Random Acts of Kindness

Random Acts of Kindness
By
Theresa Chaze


There is a new aged saying--Commit random acts of kindness. When we reach out to another, we create more than a momentary miracle in one person live; we create a positive energy ripple that touches every living being. We not only help an individual, but also open the door for others return the blessing to us and ignite the same flame of generosity in others. Every time we help another without expecting anything in return, we become a bright light in the world.
Several years ago, there was a worldwide event. On a certain day at a specific time, people who wanted to support peace turned on their porch light. Pictures were then taken from a satellite as the world turned on its axis. The porch lights blended together to create beacons, which radiated out into the universe. So do our acts of kindness turn us into pillars of light radiating love and hope out to others.
We don’t have do grandiose acts of courage or daring to be a life changing influence. Even the smallest acts kindness and generosity brings light into the world. Just like a birthday candle creates a ring of light so does the smallest act become a blessing. It is opening a door for another or smiling at a stranger. It is giving hope to someone who is standing in emotional shadows. It is sharing spare change with another at the check out. If you put enough birthday candles together you can light a room and the world beyond.
We don’t have to throw ourselves in front a speeding car or to jump in front of a bullet to make a difference in another’s life; more often than not, it is the small things that mean the most. By reaching out to another, we set the karmic stage for another to come to our aid.

Wiccan Justice Rituals

(excerpt from Out of the Shadows

And Into the Light an

ebook of Shadows

available only at

www.theresachaze.com)

by

Theresa Chaze

More than protection, justice rituals are for situations which are bigger than the individual or when you want to clear your karma or break karmic ties with another. They are the best way to release the situation to the wisdom of a higher power. However by doing so you also forfeit your control over the end results. By letting go, you allow the best and highest good to determine the outcome. There are many situations both on the personal level and on the grand scale that would benefit from setting aside the ego and allowing Goddess/God to deal with the challenge.

On a personal level, Justice Rituals are the best way to deal with karmic lessons and relationships that have been connected in more than one lifetime. Souls who do not resolve the challenges between them are forced to come together until the conflict has been balanced and all debts are paid. However, if one soul has made an honest attempt to grow beyond the lesson while the other refuses to learn, there is a process where the karmic ties could be severed and each pays full measure of what is owed without possibility of grace. This is not to be done lightly. Every attempt should be made to resolve the karma between the souls involved. For as long as the matter stays between souls, grace can be given. It could be seen as debt forgiveness on a soul level. If for whatever reason they can not balance out their differences, then a soul can petition to have Karmic Separation.

Another way of using Justice Rituals is to actively balance out your own karma. By asking for help and grace you can mitigate many of the harsher lessons associated with paying karmic debt. By calling down, so to speak, your own karma you demonstrate that you are willing to learn and change. It is a quick way to face old challenges, however it can be very harsh. Before you make the decision to go forward, you must ask yourself if this is what you really want. The severity of the lessons may be tempered if you put in a stipulation that you are taught in such way that you will know and understand the process. You may also ask for a guide to help you forge ahead. Such a guide would be much like the three ghosts in the Christmas Carol. They showed Scrooge his past, present and future thereby giving him the information he needed to able to change his behavior and the course of his future. You can also ask for the Divine to show you the original source of the behavior you are be challenged to grow through or the beginning of the karmic conflict. By going back and tracking the problem from the beginning you can understand how it is affecting your life at this time. Once you understand why things have unfolding as they have, you can start the healing process.

On a larger scale, rituals can used in many ways to aid society achieve justice for all its members. Every generation has their challenges that threaten society’s ability to grow into enlightenment. But fortunately within each generation there have born those who are willing to sacrifice their own egos in order to keep light in the world and hope alive. They are the enlightened souls who see beyond the fear of the moment and do their best to stabilize the situation until the all the truth can be revealed. After 9-11, instead of giving into the hysteria, they worked to have only those directly responsible to be revealed so they could pay the debt for the harm they had caused. Unlike many, they did not give into the hatred of wishing “them” all dead so God could sort them out. Instead the enlightened ones set up barriers so that those responsible could not escape into unknown regions and set up beacons through which they could be tracked. On a smaller scale, the same rituals have been used to help police find rapist, child molesters, and other threats to society. It is a way to help the police find them so that the justice system may do its job in prosecuting them according the existing laws. To use these rituals in any other way is to cross the thin line between justice and vengeance. Cross the line and you may find yourself on the receiving end of justice.

The following rituals are for both the individual and groups. They are to be used wisely and with only justice in mind. To do other is to put yourself at risk.



To find a karmic guide

You will need

9 white two hour candles

For nine days at approximately the same time you will light one of the candles and repeat the following nine times

Please Goddess (God) send a guide who will be teach me

to reach all my best possibilities.

Let the lessons and wisdom come from love

so my challenges will come from above.

