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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Witchvox.Com-Overview (Nathan Jeffery)


Due to popular request from numerous venues, I have been asked where people of Pagan faiths, and those wanting to learn about Pagan faiths, can go to network with one another and find very credible sources of information.
I could think of none better than Witchvox, set up by Wren Walker in 1997. This is free to join and is in my opinion the best site for networking within the pagan community. I hope you enjoy my blog as well as Witchvox.com. Witchvox is commercial and pop-up free.


As always, I hope this assists you and if you have any questions please feel free to email me at wiccanthings@hotmail.com and I will be glad to help you in any way I can. Brightest blessings. )0(
Nathan Jeffery

Teaching Tolerance

While listening to the song Empire by Qeensryche this morning it hit me. What are we teaching our children? Even as those of a very peaceful Wiccan path, what are we teaching our children? Are we teaching them tolerance and love for their fellow man regardless of race, creed or religion? If we aren't then we should be!
I don't know how many of you that are reading this, have listened to this same song, but have you really LISTENED to this song? The words are eery really. Our civilization is out of control in some areas yet we think we are doing so well at just modifying our behavior as it relates to mother nature. Have we thought about mother nature being here after we are gone?
It is highly possible that our civilization could disappear or fall into absolute chaos if we don't change the course of our behavior. Not only is our Nation, as well as others, embroiled in controversial wars and conflicts, we have wars happening on our streets and in our schools right here at home.
This article is NOT an instruction booklet on how to parent. It does not strictly adhere to people of the same faith that I am. The time has come for us to stop teaching our children to hate. Stop teaching them that the world will meet them half way. Stop teaching them learned helplessness.
We need to return to the days when schools did not require armed guards and the biggest threat was a bully or the occasional fight on the playground, and that is even more aggression than our schools should ever have. I have been in law enforcement and currently work in corrections at a very rough prison. I can tell you that the number of inmates is not declining.
Many of those inmates are claiming to be of a pagan religious path. I have to wonder then, how did they commit their crime and still be in adherance with the Wiccan Rede? The answer is they didn't. It is not for me to judge though, and they receive the same treatment as any other inmate.......religious similarity aside. This does, however, tell me that we need to concentrate our teachings on our youth and change the way of thinking and in turn the behavior.
My ending plea is that we are setting the example by adhering to the Rede or whatever scripture our faiths teach us. If we are not adhering to what we believe then why should our children? They learn from us and those around us! Let us be who the lord and the lady intended. Regardless of your faith, I invite you to join me in this challenge. This is a challenge without boundaries of locale or time.
I wish you the best and please let me know if there is ever any way that I may be of help to you....again, let us put aside our differences and start to see people instead of Wiccan, Catholic, Protestant, Mormon.......let us keep our labels to ourselves and begin working as a collective human society as we are intended to and straighten out this mess we have GOTTEN OURSELVES INTO!

Brightest blessings one and all,

Nathan Jeffery )0(

As Featured On EzineArticles

Author, Business and Religious Leader, Nathan Jeffery has been Wiccan for 19 years and remains outspoken about bringing this faith into the public awareness. Not for ridicule or degredation, but for the proud people who also just happen to practice this faith as he does, without secrecy or shame.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Jeffery

Saturday, February 27, 2010

The Sociology of Human Behavior - External Influences on Perception of Others

This evening I decided that I would try a small experiment to test the theory that we all tend to "judge" others based on appearance and come to some conclusions about the way that person is from those perceptions.

