Wednesday Perk-Up! (26 July - 1 August)

Good morning, lovelies, and a very happy Hump Day! Celebrate by, well, humping those you love. (Weird? Maybe. Random? Most likely. Awesome? Definitely!)

The brew I’m enjoying this morning is Starbucks DoubleSHOT Energy, white chocolate flavored. You KNOW I had to grab that once I saw it at the convenience store! It’s not as good as their fresh-brewed hot stuff (lol, I said “hot stuff”), but I was in serious need of serious caffeine today. And it doesn’t stop there: I’m meeting up with an awesome friend and talented writer, Sam, for a second serving after work today! Mmm mmm, coffee and friendship. They go together like peanut butter and banana.

… or whatever combination you prefer. Don’t judge!

(If you ever want to be featured in TCC’s Wednesday Perk-Ups, by the way, just shoot me a message! I absolutely love including people in this!)

ETA: DUH BLESSED LUGHNASADH!!!!!!

Lammas Prayer

 We give reverence to Our Lord and Our Lady
On this feast of the first harvest.
We thank you for your patronage,
And for your love.

We offer these These First fruits

Of our fields,
Of our hands,
Of our hearts,
Of our minds,
Of our souls.

And we offer this ancient prayer.

“Grant O Lord and Lady Thy Protection;
And In Thy Protection, Strength;
And In Thy Strength, Understanding;
And In Thy Understanding, Knowledge;
And In Thy Knowledge, Wisdom;
And In Thy Wisdom, Justice;
And In Thy Justice, Peace.”  

Copyright © 1 August 2012 ~ WolfSong All Rights Reserved 

When Witches Go Riding Writing

Short and sweet this week, as many of these are recaps!

Trish Veilleux: Remember When… You Raised Six Girls?

Forgetting one’s life is tragic – something we all hope will never happen to us or a loved one.  But for one woman, my mom, a beloved mother of six, it has happened.

This is a true story and a recounting of some of the ordinary and extraordinary moments that occurred in that very special woman’s life while raising her children – all girls.

My illustrations represent some of the greeting cards created over the years to convey my love for her and my gratitude for all she did.

(Again, a portion of the proceeds will be going to Alzheimer’s research!)

 

Eliora: Enchanting Elegance for your Magickal Life

An absolutely incredible Pagan artisan and very good friend, Eliora has a handcrafted gift to meet your every need! She has everything from besoms to altar accessories to gift sets, and everything in between! Be sure to check out her shop, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.



 

Tori Zigler: Special price on her books, “Mr. Pumpkin-Head and Other Poems” and “Witchlet”!

One more week left!! Throughout the month of July, an excellent wordsmith and good friend Tori Zigler will be selling her books on SmashWords at half price! I personally own her collection of poems and will be taking advantage of her book, and y’all should, too!

To take advantage of this offer, simply go to my author page at http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/toriz and add one or both of my books to your cart, then enter the coupon code “SSW50″ at the checkout phase.  Since both books are half price, it’s basically an option for anyone who hasn’t got them yet to buy one of my books and get the other one for free! But this offer is only available throughout July, so don’t wait too long to take advantage of it, or you may miss your chance!

 

Sam Curtin: “Dark Cell” novella on Amazon! FREE for a limited time!!

If you haven’t done so yet, be sure to also check out her Facebook pages for news, discussion, and other fantabulous offerings!

• Samantha Curtin – Author


• Behind the Curtin Publications

 

Seba @ Southern Fried Witch: Unveil My Johnson

Yes, it’s just as funny as it sounds. ;) This entry from a new friend, Seba, attempts to define what a Southern Witch is, and in the process, she weaves an incredibly heartwarming and silly tale about her experiences as a Pagan in the Bible Belt.

And so?  What’s a Southern Witch?  Hmmm.  Well . . .

I am a storyteller, word-giver, respectful, disdainful, oathe-keeping, chicken-frying, baby-birthing, crunchy, spicy, legend-making, tomato-growing, community-building, tattooed righteous bitch.  I can shoot a gun, season an iron skillet, can beans and make love like someone with something to prove.  My disapproval is hard earned and hard lost, as is my approval.  My respect of dogs, front porches and peach cobbler is only rivaled for my adoration of old folks, 1960 somethin’ trucks and church suppers.  I understand our speckled history, find myself in the thick of it often and wouldn’t move north of the Mason Dixon line if you paid me in gold.  My temper is a flash fire, my forgiveness is forever, but my memory is as long as the Tennessee River.

