Because it is February, and in the Northern Hemisphere this is a time of awakening in the earth, I feel called to write about another type of awakening.
I'm a big believer in past lives, always have been, but even more so now. And I'm one who has always been curious about what my past lives were, but I've never gone through past life regression nor have I tried to on my own.
I only remember three past lives, and they all popped up on their own, or had been triggered. The most significant was the second life I remembered, because it is also of a life I shared with my husband, and he was even the one who triggered it.
It began when he and I were having a chat and he suddenly stopped and had somewhat of a confused yet questioning look on his face. I had asked what was up and he said a random name popped up in his mind and asked me if the name meant something to me. The moment he spoke the name, instantly I began to hear the sounds of men screaming, clashing of metal, and that name being shouted just loud enough to be heard over the sounds of battle. A day passed and that was all I heard mixed in with every day noise.
It was after that that the visual memories came forward, I remember rushing, fighting, doing my best not to get hit by any of the weapons I faced. And then hearing the name once more, but closer and more panicked, causing me to turn around, a second later struck in the chest by a spear. The pain was immense and I immediately dropped to the ground. I remember my vision starting to fade and sounds becoming more of a faint echo and hallowed.
I remembered the last moments of my life in that time period (couldn't tell you when exactly nor what kind of life I lead before my death). I can definitely say it isn't pleasant remembering such a thing, but it also was a very interesting experience, that, was repeated again with the third set of memories (not getting into that one).
It took some time, and reassuring things, for me to learn and accept it wasn't just my imagination going wild or anything. (You know how it is, you experience something, and immediately question whether it was legit or not). After my husband spoke about some of the things he remembered (which he was the one calling my name), before I told him what I remembered, reassured me that yes it wasn't my imagination.
I have never pushed to remember anything else, because for me, I have come to accept I will remember what I am supposed to remember. There is specific information, knowledge, or wisdom I am to gain from those memories, so I know I won't remember anything that will not help me in this life.
One thing I will say is that I have come to learn the difference between what is my imagination, and what isn't. For me, I can still control what happens in my imagination, basically, lucid daydreaming. When it isn't my imagination, I cannot control anything, everything happens on its own, like a vision. And its that difference that allows me to know when I'm actually remembering something or having some form of vision, or spiritually traveling.
And learning this, having these memories, has helped me move forward in my path and I have learned to better trust my abilities. Every experience we have helps us grow, and helps us awaken in our spiritual path.
Deep within my blood my ancestors flow, as yours do within your blood. They are in our very DNA, they are our physical history, our very origins, our beginnings. There is a memory in our bodies, whether a physical or a spiritual one, those memories are there.
I have ancestors and heritage from the North American continent, the European Continent, and the British Isles. I even grew up with Lakota (a North American Indigenous people) traditions up until I was 12. But unlike my mother, my NA Indigenous roots are not what calls to me. I do love the traditional music, the way of life, the deep love for their traditions, but they are not the ones who speak to me.
Instead, my ancestors who's descendants came across the ocean, who traveled 3,000 miles to come to this continent, are calling me home. The traditional folk music of the British Isles and European countries speak to me, I yearn for the old ways of life of the people there, the land itself calls to me and are familiar to me, yet I have yet to take a single step on those lands.
I even found love there, a wonderful man who, even though we aren't legally married, I call my husband, and he calls me his wife. It was an unexpected and unsought love. Whats even more, he is one I have shared many past lives with, for it wasn't until he and I came together, that memories started to crop up. I know him as I know the land, the memories of him and my home are seeded deep within my spirit.
Ever since I was 10 and had visited Seoul, SK that I knew I would never settle here. I always knew I would find my family, I would find my true home, and I would find my true place of belonging. As I got older and graduated High School, I gave up on that knowing, thinking it would never happen, especially after becoming a mother.
I had broken up with my child's biological father, which had started out as a long distance relationship. The last thing I wanted after that was another long distance relationship, so I focused on those who were closer to me. I even considered moving to Canada if I could find a way to afford it, but to be honest I didn't have too much hope in doing so.