For the past 6 months I have been network marketing and have had a rather conservative picture on my Facebook profile. Tonight I changed that to a photo that was of me 3 years ago when I had my Wiccan shop running full time. The Witches Haven in Cedar City Utah.
I was not so surprised to see what the result was. The immediate result was that I received comments of shock.....one even saying.......WOW! Others were less "shocked" and ranged from a thumbs up to "I didn't have any clue". This is not a negative thing and my theory was not to show negativity versus positive resulting reactions but to see raw reaction.....period.
I placed a status statement shortly after placing the picture on my profile that stated, "I changed my profile picture here to make a point. Whether you call your clergy Bishop, Father, Rabbi, or High Priest,etc.............never judge by the cover as we are peaceful and only wish to assist our fellow man."
I am happy to state that while my theory was proven that we all make judgments or we tend to have pre-conceived ideas of one another we also have the intelligence to think about these ideas and notions and make informed decisions about our final judgment.
I hope that we all will take the time to think about how we are judging others based on appearances only and that we will stop and think about all of the reasoning and conditions that played into the way they appear. I may have looked like a "hippy" to some. A "satanic" person to others.........neither of which would have been any where near accurate.
This article will be appearing in a post on my blog and by the time this is posted the picture on my FB profile will have been changed back. I neglected to mention that apparently it did have the affect that people were no longer friend requesting me and some chose to leave and that was also expected. I have left it on my blog as it portrays who I truly am.....away from the politics.....and out of the "lime light" as it were.
May we all be cautious about the way we are treating one another because of the language we may speak, the clothing we may wear, the creed we may hold ourselves to, and just treat one another with the respect that deep down we all deserve. In the end nothing else matters but the fact that we are all here on earth and we are all human and have feelings, emotions and frailties.

Until next time take care of yourselves and each other. Brightest blessings. )0(

Nathan Jeffery

As Featured On EzineArticles

Author - Nathan Jeffery - Wiccan for 19 Years - Ezine Articles

Friday, February 26, 2010

My Transition From Mormonism To Wicca

I was adopted by a good Utah Mormon family when only an infant. I had no comprehension of what that meant through childhood, however, I recall that I never really felt comfortable with the Mormon teachings from my earliest days of cognition.
As I passed through, and out of the Mormon faith at the age of 23 by way of ex-communication, it became very clear that it was a blessing in disguise.
I remember my first contact with the Wiccan faith very well, as it came about absolutely by what I believe to be pre-destiny.
I was attending Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah at the time and had a class about the Sociology of Religion. I knew from the beginning that having a professor that was Jewish AND an openly gay woman, this class would be interesting.
We were all given an assignment to do research, and a report, on a religion. The only catch was that it could not be on any faith that you were a member of, had knowledge of, or had previously attended. My attention was captured and I was absolutely intrigued by the idea.
I began to diligently search and after going through over 100 different faiths I was at a point of complete and utter frustration. Which one do I choose??? I didn't have to wait long for an answer......none of them.
A few days into my search I was walking across the campus of SUU and was stopped by a very plain looking young lady, whom I had never met, and she said," this book is for you". Startled, I simply took it and thanked her without asking any questions and she quickly walked away. I never saw her again from that day forward.....on or off campus.
That book would prove to be the turning point for my finding the faith that I am today. The book in question? The Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland. It was worn and tattered and I could tell that it had been read many times, however, it was complete in every way......including all of the workbook section not yet written upon.
And so my research began. The more I researched and the more I read the more intrigued and enlightened I became. I was like a firework that had been lit. I not only did my research paper and report on the faith but continued as a strong student for the following 3 years.
This faith had been right there, under my nose all of this time? Well, sort of. I learned early on that this faith fit my thinking and my belief systems to a "t". I also learned, however, that it was still very much in hiding. Being the legal minded type that I was and still am, I questioned how that could be? How could people possibly still be hiding their faith from the public?
I knew there was nothing illegal or immoral about Wicca, so why then was it so difficult to find others of my faith? I beame an activist of sorts and began to broadcast (quietly) that I was Wiccan after I initiated in my 3rd year of study as a solitary.
I wore pendant necklaces with pentacles and a shirt that had "proud to be Wiccan" emblazoned upon it. I was proud! And I remain so today.
Shortly after I began doing this though, I began getting scriptures left on my vehicle (had bumper stickers on it stating the same pride). I began receiving threatening emails and phone calls and soon understood why so many....too many.....were still hiding in this great country of freedom we call the United States of America.
From that day forward it became a crusade for me to declare and bring out of the broom closet as many fellow Wiccans as I could. I refused to live with my rights given away out of sheer ignorance and fear. I started a pagan student group at SUU and again fought an uphill battle with the student association as well as with some of the administration at the time.
Then came the turning point. I met with then President Gerald Sherratt, and within the week the student association approved the Pagan Student Association. While it has not lasted through the past 13 years it did exist, and many people became aware of this faiths existence.
I wasn't through at that point and soon discovered that other Wiccans in the majority of Utah were coming out more and more and the public soon began to take notice in even the smaller towns and cities in Utah. Not due to what I was doing but because the social connections on the internet and elsewhere was empowering us to be who we are.
It was not long after that I decided that there really was no business that was catering to us, except in SLC, and that was much too far for many of us to travel to pick up essential ritual (prayer) tools and supplies. I got the idea after graduating college that I would open a shop out of my home that would stock the necessary herbs and supplies.
The shop was called The Witches Haven and was founded in 2004. Again it was a bit of a fight to gain a business license and it was put aside by the city council a number of times. Coincidentally, the former president of the university had become mayor and after meeting with him the license was approved.
It remained quite successful for approximately 3 years and I finally sold it to one of my younger friends so she could cater to the increasingly younger following, and I could then raise my family.
To make this long story short I am Wiccan today. By pre-destiny, by choice, or by chance. In the end it really doesn't matter.
My family remains devout Mormon and they have become very accepting of what I believe and the fact that it differs from their beliefs causes no friction or heartache. I really like some of the Christian hymns and my favorite sums up my feeling on my transition from Mormon to Wiccan. "I once was lost, but now I'm found."
Peace and brightest blessings to each and every one of you and be kind to others and be who you are!

