Rev. Crystal's Full Moon Blessings

Sometimes it is crucial for me to remember that life is but a lesson. I am here to further the development of my soul and to be of assistance to others and my community as it applies. So everything is but a trial to further my own growth. Every trial makes me stronger and more spiritual.

I thank those trials from the past, no matter how hard or painful. Those times have made me as strong as I am today. And for that I am grateful because I have the information and resources to deal with today.

And these trials today will prepare me for tommorrow.

The goddess works in mysterious ways, but never underestimate it. It isn't just her working but each of us working hard to learn the tools of life.

Blessed Be and Blessed Lammas!

I heard something from a fellow Wiccan that really bothered me. She was talking about how she spoke with an elder in the Pagan community and was told that many of the elders are "going into hiding" because of the influx of newbies joining the path with misguided information.

It made me angry to hear that someone told my friend this like it was ok. I mean, isn't that what is wrong with the movement as it is right now? It is right that the Wiccan community is growing by leaps and bounds right now, and as a result there are many out there who cannot find an appropriate teacher to study with. This is one of the many things that creates one to be "misguided" so to speak, because they are going to books that may or may not be accurate and are also settling for teachers who are not equipt to teach.

You can find information about invocations, goddesses, quarter calls, circle casts and whatever in books and on the internet but what about the ethics? Where do you find that in a way that it is completely explained? That is one of the major roles of the teachers and elders in the communities.

Elders have a duty to the community at large. So, in my humble opinion, if someone is quick to call themselves an elder but not willing to teach in the community................ something doesn't add up. There are many ways to contribute to the community and you can't find any?

Maybe those who are unwilling to support others in our community shouldn't complain about who is misguiding who. Why don't we ponder that for a while.......................

Sometimes I am saddened by the misconceptions of Wicca in the world and even in our own communities. It always amazes me how there are some that consider themselves Wiccan but yet misrespresent the beliefs to others. I have met so many like this throughout my journey and it makes me sad.

I have found myself pondering what my role is in this and what my role should be. I know that I am not responsible for others spiritual beliefs and for that I am grateful, it is enough just to take care of mine. But I do think that there are those of us in the community who should be of assistance if possible by helping to set the record clear and be an example (as much as possible) to the ethics in which make up the Wiccan faith.

Wicca is not about spellwork or being cool. It is not about revenge or anger. It is about spirituality and love. It is the connection to the god and goddess and the universe. One of the most important parts of the path of Wicca, not Pagan but Wiccan, is the Rede. It is an essential part of this path. If one does not follow the Rede then you may be Pagan but now Wiccan. And think about it, why wouldn't you want to follow a clause that ultimately protects you.
Wiccans should understand that we are a part of everything and everything is a part of us, as above so below. Whatever energy I send out is ultimatley tied to me. It is like throwing a tennis ball to a wall, it is coming right back.

There is a responsibility that comes with wearing that pentacle that goes far beyond being cool. It is the ultimate responsibility to this path and what we represent. I hope we can all remember that throughout our day and actually be what we are representing.