Ooo, how I love stormy weather. Today…well yesterday…it was cloudy and drizzly. The fog rolled in about 3:30ish pm and didn’t roll out til later in the evening. I had to do laundry and since the laundry room is down the drive (apartments w/o washer/dryer hookup suck), I got to walk in the fog. Oh, it was so nice. It was cold…but the fog and the slight mist made the place seem magical. I heard the dripping from the trees, but that’s about it…the fog just enclosed everything. It was beautiful….Mother Nature in her dark aspect.
Speaking of stormy…November was very warm and very dry this year…and right after Thanksgiving…the day after, no less…the storm moves in and it even tried to snow! It’s been rainy since. I’m hoping for snow this year…my fingers (and toes) are crossed.

How many have gotten their Christmas shopping done? For the first time in….well, actually the first time…we are almost done before December even shows up! Last year we did all of our shopping the weekend before Christmas. This year, we bought most everything online…a couple days ago!
Let’s see…I can’t say what I’m getting my sis-in-law…cuz she reads my blog (sorry sis ), but I can post what we’re getting the boys…since they don’t read it!
Both boys are getting a Furby from the man himself…. Santa. ‘G’ really wants one…and we can’t get one without getting the same for ‘K’. That’s a fight I can avoid. Then they’re both getting a scooter (’G’s broke and ‘K’ just loved it), ‘G’s getting a bike, and ‘K’s getting a Darth Vader Mr. Potato Head, a “suitcase” full of Potato Head parts, a Crayola art set (he loves to draw), and 4 small dinosuar puzzles that come in one box.
We ordered everything but the scooters and the bike…too much in shipping, so we’ll get those at the store.

Well, The Chronicles of Narnia comes to theaters soon (I can’t wait to see it) and most Christians are loving the idea that a movie with Christian undertones is on it’s way. But, is it really all Christian? Mr. Peter Chattaway doesn’t seem to think so. There are many pagan elements running through the Christian theme of the story.

Presumably, the centaurs and fauns will look more or less like the mythological creatures depicted in ancient Greco-Roman art. But will, say, Mr Tumnus regale Lucy with stories of how the Roman god Bacchus filled the streams with wine when he feasted with the forest people?

And Catholic critic Stephen D. Greydanus stated that

the Narnia stories are doubly apologetic. On the one hand, they introduce the non-Christian reader to stories with a Christian sensibility. But they also constitute an intriguing defense of pagan mythology — a defense that may not be welcome in some modern churches.

As the author of Mere Christianity himself might say, the Narnian stories are Christian, but they are not merely that.

The Paganism of Narnia

Well, now that fall is pretty much over with, I decided to change the fall theme of my blog to a winter one. I now have a Celtic winter faerie look. I have always loved the artwork of the seasonal faeries (like I use in the layout)…and the winter faerie makes a perfect wintery change.

It’s Thanksgiving! That time of year where we offer thanks for _fill in the blank_ and visit with family and friends over a huge meal.

What I am think for this year?
I’m thankful for my family and friends. I’m thankful for what I have received in life. I’m thankful for who I am and what I stand for. And I’m thankful for the energies of the God and Goddess that I have in my life.

What am I doing for Thanksgiving?
The boys and I are catching a ride with my brother over to our parents’ house in the morning. ‘J’ works tonight and will be sleeping til about 1pm, then drive out to join us.
My mom always cooks tons of food…breakfast breads for the morning, snack crackers and veggies for around noontime, and a huge Thanksgiving dinner, turkey and all, for the early evening. Then, of course, you have your desserts later in the evening. Mmmmmm!!

Your Life Path Number is 7
Your Life Path Number represents the path you should take through life and the talents and skills you have to make your journey a rewarding one.
The Life Path of a 7 is to find universal truths and pursue inner-knowledge. You will explore the mysteries of life and uncover the true meaning of existence. Much of your time will be spent alone, which you will welcome, because isolation will provide you with the time and quiet to pursue knowledge. As your wisdom grows, people will seek you out with the hope you will share your knowledge.

Your Life Destiny Number is 4
Your Destiny Number sheds light on those things you must accomplish in your life to be fulfilled.
Your destiny is to build things of lasting value. You are meant to manage and organize that which is around you. While you may be more turtle than hare, you will build solid foundations on which you and others will build.

