Insomnia and Productivity- A Blessing or a Curse?

I woke up at 1:30 am after going to sleep around 11. I'm a long sufferer of insomnia and tend to roll with the punches, which is exactly what I did this morning. Instead of staring aimlessly at the ceiling, I oped to get some work done. 

I didn't get to cleansing my crystals with sage, but what I did accomplish was just as useful to me. I had time to work on my Book of Shadows. I'm meticulous about the words I use so of course I had to type everything up prior to copying it into my book. My writing is skewed and uneven despite my attempts to use a ruler to keep the text steady (it couldn't be easier than that and I still went wonky with the words). It's a simple fact I've come to accept: if I'm writing on unlined paper, the text will not be nice and neat.

I created a page about crystal grids and some layouts that I have used in the past. I'm happy with how it turned out and since I'm likely the only one to see it, it won't be a big deal. I also had the chance to work out a few more page ideas. Sometimes insomnia is a curse, but there are times when you can make it a blessing in disguise.

Tarot

I've been thinking a lot about Tarot recently. You can toss Oracle Cards into the mix as well should you choose to do so. My question: is Tarot really the most popular form of divination?

I'm thinking it is. Please consider responding to this poll. It is fast, free, and you don't have to sign up or provide any of your personal information. I thank you on behalf of science.

Which is your preferred divination method?

Tarot/Oracle Cards

Runes

Scrying

Precognitive Dreams

Ogham

I don't believe in divination; it isn't possible

I believe in it but can't do it; only certain people can

I do not practice divination for other reasons

Poll Maker

This Little Shrine of Mine

Before some of you roll your eyes at what I have created, know that the purpose was for simplicity. I didn't include many of the things people would expect to see on an altar or a shrine - in fact, this shrine is set up for both my matron and patron.

I have felt a severe spiritual disconnect over the last few years, but especially over the last ten months. This is tied directly to my depression. I know Danu and Lugh are with me even in those times that I can't bring myself to get out of bed and, I don't know, bathe like a normal human being. Sometimes I talk to them but the real truth is that I am often a silent participant.

Wicca is about having a connection to deity, at least in my mind, but it is difficult to do in light of my current situation. This shrine is a way for me to connect to deity - it is a reminder that I am not alone even on those times that I feel I am. It is meant to inspire and comfort. I can see it from my bed and stare at it if nothing else. The photos below are of its first use.

Lugh

Lugh. There is the misconception that he is a Sun God when he is actually a God of Light. He is holding a natural citrine point and a piece of tumbled sunstone. In front of the statue are an ametrine point on the left and a selenite point on the right.

The candle is a white candle without any adornment because I was a little lacking on energy after getting it all put together.

Danu

Danu - The Celtic Mother. Her offering plate holds an aqua aura point as well as a piece of tumbled moonstone. In front of the statue is another ametrine point on the right. On the left is a clear quartz obelisk.

A candle was placed on her side of the shrine as well.

In the center is a vanilla incense cone. An awen pendant is sitting behind it but the flash required for you to be able to see the image has caused it to wash out slightly.

Yes, it is simple. That doesn't make it any less useful.

"In Shadows We Can Grow; We Are The Seeds We Sow"

The title of this post comes from "Last Goodbye," a song written by Alex Band, formerly of The Calling.

I was trying to figure out what I wanted to say in this post and started remembering the lyrics to this song. I'm sure by the end of this post you'll understand why those words are so to the point of my message. The keywords for this topic: depression, anxiety, suicide.

Some people will immediately think of Robin Williams when they read those three words. Alas, this post is all about me. And why shouldn't it be after a four month absence?

I suffer from:

• Major Depressive Disorder - Severe
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Suicidal Thoughts

Before anyone asks, no, I am not currently a danger to myself or others. I am receiving treatment from a medical professional and while it seems most days as though the effort is futile, it is better than me giving in to the depression and doing nothing. Most days are a challenge for me. Some days I go hours without negative thoughts or the desire to harm myself and other days it is like a continual replay in my head. A lot of days I am unable to get out of bed. I am currently unemployed because of these conditions from which I suffer.

This post isn't to gain sympathy or ask for assistance. I have a support system in place and things are taken care of for the time being. Should that change, most of you will probably never know about it because that is the type of person I am. In fact, this entire post is a little like exposing my soul for the world to see. 

