After a dreary-weather day spent indoors puttering around the house on Sunday, I turned in for the night around 11:00.  I was expecting a good night’s sleep would allow me to kick off the work week feeling refreshed and recharged.   But to paraphrase Robert Burns, the best laid plans often go awry.

I was just dozing off when I heard some seemingly scratching noises to the left of my bed near the outer wall of the room.  I sat up and checked for Mollie, who sometimes lays up against that wall.  She was all curled up asleep in her bed in the corner.  I assumed there must be a mouse or something inside the walls of the building and made a note to myself to inform the landlord of this the next day.

Settling back down, I started snoozing again.  About a half hour later, I heard more noises.  This time, they were clearly in the room.  It sounded as if something was moving things around on my bureau.  Alert again, I sat up, turned on the night stand light and scanned the room.  Nothing was there.

This went on at random intervals throughout the night.  I would no sooner be drifting off to sleep when some odd noise would stir me up.  I would turn on the light, look around the room, check the dog (only to see she hadn’t budged and inch), turn off the light, and settle back down to sleep.  I wondered how much of what I was hearing was real vs. how much was all in my head because of the initial noises at the beginning of the night.  Perhaps I was dreaming some of it.  Perhaps I was just psyching myself out and hearing things that weren’t really there.  Or perhaps, I had a spirit visitor?

Being as Samhain is just around the corner, a time of year when it is believed that the veil between the spirit world and the physical world is thin, allowing spirits the ability to travel easily between worlds – I pondered this possibility.  But no, let’s not overreact – while I’ve experienced my fair share of paranormal activity in my lifetime, it’s not been in my own house.

I chalked this up to an overtired, overactive imagination at this point, rolled onto my side, and snuggled back up under the covers.  Then, before I even had the chance to start dozing off again…

Something grabbed my shoulder!

Whoa Nelly!  Okay, I did NOT dream or imagine that!  I was wide awake.  I jumped up, whipped off the covers, and flew across the room to turn on the overhead light.  Again, I saw nothing out of the ordinary, except for the stuff on the bureau that had indeed been moved around. I asked aloud, “is there someone here with me?” and waited for some kind of noise in response.  Nothing.

So now I’m wide awake at 3:30 in the morning. I’m obviously not going to get any sleep in my bedroom.  I had awaken Mollie with my startled yelp when I felt my shoulder touched, and she was now giving me a disgusted look for disturbing her sleep.  I announced to her I was going to the living room. Being the good canine companion that she is, she immediately followed and found herself a suitable spot there to curl up and rest.  On the way to the couch I grabbed a flashlight and my digital camera, preparing to do some TAPS style investigating if need be.

To make a long story a tad shorter – we’ll flash forward some, past some time I spent investigating this mystery.  Sitting on my couch in the dark, weary from a long, sleepless night, and hours of work, I now began to hear noises in the living room.  You have got to be kidding me.  What is going on here?  Before I could even complete the thought, something from my autumn altar fell to the ground – well, not fell exactly – it was pushed.  There was definitely some force behind it.  Yeah, we’re not alone here Mollie.

I grabbed the camera I had kept by my side and began snapping pictures in that direction.

A few moments later, I reviewed the pictures.  I don’t know quite what I expected to see in the images, but this wasn’t exactly it:

Ahhh, so there’s my “ghost”!  LMAO now,  I just had to get a better shot of this.

Another case of possible paranormal activity DEBUNKED! 

So you’re the culprit!  I wonder how you managed to make so much noise, and actually jump on my shoulder, then scurry out of sight every time I turned on a light?  And for that matter, how the heck did you get in here?  Well, you’re awfully cute, but you can’t stay.

As I contemplated a capture and release strategy, which wasn’t easy to do with a foggy mind trying to run on no sleep, I turned to Mollie who lifted her head slightly to look back at me.

“Hey dog, when we’re at friends’ houses who have cats, you’re all about sniffing out and chasing the cats around, but when you’ve got a strange critter running about wreaking havoc in your own house, you totally ignore it?”

She simply sighed and wiggled a bit to get more comfy.

The next hour of my time was spent trying to shoe this little critter outside through the living room window I opened next to where I had discovered him on my altar.

He wasn’t quite ready to go. He jumped to the floor and ran (right past Mollie, who could have cared less) to the opposite corner of the kitchen where he proceeded to clamber up my stair-climber machine and perch on top of one of the handles.  Extremely amused now, I asked him if he really felt a workout was necessary at this time.  Surely he had gotten enough exercise running all over my house and rearranging my stuff.

I eventually coaxed my little uninvited house guest out the window, where he ran down the ledge to the cable wires and crossed to the trees, the usual squirrel route around here.

I must say though, I was slightly disappointed that my first solo paranormal investigation had a normal, albeit amusing, explanation.

But that’s the way it goes.

Special thanks to the TAPS team for their teaching good paranormal investigation and debunking skills on their SyFy show “Ghost Hunters“, and at their wonderful workshops. 

With my personal paranormal case solved, in the words of the TAPS co-founders:

“On to the next!”

In case you missed the beginning of the story:  Part I

And/or the middle:  Part II

X changes spiritual systems, and becomes an expert? in one day!
X posts this link:  Read this article: Wiccans.