Oh yes… y’all gon’ love her. ;)

 

Food for Thought

Chick-Fil-A-Holes

This week’s Food for Thought features a fast food chain we love to hate… which is fitting, as they apparently love to, too! I’m not even going to rant about this one, as the series of subsequent articles pretty much say it all.

• HuffPo: Dan Cathy, Chick-Fil-A President, on Anti-Gay Stance: ‘Guilty As Charged’


• Gawker: Chick-Fil-A Has Withdrawn All Jim Henson Toys Nationwide


• What actually happened… NBC News: Muppets company severs ties with Chick-Fil-A over gay marriage stance


• Gizmodo: Did Chick-Fil-A Pretend to Be a Teenage Girl on Facebook? (Updated)


• ONTD_Political: “[Gays] are the most intolerant group of people,” says Mike Huckabee [Editor’s Note: ORLY]


• HuffPo: Chick-Fil-A’s Brand Approval Rating Plummets After Anti-Gay Controversy [Editor’s Note: DAMN STRAIGHT. Erm… you know what I mean.]

No no, wait, I do have one thing to LOL about, and to say, “Seriously, shut the fuck up”: “[Chick-Fil-A] then states that it will “treat every person with honor, dignity and respect – regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender … Our intent is to leave the policy debate over same-sex marriage to the government and political arena.”

 

Born This Way Foundation

In completely opposite and more awesome news!

Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, the Born This Way Foundation was founded in 2011 to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world.

We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, to be empowered and to make a difference in the world. Together, we will move towards acceptance, bravery and love.

 

MORE AWESOME: American Apparel: Legalize Gay

In the fall of 2008, Proposition 8 passed in California, striking down the legalization of same-sex marriage. Since that time, several states across the country have voted to legalize same-sex marriage, or recognize those performed in other states.

With many of our employees and customers identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered, we are a company that is vocal about our support for the protection and advancement of gay rights, and we hope that the rest of our fifty states take the necessary steps toward equal rights for all, and legalize same-sex marriage.

Visit legalizegay.com for more information on the initiative.

 

Local Brew

Every Sunday, 1:00pm-5:00pm: Open Hearth Foundation Pagan Book Drive
1502 Massachusetts Ave SE, Washington, DC  20003

Got Books? Got Tarot Decks?

We will be collecting donations of books, periodicals, and tarot decks at the OHF Library in the DC Pagan Community Center.

This event is for you because …

We, Pagans, tend to love our books. However…

Maybe you have a few duplicates…

Maybe you have read a few once and just know you probably won’t get to them again, but others will definitely enjoy them…

Maybe there are some you bought and just know you won’t get to reading them and, really, books should be read…

Maybe you just don’t have any more room and you know you have to make a sacrifice for the greater good…

The OHF Pagan Library is constantly building our collection and you can help! Stop by, bring us your books, check out the library!

The Open Hearth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible.

 

Friday, 3 August – 7:00pm-9:00pm: Full Circle UUCA: Full Moon Circle
Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis, 333 Dubois Road, Annapolis, MD  21401

This event is open to women and teen girls with their moms/adult female. UUCA’s Full Circle program runs full moon circles for women each month at 7 pm on the Friday closest to the Full Moon. More info is available from Susi at sdf.c@comcast.net.

 

Friday, 3 August – 6:30pm-9:00pm: The Family Circle: Family Lammas Ritual & Potluck
Peerman’s House, 17312 Queen Anne Bridge Road, Bowie, MD

Bring a dish to share. If your family has any special food issues (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc), make sure to bring something that you know they can eat. Otherwise, bring what you like, and just make sure you remember what is in it to let others know! :) Also, we will have bread & fruit juice for the ritual -- Let us know & bring alternatives if necessary if there are foods that your children are sensitive to. Weather permitting, the kids can use the big playset in the yard before the ritual, and there are various spaces in the house/deck/yard where kids/adults of various ages can congregate.

