Not very long ago, my husband was asked, via a Christian “friend”, if we were serious about raising our children as pagans! Mind you, there was malicious sarcasm embedded within his question. Well,…the question would read, “Do you as a Christian celebrate Valentine’s Day?”

Incidentally, the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia (in honor of Februata Juno-the Roman goddess of women and marriage, was an annual three day festival in order to increase fertility. It was started by Romans in the 4th century BCE. It was held on February 13th -15th. Some believe the festival honored Faunus, who was a god of herds and crops and much like the Greek god Pan; thus, the “Feast of the Wolf.”

Consequently, Pope Gelasius officially condemned the pagan Roman festival and banned it observance at the end of the fifth century. Incidentally, many of its practices quickly appeared in a newly established holiday added by him to the official’ church list of feast days in A.D. 496; Hence, St. Valentine’s Day. What amounted to a revamped Lupercalia gradually turned its self into the Valentine’s Day we know today; which included Cupid(Eros) the Roman god of desire, affection, and erotic love and son of Venus (the Roman goddess of love and beauty)and Mars.

Incidentally, today, Valentine’s Day, among many other pagan holidays, is a festival that has been incorporated into many church’ activities without regard to its pagan origin(s). Consequently, historically, the pagan festival was celebrated with a lottery in which a man would draw the name of a woman and she would become his love (sex-which is a sacred union in paganism) companion for the day, a year, or the rest of their lives. These partners exchanged gifts as a sign of affection, and often married. However, Christianity tried to further change the celebration of Lupercalia by first replacing the lottery names of women with saints. The idea was that during the following year the young men would emulate the life of the saint whose name they had drawn.

Incidentally,in short…because the point of the moment is that Valentine’s is of pagan origin, there are at least three different Saint Valentines, all of whom were Christian martyrs of February 14. One of them is described as a priest from Rome, another as a bishop of Interamma, and the third from Africa. Eventually, due to its pagan origins and practice, the Catholic church decided to abandon St. Valentine’s Day in 1969. Incidentally, the French government banned it’s practice in 1776. And, in Italy, Austria, Hungry, and Germany also banned the ritual over time. Furthermore, Valentine’s Day had also been banned in England during the 17th century when the Puritans were strong.

However, in 1660 Charles II revived it. From there, it also reached the New World. Incidentally, Esther A. Howland produced one of the first commercial Valentine’s Day cards in 1840′s. The Valentine’s industry has been very profitable ever since.

In Peace and Light,

CreoleMoon

notes:
Incidentally, in further writings I will go more into a transpersonal perspective of what Cupid, Kamadeva, Venus and Psyche mean(s) to me. However, for the moment…this post is purely informational to help shed light upon the origins of the pagan holiday known as Valentine’s Day.

There are many goddesses and gods within each wo+man. These archetypes symbolize strengths and weaknesses and the disparate characteristics that make up personality. Studying the goddesses and gods can give a person a means of better understanding themselves and their relationships of deciphering their motivations and the patterns of their lives. Recognizing and envisioning particular goddesses and gods within oneself can be very EMPOWERING experience.

I believe there are many paths to a Spiritual Higher Force. I pull INSPIRATION from several ancient traditions, in hopes of enlightening my SPIRIT and those around me. I like to travel beyond my own boundaries, seeking TRUTH wherever it can be found. I like weaving what I have learned with whatever I already know, and conveying that understanding to all those that have ears to hear and eyes to see. I translate my craft through my writing(s),thereupon guiding others.

I follow metaphysics: the study of the POWER of mind, beyond the physical world. The metaphysics of philosophers view the cosmology of the universe or how things came to be. Metaphysics encompasses space-time relationships and is used to overcome limited thinking for personal growth.

You see spiritual growth and personal growth go together…and one must use their FREE will to take responsibility for their actions. As you believe in your heart so are you…what you send out (energy) comes back to you…everything has a consciousness and a positive and negative energy and it bound by universal law. Everything is ALIVE and carries information…one can call this spirit, energy, consciousness. In essence…the message is that which you are looking for is WITHIN you!

