A menu test...really?

In training for this server position at the Olive Garden, we have to take tests. Lots of tests. Big. Long. Unbelievably complicated and detailed tests.

It's bullshit.

And, of course, you have to pass all of these tests with at least a 95% in order to be able to be a server. I wouldn't have a problem with this if I didn't have so much to memorize, with so many details and nit-picky trip up areas of the test. I just graduated college, and I would just like to say that this upcoming menu test - the one tomorrow morning at 9am - is as hard as any test I ever took in college. Maybe harder, because we only got the materials a couple of days ago, and have had to take several such difficult tests in the past 4 days.

Why must this job be so difficult to get into? Why? Why should anybody care, truly, that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that cappellini pomodoro has cappellini pasta, roma tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, basil, and garlic?! Oh, and we have to know what kind of wine flavor would best go with every item on the menu.

What's worse... I may actually fail this thing and have to retake it.

A menu test.

To be a server at a restaurant. There's just so many more important things in the world than this. Vomit.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

The difference between Stupid and Ignorant

People tend to use the words "stupid" and "ignorant" as though they're interchangeable. They're not. Time and time again, I've heard kids and adults call one another stupid, and, thus, continue labeling one another as stupid.

It's about time this stops. Because, when a kid gets told they're stupid, that labels them as someone that is stupid. When they get told they're stupid constantly, they begin to internalize that label and all of its connotations. They believe they're stupid and its cousins: worthless and no good. So, now, a definition lesson. This is what I've taught my juvenile detainees are the definitions of the words stupid and ignorant:

1. Ignorant. Being ignorant means that you have a lack of knowledge about either a specific subject or in general. For example: I've never studied astrophysics. I am ignorant about astrophysics. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being ignorant.
2. Stupid. Being stupid means that you lack intelligence or common sense, that you know you're ignorant about something and don't do a thing about it. Example: A student taking an algebra class who knows he doesn't know the information, but he doesn't study. There is a lot wrong with being stupid.

I don't care what the subject matter is - politics, sociology, your love life - if you're being stupid about it, then you need a wake up call. It is more than ok to simply lack information about something, but it is plain wrong to purposefully keep yourself in the dark. The only way anybody gets ahead in the world is by taking the initiative to better themselves, and the simplest way to do that is by doing a little brain work.

And please, stop calling one another stupid unless it is absolutely well-deserved. This term is a horrible word that carries awful connotations, and it can utterly destroy a kid's self-esteem. Learn what words mean, and you can give power to the right ones. Better yet, you can recognize an opportunity for some outreach. Help a kid out instead of putting him/her down for being wrong.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

A Darker Time

I was told yesterday that a juvenile I was in charge of while in Texas killed a man.

And I needed a day to soak that in.

I needed to understand that a juvenile that I took outside to play basketball, that I taught lessons on the labeling theory, that I had to tell to stay quiet a million times... This kid. This 16-year-old kid. He stabbed his teacher in the neck. His teacher's name was Todd Henry.

Please take a moment and speak his name. Remember him and give him and his family energy and blessings at this time.

I don't believe I can give too many more details away, but according to the Associated Press the judge over the case - who I have a lot of respect for - says that there is probable cause to believe this was a murder. The attorney on the case, Jim Huggler (a complete idiot with narcissistic tendencies and delusions of grandeur), says that he would like to seek a competency hearing. Basically, he's saying the juvenile is not mentally fit to stand trial.

Without going into very sensitive case information, Mr. Huggler's assumption is backwards and more than a bit desperate. Personally, I would have looked over the case file to see if there were any possibility for a lesser charge. (If I were the attorney.) However, given the information on the news...the kid needs to be certified as an adult and tried as such. He has a long history with the department, and has been in and out of TYC.

It's just... Wrong. It's wrong to digest that one of my kids has taken someone else's life, a person who gave his entire life helping other people. There seems, on the surface, to be an imbalance here. A person who gave everything to help other people was taken from this plane by a person who has actively attempted to go against every conventional societal rule in place, who values nothing except his own desires.

This is just wrong, but something I'll have to get used to in my line of work. Hmm...I suppose there is an upside to serving after all. Hug your friends. Hug your family. Please do not let a day go by that they don't know how you feel about them.

Bless you.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Save the Insurance Company Executives

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

Blessed Mabon!!!

Today is the day of the Autumnal Equinox. It is the second of the three harvest festivals - the first being Lughnasadh and the third being Samhain. Mabon is a pretty new holiday, though it has been honored throughout time as the equinox.

In modern paganism, the Autumnal Equinox - or Mabon - is a day of perfect balance, a time when we honor both the light and dark aspects within ourselves and, by extension, the world. We honor both the light and dark aspects of divinity, and spend this day looking towards the dark part of the year - as from this day forth we will begin to get a bit darker each day during winter.

Mabon was so named to fit in with the more celtic sounding names of the other sabbats by Aidan Kelly in the 1970s. Mabon is the name of a Welsh god, and for a bit of history I turn now to the Encyclopedia of Mythology by Arthur Cotterell:

Mabon, son of the Welsh divine mother Modron, was said to have been abducted when only three nights old and imprisoned in Gloucester. However, since only he was able to control the hound which Culhwch needed to win the hand of Olwen, an expedition was mounted to release Mabon. Once free, he duly helped to capture the wild boar Twrch Trwyth with the aid of the hound and to take from between the boar's ears the razor that Olwen's father had demanded. Apart from adventures like this, the actions of Mabon are uncertain, suggesting that he may have ben a former god, possibly Maponos, a Celtic god of youth, who was incorporated in Welsh mythology as a warrior once his worship was all but forgotten. The Romans knew of Maponos, whom they equated with Apollo, the god of prophecy.

Another popular myth told at this time is that of Demeter and Persephone. Long story short: Persephone is the daughter of Demeter (grain goddess) who was either stolen away or ran away with - depending on your myth - Hades (death god). Demeter was pissed and wouldn't let anything grow until good ol' Zeus (king god/sky god) stepped in and suggested a compromise in which Persephone spends 6 months with Hades and 6 with Demeter. Thus Persephone is a Spring goddess, and the reason we have a barren winter is because that's when she is in the underworld.

