not mine, and it is that raw energy needed for the best outcome.

If we can't be together, I will send a video to you with detailed and visual instructions on how the spell is to work.  I have had great success with people working spells this way.  and I believe in each of you, and your ability to manifest exactly what you need into your life!

Busy Witch!

I couldn't be happier to say that I gave been a very busy witch the last few months.   I feel productive knowing that I am booked nearly every weekend until 2015 with an event! 

This is causing me to focus my intention on what I really want to create for the LoonWitch.  You have often seen me write that I want to be the LoonWitch full time,  and I realize that I have achieved that goal.  I am the LoonWitch,  always.  Now it is time to build that business into a financially stable endeavor. 

I am usually selective about what events I sign up to be at.  I have been testing events outside my comfort zone for a year,  and plan on keeping that going.

Now settled into my office location in New Bedford, MA, I will be working on growing that portion of my business to sustain me so I am able to transition into independence.

Writing My First Book

It was about a year ago that I realized what the book is that I am supposed to write.  After having several readings where I was told that I was to be writing a book, I finally had my AH HA moment when I realized what that first book should be about.

My recent trip to Florida provided me the clearing of my soul that I needed to get focused and energized for this task.  And I have spent several hours typing up my handwritten notes - I had originally thought I would write the book by hand - I do love writing by hand, but typing is SO much faster! 

For those of my students who are aware of this project, I look forward to working with you on parts of my book - I really would like to include your feedback and excerpts from your work with my exercises in the book.

I don't know how long it will take me to finish, but I am optimistic that I can finish by the end of the calendar year if I keep up this pace!!