Nathan Jeffery - Blessed Be )0(

As Featured On EzineArticles

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Meta Pot - Overview (Nathan Jeffery)


This is a brief overview of one of the most affordable, and expansive sites to find all of your metaphysical and non-metaphysical needs.
There are tons of products here that will appeal to the general public as well. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do and are as satisfied with their product line as I have been.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Repost-Religion/Beliefs by Kierstin

Religion/Belief
Are you Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Mormon, Wicca, Baptist.....it's an extremely long list. As a teenager it's even harder to figure out what you do and do not believe. I mean decisions that should be simple have to be so much more complicated. I do it all day long. "This shirt or that one?" "What for lunch?" "Say something, don't say something." "Breathe, don't breathe." Okay so the last one I'm kidding but really, think about it. You see an apple and a banana. One of your friends takes two seconds and grabs one but you have to stand there and argue with yourself for five minutes about which one you want. These decisions seem all important, let alone deciding whether you believe in a 'higher power'.

Some of us have a hard time accepting a religion/belief because something just doesn't seem right to you. Christians believe in Heaven and Hell, but what if you don't accept a God that tosses you in fire to burn in agony because you screw up? Mormons believe that if you don't get baptized together with your family in the temple you won't be together when you pass over. Religion and beliefs can be really scary and in fear of something happening you might join them.

I don't want to point you in any directions or tell you to believe this or that. I just want to let you know that just because you don't believe in something someone else does, does not mean you are strange or 'lost' as some will say. Take your time and don't let anything influence you but your own beliefs and feelings. I don't think that I will ever say I'm a specific religion. I just say I'm a believer of a 'higher power'. I've experienced things that cannot be explained away and so has my family and friends. For all I know they all exist and they watch over those that believe in them. I just know that 'higher power' exists and I hold onto that. Basically to sum all this up just remember this. We cannot and will not know the truth until the time comes when we pass away.

Other's may be able to influence your mind and feelings but they can't change who you are and what you are meant to be. At least that's what I believe to be true. ^_^
http://kierstinsramblings.blogspot.com

THANK YOU AND MERRY MEET!!! BB )0(

I just want to thank all of those that have found refuge here if even for but a moment. I invite you to return with honor and in peace anytime you need to or simply desire. I will make every effort to make this blog pertinent to the craft.
I welcome submissions from anyone to my email below. If you need I may also be contacted on Facebook.
Once again, thank you for visiting and I hope to see you again. Blessed be always and Goddess bless and keep you my friends. )0(
Nathan

wiccanthings@hotmail.com

Sunday, February 21, 2010

What Is Wicca?