Help me have the opportunity of grace

so that I may erase

mistakes I made from greed and haste.

With malice and hatred toward none

I wish the challenges of the past to be done.

Let the battles once lost now be won

With all my heart I wish to make amends

so old wounds are able to mend.


Meditate on the flame until you can see inner light and then take a cleansing bath, allowing the candle to burn down. For the next weeks be more aware of the people you meet for through them you will be led to the people and places you need to learn the most.


Sisters of Justice

What you will need:

four white two hour candles

For four nights in a row, light a candle and repeat:

“Four sisters of days gone by

who an injustice you could not abide.

Give me the clarity of true sight

and the strength to do what is right.

Let ego and injustice be unveiled

so that justice and truth may prevail.

May those who wish to do harm

find their actions set off alarms.

Let their motives be clear to sight

and may their actions bring them only blight.

Have questions about your future--money, romance, or spirituality. Ask our spiritual advisors one free question by going to www.asknow.com. You will have to acknowledge your question by clicking on the follow up email. It cost you nothing, yet it can give you a brief glimpse into the future.



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Many Blessing

Awakening the Dragon-Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy--an excerpt


Awakening the Dragon-

Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy:

an excerpt.

Awakening the Dragon--Book One of the Dragon Clan Trilogy is a magical fantasy in the style of Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with a little J R Rowlings mixed in. The main difference is that Theresa Chaze is a Wiccan Priestess includes working Wiccan rituals in her fiction. She believes that she doesn't have the right to deprive her readers of the truth about the Wiccan and Pagan religions. It is available in paper back through fine bookstores and as an ebook at www.theresachaze.com

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rachael awoke. The room was dark and unfamiliar. From the corner came the comforting sounds of scratching and the litter box being used. For a moment, she couldn't remember where she was. She lay back in the peaceful quiet, allowing herself to be warm and safe. The day crept up on her. She rolled over trying to avoid it. The memories followed. Yawning, she stretched, tucking her arms under her forehead. She wanted to drift back to sleep. If there had been a problem, someone else had dealt with it. Her stomach rumbled. Shush, she mentally told it, live off the fat of the thighs for a while. Her bladder wasn't so easily quieted.

One of the kids jumped on the bed. From the walking pattern, she suspected it was Ralph. He crossed the bed and curled up across the small of her back. The added pressure she didn't need. Licking the front of her teeth, she lifted herself on to her elbows. Gently sliding Ralph onto the bed, she sat up, her feet searching for her shoes. She slipped them on and stood. Her fingers trailing along the bed to the foot, she walked toward the table with the lamp on it. At the foot of the bed, she held her hands out in front, trying to find obstacles in front of her before she tripped over them. Good in theory, but the practice left a little to be desired. She ran into something hard where there shouldn't have been anything. Startled, she stopped. Stooping she followed it around to the table with the lamp on it. Turning it on, the brightness blinded her. She closed her eyes, giving them time to adjust. Moments later, she tested them again. Blinking rapidly, she looked around the room. Boxes were neatly stacked wherever there had been free floor space.

Merlin sat in the window looking out. He turned to her and blinked, before returning his attention to the darkness.

Both Tara and Ralph lay on the bed. Tara was asleep. Ralph stretched out on his back, where she had rolled him. He looked at her with a kitty smile on his face; he wanted his belly rubbed.

She walked across the room and sat on the bed. Smiling back at him, she scratched his belly. He purred.

Merlin jumped down from the sill onto the bed. Rubbing his full length across her free arm, he also asked for attention. She scratched his head and he harmonized with Ralph.

Rachael yawned. She was still tired and needed more rest, but not until later. She gave both a final scratch and headed for the bathroom. Some things can only wait for so long. She opened the door, quickly closing it behind her. Feeling along the wall, she found the hall switch and turned it on. The light shone into the spare bedroom, across a twin size mattress with three inhabitants. It must be later than she thought. Quietly she looked in the room. All three seemed to be breathing. That was good. She closed the door so the light no longer shone on them and went downstairs.

The kitchen was dark, but there was a light on in the living room. Turning off the stairway light, she went into the bathroom and took care of business. Crossing the dining room, she heard a low growl emanate from the living room. The closer she walked, the louder the warning became. Rachael stopped at the archway.

Carmen reclined on the sofa, her feet up and the largest German Shepherd Rachael had ever seen lay on the floor in front. The dog stared, his teeth bared; ears erect. Seeing her, he half rose to his feet. Carmen reached over and scratched his ears. He licked her hand, but kept his attention on Rachael. Carmen turned the page.

"Well?" Rachael leaned against the archway.

"Well, what?"

"You going to introduce me to your bud or do I have to get a whip and chair to walk into my own living room?"

Carmen lay the book face down on her lap. "Chester, meet Rachael."

