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Guest Blog FFnP
February 2011
Deborah Blake
I give a number of online writing classes-all of which people seem to like and get something out of-but by far the most popular is my "Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" workshop. The workshop is aimed at giving those who write witchy characters accurate information about modern Witchcraft, so that they can get their characters right. Or at least know what they're doing when they choose to get it wrong. (This is fiction, after all.)
I am particularly well-qualified to teach this class, and not just because many of my novels feature witches as protagonists. You see, I'm a witch. (Insert cackle here.)
Don't worry-I'm a good witch, not a bad witch. Well, really there is no such thing as the bad witch, outside of fairy tales and Hollywood, so that was a given. But not everybody knows that, of course. There is a lot of misinformation out there about Witchcraft and Wicca, which is one of the reasons I give this class. Most of the writers I know try and write realistic characters, even in That's where I come in. I have written five nonfiction
2) The modern versions of Witchcraft (of which Wicca is probably the best known) are based in part on the practices of Pagans from earlier times, and in part are a modern construct. Either way, it seems to work for those who follow it.
3) There are no rules as such, but one core concept is known as "The Wiccan Rede" and says, "An it harm none, do as ye will." Which sounds pretty free and easy, until you realize that it means that no Witch should take any action which will lead to the harm of another or him/herself. And while this can be a challenge, most Witches do their best to follow the Rede. So...no wicked witch. Sorry.
4) Witches also believe that what you put out into the universe is what you get back. This is also known as "The Law of Returns" or, for those who take it one step further, and believe that what you put out comes back to you times THREE, it is referred to as "The Threefold Law." Again, imagine if you will that supposed wicked witch, casting a spell to give her enemy warts. And ending up with um, maybe boils. Ugh. No thank you. [And yes, of course there are people who don't follow the rules-but that's true in any religion.]
5) Because Witchcraft is a nature-based religion, most Witches feel a strong connection to the natural world. In real life, this often translates to people who recycle, compost, have gardens, and do a lot of their worshipping outside. In a fictional world, this gives the author a great opportunity to play with the elements (earth, air, fire, and water), as well as the moon in all its phases.
6) Witches usually base their practice on natural cycles, such as the changing seasons and the phases of the moon. This is often referred to as "The Wheel of the Year," and includes both Esbats (full moons) and Sabbats (the eight holidays of the Pagan year, many of which are the basis for the holidays most people celebrate...such as Easter, Christmas, Halloween, and even Ground Hog Day).
7) Witches believe in magic. Yes, we really do. Not Harry Potter wave-a-wand-and-you're-invisible magic (darn it), but magic as a natural force in the universe. Witches believe that you can harness your own will and intent to create positive change in the world. (Like prayer, in many ways.) And of course, an author can truly work magic with a witch character to help them.
I love to write about witches, both in fiction and nonfiction. And I love to read other author's approaches to witchy characters, too. Some of my favorites include Candace Havens, Mindy Klasky, and Yasmine Galenorn, although there are many, many wonderful writers out there creating fun and fascinating witches to entertain and bespell their readers with.
If you write paranormal or fantasy fiction, I hope that you will join me for my next "Witchcraft for the Paranormal Author" workshop, at the FFnP RWA online loop in March. Otherwise, just go out and read some fun
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Brahma has four face though only three can be seen. He has matted hair, wears a pointed beard and the eyes are usually closed in meditation. He has four hands which may hold a variety of objects such as a rosary, a water-pot, a book (the Vedas), a sceptre, a spoon, a bow or a lotus. Sometimes two of his hands may be in a boon-giving and protective attitudes. His four faces represent the four Vedas and the four hands the four directions. The rosary which he is counting represents time. The whole universe evolves out of water, therefore Brahma carries water in the water-pot.
He may wear a tigerskin or the skin of a black antelope as a garment and the sacred cord over his left shoulder. If coloured, he is pink or red. He is sometimes shown riding the goose, or sitting in the lotus position in a chariot being pulled by seven swans. The swan which is the symbol of knowledge, is his vehicle.
