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Monday, October 1, 2012

October Goals

found on tumblr.

October is here! Hurrah! *throws virtual confetti*

This is my favourite month of the year because of (you guessed it!) Halloween! The best holiday ever. Yes, I do love Halloween more than I love Christmas. Or in witch terms, Samhain and Yule. I just love the season and all the spooky decorations of October. Everything is pumpkin flavoured and delicious, the leaves change colours, and the stores are overflowing with black candles, plastic skeletons, and witch hats. It's a dream come true for me.

Anyways, because this is my favourite month, I am hoping (planning!) to make it a great 31 days of the year. I try to make every day the best, but this month I'm really going to try not to let anything get me down.

This month I plan to...

Actually finish Chapter 8 of my book (and then some!)
Continue to find balance between all the responsibilities in my life.
Make fresh baked pumpkin seeds at least once.
Go hooping in the leaves.
Look for an online writing job (link me if you find any!)
Update the shop.
Put together an awesome Halloween costume.

Quite a few goals but I am confident in my ability to at least accomplish most of them. It's easy to get lost in the laziness of rainy days and colder weather, but I want to take advantage of the season before winter comes and everything is wet and freezing. 

What are your goals for the month?

Lady Unlaced

Sunday, September 30, 2012

September in Review

I feel like September has gone on forever and zipped on by all at once. I managed some of the goals I made for myself back at the beginning of the month, although I wish I had accomplished more. It's been hectic here though. I really hope October is better.


Find balance between work, classes, and my other responsibilities. 
Finish reading City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare.
Finish chapter 8 of my novel, Runaway.
Update my etsy shop at least once.
Spend time with friends who are returning to campus.

Finding balance is italicized because I only half managed it. I've had good weeks and bad weeks with it. I'm getting more class work as the semester progresses so I suppose I'll have to re-balance things again.

I did finish reading City of Lost Souls, finally! Sooo good, I love The Mortal Instruments series. Yes, I am a lame teenager when it comes to my books sometimes.

I didn't finish writing chapter 8 of my novel. No excuse, I dropped the ball on this.

I did update my shop! A couple of times! Go check it out, there's a sale going on right now. 15% off any order with code "FALL12" at checkout.

Aaand I did not spend as much time with friends as I would have liked. I really need to work on that and not go into recluse-mode as the temperature drops.

I feel indifferent about this past month to be honest. It could have been better but it also could have been worse. But October is tight around the corner and that's my favourite month! Halloween is the best!

Lady Unlaced

Friday, September 28, 2012

Finding Your Spirit Animal & Channeling Their Power

What is a spirit animal? A spirit animal can also be referred to as a power animal or animal guide. The concept of a spirit animal has roots in Shamanistic traditions with the belief that every person has an animal that they have a connection with. That animal embodies their connection to life and their personality.

Finding your spirit animal is not usually very hard. If you already feel a strong connection to a certain animal then there's a good chance that is your spirit animal. Mine is a white tiger -I never had to go searching to figure that out though. I have known from a young age, having always felt a connection to their feline power and grace. When I was introduced to the concept of having an spirit animal I knew right away that a tiger was mine, and specifically a white tiger. I have had the companionship of the tiger spirit and energy for years and it has never steered me wrong. 

Source?
If you don't already feel a connection to an animal then there a few simple ways you can go about uncovering  what your guide is. Meditation is the most straight forward way. If you're not familiar with how to meditate then I recommend this article although you should remember that the process can be different for everyone. What works for someone else may not work for you so it's best to experiment. The most important part is that you be relaxed and undisturbed. You can light incense, play music, or whatever else helps you get into the right state of mind.

Start your meditation, slipping into a calm state of being. Keep your breathing even. Once you have blocked out the physical plain you can start exploring the metaphysical one. Try to focus on discovering your animal -will them to show themself to you. It may not happen immediately, but you have to be patient. 

When you do come across your guide you may be surprised at what it is. No animal is ruled out and it could even be some sort of insect or bug, like a butterfly or spider. Try to interact with them. What does that animal represent to you? Are they powerful? Adaptive? Protective? Feel free to ask them questions or ask them to help strengthen you in certain  ways. Whatever feels liked the right thing to do.

Source?
I know it's not a very guided meditation, but finding your spirit animal this way is not going to be the same for every person who tries it. The metaphysical plain is a fluid and ever-changing thing and everyone experiences it in a different way. I believe in letting the energy flow and seeing where it takes you, but if you would like a more guided meditative approach then check out this one on Mookychick. At the bottom of the article there is also a short but helpful list of some common guides and what they represent.

Once you have discovered your spirit animal you can start building a relationship with them. Get figurines or statues of them to put up around your house, infusing them with the energy and wisdom of your animal. Hang up pictures of them as well as research about their characteristics, where they live, and what they eat. Get a pendant shaped like them. Whatever you feel like doing that will make you feel more connected.

As you build your bond with them you can also call on them to help you in your magickal endeavors as well. A lion can add strength, an owl can lend wisdom, a dolphin can increase happiness. If you think your animal can aid you in a spell then call on them during your rite and ask for their help. Chances are they are more than willing to be of service and can give your spell an extra power boost.

Protection is also another thing your spirit animal can help you with. If you keep a close bond to them then you can ask for their protection, over you and your home. Just make sure to thank them often and show your gratitude. Remember that your spirit animal is their to help you but that you are not entitled to that service. 

Good luck finding your animal!

Lady Unlaced

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