Florida Water Wheel Cocktail

Florida Water Wheel Cocktail

Let the smooth sultry blend of Blood Orange peel, warm cinnamon and spices and a hint of lavender warm and soothe this cocktail into your evening.  Amaretto adds just enough sweetness to your tea and reminds you of happy times and fresh breezes.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 Cocktail

Ingredients:
3/4 oz Grand Marnier orange liqueur
3/4 oz amaretto liqueur
Florida Water Blood Orange tea
Orange wheel for garnish

http://blackthornhoodooblends.com/collections/frontpage/products/florida-water-tea

Of Green and Glass: Make (Martial) Arts, not War

Dear Goewin,

            I’ve been on the Wiccan path for quite a few years now, and recently started attending Tae Kwon Do classes with my kids.  It’s fun for us, and I like being able to do something with them, instead of dropping them off somewhere.  How do I reconcile my enjoyment of martial arts with what I have been taught about the Rede and rules governing “harm none”?
                                                                                                            -Martial, not Mean

Dear Martial,

            Doing things with your kids is not wrong.  Enjoying activities that get them out of the house, away from TV and video games is not wrong.  While we’re at it, protecting yourself is not wrong!  

What is wrong is the people in the world that think it’s  okay to get what they want in the world by taking it from other people.  Every day I see it.  Even in this “small town”.  On the news each night, I see people kicking in doors on other people’s homes, to steal and do whatever they like to get whatever they like.  

That does not mean that you are somehow a “bad” person for wanting to protect you and yours!  The Rede may say “Harm None” but allowing someone to come into your home to hurt you, or your family, steal from you and abuse you and then to walk away unscathed?  That’s harm.  That person is going to go do it to someone else, and then their harm is on you as well because you allowed this person to continue harming others.  Let's not forget, there are plenty of Wiccans who don't even follow the Rede, but that's a topic for another day.

Does this make you a “mean” person?  No.  You are not going around kicking puppies, right?  Then to Tartarus with them.  Does this mean that you are looking to get into a fight “just so you can use what you know”?  Absolutely not.  I’m sure that by now you have gotten that from your instructor. The aim of martial arts is not to start fights, but to be able to avoid them. 

            

            I’m sure you have no moral objection to carrying an umbrella in case of rain, am I right?  I look at martial arts in the same way. What you learn in the dojo and its real world application is a tool.  You have it in case you need it, not so you can use it every day.  I feel the same way about responsible gun ownership, but that’s a different topic.  

The bottom line here is, don’t ever let anyone tell you that it is not okay to protect your family in the way you see fit, as long as it is responsible and legally protected.  They don’t have to live your life, or protect your family, that’s your job.  If it feels right to you, go for it. If it bothers them that much, they don’t need to be your friend. 

‘Juju’, Creepy Crawlies and Bad Omens

‘Juju’, Creepy Crawlies and Bad Omens:

 the Realities of Feelings

Black Salt, Good for Banishing Spirits & Protecting a Home

 
     A friend and former coworker tagged me in a comment on Facebook sometime during the night. I rolled over and checked my email as I wake up, the way I do every morning. (Hey, some people drink coffee, I read my email to get my brain in gear.) He had encountered an animal on his way home from work late and it left him with a feeling of foreboding. The discussion progressed to supernatural reasons for seeing such a thing. Without something to add, I moved about my morning.

     Once I’m at my office and settled in, I pulled up Facebook. Right now, my job involves a lot of hurry up and wait. So they allow me to occupy my brain, as long as I make sure the customers are taken care of. So, back to Facebook, I’m looking through my feed when I see an update from the same friend.

     “So update to last night's story- I had a flat tire this morning and I'm just waiting for something bad to happen. Creepy, eh?”

     I told this friend I’d be writing a blog post about our interaction because this is something I’ve seen more than once and it’s something I wanted to discuss.