Remember, you are responsible for self. If you are unhappy about something, change it! Go within to see what is important to you, and what motives make you feel this way. Get to know yourself for your healing. This is a universal message. When you start living an awakened life you work with your past while using a projected possible future as a goal. A person living an awakened life may still have all the challenges, stresses, and troubles as before…but with a difference. They see challenges as opportunities to show themselves what they are capable of achieving or experiencing. They see problems as opportunities for new learning or to remember solutions forgotten. After a time, it will seem as if there is a new person inside of an existing body. Serenity will have a TRANSFORMING affect on your inner and outer world.

In Peace and Light…

CreoleMoon

Notes:
Incidentally, I further elaborate on the subject of-the archetype(s) of spirit- in my upcoming book.

My family and I celebrate a Pagan Xmas; a time of shamanic ritual. Winter solstice(the elevated position of the sun), December 21-22, is the day of the year with the shortest daytime and the longest nighttime…it nourishes hope… for the return of the Sun. “It breaks up the cloudy skies; and lightens up the cloudy darkness of the human mind. It yields her light to the other stars-shining, exceptional, seeing and hearing everything…(Pliny the Elder, Naturkunde II, 13).”

Without the Sun there would be no life. Consequently, on December 25 this light’ begins to grow…thus, the Rebirth of the Sun…

The most important source of information on sun rites from antiquity is the book About Isis and Osiris by the Greek philosopher Plutarch (circa 46-119 ce). Plutarch, a priest of Delphi, was intimately acquainted with the holy rites of Apollo and Helios and initiated into the mysteries of Isis and Osiris. Here, he writes about the original Egyptian ritual:

Around the time of the Winter Solstice, they carry a cow seven times around the sun temple, and this walk is called the visit to Osiris…One had to walk seven times around the temple, because the sun finishes its walk from the winter to summer solstice in the seventh month. Horus, the son of Isis, is supposed to have made a sacrifice to Helios on the fourth day of the month, as in the book called Birthday to Horus. To make an incense offering to Helios three times a day, offer resin at dusk, myrrh at midday, and so-called kyphi at dawn…These are believed to show favor to Helios and the serve him (Plutarch 1850, 93f).

The Hellenized word kyphi means “incense substance.” Incense was considered “the divine maker” in Egypt because it was supposed to sanctify the environment when burned. Kyphi was the “favorite dish” of the sun god. The Egyptian Papyrus Ebers, the oldest existing medical text (written around 1553-1550 bce), states:

Kyphi is used to make the house or clothes smell more pleasant: Dried myrrh, juniper berries,
incense, spruse, aloewood, sebet-resin, calmus from Thailand (in Asia), inekkun-corns, mastic,
and juice from the niiuben tree {styrax} are ground, combined, and put on the fire (Papyrus
Ebers, XCVIII).

This is the time of year for the element of earth, winter. It is the time of year when elements give the impression that they are dormant. However, through this visible dormancy inner growth is happening. It is during the winter when seeds lie congealed inside mother earth and take into themselves all of her vigor that enables them to thrive in the days that follow. It is during winter solstice that most of us look and feel compelled to take into ourselves the insight of the Consciousness we will use as we proceed with our experience with regards to the wheel.

Now is the time of decelerating, of evident limitation, when external functioning undeniably decreases. Here is the time of shadows,silence, and dreams. This is a point in time when individuals tend to recollect and from their recollections impart the wisdom they have acquired. It is a time of evaluating achievements and endeavors and of planning for the foremost giveaway of dying and of delivery. It is a moment in time when many individuals come to an awareness of their personal life, and acknowledgment of what they have or not achieved. It is time of tranquility, and a time of strength, a time of forgiveness and graciousness for all around you. It’s a time to end old practice, to submit to the slight transformations of body and mind in measure for the important shifts that will come.

This is also true in a person’s life. Our Consciousness, our energy levels goes to an environment that prepares us for the new start to come. The foremost principle is that of the giveaway..understanding that the greater we bestow the more we have attainable. It is a good time to take a look at our lives, to think about the paradoxes of life. It is a good opportunity to take into account inquiries of life and death and to look at your thoughts toward both. It is a time to understand tolerance. This is actually the position of physiological healing, where we come to give thanks for mending what has transpired and to request remedy that is essential for ourselves and for others.