Your Soul Number is 2
Your Soul Number describes your deepest desires and dreams and the person you truly want to be.
Your inner desire is to create harmony and balance. You loath conflict and will do anything to avoid or resolve problems. You are warm and loving, and your skills at solving the problems of others is a blessing to us all.

Your Personality Number is 11
Your Personality Number reveals the “external you”–the personality traits others will know you by.
Those with an 11 Personality Number are visionaries. They are old souls blessed with an enormous volume of wisdom concerning our spiritual world. They are idealistic, individualistic, creative and extremely perceptive. 11 personalities are always very bright and may well be considered geniuses by those who know them. Intense and having a lust for life on a grand scale, they have seen the mystical side of the universe and liked the view.

Your Maturity Number is 11
Your Maturity Number reveals the person you will come to be–your true self.
Even in your early years you will exhibit knowledge and wisdom far beyond the normal. As you mature, your knowledge of all things spiritual will continue to grow. In your later years you will enjoy pursuing even more knowledge of the mystical and divine. Your intuition and psychic abilities will have reached their zenith. You will inspire and bring joy to those around you and possibly all of humankind.

The 4 Pinnacles
Pinnacles represent moments in your life in which you realize current goals and learn some of life’s lessons. If you are at the beginning of a Pinnacle, then they can be used as a predictive tool to assist in managing your future. Your first Pinnacle begins at birth and last until around the age of 27. Your Second Pinnacle last through the next 9 year and the Third Pinnacle last for 9 years after the Second Pinnacle has passed. Your Fourth Pinnacle picks up where the Third Pinnacle ends and last throughout the rest of your life.

Your First Pinnacle Number is 1
A 1 Pinnacle indicates a time when you are attempting to become self-reliant and allow your individuality to blossom. This is a time when you may want to seek teachers to assist you on your journey toward independence. If you should have a 1 as your third or fourth Pinnacle, it is likely destiny is grooming you for leadership.

Your Second Pinnacle Number is 6
A 6 Pinnacle notes a time of love and devotion to friends and family, or possibly the building of a new family after a divorce. During this Pinnacle your energies will be focused on your home-life. You will nurture your loved ones and beautify your surroundings as much as possible. During this Pinnacle that which is in your heart will come to the forefront.

Your Third Pinnacle Number is 7
A 7 Pinnacle marks a time for study, self-discovery and spiritual development. Your focus on the inner-self will bring out the loner in you. If your 7 is a First Pinnacle you will probably have to deal with a feeling of alienation. A 7 in the Second or Third Pinnacle demarks a time for further spiritual exploration and refinement of your understanding of yourself. As Fourth Pinnacle, the 7 denotes yet more time exploring your inner-self and the sharing of your wisdom with others.

Your Fourth Pinnacle Number is 7
A 7 Pinnacle marks a time for study, self-discovery and spiritual development. Your focus on the inner-self will bring out the loner in you. If your 7 is a First Pinnacle you will probably have to deal with a feeling of alienation. A 7 in the Second or Third Pinnacle demarks a time for further spiritual exploration and refinement of your understanding of yourself. As Fourth Pinnacle, the 7 denotes yet more time exploring your inner-self and the sharing of your wisdom with others.

The 4 Challenges
Challenges denote personal weaknesses and temptations you will have to overcome and strengths you will have to develop to fully realize your goals. The 4 Challenges have the same time frame as the 4 Pinnacles.

Your First Challenge Number is 8
An 8 Challenge denotes a period when you are being called to come to the forefront and lead others. You will be tested by material gains, and must remember your true destiny is to contribute significant accomplishments to your world. To traverse this Challenge successfully you will have to learn not to misuse the power that is entrusted to you.

Your Second Challenge Number is 6
A 6 Challenge marks a period in which you will learn to balance the needs of your family with your own. You will learn that true nurturing can only come from your heart. Your idealistic views of marriage may be shaken some, but if you learn to temper them some you will be happier and more secure on the other side of this Challenge.

Your Third Challenge Number is 2
Your Challenge is to learn how to manage your natural sensitivity to others, aversion to conflict and need for harmony in a way that will not repress your own needs. In time you will learn to balance your needs with those of others.

Your Fourth Challenge Number is 5
A 5 Challenge marks a time when you most overcome your fear of change and risk. You will also learn to liberate yourself from that which restricts your self-expression. While a 5 Challenge may be a bit scary, it is a time of great personal development marked by the growth of your individual freedom.