     Amy Blackthorn: Fuck that waiting around shit. Don't allow it into your space. Do something. Dump a McDonald’s packet of salt into a cup of water and anoint yourself. Say a prayer. Say, "Fuck off!" Light a birthday candle. Cast a circle. Cast a Square. Don't just sit and wait for bad shit to happen. Well protected is good. Just remember what they say in martial arts, "No matter how good you are, somewhere there's someone better." We have those senses for a reason. Any time I've had that sense and didn't do something about it,

BAD SHIT happened.

(Hello Tractor trailer, 27 broken bones, 72 pins and years in a wheelchair).

     I’m trying to figure out where we are in our personal evolutions. Go to a gathering of Pagans or Witchy folk and you’ll likely hear a mention at some point about feelings, ‘juju’, or the like. Most people are quick to jump in with their experience, but that’s usually where it ends. People want to talk and share their experiences and occasionally they’ll ask for opinions, personal revelations or simply validation of their feelings on the subject.

     I’ve noticed this outside of our little world in one place in particular, “Reality” ghost hunting television shows. People hear something go bump in the night, and the next thing you know, you’ve got a bunch of yahoos in fatigues running around your house with night vision cameras strapped to their heads. Viewers see people attempting to antagonize the dead, using dramatic pauses and fervent “Did you hear that?” questioning. One of the issues I have with shows of this ilk is If they find something they feel is compelling evidence, they show the owner of the property, and then pack up and go home. “Yup, it’s haunted. Bye!” Wait. What just happened?

     Why do we stop there? Why acknowledge the fact that you feel something bad is going to happen, only to sit around and wait for the other shoe to drop? Magic is supposed to be a last resort, after all of the ‘real world’ things have been ruled out. That doesn’t mean we have to sit idly by and wonder at our fate. If it really is fate, that the other shoe drops, it will. However, if taking a step out of the way saves your bacon, I’d take that step. Wouldn’t you?

     If we accept that we have developed these feelings for a purpose, then it stands to reason that we were meant to DO something with them. So do it. Rearrange the furniture so that energy doesn’t have a place to lie. Smudge the house. Open the windows and let the fresh air in. Get rid of your clutter. Just do Something.

The Broom Closet In and Out and Back In Again?

IPCOD Pt 3:

In and Out and Back In Again—a Career in Law Enforcement

For those of you who have been with me since the first of the series you’ll remember this:

Two years ago, I made the decision to go back to school. My goal: to kick ass and take names in school such that the FBI will welcome me with open arms when I graduate with Honors. I’m doing very well on that end, if I do say so myself. But let’s face it, you didn’t stop by to listen to me toot my own horn, did you?

I discussed it with a friend when I made the choice. She’s been working with Law Enforcement Officers of all stripes (Pun intended) for all of her adult life. She warned me that LEOs were a conservative lot. I assured her that I knew because I come from a LEO extended family. The words ‘Conservative’ and ‘Liberal’ both give me hives, but that’s a topic for another day. We’re talking about being out of the broom closet.

As I got closer and closer to the first week of school I got more and more nervous. My inner monologue was replaying the above conversation and worrying about how my faith might affect my career advancement. It’s pretty sad that I felt I had to agonize over it this much, but I try to be honest with myself about such things.

So when school rolled around I decided it was a non-issue. I don’t introduce myself to people as “I’m Amy and I’m Pagan.” So why should it be an issue. I wear my pentacle every day, just like I always have. It’s not really that noticeable, I’m told. The chain also carries a single cabochon in a plain setting. This blue stone looks somewhat unremarkable to the uninitiated (pun completely intended!). This blend of Dolomite, Rhyolite and Slate is found in one place in the world, and my necklace is the same stone that Stonehenge is built from. As they hang from the same chain, the blue stone usually covers the pentacle to some degree.

Two good friends from school wound up earning my trust to the point where I answered questions about my faith with them, but I don’t advertise. I stopped putting my magnetic bumper stickers with witchy slogans on them. (Honestly, part of that was school, and part of that was a crazy person trying to run me off the road while screaming obscenities.)

