I came across an extraordinarily stupid article on the internet today and I thought I'd share it on here as an example of the dangers of believing some of the rubbish printed on the internet. The author of the article makes generalisations about Wicca, Satanism and Christianity, yet seems surprisingly ignorant about all three religions. Indeed, I'm unsure whether a Wicca, Satanist or Christian would be the most offended reading it. LINK TO EXTREMELY IGNORANT ARTICLEI'll just give you an example of some of the key stupids: "We have seen that Wicca and Satanism are basically of the same pedigree and that Satanists are far more aware of the identity of the powers and forces behind Wicca than most Wiccans are." "Both Satanists and witches adore and worship the Pagan god, Pan, the most infamous sexual predator in history...""Christianity is the only faith in the world that is intolerant of all other faiths.""What's the difference is between Wicca and Satanism? Biblically speaking, there's not a dime's difference between the two, they're both false religions."And in another, possibly EVEN STUPIDER ARTICLE on the same site: "A book could easily be written documenting the obvious connection between Satanism and Wicca. Wiccans may claim not to believe in Satan, but Satan certainly believes in Wicca! Birds-of-a-feather flock together. Satanists, Masons, occultists, New Agers, Wiccans, Communists, Evolutionists, atheists, and psychics all reside in the same fruit wagon headed for Hellfire."
The Witchipedia is pretty much what it sounds like, an online resource of information for Witchy and Pagan information. I actually think considering how good the name is, the site still needs a bit of work to live up to it. There are some good articles but the navigation of the site isn't very intuitive and until they get a really comprehensive database of articles, they would benefit from publishing a full list of content, otherwise you spend all your time typing key words for articles into the search and finding they don't exist yet. The latest question in the FAQ section was submitted Feb 2013 which gives the impression that the site isn't very active. Equally the forums show little activity which is a shame as they must get a decent bit of traffic with a title like the Witchipedia. The glossary of occult term is pretty good and has some good info in it but some entries are a little simplistic as in - "Hellenic - means all things Greek." The Book of Shadows has a few broken links which is a shame as the list of info included promises some valuable additions to any BOS or Grimoire. In summary, the Witchipedia doesn't quite live up to what it promises and though its worth checking out, it isn't the one stop resource for witches that it purports to be.
Image taken from the Witchipedia site and clicking will open the site.
Interesting arty blog site celebrating the femininity of the menstrual cycle with blood used as an artistic medium. Some beautiful images created with genuine menstrual blood from models of different ages and different gender identifications. The site explains the overall aim as: "Seeing Red is about making visible the constant, but often hidden, experience of menstruation. It is recognising and reclaiming the visual strength and beauty in the accidental stain, the purposeful stain and the intimacy of blood." The site also accepts contributions from readers who wish to participate. http://seeingredproject.wordpress.com/about/Image http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1380712 (andrejanel)
HOLIDAYS _how to choose where to goGramps drives nanny all over the country until she finds the windiest place then they ring mummy and daddy who stuff the car with everything they can find, whether they need it or not, and then we set off, only stopping briefly so they can go back for something they have forgotten. ARRIVAL Meet nanny and gramps at windy place, refuse picnic and run round nearest field, being chased by all adults until they are too tired to notice you only eat crisps and cakes. HOLIDAY HOME V ery tidy and boring when first arrive so make more homely by immediately emptying toy box, all kitchen cupboards you can reach and shredding as much toilet roll as you can before the adults spot you.TOYS Gramps will put his toy keys in drawers so be helpful by taking them out again at regular intervals in case he has forgotten which drawer he put them in. Also remind Gramps to get up early as dolly will be sleeping in his bed during the day. EATING OUT Always sit next to Gramps at mealtimes when he is having chips as he will pass you some when mummy not looking. Remember food comes in 2 categories, mine and yuck. All yuck food should be fed to daddy but remember to say yuck before each spoonful so he doesn't get a nasty surprise.Nannies are easily trained where food is concrrned as they usually have a bag full of pringles or biscuits which are easily obtained by waving your hand at them. DADDIES V ery useful on holidays for pushing swings, helping up climbing frames etc. Also good for carrying you back up steep hills which you have run down fast enough to make eveyone gasp with fright.MUMMIES Not as easily trained as the others but can usually be defeated by shouting I pee or I poop which makes them laugh so much they forget what they were telling you not to do. Mummies also make everything better, especially sore bottoms when you have forgotten to shout the above.. ANIMALS These are really easy to tell apart, if they have 2 legs they are ducks which say quack (though some say tweet or cock a doodle doo which will be rectified when they start duck school) Ducks can be caught by shouting HELLO DUCK but this can take some time so you must be patient and shout it many times. Animals with 4 legs are moos unless they are sheep or dogs. Dogs are harder to catch and the only way to do this is to run after them ,preferably downhill with your body going slightly faster than your feet, shouting very loudly "HEY COME BACK DOG" This doesn't always work so if one does get away , look round for another and repeat the process. PETS If taking a hamster on holiday make sure it is in the same bedroom as you and mummy and daddy and wake up at regular intervals shouting "hello to you" so he doesn't get homesick AT END OF HOLIDAY pack up car, go home , live normal life and then do it all again next yearI think she had a little hand writing this from her nanny who sent it to the Degu WitchImage http://www.sxc.hu/browse.phtml?f=view&id=1410430 (Krappweiss)
The thing I like best about Leolyn's site is her section on her site that she calls the Universal Wish list. Basically, anybody with a problem or anyone going through troubles can send the details to the Whispering Witch website and the Whispering Witch and others who visit the site can take the time to send positive energy to those who need it. I just think this is a really beautiful thing to have on your blog and not something I have seen in many other places. The other thing you need to know about the Whispering Witch is that she isn't just a witch, she's a poet! Check out her poem "Don't Quiet the Whisper," published on her site. Beautiful and really encapsulates my own relationship with the Goddess. Leolyn also maintains a regular and informative blog. I particularly enjoyed the post on working with bird correspondences that she did in August this year. Great stuff.
