Roanoke Witches & Pagans Round 2 - Arm Yourselves With Awareness

Several months ago, I posted a bit of a ranting vent about a start-up Witch and Pagan group in the Roanoke, Virginia area and the anti-child attitude I got side-blinded by. But what made it worse than basically being told I had no place in the local Pagan community as a single parent with a small child were all the little things about the exchange that were little red flags of a dysfunctional group.

So imagine my annoyance when I get an email from Meetup.com about a new group in the area with an eerily similar name. The snippet of the description was equally similar enough to set off warning flares. Are we sure this is a "new" group? I tried to withhold judgement and looked it up. Sure enough, it was different, but in a shortened and condensed (and less biographical) version of the previous group's description. (I was quite relieved to see the "18+ only" prominently displayed, letting me know not to waste my time. So at least there was that.)

Out of curiosity, I tried looking up the old group and it was gone. So it kind of gives me the idea that the old group did not pan out well &, sure to my previous prediction, the old organizer's pattern of failed attempts at getting groups running continued. But what bugged me out was checking my messages and seeing that the old organizer had deleted his profile.

Sketchy. Sketchy. Sketchy.

Since I have no interaction with this allegedly new group, anything I could comment would be purely speculative and that's just not helpful to anyone. Honestly, my suspicion is it's probably just people who had been part of the old group having an "I can do way better than that last guy" attitude and having only the best of intentions. In which case, I wish them all the best.

Whether or not I'm simply donning my usual rose-colored glasses, what irked me the most about seeing all these little things is the possibility of there being something legitimately sketchy about it. That's not saying you should avoid this particular group. It's more an acknowledgment of how easy it would be in this area for a dysfunctional or abusive group to sprout up in the Pagan community and no one really be fully aware of it.

The Pagan community here is very small and spaced out (especially compared to what I'm used to back in Colorado). Those who are "loud and proud" - or even just open - about their spirituality are noticeably rarer. For those seeking a group, there isn't much of any to choose from, those that are can be hard to find or get in touch with, and the chances of anyone around here having much experience with a Pagan-centered group outside of the internet world is slim.

So when I say ignorance of what to watch out for is high around here, I mean that in the "how can you possibly know?" sense. The odds are against anyone here who has never had experiences with larger Pagan communities.

In the post from months ago, I referenced the Issac Bonewit's method of evaluating cult danger with a group. But, let's face it, that may not be the best tool for everyone. So this time, I'm going to refer you to some great articles on this very subject of red flags and things to watch out for when joining a Pagan group or Witch coven.

Joining a Coven or Other Pagan Group -- Red Flags to Avoid

Bronwen Forbes goes into some details about what to watch out for - good and bad - in a potential group or coven. She touches on ritual, leadership, money, and even how to leave a group.

How to Spot a Terrible Coven

Thorn Mooney gives no-nonsense, straight-forward point-by-point steps to take when checking out and deciding on a coven. If you read nothing else on this subject, read these points and you will be all the better (and safer!) for it.

Warning Signs In Prospective Covens - Red Flags to Watch Out For

A favorite of mine, Patti Wigington touches on this subject very well. Again, if all you read are the 8 points she provides, you will avoid much heartache, pain, and potential danger. In addition to providing what to watch out for and how to avoid bad situations, this one also embeds tips for finding the right group/coven for you. 

So wherever you live, no matter your experience level, age, path, etc. be sure to know what to watch out for. Don't take someone else's word for it. Determine if a group is safe, healthy, and right for you for yourself. But do it armed with knowledge and awareness of what to watch out for. And, for your sake, make being aware and safe a higher priority than being part of a group.

Safe travels & happy gatherings,
Evy

Books That Got Me Through [MOVED]

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Reading Fun for the Week of September 14th through 20th 2015

Wow. Talk about a major hiccup there. This post should have gone out yesterday morning, but I guess the alignment of some random thing or another just didn't let it happen (or I screwed up. I do that sometimes). Sorry for the delay. Here's this week's reading.

We're starting off with the Celestial Tarot deck again. This is a simple one-card reading for what Bewitching Momma readers this week need to know.

King of Cups

Emotions are front and center this week. Do your best to stand firm as what you send out will be taken at face value. Inside, you may want to scream and holler, but what the people and situations around you need right now is a level head; someone who can navigate them through these emotional waters. You may need to seek guidance to help you do this. Just be sure to look for someone or something that will help you keep control of your emotions. Follow the example that keeps you calm and successful and you will become that example for those around you.

Did you do a reading for this week? What results did you get? Have a different interpretation? Be sure to check back and let us know how your week goes!


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Reading Fun for the Week of August 24th through 30th 2015

We are changing it up a bit and using the Dream Oracle Cards by Kelly Sullivan Walden. I love these cards, but rarely use them for divination. Unlike other card decks that help dig into details of situations or provide insight into possible future outcomes, I find these are better suited for asking for guidance (think omens and "signs"). For this week, I pulled a single card asking for a message for Bewitching Momma readers to guide us.

Childhood Home
"Remember where you're from and who you really are."

It's time for a bit of self-reflection this week, retro-style. This card is telling you to take a look into your past. Go digging around in it (but don't stay there, just visit). Questions to ask yourself this week:

• Where do you come from?
• Who were you back then?
• How did you survive? (especially for those with negative childhoods)
• What/Who shaped you?
• What changed?
• What wisdom have you forgotten?

Remember, you are looking to the past for clarity to your life today. Have a conversation with your younger self.  Reconnect with the parts of you that were good and that you missed. Allow yourself to feel and let any wounds you have heal. The waters aren't always clear, however, you can find what you're looking for and retrieve it if you're willing to dive in and search.