And these were X’s words about Wiccans today:

“They have left the road of Christ. Christ is all a person needs to be successful with. Sometimes the Devil and Evil spirits tempt people to leave GOD. I’ve been tempted by Satan to fall down this road that I no longer want to go down to. If you believe in God and keep faith in him then everything will be good. Personally, Wiccans use the excuse that if one is a stranger then they will not cast spells for others. Or other excuses in which you must cast your own spells. PROVE that you religion is real if you claim it to be as good as you say. Simply put: It’s not real. If it were real they would prove to the World that the religion they follow is higher in power then God. But they don’t. They meet mostly in secrecy and do not have legitimate openings where other people can discover this religion. Churches, Kingdom Halls and etc. are known about. However, you do not hear about where Wiccans meet. Wiccans are never mentioned on the news about helping people. When was the last time you’ve ever heard on the news that someone who has cast a spell has helped someone? I was silly enough to believe that this was real. They keep to themselves and run in pacts. This is because they do not realize what is wrong here. They will get defensive and try to argue. However, I find that at least other religions can come out and let the world know what they are about no matter what happens. Until we see them actually cast their spells to help heal this world and make it any better then what they claim God hasn’t done, I believe that they should hush.. They prove nothing and will keep on scamming young teenagers to join them. The “KKK,” group was evil but simply had followers because evil people stick together. Pray to God to help us all.

How can mixing herbs and dirt together automatically help you?

Hmm . . . If you would like to argue with me about Christianity, E-Mail me personally. We can debate and I will prove you WRONG!”

Okay X, enough is enough – nobody tried “scamming” you into the religion of Wicca – YOU approached us, with a skewed idea of what Wicca is.  You also obviously have no idea what witchcraft is and what it is not, no basic understanding of the work involved in casting an effective spell, and you seriously lack a sense of ethics, not to mention your lack of good manners and respect for your elders.  Doors WERE opened for you – YOU are the one who slammed them shut.

Being a priest or priestess of Wicca does not mean one has to coddle you or do your bidding without question.   And it doesn’t mean we are obligated to tell you what you want to hear.  If you can’t handle honesty, that is your issue, not ours.

If you don’t wish to actually learn about what the religion of Wicca is (which for the umpteenth time is NOT all about spells), that’s fine, but you need not spread misinformation and lies about Wicca either.

By all means X, turn to Christianity if you feel that is better suited for you.  Personally, I don’t understand how anyone can go from believing in Wicca (a polytheistic religion) to Christianity (a monotheistic religion) in one day.  And I feel that joining one religion because you are angry with folks from another religion isn’t exactly the right reason – but to each their own.  I will warn though that you will not find Christianity to be all about granting prayers and getting  everything you want.   Both Christianity and Wicca are serious SPIRITUAL paths, and neither is about instant gratification.

And now you are actively looking to argue in defense of Christianity?  After one day of  “being Christian”.  Lovely.  I’m sorry, but the truth is that you are not showing any interest in any actual spirituality.

I can only hope that you will take more time to study and learn about your new-found path and its teachings than you did with Wicca, and that you will find the peace and happiness you seek.

But for goodness sake, would you please at least grab a dictionary and look up the word “stranger”, try to understand the context in which it was used and put it in proper perspective!

Are we, as Wiccans, obligated to cast spells for anyone who asks because we are “into peace and helping others”?

I thought not, but perhaps I was wrong, so I posed the question to fellow Wiccans on the forum.  And for a bonus tidbit to discuss, I asked my fellow Wiccans what their definition of “help” was.   (Not that I was surprised, but they agreed that I did what I could to help and was under no obligation to cast spells for X, or anyone for that matter.  Most responders also stated that they will not cast spells for strangers, especially over the internet.)

Though at this point I suppose I should have let it go, I responded to X again, with an attempt to clear up the confusion.  I noted that she did not provide any info as to what type of spells she was looking for, so all I was able to offer her was some basic information on educational resources.  I will not blindly agree to cast spells for anyone.  At this point I also asked her if she had ever heard the saying “Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day; Teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for the rest of his life.”  I stated again that if she had more specific questions, I would try to answer.

But I also put my foot down on her attempt to pack my bags and take me on a guilt trip.

Let’s be realistic – most doctors aren’t simply providing medical help to strangers out of the goodness of their hearts – they are paid to do a job.  And of course people have helped me through rough times in my life – friends and family mostly.  I’ve never solicited any major help from a random stranger, nor would I expect it.

X’s email response:

“I would NEVER ask for a spell to harm someone. I guess You’re NOT really helpful. It’s NOT that you’re doing what someone just says for you to do. You would be helping someone in a great matter. Giving me details ISN’T going to help if it is hard for me to cast these spells. That’s why I came to you for help. But you denied me. Well, there’s NO more need for communication. I am NOT demanding anything, I’m just pissed on how you’re ranting about other things that does NOT go with what I asked for. There are MANY people who help with issue. Since, you’re NOT the one. GoodBye.”

I failed to see where I accused X of the intention to harm.  I simply stated that she was not providing me with any information on what type of spells she wanted cast and I would not agree to casting spells without specific information.