And then the universe decided to step in and has lead me to where I am now. I will be reunited with my husband, I will be returning home, and I will be with my family, and even more, my son is coming with me. I plan on making sure he has the option to be able to live in either country, for I feel it is the best thing I can do for him when he reaches the age of 18, so he isn't left with so little options. If his ancestors from this continent speak to him, and call him back, then he will be able to return.
We all have our calling, we all have the place to be, the path to follow, and the experiences to have. The universe has shown me, if it is to happen, it will, but you must be willing to take the steps forward when the way is presented to you, otherwise you will miss it.
I was lucky enough to have a second encounter in meeting my husband, had he and I not exchanged contact information, and kept in contact, I probably wouldn't be on the way I am now. I wouldn't have my loving Soulmate, I wouldn't be able to return home, and I wouldn't have my family.
When you feel that call, when you feel that undeniable pull, don't fight it, follow it. There may be trials and struggles and tests along that path, but as we know, the right path is never easy.
So, as my previous article spoke about, it is possible to "Create" new Gods. If you have not read it yet, please read Deities: Ancient and the Creation of the New. This article will speak of the importance of the new deities.
As many of us who are spiritual in a sense understand, life has cycles, there is birth, aging, death, and rebirth. Deities also have their own life cycle in a sense. They are given name and form, they help us connect and to lead our lives, revealing to us the wisdoms of our times, and then events take place that will lead to their fading. And eventually, as time passes, and as old wisdoms are remembered and revived, new forms, faces, and names come forward to carry forward the ancient wisdoms to give foundation so new wisdoms can reveal themselves and have foundation. And the process repeats itself, giving new life, new strength, and new vitality to the universal energies.
For many years now, there has been a stillness in this process and it has been stagnant. But as the New Age movement has cropped up, yes there has been a lot of BS, but it has also allowed for the ancient process to start its cycle once more. Now there are many who are reviving the Ancient Gods and the Ancient Wisdoms, starting to give foundation for new ways, new wisdoms, and even new deities based and founded on the ancient to carry forward those wisdoms and to allow new wisdoms to arise.
At times, when it comes to the ancient deities, it is difficult for many to connect with them because sometimes our paths focus is more with the here and now and/or the of the path ahead. It doesn't mean the Ancient deities are any less important to those individuals, it just simply means they are a form of energy they are not meant to work with.
Even though many traditionalist Wiccans claim Wicca is an Ancient religion, there truly is no actual historical proof to show this. But, what they may not realize is they are a part of this cyclical process. The names for their Coven's God and Goddess are Oath-bound, this would mean that the many branches of Wicca and the many Covens that exist will not have the same name and form for their God and Goddess. Which means, the ancient energies that are the Gods are being given new life.
Without the past we cannot have a future, the past is just as important as the future, but we cannot live in the past. No matter how hard we try we can never truly return to the old ways. We can take the wisdoms of the ancients and create new ways that are very similar and are founded upon the old.
We each have our own paths, we each have a spiritualism that will vary to one another, but we all must have a foundation to support our paths. We all could come in contact with the same deity, with the same energies that wish to work with us, but will reveal a new face and a new name to work with us by.
Now, as I mentioned in the previous article, the "creation" of new deities is not for beginners due to the dangers of negative entities that would wish us harm, coming forward and presenting themselves as a deity. They are simply low beings who do not live on the higher plains that the beings who are known as deities exist. They are more focused on feeding off of individuals for their own gain and are of lower energies rather than helping guide and keeping the balance and being of the universal energies.
And because of this, that is why new deities don't come about too often. It takes time for the previous deities to live out their time to teach what they must, to add to the ancient wisdom that is being carried forward, and for a time of new wisdom to come forth.
For thousands of years there have always been deities and the religions that were/are associated with them. Each deity has their own name, and the energies/qualities associated with those names. I have always viewed the deities as one of the same being, kind of like the many branches on a tree. They are each their own branch, but they all come from the trunk of the tree. So they can have their own form, their own name, and their own consciousness, but still can be one whole being when brought together. The belief and prayer that has gone to the ancient names of these deities has been tremendous due to the many years they have been worshiped,and therefore are still very much alive.
