Magic Natural -
 Magic is divided into two known branches: the one is infamous and composed of the spell of unclean spirits and orginates from a wicked curiosity which the wisest Greeks called Goetia or Theurgia and to which everything is hostile; like those who excite charms, ghosts or illusions of which suddenly there is no trace.  

The other, by a similar asseration, is natural...This magic, which has and gives the contemplation of things which lie unapprehended and the quality, propriety, and knowledge of everything natural, to the peak of all philosophy.   It also teaches that with the help of others and by mutual and timely application, it carries out the works which the world esteems as miracles.
 J.B. Parta, Natural Magic, Anvers, 1561, pg. 92  

Magic pertaining to, used in, magic: possessing marvellous qualities or causing wonderful or startling results; by means of union with spirits.
 Webster's Dictionary Banner Press, Pg. 296  

Magic (from Persian priests), practice of manipulating course of nature by supernatural means.  It is based on the belief that unseen forces which permeate all things populate the universe and that control of them gives man control over nature.  Magic frequently combines within its scope elements religion.  Its aim (using and changing nature) approximates that of science, an outgrowth of magic. 

The practice of magic is held to depend uopn the proper use of both ritual and spell.  Amulets and imitative acts (e.g., fertility rights based on analogy between plant and human generation) are also used.  Almost all ancient people believed in magic.  Those who practiced black magic (malevolent) magic are called sorcerers and witches.  Many present-day superstitions are remnants of pagan magic, and powers is still extant.
 The Columbia - Viking Desk Encyclopedia Third Edition,Viking Press Pg. 648 (1953, 1960, 196, by Columbia University Press) 
 
Magic is the art of effecting change through an external and supernormal force.  Man's awareness of magic and his efforts to use it to enhance his place in his environment are ancient and universal and have been a part of all religious systems.  The earliest evidence og magic dates from cave paintings of the Paleolithic Age, some of which suggest that magic rituals were emploed to secure sucessful hunts.
The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft Rosemary Ellen Guiley Pg. 213  

The use of a certain ritual action to bring about the intervention of a supernatural force, either in human affairs or in the natural environment, for a specific purpose.  Magic has existed universally since ancient times and varies in form from primary rituals involving the well-being of an entire community to minor, peripheral, private acts of magic.  All forms of magic are traditionally secret arts taught only to initiates, although in some cultures magical knowledge can sometimes be bought and sold or can be passed on through inheritance.  A distinction is usually made between Black Magic, used destructively to bring misfortune or death, and White Magic, which is used to ward off such attacks as well as to prevent natural calamities.  In itself magic is not good or evil - it is the magician's intentions that makes the difference. Geddes & Grosset Dictionary of the Occult copy right 1996

One day a man's wife died, and on that clear, cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the husband was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore".  No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat.

Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say good-bye, or say "I love you."

So while we have it, it's best we love it, care for it, fix it when it's broken and heal it when it's sick. 

This is true for marriage,friendships and relationships.....And old cars....And children with bad report cards, and dogs with bad hips, and aging parents and grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it.

Some things we keep--like a best friend who moved away or a sister-in-law after divorce.  There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.
Life is important, like people we know who are special....And so, we keep them close!

Let every one of your friends know you love them.  Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do.  And just in case I'm gone tomorrow....I LOVE YA!

Live today like there’s no tomorrow because tomorrow isn’t promised.  

 I watched the show My Ghost Story on Bio.  Most guests on the show telling their stories spoke of fearful tales.  In the last fifteen minutes of the program  an older gentleman told of his experiences with the unseen on his property.  He had a fuzzy snapshot of a little girl skipping across the lawn.  He believed she is the young girl who died in the house when she stepped too close to a fire and she and her dress went up in flames.  Also he has a picture of a woman dressed in period wear walking the grounds.   

Like me, he isn't afraid of what he sees.  He believes as I do  - ghosts and spirits have the power to come and go.  A ghost feels entitled to the place they dwell or visit to bring peace to family and friends in solving their earthly demise.  They like to hang out at the places and close to the people who made them happiest.  Spirits are around us to protect and guide.  

Ghost is a general term which refers to the visible spirit of a former person.  Spirits is the term used for souls of the dead, whether active or not.  

Most people are afraid of the unseen.  They are more afraid of what they don't understand than the entities themselves.   

The "occult" science is that branch of learning, searching for things not yet known to all - the hidden facts of life. Rather than being a word to be shunned occult is a word that attracts the thinking.  Our spiritual nature cries out that we seek the things we don't understand. (Mysterious secrets give wisdom to the wise, but entangle the minds of fool)  

I am a Canadian writer, practicing Witch and Spiritualist who also divines with Tarot and ordinary playing cards.  The cards, as well as messages from Spirit assist to connect to the information I need for myself and hopefully inspire others.  My only desire is to share with you what works for me.  

