We've all heard the speculation that we only actually use 10% of our brains for daily functioning. Can this be true? And what powers are we really capable of if we use ALL our brainpower?
The 10% theory has been around for a long time - since the 1800's, and is the result of a whole lot of misinterpretation. Modern science has indeed verified that we use the vast majority of our brainpower, although they do admit that on a daily basis we are probably not using as much as we could. There is no evidence whatsoever to support the theory that large portions of our brains are going unused. Indeed, over time, we probably use the entire brain, just as we eventually use all our muscles to some extent - however infrequent that use is. Even small injuries to different parts of the brain are known to cause devastating disabilities, such as we see in stroke victims. Modern technology has proven that over the course of the day and depending on the complexity of our activities, most, if not all of the brain is used.
So what does all this mean? Can we "exercise" our brains to reach desired goals, such as enhancing psychic powers? The answer appears to be yes, though because of our unique individuality and preconceptions, this may work better in some than in others.
Next time you get a chance, take a look at a small child playing. Little kids don't have the restrictions and pre-conceived notions that we have as adults. They therefore play with imaginary friends, see colors around people, and in general take in all sorts of data that we miss entirely as adults. Just as we exercise to tone our bodies, we can exercise the mind to become more open to the input that we usually ignore. There's a theory that every voice, every sound and every action is trapped in the universe to be replayed over and over - and training the mind to be receptive to this - in essence discarding preconceived notions about such things - is the first step to becoming more psychically aware.
- The Crafty Witch
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Guide To Meditation
Meditation has been used for centuries for it's proven benefits as far as stress relief, relaxation, personal insight, wisdom, and health benefits. Religion and even science embrace the concept because of the known beneficial mental and physiological changes that occur as a result of regular meditation. Most of us have meditated in some form during our lifetimes, even though we may not have been conscious that we were doing it - maybe before a doctor's appointment, before a big meeting at work, or during some other kind of stressful event.
Modern life is fraught with so much external data input that most of us feel literally overwhelmed at some point or another - or all the time. The paths we should take are unclear, and the prospect of making a wrong decision is frightening. We don't know where to turn for the answers, but ask anyone who is familiar with meditation, and they will immediately give you the answer. "Look within yourself."
Those three words are the essence of meditation.
In this vein, though meditation is not exactly a supernatural phenomena, it absolutely can lead to more awareness and thus, increased psychic abilities. Theoretically, we have everything we need within ourselves, and meditation is just a vehicle with which to bring it out in usable form through our own inner strength and wisdom.
Meditating can be as simple or as complicated as a person wishes to make it. In general, simple is better. If you choose a regimen that takes too much time or becomes a hassle, obviously you won't be inclined to meditate on a regular basis. Don't wait until a more convenient time to start. Do it NOW! Then follow-up every day or even twice a day for the most benefit. Don't worry about whether you are doing it right. Instructions will follow on these pages very soon, but basically sit down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, breathe deeply, concentrate on that breathing, and let your worries leave you every time you exhale. You will be surprised at how rejuvenating this can be after only a short period of time.
-The Crafty Witch
Modern life is fraught with so much external data input that most of us feel literally overwhelmed at some point or another - or all the time. The paths we should take are unclear, and the prospect of making a wrong decision is frightening. We don't know where to turn for the answers, but ask anyone who is familiar with meditation, and they will immediately give you the answer. "Look within yourself."
Those three words are the essence of meditation.
In this vein, though meditation is not exactly a supernatural phenomena, it absolutely can lead to more awareness and thus, increased psychic abilities. Theoretically, we have everything we need within ourselves, and meditation is just a vehicle with which to bring it out in usable form through our own inner strength and wisdom.
Meditating can be as simple or as complicated as a person wishes to make it. In general, simple is better. If you choose a regimen that takes too much time or becomes a hassle, obviously you won't be inclined to meditate on a regular basis. Don't wait until a more convenient time to start. Do it NOW! Then follow-up every day or even twice a day for the most benefit. Don't worry about whether you are doing it right. Instructions will follow on these pages very soon, but basically sit down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, breathe deeply, concentrate on that breathing, and let your worries leave you every time you exhale. You will be surprised at how rejuvenating this can be after only a short period of time.