Now at my job I still wear my necklace daily, but as it’s under a security uniform, no one knows it is there, at least until last week. One of the relief guys noticed the chain for the first time since I started working here almost a year ago. When he asked what was on it, I merely pulled the Stonehenge piece out of my shirt and left the pentacle hanging inside my shirt, because honestly, he hasn’t earned it. My coworkers know I’m a minister, because my last partner was president of the Jesus wagon. So we had great discussions about religion and when asked I state I’m ‘non-denominational’.

For a time I worried that this meant I was denying who I was. I had flashbacks to Sunday school in the second grade when they were telling us about Peter denying God three times in the Book of John. I wondered if I was doing a disservice to my community by not shouting my faith to the rooftops. Then I had a deep breath and got over myself. /grin

I still have a runic license plate frame that reads, “If you can read this, you’re my kind of Witch” but it’s almost an in-joke. I can display my faith to those who would understand it, and those that don’t, have no bearing on the subject anyway.

So instead of panicking that I’ve somehow put myself back in the closet, I’ve stopped worrying about it. My family and friends all know. Anyone I’m friends with on (my personal) Facebook knows. It’s okay to consider yourself when discussing your faith with others. I’m not ashamed. I still do my outreach work and occasionally have my photo out there. For pity’s sake, I appeared on TLC and the AP News Wire in ritual. It’s just that I don’t feel I need a flag to wave anymore. I’m more secure than that. And honestly, me being secure in who I am will land me my dream job, or the job I’m meant to have, more than any flag waving in my faith. I’m happy with that.

Blessed Be.

Festival for Isis: Lady of Ten Thousand Names

Isis

Isis of the winged arms was the first daughter of the Nut, the overarching sky, and the little earth-god Geb...From the beginning, Isis turned a kind eye on the pople of earth, teaching women to grind corn, spin flax. weave cloth and tame me sufficiently to live with them

-Patricia Monaghan, The Book of Goddesses & Heroines 

     Though a traditional fiber herb of Ancient Egypt, flax is also amazing for heart health and has been reported to help certain types of cancer.  They are commonly used as a source of Omega-3 fatty acids as well.  Remember if you pre-grind your flax seeds for ease of use, refridgerate them. 

     To add a pick me up to your daily diet, you can toss a handful or two into your salad for texture. (I like to add sunflower seeds too!) You can add flaxseed flour to breads and cakes as well. 

     In celebration of the day, I wanted to share a sweet treat recipe to help beat the winter blues!

Oatmeal-Flax Chocolate Chip Cookies

Total Time: 1 hr 0 min.

Prep: 48 min.

Cook: 12 min.

Yield: about 32 cookies .



Level: Easy



Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup flaxseed,

finely ground in a spice grinder, or pre-ground flaxseed

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter,

softened 1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips



Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk the flour, oats, flaxseed, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.



Beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer

on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time,

beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low;

add the flour mixture and beat until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.

Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool 3 minutes on the baking

sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.



Per Cookie: Calories: 151; Total Fat: 7 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Total carbohydrates: 21 grams; Sugar: 14 grams; Fiber: 1 grams; Cholesterol: 25 milligrams; Sodium: 83 milligrams



©Television Food Network G.P.

All Rights Reserved.



Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup quick-cooking oats

1/4 cup flaxseed, finely ground in a spice grinder, or pre-ground flaxseed

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.



Whisk the flour, oats, flaxseed, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a bowl.



Beat the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the flour mixture and beat until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Stir in the chocolate chips.



Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool 3 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely.



Per Cookie: Calories: 151; Total Fat: 7 grams; Saturated Fat: 4 grams; Protein: 2 grams; Total carbohydrates: 21 grams; Sugar: 14 grams; Fiber: 1 grams; Cholesterol: 25 milligrams; Sodium: 83 milligrams

Fox News mocked beliefs, Wiccans say

April Ford understands that paganism is a minority faith generally misunderstood in the mainstream, but it still stung when Fox News commentators mocked believers with stereotypes and jokes.




