Phenson made me a broom!

Otherwise known as a Besom. A tool used to clean the area metaphysically before casting a circle. Actually, I'll paste from the Wiki on it, I think it can probably explain it a bit more clearly.

In Wicca

A besom is one of the tools used in Wicca. A traditional Wiccan besom is an ash stave handle with bristles made from birch twigs. These twigs are tied on using thin pieces of willowwood. It is used to cleanse the ritual area before circle casting.

As a tool, the besom is usually thought of as masculine in nature due to its phallic shape and symbolism. However the besom's components are of both masculine and feminine orientation. The handle, an ash stave, is masculine in nature while the birch used for the bristles is thought of as feminine in nature. The besom is thought to be involved with fairies.

The besom is an important part of Wiccan handfasting ceremonies in some traditions. The couple jumps over the besom during the ceremony. Alternatively, the couple may jump over a small bonfire.

I  highlighted the area that most pertains to my use of the broom or besom. It never actually sweeps the floor, it cleanses the area of any "bad energy" before casting a circle.

At any rate, here's a photo of my new tool! I get so excited with each new tool, I feel that much closer to everything Pagan. It helps it feel like more than just a title.

My besom or broom.

I ran into another today!

Rarely if ever do I meet another of the Pagan or Wiccan path, but I did today. Believe it or not, she's my therapist too! Okay, the therapy thing is a long story, but as infrequent as it is that I happen upon anyone else that practices magic or earth based religion, it was a fantastic coincidence. The universe works in weird ways.

She by the way is a very proud Wiccan who is working hard to change the stigma that seems to follow Wicca, Paganism, Shamanism... the list goes on. I only knew she was a Wiccan because of her pentacle jewelry and the small pentacle on her car. As a matter of fact or first meeting went without me noticing any of these things. I just thought she was a great person and looked forward to meeting again.

At any rate, I thought this was worth writing about, for me it seems to be a rare occurrence. I am not by choice a solitary partitioner.

Blesses be!

Okay I know this is late

But better late than never, right?

I am actually ready to start cleaning and consecrating all of my items for my first official ritual. The past few days have been full of icky crap and while I know that might be just the time for a nice ritual, I wanted it to be more of a "my terms" thing. Something I felt really and truly ready for, something that was going to hopefully fill that gap that I've been looking to fill since childhood.

I mean, yes, I already call myself a Pagan, I've been initiated and named. But I have yet to practice any real rites or rituals. I think that, above most else, will help me feel whole as a Pagan.

Anyhow, here are some photos of my altar and items.

A look at the whole altar

Some of my favorite stones

My triple moon goddess chalice

Mortar and pestle, sea salt, athame, and a cup for matches

We made the candle holders ourselves

Bell, quartz, sea shell, more stones and part of the God dolly

The Goddess dolly, we made her and the God dolly by hand

A better photo of the God dolly

There isn't a single book in here that I didn't gain something from

Another shot so the titles are clearer

Storage for spare candles and reagents 

Candle box

Tarot cards and other misc. small items

Herbs and other reagents

Altar at another angle

My small collection of fallen feathers

Nice shot of the altar cloth and the athame

This God dolly only has two horns, like the symbol for Gods,  but they can of course have more

The beginning

I've had trouble with getting this blog started. Trying to figure out what to and what not to share. What is important, what is helpful to myself and others, what may be harmful to myself or others.

It is my belief that Paganism, or Wicca, should not be taken lightly. I believe that both religions need to be studied, guided, practiced... although to what end I do not know. I believe even with a lifetime of study, there is and will be more questions and answers. I believe that anyone, including myself, that intends to practice either Paganism or Wicca need to approach it with good faith, trust, and a sincere thirst for knowledge. There is certainly no shortage of information out there, in books, on the web and from others studying the path of choice.

I personally, was born into Paganism just under a year ago. Aside from my initiation, I've done no further ritual. I have read a lot, I have spoken to those I can and I have read even more. However, I feel that I am ready to start taking steps, even small steps, into further practice and involvement with my beliefs. These steps are what I would like to share with anyone who reads my blog, to whatever end.

I do feel the need to clarify, for anyone who questions the goals and purpose of the Pagan religions, there are several that can fall into the category, that we do not believe in the devil, nor do we believe in the same God as Christians do. For that matter, there are a wide range of Deities that those who practice the Pagan religion chose from. Some day I might expound on this subject more, I am not sure. But the one thing I find myself asked about most is Satin or the Devil, neither of which I even believe in.

Anyhow, feel free to interact with me how you would like to. You can "lurk" and simply read my blog. You can ask questions of me, you can even give me suggestions. I am open to all. Just know that my first and foremost belief and practice is "An it harm none".

As I mentioned before, I plan to take a small step further into the realm of Paganism today, I plan to cleans and consecrate my tools as well as set up and establish my altar. I believe that would be a great time to truly "begin" my blog as well as my Book of Shadows, which at this point is mearly through blogger and in a notebook. Someday though, I hope to further my collection of tools and books, allowing me a more traditional feel to the practice.

Blessed be!