A Raw Slaw

Ok so almost every coleslaw is raw....depends if Mayonaise is in it I guess.  I am not a fan of Mayo and decided to come up with my own version instead. Last week wanting something for dinner, I looked in the fridge and used what Veggies I had on hand so they would not spoil on me and more importantly, not waste any food.

There is no exact recipe since I don't really measure anything at this point....guess I should start measuring out stuff.

This is a Raw Slaw made from (approx measurements):

5 Kale Leaves, shredded
1 small baby Bok Choy, chopped
1 Red Delicious Apple, diced
1/2 a Yellow and 1/2 an Orange Bell Pepper, diced
1 small carrot diced

The dressing is made from:
3 TBS Olive Oil
2 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar
Dash of Salt (Himalayan)
1/2 teaspoon of Kelp Powder (my choice for salt substitute)
Fresh grated Pepper to taste
1 teaspoon of Dried Thyme (I powdered it in my Mortar and Pestle)

Whisk the above dressing items together and then pour over the veggies.  Use hands to gently toss the slaw.  I let it sit in the fridge for one hour before eating so the flavors could marry. 

This was surprisingly pretty good.  Not as sweet as I usually like but nice.  Next time I think I might add about 1/4 cup of either Apple Juice or fresh squeezed Orange Juice.  I think it would make it even better.  This also made about 3 servings for me as a side dish.  It would make a very large serving if you ate it as a meal.    Actually, I don't think I could eat the whole thing even if I was starving...this made a large amount of food!

If you try this, let me know what you think about it!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Journey to Sacred

The trip that stared my various sacred journeys.
Left to Right:  Sherry, Annette, Crystal & Linda

In my life, I have been blessed to travel to places that I hold sacred.  Not just getting there and experiencing the "touristy" things to do, but also hold the journey to get there sacred.

We prepare and plan alot in life.  It is just something that some people like myself do.  I like to plan.  I like to plan so much that there are instances, where I drive my friends and family to the point they want to bind and gag me so I stop talking about my plans...(am I right Annette, Dawn, and Kathy? LOL)

Right now my Coven Sisters and I are planning a journey out West to see some of our National Treasures and a few stops that we hold sacred.   We will be journeying to the Medicine Wheel near Big Horn, Devil's Tower, Mount Rushmore, and a trip to the Crimson Dawn!

Medicine Wheel, Big Horn, Wyoming

In the past, the destinations I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit have included:

Salem, MA

The Schooner "Friendship"

There is alot of diverse opinions on Salem.  Some say it has nothing to do with Pagans and others refer to it as the "Holy Land" of Witches here in the US.  I have mixed feelings about Salem.  I hold this place sacred for its history first and foremost.  Yes, it is the place of the Witch Trials of 1692 and if you want to know more about the trials all you have to do is google it.   I hold it sacred for its role in Maritime History, helping during the Revoluntionary War which provided us with our independence from the Britian rule.  I hold it sacred because of its role in overseas trade with other nations China, West Indies, Africa, Japan, and so many others.  Without the role of the Privateers that assisted us in the Revolutinary War and helped provide necessary trade routes to bring in trade, I personally do not feel we would be diverse as we are today in trade.  It is also thought that Salem is the birth place of our National Guard.  Which those that know me and my past in the military...I hold anything with the military close to my heart Army (which I joined immediately after highschool) or otherwise.  They are what helps us ensure our freedoms as a country today.  What I hold sacred, the freedom to choose my religion. 

Today, Salem is apart of my sacred places because it is the hub-bub of tourism for Witchcraft.  It is also a place where many people have influenced me and my craft such as Laurie Cabot, Gypsy Ravish, Christian Day and many others. 

