Meeting Angels - An Introduction

Angels are not exclusive to any one religion and are not, as some people believe, a Christian construct, as they pre-date Christianity. They were mentioned in ancient Zoroastrian texts, among other spiritual paths.

The Qabalalistic sephiroth each have an archangel/angel and angelic group.
Many people cannot call angels ‘angels’. They do not like the little cherub imagery associated with them. Instead, they simply deem them as beings of a higher energy vibration.

However you see them, working with angels can be both rewards and enriching. Angels (however you see them, or like to call them) are another path to better understanding yourself, your place in the world and your connection to everything. Through working with angelic energy we can raise our spiritual awareness, work with healing energy and gain deeper insight to the divine, however you view it.

Working with angels could not be simpler. Just thinking about it is a start.

Meditation is one of the simplest ways of making contact. Simple prayer may be another but this article, or rather, how to, will take you through the meditative process. It is a guided meditation on how to meet your Guardian Angel http://www.bukisa.com/how-to/meet-your-guardian-angel

In reiki, your guardian or healing angel can step in and give you an extra boost to help you and your client. This can also be the case when attuning someone to reiki.

Everyone has a guardian angel, some more than one (usually because they need more help). Making contact with them can be a beautiful experience and really does enrich your life and benefit your spiritual wellbeing, regardless of your religion/faith/path.

Have fun!

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Grief and Loss

Grief and loss are not exculisve to any religion or spiritual path, even atheism.

In many cases, the loss of a loved one can bring us closer to our sense of the divine, or remove us from it. We feel we are being punished, or that it is not fair, not right, not just that a loved one is lot to us. These feelings are not wrong, but do they really help in properly grieving for our relative/friend/partner?

Grief can come upon us at any moment. You can be sitting in your car, looking out the window and suddenly you're crying and you're not sure why.

Turning to our spiritual side, rather than pushing it away, can be a comfort. We can explore our feelings, our anrgy, frustration, deep sadness and pain in a way that is comforting and nurturing, rather than feeling abandoned and lost.

Everybody dies. This is the one clear, absolute in life. Everything dies. How that happens varies considerably and we can only hope that when it is the time for ourselves or those we love, it is as painless and quick as possible. When it is not, we are more inclined to anger, blame and frustration.

Lighting a candle for someone who has passed away is a small comfort, an act of love, of hope that they have gone somewhere better and you yourself will carry on. This small and simple act, perhaps accompanied with a small prayer or meditation can be releasing, soothing and very peaceful.

In many cases, it is not until we lose someone very dear that we are drawn to religion/spirituality, as we have never really needed to look below the surface, to delve deeper into the meanings of life and death.

I honestly feel that the divine never shuts ts back on anyone, especially not in times when we need it/them the most.

This is currently something that I am coming to terms with.

Blessed be x

Superstitions

Superstitions are prevailent the world over. Even the most rational of us will knock on wood or avoid breaking mirrors. Why? Because it is so ingrained in our cultures.

It doesn't seen to matter what religion, creed, raceor gender you are, this is one thing that the majority of people have in common. They range from quite reasonable (not walking under ladders - from the perspective of an object falling on you) to the ridiculous.

Have a look at this article for an idea of what I mean by that!
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/447782_a-look-at-superstitions

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Chinese New Year 2011 – Year of the Rabbit – 3rd Feb

We are now officially in the Year of the Rabbit, leaving the war-like Year of the Tiger behind.

The Rabbit is the diplomat, the neutraliser. It is fun, playfulness and friendliness.

If you were born at the very end of Jan or start of Feb on these years, you are more than like a rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999.

Hopefully, this year will be a time of peace and diplomacy, or listening before acting, and of good relations.

For more information on the Chinese New Year and this year in particular, have a look at this article:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/439216_chinese-new-year-2011-year-of-the-rabbit

Imbolc

Imbolc is the pagan festival of the return of Spring, the return of life to the land. It is most often on the 2nd of February (as it is this year) but it is always best to look outside and see whether the snowdrops are pushing through. This is the true sign of Imbolc.

At this time pagans, especially witches, wiccans and druids, celebrate by cleaning house and welcoming the spirit of spring into their homes and lives. It is a time of welcome, revival after winters harshness and a time of celebration.

Imbolc is a fire festival and the time of year most associated with the Goddess Brigid/Bride/Brede. Lighting candles is one of the easiest ways of welcoming her into our homes.

For more information on this wonderful festival from the wheel of the year, why not look at this article: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/226301_the-festival-of-imbolc-2nd-february

Enjoy and may light and warmth fill your home this spring :D

On another note, I have written 3 books. 2 are part of a series set in Scoltand about the Sidhe, fairy folk. Available on kindle and in paperback:

The Island of the Mist is book 2

The Stone in the Sword is book 1

The 3rd book is an adult, sexy witchy werewolf/vampire story set in New York and featuring a strong female lead character, again available in kindle and paperback formats:

The Wolf, the Witch and the Coffin

Do pagans all respect the environment?

This is a big question and initially I would say yes, but then you think about it and I think, well, mostly. There are a few people who just don’t think or don’t care about little aspects. Generally though, most pagans respect and want to help the environment.
Many pagans are vegetarians but the majority are not. While they love nature and work for the environment, they would rather choose ethically than cut out meat altogether.
Several pagans actively work for the environment but there are a few who do careless things, like leaving votive candles behind at sites, or tea lights on standing stones. A careless, thought-less act but not intentional.
I once heard of some witches who set fire to lichen, not realising that lichen is a living ‘animal’.
This is the thing that really jerks my chain. Ignorance. It’s ok, I didn’t know. Well, alas, it’s not ok. If you don’t know better, learn. When you make a claim, like I’m a Witch/Wiccan/Pagan etc, you are also stating you respect nature. At least have the decency to look into that which you allege to respect.
This is not an attack at any individual. This is a general voicing of discontent towards anyone, regardless of their spiritual path, who state one thing but act out of accord with that path.
Many people like to spout ‘harm none’ without actually thinking about what that means. All I am asking is for these same people to look into things a little, take a few minutes to think about their actions and possible consequences and take a breath before they do anything that may indeed harm.

The waning moon in the clearing part of the year

January and February are called the clearing (or cleansing) part of the year. We get rid of those things that have held us back, that are no good for us or that we simply do not require anymore.

At the moment, we are entering the waning moon. This is also a time of letting go. So now is a good time to do a clear out in any sense of that word.
Starting a healthy, short term detox is a good idea if you wish, at this time of year.

Clearing out junk in the house.
Ridding yourself of unhealthy relationships.
Healing spells that call for ridding yourself of illness/addictions etc are best done now.

This is a time of taking stock of anything negative and getting rid of it. Be careful with regards to people. If you truly want someone gone from your life make sure to add, harming none. While you may not want them in your life, you equally (I hope) do not wish harm to them.

Negative thoughts (I mean towards yourself specifically) are best being cleared at this time as well. If you have phobias, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, think negatively about yourself in any way, you should cast these thoughts/emotions out, any clearing spell will work with this. Meditations and visualisations will work too.

Forgiving those who have wronged you is also best done at this time of the year. Not to release them but to release you from hanging on to them and what they did to you. When we forgive, a part of ourselves is lifted up, and we realise our anger/hatred towards them was holding us back.
For more information on the moon, have a look at this:
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/437464_the-moon

May all you wish to be free of be carried away with the waning moon.