The dog looked over his shoulder at his prone mistress.

Carmen drew a pentagram in front of him and pointed at Rachael. The dog immediately relaxed. "Rachael meet Chester."

Again she drew the pentagram and pointed at Rachael. Taking his cue the dog crossed the room sniffed her feet and her crotch. Standing on his hind legs, he placed his front paws on her shoulders and licked her face. Carmen snapped her fingers. Chester's paws hit the floor and he returned to his position next to Carmen.

Rachael wiped her face with the back of her hand. "Ick. Doggy breath."

Carmen picked up her book. "You slept through dinner. We tried. You weren't interested."

"I suspected."

"You're awake, alive and vertical. Go make your own dinner."

"Gee thanks mom." Rachael half turned toward the kitchen. "How are the girls?"

"Well fed. Tired. Confused."

"What about tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow," Carmen laid the book back down and looked at Rachael, "will be."

"One of us will have to stay with them."

"I volunteer you. What needs to be done at the Den, I can do. The stuff here only you can deal with."

"I agree." Through the window, Rachael saw the reflection of moonlight on metal and movement around it. "There's someone outside."

"Our escort."

"Didn't you invite them in?"

"They won't." Carmen pointed around the room. "They're afraid. The cottage has a rep. It's why I didn't want to stay."

Rachael unfurled her hand in front of her. "Why?"

"Stories. What people have seen and heard coming form here since Sarah died. Even Kevin doesn't stay long since his grandmother died." Carmen paused. "I must admit. It's nothing like what I expected. I wouldn't call it the welcome wagon. But I've felt safer here than in town."

"Kevin said something to that effect."

"Did the two of you talk much?"

"Jealous?" Rachael's stomach growled.

"Go eat." Carmen picked up her book and proceeded to ignore her.

Pushing her hair back over her forehead and tucking it back behind her ear, Rachael pivoted and head for the kitchen. "It' not over until--"

Carmen immediately broke into single high-pitched note which sort of resembled opera.

"You don't qualify for the role." Rachael shouted back, turning on the kitchen light.

The howling started. The singing stopped, followed by giggling.

Laughing, Rachael opened the refrigerator. Her mind filled with the image of Carmen wearing long, flowing robes, a breastplate, and brandishing a sword. The horned hat kept slipping off and rolling away. Carmen kept picking it up and proudly displaying her sword. Snickering to herself, she scanned the full shelves. Nothing looked good. Again her stomach complained about the neglect.

The shelves were full, but nothing looked good, sounded good, or smelled good. She didn't feel like cooking. It was a dilemma. She laughed at herself. Who was it who said, 'ten bags of groceries, you should be able to find something. She closed the door. What to do? She looked through the cabinet. She checked the refrigerator again, just to make sure nothing changed. It hadn't. Rats!

A black nose, attached to a brown and black furry body, appeared next to her, also looking inside. He looked up at her.

"See anything good?"

He cocked his head to one side, as if he was thinking. His head straightened. Snapping forward, he grabbed the cheese and dashed toward the dining room.

"Your son just swiped the Muenster."

"Chester. Take it back."

The taping of nails on the dining room floor halted and reversed. He dropped the unopened package on her foot. Looking up at her, he seemed to say, "you offered."

Rachael picked up the cellophane package. "I meant for me." She looked at the package. He waged his tail. He had such sad puppy-dog eyes. After all she did imply-she zipped open the bag and gave him a slice. "Don't tell your mom."

He ate it, standing next to her.

She closed the package and returned it to the fridge. Bribery was good. It didn't help her situation. Closing the door, she leaned against it, trying to imagine what would taste good. Sugar. Coke-a cold, bubbly bottle of caffeine at its best. Sighing she slide down, her touche bumping on the floor. Looking straight into the brown eyes, she whined. Chester sat down; tell me your troubles, his eyes said.

"Caffeine is my drug of choice. One sip and it'll be a six pack before breakfast by the end of next week."

"Then don't take that first sip."

Startled, Rachael snapped her head back to look up at Carmen. "Pet therapy."

"Huhu. Don't say that to anyone but a devotee of pets or they'll lock you up."

"I know." Rachael folded her arms across her chest. "What am I hungry for?"

"Food."

"Nothing sounds good." Rachael whined.

Carmen took a glass from the cabinet and filled it with water. "What are your favorite foods?"

"Lobster. Shrimp."

"Didn't see any." Carmen drank.

"Blueberries."

She placed the empty glass in the sink. "You bought blueberry yogurt and waffles."

"Don't sound good."

"Life's rough. I have to take your therapist for walk, so he can do his thing." She snapped her fingers; Chester jumped to attention. "Go for walk Weasel-boy."

Chester wagged his tail throughout most of his body.

"Ok, handsome. Let's go." She walked toward the back door, stopping just at the threshold. "Let me know how your dilemma works out."