Geez, how in the heck could I help further if I didn’t know what the heck I was supposed to be helping with?  But hey, fine with me – I was done trying here.

Though I received one more email communication from X in response to my posted question to the other forum Wiccans:

“You’re question asked was ridiculous. I was NOT being selfish. You were. I do NOT care what they have had to say I was just mad at the fact that you acted as if me being a stranger was wrong.”

Um, okay, I did not accuse X of being selfish.

Come to find out through more posts on the forum in response to this situation, I wasn’t the only one X had solicited.

***

“I got the same email, and just shrugged and deleted it.

I don’t owe any help to spell-beggars who are too lazy to do their own damned research and work. And it annoys me when people presume that I HAVE to aid them just because I’m a Wiccan.”

***

“I got that too. I replied politely that I don’t cast spells for strangers and especially via the Net for a number of reasons. I got a reply with a lot of bitching about the strangers part.”

***

According to my Merriam Webster, in the context that we used the term *stranger*, “a person with whom one is unacquainted” is a simple fact and was certainly not meant to be the insult X took it to be.  *Sigh

This response was made by another member and I agree:

“Eh, you are not obligated to do anything for random internet people.

It sounds to me as if the person assumed that Wiccans and spells are like Christians and prayer; by that I mean online you’ll notice a lot of Christians will post that they will pray for someone who is a total stranger. Perhaps they don’t realize what actually goes into a magic ritual or something?

You DID help them though, you gave them information and resources by which they could learn. If they didn’t want to take what you offered, then that is their loss.”

And this suspicion of X equating Wiccans and spells to Christians and prayer was rather confirmed as X went on with ranting posts about how rude and mean Wiccans were, how Christians were so much nicer and would offer help to anyone regardless if they were a stranger, how we made her cry by calling her a stranger, that she now sees that Wiccans are “devil worshipers” and Wicca is not the right path, that she should turn to Christianity, yadda, yadda, yadda.

Oh, and in this latest rash of X’s rantings, she stated she is 16 years old.  I had suspected as much from the beginning, and the continued communications and postings were certainly proving a level of immaturity and lack of rational adult understanding.

Uh huh, and the age of 16 explains a lot of the “I have no desire to put the time and work in to learning how to do things for myself” mentality, along with the throwing a temper tantrum at not getting her own way.  It also leaves me wondering how X’s Mom would feel about her soliciting such help from strangers on the internet – perhaps X’s Mom should better explain internet “stranger danger” to her.

She also finally spilled it on what spells she was looking to have cast for her, “protection from negative energies, to boost good luck, and to cure my mother of her illness.”

At this point, my head hurt too much to even break these down and respond, and I had had enough of this brat anyway what with the temper tantrums she threw in her posts (which have since been removed from the board so I couldn’t quote them all verbatim.)  Apparently X is also confused about the fact that many Wiccans and witches are practicing healers and believes this means we can magically cure illnesses.  Please, if that were the case, I’m quite sure many of us would be curing cancer and other devastating diseases as much as we could.

Another member was kind enough to jump in on this one, and I agree with his response.

“There could be any number of reasons your spells don’t work, it could also be that what you are trying to do with magic simply isn’t possible [In the case of illness, medical treatment is more effective than magic spells.] Magic ritual is mostly about focusing your own Will, changing reality to conform to your Will. Other people can’t do it for you as they don’t have power over your Will.

What you really need is a frame of mind, think of the last time you really wanted something. To set a record for yourself, to change, to get something you thought was perhaps out of your reach. Remember the frame of mind you were in. The determination, the total concentration on that one goal, every fiber, every cell moving forwards to grasp it. That would be what you need for your magic rituals and perhaps what you are missing. “

But alas, this also wasn’t good enough in the way of “help” for X.

And at last, we reach the end of this saga (well, kinda – at least as far as I’m concerned anyway.)  Click here for Part III.

(Click here for Part I, the beginning of the story.)

Being a practicing Wiccan and witch who is a member of several online spiritual forums, I often find emailed requests for information on witchcraft and spells in my Yahoo! mail in-box.  The most common requests are of course for “love spells” (and most seekers are none too thrilled when I point out a little thing called “ethics”, and advise to “be careful what you wish for”.)  Throughout the last couple of years, with the popularity of the fictional TV show “H2O”, one forum I frequent has received incessant “make me a mermaid” spell requests.

Sometimes, my patience and tolerance with such spell-seeking teens wears thin.  I feel they make it harder for those young people who sincerely wish to learn the ways of Wicca and witchcraft.

Over the years, I’ve had my share of dealing with teens who have the, as some may label “fluffy bunny” or “McWiccan” attitude, and I usually respond with as honest and polite truth as I can, point seekers in the direction of educational resources, and go on my merry way.  But this most recent chain of events got my attention, and I’ll admit, as further information was brought to light, it got my goat as well.