Have a yummy meal with your family that includes second harvest fruits - like grapes - and perhaps a little wine. Honor the balance of the light and dark in the world an in yourself. Also, a fun little tradition is to get a cornucopia - or adequate substitute - and write down all the things you're thankful for, bless these, and bury them in the earth so that they continue to grow. The blessing I use is below.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Mabon Blessing

Lord and Lady, we thank and praise you for our many blessings.

We welcome the coming months, and celebrate this day of balance, when Lord and Lady are equal.

I bless these messages with gracious, peaceful energy, and I pray they are well received.

May our energies be sent back into the Earth so that the coming harvest will be bountiful.

We honor your blessings and vow to share them with our community.

We rejoice in this season of bounty, and the turning of the Great Wheel of the Year!

Lord and Lady, Blessed Be!

Shout Out: iPod Witch!

Thanks again to Brook L. Stargazer, the host of the iPod Witch podcast, for mentioning this blog on her recent show.

If you're ever in the mood for some good ol' fashioned, down home straight talk about life, witchcraft, deity, and pumpkins then you should abso-friggin-lutely check out Brook's podcast.

If you don't, please lie to me and tell me you did.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Isn't it funny?

Today there is a plumber in our house. He is supposedly finishing up all of the little plumbing issues that have never worked such as the garbage disposal, the water to the fridge, and installing the new washer and dryer.

I’m thrilled.

In fact, I’ve been thrilled about this for several weeks, ever since I was informed of his coming. This excitement, this overflowing river of happiness, has gotten me to thinking, “Isn’t it sad the things that excite us when we’re adults?” Of course, then I was watching the movie Beyond Borders with Angelina Jolie and Clive Owen – about relief work in areas of the world whose level of poverty and suffering is unimaginable by our standards – and I start to think how silly a thing it is to be excited about water spewing from every little corner of my home: the refrigerator, the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink 8 feet away, the washing machine, the steam dryer, the extra sink in the laundry room for soaking things, and so on.

We have so much that we take for granted, and it’s funny how excited we get when something else gets brought into our lives, or brought back into our lives. I did not grow up with a garbage disposal or a dishwasher, really. For many years our dishwasher was broken and was replaced by the god-given dishwashers on the end of each arm, as dad would say. Yet, I got into my own apartment, and since then have never known a kitchen without a dishwasher coming standard in each.

It’s just so funny how quickly our new realities replace our old ones, and after mere days in the new environment we act as though the old life was the faintest of memories or dreams.

But, for today, I eagerly await the electrician who will plug all of these new water-bearing, food chewing, stain removing appliances into the great web of electricity and thereby pull me back into being one of the most modern of convenience-needing yuppies.

Just a funny thought for today.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Your Four Brothers

I'm reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert for the third time. Before I knew that I was getting a better job, one that would allow me to comfortably pay the bills and have some breathing room, I was beginning to feel the old notions of depression. I was sleepless. I would cry uncontrollably in the car, trying not to let anyone know. In short, this economic spiral downward was getting to me on a level I didn't think money problems would ever take me to.

So, I did what I have done since I was 13 years old and used late-90s acoustic music to medicate my depression about not fitting in with the East Texas population. I popped in a sure-fire ticket to pull me back to sanity. However, since I'm a bit older and my problems are a bit more complex, my inner turmoil couldn't be sorted out with one spin of Alanis Morissette's latest masterpiece. Instead, I had to turn to a favorite novel. It's done the trick, and in the process I found the strength to really pursue other ventures. Thus, the serving gig.

Now, to the topic at hand. In the third section of the book, Indonesia, the author learns a meditation called the Four Brothers meditation (pgs. 251-253). The very basics are this:

• You have Four Brothers. Everyone has Four Brothers. They are with you from the womb, and at that time were represented by the placenta, the amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, and the waxy substance that coats a baby's skin. These materials are collected after birth, placed in a coconut shell, buried in the front yard, and treated as a shrine forever.
• These Four Brothers can be called upon anytime you need extra help, and should always be spoken to as though they are your family. Meditations and conversations with them should always be comfortable and informal. They're just your brothers, after all.
• Each brother has a name - Ango Patih, Maragio Patih, Banus Patih, and Banus Patih Ragio. You may, and should, call to them when you are washing yourself, when eating, and when you are about to go to sleep. Your brothers will join you in each task, protecting and watching over you. When you speak to them, let them know who you are by naming yourself with the nickname they have for you: Lagoh Prano (Happy Body).
• The brothers represent and inhabit the four virtues a person needs to be safe and happy: intelligence, friendship, strength, and poetry (my favorite).
• When you die your brothers collect your spirit and carry you to Heaven.

As a pagan, the idea of Four Brothers appeals to me, especially as it is accompanied by Four Virtues. Later in the book, a ceremony is described that is always performed when a baby reaches the age of 6 months in which the divinity of the child is officially traded for humanity (as babies in Bali are considered little gods until this age). At the end of this ceremony, they are finally placed in the middle of a sacred circle orienting them in the center of the Four Directions of the universe.

And we thought the idea of Four Elements was so western. It's universal. Obviously, if you want to put this into your own practice, you could easily change Four Brothers to Four Elements, or associate them with an element. For example: Strength/Earth, Intelligence/Air, Friendship/Water, Poetry/Fire, or whatever. It is just important to find the balance, the aspects that you believe orient you into the center of the universe, into balance.

Remember, they're just your family. So don't be so formal in ritual with them - or anytime you're calling up a sacred circle. The powers you're calling upon are simply an extension of yourself, and nothing that is manmade - especially manmade ceremonies - should formalize these energies. It's unnecessary and takes away from the simple, familial aspect of nature and the gift of magic She has endowed us all with.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

P.S. BUY EAT, PRAY, LOVE!!!!!!!!!! It's so worth it.

