I'm running low on my black candles and don't want to buy more because I'd either have to order them off the internet or wait until Halloween with the stores have orange and black candles available. Only thing is the black candles smell like licorice and I absolutely hate the smell and taste of licorice. So I went with a deep, deep, dark red that I found at StuffMart. I think that represents the chthonic gods as well as black does. I still have about a month's worth of black candles left though. Or more if I don't keep them lit as much, but I love those chthonic gods so I tend to let their candles burn a lot.
I'm re-reading Triumph of the Moon. Well, I say re-reading but I mean, re-reading the parts I already read last time I had it out from the library. The print is small and not terribly conversational and I have mush for brain cells, thanks to the fibromyalgia, so in a way it's like reading it for the first time. I only got two chapters in before I had to let it go back. I've just finished the first chapter again so I'm a bit ahead of the game since it took me 2 weeks to read it last time.
I still have an intellectual crush on Professor Hutton and could sit and listen to him lecture for hours on end. I've got a few of his lectures from the Druidcast on my mp3 player. I've only listened to two of them and have a couple more to listen to. I found it very interesting reading about how the Greek gods never really left the picture. I think later he talks about the regional gods of Britain but the evolution of "paganism" (small p) was interesting to read about.
I'm really exhausted today after two days of errands, including a trip up to Fond du Lac for my semi-annually appointment with the rheumatologist. A must if I want to keep taking my pain pills. But I am beat and plan on setting up my ottoman in front of the altar, lighting the candles and doing some praying and reading while I'm near the heart of my spiritual center. I find it rejuvenating.
Then, I'm crawling into bed and vegging out for the rest of the night with mindless watching of anything that doesn't require my complete attention. I need some "me" time once in a while, after all.
BB
I'm re-reading Triumph of the Moon. Well, I say re-reading but I mean, re-reading the parts I already read last time I had it out from the library. The print is small and not terribly conversational and I have mush for brain cells, thanks to the fibromyalgia, so in a way it's like reading it for the first time. I only got two chapters in before I had to let it go back. I've just finished the first chapter again so I'm a bit ahead of the game since it took me 2 weeks to read it last time.
I still have an intellectual crush on Professor Hutton and could sit and listen to him lecture for hours on end. I've got a few of his lectures from the Druidcast on my mp3 player. I've only listened to two of them and have a couple more to listen to. I found it very interesting reading about how the Greek gods never really left the picture. I think later he talks about the regional gods of Britain but the evolution of "paganism" (small p) was interesting to read about.
I'm really exhausted today after two days of errands, including a trip up to Fond du Lac for my semi-annually appointment with the rheumatologist. A must if I want to keep taking my pain pills. But I am beat and plan on setting up my ottoman in front of the altar, lighting the candles and doing some praying and reading while I'm near the heart of my spiritual center. I find it rejuvenating.
Then, I'm crawling into bed and vegging out for the rest of the night with mindless watching of anything that doesn't require my complete attention. I need some "me" time once in a while, after all.
BB
As for the black candles. Have you tried the ethnic isle in your grocery store where the Mexican food is sold? They have prayer candles in all colors, including black. They are unscented and burn for up to a week. I like them because they are encased in glass so they are safe. I stock up on so many black candles at Halloween it's semi-ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteNot in my redneck of the woods. They barely have ethnic foods here at all, to be honest. A bit Mexican and Asian but nothing else. I found my black candles at the thrift store run by the Lutherans. When I went up to the counter (my raven/pentacle safely tucked under my shirt) the cashier's eyebrows lifted into her widow's peak and she asked me just where I got those???? I said in the candle aisle and met her glare with a nonchalant look. She said nothing more but sold them to me. She must have thought I was going to be sacrificing to the devil after that.
ReplyDeleteNever saw black candles in the thrift store again after that.
I could wait on Halloween but if the dark red candles don't feel right, I will just order some online. I like Ladyhawke's Treasures although I'm sure there are many other shops out there just as nice.
That's one of the many things I love about living in Jersey. Talk about a melting pot. I think it's awesome. Everyone isn't all in love with everyone, but there is definitely a lot of tolerance. Anywho, azuregreen.com may have some.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean but I'm a small town girl and love the rural aspects of where we are. I should make trips to the big city once in a while though. Although my idea of a big city is a population over 35,000. LOL
DeleteLooks like a great link. I'll probably spend all day tomorrow looking it over. :)
I ordered the book you recommended, Rituals of the Dark Moon. I'm really excited about it as I love the Dark Moon best of all. :)
I can't wait to hear what you think about the book. As for big cities, I used to love going into Manhattan but now the sounds and people being crowded are unbearable. While I am no country girl and do not live in a rural area by any means, I don't live in the city either. Just a pretty little area close to the sea.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely let you know. I like the pastoral areas, the woods, fields and mountains (not that Wisconsin has any of those around here) rather than the sea. When I was in the Navy I was around the ocean and seas a lot but while I thought they were beautiful, I never felt a connection there. But give me a mountain....
DeleteThat's funny because one of my favorite parts about Maine is how the mountains meet the sea : )
ReplyDeleteThe best of both worlds. :)
DeleteDo you like beeswax candles? Also, what size candles do you use? Altar size? I can't remember from the picture. I'll have to go look. Anyway, I'm asking because I know a couple beeswax candle companies that make black candles and beeswax burns much longer than paraffin or soy, plus the added benefit of being a natural air purifier.
ReplyDeleteI've never used beeswax at home. We used them in the Episcopal church I was (and apparently still am since they don't take your name off the rolls for non-attendance)but I've never used them at home. I just use small tapers, not the big ones they use in churches. I'd love the address so I can check them out. :)
DeleteMe time is important! Also, I'm not sure what size candle you prefer, but I really like going to the dollar store and buying the little birthday candles in assorted colors. They burn down completely even if all I have time for is a short meditation. The prayer candle idea is also great, I'm ashamed I didn't think of it!
ReplyDeleteI use tapers, votives and tea candles for various types of ritual/prayer/worship so I'm not terribly picky. I've got some birthday candles for my travel altar but as I never go anywhere, they don't get any use. But it's a good idea. Thanks!
DeleteOK, so it works if I comment using the name/URL option, but won't talk to Wordpress.... weirdness.
ReplyDeleteI've given up trying to figure out how blogger works since they change things on a random basis. But you're here! And it's good to hear from you.
DeleteIts funny how wordpress and blogger won't work together.. butI already had a blogger thingy from long ago...
ReplyDelete1. Black candles: I often find them in dollar stores and sometimes the super market. But that is here in Canada so I dunno what its like there. If you run out and are really worried about it I could happily mail you some. :)
2. I am currently re-reading (well mostly reading since I stopped halfway through the first time) Triumph too. So much info and sometimes I'm like "omg this book is too smart for me" and then I go back to my romance or urban fantasy novels :P But I plan to get through it all.
I haven't seen any in dollar stores but I don't go that often so that might be a source I should check out soon. Thanks for the tip.
DeleteI know what you mean about Triumph. I swear I've read the same page at least 5 times before I finally moved on. I've got Percy Jackson sitting on the shelf for light relief after a day of heavy reading. Triumph scrambles my brain but I love the information I'm getting out of it. In a couple of months I think I might buy his book on Druidry since it's not in the library system here.