Merry Meet

This was hands down too cute NOT to share. Full view reads “Nice Pagan Girl.”

Prayer beads are commonly used in various mainstream and non-mainstream religions and paths, most notably in Catholicism. Rosaries can be in the traditional shape of one of Catholic origin, but they do not have to be. People of various faiths can and do use them.

Most pagans make their own jewelry when used for rituals. One can also wear prayer beads or rosaries, often in the shape of necklaces or bracelets. By making prayer beads into jewelry ourselves, we hope to imbue our own energy, reflection, and meditation into the beads. It is also traditional to provide a blessing to the object after it has been created. (more…)

The Book of Shadows is one of the most frequently misinterpreted items in paganism (or neo-paganism) as it exists today.  Part of the confusion comes from the fact that “book of shadows” has multiple meanings.

Pagans of various paths make such books for their personal use. Most books include rituals, spells, and information for present and future use. The act of copying down or creating one’s own ritual is very important to many people, as it personalizes the item being written down. Some pagans also journal a bit in their personal book of shadows.

The Book of Shadows itself derives from the Wiccan path. The concept of personalizing one’s own book is also strongly tied to Wiccan origins. Individuals and covens alike sometimes keep such a book.

Because of the title given to the Book of Shadows, many have assumed that it is Satanic or dark in nature. In fact, many neopagans keep such books full of poetry or nature-centric journaling. Furthermore, this is a great point to remind others that Wicca has a “do no harm” rule as its core tenet; therefore most of the spells contained in such individual and coven-created books are not meant for negative purposes, or to work with negative energy.

Admittedly, I definitely see a personal book of shadows being a source of spiritual power. However, this is tied less to its bad reputation and more to the fact that writing empowers me and that I have developed much of my identity through writing. To write on spirituality, therefore, allows me to grow as an individual and as a spiritual person. I suppose at this point in my life, Merry Meet (this very blog) is my own book of shadows, to which others are welcome to contribute.

I have received a blank book from a pagan friend in the past. The book was meant for journaling, recordkeeping, etc. For the longest time I kept it with my spiritual items and wrote down my innermost thoughts in it. I decorated the cover of it myself, making it more personal. If you are close enough to another pagan, she or he might find a blank journal a very worthy gift.

Do you keep a book of shadows? What are your thoughts?

Items

Many pagans spend a careful amount of time searching for specific and meaningful items for their altars. As stated previously, it is very important to find items that make you feel comfortable; you will want to have an altar that is reflective of your personal energy and tastes.

If your altar is displayed in your home in view of visitors, it should also display your personal style. Don’t be afraid to be bold if that is what you wish to do–even if your room is pink and puffy, there’s nothing wrong with having a Shinto-inspired tan and black altar. In this way, altars are also excellent means of self-expression; if you are financially limited or living in someone else’s home, you can create a center of spiritual comfort for yourself using an altar.

Where to Find Items

Nature is always the best source for finding natural items connected to the earth. You may also find some peace as you go out questing for these items. Many of them can be found in a park or backyard, such as a rock, for example.

To add more style and personality to your altar, you may want to make some of the items yourself or purchase them. Here are a few recommended links:

• Elements
• GaelSong
• Silver Light Source
• Goddess Gifts

What have you found or purchased for your altar? 

Thank you for reading my series on pagan altars!

~Tara

Like most holidays, Valentine’s Day has pagan origins. Today, most people celebrate either Valentine’s Day or Anti-Valentine’s Day. If you are celebrating the latter, consider purchasing one of GaelSong’s suggested gifts for yourself–they’re too catchy to pass up.

GaelSong is always phenomenal about promoting products which have colors that embody the season. This Valentine’s Day, GaelSong is promoting items listed up to 75% off the original price. Featured items for males of the pagan path are particularly notable and include pocket watches.

One of the most thoughtful gifts offered are tarot bags (pictured). The burgundy and gold dragon bag brings out the passion and warmth of the holiday, while showing respect for one’s energy by offering a place of protection for a tarot deck.