Email received yesterday morning, from a person I will call “X” going forward:

“Hello. I’ve tried to cast 3 spells of my own and I do not think that they are working. I’m in need of spell casting and I’m not that good with it. I was wondering if you could cast spells for me or aid me. I understand that spells are best done when the person who is in need of them are casting them but I’m lost nor do I have the material needed. In addition, I’m not good with visualizing my spells due to the fact that everytime I try to do so my thoughts get overpowered or I’m not able to focus and concentrate. If you could help cast spells and assist me. All would be appreciated. Thank You.“

I had never come across this person on the forum before.  I knew nothing of this person, and there was no information about her on her profile – in fact, I couldn’t even tell if this was a him or a her, though for the sake of writing here, we’ll go with “her”.  I suspect a younger person, but can’t be sure with the lack of information.  I also suspect X has not put much in depth study into spell-craft and is basically trying to run before she learns how to walk (due to the admitted inability to focus and lacking the “material needed”).  Note that nowhere in the email does X say what kind of spells she is in need of help with. Also note that it was requested that I cast the spells for her OR aid her.

Unfortunately, emailing through this particular forum doesn’t save my emails to my “sent folder”, but I will include what my responses were as honestly and completely as I can from memory.

I responded noting that spells do require focused will and intentions, focused thoughts, and the raising of energy to be directed into the spell. I recommended Christopher Penczak’s book “The Inner Temple of Witchcraft” to help X learn meditation and the ability to better focus her thoughts and energy for her workings.

I also provided a link to The Witches’ Voice and suggested X seek out local shops and such where she may find further resources and information, and possibly even witchcraft classes in her area.

I stated that I do not cast spells for strangers over the internet.  I prefer to be able know who I’m working with in person so that I can get a better feel for the situation and the intentions involved.  And I added that I would try to answer some more specific questions for her if she had them.

Fair enough, I thought.

This was X’s emailed response:

“Well, the spells that I needed casted are actually positive ones. Hmm . . . The fact that you are a stranger did NOT! bother me and I thought that maybe it wouldn’t bother you either. If everyone believed to think of humans as strangers, this world would be No where. Everyone is a stranger at first. If you’ve ever made a friend you would realize you didn’t always know him but instead you had to engage in him. If doctors thought of new patients as strangers then there WOULDN’T be many people receiving medical help. The term, “Stranger,” would have this world collaspe quicky. If both genders thought of the opposite sex as strangers the world wouldn’t be here.There are many other examples I can give you but there are way to many. In addition, I thought that Wiccan religion was very into peace and helping others as much as they could so I assumed that you could help me with my problems. Everyone goes to someone when in need for help with problems. And I came to you for help because some Wiccans do cast spells. If you believe that I’ve offended you, I WASN’T. I was just trying to find someone to help me through my time of need. So, if you didn’t want to help me you could have said so. But thanks anyways! I’ll just have to find someone who is very willing to help me out, just as I am pretty sure there have been people in your life to help you out when needed, regardless if you were a stranger or not. Have a NICE day and hopefully people will NEVER turn you down because you’re a stranger.”

I have a few issues here.

“I thought that Wiccan religion was very into peace and helping others as much as they could so I assumed that you could help me with my problems.”

Since when are Wiccans supposed to be everyone’s problem-solvers?  Did I miss the memo that this was mandatory based on the religion that I practice?  Wicca is NOT about casting spells for others, it is about our relationship with our gods, attuning to nature and the natural cycles of the year, keeping the Sabbats, and living by a code of ethics based on Wiccan teachings and beliefs.

Does the fact that I promote peace among people despite differences, and that I believe in helping others when I can mean that I am obligated to honor every request for help I receive?

Does being Wiccan mean I am obligated to agree to cast I don’t know what for spells for anyone and everyone who asks?

I am also rather confused as to why providing educational resources and offering to answer specific questions was in no way an offer of help.

I was reminded of a quote from Robin Wood’s excellent book on ethics from a pagan/Wiccan perspective.

“Helping someone doesn’t mean taking the control our of their hand and doing it for them.”  ~ Tim Short, age 11  (love it!)

Oh, and it gets better.  Click here for Part II and read on.

Recently, a discussion was started in an online forum I frequent as to whether or not 9/11 should be designated as a national holiday being that the tragic events on 9/11/01 should never be forgotten.

I’ve been thinking on this.  On the one hand, I highly doubt anyone who lived through that day is going to forget it.  As another said in that discussion,  “I’m pretty sure most everyone in this forum can tell you exactly where they were when it happened.”  Many of us can probably recall the whole day quite clearly – when we heard the news, how we reacted, who we were with throughout the day, what we did, etc.  I know I surely can.

But on the other hand, I wonder – have we as a nation REALLY remembered?

This was the one and only time in my lifetime that I can remember the majority of  our country’s people working together to help in whatever way they could.   It seemed, for a short time, our patriotism prevailed.  We were able to put our petty differences aside and stand together.  Those that were not able to be at crash sites working or assisting the rescue workers and subsequent cleanup crews, were raising funds to donate, donating and collecting clothing, food, medical supplies and such and ensuring they were sent to where they were needed.  People of different faiths were praying in their own ways, on their own and within their spiritual groups.  And  people (not just those of any one particular creed, color, nationality, social or financial status – but people, as alike and as different as we all are) were offering moral support to the survivors, to the families and friends who lost loved ones, and to those who were in the midst of these disasters trying to save as many lives as they could, while also retrieving those whose lives were lost so their families could give them a proper funeral.  I can’t imagine the horrendous sights these people have seen first hand, the images that must have haunted their dreams, and probably still do.