Welcome Back to the Apron!

The job hunt, in respect to juvenile detention, is going nowhere really fast. I have done all my interviews, passed all my examinations, but the state is taking the sweetest of time getting back to me on my AOIC certification. Basically, it's the certification that states I have a valid degree, and that I can work in Illinois.

So, since I can't make a decent amount of money working behind a cafe 3-5 days a week, I've gone back to serving. Or, rather, I will go back to serving after my one week of training, which starts this Wednesday. Today was orientation, and it was just as boring as you think - or remember - orientation to be. There were tons of videos and pep talks, but today came with an added bonus of platefuls of appetizers, dipping sauces, salad, and breadsticks. It was delicious.

In case you hadn't figured it out, I'm working for Olive Garden. I'd worked for Darden industries - the company that owns Olive Garden - before a few years ago when I served at Red Lobster. After leaving Chili's a few years ago, I'd sworn that I wouldn't serve again. That, no matter how many retail jobs I had to take to make up for the lack of funds, I'd do it just to not serve. But, look at me, I'm wearing an apron and refilling your drink again.

Since this isn't Texas, I'm confident that I won't have to deal with nearly the amount of racist, bigoted detritus that I had to when I lived in the belt buckle of the Bible belt. Or, at least, I hope so.

Wish me luck!

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Obama is the Anti-Christ, didn't you know?

Or, at least, so sayeth the conservatives of New Jersey.

Ok, I know I just posted something about DOMA, but read this, too! Since this is the day's second blog, I'll dispense with my usual pleasantries and get right to the dirty facts.

A recent poll of New Jersey self-identified conservatives and/or Republicans found that:

1. 18% of them are absolutely certain that Barack Obama is the Anti-Christ. They're absolutely certain. Without doubt. And 17% more are not really sure, but they don't rule out the possibility. That's 35% of conservatives that either believe our current President is the bringer of the Apocalypse, or, at least, are still muddling it over.
2. For self-identified Republicans, 14% are positive that Obama has the number 666 underneath his hair, while an additional 15% aren't quite sure, but they wouldn't rule it out. 666. Underneath his hair. Because, you know...he's the Anti-Christ.
3. 33% of self-identified Republicans FIRMLY BELIEVE that President Barack Obama was NOT BORN IN THIS COUNTRY. Another 19% aren't going to rule it out. That means that 52% of Republicans in New Jersey at best question his validity. Don't we have his birth certificate a Google search away?

This is what makes life worth living. Fundies and their crazy, conservative, uber-Christian thoughts. If only we lived in a world where these same Fundies didn't try and act on these zany theories instead of shoving them down America's throats.

Oh Fundies. I salute you. Now, please, go back to Bible camp and leave America to the ones who deal in facts and don't mind swallowing truth occasionally.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

No More DOMA?

It was announced earlier this week that a counter to the long-standing Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), has been sent to the House floor this week by Democratic Congressman Jerrold Nadler with a rather staggering number of over 90 initial supporters of the bill. Aptly titled the Respect for Marriage Act, the bill - should it become law - would fully repeal DOMA. What does this mean? Well, DOMA does two things:

1. DOMA eliminates the ability for a legally married - or those with civil unions - same sex couple to move to a state that has not legalized same sex marriage - or civil unions - and retain their marital status. In other words, if Fred and George get married in Vermont and then move to Texas, Texas will not only not recognize their union, but fully liquidate it as though it had never happened.
2. DOMA states that marriage is between one man and one woman. I don't think this one needs explanation.

The RMA (give me a break, it's a long title) would allow those legally married to retain their marital status despite the state they choose to live in, and would require the federal government provide aide to same-sex couples with equal zest. While this would be an incredible step in the right direction, it would still leave us as a country with a long way to go. This bill would not require that all states allow same sex marriage. Nor would it force religious institutions into providing marriage services for those they do not wish to marry.

I'm actually fine with the second one. I don't want any government institution telling a religious one what they can and can't do, whether it works in my favor or not. Because, one day, it won't be in my favor, and the separation of the two institutions is there for a reason.

I do not deny this would be a big plus in the WIN column for equal rights, but I'm wary that we would get a bit complacent. Sure, this sounds like a good thing now, but think how very quickly this will divide our nation more so on this subject. With gay couples able to move into whatever state they want and retain their rights, the conservative states will most assuredly put those nasty constitutional amendments in their state constitutions, if they haven't already done so, as a precautionary measure. A veritable Keep Out sign, if you will.

However, with the federal government recognizing same sex marriages, and handing out benefits to those couples and families, it is surely only a matter of time before those other deplorable barriers are battered down. The President is behind it, and Congress is getting behind this thing. If you would like to let your Congressman/woman know you would like a repeal of DOMA, you can contact them via the website Repeal Doma Now. This is a site run by the Human Rights Campaign, allowing you to put in your information, and send a letter to your respective person in power. Don't worry if you don't know who it is. The site looks all that up for you. Oh, and it even has a handy example letter already written for you if you don't want to write one yourself, or if you just want some ideas.

So... Write your Congressman! Let them know you support equality! Send good thoughts, prayers, blessings, and energy to these individuals as they cast their votes on what could be the biggest equal rights vote of the decade.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Baby Strippers

Well, not quite babies, but it's getting closer to happening. In July it was reported that 16 year olds in Rhode Island can be strippers. In strip clubs. With adult men ogling their naughty bits.

Now, there are some caveats here:

1. The minors must be done stripping by 11:30pm
2. The minors cannot appear in any adult entertainment such as pornography.
3. The minors cannot even purchase any adult entertainment such as pornography.
4. The minors cannot be the bartenders in the strip clubs that they're walking around naked in, and yes, they can appear naked - or as close as the respective club allows.

There are a few things that any reasonable person would most likely feel as a visceral, initial reaction to this news. First and foremost is that these are children and it is disgusting to think they're being lusted after by all kinds of patrons. Secondly, you're probably wondering what the hell these parents are thinking, allowing their children to lick their legs around a stripper pole. And then the rest of your thoughts are probably some combination or derivative of the above and their connotations.