Most of my trips to Salem, have included many Sisters of the Craft.  Some I still practice with and some have parted ways with and wish them all well on their current journeys they are experiencing.  I am thankful for each and every trip I have made because each provided its own unique experience.  The last time I went, I was able to watch the sunrise on the ocean not far from the house we rented in Marblehead, MA.   It was one of the most spiritual things I have ever experienced.  As the light rose upon the water's horizon, I am reminded of exactly how miraculous life is and the balance of the light with the dark.  The Yin and Yang.  Balance is a journey that many people including myself constantly walk down the line attempting to find it.  Every once in a while, we do achieve it and those moments are precious and sacred.

Waiting for the sunrise....freezing as well.

New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is just around 2 hours from my birthplace (where I lived most of my life).  It is a place I will hold forever dear in my heart.  There is so much history in New Orleans I don't even know where to begin or if I should even try to write about it.  What does New Orleans have to do with my craft and practice?  Why I am influenced by Marie Laveau of course.  Whenever I was initated into the craft, my very first HP trying to give me something connected to my Louisiana heritage gave me a bracelet with the name he chose for me.  This was during a time where being "out of the broom closet" was not exactly safe.  I think his heart was in the right place and pretty sure he was attempting to connect me to this great woman by naming me "Leveaux".  He obviously did not know the correct spelling and that in the French language "Le" is masculine, and "La" is feminine. LOL  Kudos for him trying to give me a name associated to such a powerful woman.  I think I still may have that leather bracelet somewhere as well hidden in the back of my jewelry box he gifted me with that day.  I kept the name Leveaux for quite a long time...until I iniated into my first practicing coven here in Michgian (FBG).  When I was initated into their coven, I felt I needed a change to reflect who I was at the time and was able to choose my own name (thanks guy and gals you know who you are!) and chose Jasper Kell.  That was over 8 years ago and simply now go by Crystal....my birth name.   

Last time I went back to New Orleans for my 30th birthday....that was 9 years ago.  Wondering if I should go back home for my 40th.  Celebrating milestones in my homestate with family and friends is always scacred.  Its going back to who I am, the place I grew up and where my immediate ancestors are from (at least for a good bit of generations).

Chacchoben Ruins in Quintana Roo, Costa Maya

I actually wrote a "term" paper if you will about this sacred place.  I wrote it as apart of my Second Year (the equivalent to the Second Degree with a coven) requirement for The Sacred Birch Society.   One of our assignments was writing about a Sacred Place.  I also now require the same from my own students of the craft.   I was able to journey to this location at the milestone of my mother's 60th birthday.   My family took her on a cruise to a few destinations that included Costa Maya, Guatamala (where I purchased my first drum), Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel.  I learned many things during that trip.  I hope to repeat it again in my lifetime. 

Sometimes taking a journey is not about the final destination at all.  Sometimes it is all about getting there.  On my last trip to Salem, I was able to bond with one of my closest friends Katherine.  We rode in the car together on the way up and also shared a room together.  This provided us with the first real opportunity to bond as I was the newest member to the coven Women of the Willow.  Kathy and I never before that trip spent alot of time together.  At that time I was closer to two others.   This trip provided us with the opportunity to get to know one another and talk uninterupted.  We learned about one another and began our friendship on a deeper level. 

My trip back home to Louisiana made me feel the importance of my family.  Its a long drive to Louisiana from Michigan but worth every minute of it.  Going home to be with my family is always something that I will cherish every opportunity to do so.  My family is sacred to me, both in the mundane world (my birth family) and the magical world (my coven and temple).  My ancestors helped shape the person I am today. 

The journeys we take in our lives help shape us in who we are, what we can handle like dealing with sea sickness, a blown tire on the road, and everything else in between.  Until we are put into situations, we never know how we are going to react one way or another until it actually happens to us. 

The journeys we take in our lives are not only about physical destinations, but also pathways in our life.  I chose the journey to follow the Goddess and my life has become much better since I took that first step and dedicated myself to her.  I chose the journey of becoming a mother and dealing with the physical labor pains and needs of a child in my everyday life of being a mother until the day I die.  These two journeys will exist for the rest of my life in this world.  Each day I breathe, I know who I am (Wife, Mother, Sister, Daughter, Priestess) and the steps I need to take on that days journey to make it the fullest experience and enjoy life.