But today it seems to me that our country is once again divided, our ability to put aside those petty differences and stand united as a nation forgotten.  What I see today causes me concern for our country.

In one multi-faith religion and spirituality discussion forum that I participate in, there is a constant battle between many Christians and non-Christians.  There are some there who seem to think America should be a Christian theocracy and they spew their hate and intolerance of those who disagree.  Conversely, I’ve seen some extreme atheists there claiming there should be no religion in America, that all people who have a belief in the divine are silly or stupid, and that religion of any flavor is ruining our country.

And then there is a minority group, consisting mostly of pagan and Jewish folks that have formed what has come to be known in the forum as the “JPA” (Jewish-Pagan Alliance), who believe that religion is and should remain a personal choice and we should not be tormented for our spiritual beliefs and practices – so long as we are law-abiding citizens and are not interfering with the civil rights of others, there should be no issue here.  But the voices of those who promote peace and tolerance and understanding are often drowned out by those who seem to thrive on conflict.

Have we not learned from world history?  Wasn’t escaping religious persecution one of the major reasons Europeans traveled to and settled in what would become the United States of America?  To develop a land where there would be freedom of religion (which, the last time I checked, is still a freedom granted to us in the US Constitution)?  Why such a fervent fight to take away this freedom?

Then there are the continued arguments over such things as the legality of gay marriage and abortion.  I often see folks claiming that pro-choice people promote abortion.  Honestly, I don’t personally know one person whose stance is pro-choice that actually advocates for an increase in abortions – but rather they promote the need for proper sex-education, easy and affordable access to birth control, and a woman’s right to have the choice legally available to be performed in professional medical environments, and not have such personal rights legislated by the government.  And it really does not affect or interfere with my life in any way if my gay friends wish to be married and benefit from the same legal rights and tax status as heterosexual married couples. Legalizing gay marriage does not mean that heterosexual people have to marry those of the same sex, so I really see no big issue here.   This battle is based mostly on some religious beliefs and prejudices, that again, not all Americans share.

We’re still at war, our economy is in the toilet, our healthcare system sucks, our educational standards have declined, and our justice system is often unjust.  Why can’t we, as a nation, stand together and put our energies and efforts into working together toward the most common goals?  Shouldn’t equality, justice, and quality of life for all in this country be first and foremost?  We need to understand that there is diversity here, and have more respect for each other.  We need to be part of the solution, not be adding to the problems.  Fighting amongst each other over differences of opinion that will not change seems to me to be rather useless.

I and others of like-mind in the forum agreed that while 9/11 should never be forgotten, it is not necessary or wise to designate it a national holiday.  Several reasons were presented; life must go on, if we were to take a day off from work and school to remember every tragic event that’s ever happened, our regular lives would come to a screeching stop (such other tragedies as hurricane Katrina and the Columbine and Virginia Tech. shootings were brought up in discussion); many of our American military men and women have died since 9/11/01 in their continued service to our country, their desire to uphold our freedoms and keep Americans safe and secure; instead of dwelling on the past, we must learn from it and work for a better future.

I agree with all of these reasons.  In addition, I fear that many Americans have not truly learned their lessons.  I feel we should remember the events and aftermath of 9/11 not only today, on its anniversary, but every day – in our actions, and our behaviors and attitudes toward others.  We have shown that we have the ability to unite as a nation and work together in the face of tragedy.  But must it be only such a thing that prompts us to do this?  We need to get our noses out of the personal business of our neighbors and put our priorities in proper order.  We need to learn to coexist more peacefully with each other.

United we stand, divided we fall.

My prayers can be found by clicking here.

(Yes, I know I often sound like Dr. Suess when I write my own prayers.  )

Blessings to all on this day, and every day, as we remember and reflect.

Added:

I didn’t read this until after, but apparently President Obama shares some similar thoughts, according to this article of the NY Daily news.

Let’s hope Americans heed his words and take these messages to heart.

]]> http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/91109-crystals-concerns/feed/ 2 crystaldolphin 9-11-01candlesimplelgwhite1 http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/crystal-goes-camping/ http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/crystal-goes-camping/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:59:50 +0000 crystaldolphin http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/?p=203 ]]>

Boy, it has been one busy year!  I’ve had lots going on since the very beginning, but between being busy with work, my yard maintenance, and all my weekend adventures with friends, I’ve had little time to spend in front of the computer writing.  But hey, otherwise I’d have nothing of interest to share with the world.

With sweet sorrow, summer is coming to an end.  Autumn is gently creeping in, and with the “summer fun funds” being rather depleted, I find myself spending more time hanging out indoors and reflecting on all that I’ve seen and done this year.

Ah, but that’s the beauty of New England – the splendor of the changing seasons.  So, throughout this harvest time of year, I will attempt to catch ya’ll up on what Crystal and company have been up to – though not necessarily in proper order. 

Instead I’ll start in the middle, because I’ve also sent a related side story to my Spirit Sistah, Ocean of Deaf Pagan Crossroads, which you can find here.