-The Crafty Witch
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas / The Legend of Frau Holle
In some Scandinavian traditions, Frau Holle is known as the feminine spirit of the woods and plants, and was honored as the sacred embodiment of the earth and land itself. She is associated with many of the evergreen plants that appear during the Yule season, especially mistletoe and holly, and is sometimes seen as an aspect of Frigga, wife of Odin. In this theme, she is associated with fertility and rebirth. Typically, she is seen as a goddess of hearth and home, although in different areas she has clearly different purposes.
Interestingly, Frau Holle is mentioned in the story of Goldmary and Pitchmary, as compiled by the Grimm brothers. In this context -- that of a Germanic Cinderella-type tale -- she appears as an old woman who rewards an industrious girl with gold, and offers the girl's lazy sister an equally appropriate compensation. Legends in some parts of Germany portray her as a toothless hag who appears in the winter, much like the Cailleach of Scotland.
In the Norse Eddas, she is described as Hlodyn, and she gives gifts to women at the time of the Winter Solstice, or Jul. She is sometimes associated with winter snowfall as well -- it is said that when Frau Holle shakes out her mattresses, white feathers fall to the earth. A feast is held in her honor each winter by many people in the Germanic countries.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas everyone!
-The Crafty Witch
Interestingly, Frau Holle is mentioned in the story of Goldmary and Pitchmary, as compiled by the Grimm brothers. In this context -- that of a Germanic Cinderella-type tale -- she appears as an old woman who rewards an industrious girl with gold, and offers the girl's lazy sister an equally appropriate compensation. Legends in some parts of Germany portray her as a toothless hag who appears in the winter, much like the Cailleach of Scotland.
In the Norse Eddas, she is described as Hlodyn, and she gives gifts to women at the time of the Winter Solstice, or Jul. She is sometimes associated with winter snowfall as well -- it is said that when Frau Holle shakes out her mattresses, white feathers fall to the earth. A feast is held in her honor each winter by many people in the Germanic countries.
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas everyone!
-The Crafty Witch
Monday, December 23, 2013
25 Best Movies of the Holidays - 24-25 of 25
In the last week of the 25 Best Movies of the Holidays I present to you the two top voted movies which also happen to be my favorite movies of the holidays, I can watch and rewatch them without getting bored. I hope you enjoy and have a happy holidays!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Length: 104 min Year: 2000
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor
Movie Description
Big budget remake of the classic cartoon about a creature intent on stealing Christmas. Based on the book by the famous Dr. Seuss. Inside a snowflake exists the magical land of Whoville. In Whoville, live the Whos, an almost mutated sort of munchkinlike people. All the Whos love Christmas, yet just outside of their beloved Whoville lives the Grinch. The Grinch is a nasty creature that hates Christmas, and plots to steal it away from the Whos which he equally abhors. Yet a small child, Cindy Lou Who, decides to try befriend the Grinch.
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Christmas with the Kranks
Length: 99 mins. Year: 2004
With their daughter away, her parents decide to skip Christmas altogether until she decides to come home, causing an uproar when they have to celebrate the holidays at the last minute. Luther Krank is fed up with the commerciality of Christmas; he decides to skip the holiday and go on a vacation with his wife instead. But when his daughter decides at the last minute to come home, he must put together a holiday celebration.
Length: 99 mins. Year: 2004
Cast: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd
Movie Description
With their daughter away, her parents decide to skip Christmas altogether until she decides to come home, causing an uproar when they have to celebrate the holidays at the last minute. Luther Krank is fed up with the commerciality of Christmas; he decides to skip the holiday and go on a vacation with his wife instead. But when his daughter decides at the last minute to come home, he must put together a holiday celebration.
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-The Crafty Witch
Friday, December 20, 2013
Celtic Tree Month Of Birch Begins
The Birch Moon is a time of rebirth and regeneration. As the Solstice passes, it is time to look towards the light once more. When a forested area burns, Birch is the first tree to grow back. The Celtic name for this month is Beth, pronounced beh. Workings done in this month add momentum and a bit of extra "oomph" to new endeavors. The Birch is also associated with magic done for creativity and fertility, as well as healing and protection. Tie a red ribbon around the trunk of a Birch tree to ward off negative energy. Hang Birch twigs over a cradle to protect a newborn from psychic harm. Use Birch bark as magical parchment to keep writings safe.