In the Rig-Veda the word Brahman (or Brahma) was used to indicate the mysterious power contained in sacred utterances. Later, this was associated with the skill of the priest who spoke the 'words' and he was described as a Brahmin. In the Upanishads, by a further development, this power was regarded as being universal and forming the elemental matter from which everything (including the gods themselves) originally emerged. Eventually this supreme creative spirit became fully personalized under the name of Brahma.
Since this idea is linked with the origin of the universe, it was inevitable that Brahma should become associated with Hindu cosmogony. Many legends grew, particularly in the later texts, surrounding the connection with the origin and control of the universe. In one of them the supreme soul and self-existent lord created the waters of the earth and deposited in them a seed which became the golden egg, out of which He was born as Brahma. According to other texts, he became a boar who raised the earth from the primeval waters and thus created the world. He is described as assuming the appearance of a fish or a tortoise at the beginning of the ages. In much later developments of Hindu mythology these aspects are attributed to Vishnu and Brahma assumes a secondary role. His worship slowly declined and has not been widespread since the 6th century
Images of Brahma are still made. Many temples include one somewhere in their scheme of sculptural decoration, although it is only in extremely rare cases that he occupies the position of the main icon. In the whole of India there are very few temples of Brahma. There is one at Pushkar, near Ajmer (Rajasthan) and another in Orissa.
In Hindu cosmology the basic cycle which through the cosmos, passes through all eternity, is the Kalpa or the Day of Brahma, equivalent to 4320 million years. A night is of equal length, and 360 days and nights of this duration form one year of Brahma's life. This is expected to last 100 years.HANDICRAFTS
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Just to put it out there, I believe in God. The God described in the Bible. With the burning bush and creating the world in seven days and His Son dying on the cross, and all of that. I don't know how to explain why I believe this, except that it is faith. The belief that there is something more to life than can be touched with the traditional five senses. That is the same reason I believe in tarot. I can't explain how it works; I only know that it does. I can't explain God, I only know that He, or She, or Whatever, is there.
Having said that, I do not care what other people call their God, or how they see Him. I do not wish to fight over semantics, and although I believe fiercely that Jesus is the light of the world and the way that God intends us to make our way back to Him, I do not think that a kind and loving God would have wars waged in His name, and I do not believe that it is my place to force my views upon others. The knowledge of God is written upon each of our hearts, and the relationship is between God and each individual.
Thusly, I am a very open person, and I understand that my spiritual path to walk is not anyone else's, nor theirs, mine. I would never think to try to impose my opinions on someone else, and I work very hard to be discerning about what I take into my own personal truths. I understand that wisdom comes from all places, and that there is beauty and truth to be found in places a Christian Bible has never seen.
I realize this is my own fault for hanging out in the cesspool known as MySpace, but I was chastised rather harshly by a particular person there for presenting myself as a Christian yet also being a rather dedicated student of such things as tarot, and yoga, and having a firm belief in the power of attraction, and meditation.
Let me just say this - in all of my prayer, in all of my meditation and creative visualization, in all my tarot work, I have this constant refrain in my head - "I want what You want, Lord. If it is part of Your plan, and if it would be good for me, and not armful to anyone else, please let it come to be. If it is not, then I do not want it, anyway. Thank You."
I do not believe that tarot is anti-Christian in any way. There are pieces of the Old Testament that decry fortune tellers and astrology, but there are pieces of the Old Testament that also advocate incest and murder. My understanding of Jesus was that He was sent to abolish the law, not make new ones. I do not think that using tarot to get knowledge you are not meant to have works anyway, and if it does, you are probably not so worried about what God thinks of you in any case, woe be to you. I do not believe that Christians today are held to any law at all, except, in the words of Jesus himself, to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Using tarot does not violate either of those precepts, and truthfully if even half of the people who declare themselves to be "little Christs" would follow those two admonitions even half the time, the world would be a very different, much brighter place. But we all can only affect change within ourselves, and ultimately we are all only responsible for ourselves.
So, here is the kind of Christian I am - non-judgemental, loving, compassionate, intelligent, sensitive, seeking the truth, seeking the light, always looking deeper into the depths of my own psyche for the flaws and the truths God wants me to address, and not apologizing for any of it. I am the kind of Christian that believes justice is not mine to mete out, nor do I desire to see the pain of others. I am the kind of Christian that believe more flies are caught with honey than vinegar, and the kind that believes in the fruits of the Spirit, that the way I live my life should be a larger testament to the love and grace, and endless mercy, of the God I serve, not my mouth or my righteous insistence I know which way is best.