"Sure thing."

The twosome exited through the door, carefully closing it behind it behind them. Seconds later the outside door opened and closed. Chester happily barked. Carmen laughed at him.

For an instant, she was jealous, but then she remembered the love upstairs. Dogs were great, loving and protective. Cats walked in realms most people could only imagine. Their voices grew more distant and Rachael turned her attention to the business at hand. Toast with jam and butter. Scrambled eggs with syrup and a large glass of milk.

She stood and looked around the kitchen. The covered toaster sat in the corner of the left part of the counter. She pulled the cover off. It was clean inside. She hoped it worked. She plugged it in and pushed down the lever. The elements turned red. "Good."

Gathering the ingredients for her meal, she placed a frying pan on the stove and started the butter melting. Scrambling the eggs in a bowl, she added milk, garlic and spices. Suddenly the scrambled eggs became an omelet. Turning off the heat, she diced mushrooms and onions. She tossed them in the pan and turned the heat back on. The veggies sizzled. Stirring them with one hand she reached for a tomato with the other. She placed it on the cutting board and poured the egg mixture into the pan, lowering the heat. The yellow mixture engulfed the veggies.

The sizzling from the pan was the only sound in the house. Rachael yawned. It had been a long day of reacting and more reacting. No time to think or feel-to absorb any of the changes in her life. So much needed to be sorted through, literally as well as figuratively. She hated clutter. She diced the tomato and pulled the cheese from the fridge. The eggs bubbled. She laid the Muenster on top and covered the pan. She started the toast, promising herself to start organizing first thing in the morning.

Suddenly she was a caretaker to three children who trusted her to protect them. At times she couldn't take care of herself. How long would they be together? Goddess give me a clue. She lifted the lid and turned off the heat. Grabbing a handful of tomatoes, she spread them on top and folded the omelet over, sliding the whole thing onto a plate. The toast popped up. She filled the glass with milk and returned the carton to the refrigerator along with the rest of the extra food.

She sat at the table and looked at it. It was a picture perfect meal, except she was no longer hungry. Even her stomach had changed its mind. Rubbing her eyes with the heels of her hands, she tried to clear her mind. There was so much to think about, so many decisions to be made. Her brain felt foggy. She needed it to be clear. She took a bite. It was food, not good or bad. Just food. She swallowed, chasing it down with milk.

Her furniture had to be moved out of the Den. Tomorrow supplies would start arriving; there wouldn't be room. Tomorrow she needed to make order of the mess. But tonight she needed to find her toothbrush and night stuff.

Tomorrow. And tomorrow. And tomorrow creeps in this petty pace from day to day...she still remembered the speech from high school. It's funny what the mind will dig up from the past when the present is on overload.

She forced down several more bites of the omelet, a piece of toast and the milk. Pushing the plate away, she licked the milk off her lip and lay her head down on her folded arms. So much to do; so little time. Her eyes felt heavy. She yawned. Reality began slipping, giving way to an in-between meditative state. Closing her eyes, she surrendered to it as easily as a lover's kiss.

Around her the house remained quiet. Mentally she surveyed the room. Upstairs, all the kids slept, both Meredith's and her own. She sensed it'd been a long time since the girls had an opportunity to peacefully dream of children's matters. She made a mental note to check their blankets. Returning her attention downstairs, she wafted through the dining room into the living room. As if she was standing in front of the picture window, she watched the two men. One smoked a cigarette. . The other tucked his hands deeply in his pockets. They no longer spoke. She whispered to them her gratitude and it was time to go home. The one with his hands in his pockets nervously looked around. He spoke to his companion. Rachael couldn't hear what was said, but the companion looked around and laughed. It was not her intention to frighten them. She decided to speak to them before she went to bed.

Looking out the window, she watched the leaves reflect the partial moon, casting movable shadows on the ground. Both the light and the shadows seemed muted in the little more than quarter moonlight. In a novel, there would be crickets and frogs; an owl would look down high from a tree and a mystery brewing. But this wasn't a novel. It was a peaceful moment, set aside before she went to sleep. Smiling, she enjoyed it. Some how she knew tomorrow was already well taken care of.

She wanted to remain, enjoying the picture of perfection. Instead she was compelled to return her consciousness to the kitchen. With the speed of a thought, she returned. Seeing her body in the third person, she realized her hair needed brushing and washing if it got any closer to the omelet.

Her consciousness made a dip. She snapped awake. Carefully raising her head, she pushed the plate further away. .

Outside, Chester barked; Carmen shushed him. Moments later the back porch door opened. Chester pushed his way in, followed by Carmen. He sniffed Rachael, just to check identity and turned his attention to his water dish.

"Still up?"

"Barely. Your son eat people food?"

Carmen shook her head. "Not good for him."

"Understand. How was the walk?"