The 3 Cycles
Cycles occur in 28 year periods. The First Cycle last from birth through your 28th year and is called your Formative or Seed Cycle. The Second Cycle–your Productive or Fruit Cycle–begins at age 29 and last through your 56th year. The Third Cycle, your Harvest Cycle, begins with the coming of your 57th year and last throughout the rest of your life. Your Cycle Numbers tell you the lessons you must learn and goals you must meet to stay on your Life’s Path and achieve your true destiny.

Your First Cycle Number is 1
A 1 Cycle indicates a time of action and development. If your First Cycle number is a 1, you are gaining independence and confidence. There may be times when you feel alienated from those around you. A 1 in the Second Cycle reflects a time when you will be confident, determined and able to lead others. A Third Cycle 1 indicates a time in which you will be independent and dynamic. You will be very independent and self-discovery will be a major preoccupation.

Your Second Cycle is 9
Those in a 9 Cycle will see their compassion and tolerance for others blossom. You will find satisfaction in putting the greater good for all ahead of your own needs. This is a cycle in which you will explore the depths of your love for your fellow man.

Your Third Cycle Number is 6
A 6 Cycle denotes a period favorable for love and marriage. You will learn about commitment and responsibility to your loved ones. If you have had a failed marriage, this is a period to start anew. Regardless of the conditions you bring into this Cycle, this remains a period for the homebody to come out in you.

Your Birthday Number is 9
This number is most influential between your 28th and 56th year. While it is not the most important number in your profile, it does have an effect on your Life’s Path and Destiny.
You are idealistic and compassionate, generous and sensitive. At heart you are a humanitarian of the highest order.

Your Personal Year Number is 8
This number tells you what is happening in your life this year. This number should be used to help you avoid setbacks and focus your energies on those areas of your life where you are most likely to achieve your goals.
This is a year in which you should assert your leadership skills, as well as deal with any issues you have developed with authority. The time for you to become empowered, realize success and achieve financial gain is here.

Your Personal Month Number is 8
This number tells you what is happening in your life this month. Use this number in the same way you would your Personal year number, but apply it only to the current month.
This is a time for you to take things seriously and ensure all aspects of your life are moving in Make time to be alone and allow yourself to evaluate where your life is going.

For our anniversary, my hubby and I went out to dinner and saw the 4th Harry Potter movie last night (Tuesday). Can we say awesome?!
The one thing that bugged me was how much was cut from the book. Some of it was changed a bit to account for the cut parts so it made sense. But other than that…I loved it!
I gotta give the director props for the graveyard scene…it was done exactly how I imagined it. And the dragon and mermaids were just awesome! Great movie!

I have just finished reading Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ. (Recommended to me by a “concerned” Christian. ) No, I did not change my view (he thought it would). No I am not suddenly a Christian. No, I still do not believe Jesus was anything more than spiritual teacher.

He (or rather his interviewee’s) had a few points that made me go hmmm, but overall, I can’t say I was very moved or even touched by this book. There were even some points in there that were completely wrong.

But you wanna know the biggest turn-off?? At the very end of the book, when he’s talking about the “overwheleming evidence” for Jesus and how it changed him into a believer…he mentions that his life basically sucked - “…I had been living a profane, drunken, self-absorbed, and immoral lifestyle.” He goes on about backstabbing his colleagues and being cold-hearted to his wife and kids. And then he found Jesus through his “investigation”. And his life changed because Jesus died for his sins and he was forgiven.
Up until that point I had a little bit of respect for him…to go out and interview people like he did (though I’m not completely sure he wasn’t leaning heavily towards Christiainty in the first place). Once I got to that point, however, I lost all respect I had for him.
Wanna know why? Wanna know what this points to? That Christians can’t forgive themselves for the bad things they do in life. That they need someone to make the bad things go away. Who do they fall back on for this? Jesus. Christians NEED Jesus. Without him, they are lost…wallowing in their own “sins” because they can’t get up on their own, forgive themselves, and move on. Non-Christians don’t need someone to take away the bad things in life. We take responsibility for our actions and we deal with the consequences. And then we move forward. Christians can’t do this, it seems. Or rather, some people can’t do this…and they see an easy way out in Jesus.
I see this as a huge weakness…and for that, Lee Strobel lost my respect. By the end of the book, I was thinking he started to believe based on what he found out. That was part of it, but seeing as how he didn’t interview any non-Christian (or at least non-fundamentalist Christian) scholars to try to stump them with the knowledge he had gained…coupled with the fact that his life sucked prior to accepting Jesus….well, it points in the direction that he wanted…no NEEDED…to believe that Jesus died for his sins. Then he could be forgiven and life would be peachy.