 

Sunday, 5 August – 5:00pm-7:00pm: “Manifestation” Mixed Art Exhibit
49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar & Gallery, 49 West Street, Annapolis, MD  21401

G'day Everyone, I just wanted to extend an invitation to you all and invite you to be a part of my new collection Called "Manifestation". Every piece is one of a kind. It is a visual, mixed media, Intuitive art show, like never before. I will be doing an unforgettable "LIVE" intuitive body painting for all to appreciate.

(I SO wish I could go to this, but we already have plans! If anyone goes, please let me know how much it ROCKED.)

 

18-19 August – 10:00am-8:00pm: KarmaFest 2012
Fair Hill Fairgrounds and Racetrack, 378 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, MD

KarmaFest is Maryland’s Ultimate Holistic/Psychic/Yoga Festival and we are so happy to be bringing KarmaFest back to Cecil County.  This year the Cecil County KarmaFest will take place at Fair Hill in Elkton.  This is a new venue for KarmaFest, however, we found during last year’s Cecil County festival that Cecil County was excited for the experience and came out in large numbers, thus we outgrew our first venue.

(We’ll most likely be here, by the way. :))

 

Decaffeinated: Blissful News

This Month (August! Already!!) in Holidays

Be sure to check out our NASA Goddard-provided list!

(Thank you to HolidayInsights.com for this list!)

Month:

• Admit You're Happy Month


• Family Fun Month


• National Catfish Month


• National Eye Exam Month


• National Golf Month


• Peach Month


• Romance Awareness Month


• Water Quality Month


• National Picnic Month

Weekly Events:

• Week 1 National Simplify your Life Week


• Week 2 National Smile Week


• Week 3 Friendship Week


• Week 4 Be Kind to Humankind Week

Daily:

1 National Raspberry Cream Pie Day

2 National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

3 National Watermelon Day

4 National Mustard Day first Saturday
4 U.S. Coast Guard Day

5 Friendship Day - First Sunday in August
5 International Forgiveness Day - First Sunday in August
5 Sisters Day - First Sunday in August
5 Work Like a Dog Day

6 Wiggle Your Toes Day

7 National Lighthouse Day

8 Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day - now that's nasty!

9 Book Lover's Day

10 Lazy Day
10 National S'mores Day

11 Presidential Joke Day
11 Son and Daughter Day

12 Middle Child's Day

13 Left Hander's Day

14 National Creamsicle Day

14/15 V-J Day - which date do you mark the end of WWII?

15 Relaxation Day - now this one's for me!

16 National Tell a Joke Day

17 National Thriftshop Day

18 Bad Poetry Day

19 Aviation Day

20 National Radio Day

21 Senior Citizen's Day

22 Be an Angel Day
22 National Tooth Fairy Day - and/or February 28

23 Chinese Valentine's Day/Daughter's Day - 7th day of 7th Lunar Month
23 Ride the Wind Day

24 Vesuvius Day

25 Kiss and Make Up Day

26 National Dog Day
26 Women's Equality Day

27 Global Forgiveness Day
27 Just Because Day

28 Race Your Mouse Day -but we are not sure what kind of "mouse"

29 More Herbs, Less Salt Day

30 Frankenstein Day
30 Toasted Marshmallow Day

31 National Trail Mix Day

Espresso Shots: News with a Kick!

LOL-worthy: QWOP

Seriously, what is this.

You are Qwop, our small nation’s sole representative at the Olympic Games.

• Use the QWOP keys to move your legs.


• Ideally, you will run 100 metres…


• … but our training program was under-funded.


• Remember, it’s not about whether you win or lose.

Craftster: Melted Bead Suncatcher

Posting this again, as I LOVE IT. :)

You’ll need:

• a bag of cheap plastic beads, in whatever colors you want


• metal baking pans or ceramic dishes, in whatever sizes and shapes you want


• an oven (duh)

Method:

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lay down a single layer of beads in the pan or dish and shove it in the oven for 20 minutes or until hardened — keep checking so they don’t burn.

After the beads cool, flip over the pan and gently coax your creation out. Drill a hole through the top, string some fishing line, and hang ‘em!

I’m thinking this would be a fun project for kids, too!

CD12, Cycle 8 - I'm not even charting. :P

Thanks for all your comments on my last post. Y'all are the greatest. <3 I had a pretty shitty day the rest of Friday and most of Saturday, but I made myself feel a bit better by having a couple beers while watching the Olympics. :P

DH and I did have a fight on Saturday, though.