"Chilly. But good. About our guard-"

"They should go home. It's late. We're safe." Rachael stood. "I'll go tell them."
Carmen motioned for her to sit. "No reason for both of us to be cold."

"Want some tea?"

Carmen shook her head. "Be back."

"Before you go. Know which box has my toothbrush in it?"

"It's in the bathroom. The girls were nice enough to unpack boxes while I made dinner." Carmen sadly shook her head. "They're good kids. Deserve better than they're getting."

"Ain't that the Goddess's honest."

Carmen slapped her thigh and walked toward the front door. Chester immediately followed.

Rachael followed only as far as the bathroom. Through the window, she watched them walk across the yard. The guys met her part way. Few minutes later, they started their bikes and were headed back toward town. Carmen picked up a stick and threw it. Chester caught it. She chased him. He chased her.

Definitely true love, Rachael thought, turning on the bathroom light. Five toothbrushes hung in the holder. One she recognized as her own. There were three children's and a yellow one that must belong to Carmen. The towels were hung. A new bar of soap was in the dish. All was clean and shiny. The girls did a spectacular job. Maybe she could hire them as maids. Smiling, she reached for her brush and squeezed toothpaste on it. It was a normal act; how refreshing. Finishing she rinsed her mouth and washed her face. Drying she felt a bit more like herself. Gratefully, she reached for the moisturizer; waking up like a prune didn't appeal to her. Looking into the mirror, she applied the creamy liquid. It was a wonderfully boring act. She finished her bathroom routine by brushing her hair.

Carmen and Chester had returned. He lay on the floor beside the sofa. "Going to bed?"

"Right after I check the girls and get you some bedding."

"Upstairs."

Rachael nodded, walking toward the stairs.

"I'll follow oh great glorious leader." Carmen whispered a few feet behind.

Rachael stopped at the foot. "Do I detect sarcasm oh mighty Tonto?"

Putting on a bad Mexican accent, Carmen touched her chest with her open palm. "Nots me Quicksdraw."

"Mixed metaphor."

"The white hat and silver bullets wouldn't suit you."
"Don't be so sure."

"Right." Carmen pushed her toward the top. "Kids. Blankets. Sleep. Norman's bringing the crew at nine to work your castle."

"Yea and ick." Rachael led the way up. Stopping at the small bedroom, she cracked the door open.

All three girls slept soundly. The stress lines around their eyes and lessened, but hadn't disappeared. Shawna lay in the middle, blanket wrapped around her arm with both hands tucked under the pillow. Melanie had partially rolled off the mattress onto the floor.

Quietly Rachael tip toed in and rolled her back, recovering her. The child stirred in her sleep, but did not wake. She reached across, pulling the blankets up over them and rejoined Carmen in the hall, closing the door behind her. "Do you think they'll be warm enough?"

"Three blankets. Each other. The house isn't that cold."

"Long as you're sure. The blankets are in the closet in my room."

"Me, sure?" Carmen followed her down the hall. "I don't know nothing 'bout no babies."

Rachael stopped and half turned, giving her a can-we-stop-now look.

Carmen snapped her hands up in front of her, palms toward Rachael feigning defensiveness. "Don't beat me, Miss Rachael. I'll stop. I'll stop."

Looking upward, Rachael shook her head. "Give me strength." She opened the door. The light was still on. "My kids." All three were curled up on the bed.

"We met when I brought your stuff up."

"They didn't try to get out?"

"I parked Chester at the top of the stairs. They were real cooperative."

Rachael's jaw dropped. "Don't ever do that again."
"Nobody got hurt. And you'll have fresh undies for the morning." Carmen held out her arms. "My blankets and pillow please."

"Just don't do it again."

"You sleep real sound. For a minute I thought you were dead."

Rachael opened the closet and pulled out a pillow. "Surprised you didn't try a mirror test."

Carmen reached for the pillow. "Couldn't find one."

"Pillow?" Rachael hit her in the chest with the pillow and reached for the blankets. "One or two."

"To be safe, two." Carmen stepped back, preparing for incoming projectiles.

Grabbing two blankets and a set of sheets, she turned and held them out to Carmen. "Night."

Tucking the pillow under her arm, she accepted the offered bedding. "Don't let the bedbugs bite."

"Not funny. Out."

Carmen pivoted on her toes and sauntered to the door. Shifting the weight in her arms, she opened it. Slipping out, she stopped, stuck out her tongue and closed the door behind her.

Yawning, Rachael shook her head. It was going to be interesting. She walked to the bed, stripping as she went. At the foot of the bed, she remembered the light and turned it off. She felt her way back to the bed. "Make room for mom.

No one moved. Gently she nudged and prodded until she found comfort. Rolling over on her stomach and tucking her arms under the pillow, she said her nightly blessing of protection and gratitude. Tara walked up the bed and curled up beside her shoulder. She closed her eyes.






















