Is Witchcraft Real?

 

the story of witchcraft

I know we've just has Christmas, a quiet but fun one, but my favourite time of the year is Halloween (as you may have guessed from the title). It's so much fun, with its games, costumes, 'scarry' films and --- smashing food!

If you've been brought up in certain "Faiths," this is a taboo subject and images of old, ugly women bowing to a strange looking thing come into our minds, as we have seen these pictures many times in our lives. Whilst I respect all teachings on this Earth, I wanted to do a little research myself on this subject and to find out if there are any 'real' witches living today.

live and love life

We all know the fairytale stories, whether from Disney or Grimms, and there is nearly always a wicked witch trying to hurt the beautiful, innocent princess out of sheer jealousy. Snow White has always been my favourite as it always reminds me of my mother (no, she was not a wicked stepmother!) as when I was about 5 years old, I remember holding her hand and watching Snow White go by in a float with the 7 dwarves. There was a poisoned red apple in the story and my mother always gave me red apples to eat (no, they were not poisoned!). It's just a very pleasant childhood memory that I have never forgotten --- 40-odd years later.

So, what do we actually know about "Witchcraft"?

We've been raised to believe that these 'women' turn into ugly looking things and ride in the sky on broomsticks, worshipping a devil. This belief was so real that at one point in human history, women were burned to death because people 'believed' this.

But I ask the question =

 have you ever seen anyone riding in the sky on a broomstick?

can a person really turn into another creature or is it just a 'magic trick'?

has anyone seen a devil?

Now, I'm not making fun of anyone who truly believes this, faith is needed in this world in which we live, and if your faith helps you to live everyday --- please stick with it !

I'm just trying to keep my own feet on the ground (please excuse the pun). I have personally met 'witches' and they look like everybody else --- they do not wear strange hats or carry strange things in their hands --- or eat strange food. They have Witchcraft in their lives because they believe it helps them in every day life.

And Witchcraft is a very Earthy faith as they do believe in herbs and crystals for healing.

Also, karma --- what you give out comes back!

It may be of interest to note that Witchcraft is now an official religion in the United States and Canada. I like this comment, from an actual witch herself: "the witch has done another magic trick, by turning from a fright into a figure of inspiration. She might show up in the form of your Wiccan co-worker, or the beloved musician who gives off a sorceress vibe in videos or onstage." (from Pam Grossman, the author of  "Waking The Witch).

the story of witchcraft

Every person has a reason for choosing their path in life and witches are no different. Maybe they find peace and quiet in their tarot cards, candles and spells.

Whatever we believe in, as long as it gives us the help we need to live on this very unique planet --- the Earth --- it's worth respecting.

"LIVE AND LOVE LIFE!"

TRY TO BE ALWAYS POSITIVE

 TRY TO BE ALWAYS POSITIVE

live and love life

Like so many of us today, I have a constant fight with depression. We've all had those terrible experiences in our lives which have affected us for the rest of our lives. But, rather than dwell on the negative, I want us to focus on the POSITIVE.

One thing that has helped me personally (and still does) is looking at beautiful pictures of this planet we live on. The Earth has everything we need to help us and heal us And it costs nothing to open a book and look at beautiful and Peaceful pictures of our home.

live and love life

 It is a medical fact that whatever we take into our minds, through our eyes, affects us mentally, which will affect us physically.

Meditating on this Earth and It's natural elements will bring "Magic" into our daily lives.

Smell the rose --- how does it make you feel?

Hear the waves from the Oceans --- how is your mind?

Our lives are so busy, our time taken up with family and work, that it seems that we live in an 'artificial' world, closed with no windows to look out of, just four walls and too busy to even lookup.

Life can feel like that --- young or old --- we are constantly worried about something.

LISTEN ! ! !

The birds sing in the morning and evening --- and usually --- during the day. When was the last time you or I stopped and listened to their beautiful little voices. The sound is so soothing to our minds, so Peaceful, quietening our emotions without us even realizing.

We can help ourselves, every single day, to stay POSITIVE and DETERMINED  to keep our lives as PEACEFUL as possible.

Click on the link "Live and Love Life" for some good ideas that we can use every single day of our lives.

"Live and Love Life!"

Motivational Studies

 What Motivates You ?

Every morning is a new day and a new beginning. Each day is a new start = to re-train the mind = mind-set is a skill!

Believe In Yourself!

Remember, it is up to YOU to keep going, to never say "I can't do this" but to say

"I CAN Do This!"

The greatest gift you can give to other people is a HAPPY You.