The athame is a ritual knife used in some branches of paganism as well as many solitary practices. Usually representing one of the elements, the athame (pronounced a-tha-may) is described in the below video as a significantly male tool. YouTube user Natakamani displays different types of ritual knives that she hand made. She displays one particular athame of interest to me–one made from a hunting knife in her family and a deer antler from a significant hunting trip. This emphasizes the importance of a personal connection to your tools in ritual and imbuing an object with your family’s personal energy.

Taking this one step further, objects we use frequently can have more meaning if you make them. For example, I am a writer. I write for pay and also for fun. A meaningful tool for myself (or a gift from a friend) might include hand made paper or a quill pen. This reminds me of meaning during an important activity–writing–which is in itself a necessary ritual in my life.

This entry is in response to fellow Today.com blogger Hava, who commented on my last entry. Hava asked about recommended reading for those wanting to know more about paganism and pagan paths.

Before I provide a short list, I’d like to say that the easiest way to find information and/or spiritual guidance in any given path is to follow your instinct. Do whatever it is you do that leads you to take an interest in something. Explore the interests you have. I have always taken an interest in Celtic and shamanistic paths due to my Irish and American Indian heritage, respectively. This led me to find out more about what my ancestors believed and practiced. Not everything I learned necessarily led me down a pagan path in particular–I was also able to learn about cultures along the way. My Irish ancestors were Catholic, and I learned more about Catholicism and realized that my own beliefs had more in common with the Irish brand of Catholicism than not.

Researching a particular heritage or faith doesn’t make you commit to it, either. In fact, one of my few resolutions this new year is very concrete: read the Qu’ran. I consider a scholarly attitude to be part of my spiritual fulfillment.

There is a great deal of debate out there about which sources are ‘real.’ Some authors and/or spiritualists make up or rearrange rituals and publish them in books and as guides to others. They are criticized for doing this. I personally feel that internalizing a ritual or even making a new ritual is not necessarily wrong, but to do so and label it in a rigid fashion as strictly one thing might be misleading. This may be applicable to rituals in the Wiccan path.

To anyone interested in paganism, I’d suggest a multifaceted approach. Here are some suggestions:

• Choose one book from a path or culture that catches your interest. This can include especially ancient cultures like Egyptians, Celts, and Greeks.
• Select something that is written as simply and objectively as possible, like an Idiot’s Guide.
• Pick something general and potentially fluffy. I read An Introduction to Earth-Centered Religions.
• Find a book that describes common pagan festivals and their meanings, like the Book of Days.

It’s also helpful to do some general reading on pagan symbols, such as the triple moon pictured here. They tend to be very archaic and deeply stirring.

Most importantly, I think it’s important to read spiritual literature through two lenses: a critical and an emotional. Don’t take everything that you read as fact, because it probably isn’t. Think about what the writers or practitioners intend(ed), and analyze how it makes you feel. If something makes you feel off base or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t for you. If you find yourself nodding or feeling connected to the literature, read on!

I’ve always enjoyed including elements of my spirituality and interest in all things Celtic in a more practical, useful, or beautiful way. I’ve certainly enjoyed having altars, but there’s something to be said about making the home feel very comfortable and reflective of my personality.

Those studying in the Celtic tradition should certainly peruse GaelSong. This site offers quality products. Prices vary, but they send to have sales on specific products (sign up for their mailing list and you will be notified by email), especially during post-holiday seasons. Their after Christmas sale features a variety of Celtic items.

GaelSong offers full print and PDF catalogs. Online, shoppers can browse by theme, including a Pagan, Wiccan & Druid theme.
 My favorite item here is the above pictured Phases of the Moon Bracelet, which retails for $78.00. GaelSong offers cards, decor, and clothing to fit those who have an interest in Celtic and Irish life, especially if they wish to incorporate pagan elements. There is even a special Celtic wedding section for those considering vows.