CHAPTER NINE

Rachael woke with a start, as she was suddenly ripped from the dream and thrown back into her body. She lay there dazed. The room was dark. The house was quiet. There was no reason to leave her sexual liaison. She rolled over and tried to make the jump back into the realm of sleep. Something tugged at her sense of awareness. It was annoying. Frustrated she turned over, disturbing the kids. She apologized. She sat up. She felt like a puppet with its strings being pulled taunt. She looked upward. "Ok. I'm up. What?"

Downstairs. A voice whispered in her head.

"Downstairs." She stood and felt her way to the light switch. It was covered by something warm with no real texture. "I need to find my robe."

No light.

"Swell. She felt in the darkness for her jeans and shirt. Her toe found the post of the bed as she discovered he shirt. "Shit." She whispered. "Why always at night?"

She found her jeans and slipped them on, carefully zipping them up. Arms extended she searched for the door. Crouching to prevent any escapes, she turned the knob. A late night dog-cat fight wouldn't be fun for anyone. Walking down the hall, she listened at the girls' door. She heard them breathing. Carefully she continued downstairs to the dining room. She looked toward the kitchen. It was dark. The living room was the same. Maybe Carmen called. She walked to the archway and listened. It was quiet. Hesitating, she whispered. "Carmen?"

"Rachael?" Carmen's voice quivered from the darkness. "Did you hear something?"

"I'm not sure. I just woke up."

"Why are you whispering?"

"Why are you?" Rachael retorted, unable to raise the volume of her voice. "Turn on a light."

"You."

"I can't. Something told me not to."

"Me too." The sheets rustled. "Chester yelped once and hid behind the couch."

"Why?"

"I don't know." Walking across the room, Carmen bumped into a chair. "Owe!"

"Aren't you supposed to be a sensitive?

"I am. It hurt."

"Very funny. You didn't wake me for this?"

Carmen bumped into her and stopped. "It wasn't me."

Three pair of headlights were parked on the road on either side of the driveway. Doors opened and closed. Male voices drifted across the distance.

"The cellular is in the kitchen. I'll get it." Carefully Rachael turned and held her arms in front to warn her in advance of obstacles.

"Come here, Chester." Carmen whispered.

The dog whined once and was silent.

Rachael reached the kitchen. First she checked to make sure the back door was locked. She propped a chair against the knob and reached for the phone. Outside she saw only darkness. The predicted storm must have rolled in obscuring the moon and stars. She turned it on. The buttons lit up and the dial tone buzzed. She pushed 911.

After three rings a female voice answered. "911. State the nature of your emergency."

"My name is Rachael Franklin. I'm at…oh, shit, what's the address?"

"You don't know your address?"

"I just moved in. It's the cottage on the Mitchellson property. There are some men outside."

"So?"

"They're not supposed to be there. Send some help! Now!" Rachael's voice rose.

"Quiet!" Carmen snapped from the living room. "They're walking toward the house."

Rachael stumbled back to the living room, nearly dropping the phone. "Can you tell how many?"

"Hello-hello?" The disembodied voice started to sound concerned.

"I saw at least seven in the headlights."

Rachael brought the receiver back to her mouth. "There are at least seven. Maybe more. I was threatened today by the House of Christ."

"I understand Ms Franklin. I found a note about you. Hold on." The line went silent for a moment.

As if on cue a dim band of light appeared in the yard, as a hole in the storm clouds drifted over. It illuminated part of the yard, but was not strong enough to penetrate the trees.

Another female voice came on the line. "Ms Franklin we've dispatched officers to your location. Please stay on the line."

"How long?"

"Five to seven minutes."

Two men stepped into the yard. Someone called to them. They looked to the right and stepped back into the shadows.

"Lady, " Rachael whispered, "that's not fast enough."

"I'll get a knife." Carmen whispered.

"Back door is locked. I put a chair against it."

"Thanks. I'll check the window." Carmen made her way to the kitchen. Moments later silverware rattled. "Shit. I can't see anything."

"Two knives in the sink. I didn't wash them after dinner."

"Thank Goddess for messiness."

"Ms Franklin-Ms Franklin?"

Checking the front door lock, Rachael brought the phone to her mouth. "Lady, we're a bit busy. Don't have time to chat. Just send help." She dropped the phone on the desk. The woman at the other end continued to talk. Doing her best not to be seen through the window, Rachael pushed the desk in front of the door. The weight of the computer made it heavier than she expected. The dragging sound echoed through the house.

Carmen ran back. "What?"

"Moving the desk to block the door."

"Good. Here." Something touched her shoulder. It was Carmen's hand with one of the knives in it. "Next time use something bigger than a paring knife."

Rachael took it. "Warn me in advance and I will."