Journeys help form who we are....at least it does for me.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Trial and Error - Pineapple Starfruit Salsa

So I had these items on hand.  I needed to use them relatively soon because I did not want them to go to waste or spoil.    I had been craving Salsa so I thought about the Salsa at Whole Foods.  Not wanting to spend around $5 for a very small container, I decided to attempt to reverse engineer it and then add a few extra things in it for my own taste.

So first I chopped/processed a few of the veggies and the fruit.  I manually chopped the Starfruit, Pineapple, Green Onion and lime for its juice.

Don't forget to remove any seeds from the fruit.  They can be bitter if large.

I sliced the Starfruit as I found on YouTube.  I have never eaten it before but heard wonderful things about it.   I processed the Vidalia Onion by itself because I am planning on making a traditional salsa today as well.  I also like onion in my salsa but not a whole one.  Then I processed the  Jalapeno, Garlic,  and about 1/4 of an orange bell pepper that I had leftovers of from my raw coleslaw I made the other night (will post about that probably next time).  The Cilantro I processed last.  Next time I plan on doing the cilantro first because it kind of stuck to the sides from the moisture of everything elsse. 

After everything was chopped/processed including the tomatoes for my traditional salsa I then folded the ingridients into two separate bowls.  One with the Fruit, Jalapeno Mixture, White Onion, Green Onion, Cilantro and lime juice.  The other with the Tomatoes, Jalapeno Mix, White Onion, Cilantro and Lime Juice with a bit a Himalayan Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper.  This is what it looks like.

As you can see I have a small jar of Pineapple Salsa for my friend Pilar because she was the first to speak and say, Hey I want to try some!  Now her challange should she chose to accept it, is to pick it up before I eat thru the other two jars before hitting that little jar last!  LOL (well seriously, I will wait to break that one open last Pilar).

This is what I plan on eating for lunch today....What do I use to scoop the salsa with?  Celery Sticks!

I am sure I will be having tacos for the guys in the near future as well, so maybe I can use any leftovers (yeah like that is gonna happen, LOL) for a Tropical Style Salad possibly?  Or maybe on a bed of Basmati Rice and top with the Pineapple Salsa and possibly some marinated Kale with lemon juice and sliced strawberries?  I still have alot of those that need to be eaten as well.  Now that I think about it, the possibilites are endless!

I hope you have a get lunch today, I know I will be!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Meatless Monday - Cashew Cream Sauce

When I first read about this sauce I knew it had potential!  In the past at one of my Raw Food classes at Nourished Body & Soul by Deb K I learned that the cashew is a very versitile nut.  The first time I had it was as a Mock Alfredo Sauce served over Kelp Noodles and I was hooked.  I have not however been brave enough to try it out until I saw this recipe for Cilantro Cashew Cream Sauce and knew instantly I had to try it!

I was in luck, I happened to have all the items in my pantry or fridge as well so I knew it was a sign that I had to make this sauce!  I am not using it for burritos as the recipe's main page is using it.  I decided to use it another way.  I decided to use it on a salad.

First I soaked my cashews like in the original recipe.

I blended them in the vitamix and then added the other ingridients as stated in the original recipe.

This is the amount I recieved...a large mason jar's worth.

Then I prepared my salad by starting out with marinated Kale in lemon juice.  I let it sit for an hour.

Then I used my new Spiralizer for the first time and cut some Zuchinni.

I added half of an avocado.  Then I massaged them all together. 
Next time I plan on adding the avocado before the zuchinni.

Next came for my seasoning..today's choice was Organic Kelp Noodles. 
I have to limit my salt intake and this gives me a nice substitution.

Just for the heck of it, I added black sesame seeds.  Think next time I want to add Poppy Seeds.