This is my field. My senior thesis for my Bachelor's degree was over juvenile sexuality and delinquency. This is exactly the area in which I got a degree for. And...I'm not so sure I have a problem with this law. Now, before you throw your mouse at the screen or click away to read The Onion, I'd like to explain my point.

The average age for children to begin having consensual sex is 9, as of recent data. 2003 statistics from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy showed that 9% of children are engaging in sexual activity by age 14, and these same data indicated children starting to become sexually active as early as age 11. Also, over a quarter – 27% – of children in the age bracket of 12-14 that have admitted to having had a sexual relationship with someone also admitted to having multiple sexual partners within the last 18 months. This seems to be a natural progression of the society we're raising our children in. Now, do I agree that early childhood sexualization is the absolute best thing for our juveniles? Absolutely not.

However, I think it should be noted that these young men and women, at the edge of adolescence, will be legally allowed to have sex with a banana for money in porn if they so choose in 2 years. The difference in young men and women engaging in these acts 2 years later and at the age of 16 is that at 16 their parents must sign off on a work permit. Meaning, these parents must be involved in watching over the care, safety, security, and overall welfare of their children. Let's face it, many of these individuals are going to be strippers in 2 years with or without their parent's consent. Doing so subversively can quickly lead to familial alienation, the assumption of harmful labels, and these behaviors strongly correlate with later criminality and drug abuse.

Perhaps, just perhaps, if some of these parents treat their children's decision - which they're legally allowed to make - with respect and healthy oversight, they can teach their children to navigate through this murky world of very adult potholes before they go off on their own. Perhaps they'll teach their children respect for themselves and their bodies, and teach them how to spot a liar, a con-man, a dangerous person who might harm them. Maybe they'll show them how to properly save and invest all of that money they're getting. And maybe, just maybe, if they treat them like adults and don't throw them out on the street for their choices, they can even get their kids to set a timeline for this particular job field, setting up an endgame. Say, the kid will do this for 3 years, 5 years, whatever, and then move on to a more mundane career with a much more solid financial foundation.

Do I think my 16 year old daughter or son should choose stripping for their first job? Absolutely not. Do I think other people's children should? No. However, do I feel that we should not give our children ultimatums about this career choice? Hell yes. We shouldn't throw them out or make them feel like shit because this is what they've chosen to do. And we should most definitely guide them through this so they can come out as unscathed as possible.

What do you think about teenage strippers? What do you think about early childhood sexuality/sexualization in general? I'd like to know.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Pagan(ism), definition of.

There is some confusion, it seems, about the message of my post "The Pagan Secret." Apparently, there is some misconception that I have tried to define paganism, and I'd like to straighten a few things out.

Defining paganim is an impossible task, and impossible to do satisfactorily for our modern culture and to all of paganism's adherents. Thus, most academics shy away from the term altogether. I have always said Paganism is a buffet religion, and said that in the aforementioned post. I would never deign to say it is anything but. I also feel I need to qualify, as this seems to be a mistake caused by my occluded wording, that I was never attempting to define this term, but merely attempting to - as Drake Atlas more succinctly put it - call for honesty when it comes to discussions about our spiritual and magical experiences.

For example(s): If you did not honestly raise the corporeal spirit of your dead mother-in-law, then you don't need to claim you did. If you did not commune with the astral form of some pop culture icon, then do not espouse it as fact.

Now to address a definition of Paganism, or rather undress it. Paganism is not merely earth-based spirituality. Taoism is an earth-based practice, but a Taoist would not call themselves pagan. Nor is it anything that is not Christianity, or anything anti-anything. One commenter said pagans knew from at least the time of Socrates that there was no one path or religion. I'm pretty sure that all the peoples of the world had that one figured out well over 2500 years ago. (and again there comes the sticky issue of who are these pagans that are figuring this out?) However, it is right to say there is no religion or path that is gospel, forgive the phrase. All established religions, and their temples, are man-made, and how can you possibly worship the divine in either literal or figurative confines? Chris Orapello at The Infinite and the Beyond podcast recently did an excellent podcast on the meaning of the word pagan and why none of the definitions really fit.

Though, I see the need for a universal term. It seems we use "pagan(ism)" because there is no better term. In 2009 we are surrounded by labels. We know the name for everyone and everything. Given these labels, society can comfortably allocate each of us into our respective census columns, so to speak. It doesn't matter if you're Asatru, Buddhist, Greek Orthodox, or Southern Baptist, everyone has their column. Except "Pagans." Pagans in the broad, sweeping sense don't yet have all the names for all the peoples under their umbrella. We cannot comfortably allocate identity upon ourselves without that ever-present label we're subtly told we need to have validation.

What about the duo-pantheist that doesn't like organized religion and is off-put by ceremonial magic? Are they the same as the goddess worshipping Haitian Voodoo practitioner that has a penchant for yogic meditation? Or the person who just doesn't want to spell magic with a k...? Practically, no, they don't practice the same thing. All of them can claim the label of pagan, and all fiercely defend their title against others that say they don't fit the proper mold. But, we're all seekers of the divine, all going about it the best way we can in this Judeo-Christian world. We know what we aren't, but we're not sure what to call what we are. "Pagan" seems to be a nice word. It's not as demonized as Satanism or Wicca, while not implying any sort of organization, but not as exact a term as Southern Baptist Christian. It has a history and definition which people can cling to and understand. It is a middle ground for the seekers of the divine that are looking for a little magic in their lives, however it's spelled. However, it is also as inadequate a term as it is adequate. For any label that humanity gives to the worship of the divine could never possibly perfectly define the indefinable.

I think mankind got it wrong when we put God(dess) into the box of religion. (Yes, even our good friends the Wiccans, as no religion is perfect.) Worship is malleable, as we've seen through the vast changes in faith over the millenia, and each person's path should be individual and respected.