Did you receive other guidance this week? Has taken a look back helped with any current problems? Are you making any changes based on what you found?

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Reading Fun for the Week of August 17th through 23rd 2015

Was last week a crazy week or what? I know it was for us! Friday's post didn't happen, but never fear, your Monday weekly reading is here. (And cue dorkiness. Oh, wait. I see it's already happened...)

For this week, we're going back to the Celestial Tarot deck. As usual, this reading is for Bewitching Momma readers and anyone who comes across this blog during the week. I was only going to do a single card this week, but went with cards that were jumping out. About a dozen or so jumped out, so I went with a card that stood out among each of the three piles. Guess one card was just too boring.

Two of Swords
Eight of Pentacles
Four of Pentacles

If the conflict was in our heads last week, this week we may see it all around us. Question the sources you look to for answers. Information may be misleading, coincidentally or intentionally. Try to find balance in the conflict. If you look, you can find the truth and follow it, but only if you're open to recognizing it.

Something you've been working on is going to hit a tough spot. This isn't a stalemate or sign you should give up, however. What you need to be doing is staying on target, like the final sprint to the finish line. Discipline and hard work is what is needed right now. You've been training for this moment. It may seem like the end will never come, but all you have to do now is step onto the trail and follow the light. Success is so close! You may even see the new growth resulting from your efforts. You've got just a little bit more to go.

You're stepping out of the conflict (most likely last week's baggage) successful. Take pride in your accomplishments and don't worry about appearing a bit too smug. Enjoy the pleasure. The stars are shining down on you now and telling you to lead the way. (I should probably mention this won't last long, so make sure to make the best of it now. It's a good time to practice living in the present moment.)

Now it's your turn to share! What results did you get? Do you have a different interpretation? How's your week going?


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Reading Fun for the Week of August 10th through 16th 2015

We're doing The Psychic Tarot deck again this week and changing it up a bit before it gets too repetitive. It'll be a 3 card spread, but with a focus on the general energy, relationships, and finances.

General Energy for the Week: Mental Conflict
Relationships for the Week: Memories of Love
Finances for the Week: Rejoice in Celebration (reversed)*

You may find this week a bit tough, but it's all in perception. We start off with some confusion. For some of us, it's a matter of having to choose between goals or who we want to be as things are in flux and these decisions (no matter how small) will play a big role later on.

The same applies to the rest of us, but this card is speaking of the fuzzy or wild thinking that's going on inside our heads. Thoughts are competing for priority and we may find ourselves overwhelmed if we don't find a creative way to keep them all organized right now.

If you do get overwhelmed, use the other energies this week to your advantage.

You may find yourself drifting off to revisit cherished memories (of loved ones, of course). Or those memories may be forcing their way into your mind via spiritual 2x4 (nothing jogs those kinds of memories like a big whack to the head, right?). Find calmness as you look back. Not all memories are happy, but there's something to them that will help soothe the fires going on in our brains this week. If you don't see the happy right away, dive into the waters and go searching for it.

Years ago, I had a woman tell me something very important. Finances weren't great, she was struggling to pay bills, and she worked her butt off. So I was confused when she took her family out for steak dinner. Looking at this card today, her words come to mind. "It may not be smart and it may seem irrational, but sometimes you just have to do something nice like this or you'll go crazy." (Okay, so I paraphrased big time. This was from like 13 years ago.)

Get together with loved ones. Hang out with friends. Do something fun. There's no telling if your financial dreams will come true (not this week, anyway), but you need to relax to give them a chance. Sometimes you just have to go into party-mode and unwind.

If you spend all day every day too focused on the future, you'll drive yourself bat-shit-crazy and that won't get you anywhere. So let loose at least once this week, Be kind to yourself and those around you. It'll work out. But only if you stop getting in your way with all that clogged thinking.

As usual, it's your turn. Did you do a reading for the week you want to share? Did I just jog any of those memories you needed this week? Stop on by throughout the week and let us know how it went!


*I don't put much weight into whether or not a card is reversed. I include that information for those who are doing their own interpretations.

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Reading Fun for the Week of August 3rd - 9th 2015

This week's reading is done with The Psychic Tarot oracle deck. (It's one of my absolute favorites as I feel instantly in-tune with them.) This is another 3 card spread, again, asking about the general energy of the week and anything readers (and visitors) of this blog need to know.

Victory & Success (reversed)*
Recognition & Reward
Triumph

If the titles alone don't give you a hint, this is going to be a good week. But don't get complacent now! It's only good in that goals will be met, desires fulfilled, and accomplishments fruitful. You still have a lot of work to set this outcome in stone.

The horn signaling Victory is the same horn sounding a call to action. You've got to give it all you've got to blow that horn and remember that help is standing by, waiting for you before they act. The best part is you know it's the final push. You've got to give it your all, and the energy is set just right so that your all can make anything happen now. The sunshine is hiding just behind the clouds and blowing that horn moves the clouds.

This energy (and your willful actions) will turn the spotlight on you. Accept the praise humbly and remember this is a quiet applause. It's your diligence that makes things happen and that's what's being recognized. Ulterior motives or self-oriented goals aren't what's getting you on others' good side. Think community efforts.

As you reach success this week, wear your colors with pride. You know who you are and don't be afraid to show it. You can both be humble and know you're awesome. You can be community-oriented and still be an individual.

Listen to the words whispered on the breeze this week. You'll find guidance to keep you determined and focused until Victory and Triumph are yours.

As before, I want to hear your results. Let us know how your week goes! Did you do your own reading for the week? What messages did you receive?


*I don't put much weight into whether or not a card is reversed. I include that information for those who are doing their own interpretations.


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Why I'm Done Doing What Everyone Else Says I Should [MOVED]

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