May you be FULL of light…

CreoleMoon

References:

Pagan Christmas: The Plants, Spirits, and Rituals at the Orgins of Yuletide By Christian Ratsch and Claudia Muller-Ebeling

I’d like to take this opportunity to briefly share with you what a Real Witch does for and on Halloween. Proclaiming myself a Witch has brought on a lot of questions from those outside the journey of the craft about how a Witch celebrates this very spiritual time of year; a time of transition for self.

See Halloween,Samhain,and or Autumn Equinox is the celebration of death through life,the Cosmic Cycle of Life. This is a time for personal reflection,and a time for recognizing our faults and creating a vessel by which we can continue to heal ourselves. It is a time of reflection,honor and celebration for the souls of the dead. It is a time to honor and celebrate the giving relationship between mother-earth,grandpa sun,father sky,and grandmere moon.

Let us start with the preparation for this holiday. It is ritualistically celebrated through Samhain,Summer’s End,better known as Halloween,All Hallows Eve,Day of the Dead,and or Winter Nights,on October 31-November 1.

November 1st is the actual day of Samhain, it is the New Year’s Day for Witches. The Eve and day of Samhain are characterized as a time when the barriers and or veil between the human and supernatural worlds are broken and or the thinnest. Which means that spirits and or souls of loved ones have more power and or ability to visit us. The souls of the dead are said to visit their homes at midnight.

Also,the reincarnation of the “SUN” is an aspect of this very special time of year. Samhain welcomes Winter. And, Witches celebrate this reincarnation and note the absence of the Sun who will be reborn at Winter Solstice and or Yule…known as the Child of Promise. Samhain is the start of the dark time of the year when the Sun goes lower each day and begins to weaken…and the rising of the Pleiades occurs.

So as the door knocks and children yell, “Trick or Treat”, you may be surprised who you just might let in!

Blessed Be…

CreoleMoon LittleFoot

I am often asked, “What is Witchcraft, and how does one become a Witch? Who is goddess, and do you believe in god?” I respond, “I’ve always been a Witch!” Consequently, following the path of Witchcraft is a personal spiritual journey…lead by spiritual intelligence (s) . I further explain that knowing goddess and or god is not some “person” removed from self; goddess and or god is a personal “energy” of multiple intelligence that gives us power over our own destiny and thoughts of wisdom; guiding and blending our psyche and spirit into an intrapersonal union.

Of course, a lot of people travel through life never really knowing how to connect to their personal power that belongs to the essence of who they are. Incidentally, through my own self-cultivation, I have come to understand that the first “key” to unlocking one’s quest toward self-actualization is developing an understanding of one’s own psycho-spiritual temple. Thereupon, the metamorphosis of self can begin.

Similarly, my own journey to further understand my psychological and spiritual choices has naturally led me into the study of Esoteric Magik. I have been aware of my calling since I was about 7 years old. I can remember making my first holy communion and coming home that day literally riding my broom in my backyard…still dressed in white. I often look back on that picture with wonder…because I realize that magik I connect with so much now…was starting to become my own Witch’s brew. Subsequently, my spiritual journey into Witchcraft helped develop, nurture, and explore new types of consciousness that have healed me internally. The knowledge I have gained through the “Craft” has turned my whole being into a supernova of contineous possibilities. As a result, I am living within a labyrinth of consciousness; aiming to further understand the inner world of my human soul and dimensions. The awareness I have gained while searching for self has made one of several discoveries apparent; certain experiences in life alter our perception and change us forever.

As I continue to find my true self, my whole psyche is intoxicated off of an elixir of divine energy. In the same manner, in the past, as well as present, my best tutors have been my karma and free will; how I’ve reacted to positive and negative situations while on my journey. Thus, the challenges I met were, and still are, my greatest teachers. Moreover, what has helped guide me in my choices has been that “personal power” I spoke of earlier, accessed through Witchcraft. For example, this magikal practice moves natural and harmonious energies, one’s true self, to effect and create needed change. Witchcraft follows the cosmic law that all deeply felt desires will ultimately create the means for their realization; and these desires are essentially a mixture of thoughts and feelings, thus, one’s creative energies. Incidentally, as an artist, I tap right into this reality of self-expression.