For the final product, I also added some more cilantro because the sauce was just not Cilantro enough for me.  I also added sliced strawberries because I was not in the mood for tomatoes.  I also dusted it with the Whole Foods 365 Line of Vegetarian Parmasan cheese (its another one of my staples transitioning). 

 The overall salad was really good.  For my first time experimenting with making a salad out of ingridients I normally don't use together or eat, I think it was a sucess!  I plan on making it again in the future with a few changes.  The Kale with Strawberries were surprisingly good with one another.  I got lucky with the strawberries as they were more sweet than tart.  They complimented one another very well. 

So this was my dinner tonight, what did you eat and how Raw are you today?

Sincerely,
Crystal T.

J is for Jewels of the Craft

This weeks post is with the letter J.  I have not been able to keep up with the amount of research I like to do for my food entries so my posts for the Pagan Blog Project will not be entirely focused on food how I had hoped.  I will still be posting some food entries, just not necessarily every week as I have not been able to put in the hours of researching the food items I originally had hoped to work and write about. 

This week I am writing about Jewels within the Craft.  These are the people that have influenced my life in one form or another.  Now my "jewels" may not necessarily be your jewels and that is quite ok.  What I value in a person may be different than your values.  Every person effects another in one way or another whether it be good or bad.  Each and every person we come into contact with on a daily basis influences us in our lives and how we live our lives.

Here is my current list of the top "jewels" in my treasure box of knowledge.  They are not listed in any particular order and I have chosen to associate them with a common list of precious jewels that some people might have in their jewelry box just for added fun.  Here goes:

First lets start with the Jewels I personally know, they are my truest of treasures and for that I want them to know how much I love, value, and cherish them!

The Gold - My Husband and Sons

They are the light of my life and reason for living.  My husband takes pride in telling me my weirdness is what he fell in love with and has always supported me about my difference in faith.  He has never told me to stop and encourages me to follow my dreams.  My boys are my sunshine and make me happy whenever I am said by attempting to tell me a joke or kiss and hug me so I feel better when I am not feeling good from my ongoing battle with Kidney disease.  They are the Gods I worship the most and could not live without.  They provide the light in my life, my protection, my home, and my happiness. 

The Diamond

My blood (biological) sister Annette.  We may have had a rough relationship growing up.  She is a few years older than I am and who would want a baby sister following them around, getting into their make-up and playing dress up in her expensive clothes, playing her albums, and just wanting to follow her every place including wanting to go on her dates. LOL  After I grew up and moved to Michigan the distance surely made our hearts grow fonder for one another.  It wasn't until a trip to Salem that made us not only know each other as sisters, but also bonded us together as friends.  Now we speak to one another on a daily basis whether or not it be via phone or internet. 

The Hematite

My Coven sister Katherine Ravenswood. She is the one person that keeps me grounded (in a good way of course, LOL).  She nurtures my soul, helps me manifest my dreams, but also knows when its for my own good to bring me back to the ground when I am really over exerting myself.  She helps me keep myself and my health in check as we are on a  journey together to become healthy and live a longer life.  She is my "Magical MacGuyver" and can manifest into physical form whatever crazy concoction of a magical project I devise. 

The Amethyst - Amethyst Cat

One of my first mentors when I moved here to the state of Michigan.  We actually met on the internet a group that provided online learning.  We had so many other ways to meet in person for instance, I shot billards with her sister in law every Sunday for over 5 years and I was her other sister in law's assistant as a business I used to work at for about three years as well.  But it took the internet for us to meet and build up the confidence and courage to meet each other in person.  Of course we hit it off and I consider her a Magical Sister and apart of my Magical Family!   Just like the stone Amethyst is a correspondence of a teacher of all things spiritual, mystic and psychic. 