The hole traveled beyond the lawn, leaving darkness behind it. A man crept around the perimeter toward the house. He waved his hand forward. Two more joined him. Only their movement revealed their locations.

Chester whined.

Both Carmen and Rachael jumped, startled by the sound inside the house.

"Carmen, what's wrong with him. He didn't seem like the nervous type."

"He isn't. That's what scares me. He once took on two muggers. No problem." Carmen's voice quivered with fear. "I don't understand. They shouldn't be able to get so close."

"What do you mean?"

"I heard the cottage had special protection--a guardian who wouldn't allow men to do harm."

Suddenly a piece fell into place and Rachael understood what she needed to do. "Guardian spirits, I give you leave to protect me and mine. To do what is necessary to defend us and prevent them from doing harm." The air around them quickly charged with a high pitched buzzing, which radiated outward.

Carmen grabbed her arm. "What did you do?"

'What was necessary."

One man screamed and pointed. He pushed past the three men. Another shouted at him. The man ignored him, continuing down the driveway toward the trucks. To the left of the house, a man yelled for help; the fear in his voice becoming terror. Suddenly he was silent. One man ran a few steps into the center of the yard, calling to him. The all around screams intertwined with growls. Pain flooded another man's incoherent voice. A shot ran out; quickly followed by another.

In unison, Rachael and Carmen jumped, startled by the shot.

Another break in the clouds illuminated the yard. Two men joined the one in the front yard. They tried pulling him toward the road. . He fought them, pointing at the house and yelling. A Tiger leaped from the shadows. It pushed him to the ground. He disappeared beneath its sheer mass His companions were knocked away. He screamed. They ran toward the road. One was caught nearly immediately. He screeched once. The other one didn't look back. Zigzagging, he raced to the pickups. The felines close on his heels.

A man banged on the front door, begging to be let in.

Startled, Rachael jumped away from the door, bumping into Carmen. She knew what was about to happen. She had called them--gave them permission to do what they must to protect them. She could stop it with a single thought. But that was not really an option. To stop them now would only lead to more blood shed in the future. The banging increased. The doorknob rattled. The man attempted to break in. The door vibrated. He screamed obscenities. The door violently shook. The growling came down to the porch. The screaming increased in pitch. A heavy object was thrown against the door. The screaming suddenly stopped. Something was dragged away and down the front stairs. Outside suddenly became silent. The hole in the clouds closed in on itself. Once again the yard was dark.

From the road, engines started. The lights shot backward. Tires screeched. One truck swerved into the ditch. The horn blasted.

In the distance, police sirens raced closer.

Rachael watched the pickup dance with an unseen partner. She gripped the knife in one hand, Carmen's forearm in the other. Beneath her fingertips, she felt Carmen's pulse racing.

The truck lights bounced and stopped. The wheels whined. Glass broke. Muffled screams intertwined with growling. Only it was different. The guardians hadn't followed them past the yard. When they were no longer a threat, the attack ended. What was happening out there had nothing to do with them. Another force had intercepted them as they had tried to escape. More canine than feline, the growling and snapping continued as the men were dragged from the pickups. The largest shadow howled, taking the physical shape of a wolf. The other three followed suite. The men dashed, running blindly. The wolf toyed with them. The men screamed. Car lights appeared in the distance. The game was over. Unlike the guardians, it was not a quick kill.

PetSafe Animal Rescue needs your help


Memorial weekend in the Traverse City area, PetSafe will be hosting a fund raising yard sale. They need donations, volunteers to help and people to buy from their sale. If you can help call Michael at 231-+668-7359.

Although Petsafe is always in need of cash donations, they are in desperate need of foster families to help cats and dogs. Petsafe provides the food, veterinary care, and supplies. The family provides a loving, safe home and transportation to the adoption events, which take place at the Traverse City Petsmart on most Saturdays and Sundays. The average time a dog spends in a foster home is about two weeks. A single family could save 25 dogs a year by just taking in one at a time. Cats, however, take a little longer; therefore, there is a greater need for feline foster homes. Before an animal is placed in foster home, it is checked for medical and behavioral issues. During the foster time, the animal is altered to prevent unwanted litters and is socialized. The foster family evaluates its temperament and helps determine what kind of living situation would be the best match. By the time it is available for adoption, there are one or more people who knows it well enough to be able to vouch for their character.

The second greatest need is for loving families who are looking to adopt. Petsafe is only designed to temporarily care for them until permanent families can be found. However, they are a no kill organization, so animals in their system will remain in foster homes until they are adopted, which is why there are frequent holds on the intake of animals. Their resources simple cannot properly support all those who are in need; therefore, finding good homes is their primary concern. For every cat or dog that is adopted, space is made available for another to be rescued.