Credit: http://ceremonial-magic.blogspot.com
This Hera Goddess Statue depicts Hera, the queen of the Olympian deities. She is a daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and wife and sister of Zeus. Hera was mainly worshipped as a
goddess of marriage and birth. It is said that each year Hera`s
virginity returns by bathing in the well Canathus.
The children of Hera
Zeus are the smith-god Hephaestus, the goddess of youth Hebe, and the god of war Ares. According to some sources, however, her children were conceived without the help of a man, either by slapping her hand on the ground or by eating lettuce: thus they were born, not out of love but out of lust and hatred.
This Hera Goddess Statue can be used as a center piece for rituals and spells involving purification.
Hera Goddess Statue Specifications:
Bronze casted
Approx 10 1/4" tall
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The spirit is willing "Consenting that the law is good, but failure to keep it was carnal nature and condemned. The spirit and mind is willing but the flesh and nature is weak"MATTHEW 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed "is" willing, but the flesh "is" weak.ROMANS 7:10
AND the commandment, which "was ordained" to life, I found "to be" unto death...
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that "it is" good. ROMANS 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law "are" just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and "their" thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.ROMANS 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
BUT the righteousness which is of faith SPEAKETH on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down "from above":) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, "even" in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."Works of the natural man unschooled in Godliness."GALATIANS 5:19 Now the works of THE FLESH are manifest, which are "these"; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 ENVYINGS, murders, drunkenness, REVELLINGS, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told "you" in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 BUT the fruit of THE SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."Doctrine and thought are not discerned by the carnal senses. Sensual largely describes the carnal mind or mentality. Spiritually discerned is comprehension of doctrine as opposed to discerned through the senses of the natural carnal man. Comprehending, knowing and keeping the doctrine of God in mind is spiritually minded as opposed to operating on the natural brute beast man's senses."1 CORINTHIANS 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed "them" unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know "them", because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.Jude 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling "words", having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves,
SENSUAL, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.2 PETER 2:10 BUT chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous "are they", selfwilled, they are not afraid TO SPEAK EVIL OF DIGNITIES. 11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, AS NATURAL BRUTE BEASTS, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; Romans 8:1"There is" therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded "is" death; but to be spiritually minded "is" life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind "is" enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his...10 And if Christ "be" in you, the body "is" dead because of sin; but the Spirit "is" life because of righteousness. GALATIANS 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, "even" in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 "This" I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
But if ye be led of THE SPIRIT, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are "these"; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told "you" in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christs have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. "Jesus taught the doctrine of God the Father"JOHN 7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught. 15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? 16 Jesus answered them, and said,
MY DOCTRINE IS NOT MINE, BUT HIS THAT SENT ME. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, "whether" it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, and "yet" none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?
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An interesting article from
But neither of these characterizations is anywhere close to the truth. In reality, if you were to meet the devil, you would find him attractive, engaging and persuasive. Though he is really the prince of darkness, Satan successfully presents himself as "an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Satan is a master of misrepresentation. He is the world's greatest advertiser, packaging his product so it seems attractive and appealing, while in reality it is poisonous and deadly. He wants his clients to see him as good, beneficent and trustworthy. He wants his product-sin and rejection of God-to appear enticing and inviting, and he is usually quite successful.
Satan never presents sin as it really is. He never presents both sides of the story, pro and con. He presents only what he wants us to see, something that appears fun and exciting. He wants us to focus on pleasure, on what feels or looks good at the moment. He wants long-term consequences to be the last thing on our minds while he entices us to sin.
The vast majority of people have lost sight of the real connection between cause and effect. We rarely hear or see that concept mentioned, much less discussed. Instead we hear people clamor for quick fixes to every problem, ease for every discomfort and a pill for every ailment. We seldom stop to consider the long-term consequences of our actions. (To better understand these principles, It's neither easy nor popular, considering the culture surrounding us, to adopt a different set of values and standards-those that God reveals. As Jesus said: "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world...the world hates you" (John 15:18-19). God's way will never be popular in this day and age.