Again, though, we should keep it as honest and simple as possible. There is no need to claim powers or titles you know to be false, just to further your self-proclaimed identity. Reality isn't so bad. It's ok to say, "I just had a feeling the Goddess wanted me to do this," rather than, "The Goddess appeared to me in a fiery apparition of Pallas Athena and bade me gather Rosemary and Bladderwort for a secret spell/Gris-Gris bag of protection." Unless, of course, a fully armored woman with an owl popped in, literally, and gave you those instructions. In that case, I wish you the best of luck in finding bladderwort. Can I get you a phonebook and help look for the nearest herbal supplier?

In summation: Be honest. There is no true definition of Paganism.

And Harry Potter still isn't real.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

P.S. I am not, nor have I ever been a fundamentalist Christian. I'm a big fan of the nicer parts of the religion, but it just doesn't fit. So, no beef with any Christians, or with the commenter that somehow gleaned my being a Fundie from my aforementioned post, but I'm a tree-hugging dirt worshipper. Sorry.

You Gotta See This!

After a couple of months of quiet begging, Partner and I finally went to go see Julie & Julia last night. Sitting in a quiet theater, we looked around and giggled to ourselves as we found we were sharing the theater with about 10 other people, all quite elderly. These old folks were the best movie audience ever. They laughed heartily and not-so-quietly talked back to Meryl Streep and Amy Adams every time something happened.

People, see this movie. It's hilarious and poignant and appropriate and family-friendly and hopeful and all the right things you want to see at a time when so much of society is going wrong. If you can't get to see it in a theater, or if it's not playing, put it on your Netflix NOW! Totally worth it. Trailer below.

On a different vein, so to speak, True Blood wrapped it's second season last night. While I don't know that the twist and suspense at the end of this season was as big as last season, I will say there are so many open questions that season 3 cannot get here fast enough. If you've not been watching True Blood, then you need to run out, buy the season, catch up, and get with it. It is NOT Twilight for adults. This series has very deep, well-developed characters, and a plotline that reeks of excellence. It's just a big pile of WIN. Trailer also below.

Take some time for yourself and spend it catching up on good movies and TV. I know it's rather slovenly to sit around and be entertained, but sometimes it's just needed.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Mabon is approaching!

Mabon is fast approaching! September 22nd is just right around the corner; 9 days!

Now, to get real for a second, Mabon is a made up holiday. It's not a true, ancient Celtic fire festival. It is, however, an Equinox. And, since we're a nature-based belief system, it makes sense that we would take a moment to pause and honor divinity at this time of balance. There are some related holidays that may have some correlation with this time period, but for the most part, worship at the time of the Autumnal Equinox is a modern phenomenon.

However, that shouldn't stop you from having a good time and making an excellent evening of fellowship out of it! Below, you'll find my personal entry for Mabon. To me, it represents a nice fit between Lughnasadh and Samhain, the 2nd of the three harvest festivals. It is a time of thanksgiving for the blessings you've been given, the good things in your life, and balance - as both equinoxes are. In the vein of this being the 2nd of the three harvest festivals, it is the time to celebrate the fruits of the vine, as well as the Gods and Goddesses of those same fruits. (Lughnasadh is the feast of the grain and corn, while Samhain feasts on the final fruits and gourds.) So, grab a nice bottle of wine, some fruits, and your favorite feasting foods, as well as your friends and family, and put on a nice meal. Make sure to give thanks!

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Mabon

Date: Autumnal Equinox (September 22 or 23)

Also Called: Witch’s Thanksgiving, Harvest Home, and Autumn Equinox

Related Holidays: Chung Ch’iu (China), Succoth (Judaism), and the Festival of Dionysus (Old Rome)

This holiday is a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth and recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and God during the winter months. The Sabbat is named for Mabon, the Welsh God who symbolized the male fertilizing principle in the Welsh myths. Norse invaders brought it into prominence and placed it between Lughnasadh and Samhain.

In keeping with pagan feasting traditions, part of the meal should be offered as sacrifice. This can be done by putting some out for wild animals, or by giving time, money, or food to a shelter or social service organization.

It is customary to visit cemeteries to honor dead ancestors. There are a few reasons for this, but the common thread between them is to remember them, and appease them. This is so, should they visit the human world, they will be predisposed towards kindness and goodwill. A willow wand can be cut just prior to Mabon, and this can assist in powerful conjuring magics and divination.

The Goddess and God are thought to have equal power on this night, as well as the forces of good and evil. It is a time when the old Norse people believed one’s fate for the coming year was sealed. The Norse often spent the day and night before fasting and praying for forgiveness for transgressions. Divinations and vision quests were done to ascertain whether one’s life in the last year please the Gods.

Gather family and friends and have a harvest meal. Nuts, berries, apples, grapes, and all autumn crops are good harvest foods. Wine can be poured into the ground to honor the aging Goddess, and acts as a symbolic blood sacrifice to the God, so he may live until Samhain. Leave a spot at the dinner table, light a candle, or otherwise remember those family and friends who have passed on. Create a “Bowl of Plenty.” Have family and friends write what they’re thankful for, any blessings they’ve received, and, perhaps, a note to a departed loved one. Let everyone put these in the bowl of plenty, and bless the bowl. Later, put the bowl out with birdseed and any safe, edible foods to send the blessings and thankful, gracious energy out into the world.

For you iPhone users & Happy Birthday Lacy!!!

I adore my iPhone. It's like a third hand, or an 11th finger or something. However, the one thing my iPhone can't do that even my old $30 Samsung POS phone I had when I was 18 could do is send pictures and video.

That shall soon be remedied. According to recent reports, AT&T will finally allow MMS - sending pictures and video - on September 25th! YEAH!!! That's not this Friday but the next. While this is technically much later than "late summer," which AT&T has been espousing since the first announcements of OS 3.0. However, if I can send pictures on my friggin $200 phone, I will be happy.