Well, I can’t think of any other way to say it -  Crystal LOVES camping!  Though admittedly it had been a few years since I’d gone.  We fixed that this past 4th of July weekend as my boyfriend and I packed up his Jeep, managed to make a space for Mollie to lay down in the back, and headed north to Waterville Valley, NH.  Set amidst the White Mountains, we certainly took in some beautiful and breathtaking scenery!

Our campsite at Goose Hollow Campground was right next to the Mad River, literally.  Ooooh, I was so excited.  To have a long weekend away to enjoy the company of my camping companions, and commune with the gods and goddesses of the mountains, rivers, and forest.  How nice it would be relaxing to the sounds of the rushing river and crackling campfire.  Or so I thought.

On day one as we were setting up our campsite and thinking we were going to just chill out there by the river and unwind, some dude two campsites down started playing an electric keyboard – and kept it up ALL AFTERNOON – blasting at full volume for the whole campground to hear.  ARGH!  I soon had a headache, and was hoping this didn’t continue all weekend.  (Don’t they have a place to plug headphones into those things so that everyone around you doesn’t have to hear your practicing?  Why the HELL would anyone think an electric keyboard was essential to mountain camping!)

Luckily, Mother Nature finally decided to give me a break and a passing thunderstorm put an end to the off-key concert.  We were able to crash in our tent and zone out to the pitter-patter sound of raindrops on our “roof” until dinner time, when the rain stopped and we were left with the river.  Aaahhh.  Now THIS is more like it!

View of the Mad River from the edge of our campsite.

Night falls on Waterville Valley – how peaceful it was!

On day two, the 4th of July, we woke up to find that our air mattress had sprung a leak and we were indeed sleeping on the ground.  Um, we didn’t intend to “rough it” quite that much.  Oooow, my back!  But grateful for small blessings, I smiled and waved goodbye as keyboard dude packed up his campsite to leave.  A nice hot cup of coffee, a little stretching, a bite to eat, and I was ready for the day…kinda.  We were planning a somewhat “easy hike” in the mountains.  Mollie got all decked out in her patriotic bandana.

After lunch, we set off to hike a loop on Snow’s Mountain that would take us over Cascade Falls, and down along the river.

Halfway up the mountain.  Whew!  Keep climbing and remember that what goes up, must come down!

One of several sections of Cascade Falls.  The sheer power of the falls gave me a good boost of energy, which would be much needed as the trail back down was much longer than we had anticipated.  Damn, it didn’t look that far on the map!

Crossing over the river, still hiking down the mountain.  This is the point where Evan said we were “almost done”.

I learned something about Evan that weekend – his definitions of “easy hike” and “almost done” are greatly different than mine!

Wiped out, we finally reached the end of the trail at the bottom and made our way back to the Jeep. But being tired and ready to exchange warm Gatorade for cold water from the cooler didn’t stop the snapshot-happy Evan.

WOULD YOU PUH-LEEZE STOP TAKING PICTURES OF US AND UNLOCK THE JEEP!!!

Kudos to Mollie, my twelve year old Lab who hiked that mountain like a dog half her age.  Since there were few other hikers, Mollie was able to be off-leash to wander free and explore at her leisure for most of the trek, until we reached some treacherous terrain on the descent and we put on her harness for safety.  She had plenty of water from the river, but her dinner was in that Jeep and she was hungry! (And as tuckered out as I was.)

Pooped Pooch

We lacked the energy that evening to even walk down to the other end of the campground for the big 4th fireworks show.  Instead, we sat back with a couple of cocktails and dried our still-damp feet by the fire.  (Parts of the trail going downhill were still pretty wet and muddy from all the early-summer rain.  Evan had misjudged a patch of mud. Thinking it to be solid ground, he stepped right into it, immediately sank in, and stepped out minus a shoe!  He did manage to retrieve the shoe and wash it off in the river.  Yup, I laughed.)

On day three, after coffee by the campfire, some breakfast, and a little end-of-weekend chatting with some of our fellow campers from nearby sites, we packed up our little home away from home.  This day we would drive up over a mountain, make a few stops and take shorter hikes to several scenic spots that Evan knew of, complete with waterfalls and swimming holes for Mollie.  Labs love to swim!

Mollie found several four-legged friends at the campground.  But we met this little Lab, Daphnie, with her family as they stopped for a brief rest on their way by the above swimming hole – 9 weeks old and out on her first hike in the mountains.  Daphnie was very happy to meet one of her own kind.  Mollie wanted nothing to do with this kid, but oh she was soooo cute!  Aw, come on Mollie, you were a young little ball of energy like that…once upon a time.

Aside from all the awesome scenery, in our travels that weekend we saw some local wildlife.  We came across a mommy red fox with baby following close behind, a big ol’ buck just standing there in the woods watching us wander by (I swear he winked at us), a variety of butterflies, and a BIG black spider that Evan found hanging out on a rock by the water as he was admiring…

A silly salamander!

(Okay, ya got me, I just wanted to say “silly salamander”.)

