House Warming

I picked up a Housewarming candle from Blue Eagle the other day. Spouse and I did a little housewarming ritual. We lit candle (on a heatproof old ashtray I use for this purpose), turned on all the lights, opened all the windows, made some noise, and went from room to room stating our intentions for the space. I didn’t think the wax drippings looked like anything but when I took the candle off, the wax dripped in the shape of a heart! Hopefully this bodes well for the new place.

Pagan Prayers

Here is a collection of my favorite prayers. These prayers are mostly traditional with authors unknown. However, I just read what I am referring to as the Evening Prayer in Living Wicca by Scott Cunningham.

Comment below if you'd like me to share a black and white printable mini Book of Prayer that includes all but the Evening Prayer.

Morning Prayer (Blessed be my feet)

Blessed be my feet, which walk the sacred path of the Lord and Lady.
Blessed be my knees, which kneel at the sacred altar.
Blessed be my heart, may it beat the drum of compassion.
Blessed be my lips, may they always speak the truth.
Blessed be my eyes, may they see the wisdom of Spirit.
May the love of the Lord and Lady be in and around me
     as I begin my journey through life this day.

So mote it be!

Bath Time Prayer

Blessed be the waters that wash away the soil

From my tired body worn with care and toil

That I may rise from them clean as new

As if bathed in pools of shining dew

So [mote] it be.

Pagan Serenity Prayer 

God & Goddess Grant Me

The Power of Water To Accept with Ease & Grace that which I Cannot Change The Power of Fire For the Energy of Courage To Change the Things I can The Power of Air For the Ability To Know the Difference and The Power of Earth For the Strength To Continue My Path

Buddhist Meal Time Prayer

This food comes from the earth and the sky
It is the gift of the entire universe
And the fruit of much hard work
I vow to live a life that is worthy to receive it

Evening Prayer

Lady of the Moon;

Lord of the Sun;

Protect me and mine

Now day is done.

Bed Time Prayer (As I lay snuggled)

As I lay snuggled in my bed,
Pillow tucked beneath my head,
Maiden, bring me joyful dreams.
Mother, bring me peace, serene.
Wisest Crone, watch over me.
Until the light of dawn, I see.
And let me wake up safe and sound,
Each day that to this Earth, I’m bound.

What are your favorite Pagan and Wiccan prayers?

Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft

One question I keep seeing as I read Wicca 101 books and online sources is, "What is the difference between Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft?" Marietta at Witchy Words does an excellent job of explaining the difference. Allow me to offer a brief explanation with the use of one of her visuals.

Paganism  encompasses many different types of earth-based religions with a reverence for nature. Wicca is a specific type of Paganism based on ancient European traditions and folklore combined with some modern practices. In the 1950s, Gerald Gardner published both fiction and non-fiction books that popularized Wicca. Witchcraft is the non-religious use of magick (k is sometimes added to distinguish between true magick spells and sleight of hand). As you can see, there can be some overlap between Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft.

I consider myself a Neo-Pagan Witch. Neo-Paganism is used to differentiate between modern and ancient practices of Paganism, but they're used somewhat interchangeably. Paganism may draw from ancient practices, and there are many different kinds of Paganism, but I suspect a lot of Paganism today is Neo-Paganism. My religious practices include celebrating Wiccan holidays. I prioritize nature-based spirituality and rarely perform magick spells.

Do you consider yourself a Pagan, Wiccan, or Witch?