-The Crafty Witch
-The Crafty Witch
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Winter Solstice - Dec 21!
For people of nearly any religious background, the time of the winter solstice is a time when we gather with family and loved ones. For Pagans and Wiccans, it's often celebrated as Yule, but there are literally dozens of ways you can enjoy the season.
Rituals and Ceremonies
Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate the Solstice season. Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying -- and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.
Yule Magic
The Yule season is full of magic, much of it focusing on rebirth and renewal, as the sun makes its way back to the earth. Focus on this time of new beginnings with your magical workings!
Traditions and Trends
Interested in learning about some of the traditions behind contemporary holiday celebrations? Find out why mistletoe is so special, and which ancient revelers went caroling naked in the streets!
Family and Friends
Nothing says holiday celebration quite like getting together with the people you love. Learn about gifts, decorating, money-saving, and why it's perfectly okay for Wiccans to have a big green tree full of lights!
Feasting and Food
Wiccans and Pagans will have a potluck at the drop of a pointy hat, so Yule is as good a time as any to plan a big feast. Spread the table out with your favorite holiday dishes, lots and lots of candles, and some of these delicious seasonal recipes.
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From my family to yours, Happy Solstice
- The Crafty Witch
Rituals and Ceremonies
Depending on your particular tradition, there are many different ways you can celebrate the Solstice season. Here are a few rituals you may want to think about trying -- and remember, any of them can be adapted for either a solitary practitioner or a small group, with just a little planning ahead.
Yule Magic
The Yule season is full of magic, much of it focusing on rebirth and renewal, as the sun makes its way back to the earth. Focus on this time of new beginnings with your magical workings!
Traditions and Trends
Interested in learning about some of the traditions behind contemporary holiday celebrations? Find out why mistletoe is so special, and which ancient revelers went caroling naked in the streets!
Family and Friends
Nothing says holiday celebration quite like getting together with the people you love. Learn about gifts, decorating, money-saving, and why it's perfectly okay for Wiccans to have a big green tree full of lights!
Feasting and Food
Wiccans and Pagans will have a potluck at the drop of a pointy hat, so Yule is as good a time as any to plan a big feast. Spread the table out with your favorite holiday dishes, lots and lots of candles, and some of these delicious seasonal recipes.
--------------------
From my family to yours, Happy Solstice
- The Crafty Witch
Monday, December 16, 2013
Long Nights Moon - Tomorrow
The last moon phase of the year is the Long Nights Moon in December, also called the Cold Moon or Big Winter Moon.
Correspondences:
Colors: Red, White
Gemstones: Obsidian, ruby, serpentine
Trees: Pine, holly
Gods: Minerva, Osiris, Athena, Persephone and Hades
Herbs: Ivy, mistletoe, holly and berries, cinnamon
Element: Fire
As the days get shorter and Yule approaches with the longest night of the year, we force ourselves to get through the darkness because eventually we will see the sunlight and warmth again. Think about the things in your life that you've had to endure. Sometimes, a part of us must die in order to be reborn. Now is the perfect time for spiritual alchemy -- time to evaluate your life, and know that you'll survive the dark times.
If you've already put the darkness behind you, take your good fortune and share it with others. When it's cold outside, open your heart and home to friends and family. Reach out to people who might be suffering from the chill of winter, either spiritually or physically.
As the days get shorter and Yule approaches with the longest night of the year, we force ourselves to get through the darkness because eventually we will see the sunlight and warmth again. Think about the things in your life that you've had to endure. Sometimes, a part of us must die in order to be reborn. Now is the perfect time for spiritual alchemy -- time to evaluate your life, and know that you'll survive the dark times.
If you've already put the darkness behind you, take your good fortune and share it with others. When it's cold outside, open your heart and home to friends and family. Reach out to people who might be suffering from the chill of winter, either spiritually or physically.
Also Known As: Cold Moon, Big Winter Moon
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