A good time was had by all, but all good things must end.  After driving  down off the mountain and through part of the lakes region, we found a spot by Squam Lake to grill up some kabobs for dinner (and for Mollie to take one more swim in the mountains). Then it was time to pack up the Jeep one last time and head for home.

I’m good Mum, wake me up when we get home!

Unfortunately, some unforeseen circumstances caused us to cancel another camping trip in the mountains we had planned near the end of August, so this one will have to tide us over until next summer.  But that’s okay – we’ve got plenty of memorable moments to last us ’til then!

Blessings,

Crystal

]]> http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/09/07/crystal-goes-camping/feed/ 3 crystaldolphin what a view at tent In back of campsite mts at night decked out doggie halfway to top cascade falls still hiking please stop pooped pooch drying damp feets Evan under falls mollie swimming new friends silly salamander squam lake swim lets go home http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/girls-just-want-to-have-fun/ http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/girls-just-want-to-have-fun/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:00:21 +0000 crystaldolphin http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/?p=186 ]]>

Before I get on with the posts of a more spiritual nature that I mentioned Saturday, just a little note to say that our “girls’ night out” bachelorette party was a complete success!

The bachelorette and lady of honor for the evening was Jen

(in the middle – “decorated” in pink & black)

I (on the right end of the photo) had not previously met the rest of this group, but we quickly managed to mesh together as if we had been lifelong friends.

The party traveled to three different venues starting at my hometown pub, where Jen bartends part-time, for a quick drink and some get-this-party-started pictures (and so our regular crew could see us off).  Heck, it was just fun having all the locals see us arriving all dolled up in a stretch limo.

We then headed into the city to Club Kas Bah where another friend’s band “Route 66″ was the entertainment for the evening – we stayed for a couple of sets and some stirring things up there, and then moved on to the other end of the city and The Irish Times, which is two clubs in one – dance club with DJ on the second floor and the city’s best bands featured on the first floor.

We turned heads everywhere (of course, I’m sure that has a lot to do with Jen making us wear those feather boas!)

My feet were killing me by the end of the evening after all the dancing – but as one of the gals quoted from the movie “The Haunting” -

“It’s a small price to pay for such savage kicks.”

The gentleman in the middle of this gaggle of giggling girls was our limo driver, Brad.  I have to give this guy kudos as we were set to “wild & crazy”.  (Yeah well, none of us really get out often for a night to cut loose with the girls.)  Brad kind of doubled as driver and bodyguard – ensuring our safety and seeing that we were having worry-free fun.  He did a great job!

Sorry folks, but I’ll have to leave out the juicy details of the evening’s events.  Kind of like Vegas, what happens at girls’ night out, well, you get it.

I will say -

Lots of laughs were had by all!

Thanks for the good times girlfriend!  And congrats!

]]> http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/girls-just-want-to-have-fun/feed/ 0 crystaldolphin Girls Night Out http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/catching-up-with-crystal/ http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/catching-up-with-crystal/#comments Sat, 13 Jun 2009 15:18:10 +0000 crystaldolphin http://crystaldolphin.wordpress.com/2009/06/13/catching-up-with-crystal/ ]]>

Greetings All,

I know I’ve been away from my home computer for quite awhile and not posting updates here. (My bad!)

But rest assured, now that I’ve figured out how to get my new digital camera pictures downloaded and in order here, I will be posting my personal and pagan perspectives on the many interesting adventures I’ve enjoyed thus far this year.

Check back soon for:

TAPS in Taunton
The Country Bumpkins – Culture Shocked
Crystal on Cape Cod II
Whisker Walk 2009

Just to name a few.

2009 has been quite busy!

When not embarking on a new adventure, Mollie and I have been spending much time in the beautiful (and big!) back yard at my folks’ house. Dad-Daughter-Dog time has been very important to me since Mom passed. As we always were an outdoorsy family, we three have been spending much of our free time during this season in the gardens. We’ve planted our herb and veggie gardens for this year. (If only I could get Mollie to dig holes where I WANT them!)

But the majority of our attention this season has been tending to all the fabulous flower gardens that my Mom left behind – they got a little out of control the last few years when she was too sick to tend to them, and we were too busy tending to her. Last Spring when we lost Mom, these things just didn’t top the priority list.

But this is a brand new year, and life goes on. I think we all feel her spirit smiling down on us as we spend quality time together with friends and family restoring the luster of the legacy she left us.

I’m sure that will also bring me to a post about healing and growth through gardening.

But for now, I must be going to prepare for my girlfriend Jen’s bachelorette party this evening. Girls night out on the town! WooHoo! (Oh, the poor limo driver will have his hands full with us!)

Many blessings.

~ Crystal

Prior to joining some friends for the beginning of the Super Bowl on Sunday evening, I spent the afternoon preparing my altar, my home, and myself for Imbolc.  Having mentioned my afternoon activities later, I was asked “What is Imbolc?”

When I begin to explain a little about Imbolc to my non-Wiccan, non-witch friends here in New England, the first reaction is usually one of confusion…  “It’s a Spring thing?!” This is usually due to the foot of snow that still covers the ground, with a pending prediction of more, along with some anything but Spring-like temperatures and winds.