Motivate Yourself!

10 tips for Motivating Yourself

1 = set a goal, one you can reach

2 = plan ahead, what will you do tomorrow?

3 = track / write down your progress, this will motivate you to do your very best

4 = reward yourself every time you 'hit that goal', watch a movies / read a new book / eat a bar of chocolate

5 = remind yourself, write an email to yourself / write it in your planner --- what's the next step?

6 = surround yourself with people who "Motivate You"

7 = keep your work area tidy, a tidy desk is a tidy mind

8 = learn about people who Inspire you

9 = watch and listen to Motivation talks (Youtube / TED)

10 = listen to music which motivates you, builds up your mind, read Inspirational quotes.

Today is preparation --- for tomorrow!

What is this Coronavirus ?

 What is this coronavirus?

We have heard the words "Coronavirus" and "Covid-19" all year, every single day on the news --- even I'm asking: "What is this virus?"

Where does it come from?

It is said that this virus is very close to in origin to a 'bat coronavirus,' however, there is no evidence that humans catch it from bats. The onset of symptoms were first notice in China in early December 2019. It is a respiratory virus which can spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes (hence, always wear a mask outside and on the buses, at the shops, etc). It is not known to spread through food as 'cooking' will kill the virus. Washing the hands thoroughly before and after cooking is advised.

So what are the symptoms?

High temperature, a new and continuous cough and a change or lose of smell or taste. This is interesting = the range of symptoms can be from a mild illness to pneumonia, with severe fever, cough, sore throat and headaches. In very severe cases, difficulty in breathing can occur.

DO NOT PANIC !

Follow the guideline we're given by the government and we should be safe.

If you feel you 'may' have these symptoms = self-isolate (for 10 days) and arrange to have the test.

A mild case can last for two weeks, however, if it is more severe it may take up to six weeks or more to recover. Most people "WILL" recover from coronavirus but there have been extreme cases where the person has died.

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. The doctor may suggest over the counter medicines. In 'severe' cases, the patient is taken into hospital.

Follow the advice from the doctor! If you have had three days without fever and it's been 'at least' ten days since the first symptoms --- you can go out --- but follow the guidelines from the government!

1) WASH YOUR HANDS = A LOT!

2) WEAR A FACE COVERING WHEN OUTSIDE!

3) MAKE SPACE = SOCIAL DISTANCING ANYWHERE OUTSIDE!

It is crazy that this virus has virtually 'shut down' this whole planet, as it seems that nearly every country has been infected and each country is trying to deal with it in the best way possible.

This coronavirus has 'reshaped' our lives --- today!

what is this coronavirus?

"It's Christmas!"

 "It's Christmas!"

For some, Christmas is the most exciting time of the year. For others, it is one of the main religious holidays of the year. For me personally, Xmas is about spending time with our loved ones, giving and receiving  some lovely gifts --- and eating good food!

We all know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Christian Lord Jesus Christ, and some of the church services are beautiful with candles and carol singing, and, of course, "The Christmas Message."

For some, who may be of different 'faiths', Xmas is still celebrated but for different reasons.

"Saturnalia" was celebrated in Rome, in honour of the god of agriculture --- "Saturn." Starting with the week leading up to the Winter Solstice and for a whole month, this was a 'hedonistic' time. Food and drink was plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down --- the slaves became the masters, the peasants were in command of the city and businesses and schools closed so that everyone could enjoy the celebrations.

Also at this time in Rome, the "Feats of Juvenalia" was observed which honoured the children of Rome. Those of the rich classes of Rome, celebrated the birthday of "Mithra" who was an infant god, born of a rock. This day was 25th December and for some it was the most sacred day of the year.

To unite all the people into Christianity, Pope Julius I chose 25th December as the day Jesus Christ was born, and along with this, many of the traditions were continued under this celebration. The Bible does not tell us when Jesus Christ was born, but as the shepherds were herding their sheep outside, it is thought to be around spring time. For me personally, celebrating the birth of a new baby (at any time of the year) is a wonderful time as it is celebrating new life --- and life on this Earth is beautiful!

Christmas hasn't always been celebrated in England. In 1645, Oliver Cromwell and the Puritan forces 'cancelled' Christmas. When Charles II re-took the throne, Christmas was restored. When the English pilgrims moved to America in 1620, they did not celebrate Christmas. It was finally declared a federal holiday as late as 1870.

The famous author Charles Dickens, wrote the classic holiday tale "A Christmas Carol." The message from this tale is: "the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind," and this struck a very powerful note in the United States and England. It also showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating Christmas.