But here is a thought that I have never considered till I read a rant by the admin of the FB page 'Rantings of a Male Witch'. What about creating NEW deities? Would it be possible and would they be just as powerful as those who are ancient?
And I have come to the answer that not only is it possible, but of course they would be just as powerful. The ancient gods are simply energies/qualities given form and name, these energies have existed since the very beginning of time. All that has changed has been the names and which energies were grouped or singled out. There are names of deities that are no longer spoken because they have been lost, but if they ever resurfaced, would still have the power they once did.
Now, 'Rantings of a Male Witch' did bring up a very good point, creating new deities is definitely not for beginners. Because it doesn't matter if you "created" them or not, they are still deities and once created can not be controlled by our whims, and I use the term created loosely. All we are truly creating is the name and form, and qualities the deity is taking on, we are NOT creating the energies nor the consciousness the deity will have. We will never truly control the powers of the Universe for they are not ours (nor the deities) to control. And the reason I say that even deities cannot control the powers of the Universe is because even they must live by its laws, just as the branches and leaves must live by the cycle of the tree.
So, just to keep it simple, when "creating" new deities, all we are doing is taking ancient energy and projecting a new form and name. This is why there are so many ancient deities that have similar energy/qualities even though they are so wide spread across the world. And this is why many may find similar tales and roles between the many eras about that times deities (because as time passes or a new religion comes along, those qualities which felt are needed are passed on to a new name and face).
Another reason these deities would be just as powerful (at least for those who "created" them) is because there will be a bond between that person and their deity. There are many of us who have searched and meditated and have yet to find any deities we have felt close to or who haven't reached out to work with us. Sometimes, the deity we are searching for or wishes to work with us will send to us a name that (for all we know) doesn't exist. So because of that, a very strong spiritual bond forms between the person and that/those deities. (Which is another reason such a step isn't recommended for beginners).
When we first start out, we barely know who or what is need, or what our path is or where it will lead. This is why its good to spend some time learning, studying, practicing with those who are experienced and with deities who already exist. It helps us find ourselves and find out whether or not the personal creation of a new deity is even needed. And so, the last thing we would want is to create such a bond with a being we may not even need/ is supposed to work with. (Think of creating a new deity like having a child, do not create one unless you are ready and willing to have the responsibility that bond creates).
So, yes, because these new deities would be just as powerful as the ancient, they deserve just as much respect for they are just as alive as those who are ancient. Life is ever changing, just as the energy all come from.
As some may have seen, or some have decided to do, many Pagans have now picked up the term Muggle in reference to any none Pagan persons. This is due to the belief that they do not practice magick and therefore are not magickal. There are three reasons in which I feel this is a bad idea for the Pagan community to be doing. Of course, no matter the reasons I give, if you still intend on using the term then that is your choice. At least you will have heard me out and know why my reasons are what they are.
-First Reason: In the Harry Potter World the term Muggle is used in reference of any non-magic person (i.e. not a Witch or Wizard, or any other type of magical being). But what many may not have considered about the term Muggle is also its more hidden meaning. Muggles are Ignorant of the Wizarding world, they dismiss anything that may seem strange as either just a freak happening or their imagination. They are unaware and are ignorant of anything outside of their own world.
So by calling someone a Muggle, not only are you saying they aren't magickal, you are also saying they are ignorant.
-Second Reason: Just because someone may not be a Pagan doesn't make them any less magickal. As Pagans, there are many of us who have our own ignorance in regards to what we think is and isn't magick. And what we don't realize is that magick exists everywhere and takes many forms and is called by many names. While those who practice it may not realize, what they may call a prayer, a miracle, faith haling, etc. is a form of magick. Which makes them just as magickal as the rest of us.
And lets not forget about those who mix Witchcraft in with their religion, since Witchcraft isn't a religion but a practice and can be used by anyone who so chooses.
-Third Reason: This reason is more from a personal view. As Pagans, we have worked so hard to have our beliefs/paths/religions to be taken seriously and recognized as a legitimate religion(s). When someone who may not understand, or thinks we are silly due to misinformation, how do you think we are going to be taken when we use the term Muggle? We claim Harry Potter magic is fiction but our magick is real, yet we are using terms from the books in regards to our life.