However, this Imbolc eve’s temperatures were quite mild. Just before sunset, Mollie and I embarked on our afternoon walk in the woods.  I was pleased to be greeted with a break from the bitter cold we had been experiencing.  I was equally elated to see that some of the ice had melted on the pond and the streams running into it – we could see water.  And the breeze that blew through my hair did in fact feel like one of early spring.  This mild weather continued on through Imbolc day.

(But alas, Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow at yesterday morning’s Groundhog Day celebration, predicting six more weeks of winter.  And today, the snow is once again blanketing my yard.  But that’s okay.  To quote a couple of lines from a song by Lorelei Greenwood, as taught to me by my good friend Ocean of Deaf Pagan Crossroads, “But somewhere, Spring waters are starting to flow…But somewhere, Spring breezes are starting to blow.”)

For Spring Sabbats, we celebrate the Goddess in her Maiden form.  However, Brigid, the Celtic Goddess specifically associated with Imbolc is a Triple Goddess.  I contemplated this.  As these tough economic times cause quite a few frustrations both at work and home, I find myself needing to draw on each aspect of the Triple Goddess to cope.  And so, in addition to my regular Imbolc festivities, I also paid tribute to the Triple Goddess.

Who is She?

Song By Vibra and Susan Falkenrath

“Who is She? / She is the Young One

With shining eyes and fearless heart

She brings the dawn

Who is She? / She is the Young One

The daring dreamer

She runs alone / She runs alone

O silver crescent

Thou lovely Maiden,

Come, Young One, Come.

Who is She? / She is the Lover

Her bones and blood are of the Earth

She holds us all

Who is She? / She is the Lover

Unfailing bounty

She walks in power / She walks in power

O blessed full moon

Thou sacred Mother

Come, Lover, come.

Who is She? / She is the Old One

Who has survived beyond her fear

She laughs out loud

Who is She? / She is the Old One

With love and wisdom

She leads the way / She leads the way

O waning gold moon

Thou honored Crone Queen

Come, Old One, come.

Who is She?”

“Who is She?” is one of my favorite pieces of music dedicated to the Goddess.  This song may be found on Reclaiming’s “Second Chants” CD.

The photos, taken during my trips to Salem, MA, are of the lovely stained glass windows that adorn the Salem Witch Village.

As much as I enjoy the beauty of fresh fallen snow on a winter’s day…

Woodshed in the field at my family home – December 2008

Winter has its share of trials.

After a week-long power outage at my apartment building due to an ice storm in December, along with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, and getting buried under a few feet of snow, Mollie woke me early on New Year’s Day for her breakfast and morning walk.  The outdoor thermometer read a whopping zero degrees, and as you can see, didn’t climb much higher later in the day.  Add to that the blustery BRRRR!

My apartment window thermometer – New Year’s Day 2009

A couple more weeks of continuously cleaning snow off the cars,  back-wrenching snow shoveling, slip-sliding on the ice (and landing hard on my bottom several times – OUCH!), the bitter cold, and the economic recession causing a lot of stress at work and a somewhat dismal start to 2009 – the winter woes were starting to take hold.

So, just how does Crystal banish the winter blues?

At the beach, of course.

Seriously.

Me on the beach in Brewster, MA (see the snow?)

My folks have had a time-share at Brewster Green Resort on Cape Cod for some 25 years or so.  They always enjoyed the quiet calm of Cape Cod off season, and took a two week trip there every January.  This year, though we’re minus Mom, my Dad kept up the tradition of providing a little post-holiday escape for friends and family – four days of which included my boyfriend and I.

Okay, so, it wasn’t exactly swimming and sunbathing at the beach.    But, this mini-vacation was just what the doctor ordered.  No matter the time of year, the ocean air always refreshes me and rejuvenates my spirit.

My early morning hours were spent engaging in some me-time meditations, while the rest of the daytime and evenings were spent enjoying good food, good fun, and good company, along with some stimulating scenery.  (Albeit a little chilly, the midwinter weather on the Cape tends to be much milder than that of home.)

As the hours passed, I felt the stress melting away like the snow in spring.

What more can I say?

Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Chatham Lighthouse Beach at Sunset

Chatham Lighthouse at Sunset

Me & my Dad posing pretty in our Cape house living room.

Me sipping a glass of Chardonnay by the fire –

The wine is from Cape Cod’s own Truro Vineyards -  and it is Yummy!

Me and Dad atop Scargo Tower, Dennis, MA

Wow – what a view!

Chillin?  NO!  Warmin’ in the Brewster Green clubhouse’s jacuzzi.

Stress?  What stress?  LOL

And as you can probably tell by now, Evan spent a lot of time on the other side of the camera.  Hey, it’s one of his hobbies, and he’s pretty good at it, IMHO (especially considering I usually cringe when I see photographs of myself, but most of his seem to come out quite well – worthy of my posting )

~ Thanks for the pics sweetie!  And of course, for many more fond memories. 

Back at home – the thermometer may still read negative 5 degrees for my morning walk with Mollie, winter winds still howl, and we will surely see more snow.  But Imbolc is just about upon us.  The days are growing longer, the sun is growing stronger, and I can sense the promise of spring.

Blessings,

Crystal