Nevertheless, most people appear supremely confident that their ways are pleasing to God. They defend their religious beliefs and practices as being perfectly satisfactory and acceptable in God's eyes. They assume that all, or most, teachers and churches bearing the Christian name teach the truth. Few indeed stop to consider that Satan's great deception is not only worldwide, but has deeply infiltrated Christianity.
Notice the context of Paul's words when he writes that Satan appears as "an angel of light." In 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Paul warns of "false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ." We shouldn't be surprised at this, writes Paul, because "Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works."
Is that possible? How could people who claim to represent Jesus Christ in reality be Satan's "ministers," his servants, used by the devil to spread deception?
Jesus Himself repeatedly warned of this very thing! He said that many would appropriate His name but deny Him by their actions. He stated: "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (Matthew 7:22-23). Of such, he asked, "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).
Jesus and His true apostles spoke of false apostles, false prophets and false brethren. Jesus further warned: "Take heed that no once deceives you. For many will come in My name and deceive many" (Matthew 24:4-5, 11). He knew that false teachers would arise who would teach a distorted, corrupted version of Christianity. That deception began in the first century, when Paul wrote that some were already teaching a "different gospel" and "pervert[ing] the gospel of Christ" (Galatians 1:6-7).
To carry out his purpose, Satan uses some people to deceive other people. This is especially true when they are motivated by personal ambition to be teachers of spiritual matters but lack a proper understanding of the Scriptures. Satan simply takes advantage of that desire and seduces susceptible individuals to represent Christ falsely, though often sincerely, while advancing the devil's own deceptive, disguised agenda. Indeed, such teachers are usually unwitting agents of Satan, being deceived themselves along with everyone else.
Lest you be misled by this greatest of all of Satan's deceptions, you need to be sure that your beliefs are based firmly on the Bible. (For more on how pervasive Satan's deceptions are among churches that profess to be Christian, see "The Great Counterfeiter". And be sure to
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By Tana Hoy
A few people all over the world usually consider the help of accurate psychic readings to get some enlightenment on the countless issues and questions which bother them often. Additionally, there are folks who simply want to find exciting things that await them anytime soon. Accurate psychic readings are definitely what people want today, and they appear to be growing even more popular all around the planet, particularly with increasingly more real psychics popping out, who want to provide authentic services to those who are seeking them out.
Nonetheless, there are quite a few who often mix up the one who provides accurate psychic readings with a prophet. The truth is, you can find differences among the two, and below are some ideas as to how they are way different.
THE SOURCE OF THE INFORMATION
Regardless that both predictions and prophecies are of a heavenly origin and they aim to predict events that will possibly occur in your immediate future, a prophecy employs magical powers that somebody owns to make itself recognized, along with its purposes. Accurate psychic readings are often dependant on tradition and specific devices that have long been employed since historical times.
THE READING SESSIONS
There is also a difference between the two especially when you're looking at complete use of the Tarot Card set. For a psychic reader, the session generally starts off with an already determinable struggle or scenario, on which information regarding that situation will then be sought after. As everybody knows, the tarot set is a device that's been employed for a long time in order to come up with accurate psychic readings. The reader is aware of the meaning of every card in the set, and makes use of highly powerful energy sources that are primarily psychic in nature. For prophecies, there might be a little something more cosmic on the job, such as a higher power offering an individual visions of situations which are gonna take place, and doesn't need to rely on any psychic tool to come up with these visions.
THE ACCURACY AND VALUE OF INFORMATION
The prophet is an individual who doesn't have a lot to do when it comes to concerns like helping somebody conquer a failed romance, or offering help with how to be better at their finances. This particular person performs on a far more overall facet, typically pertaining to worldly matters. Folks that are regarded as prophets are not attuned to events of this kind at all, whereas those who can offer accurate psychic readings, particularly a psychic reader or medium, is. Working with tools that include cards, stones, astrology charts and other artifacts allows them obtain information about someone's fate when it comes to specific concerns such as love, health, career, family and finances.
About the Author:
Psychic Tana Hoy was born with his psychic powers. With a 93% accuracy rate, Tana can help you solve any problem, and show you what you need to do to make any outcome happen in your favor. To learn how Tana can see into your future and help you solve any problem, click here! Help is only a click away!
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