How Should We Combat Hatred? – Offering A Prayer Of Peace

How Should We Combat Hatred- - Offering A Prayer Of Peace

This is not a post I usually write – frankly, this is not a post I want to write, because I do not want to talk
about hatred, negativity and politics in this blog.
But after I just heard the news that the Mother of my daughter’s boyfriend was attacked by someone using racial slurs,
and Donald Trump rhetoric, I had to speak out.
You see, we are a family of mixed decent. I am German, my husband is a mix of Irish, Native American, and Jewish decent, and my daughter is dating a wonderful,young hard-working Mexican-American man. His mother, equally hard working, and an upstanding citizen of this country was attacked by a white guy, this afternoon, telling her that all Mexicans should leave and that he is going to end them all. He continued to spew words about Donald Trump, repeated those hateful viewpoints, that have been brought into our homes via television over the last few months.
Thankfully she is okay, but it could have ended so much different. No one should have to experience this kind of behavior,
may it be because of their skin color, country of origin, gender or religion. It makes me angry – and I really do not try
to get angry – but it also makes me sad, that we now live in a space where people believe that it is okay to act this way.
This behavior of racism must stop now, may it be against African-Americans, Latin-Americans, or Native Americans, or anyone else.

I am asking you to offer a prayer for peace, no matter which religion you practice.

As a Pagan, I offer the following prayer:

“O Gracious Mother and Merciful Father,
We pray that you help the leaders and people of this world to have compassion in their hearts,
That you give them the wisdom to end the suffering caused by wars and hatred,
And the understanding that only through peace will we truly be happy;
We humbly ask you to guard and protect all of our brothers and sisters, no matter what skin color, origin, religion or gender.
And give comfort to the loved ones, who have lost family members due to these types of injustice.
May you lead us from death to live,
From falsehood to truth,
Lead us from despair to hope,
From fear to trust,
Lead us from hate to love,
From war to peace,
Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our Universe;
Let our words be spoken in truth,
And our hearts show only love.”

So Mote It Be

Loosely based on a prayer found in “The Wicca Life”

Maybe you can find peace in your heart, and share a moment in prayer with me.

Thank you

I am grateful that she is okay.
I am grateful that none of her children were with her
I am grateful that despite this, she and her family are not answering with hatred
I am grateful that I know that there are good people in this world, standing up for what is right.
I am grateful for you.

Claudia

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Nettle – An A to Z Challenge Post

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N is for Nettle:

This herb is a powerhouse both culinary as well as medicinal, that is often overlooked by the general public. Nettles, or stinging nettles should be pre-cooked, unless you use them as a tea, and be handled with gloves at all times. The younger the leaves, the more tender the result, which will be similar to that of spinach.

Matches well with: cheese, cream, tomatoes, eggs and onions

Healing Properties: In Germany, this herb is valued highly for its healing powers, sold there as an herbal drug to aid in the relief of rheumatoid arthritis. Its power lies also in relieving symptoms of allergies, without all of the side effects that standard medication brings with it. External uses include skin problems, gout, neuralgia, and hair problems. I drink this tea personally to prevent symptoms of my chronic anemia.

Magical properties: strengthens willpower. If sprinkled around the home, it wards off negativity.

If you enjoyed this post on Nettle, why not check out my book

“Mixing Spices: A Flavorful Guide to Creating Awesome Herb and Spice Mixes”

on Amazon Kindle today! 

Juniper Berries – An A to Z Blogging Challenge Post

J

I am a little behind on the challenge this week, so I will post two times today, once more in the afternoon to get caught up. My daughter is getting ready for an out-of-state prom, and I am sending her half way across the US today. Lots of stuff had to be done. (Who thought it could be so tough to find matching shoes, to fit her designer dress?)

But let’s get back to herbs and spices:

J is for Juniper Berries

Juniper Berries are actually not berries but part of a specific pine cone, that take up to two years to mature. Used widely in cooking, this spice has to be removed from the finished meal, similar to the Bay Leaf.