The Citrine - Ibisfire

Ibisfire correspondes to the Citrine in my jewelry box by way of her talent for Creativity, her example of enjoying life and living it to its fullest.  Her generous soul and gives everything she possibly can to whatever she is doing at the time.  Her love of the theather sparking the muse of creativity.  Finally her general overall goodness that seeps out of her aura, heart and soul.  I met Ibisfire through Amethyst Cat and also consider her a Magical Sister and apart of my Magical Family.  She inspires me to do more with my life and do more for others.  You can always find her helping out at her local communities Theater group whether she is staring, directing, producing, costume making, or mentoring the children in playgroup.  She is a star in her own right and among the brightest and sparkling of my jewels.

The Lapis Lazuli - Dawn (photo below with The Pearl)

Dawn is my Coven Sister and apart of Magical Family.  She is my rock when it comes to truthfulness, openness, accessing my Inner Power, trusting my Intuition and inner power.  She is a sense of mystery and my favorite Gypsy of all!  She breathes self confidence and psychic ability.  She is my favorite and most talented Medium helping me talk to my spiritual guides when I need a boost in power.   She is a no-nonsense, tell it like it is Moma who protects "The Pearl" with every bone in her body and ounce of her being.  She is our Moma Bear to our Coven. 

The Pearl - Autumn (photo above with the Lapis Lazuli)

Just like a pearl she is our Maiden in our Coven.  Daugther of Dawn, she is not only our newest Coven sister, but also adopted neice by Magic is you will.  She represents all that is pure in the world thru the eyes of our Maiden.  Her innocence is represented by her youth.  We hope to guide her with integrity and provide her with the focus to do well in life and concentrate on her studies until she gradutates.  Even though she is young, I can sense an old soul within her being that will be able to provide much wisdom as she grows into a beautiful woman just like her mother.  She reminds me what it is like to be young and enjoy the simple things in life.  She has such a bright future and I am lucky to be apart of it.

The Peridot - Pilar

My Peridot is my Coven Sister Pilar.  She and I are so much alike its funny sometimes.  We also act very silly when we are together as well.  She and I share our love for Raw Food, Herbs, and alternate healing.  Just like the Peridot, Pilar represents Healing, Renewal, Purification and Rebirth.  When I am stressed out, she can say something to make me laugh and the world seems like a better place.  She relaxes me and also provides me with the vigor to live a better life by going as green as I can.  She is my "Smoothie Sis" and understands my challenges with food and health.  She is my aspiring Healer! 


Now for those I treasure in the Craft that I value just as much even though I might wear these jewels every day....these are more the "special jewels" that I don't get to interact with that often.  Those I learn from physically on a personal level while attending a workshop at a larger convention or event, or by reading their gifts of knowledge in the form of their writing whether it be from a blog, book, or magazine article.


The Ruby:  Dorothy Morrison

I first met Dorothy when I was pregnant with my first son so that would be back in 2003.  My friend Wayland invited me to dinner with him and Ravenmyst.  When I showed at the place he told me to meet him, low and behold Dorothy was there!  (Wayland knew I was a huge fan of hers and neglected to tell me why we were meeting for dinner.)  Many of the books I have read in the craft were written by Dorothy.  Her straight forward approach to the craft opened my eyes to alot of possibilities in Magic itself.  Among my favorite books she has produced are In Praise of the Crone and also Magical Needlework where I first learned about Cross-stitching spells.  She is the witch holding the Ruby Shoes indeed!  She is the owner of Wicked Witch Studios and also the Flying Monkey Express.  Just like the correspondence of a Ruby, Dorothy fosters integrity for owning your own magic.  The Courage to do what is in your heart and leadership ability and power in her workshops and presentations I have also attended at Convocation in the past years. 