He's gotten into this terrible habit of putting words in my mouth when it comes to TTC, the most hurtful one being "That bitch!" whenever I mention someone is pregnant or just had a baby or something. It's especially hurtful because, while the Green Monster pokes her head out when I hear this news, I NEVER think "That bitch!"

So we had a gigantic fight about it. He didn't see an issue, didn't understand why I was angry, wanted me to just chill out and not be jealous of others' baby-makin' prowess. Much easier said than done, as y'all know, and even worse when you don't feel like you're supported by your partner. It got to a point where I was like, does he even care about my feelings?

I felt all of Saturday like he didn't, and in some way, I was right. Not because he wanted not to care, but because he didn't understand why. He didn't get that the emotions are borne not only from the heart, but from the brain and from hormones, so while I really want to keep my emotions in check, I physically, emotionally, and otherwise can't.

He apologized, but I admit, I was still pissed. I thankfully spent 8 hours the next day away from him (at a friend's baby shower, which actually went well!), and that helped tremendously.

A friend E and I were talking about this yesterday, and she put it in a way (which she used on her own husband, haha) that made sense from a scientific standpoint, and I was like, oh! He'll get that! So I wrote DH a pretty long email with exactly why I felt the way I did, the biological reasons for it, and that I wasn't using it as an excuse, but letting him know that I want as much control over my emotions as he does, if not more, and I can't do that. It's beyond me., literally

That helped, I think. We'll see how it goes. It helps that I am feeling better about finding out that his cousin is pregnant -- it still stings once in a while, especially when I count back and discover they had only tried for one, maybe two cycles. But I'm feeling better overall. Mostly because I'm pushing it out of my mind.

As much as I want to have the time to process this and other similar news, I do have to get DH to understand that I simply need that time to myself: To process, digest, and move on from news that is so devastating only because I want it so badly myself, and one year is creeping up much faster than I thought it would.

We'll see. For now, I'm hopeful.

"Processing......... Complete! :) I love you, too, baby."

Dafuq. Autocorrect wants that to say daiquiri. Prolly need one rightnow.

We just learned that DH's cousin is 9.5 weeks pregnant. They've been trying since April or May.

I can't even be happy for them now.

Fuck.

An Existential Crisis! - Wherein I question my path even more

It's no surprise to pretty much anyone that I am constantly reevaluating my faith and my belief system, always seeking to improve and learn as much as humanly possible, adapting to fit whatever sings to my heart. I came to the point where I am now after extensive research and soul-seeking, eventually settling in my path as a panentheistic Pagan and witch.

I came to this point as a result of recognizing (and, for sake of brevity, as I have a difficult time naming a "higher power, I'll be calling it) Spirit in all natural things, from the Earth on which we live to our Solar System and beyond. My beliefs have been this way for a good long while, perhaps even before exploring Paganism in any way. I just didn't have anything to call it. :) I've never really believed in any pantheon, individual god/dess, or anything other than seeing Spirit in all things, not separated. Once in a while, I'd feel a tug at my subconscious that wanted me to see otherwise, but I never really gave it a second thought.

Until now.



Recently, I received Shamanic healing from a wonderful friend of mine, Christian, and during that healing, he told me (among many other things!) that I have an orisha at my side and as my guide (hey, I'm a poet!): Yemaya. Cue my utter surprise, considering my beliefs above! A goddess, following me around? Um... why?

After the healing, I set myself to learning anything I could find about Yemaya, and the more I learned, the stronger that tug became. Almost to the point of a yank! It's only been a few days since the healing, but the signs are literally everywhere, and as I think back, they all have really been there all along. It just took opening my eyes.

I've been talking to another wonderful friend, Ellen, about this experience, as I've obviously managed to perpetually ignored any tugs or yanks or anything else that would lead me to this point. She's a child of Aphrodite, and she compared that "aha!" moment to when you buy a new car: Suddenly, you start to see your car all over the place. And it's true: I am finding bits of Yemaya everywhere now.

