Giving of thanks; Pagan style…

Today is the day, at least in the US, where giving thanks is not only a requirement but also a joy. You are given the chance to really express how you feel about your family and friends that you may not feel you can any other time of the year. Why is that? We should allow ourselves to have thanksgiving all year long (without the food!) and never let our loved ones forget what they mean to us.

I wanted to share with you a solitary ritual of thanks that was written by Scott Cunningham that I found a few years ago. I really liked the simplicity of the ritual and the symbolism behind it. The original posting of this article can be found at: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1820

Solitary Ritual of Thanks

From Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham

(You alone will know when to perform this ritual. It can be done at any phase of the moon, during the day or night, whenever needed.)

You’ll need one large white or pink bowl; one white candle; water; small, fresh flowers (white blooms are best) and one piece of white cotton cloth.

Place the bowl on the altar (or on any table). If desired, cast a circle. Affix the white candle to the center of the bowl with warmed beeswax or with drippings from another white candle (so that the bowl acts as a candle holder).

Pour water into the bowl. Float the fresh flowers on the surface of the water. Light the candle.

Visualize your reason for the ritual; remember why you’re thanking the Goddess and God. Touch the water on both sides of the candle with your fingertips, saying these or similar words: Lady of the Moon, of the stars and the Earth;
Lord of the Sun, of the forests and the hills;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.
Lady of the Waters, of flowers and the sea;
Lord of the Air, of horns and of fire;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.
Lady of the Caves, of cats and snakes;
Lord of the Plains, of falcons and stags;
I perform a ritual of thanks.
My love shines like the flame;
My love floats like the petals
Upon You.

Look into the candle’s flame, then down into the water. Blow gently upon the water’s surface and watch the flowers’ movements. Meditate. Commune. Thank.

When it’s time, remove the petals from the water. Place them in the center of the white cotton cloth. Wrap the cloth around the petals. If you’ve cast a circle, close it now. End your rite of thanks by quenching the candle’s flame, pouring the water onto the ground and burying the flowers in the Earth. It is done.

I also really like that it’s clearly stated that you can use this ritual whenever you feel like it. There’s no set time, moon or sun phase, or corresponding herbal influence. Although I know those things matter when it comes to connecting with the divine I appreciate the simplicity that allows us to commune with our heavenly parents when we feel the desire and need to. Only you can really know when it is the right time to speak to the Mother and Father.

Today was a wonderful day filled with family, great food, and super double fun times playing a dance game on Xbox Kinect. I saw moves I didn’t think my family could do! Hehe.

I was pleasantly surprised this morning when I went to weight myself and discovered I had lost 4 pounds, exactly. Thank goodness for that because my plan for today went out the window. I can proudly say that I didn’t go back for seconds and I didn’t completely clean my plate. I also didn’t eat my dessert, but I did bring it home with me.

Pounds lost: 11.2 (377.8)

Daily insight: There’s nothing better than spending time with those you love.

Ounces of water consumed: 80

Steps in the right direction: 25

Contemplating thanks…

Today I am once again thankful. I’m thankful for the time I have with my family and I am thankful to have them in my life. I feel blessed to have been witness to their lives and to have them be witness to mine. I could not be the person I am today or the person I’m striving to be if not for them.

I spent the day with my sister helping her to take care of something that she needed to take care of. I am so thankful that I could be here for her when she needs me because she’s always there for me when I need her. She’s not only my sibling, she’s my friend. I am blessed to have her in my life.

I wasn’t able to do the cooking and prep work that I needed to do for tomorrow so I’m going to bed early in hope that I can get up early and take care of the dishes I’m bringing to the family thanksgiving. I am saddened knowing that I will have to miss one gathering in favor of the other. I wanted to be able to celebrate with my Dad, Step-mom, Grandma, Grandpa, and GG. If things go well tomorrow morning and I can be done in time I still want to go over there before I head over to the big party at my brother’s house. Cross your fingers for me that I can get everything done fast! I think the best way for that to happen is by not making the pumpkin bread. That just means I’ll have another excuse to visit with family AFTER Thanksgiving! Yay!

The diet today took a hit and so did my water intake because of where I was today. I get to weigh myself tomorrow and I’m a little worried. Buuuuuut, I did do mostly liquid on 2 days last week so that might really help me out.

I have something special for you all tomorrow. It’s a ritual of thanksgiving that can be done any day of the year, but I favor it on the holiday we’ve taken into our hearts here in the US. I will post the ritual, as well as where it can be found from the publisher, tomorrow when I report in.

Until then, I hope you have a wonderful night and spend tomorrow surrounded by those you love and love you in return.

Pounds lost: 7.2 (381.8)

Daily insight: Never forget to open your eyes and look around you from time to time; you’ll love what you see.

Ounces of water consumed: 30

Steps in the right direction: 24