OH, and today is Lacy Eylar's - of My Dr. Pepper is Flat! And other relevant gripes - birthday!!!! Happy Birthday my dearest! I hope you get everything you possibly could want this year! Congratulations on your new house...and your excellent cooking utensils.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Please WATCH this!

There's a 6 episode web series called Private High Musical that I'm about a year late in finding, but it's HILARIOUS! It will take you less than 20 minutes to watch all 6 episodes, and it's worth it. The show is really funny, and showcases the mediocre singing talents of various teeny-bopper z-listers, including American Idol season 3 reject Taryn Southern. (No, that's not a porn star name. I thought so, too.)

The actors are hot; the songs are hilarious, and you'll definitely want to share them with everyone! Trailer below.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Not to brag, but I called it.

Joe Wilson very quickly put out an ad campaign with the less-than-subtle message that he is being muzzled, that the Democrats and the liberal left are trying to keep him quiet. I suppose none of us should be surprised, as he was asked to apologize to the President. Surely, that's an equation for political power plays. "Vote for me; I'm the underdog!"

As of yesterday, not a day after the whole debacle, Wilson claimed he was receiving an overwhelming amount of supportive phone calls. During a diatribe on his show in which he called the President's speech "grossly inappropriate" and full of lies, distortions, and falsehoods, Rush Limbaugh praised Joe Wilson while simultaneously condemning the administration.

LIMBAUGH: He is lying, President Obama is, from the moment he opens his mouth until he ends the speech. I was shouting "You're lying!" throughout the speech at the television. "You're lying! It's a lie!" Joe Wilson simply articulated what millions of Americans were saying.

LIMBAUGH: Folks, we are in a serious struggle to save our country, and Joe Wilson voiced what millions of Americans have been saying about this man, Barack Obama, for months. And if we're going to start censuring our own people on our team who are willing to try, then maybe we need new people in the game. I was -- I was ecstatic when I heard that last night.

These quotes, among many others, were part of a stream of backwards thinking spewed forth by Limbaugh. Even more, Sean Hannity brought Wilson on his show and told him, "You're right and the President is wrong." Hannity then urged his viewers to donate to Wilson's campaign, which, undoubtedly, brought forth a huge number of conservative right-wingers flocking to aide this pathetic specimen of the modern Republican party.

Likewise, the country seems to have taken an immediate interest in the race for Wilson's 2nd congressional district in South Carolina. As of this evening, CNN reported that Wilson's opponent, a Democrat named Rob Miller, had earned over $800,000 in donations. MoveOn.org has sent around an email attempting to assist this candidate in gaining $1 million in donations, using this incident as fodder.

Not to put all the light on Joe Wilson, because the rest of the Republican party is eagerly trying to keep up with him in assholedness. (Yes, I say it's a word.) Republican Representative John Schimkus from Illinois (sigh) walked out of the last bit of the President's speech siting frustration as he felt the President did not present a proposal to bring Republicans on board. The representative from my home district in Texas, Louie Gohmert, was seen holding a sign saying "What bill?" and melodramatically shrugging his shoulders and sighing heavily during the entirety of Obama's speech. And, finally, the House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, a Republican from Virginia, was seen ogling his Blackberry during the speech, though now he claims he was taking notes....on his Blackberry...for a speech that was nationally televised...that he could have recorded on his DVR. Doesn't he have aides for this kind of thing?!

Republicans, I have a message for you. FIND. SOMETHING. TO. MAKE. YOU. LOOK. GOOD. There are a lot of people in the Republican party making it look like an ultra-conservative party full of nut jobs whose vocal cords never wear out. Please, bring back the days of even-keeled ideas about wise spending and keeping the government out of our private lives. Those were good ideas! There have been excellent Republican politicians over the years. Where are the great thinkers? Screw your party; I want people in office that are there to simply be a voice for the people.

Right-wing, conservative fringe....get over yourselves.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Joe Wilson's a Screamer

Who knew? You'd think those conservative Republican folks would be a bit more puritanical. I kid...and digress.

So, if you haven't heard, then I'd like the location of the rock you've been living under the past 24 hours. Joe Wilson, the Republican Representative for South Carolina's 2nd Congressional District, showed that you can't get a shouting, throaty yell anywhere else except in the south.

During last night's Congressional Address by President Obama (wow, there's a lot to capitalize in a political post), while addressing the myth about providing healthcare to illegal immigrants, Representative Wilson yelled out "You lie!" a couple of times when the President announced illegal immigrants were ineligible for health care. Now, Mr. Wilson has made a minor name for himself for being a bit of a crap thrower when, in 2002, during a debate with his opponent Bob Filner, he said Filner had a "hatred of America" and is "viscerally anti-American."

If this had been a random outburst that would be one thing, but this summer has been plagued with right-wing nut jobs yelling out at town halls, refusing to allow speakers to even attempt a dialogue. (Like this, for example.) Media outlets like Fox News' Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly, politicians pandering to the right-wing, and other Republican wannabe dilettantes like Rush Limbaugh have been catering to this fringe, giving them more sound bites and spinning misinformation into a summer full of horrible scare tactics like Death Panels that want to kill grandma. This outburst would have been a mild, nearly humorous inconvenience if we weren't in the middle of trying to convince the tea-party-right-wing fringe that Democrats are not out to get you, and Obama is not a Nazi.

This outburst most assuredly is costing Mr. Wilson some points (and, turns out, over $100,000 in donations), but I think he's probably ok with that. This is exactly the kind of thing that a Republican politician - or any politician really - will keep in his political back pocket for those times when he wants to cater to his right-wing constituency. Should there come a time when public opinion becomes rather negative, if not any more than in his home district, towards the President, he'll pull this stunt out with phrases like "I was the only one to stand up and say something," or "I spoke what I truly felt," etc. These are the kinds of things that made Obama President in the first place, right? Wasn't Obama one of the first individuals to speak out openly against Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2002? Sure, he didn't yell out at the President during his congressional address, but he used his opinion and publicly noted vote to his advantage when the tide turned anti-conservative.