What's also bizarre is the way in which she has taken up space in my brain, and not at all in a bad way. While talking to Ellen, we discussed how this was a very overwhelming process, like an adoptee who never knew her real mother, then one day learned about her and found a deep connection. You know there's someone out there for you, but until that person makes herself known, you don't have a name for her. And once you do know her name, it's always on the tip of your tongue, always in the back of your mind.

There's also a sense of peace and clarity that has come over me the past few days, similar to the feeling I had when I was thirteen and I had just discovered Paganism (at that time, I was looking specifically into Wicca). It's as if a light bulb flicked on and the world filled with light, as if sounds became clearer and scents became stronger and my sense of self just grew more confident in this new knowledge.

In my brief study of Her, I have grown to appreciate the bond that many of my Pagan friends have with their patron gods and goddesses. It's something that I've honestly been very curious about, and that I haven't experienced myself until now, so I admit that I thought the idea of a god or goddess feeling "personal" struck me as pretty silly. As I delve deeper into Yemaya's story and devotions, though, I find myself as one of the silly ones, creating a bond as described above, and inevitably craving more of Her.

Hm, so this is how it feels. :)

[caption id="attachment_1431" align="aligncenter" width="227" caption="She might also explain my craving of Starbucks. ;)"][/caption]

The one thing I've been concerned about is the pervasive idea I have that, at least in my view, the universe and everything in it is still of Spirit, and Spirit is of everything. Can I balance my panentheistic views with the study of and devotion to one deity? Is it possible to believe that all is Spirit and this bit of Spirit wants a relationship with me, also a bit of Spirit, personally?

I figure, if Hindus can do it, then I can, too! Their concept of Brahman, the supreme cosmic spirit which is regarded to be eternal, genderless, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, shows some bit of panentheism as it is described not only as subsuming all-being, but also as the embodiment of non-beings. If read to mean that Brahman also transcends the physical universe and represents a realm inconceivable to humanity, beyond the physical realm of "being", then it becomes panentheistic.

And this, from a decidedly polytheistic belief system. ;)

As a faith, panentheism is often described as a "bridge" between theism and pantheism, recognizing both a Spirit that is immanent and transcendent, and with those two thoughts as not necessarily separate from each other. This allows for each creature to be self-expressive while still belonging to a greater sense of divinity. If thought about, it could also allow for gods, goddesses, orishas, faeries, and so forth to be a part of the universe, as they would be both a part of Spirit and able to be individual.

THAT all said, to support a panentheistic view of the world while also supporting the belief in the existence of (at least) one separate godlike being is completely acceptable and even feasible.

Is your head spinning yet?!

Ellen: "It's like learning the Earth is indeed flat."

Indeed, Ellen. It is.

Erm... like learning that. The earth isn't actually flat.

... or is it. :P

[caption id="attachment_1432" align="aligncenter" width="509" caption="Symbols of Yemaya"][/caption]

As this started to settle in -- trust me, it's been a constant search, both philosophically and inward, to amalgamate the two (and let's face it, my head had to slow down a considerable bit to even come close to catching up with my brain) -- I have become more and more comfortable with the idea that, yes, I can hold steadfast to my panentheistic belief while exploring a relationship with and devotion to Yemaya.

So begins this journey in my practice. Thank You, Yemaya, for showing yourself to me through Christian, and for allowing me to bring You into my life. As a goddess of comfort and inspiration, I hope You don't mind that, as I continue to learn about and devote myself to You, I come to rely on Your comfort and inspiration. I promise it'll be worthwhile! ;)

Yemaya, Blessed Mother of the Seas,
Let Your Sacred Waters wash over me.
Mother, embrace me, Your humble child.
Cleanse me, Nurture me, Sustain me.
Yemaya, Beautiful One.
You Who wears the Seven Skirts of the Seven Seas,
Swirl around me and create a flow of energy
that can wash away all bane.
Yemaya, Mistress of the Moon,
Shine Your light onto me,
And fill me with your magic.
Help me to accomplish my goals
Yemaya, Healing Ocean Mother
I ask You to fill me with Your Healing Energy
Let Your Cleansing Waters wash over me
Heal me with Your Regenerative Powers.

CD6, Cycle 8: Lifting the Curse

So, C performed Shamanic healing on my yesterday, which was as enlightening as it was helpful. Here's what I gathered from it. (The most important one, the actual curse itself, I'm saving for last!)

