Photos from New Mexico - Resturants

We found this place in Truth or Consequences New Mexico.  It's called Latitude 33 and it quite yummy.

This was an orzo salad with grilled shrimp.  It was just beautiful.

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

My dish was a yellow curry with golden raisins and candied pecans.  So yummy!

Photo Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Circle for Hekate - A Review

"With her daggers, she cuts away that which is no longer necessary.... "

Cover Photo - Circle for Hekate
Photos Credit - Renee Sosanna Olson

Circle for Hekate - Volume 1, History and Mythology will become the go to primer for anyone interested in the mysteries of the Goddess. Sorita has taken her extensive knowledge of Hecate and combined it in one manuscript, being sure to leave detailed references for the reader to take these keys she has given and unlock the door to more discoveries. Always being careful to include the subtle nuances that make Sorita d'Este the authority on the subject.  This book contains detailed descriptions of Hecate's influence in antiquity through the use of stunning visual imagery. Including the Minoan Snake Goddess, one of my particular favorites. I also appreciate the way that the author takes the time to guide the reader into being more accepting of those who may have a different view of Hecate by addressing quite directly the Maiden Mother Crone aspect and the simple spelling of her name that has led to debate and contempt for years.

By foto feta per J. Ollé el 6 d'agost del 2005. 

Sorita continues to explore the Goddess by taking us on a journey which explains conflation and lore. We learn of her lineage, her place in the company of Zeus and then all the way to the the shores of Ellis Island and how the personification of Libertas is often tied to the mother Goddess of the Chaldean Orcales.  The image from page 139 of the book labeled 59-Hekate Chiaramonte is one of my favorite depictions of the Goddess.

https://www.ancient.eu

For the beginner and scholar alike, the chapter dedicated to the Symbols will be a quick reference to all things Hecate. From the modius to her sandals Sorita takes us on a head to toe exploration of all the imagery associated with Hecate.  Many immediately know of keys and serpents but how many take the time to explore the others such as lions, poppies or star wheels.

One of many aspects of the goddess is most intriguing to me is her relationship to the dead and necromancy. Sorita delves into this with precision and with of course careful reference to her sources.  References to spells and charms related to the dead is just another section that will challenge the reader to continue to discover more about the goddess.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/evil/tee/tee14.htm

Finally the chapter related to Hecate and plants is a must have for the devotee. If I had a dollar for every time I saw a request for Aconite to place on someone's altar I would be a millionaire. The table provided in this book is filled with non lethal plants and should be required reading for the budding Hecatean in my opinion.

Overall this book encompasses what we know and adore about the Goddess from a historical perspective but also include modern references by authors and bloggers alike. Sorita d'Este confirms her place as a scholar of Hecate and shares that knowledge with the masses in this well referenced and easy to read book.  I, for one anxiously await Volume II.

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I would like to take a moment to personally thank Sorita for my inclusion in this book.  I have worked diligently with the Covenant of Hekate over the years and spent many nights researching the mysteries of Hecate.  Sorita has been a supportive influence in my study and practice.  I was excited to see Sara Neheti Croft referenced in the book as she too, was/is a huge resource on Hecate and I still reach out to her with questions and comments on the Goddess.  You can find information on the Covenant of Hekate on this link and the amazing blog by Sara here.  Be sure to head over and check them out.

Photos from New Mexico - Percha Dam

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Becoming an Atheist Witch

Over the few years I've grown quite a bit in my path. I've looked to the sky for guidance, gathered twigs and herbs for spells and spent many a night naked under the moon.  My journey has taken me from learning about Wicca to being an independent witch.   This is the first year that I have gradually separated from the Wheel of the Year, stood aside from Rite of Her Sacred Fires and tried to join with the earth's energy.  I tossed aside holding my tongue in lieu of speaking my mind even if it seemed to be a thumb at harm none.

I did a few searches on YouTube on the subject, the only one that seemed to be interesting and not start out with someone younger than my socks and brite pink hair was the one from a Yale Class.

I'll share it here just because I thought it was interesting.

In any event needless to say that a lot of my daily rites have changed and I no longer have an altar or even participate in events like Samhain & Yule. While I still work with natural energies, work to better my body and become more aligned with the natural world, I don't have a deity and don't work with one.  I have never really believed that you needed one but for what its worth, just to clarify, I currently don't have one.

Year before last my focus was to refine my art and work on mastering wire weaving for my jewelry.  Last year a flood snipped my ability to vend and I was pushed back to only selling online. Taking advantage of that hubby and I took to the road and ended up in New Mexico.  As I sit here just a week outside 2018, I've begun setting my goals for this up coming year. I plan to continue to work my craft but adding a new medium and focusing on my body.  I want to make myself stronger and healthier.  I want to encourage the new Atheist Witch in me to embrace my mystical skills while holding fast to the things I know to be true.

This will be a different path than I have been on, but I hope that you will stay along for the ride and lend your comments, suggestions and feedback as I move forward on this new journey.  Things will change. I will be a bit more assertive with my comments. I will be more direct and practice less hand holding. I will be cutting off things that no longer play a role in my life and I will be removing those who do not bring about positive in my life. This is a departure from my normal status quo however I feel it is something that needs to be done in order to continue to grow.

If it doesn't bring you happiness.  Let it go.  Find what makes you excited and embrace it.

Confessions of a Modern Witch - Episode 2

Here's my new update for the blog!