This may be a man we, sadly, need to watch out for. Though, for now, he'll spend a few days in the dog house. Unless, of course, he's stupid enough to try to parlay his media attention into a talk show a la Mike Huckabee.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Ellen on Idol!

It was announced today that Ellen DeGeneres is going to replace Paula Abdul as the 4th judge on American Idol.

Will you be watching? Does this turn you off? Or, if you're like me, does this totally rock?!

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Thanks Drake Atlas!

Get Out of the Broom Closet's 20th episode gave a great shout out to this blog, and I'd like to thank Drake Atlas for doing so. He has a really great show that's getting better with every episode. Congratulations Drake on 20 episodes and counting, and for being brave enough to take on some of Paganism's less discussed topics.

You Rock.

Head on over and check him out, and make sure to subscribe on iTunes!

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Icarus Blagojevich

If you watch the View as religiously as I do, then you know that Rod Blagojevich - disgraced former governor of Illinois and current media whore - made another appearance in his whirlwind, all-stops-accepted tour of all the major media outlets. He's doing this, he admits, in order to try and win public opinion and favor by what he called "the simple truth," before going to trial on 16 different felony charges next June.

I think in his 7 minutes with the ladies he mentioned the words "false allegations" at least 39 times, but feel free to do a recount. (A video of his interview can be found by clicking this sentence.)

During the former governor turned Senatorial bookie turned media whore's interview, he showed us another face: the Greek mythology scholar. Yes, Mr. Blagojevich made a strange comparison between President Obama and Zeus (I'm still not sure about that one), and between himself and Icarus. In case you're one of those strange people that didn't grow up obsessed by the tales of Greek myth - like...me - allow me to give you a quick run-down.

• Icarus was the only son of a man named Daedalus, who was the Benjamin Franklin of his time, a famous inventor. Icarus and his father wanted to escape from the rule of King Minos (think Minotaur) on the island of Crete, so his genius father built them both a pair of wings. Now, depending on your story, these wings were made out of all sorts of things, but the general consensus is that they were wood-framed with feathers and glued together with a honey/wax mixture. Before setting forth, Daedalus warned Icarus to not fly too close to the sun or too close to the sea or else the sun would melt the wax/honey and the sea would pull him under. Icarus, being a normal teenager, did exactly what his father told him not to do, and - long story short - died.

In a sense, I think that Mr. Blagojevich is being much more truthful than even he realizes. He says he relates to the story on some sort of fallen angel, blah blah I'm a victim blah, aspect, but I'm sure that's because he hasn't read any Greek lately. Herein, we see a man who was given all the tools and position he needed to succeed, as long as he followed the guidelines and expectations of the citizens of Illinois. Given a rare chance to replace an ascended Senator-turned-President, he merely had to choose, but he chose to gamble with fate. He got a little too greedy and stooped to pretty low depths, and, as a result, got pulled down into the sea. Who knows, maybe Rod has a copy of Edith Hamilton's Mythology on his nightstand and, fully aware, just made an admission of guilt. On this I must applaud Mr. Blagojevich. Good job on the parallel/allusion. You most definitely have a lot in common with Icarus.

Though, to be fair, if artists' interpretations are correct, I'd rather see Icarus flying around naked than uncle Rod any day.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

You MUST Eat This!

I'm trying Haagen-Dazs Reserve's Hawaiian Lehua Honey & Sweet Cream ice cream, and it's like what ambrosia should taste like.

Seriously...you MUST try this. Oddly, and sadly, enough I found it at Wal-Mart. I'm sure you're now staring at me angrily, mentally accusing me of furthering their takeover of America, but lay off. It's ice cream. Ice cream that is probably exactly what the Gods are eating in Heaventown. Wait...scratch that. It is most definitely what the Gods are eating in Heaventown.

That is, if they have good taste.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

The President's Socialist Elementary Agenda

President Obama is making a speech that is going to be piped in to schools all around the country today. He plans on talking about such horrible, controversial topics as: staying in school, setting goals, getting good grades, and being successful is hard but satisfying. Awful, right?

Despite the fact that the president actually put his speech up on the internet for all to see, conservative media outlets are continuing the hate-and-fear-mongering that has been going on all summer by purporting that President Obama will be preaching a socialist "partisan political agenda on impressionable young minds." Parents, in turn, are going so far as to keep their children out of school today, with one parent stating that "Thinking about my kids in school having to listen to that just really upsets me. I'm an American. They are Americans, and I don't feel that's OK. I feel very scared to be in this country with our leadership right now."

Some schools are going so far as to ban the speech from being shown, simply to avoid the outcries from their parental populations. And, as always, the last shreds of the Republican leadership is begging for attention by saying this is inappropriate. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said, "At a minimum it's disruptive. Number two, it's uninvited. And number three, if people would like to hear his message they can, on a voluntary basis, go to YouTube or some other source and get it. I don't think he needs to force it upon the nation's school children." Funny enough, Mr. Pawlenty gave this blurb while speaking at the MN State Fair; how kitschy.

I suppose after the fact that the American people elected a wildly popular Democrat into office last fall, and all of his popular policies - such as the stimulus package and Cash for Clunkers - it is necessary for the Republican party to return to their usual scare tactics. And, omgs, this summer has been full of them. Let's take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we? There have been the Birthers who tried to scare us all by saying Obama wasn't the President, because he wasn't born in the United States. (Despite his birth certificate being put up for all to see.) The Deathers have tried to scare us by saying that Obama's health care plan would kill grandma by setting up mandatory DEATH PANELS. (scary! but...crap) And a host of other tripe being forced down our throats by right-wing folks that would like to be the head of their party...since it seems to be pretty headless right now.