I have revealed bits about my depression before. None of you know of my previous suicide attempt; not because I was ashamed to admit it, but simply because it isn't talked about. I have been hospitalized three times. That doesn't mean I'm a crazy lunatic - it means I'm a human being who has had the courage to seek out help in those times where all I see is darkness and all I feel is despair. 

Removing the stigma from mental illness will go a long way in ensuring that those that need help are able to get it. However, this post isn't about politics or programs to help persons suffering with mental illness. It is simply an explanation for my long absences which will likely continue from time to time. I may begin talking about this experience of mine in further detail, especially in relation to my religious practice (or lack thereof). 

Just know that I am working on me and during the process I will be unable to be as active in the "community" as I would like to be. 

-Miach Rhys

 

Crystals for Neophytes Series - Revamp!

I am close to finalizing the changes to my previous series. Some of you may have noticed the videos have been removed from youtube. Others probably recognized that someone never finished listing the rest of the crystals. To be honest, I wasn't feeling the series in the original format. I suppose it was good in its own way, but I wanted it to be more than what it was becoming.

To begin, now that I have a solid digital camera again, I will return to the YouTube videos. The changes to those videos are still up in the air except for the decision that they are going to be happening. I am planning to upload all of the videos before releasing the series so that you won't have to wait longer than a week between each video posting. I've made you all wait long enough, after all.

I am struggling with working out some kind of interactive activity for the series. This is made more difficult by the fact that not everyone will have all of these crystals (even though they are the basics) and I know that not everyone can afford to go out and purchase a bunch of new things for themselves. Heck, if I could afford it, I would happily supply the crystals to anyone that asked free of charge, but Danu and Lugh still haven't told me the secrets of growing money on trees, so I'm not able to be as giving as I would like to be.

Keep your browsers here for the release. I'm wanting to do some outside videos at a local park to get better lighting since I am in the land of rain, clouds, and trees. We'll see how that will develop in actuality.

Playing With Crystals

I have been spending a lot of time reconnecting with my crystals. I wanted to share one of my photos from the experience. I seem to have a lot of clear quartz and those in this photograph are just a small sample.

Clear quartz is known as the all-purpose crystal so it is no wonder why I've picked up so many over the years.

Pagan Blog Project - F is for Freedom of Religion

I am lucky enough to say that I have never been discriminated against because of my religious beliefs. The problem with that statement is that in a round-about way I have, because most times I do not feel comfortable discussing my spirituality with people who I know do not share a like mind.  Other religions proudly proselytize and go door to door, roaming the streets of our cities in an effort to "save" someone or bring them over to their way of thinking. As annoying as that is, I can't specifically say that it is wrong or right except in terms of my own faith, where it would be unnecessary to say the least.

There are legal cases all over the United States right now, many of them due to the perceived idea that one religion is being favored over another, and more often than not those lawsuits have merit. Our founding fathers, wanting to escape religious persecution, came to the United States (we'll have to save their deeds to the Native Americas for another day, but don't think I don't know what they did) to establish their own colonies where people could practice what they wanted to believe without reprisal. In America, there is an assumption that every religion is respected but ask any Muslim or Sikh, or even any Pagan, and you will quickly realize that is not a completely accurate statement.
It is my belief that prayer in schools would be detrimental to the learning environment but there are others that disagree. My opinion is that all religions are valid to the persons following them and as such, all religions should be respected. With that being said, I don't agree that one religion should be able to be pushed onto others more than any other religious belief system, let alone the rights of an individual infringed upon because of said religious beliefs.

Religion is a touchy subject in America, mostly because the Christians claim that they are being persecuted against for being Christian while those in minority religions blame Christianity for the very same thing. I can't speak to those statements except to say that I have seen discrimination on both sides and towards every religious faith - whether it be in online videos, blog posts, discussion groups at my local library, or even from my parent's living room during the newscast. 

The way I see it, we achieve a positive view of our religion by acting in according to our principles and ensuring that others receive fair treatment. Instead of criticizing Christianity for all of its wrongs to us, let's start interfaith dialogue and work to encourage leaders within that faith to recognize that although we have many differences, we all want to live happy and healthy lives while praying to whichever deity/deities we believe in (or do not believe in).

Click here to determine if your religious freedom is being infringed upon.