I wasn't covered in nearly as many stones as my mom was. She had them all over the place, whereas I had only a few. The most poignant one was a big pink crystal he put on my head, right between my eyes. Maybe it was danubrite? I don't know, I'm not very good with stones. I really want to find out what it was, though, and get one to carry around with me. He had asked if I had a lot of things on my mind, and I asked if he was referring to in general or at that moment. I generally do, so I told him so (it's that pure-O OCD thing), and that's when he used it.

Then he started the healing. From the first journey C took, he learned that I have three spirits watching over me: An older male, an older female, and a female whose age range was not identified. I found this little bit off Wikipedia:

According to theosophical doctrine, spirit guides are not always of human descent. Some spirit guides live as energy, in the cosmic realm, or as light beings, which are very high level spirit guides. Some spirit guides are persons who have lived many former lifetimes, paid their karmic debts, and advanced beyond a need to reincarnate. Many devotees believe that spirit guides are chosen on "the other side" by human beings who are about to incarnate and wish assistance.

C mentioned that they're typically there to have the person living to finish their life's work, and some can be very insistent on this. Mine, on the other hand, are hanging back and just enjoying what's going on. There isn't really a lot of work to be done -- I'm wondering if the goal is to just lead a happy, fulfilling life. They all appeared pretty cheery!

I know they're not always of human descent, but I do wonder if the male is my paternal grandfather, who I never met. C spoke of him and the older woman as very happy, just coming along for the ride and wanting me to experience life and divinity.

He also looked into my totem or spirit animals, as I've never really known what they were. I've always been drawn to ravens and crows, but that's about it. Coming out of that trance, during which he had giggled a few times (;)), he said, "Okay, Disney girl!" I was like, "?!?!"

Apparently, I have several spirit animals! A bumblebee, crow, dolphins, a humpback whale that showed up for just a second, a hawk, and predominantly, a hummingbird. The crow might actually be from my mom, as that was her power animal (that, and a ram that was following her, haha). I've been doing research on each one since the healing yesterday.

And finally... what y'all have been waiting for. The curse. ;)

First, I have to mention that C brought up a name during my mom's healing, as this particular spirit was sitting next to me the whole time. Her name is Yemaya, a Yoruban Orisha or Goddess. She came into the fold yesterday, too, and has apparently been my guardian for some time. She wanted to be with C while he journeyed to the origination of the curse...

With Yemaya, C journeyed to the guy (I'm guessing he was a god or spirit, but I'mma keep calling him "guy") who placed the curse on everyone and their ancestors, and he kept saying that "they [me, my ancestors, and my descendants] have not suffered as we have suffered." C and Yemaya were trying to make the point that we have suffered, and that we've done so greatly. It also didn't entirely work as the bloodline was still having babies -- with difficulty, yeah, but having them nonetheless.

C noted that he brought Yemaya on my behalf, and they asked that the guy lift the curse for me and my descendants and ancestors. "I love this woman, and I want this curse gone."

The guy said (and I'm paraphrasing here, as I wasn't there!), "We do not honor Yemaya." And C was like, "Oh yeah? Then who do you honor?", thinking to himself, ah shit.

And the guy said he honored someone else, I forgot his name now, and he appeared. (C, by the way, has a rattle going and his eyes closed while journeying, and while he doesn't say anything out loud, his facial expression did change on occasion, and in a few instances, he laughed or giggled. This was one of those times.) The Orisha that this guy honors... was the same C works with!

So this Orisha, who is usually argumentative and wants to get down 'n' dirty, just kinda went, yeah, I'm staying out of this. And he remained neutral. Neutral! C was like, that's crazy and unlike him. He was expecting a fight.

After some prompting and the fact that, hey, the Orisha you honor is just kind of hanging back, the guy conceded and he lifted the curse. :)

Then C had to clear away the same constriction my mom had. While hers was more around her colon area, mine was around my ovaries and fallopian tubes, like they were being pinched off. So he took care of that and got my energy flowing again.

He also had me drink a bottle of water that he wanted to fill with my spirit, but Yemaya kind of went, "Nuh uh, I'll be most of it." So I drank of her. :) C also said that Yemaya was bugging him to make a watermelon shake, haha (her thing is watermelons!), so he made me (and himself and his partner) one after the healing. Most refreshing thing I'd had in a while!