So, look to the television today. See for yourself if Obama is going to call on our children to rise up in a great Socialist outcry, or if he's just going to tell our kids to stay in school. Personally, I believe that this kind of message coming from a minority president is the absolute perfect thing in our country right now. For the first time, our minority youth will get to see someone that looks like them and came from the same kind of situations encouraging them. That's beautiful and not just political. A real moment to remember. An excerpt of the dreaded speech is below.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them. Your goal can be something as simple as doing all your homework, paying attention in class, or spending time each day reading a book. Maybe you’ll decide to get involved in an extracurricular activity, or volunteer in your community. Maybe you’ll decide to stand up for kids who are being teased or bullied because of who they are or how they look, because you believe, like I do, that all kids deserve a safe environment to study and learn....

Pagan Pride Disappointment

I'd been looking forward to Chicago's "official" Pagan Pride Day, held this past Saturday, for at least the past two months. I'd been working extra hours and making sure to be wise with money, because I wanted to have the freedom to make a few purchases, eat some good food, and have a nice time.

I shouldn't have bothered.

The whole experience boiled down to 6 tents, a guy who didn't know how to drum, and the saddest assortment of generic pagan-ish swag you've ever seen. The vast majority of the wares were the same 12 tumbled stones you could buy at your local mall and the same conglomeration of pewter pendants and rings you find at Wal Mart under the label "Celtic Jewelry." The website made it seem like there would be tons of vendors of various types, lots of music, and a bigger turnout - especially for its 8th year running.

I was disappointed to say the least. However, there was one small ray of WIN in all of this. The Vermorlian Magick Shoppe had an utterly excellent array of altar materials and brooms, all handcrafted. I would have completely loved to buy a broom, but there just wasn't one that fit me there. Though, I will probably contact them in the near future to have them make me one, as they were just a really great quality product.

Better luck next festival! I wonder how, with millions of people in this gorgeous city, we couldn't get a bigger/better showing. I dunno. If you have been to a pride event, how did it go? Festivals? Etc.?

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

A Clause for Santa

It was brought to my attention, and I've been thinking about this anyways, that my remarks concerning Santa Claus not having a place in a formal religious practice were misguided and flat out wrong.

I agree.

Upon closer inspection, and it actually didn't take much inspection at all, I have found that Santa could quite easily fit into a religious practice. However, not the jolly man that lives on Coca-Cola bottles and enjoys the company of elves at the North Pole. This Santa Claus is a figure of winter, of the Yuletide solstice, and a true Neo-Pagan spirit of snow. This icon is, and should be considered to be, a new incarnation of the Norse Father God Odin.

I would like to stand by what I said concerning separating the truly fantastic from a serious religious practice, and as I've said before, I believe that the figure on the Coca-Cola bottles, and the robed, priestly figure of Santa Claus - Father Christmas - are two completely separate entities. The first is a commercialized product while the second is a true symbol, with roots steeped in ancient lore and legend.

It's like the difference between the toy, plastic cauldrons at Target and the consecrated symbol of the Goddess' blessed womb. One is a cheap imitation of the other.

As I've said before. All Gods are one God, and all Goddesses are one Goddess. All deities can be traced back to one primal God or Goddess, and Santa Claus is no different. He is an incarnation of Norse deity, that is a further incarnation of more primal sky gods. He should not be shied away from simply because he is the latest incarnation.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

Dedication

With the Greater Sabbat of Samhain approaching, a lot of pagans/witches/druids/etc. will be making their dedications to the worship of the God and Goddess. Congratulations, good luck, and Blessed Be to those who have chosen this path. I just recently made my dedication into a formal ceremony, albeit a simple one - as usual - in my back yard between me and the divine. The experience was holy and divine, and felt utterly right.

So, with that in mind, I thought I'd share the words I said on that day with the rest of you, that it may inspire your own self-dedication rituals. I took a simple plate of bread and a wine glass filled with water outside (I don't drink red wine, which is a bit more customary, and I had no grape juice to substitute...), sat for a minute taking in the earth beneath the grass, the air in the trees, the fiery sun, and the coolness of the water goblet. Then I started speaking, a simple prayer and plea to be formally taken into the service of Lord and Lady.

May these words bring you just as much peace and joy as they brought me.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte

I am a seeker.

I call to the Earth Mother, the Moon Goddess, the Lady.

I call to she who knows all secrets, she who is magic, she who is balance.

I call to the Mother of us all.

Hear me.

I call to the Sky Father, the Sun God, the Lord.

I call to he who rules the wild, who gives light and form, he who is balance.

I call to the Father of us all.

Hear me.

I am a seeker.

I am a child of Heaven and a child of Earth.

I seek the path of balance, to find that which connects us all.

I seek to learn the secrets of magic and wisely make use of it.

I wish to hear the voices of the Gods and to feel the energy of the changing cycles.

I wish to feel the forces of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.

I hope that my spirit becomes filled with the love and light of my God and Goddess.

I pray that I become balanced and hold myself to truth, mercy, compassion, and goodness.

I believe in the God and Goddess and ask them to bless me now.

I ask for the Consecration of the Divine and dedicate myself to Their will.

Praise be to the God and Goddess.

Praise be to the Holy Mother and Father.

Blessed be.

sigh...Tired and Rambling

I have been so tired the past few days. I've been at slave labor every single day and night since last Wednesday. I'm determined to make as much money as I can, but the hours required to do that are very long and involve getting off between 10 and 11 and getting back up at 6:30 to do it all again the next day. Strangely, I worked much more at the juvenile attention center in Texas, but I never minded the hours. There is truly a difference in working a career job you love and working a job to make end meet. Very little joy can be found in the latter.

Partner had a friend come over last night so that I could give her a card reading. It was enjoyable on both parts. I'm very thankful that I have a skill that I can use to help other people, and she was grateful that I took the time. Honestly, I should have been the one thanking her. It's really hard in modern life to find time to be witchy, you know? Sure, I have a permanent altar set up, and I try my best to celebrate the Esbats and Sabbats, but there's a difference in being and living. And, I would like to say that it's inspired me to do a little bit more each day, to commit to actively doing one thing a day that ties me to my beliefs, but I know it wouldn't happen... haha I think it's just better if you observe what you can, practice what is needed, and be as good a person as you can.

Love and Lyte,

Fire Lyte