Ultimately, the process has helped me discover who I am and why I am here on mother-earth. Furthermore, I willfully share this knowledge with my homeschooled children, my husband and I call’ it Pagan Homeschooling via Creolemagik. Incidentally, when my husband and I decided to homeschool our children, we knew that our main goal was to instill a strong sense of self into their psyches. We want them to make the connection between their physical bodies and their cosmic selves…between the moon and the stars…the sun and the earth…between the elements of air and mind, fire and change, between water and emotion…you know…all I see is part of me! There is no need to seek outside of self to find peace…it lies within…that is our family motto. For our family, “Witchcraft curriculum” involves healing, nurturing, evolving ones mind, body, and spirit…and most importantly, a ‘vitality’ philosophy…just to name a few!

The magikal world, to me, is this very projection of natural energies (such as personal power) …all to bring about that needed change. That magik is the balance created between mind, body, and spirit.

Consequently, in my own discovery of self I have come to understand and accept my different spiritual insights. I never was in the broom closet about the energy that dances within me. It still swirls and conjures up pure Fire! However, the older I have become…the more I have appreciated the ability to really know and find myself. Hence, I’ve dedicated myself to awakening the divinity within myself and my children…well …helping them find their own light is more what that guidance is about…I also find strength in helping others. My method (s) have been motivation and intention…and trust in what I say that those gifts go very far when desire and passion are wrapped up within one’s innate intelligence.

Thus, my knowledge and interest in Witchcraft evolved naturally. The reason being, through my own journey, I have come to appreciate that being a Witch focuses in on body, mind, and spirit connections for self-healing and expression, going beyond the personal ego to unfold the enneagram. My interest and burning desire to understand the thought process behind the archetype (s) of the psycho-spiritual self and its underlying behaviors, in regard to motivation, intention, self-expression, and becoming one with the divinity within, in order to heal this vessel, drives me to pursue my goals each day.

I have come to know that the physical world is one of many realities and that it is not the absolute highest expression…one’s Spirit is an ultimate force to unfold. I mean one of the most important and foremost priorities is to love thy self…you must start there…to accept oneself is a precious gift.

Ultimately, as a consequence of my spiritual and emotional intelligence, I feel the reality I continue to choose will answer my inner needs and desires, not the impositions of others. I aspire, each day, to further illuminate my inner light of imagination, self-actualization, self-determination, intellect, and divinity. This is psycho-spiritual growth, and, to me…what Witchcraft is to be.

Blessed be…

CreoleMoon Littlefoot

Essay Published in the Witche’s Voice  (WitchVox)2010

I am often asked, “Why do I call myself a Witch or practice witchcraft?” I simply say, “I have always known that I was a witch…a practitioner of Earth and or Natural Magick”. I have always known witchcraft as a path that draws primarily on the Element of Earth and the honor of Nature. A path composed of the elements Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.

Incidentally, it was not until I was much older, than that young child, that I realized what the “magick” aspect of witchcraft was molding my psyche into. You see, the magick that I hold so dear projects my natural energies (such as personal power); all to bring about that needed change. In psychoanalytic terms,  ”Transpersonal Psychology” in this instance, that magick is the balance created between mind, body, and spirit. Consequently, magick is a natural, not supernatural, practice.

In regard to the Elements, I speak of more than just the physical elements. For example, each element symbolizes our physical, spiritual, and emotional attributes.

Consider each element is their natural state; thus, examining within yourself what spiritual and or emotional aspect you connect with them. For example,

• AIR is the element of the mind. It stimulates intellect, inspiration, and imagination. It contains the ideas, knowledge, dreams and wishes. Air aids us in visualization, a technique that is very important in magick.
• FIRE is the element that promotes change and passion. It cultivates creativity, motivation, will power, drive, and sensuality. Fire encourages sexuality, both physical and spiritual. Fire governs all candle magick.
• WATER is the element of emotion and subconscious. It is love, purification, intuition, compassion, family, and mysteries of self. Water accentuates psychic ability.
• EARTH is the element of stability and of the body. It contains the wisdom, strength, growth, and prosperity in each of us. Earth Fosters the physical earth and the very heart of life.
• Spirit is that which permeates all things…It connects us to each-other…to the divine-energy.

So you see, being a Witch and practicing Magick is a Positive! It is a path of self-knowledge, a path of peace and light.

Blessed Be,

CreoleMoon

Green Witch