The Moonstone - Selena Fox

PSG 2008 LtoR: Me, Annette, Selena, Kathy & Dawn

What can a person say about Selena?  She simply is a version of the Goddess! 
Selena fosters happiness wherever she goes.  She always has a smile on her face and is glowing with energy every single moment I have laid eyes upon her.    She is very nuturing and mothering in her manner hugging every person she comes into contact with during conventions and festivals.  She makes you feel as you are apart of her magical family as one of the main sayings I learned and felt during PSG is that of "WELCOME HOME".  Like the Moonstone with its Humanitarian properties Selena has accomplished many feats for Pagans when it comes to recognition for a Pagan Symbol being placed upon Veteran Stones, Interfaith relationships, and spiritual insight and training in her way of Leadership Intensives which I feel is important to anyone that considers themself a Pagan Clergy.  There is alot of knowledge in the groups I have attended and networked with that I have been able to learn from, make friends with, and help others grow in their quest for knowledge as well.  She treats everyone as her equal and also as a friend. 

I believe this was taken my first year presenting at Convocation 2008
LtoR:  Christopher Penczak, Michelle Belanger, T.Thorn Coyle and me.

The Jet - Christopher Penczak

Christopher is by far one of the few men that inspire me within the Craft.  Maybe I am drawn to him as a Taurus since his birthday is the day before mine.  Christopher holds many of the same properties I feel the stone Jet possesses. Not to mention whenever I think of Jet, the first thing I think of is the beautiful necklace he wears made of Amber and Jet. He is very courteous and confident.  He is optimistic.  From the lessons I have learned from him through his writings and workshops is that to be balanced by not only working with the light but also with one's Shadow self.  He is a person I consider a leader and encourages postive growth within yourself.  He has taught me balance in my life both magical and the mundane.

The Tiger's Eye - Michelle Belanger

Michelle is someone I look forward to learning from every year at Convocation.  She embodies the energy of both male and female.  She is strong and beautiful.  She has taught me what I have learned about psychic energy and working within the spirit of one's own personal energy.  She has taught me about personal empowerment.  She is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met and a wealth of knowledge.  I aspire to hold myself with the grace, integritiy, courage and ability to see things for what they really are in both the magical world and the mundane.  She is also one of my favorite singers and a brilliant performer.




The Silver - Amber K

One of the highlights in my life was meeting Amber K.  The reason why she is so special to me is that her book True Magick was the very first book I bought when I began my studies into the craft over 20 years ago.  When I served in the US Army in my early twenties most of my fellow commards in arms kept a pocket bible, it was her book I kept in my right cargo pocket of my BDUs.  I have always felt a connection to her and also to the Moon.  This past year at Convocation I was able to meet her in person and attend a few of her workshops.  My friend and treasured jewel Cat (written about earlier) can contest to the fact that whenever I seen Amber for the first time I was speechless, which for me is something that seldomly happens! LOL 

Amber's energy is that of unconditional love and nurturing.  She appreciates nature and that shows throughout the training she offers at Ardantane which I hope to save money for and go study with for for a time whenever my schedule and health allows it.  She is my Silver as that precious metal is sacred to the Moon, just like I think she is sacred to the Moon. 

There are so many more precious jewels I would love to share with you, but I don't want to turn this into a book.  Maybe each month I will focus on writing about the ones I hold dear, sacred, and look to as special jewels.

Who are the "Jewels" you hold dear to your heart?

As I close this post, I am happy that I have so many treasures within my life.  Today I turn 39.  Each of these people have helped me become the Priestess I am today.  I am thankful to them for what they have taught me, shared with me, influenced me, and those I know that love me as much as I love them.  I am a very lucky girl!

Blessed Be,
Crystal T.

Thankful Thursday, Convocation 2013 & Ellen Dugan

Today I am thankful that it is the birthday of my maternal grandmother Sophie!  She would have been 99 years old today if she were still among the living.  She does still live in my heart and know she is with me in Spirit.  Especially whenever I am cooking a meal for my family.  I feel close to  her!  Many of my memories are focused around food as she passed when I was a young child.