Overall, I’m glad to be done with this book (I barely got through it…as it just wasn’t that intriging). Now I can start some serious study into religious history…specifically Celtic spirituality.

You are 73% Aquarius

How much do you match your zodiac sign?

What kind of Pagan are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

I got this little Q&A from the group Pagans of My Space. It was used as a get to know you type of thing. I though it would be interesting to post here as well. Feel free to copy and paste into your own blog and change the answers to fit you.

1. What is your favorite magickal working?
Anything done simply. I used to try to do things rather elaborate, but have started to simplify things…and I feel more connected when I’m not thinking about what I’m supposed to do when and where…and instead just going with the flow.

2. What religions have you practiced in the past?
None, actually. My family was not very religious. We celebrated the holidays in a secular way and never went to church or anything.

3. What are your goals as a Pagan?
To be who I truely am and to learn all I can.

4. What are your personal short term goals?
To get better at actually doing the rituals. Sometimes I just put them off because I’m busy or tired. And to get back into daily meditations.

5. Long term goals?
To learn and grow, both in knowledge and in spirituality.

6. What are your occult interests? (ie: Ghosts, telekinetics, etc.)
Runes, ghosts , and UFOs

7. Have you ever practiced with someone else?
Nope. My husband is Pagan, but isn’t actually practicing. And I have no friends around who are Pagan. I want to go to a festival, but haven’t had the chance yet.

8. Do you follow the three-fold law?
I follow the law of karma (what goes around comes around), but I do not believe 3x good or bad. I believe you get back equally what you send out.

9. What kind of music do you like?
New Age (Enya, Lorena McKennitt, Enigma), older rock (Aerosmith), 80’s rock

10. POWER ANIMAL(S):
Don’t know my power animal yet, but I’m sort of thinking birds.

11. DO YOU HAVE FUR BABIES:
Two birds (cockatiel and sun conure) and a rabbit. And my older son has a fish.

12. CHILDREN:
Two boys (ages 9 and 3).

13. DO YOU GARDEN:
I would if I didn’t live in an apartment. So, no…not at this time.

14. FAVOURITE GARDEN TIP:
Don’t have any as I don’t garden yet.

15. IF YOU COULD PICK ONLY 5 HERBS TO GROW, WHAT WOULD THEY BE:
Lavender
Peppermint
Not sure of what others

16. FAVOURITE HERB:
Haven’t really worked with herbs, so I don’t as yet have a favorite.

17. FAVOURITE POET:
I like all types of poetry. I don’t really have a fav poet.

18. NIGHT OWL OR EARLY BIRD:
Night owl…I’m usually up til the wee hours of the morning.

19. FAVOURITE PLACE IN NATURE:
In a forest or on a beach near the ocean.

20. IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE:
Jesus…as I would love to know his personal thoughts and teachings, straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak…rather than having Christians of today tell me what he said, and condemn me for my beliefs.

21. IF I WERE A STONE, I WOULD BE A:
Crystal…multi-faceted…more to it than just one side

22. IF I WERE A TREE, I WOULD BE A:
Pine…ever bending, but standing sturdy in the harsh climate

23. IF I WERE A BIRD, I WOULD BE A:
Raven…mysterious and secretive

24. IF I WERE AN INSECT, I WOULD BE A:
Ladybug…cute

25. IF I WERE A MACHINE, I WOULD BE A:
Computer…love to process information

26. IF I WERE A TOOL, I WOULD BE A:
Hammer…get my point across

27. IF I WERE A FRUIT, IT WOULD BE A:
Strawberry…sweet and tangy all at once

28. IF I WERE A KIND OF WEATHER, I WOULD BE A:
Storm, including the calm before the storm…I can be very calm and collected, but if you get on my bad side, watch out!

29. IF I WERE A LAW, I WOULD BE:
Karma…balance is essential

30. IF I WERE AN ANIMAL, I WOULD BE A:
Dog…clumsy, but loyal (lol)

31. In your own words, What is the definition of Paganism?
Paganism is a newer term for the ancient, pre-Christian beliefs of gods and goddesses and respecting/honoring the earth.