Mrs. B's Journal Prompt: Spring

"What does spring mean to me? New beginnings? The start of a new garden? School is drawing closer to an end for the year? Getting back to nature as the weather grows warmer?"

To me, yes Spring does mark new beginnings. There's nothing like the beginning of Spring to make someone feel refreshed after a harsh winter. I love that first warm day when I can drive around with my window down, and feel the gentle breeze brush against my face. I love when the flowers begin to bloom, and add a whole new pallet of colors to nature. I love seeing all the animals that have come out of hibernation.

This year I'd like to plant a garden. It's something I've always wanted to do, but never got around to it. I already have some seeds sweet williams and snap dragons. I think I'd also like to try growing some herbs so I don't have to buy them anymore. I'm really getting into herbalism this year. I've been trying to strengthen my connection with nature and now that Spring is coming, I'm filled with motivation. I would like to start going green: recycle, use natural cleaners, etc.

I want to start my spring of with a bang this year. I'm actually going to do a ritual for Ostara. I'm also going to use Mrs. B's idea for eggs. I want to dye them and put herbs in them to keep as charms for the year.

I hope this Spring will be a happy time in my life and in everyone else's as well.

Choosing a Wiccan/Magickal Name

One of my first steps in my journey toward enlightenment is choosing a magickal name. This is something I'm surprised I never did until now. Why choose a wiccan name? A wiccan, or magickal, name is believed to hold great power. It represents your essential self. A wiccan name should encompass any aspects of yourself that you feel are important to you. A new name is also chosen to represent your rebirth as a wiccan. Some people choose their wiccan name through names that hold characterstics they have, or wish to have. Some people also include animals they may like or names from deities that they wish to reflect. Another way of choosing a wiccan name can be done through numerology. Many people pick names that have the same number vibration as their birthdate. Sometimes people ask the deities to give them their name, which can be used as their "public" wiccan name, or as a secret name used only when speaking to the deities. I have choosen my own name for use in the wiccan community and I will also ask the deities to give me a name to use in private. After a long thought process I have chosen my name...

I have chosen Willow as part of my name because they have always been my favorite tree. They look so serene, warm, and welcoming. They love water, as do I. The Willow has been known as a tree of dreaming, inspiration and enchantment. Their wood has often been used in rituals for enhancement of psychic abilities honoring the moon (due to it's connection to water), and to draw love. All of which, are things I honor.

Silver has also been one of my favorite colors, especially for magickal work. Silver has a strong connection to the moon and water. It gives a sense of balance and helps with mental, emotional and physical cleansing.

One thing about me is that I have a major soft spot for animals. I have always felt a strong connection with them, especially felines. One of my favorite animals in the feline species is the Lynx, a very beautiful creature. They almost look like a big house cat, with tufts of black fur on their ears. To me, they have a very proud and wise appearance. They are mainly noctorunal (I like the night too), and are very protective of their territory. The Lynx are mostly solitary, as I am known to be most of the time.

So, from this day forward, I will be known as Willow SilverLynx (in the wiccan community only).

Blessed be.

How I Began

I was raised as a Catholic when I was a child, just like most other people in my area. I even attended a Catholic elementary school. Today, however, I am wiccan. I first found out about Wicca when I was 9 years-old, I am 21 now. It interested me from the first moment. My mom gave me Silver RavenWolf's "Teen Witch" that year. I loved everything about the religion, the way it involves nature, the rituals, the way you actually have some control over your life. However, I've been a lazy witch. I believe in this religion with my whole heart, but I have not been practicing the way I would like to be. I've never done any rituals, and I have tried to cast spells without proper preparation. I want to learn more about my path...

This blog will be about my journey along the sacred path to enlightenment and a better understanding of myself. I will post about things I learn and do, and even post advice for fellow witches who have a thirst for learning.