tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280811498050674235.post5100630730844412794..comments2012-03-12T16:48:29.020-04:00Comments on New York City Dreaming: The Cheeseburger PathAngelwick Edenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03762641349515288719noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280811498050674235.post-30173157713409336702011-11-01T23:04:27.129-04:002011-11-01T23:04:27.129-04:00Well....I'm just glad Punky did NOT do what yo...Well....I'm just glad Punky did NOT do what your mom said. ~shudder~Aunt Juiceboxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09312942310632639442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280811498050674235.post-52143905175082910742011-10-25T13:57:07.797-04:002011-10-25T13:57:07.797-04:00I definitely thank the gods - just as I would anyo...I definitely thank the gods - just as I would anyone who helped me out with a task/job. I think this is different than worshiping. I think of it as honoring - valuing the friendship and the working relationship. <br /><br />I like your analogy about the jealous boyfriend and I definitely think it applies to those who view god in this way - but the thing is, I don't put the gods at the top of the celestial corporate ladder either. I don't even have an org chart. I refer to all those that I work with as "my people. " I think the gods are different but not necessarily better or worthy of more praise. <br /><br />I know - it's funny how hard this is for most people to swallow, this idea of equality in magic/spirituality - especially the idea of HUMANS actually being equal and valuable?!! We've been taught for so long that we are the lowly peasants of the universe. And yet, religion aside - in everyday life/society, we humans think we're pretty damned great. Go figure.Aine O'Brienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18372090267226506263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280811498050674235.post-25531135958319917882011-10-24T12:40:48.111-04:002011-10-24T12:40:48.111-04:00I'm totally with you. That's what I meant ...I'm totally with you. That's what I meant about doing it my way and not with some instructional manual. I mean, books are great and all, but I think that it's something you have to feel out. Like you just have to open yourself up to it, and what comes is what comes, it's catered and personalized for you, so how can anyone else tell you what it's supposed to feel like?<br /><br />Okay.. so, for the sake of discussion and not cause I'm a pushy christian with tract in hand, the way you describe working with the gods instead of worshiping them is sort of the way that God works for me and my mom. There is a certain amount of worship, but it's not about hymns and sunday service. It's about sending out a silent mental thank you when what you wanted to go your way, goes your way. <br /><br />I know it must be freaky to hear/see, but I swear that my Christian way and the way I believe the witches path to be, are so similar it's eerie, the dividing line being that the God of Abraham is jealous and wants only one God, and that there's no such rule on the other side.<br /><br />Food for though.. God said, Put no other Gods before me. He didn't say Put no Gods anywhere. What if he's just like a jealous boyfriend that wants to know he's number one, and everyone else can be number two?<br /><br />-AngelwickAngelwick Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03762641349515288719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280811498050674235.post-18225909254808334942011-10-24T11:53:14.389-04:002011-10-24T11:53:14.389-04:00Loved this post!! Your mom is fantastic. Ok, her...Loved this post!! Your mom is fantastic. Ok, here's my two cents. I do not believe that Witchcraft is a religion. It is more...a way of life. I think that many people who say they are witches practice in a way that is way too much like the religion they were most likely raised in...which is understandable. Comfort, familiarity, etc. And I see way too much Christian like practices in the books written for the "Modern witch." <br /><br />But to be a Witch, first and foremost (in my opinion) is to do the Work, to actually practice. Go figure - but seriously, there are so many witches who go to gatherings and do elaborate rituals and NEVER cast a spell, and barely know what phase the moon is in. <br /><br />I personally do not believe you have to belong to a coven or honor any particular day, or wear robes or wear pentacles. You do, however, have to practice witchcraft, which means - magic - spells. And no, you don't have to draw 10 magic circles around and call in St. Michael before you do them either. Like your mother, you can just give good ole wacky advise that works. <br /><br />How about God? Witches do not worship the gods - we work with them. We have a working relationship with them, and we "honor" (thank) them from time to time, just as you would your friends and coworkers. This is probably THE biggest difference between Witches and Christians and why Christians (I'm sorry) cannot be Witches. You have to pick a side (even though we are not really at war - at least some of us aren't.) Your mother is more a witch than some of the people I've met who claim they are. <br /><br />Ok, that's what I have to say today, and what I know so far.... Thanks for the thought provoking and very entertaining post.Aine O'Brienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18372090267226506263noreply@blogger.com