Witchcraft and Spiritualism gave me a chance to take my life in a whole new direction. Remarkable improvement took place in my life. I enjoy life more and that is a good thing. My family is important to me. I have only a few friends, but they’re very loyal.  There might be a slight setback, but the overall results are positive.    

Doing the right thing, patience spurred on by ambition, makes life easy for me.  I live my life surrounded by people who care about my well-being while doing the things I like to do.    (Positive responses one takes attracts positive results)

Because I couldn't understand or accept all the injustices around me I became an angry and  fractured soul.  Once I embraced a Higher Power and started talking I disposed the problems ( problems are a necessary stage to purification).    (We all want to be loved - We all want to be heard)  

Life isn't perfect.  Life can be really unfair.  We all suffer a run of bad luck or illness.  Slowly and gradually life will change for the better.  Most problems will dissipate into thin air.  The bad times fade.  It takes courage to make the changes in your life to claim your life. Sometimes we need help and support to do the right thing - kindness - disposed or mutual understanding to do good  to others (In ye harm none do as ye will).  

When I pray I speak out loud in a polite and respectful manner to my Spirit Guide and Grandfather.  As I apply my own natural talent and effort as well as positive invisible forces supporting my destiny, heaven-sent people, new places, and unique opportunities appear like never before.  I'm not pushed or agitated by the whims of others for a long period of time.

No matter ones faith, when we pray do we not expect to be heard?   

It can be hard to believe the photos I post are what they are.  I can't give you a rational explanation.  Some things are not meant to understand. - defies logical explanation.  I have nothing to fear.  The snapshots are not illusions.  They are beyond imagination - they are reality.  They allow me to know I am on the right track and and give me the courage to continue in my quest for what is right.  

My most favourite tradition at Samhain is travelling to Pioneer Lang Village for their Spooky Halloween Night.  This year I arrived at my destination well past twilight.  My plan to take a few snapshots of an entity roaming the grounds amongst laughter from the kids of all ages dressed as ghosts, ghouls, witches, vampires and princesses was not likely.  Instead of allowing my tardiness to upset me, my friend Rob and I went with the flow.  

Out in the fresh, crisp air, we talked and walked along the dirt road past the tractor drawn wagon ride, crafts, face painting, magic show and slightly scary carved pumpkins exploring what it was like a hundred and fifty years ago.   Rob and I entered the dimly candle lit general store.  Young and old had gathered for a palm reading.  

Palmistry is the belief that the hand - more particularly the lines and other markings on the palms reveal both character and the future - fingers reveal hidden characteristics and the palm shows the events and direction of a person's life.  

Four girls around the age of six pushed their way to the head of the line.

The two adults accompany them stood back tending to their youngest in a carriage and a female family friend or member took pictures.  No one paid any attention when the last child in the group put her tiny hand turned to have her palm inspected in the Reader's hand.  Looking down the gypsy woman ran her index finger along the life line to see beyond the present.  She took a long pause seemimg to weigh her next words with great care.  I happened to catch her say of a tragic event that would occur.  During the later years of the young child's life there was a break.  She would suffer a life or death experience - a health problem would cause the point of death which she would bounce back from but not one hundred percent.  

The precious information given was lost on the child's close family.  I'm sure if they had heard of the grim spectre of death it would stir up all kinds of fears and feelings.  

Because readings fall under the class of entertainment most people don't take the predictions seriously.  It is not up to the Reader to convince people that what they say is true - time will reveal what will come to be.

( At the same time as the child's palm reading I had a family member living a life or death situation.  I believe that the gypsy woman's  message was also meant for me.  My father had been worried about the health outcome.   The message for me was that my family member would bounce back but not one hundred percent.    On November 1st, I was informed of an operation that took 8 1/2 hours and it looks like they got everything harmful out as well. )

Throughout much of November, the planets will make their moves against the backdrop of the Scorpio Sun. This can be an intense, secretive and deeply transformative time, but don't worry -- there'll be some fun mixed in, too!

In fact, your mood will get a boost almost immediately on November 2, when both Venus and Mercury frolic into enthusiastic Sagittarius. With Venus involved, you'll want to broaden your social horizons, add more culture to your life and perhaps even throw an exotically themed party! Mercury will help you express yourself, making it the perfect time to promote a cause or help others understand your point of view. Just remember to remain tactful!

