Raven's Circle Episode 2

The second episode of Raven's Circle is up and available for listening here: Raven's Circle 2 220511. You can also access it via the link on my sidebar. I hope you and your children enjoy it!

Blessings!

The Everyday Goddess Project, Mother's Day & Shiori

Ok, so you may be wondering what do any of these things have in common. The answer, a lot. Celia Farran, a phenomenal musician whom I have had the wonderful opportunity to "meet" virtually wrote and recorded a song called The Everyday Goddess. She also recently announced a contest, by the same name and one of the ways to enter was to create a video submission set to the song of someone who is an everyday goddess. The winners will be picked and announced on Mother's Day, May 8, 2011.

For the last 11 years, May 8th has been celebrated by me as Shiori's (my eldest daughter) and my "Independence Day." This is a very important day for me as it was May 8, 1999 that I left Monterey, CA with a then 2 1/2 year old little girl. For those that knew me when I was younger, I have always been very full of spirit and happy. In 1993, while stationed in California, I met and, seemingly, fell in love with someone whom I thought felt the same about me. Unfortunately for me, this relationship was incredibly abusive both mentally and physically. As much as I knew I should leave, I was so beaten down that I couldn't.

Flash forward to July 18, 1996, my daughter Shiori was born. She was my world. That "spark" for life that I had always had was back again. During my pregnancy and even after she was born there had been no abuse. Shortly there after, it picked up right where it had left off. If it had only been me, and there was no Shiori (or any other child for that matter), I never would have left and wouldn't be alive to be sitting here typing this. I refused to raise my daughter in that type of environment. I had always been such a strong-willed person. Shiori re-ignited that flame inside of me that I had long ago let die. Like I said, I wouldn't raise her in that environment.

I won't get really in-depth with how I left, but the decision was made to leave on May 8, 1999. It was Mother's Day that year. That was 12 years ago. Because of the strength I found to walk away, the strength in me that my daughter helped me to re-discover, I am still here today. Shiori truly saved my life. Since that day we have struggled, triumphed, laughed, cried and lived. We have been able to share millions of smiles with friends and family and many amazing people.

While I might have many people to thank for helping us, the one I wish to honor this Mother's Day is my daughter. Thank you, Shiori, for being my light and helping me find the strength to persevere through "a living Hell" to be able to keep you safe. I love you very much and have loved watching you grow into the young woman you are becoming.

The video montage that I created is here: http://www.celiaonline.com/2011/04/30/everyday-goddess-video-–-shiori/ It will be up until at least Mother's Day.

Unfortunately, 3 minutes isn't quite enough time to put everything in that I could have, but I think it expresses it pretty well.

Being a victim of abuse is hard. Leaving is even harder. It takes much more strength and determination than staying and letting the cycle of abuse continue. I was lucky. I had a child that I refused to let grow up like that. She was my inspiration and saving grace.

May we all find the strength to carry on even when giving up and giving in is easier.

Ravens Circle Episode 1

Ravens Circle Episode 1 04/04/11

So, here it is, my new radio show on Cauldron FM! I am on my own working on a show for Pagan youth (and their parents). Since I am ordained, hubby calls this my youth ministry. I really enjoy this. Oddly enough, I really love the editing work too. I have never thought of myself as a radio type, but here I am doing radio. Since first starting out, first in a joint project, and now on my own, I have found so much joy and excitement in this. I'm also a totally unscripted type person, but even the writing for the show is exciting! My kids think it's cool that "mom's on the radio." My first broadcast of Raven's Circle went up on Monday, April 4, 2011. There have been many musicians I have contacted for permission to use their music, and, hopefully, many more to come. So, if you're a Pagan Parent out there looking for something for your kids, I hope you'll check out my show! Also, on the right-hand side of my blog you will see a listing of shows with links for Cauldron FM.

Cheers!

Ritual Tool Up for Grabs

In going through my magickal cabinets and chests, doing some Spring cleaning before Spring had even begun to show any signs of being near, I came across aritual tool that was purchased but never used. The only thing that I had ever done with it was open the box, read the info sheet provided and cleanse & charge this item. It is utterly beautiful, but in the few years that I have owned it, I have not once used it. I thought I would offer it up for sale here and if anyone wants this, or knows of someone that would, they can send me an email and I will provide the Paypal information.

This is a 100% handcrafted wand from Goldentree Wands. It has been handcrafted of 2 different woods, Desert Ironwood & Tulipwood. The stone in the handle of the wand is snowflake obsidian and a clear quartz tip is on the end. The handle also boasts a carving of a wolf's head. This is truly a magnificent piece. It comes with a COA as well as a description sheet of the 2 woods and 2 stones. I can not remember the exact length off the top of my head, but it's at least 12" in length.

For those interested, the sale price is $95 USD. This includes shipping. I would love to see this go to someone that would be able to use this, rather than it sitting in one of my magickal boxes. Again if you're interested, click on the "About Me" link on the side bar. This will take you to my profile where you can find a link for my email.

Thank you, and many blessings.

HAPPY OSTARA!!!

I have been absent as of recently. Life has been quite busy for us here at home in a good way! My radio show that I co-host, Moon Beat, has launched 2 very successful (IMHO) shows and the third is getting ready to be posted. I had a guest post go up on The Pagan Household. I think it came out rather nicely as well.

I just want to simply wish a very Happy Ostara to all who celebrate. To those who do not, Happy 1st Day of Spring! May your day, know matter what you do, be blessed with wonderful magick!

Blessings to All!