This website is by the admission of the author a bit out of date. She directs you to her new blog (Sabrina's Witchy Wonderland) which is the current blog and has some interesting articles on it. But the reason I am highlighting the original Witchy Wonderland this week is because it has some fantastic information and guidance on pagan parenting on it. And there isn't that much information on how to be a good pagan parent out there. There are some lovely songs and chants that you can use to sing to your little pagan babies, some legal information on your rights as a pagan parent and even some info about herbs and breast feeding. Nice to see a site do something a bit different. So go on you pregnant witches, get over there and have a look! Image links to the author's current website. The info on pagan parenting can be found here.
OOOh the Black Witch is crafty. And I mean crafty in the nicest possible way. Take a look at her gift shop. I like her watches most, She makes these fab drop down charm watches, really pretty and using natural crystals. With Yule coming up you might get some great gifts from this site so it is worth having a look with plenty of time to order for the festive season. This blog has been going quite a while now so there is a lot of content to read back through. The Black Witch also has a lot to say about Paganism from a black perspective. And its good to see someone speaking intelligently about the diversity of cultures within Paganism. The Black Witch also offers a question and answer section, similar to what I have on here. I like the way she answers people, no nonsense and right to the point. So check her out, she's pretty feisty and fabulous!
Picture is an example of the quality gifts on offer in the Black Witch's gift shoppe. It links through to her site.
The Witch of Forest Grove has a very established website that has been going for a number of years. She is an internationally respected witch known for her knowledge of herbs in particular. I highly recommend you read the article on her website about flying ointments - this is not my area of speciality and I am delighted to have found such a learned and experienced witch to refer all the questions I get on flying ointments to (sorry Forest Grove Witch!) There is an abundance of learned information on this site - articles include topics as diverse as fairies, sex magic, Shamanism and Luciferian Witchcraft. This witch knows her stuff. I would suggest that her site is aimed at a more advance practitioner than mine and others I have recently reviewed. But for the intermediate to experienced witch there is a wealth of information that will enable you to progress within the craft. The site also offers a shop where herbs and incense can be purchased (I haven't worked out how to obtain the necessary password to access the shop but don't let that put you off, we all know that the Degu Witch is a bit technically incompetent...) And check out some of her sculptures. Just beautiful and very original indeed.
Image links to the Witch of Forest Grove's original illustrations gallery where she sells prints of her artwork to online buyers.
I came across Spirit Stitch's blog as part of the Pagan Blog Project 2013. Its been a brilliant way to become familiar with some really top quality blogs and you can look forward to my top witchy blogs lists growing and growing before the year is out.
Spirit Stitch introduces her blog with the strapline "Hands on creative and spiritual work - even if it means ripping out several rows of stitches." This gives you a good idea of the flavour of her blog, you know its going to be no nonsense and the product of thoughtful rather than rushed writing. She weaves her knitting stories into the blogs which are an interesting mix of apt quotations, knitting patterns and musings on Christian beliefs. Spirit Stitch is unusually happy to share which is lovely and many of her own wordings and little ritual tips are incorporated into her blogs. This approach gives every blog a feeling of being more than just an essay. It reminds me a bit of those magazine packs you used to get as a child, an article, a recipe, maybe a spell or a project. Its ecclectic and it holds your interest. She is good with words too and that is half the battle for a blogger. Also, I spotted a Salvador Dali picture on there as well so we know she has good taste in art!
Image taken off Spirit Stitch's website and links through to her site.
OOOooh! First witch blog review and I'm spoiled for choice with my contemporaries producing some truly fantastic sites that put my own technical skills to shame, lol. There is such a wealth of experience out there and so many erudite witches blogging about their knowledge and experience. Seriously, do yourself a favour, click on a few links and prepare to do some quality learning....
But my witch of the week review today is concerned with the blog of Twisted Witch. The thing I like most about Twisted Witch's blog is the emphasis on craft work. Check out her recent post on card crafting with butterflies - beautiful. Twisted Witch designs for several different places and enters competitions with her pieces of art, most of which are photographed and displayed prominently on her blog. I find this site very inspirational and with Yule coming up, a browse through Twisted Witch's pics may give you some good ideas if you are thinking of creating personal greeting cards yourself this year.
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