We aren't going to be taken seriously and will continually be dismissed as nothing more than a bunch of people running around in robes waving wands with a broom between our legs. Because of these three reasons, I feel it would not be in our Communities best interest to adopt and use the term Muggle. It is an insult, it is a sign of ignorance, and it puts us in a light so we aren't taken seriously.
I'm not saying everyone needs to stop saying it and never use it again, all I am saying is take into consideration of the effect it has, whether immediate and open, or hidden and progressive. As we all know every action and every word carries a consequence, consequences we like, and consequences we don't like.
Again, not saying everyone needs to stop and never use it, I just would like that you take into consideration the reasons I have given.
Many people who are Pagan and many who are not view Halloween and Samhain as the same holiday. Because of this, some Pagans refuse to celebrate Halloween, saying it is an offense and a slander to Samhain. I for one do not see it as such a thing, because I view Halloween and Samhain as two separate holidays.
Samhain, or Samhain Eve (since Samhain is actually on November 1st) is the celebration of the Pagan New Year, the final harvest, and when the veil is at it's thinnest. It is a time to remember and honor our ancestors, and reflect on the year before. It was also the time that the God makes his descent into the underworld, before he is reborn again at Yule. This is also the best time to use divination such as tarot, divining by fire, scrying, etc.
While Halloween on the other hand is a holiday based off of multiple holidays such as Samhain, Dia de los Muertos, and many others. It is a day to dress up, party, have fun, and enjoy the thrills and chills of things we believe to be scary and full of horror, and in a way, allow our true selves to show or who it is we wish we were. It allows us to explore a little of the darker elements, to explore the night, and the unknown. I will say I'm not too happy about it being so commercialized, but I still very much enjoy it.
I look at these two Holidays as separate, because of this, I can enjoy both very happily, not seeing one invade on the other. Just simply having similar elements that allow them to be melded by those who celebrate both. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the amazing autumn and the spooky decorations.
Ever since OMNIA's new album and music video came out, people have been going overboard with what makes someone an "Earth" warrior, specifically those who have chosen to not eat meat.
I have been asked many times now "How can you eat meat and yet be an Earth Warrior?" followed by the argument of either we aren't supposed to eat meat, it's healthier, and it's just cruel to raise animals to be killed because they suffer. First off, let me explain what it means to be an Earth Warrior (from what I have come to understand after reading many of SteveSic's posts on OMNIA's blog).
To be an Earth Warrior means to live as Natural, as Green, and as Organically as possible to help ease and combat the damage modern civilization has done to the planet. This, however, does NOT mean we all need to become Vegetarians or Vegans to do this. "Go ahead! Eat Animals! It's okay...(really actually it's quite natural)" -SteveSic, this statement is saying that it's fine for people to eat meat. In his blog, the point that was being made was to stop supporting big corporations that abuse, mistreat, and practically torture their animals before they become food or before they die from the poor conditions. Buy local from farms who feed their animals Organic feed (not some chemical bullshit) and actually let their animals live out their lives as the animals they are before they end up on our tables.
Now, to the points that have always been pressured on me from Vegetarians and Vegans about loving the Earth yet saying I'm not an Earth Warrior because I eat meat.
First point: We aren't supposed to eat meat-
If this was the case, we would never have eaten meat to start with, we would naturally be Vegetarians or Vegans. Our bodies are dependent on both Vegetation and Meat in order to live, develope, and survive, this is why we are called Omnivores. Now, for those who have chosen to become Vegetarians or Vegans, there are supplements out there that help make up for what we can't get in vegetation so they can still live and function properly.
Second point: It's Healthier-
Now, this is debatable. Each person's body functions just a little differently due to the genetic makeup of our genes that have decided to make up our bodies. Some of us don't make enough iron, while others make plenty, some of us have a calcium deficiency while others do not. Whether or not being a Vegetarian or Vegan is healthier really depends on the person. Setting aside my personal belief and medical advancements, I myself do not make enough iron, so I am dependent on helping balance out my iron levels from the meat that I eat. So, it would not be a good idea for me to become strictly Vegetarian or Vegan, because if I did my iron levels would drop and so would my health. (Remember, setting aside medical advancements (i.e. medication and vitamin tablets) and personal belief).