They include:

The smells of her making Fig Jam from the fruits from the tree in your yard.
The smells and tastes of her Catfish Coubillion (Red Fish Stew if you will)
The sound of her voice speaking in Cajun French because she knew very little English.
The old metal fan that would sit in her living room on the hot summer days.
The rag doll she gave me with blue hair that I named Priscilla after Elvis's wife...(I was a fan of Elvis and Dallas even as a young child).
Her rocking me on her lap singing to me to try to get me to fall asleep, and it was also in French.
Her beautiful white hair....it was so white it had the blue sheen to it!  How I wished I would be blessed with her hair.  (I think my sister was but she won't quit dying her hair to find out. LOL Love you sis!)


Today I am also thankful for a little bit of news I learned about via Facebook!

Ellen Dugan (one of my fav authors) posted she will be at Convocation 2013!

I am so stoked about this.  Ellen is among my top favorites in regards to the craft and herbs. 

So because of this news, please be aware that I will NOT be submitting any workshops for next year.  I will be taking the year off to ensure the opportunity to take Ellen's classes as well as have the opportunity to enjoy other classes I have been scheduled with at similar times like the Drumming workshops with Alex.  He is a wonderful teacher but I never get to take his classes because our workshops have been at the same time.  I have been able to take only one of his in the past 5 years. 

Many thanks to everyone that has supported me in the past with my workshops!  I am not stopping, just taking one year off.  Besides I should focus on developing some new classes to submit and focus on my book "A Pagan Pregnancy" and keep working on my next book "Gaia's Bounty" which focuses on finding the Magic in your Meals!

I can't wait to see who else is confirmed to be the Guest Presenters at Convocation next year!

Those I listed on my Wish List to the Programming Committee last April included:

Ellen Dugan - Confirmed!!!!
Mickie Mueller
M. Flora Peterson aka Charming Pixie Flora on YouTube
Susun Weed
Corrina Woods of Red Moon Herbs and also Earthaven Ecovillage
Crystal Blanton

In the past as well I have asked for many many people!  I would love for them to bring Nora Cedarwind Back, I miss my sister!  She has been very busy with the birth of a new grandchild and has alot of things going on right now....Nora if you are reading this, miss you my sister!  I think of you often and will be putting a little something special in the mail for you soon!

Yeah I realize that four of them have a direct relation to plants but with next year's theme being the Sun, should it be a year to celebrate all that grows in its light? LOL

So I am thankful today that I will get the opportunity to learn from someone I hold in high regard.

If you attend Convocation and want to see someone specific, start sending in your wish list to their programming committee.  Also every year they have Feedback forms that you can fill out as well on who you would like to see at future events.  If you don't request the person you want to see, how will they know? 

Thank you MEC for booking Ellen Dugan as a Guest Presenter at next years event!  Thank you for all the hard work you put into booking the best speakers each and every year!  Thank you for everything you do!  See you next year!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Sister's Published - Circle Magazine

Hey All!

I am just so proud of my sister!  She is published in the Spring 2012 issue of Circle Magazine!
So go buy it and see what she wrote!

You can buy the current issue here. 

Congrats Annette, I love you!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Infusions and Intent

In one form or another, a witch that casts some sort of spell has placed his or her intent into that spell.  After all, without having a reason to cast the spell in the first place, would it even be cast?

For me this past year I have dedicated myself to studying and finding the Magic in my Meals.  Finding the Magic in the food we eat on a daily basis to find out how a person can cast the most simpliest of spells by doing something they do every day, eating and drinking.  In this manner, it would not matter if you were "Out of the Broom Closet", stradling that doorway, or completely inside peeking out a crack in the door every once in a while to see if anyone knows you are there. 

With my particular case, I also focus on not only finding the magic in food, but its healing properties as well.   One of the things I do is drink nourishing infusions.