“When you say derogatory things about a religious group, you have taken our sacred traditions and spat on us,” she said. “It’s very hurtful.”



Ford practices Wicca, a form of paganism, in the Columbus area. She is among about 40,000 people who have signed petitions on causes.com and change.org asking for an apology for comments made Sunday during a Fox & Friends Weekend report about the University of Missouri adding pagan and Wiccan holidays to its “Guide to Religions.”



Paganism, also called neo-paganism, is a group of ancient religions that do not acknowledge the God of Judaism, Christianity or Islam. They are generally polytheistic and revere the earth and nature. Wiccans tend to worship goddesses and practice natural magic. Adherents.com estimates about 1 million neo-pagans worldwide.



Read the rest here: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/02/22/fox-news-mocked-beliefs-wiccans-say.html

Thank you all!

Thank you all for your support! I finished with 1708 votes, and #38 out of the 88 pages of contestants and hundreds of entries. Being a part of the contest for only the last week of the competition and still making the top 40 makes me feel great. More importantly, some new people were able to find my blog, and that's what matters to me. Congratulations to ALL of the top 25 blogs. (I can happily report 12 of the top 25 were Pagan.)

I'd especially like to congratulate Mrs B. on winning the top spot! Even when the contest became a heated debate on "Us vs. Them" Kris didn't back down, or lose her cool. She made herself an example to all faith bloggers, no matter their path.

Angela had stiff competition, and ended up in the #4 spot. (I really rallied to keep you in #3!)

Congratulations to these amazing blogs for making it to the Top 25. They'll be interviewed about their faith for a newsletter reaching 6 million readers!
Parenting By the Light of the moon
JoniRae
Hearth n Home
Witchy Mama
Feflon Cauldron
Witchy Wonderland
Living Well
Pagan Presence
Something Oddly
Aoibheals Lair

A SPECIAL THANKS to the other Bloggers who feature my posts on their blog, and send new friends my way.

mypaganworld

wiccanwrites

canwehaveanewwitchoursmelted

witchesbrew-gardenwitchery

Edited to add
The Pagan Blog Directory

Circle Of Moms and Paganism

With the ebbing and flow of controversy over Pagans "being allowed" to enter the Faith Blog contest, and fervor over the word Pagan itself, I thought I'd take some time to discuss these in turn, along with a few posts on Pagan Values. (Including hopefully a guest post with the Pagan Mom Blog for her Month of Deity.)

To those who would exclude Paganism from the ranks of the Faith Blog contest, I'm disappointed. Death Threats? Hate Speech? You've got to be kidding me. This blog contest is supposed to (I thought) to be about helping each other out, celebrating our SIMILARITIES and overall helping Bloggers find new followers. Many of the faiths presented here have a "Golden Rule". I'm pretty sure none of us want to be threatened for being different. I've gotten face to face death threats before for being Pagan. It's not fun, and it didn't change my belief structure.

This "whole faith thing" is supposed to help us shoulder the burden of life, not create new ones. It isn't about, and shouldn't be about "us versus them".

Let's be frank, I love my friends. That's why they are my friends. I'm not friends with someone just because we have the same faith. I'm friends with someone because we have things in common, they understand my weird sense of humor, sometimes we have similar view points, and even when we don't, they still love me. I'm not going to like every person that claims we have the same faith. I certainly don't expect them to love everything I have to say.

This also means I don't give a crap what label they use for a faith or IF they even have one. I have Jewish friends, Atheist friends, and friends from all faiths. I don't care if you worship your kitchen sink, if you're a cool person about it, I'll bring you cute soaps for it.

The vehemence I've seen come out of this contest is reprehensible. Is that what you want to teach your children? That your God only loves the people from your congregation, or even just your home? Even if you don't agree with someone's path in life, that doesn't give us the right to decide they don't deserve a life.

Let's try and see the things we ALL as people of faith have in common, rather than the things that make us different.

For the moment, let's take a step back and try to see each other as people. Not a Christian, Pagan, Jew or Muslim. Let us try to see each other as People. That's the first step.