And on a side note, wild game is healthier than red meat, this is due to the lack of bad fats in the body.
Third point: It's Just Cruel-
Not as debatable as the second one since this is based on personal morals rather than something that is factual. Killing another being to eat and live is very much a natural thing, deer kill plants to eat, just as wolves will kill the deer. So death in itself is not cruel, what is cruel is more the conditions that animal grew up in before passing on. If anything, the way animals kill their prey is more cruel than the swift deaths we give, this is because it is a swift death while the animals being hunted are having their throats ripped open, and don't die till they bleed out. If you were to take out the fact it was animals and asked people which of the methods were more cruel than the other, I can assure you people would say the latter was more cruel. So yes, I won't deny killing in general is horrid, but it is in the fashion in which the animal has lived and was killed that truly makes things cruel or just unfortunate. (Remember, what is considered cruel is a personal opinion, so not everyone will be able to agree 100%)
Now, into my personal opinion and belief-
I am a Meat Eating Earth Loving Pagan who would prefer to hunt for her meat, hates hunting for sport, and prefers all of the animal is used instead of being wasted like so many parts of the animals are. I want to live as Natural as possible so I do my best to not depend on modern medicine if it can be helped (this means, no supplements, no vitamins, no medication unless necessary). I do my best to live as Organically as possible, this means that I eat food that does not have chemicals or have been modified on a genetic level where it isn't even food anymore, this also means I do my research and avoid foods that are naturally toxic (example: Potatoes). This also means that the meat that I buy are from farms that are local, that don't feed their animals chemical crap, and that they aren't stuck in very tight spaces (I like my animals running about and jumping merrily in fields). I do my best to live as Green as possible, doing my best to not pollute and recycle when I can.
I see plants, animals, and humans all on the same level when it comes to life and being a living being. I prefer to follow my Natural instinct and partake in both plant and animal just like some bears would. Now, some of you may say "Just because you have the instinct doesn't mean you should follow it, bears and other animals don't have a choice, we do, we can rise above our instincts". The problem with this very thought process is its that kind of process that has put us in this very situation where we are now fighting for the Earth. That kind of thought process sees humans as above animals, and above nature, which then leads to people wanting to control animals and nature, which then leads to raising stock, building towns, leading to modern day.
We are animals, we are a part of nature, every time we forget this or put ourselves above what is natural we grow cold to it. By accepting that as a human, and as an animal, I am a part of the natural cycle of life, as I eat of others, so shall I be eaten from. Whether directly as insects crawl all over my body, killed by a predator while out walking in the woods, or I am burned and turned to ash, which then becomes a part of the soil, in which I am ingested by a plant, and eventually an animal. I give respect to the creatures, and will only take what I need, no more. When I am able to make my dream a reality, I will be able to fully put that into practice. Only take what is needed, and leave the others to continue in the cycle until it is their time whether by old age, disease, or hunted by another animal.
Sadly because of how the world is, it's very difficult to find other like minded people and to be able to grab a piece of land, build a bunch of Hobbit holes, and live in harmony with the Earth. But eventually, I hope I can make that little dream of mine a reality. I would prefer to grow my own vegetation and herbs, and to hunt and gather my food, to live as closely to the old ways as possible.
So, in the end, you can be an Earth Warrior and still eat meat, so long as you know the animals are treated well and allowed to fully live out their lives. Get your eggs and poultry from places that actually allow their chickens to run around outside of a barn, your meat from places that let their animals graze on grass and maybe the occasional organic grain feed. Or if you have the option, don't even buy your meats, hunt your own (just make sure you use all of the animal that can be used and don't waste).
Now let us stop bickering, if you are a Vegetarian or Vegan, I accept that is your choice and you have your reasons, please accept that my choosing to eat meat is my choice for my own reasons. Let's all come together in balance and fight for the planet we love, let's all be an "Earth Warrior"
(Band: OMNIA Song: Earth Warrior
Excerpts pulled from OMNIA Blog Post
Image by OMNIA)