I do have to go back because I have a couple spots that need work (auric shearing, for instance, that's common among performers) and he wants to do a soul retrieval. Plus, to follow up on this. So he wants to see me in a month. It's almost like a follow-up trip to the doctor. ;)

So yup, that was it. I really do hope this works. C says there should be improvement in the next month or two, so we'll see how it goes from there! In return, I'm helping him and his partner (quite exuberantly, I might add!) with their baby shower coming up this week. :) It is the absolute least I could do. <3

I'm also going to work on getting an altar together for Yemaya later today... I'm typically not pulled to do so as I don't typically recognize individual spirits or gods, but I feel a tug today. Hm...

ETA: Oh! As a recommendation, C also suggested I find something to tie around my waist for protection, something that I can wear to prevent a bit of auric shearing and as a dedication to Yemaya. So I've gotta get working on that, too!

CD5(?), Cycle 8: BE HEALED MY CHILD

I think I'm on CD5. No idea. Not really counting as, psh, nothing exciting is going on there, anyway.

BUT. Something else exciting DID happen over the weekend. My mom visited for a week, and before she left Sunday, we went to one of my friend's homes on Saturday and she received a Shamanic healing. She initially went there for a backache, but it ended up covering a lot more. I won't get into all the details, but I WILL get into one that actually concerns me, my family, and a centuries-long curse that has apparently been passed down every generation.

My friend (I'll call him C) did a lot on my mom to help her energy flow better, and while he was working, he would go in and out of these trances. During these, he would communicate with ancestors, spirits, totem animals, saints, and other figures who decided to join in and help, and would come out of these trances once in a while with some information for my mom. The healing lasted about 2.5 hours.

One of these bits surrounded a part he worked on for a while, her pelvic area. He had already put a bunch of stones down around her for various reasons, as he sensed a blocked area before even getting to work. No matter how many stones he put around, he didn't feel like they were making a difference.

At one point during his trance, he pulled out a drum and started trying to "beat out" the blockage. Apparently, he had seen what looked like thick, rusted iron screws in her hips -- a symbol that her energy's all stopped up there. So he had to remove it.

Either before or after doing so, I don't remember which, he said he had a vision brought from one of the spirits, one about a ship in an ocean and lots of despair surrounding it. He wasn't clear whether it was her in a past life or a distant ancestor, but apparently, in order to save resources on a trip to wherever they were going with a bunch of slaves on board, this guy was throwing the slaves' children and babies overboard. There was screaming, chaos, and anger, and these slaves were apparently well-versed in a religion that was not afraid to curse people, so they put a curse on him: That he and his descendants would have a difficult time conceiving.

To put things in perspective: My grandmother was one of four (one died as a child), my mom is one of three, I'm one of three, and we're all talking women who used no birth control and wanted heaps of children, but had a hard time conceiving. I also know that my mom and her siblings are all eight years apart (between my mom and her siblings, she has a brother 8 years older and had a sister 16 years older) with miscarriages between them, and my mom took four years to have me, immediately had my sister, and tried seven more years for my brother. And now, despite no obvious reasons, DH and I are having trouble. I also have a feeling my sister will have the same.

So yeah, we have a hard time as a family. :P

As my mom is done having children, he broke up that curse on her, but noted it won't be able to pass down to me or my siblings. After her healing, we scheduled one for me, haha. I'm actually going to that today. If I get it done, then I'll have broken that curse at least for my own descendants.

I don't know if y'all believe in stuff like that or not, and truth be told, I'm not sure, either. But I can tell you this: Whatever little bit helps, even if it's something like that, I'm absolutely willing to try. It can't hurt, after all.

So that's what's been going on around here. I go there tonight to have the shamanic healing done (and you KNOW I'm going to tell y'all about that!), then will spend the rest of the evening planning C's and his partner's baby shower. ;) Breaking a curse then helping with baby stuff? Yes, please!

CD4, Cycle 8

Seriously. Now where's my Valium...

Sorry, I know I've been MIA since my last post at 14DPO. Starting back over, hurrah. I'm now CD...4, right? Whatever.

DH is out on business until Thursday afternoon, and my mom left yesterday late morning. It's going to be so weird to go home to an empty house.

I'm not doing well today.

Sorry. :(