What is Wicca, Really? by LadySeluna

Wicca is often mistaken for Witchcraft. The truth of the matter is, Wicca is a religious faith all of its own. What might surprise many people even more is that Wicca is a very loving religious practice, one that demands its followers to adhere to strict ethics and high morals. Summed up, these ethics convey the Wiccan Law of "Harm None", which enforces those of Wiccan faith to be consistently mindful of their daily actions and resulting effects, and their interactions with mankind, animals, and the environment in which we live.
Wicca incorporates a combination of religious beliefs and practices. These include; Eastern Philosophy, Mystical Quabalah, and old European traditions. From Eastern Philosophy, Wicca derives its belief system of Cause and Effect, Karma and Reincarnation. The Quabalah lends its principles of Spiritual Evolution through 'path-working', as well as Esoteric Knowledges. And, from European tradition Wicca receives its passions and understandings of nature and many of its Deities.
What Do Wiccans Worship?
The foundation of Wicca is based on the teachings and belief that there are many forms of 'Divine Spirit' which reside with us here on Earth, as well as in 'Heavenly' Realms, all of which are benevolent, and accessible by mankind to assist us with our needs - both physical and spiritually. Many of these Divine Beings are found in Nature - in the elements, the sky, and the Earth 'Herself'.
How Do Wiccans Worship?
Wiccans base their primary observances on what is referred to as 'The Wheel of the Year'. This 'Wheel' contains eight times in each year where the changes of the seasons are celebrated by Ritual to pay tribute for the gifts and opportunities inherent in each season.
Examples include the asking for protection and needs to be meet during winter months, the 'calling forth' of spring (seed and planting time), and giving thanks for crop abundances in the autumn.
What Are "Wiccan Tools" and Why Are They Used?
During Rituals, Wiccans use 'tools' - or 'altar items', to assist them with their performances. These include athames, wands, chalices, bowls, candles, and pentacles. Most all of these items correlate with an element of nature, and each has a specific purpose to aid in rituals - which are often performed to portray the roles which Divine Spirits play in interacting and impacting our daily lives.
Wicca and Magick:
Much of the misconceptions about Wicca stem from its practice of performing 'magick'. This magick is often (wrongfully) attached to some type of devil-worship by those who do not take the time to research the facts. In truth, most Wiccans do not even believe in a devil. And, if they did, the Code of Ethics and Principles of Wicca would enforce its followers to stand clear of "him". Wicca promotes well-being unto all.
The Origins of Magick:
The art of performing magick dates back to prehistoric man, whereas tokens of appreciation were offered during semi-rituals by the tribes in hope of being granted particular blessings from the Gods of Old. The most common documented proof of the Gods that were believed in during this era were those of Fertility Goddesses and Gods of the Hunt, both of which were honored frequently in exchange for food and safety.
Magick Today:
Today, much of the makings of magick in Wicca is based on the same platform: Celebrations, dances, and feasts are performed to pay honor to particular Divine Spirits in exchange for blessings which are bestowed. Crafts are made and tokens are offered in the same fashion. These magicks range from elaborate gatherings of wiccan multitudes, to the less casual practices of solitary wiccans, whereas an individual (or group of a few) will perform smaller rituals to gain more personal-type blessings.
Other Tools of Craft:
It is believed by wiccans that most all natural materials, from stones to plants, withhold specific 'energies' which may be utilized in magick as additional aids for attaining specific results. The Most popular of natural materials is perhaps the usage of herbs. Herbs are incorporated into magick by way of making crafts by them for offerings and tokens of appreciation and honor. Herbs are a also incorporated into magickal workings for their large variety of pleasing fragrances, and for this reason are commonly used in incenses - which are burned during all religious ceremonies in effort to attract and compliment the Divine Spirits.
Wicca, during the past many years, has done much in the way of promoting religious tolerance in the publics eye. It is not within the religious practice of Wicca to solicit new members or reform those of other religious creeds. But rather, to teach, by example, the many blessings bestowed upon those who abide by the Law of Love, and kindness to all.
Each of the Great Religions of the World is based upon the teachings of making personal improvements and rising above our environments, helping those in need, and becoming more spiritually evolved. It seems impossible, therefore, that with so many similarities among various religions - that any particlar creed could be right or wrong.
With all of the struggles that separate mankind in today's world, I maintain that Religion should not be one of them. But in fact, should be a common ground that unites us all - despite a cultures 'name' for its God (or Goddesses) and the origins or mythic tales attached. I believe that "God" - in any aspect, is most likely BI-LINGUAL (speaking many languages) and is present to all cultures. I further suggest that any Almighty Being has better things to do than play monopoly among religious creeds. Education is the key, and there are many informative books on Wicca available.

The author of this article is Lady Seluna.

We All Come From The Goddess