An essential ingredient in the creation of gin.

Matches well with: game, rabbit and hare. Use sparingly

Healing Properties: One compound of the spice contains terpinen-4-ol which stimulates kidneys and works as a diuretic. Because of its antiseptic properties, juniper aids in healing urinary tract infections, and bladders tones. It also lowers blood sugar.

Magical Properties: burn for magical protection. Juniper oil works well in workings that supposed to increase money and prosperity

Enjoy!

Cilantro – An A to Z Challenge Post

c

C is for Cilantro:

A to Z Challenge: Cilantro

Comes from the same plant as coriander. Coriander is the plants seed and cilantro its leaves.

Matches well with: mayonnaise, avocado, salad, ice cream, yogurt, enhances flavors of meat dishes

Healing Properties: antiseptic, antispasmodic, can also be used as a deodorant. Found in many traditional medicines including weight-loss medication

Magical Uses: protection, especially gardeners, peace bringing plant, for attunement

Want to know how to plant your own cilantro? Watch the following video I found, for a simple demonstration:

If you enjoyed this series so far, why not subscribe to my email list, and I will send you a copy of the entire A to Z Challenge, on April 30th as a PDF

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This has been an A to Z Challenge Post – find more participants here

Book Review: The Healing Wisdom of Birds by Lesley Morrison

The Healing Wisdom of Birds - A Review

 

Title: The Healing Wisdom of Birds: An Everyday Guide to Their Spiritual Songs & Symbolism

Author: Lesley Morrison

Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide

Rating: 5/5 Stars

 

I have been looking for a thorough book on the wisdom of birds, and after a long search, I finally came across a volume that fit my needs, and that I truly enjoyed. Mrs. Morrison created a friendly, thoughtful book, which dove deeper into the subject matter than most of the other books on the subject by including information on Goddesses with Bird symbolism, to detailed guides on how to connect to a specific bird. Written in a wonderfully warm tone, that did not read like a lecture, but more like a caring conversation, the Author created a book, to which I will return to often for reference.

(Disclaimer: This book was purchased for personal use)

Happy Reading!

 

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Tarot – A Poem

tarot
 seeking answers in
cryptic places, hidden symbols
longing to be freed
do I dare follow
the words flowing through the cards
or close my eyes to
the strong call to dare
breaking out of the box which
once defined my life?
Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2015

The Spell – A Five Sentence Flash Fiction

The Spell - A Five Sentence Flash Fiction

She made the offering with gentleness and care, honoring the path of her ancestors, while softly murmuring a prayer, I could not understand.
Floating, her bare feet seemingly not touching the soft grass of the large yard, she was somewhere else, not only in spirit, but also in body.
Her soft, long hair weaved back and forth in the warm breeze, then she froze, smiled and open her eyes, looking directly at me, with such suddenness that it startled me.
Nodding at my puzzlement, her smile deepened, as she said clearly, the first words of her’s I actually understood: “So Mote It Be!”

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2015

This post was based on this weeks Five Sentence Flash Fiction Prompt “Offering”.

Winter Holiday – A Haiku

Winter Holiday - A Haiku

twinkle in their eyes
cold winter celebrations
sweet magic abounds

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This post was inspired by the Daily Post prompt: Getting Seasonal.

This season is special to me out of many reason. A few, I want to mention here are my daughter’s and son’s birthdays, and our Yule celebrations, which all fall together within a matter of a week and a half. So while hectic, it is a beautiful time to share and spend time together. I am currently drying some apples and oranges for the table decorations for the Winter Solstice celebration, and will purchase the last few candles needed to be put on the altar.

I wish you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season, however you choose to celebrate it!

Winter Solstice – A Haiku

 

sweet winter solstice
as darkness embraces the world
renewed hope appears

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

The Sounds of Nature

The Sounds Of Nature - A Haiku

the soft, gentle melody
as ocean breeze moves my hear
natures sound comforts

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This post was inspired by the Daily Prompt ” Cue the Violins”