As time went on, more and more 'traditions' were absorbed into the celebration = giving gifts to children / decorating the tree / sending cards / and so on = until we have the Christmas that we have today, in 2020 --- and what fun it is too!

It may be a quieter Xmas this year because of the covid-19 restrictions but we can still have a fantastic time --- it's up to us to make it that fantastic!

"It's Christmas!"

"Mermaids, Are They Real?"

 

Mermaids

I've been recently watching the television series "Sirens" and have found that I am fascinated by the subject. As well as being a story in Disney (The Little Mermaid), mermaids have always been in our minds through the centuries. These 'sea creatures' have been in our psyche for as long as humans have been around. Such beautiful but dangerous creatures, we "WANT" them to be real!

They are the cross-over between the sea and land, the sea creatures and humans, after all, everyone would love to swim with dolphins, let alone live with them.

There is a documentary by Live Science called "Are Mermaids Real?" which apparently "proved" that mermaids are real today, it is so "real" that many viewers actually believed it, but in the credits at the end of the show there is a very brief disclaimer saying that it is a work of fiction, the "scientists" are in fact paid actors! This program had such an impact that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration felt the need to post this statement on their website: "No evidence of aquatic humanoids has ever been found."

mermaids

Mermaids are a big feature in mythology and have existed here for thousands of years. The first myth mentioned about mermaids is found around 1,000 B.C.E. This myth tells of a Syrian goddess who jumped into a lake to turn into a fish, but her beauty could not change, only her bottom half transformed into a fish tail. 

Captain Columbus himself reported seeing mermaids, neat Haiti in 1493. He described them as being "not as pretty as they are depicted, for somehow in the face they look like men."

mermaids

Today, there are professional scuba divers who make their living being mermaids, swimming at parties and even aquariums. One such aquarium is Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs which has been opened since 1947. These divers are so 'life-like' that the children believe that they are real mermaids, even the PR director says: "just like with Santa Claus, we always say yes. We're not going to tell them that they're (the mermaids) are not real." We all need something to believe in.

A beautiful legend in China speaks of the tears of elusive sirens which form the most beautiful pearls on Earth. For me personally, I wish that mermaids were real as they are so beautiful and graceful (well, in my imagination anyway).

LIVE AND LOVE LIFE!

Wildlife Parks and Zoos

 

Wildlife Parks and Zoos are so much more accommodating for the animals today.

Instead of living "behind bars", these animals are now living in environments very similar to their natural habitats. These 'Places' are now used to protect and increase the numbers of these animals, as well as for us being able to'visit' these unique creatures and 'learn' how we can live in harmony with them on this Earth.

London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo. It first opened on 27th April, 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. In 1831/1832, the animals of the Tower of London menagerie were moved to London Zoo, which was opened to the public in 1847. This zoo has a collection of animals which include: giraffes / lemurs / zebras / otters / pygmy hippos / meerkats / okapis and warthogs. This zoo had the first world's public aquarium which was built in 1853. London Zoo is one of the best 'ethical' zoos in the UK. It offers one of the best conservation experiences as the habitats are huge and kept as close as possible to the animals natural habitats.

The New Forest Wildlife Park was opened to the public in 1998 and is located on the edge of the New Forest. This Park specializes in native and past-native wildlife of Britain, which includes: otters / owls / red deer / bison and wolves. It is an enjoyable day with keeper talks, feeding times, animal encounters and special events. This Park is recognized  as the UK's leading institution in the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild otters, owls, deer and foxes. It is involved in several conservation projects, including breeding for endangered species.

The Blue Planet Aquarium has a fascinating underwater ecosystem which hosts more than 100 live exhibits and one of the biggest collections of sharks in Europe. This Aquarium is a collection of marine and freshwater life. It is located in Cheshire, England. It's stated aim is to "enlighten, increase knowledge and raise interest in the marine environment using an inter-active, entertaining and sustainable approach." This opened to the public in July 1998. It keeps a variety of mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

These are just 3 of over 10,000 zoos worldwide which care for around one million vertebrate animals. The WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) was set up in 1935 to provide leadership and support for zoos and aquariums, and takes the lead in animals welfare, care, the conservation of biodiversity, environmental education and global sustainability. Thanks to these Parks, Zoos and Aquariums, many creatures were brought back from almost extinction and their numbers have increased.

Hopefully mankind is learning to live in harmony with and help the creatures we share our home with.

You Are "Magic"