I first learned about Infusions about a decade ago from a woman named Susun Weed.  On her website I began my research into herbs, weeds, and the Wise Woman Tradition which I began to study.  I also found a mentor in J.R. who had apprenticed with Susun that I have also learned from in the form of monthly Moon Lodges, herbal walks, and weekend intensives that hosted many classes from connecting to your inner Goddess, drumming ( including a 12 hour heartbeat healing session with the drumming), plus many many other avenues where I first tasted Nettle Infusion. 

Now my friends and my mentor J.R. know that I am not a big fan of Nettles.  She (the herb) is a stinging herb and very protective about who touches her.  Those that do touch her, do so with much respect to her defense mechanisms and treat her gently and kindly if they wish to consume her healing energies that she holds inside.  Even though I am not fond of her specific taste, right now she is one of my strongest Herbal Allies that I can use.  Once my sister Annette told me "What you want and what you may need might not be the same thing in the Goddess's eyes".  She will give you what she thinks your needs are which could be completely different and have been that way most of my life.  With adding a bit of Raw Honey to sweeten Nettles up, she is more pleasing to my taste buds and now I am enjoying her nourishment in the form of an Infusion every morning.   

Each night before going to bed, I boil my kettle of water.  I place a handful of Nettles in the bottom of a large mason jar.  When the water is nice and hot, I pour it over the herbs.  Next I take a cap and secure the lid on the jar.  I then place the jar upon one of the altars in my kitchen on my pentacle trivet next to a lit candle and then "Infuse my Intent" of healing my body from the inside out with the help of my herbal ally.  I don't just infuse my intent with my herbal infusions, I do it with every meal while I am preparing it and cooking it (mostly cooking for my family as I am tending to eat more raw foods from Gaia's Bounty) 

Anyone can add their intent to their food and use it as a spell.  Just focus on the ingridients and their properties they hold.  If you look at my past posts for Pagan Blog Project you will see a few items whose properties I have already listed out for you.  If you want something for protection, simply use garlic, salt or black pepper.  It is as simple as that if you know the properties of the food you are using and want to focus on them magically.

Utilizing my herbal allies as Nourshing and Magical Food is not all I am doing to take charge of my health.  Last year I was able to benefit by receiving healing energies from a wonderful group of people over at the Temple of Witchcraft co-founded by Christopher Penczak.  I am very grateful for being able to receive those healing energies from them.  Should you be reading this, thank you Stevie the wonderful woman that was my "Case Manager" if you will for everything you and the Temple has done for me, my health continues to improve with each passing month (though lately I have been battling alot of cold, flu and respiratorty viruses and bacterial infections on top of my kidney disease).  The Kidneys however are OH SO MUCH BETTER than last Summer!  For those that have the extra energy they would like to channel and help heal others whether it be thru Reiki, candle lighting, or what other form you possess, please check out their Healing List and offer any energy you can to help them out!  You can view the current list here .  You will notice my name is still being listed since I have an ongoing battle.    Also while I am thinking of it, send Christopher a Happy Birthday note since his birthday is the day before mine.  Happy Birthday my fellow Taurus! 


Well that is all for now...until next time.

I hope you find the Magic in your Meals!

Blessed Be,
Crystal T.

Live Jolly Foods

For my Meatless Monday entry, I was excited to see that Live Jolly Foods is now available for online ordering!  If you like Raw Food be sure to check them out!  I definitely will!

I first heard about Live Jolly Foods from Lauren at Ginger is the New Pink blog.  After I did a little research I learned that Chef Chris Jolly attended my alma mater LSU  (GEAUX TIGERS!) 

They are also offerring 20% off your first order!  So if you like Kale chips, Flax Seed Crackers, Cookies, Brownies and more, be sure to go check them out at  HERE .  I am trying to figure out what I want to order this week!  I want to make sure I get some goodies for my trip out west this summer to the Medicine Wheel for the Summer Solstice this year with my Coven Sisters.

If you click on their link for their blog you will find a few recipes as well!

Find the Magic in your Meals!

Blessed Be,
Crystal T.

Wordless Wednesday