On November 7, fiery and action-oriented Mars opposes dreamy Neptune. This transit could potentially sap your energy while giving you a sense of panic, or even failure.  But if you can find balance, these two planets will supply you with the motivation to make your visions and ideals a reality!

November 11 sees Mars move out of Leo and into Virgo, where it will remain until July. Productivity will abound, but you'll still want to watch for tiffs here and there, as everyone will be convinced their way is the right one. Then, five days later on November 16, Mars forms a happy connection with Jupiter, helping you charge ahead with new projects!

The Sun in Scorpio rears its head one last time on November 20, when it squares off with Neptune; on this day, you'll feel another drain of energy that will tempt you to just drift along. But then, on November 22, the Sun bounces off into adventurous Sagittarius, just in time to provide opportunities galore before meeting Uranus on November 23.  All this activity leads up to the final act of the month on November 25: an eye-opening, horizon-broadening solar eclipse. Get out and try something new, come up with fresh ideas, or travel someplace you've never been!


The end of the month is an excellent time to open yourself to new experiences ... but that doesn't mean you have to wait. Each of the transits listed above -- as well as numerous others -- give you a chance to take your life in a whole new direction! Astrology.com can help you take advantage of November's most beneficial planetary aspects with your personalized November Forecast, written by renowned astrologer, Art Poppe. Make the most of the coming month as you overcome challenges and see just how far you can go! Order your November Forecast now for only $8.95!

 Please stop for a moment and say  a prayer  for our troops around the world.

 They died for us! Can't we at least Stand Up for them??!!

 

Books In Sync October-November 2011 Book Trailer Recognition Contest my promo trailer  The Summons is entry # 3    http://booksinsync.com/booktrailercontest.html Please stop by and VOTE!!!!


 

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that

Person..

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need

You have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with

Guidance and support,

To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you 

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an

End.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire

Fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

 Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has

Come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy..

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

  LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional

Foundation..

Your job is to accept the lesson,

Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other

Relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,

Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

I am a Witch.
Was it nature or nurture?
Both.
I became a Witch as soon as I found my true voice.
Some are born into it.
Some take decades, lifetimes even.
Most never hear the call of the Goddess.
They are the lucky ones.
For those of us that hear Her
Listen to Her exclamations of pain.
Not the screams induced in birthing.
(She is happy in the act of creation and
Joyful in the evolutionary process
that was meant to produce conscious and coscientious children.
Her dance is the helix of DNA
And the spiralling of new galaxies.)
No. Her agony is caused by those same children-
most of whom are unconscious and unconscientious-
despite seeming to have given up their ape fur.
They have forgotten to care for the Mother
To nourish and protect Her
As She has always done for them
And will continue to do so
Til the very end of the Kali Yuga.
Even as man disposes of his waste in Her waters
(The waters we awakened to life in
and from which we crawled onto the shores,
Dripping and shiny new.)
And makes a toxic stew of Her skies.
They gleefully blow up the tops of mountains
Forgetting that these are Her breasts.
They purposefully destroy Her rainforest
Unmindful that we need its oxygen
And the as yet undiscovered cures
Contained in its flowers.
These are the things that Witches know.
These are the reasons we respond to our Mother's pleas.

What is a Witch?
A Witch is she who is intimate with the phases of the Moon
And rejoices in the magick each phase signifies:
When She is new, She is eternally young Persephone
Who represents the new beginnings and fresh start.
The Maiden is the renewal of life in springtime,
The thawing of frozen ground from which virgin buds blossom.
When She is full, She is bright and shining Demeter
Who has grown into the fullness of Her power

And knows the secrets of every living thing.
She gives freely the means of  existence,
in abundance and clean water to drink.
She comforts those that need Her--
It is what the Good Mother does.
When She is waning, She is wise Hecate
Who knows that death is only the crossroads
That we all arrive at sooner or later.
The Crone opens the tunnel and Her blazing torch illuminates the way.
But this is not an ending-
The tunnel is the birth canal
And the light at the end of it is that which we see as we are born again.
What is a Witch?
A Witch is he who is secure in himself
Enough to be open, honest, and loving.
He understands that these traits are not solely feminine,
They are also masculine and, more importantly, universal.
He seeks to bring healing to a humanity rent asunder
By greed and the yearning for dominance.
He does as he will but brings harm to none
Leaving only peace in his wake.
What is a Witch?
We are they who carry hope in our hearts.
We who keep the fires of Brighid burning
Until all may bask in Her warmth.
Witches know what it takes to make magick happen
And together we can change the world.So Mote It Be. )O(

Author Drew Hoffman - Poet/Writer/ interested in exploring every facet of my creative expression.