Energy Reading for April 2007
By
Theresa Chaze

Like the coming of spring, the energy for April will be a rebirth and an awakening. For many it will be the breaking free of old boundaries, expectations, and worn out patterns. No longer limited, they will soar like eagles above the clouds, experiencing not only a new sense of freedom, but a fresh clarity and objectivity that only comes from breaking free of worn out traditions and beliefs. The Aquarian age of the individual has begun as the sun of the new age has begun to dry the dew from the fields, as a loved one would wipe away our tears. The tears have been shed. The healing has begun. It is time to take action.
The Ace of Cups is the energy that will be brought into April from March. It is an emotional rebirth and fresh hope for the future. No longer willing to be held captive by family members or society's expectations, many will change jobs, their homes and their relationships. It's not that they do not care about what others want or need; they just are no longer willing to subjugate their own lives to satisfy traditions just because that is what they were taught growing up. The questioning of the past has become action of the present. A majority of one will no longer be silenced by the many. The individual will be come master of their own destiny with all the rights and responsibilities that accompany the reclaiming of personal power.
The energy for April is represented by the Nine of Pentacles. Where the will and desire is strong, the practical application still represents a challenge. It is easy to visualize what kind of life you want; however breaking the old habits to create it is another matter entirely. It is harder to step out of the comfort zone in real life. Tilting at windmills is easier set to music in a daydream than at your job or on the city streets. Many people sense they have the power to create change, however they have yet to find a place to begin. By the end of the month, this will no longer be an issue as dramatic social, political and person concerns collide in very unexpected places.
Coming out of April, the energy is represented by the Ten of Swords. Whether real or imaginary, many people will feel a sense of loss and betrayal as they see their foundation crack and crumble around them. The challenge will be what you do with those feelings. If you chose to give into the negativity, more of the same will follow. However, those, who chose to use it as an opportunity to take out the emotional and psychological trash, will find that rebuilding by focusing on the positive will create a stronger, healthier base. Each individual will have to chose for themselves as the ability of society to force its members to conform into the cookie cutter molds of the past will be the first thing that crumbles into dust.
The energy challenge we will all be sharing is the Six of Pentacles. As a society and individuals, we will be given opportunities to openly share not only our resources, but also our positive spiritual and emotional energy. Like sharing a smile with a stranger, it will cost nothing to share our hope and faith; not to convert to a particular faith, but as a practical way of teaching by example. It is time to walk the walk, instead of preaching. If you want people to experience the love and hope, you have to do it not just talk about it. At the end of the day, it is what you do that matters not just what you say.

Durga Valley

Magically politicaly incorrect items that support freedom of religion and civil rights. Colorful images and politcal messages cover clothing, household goods and buttons. If you want to speak out for your civil and religious right, you need to visit my shop at http://www.cafepress.com/durgavalley

The Secret Behind the Secret
By
Theresa Chaze


The Secret wasn't a really a secret. The knowledge and wisdom it contains has been available for centuries. What the DVD and the book do is package the information in a fresh way that makes it clearly understandable by all. It transforms the mystical concepts into clear and practical ideas that can be used in the modern day life. No longer are the theories shrouded in mysticism, but expressed real world ideas that help individuals manifest what they want in their lives.
Where we put our energy in the forms of our thoughts and emotions is what will manifest in our lives for good or ill. If you expect life to give you the best it has to offer that is what will be created. However, you obsess about the lack in your life that is what you will generate more of in your life. There is an internet story about a Grandfather and his grandson. The elderly man points to the child’s chest and tells him there are two wolves living inside him. One is loving, positive and courageous; it isn’t afraid to help others and to ask for help in return. The other is greedy, angry and fearful; it bullies others to hide its fear and to take what others have. These two wolves are battling to be his guardian spirit. The boy asks which one is stronger. The Grandfather say, whichever one he feeds will be the stronger and will be his guardian on his life path. So it is with all of us. Whichever emotion we give our energy to will be the stronger and will be the controlling emotions in our lives.
There is nothing wrong with being afraid. It is what we do with it that makes it positive or negative. Fear makes us more aware of our limitations and our challenges. It helps us find the boundaries that we need to push and inner issues we need to heal through. It can cleanse and strengthen of our personality and our soul, if we chose to recognize its positive aspects. However, when we deny its existence and chose to ignore the lessons it brings, we give it power over us. Whether we like it or not it will influence our relationships with others and our ability to respect ourselves. The more we run from it, the stronger it becomes and the weaker we become until it has total control how we see the world. Only by turning around and facing the fear head on do we once again become powerful within our own lives.
Further more, the way we treat ourselves not only teaches other how to treat us, but also is reflected in how we treat others. When you love and respect yourself, you will draw others to you who feel the same, because that is how you will treat others. People who come from fear will attempt to hide behind walls of anger and other self-destructive behaviors to keep themselves protected from the outside world. They will harm others in order to prevent being attacked. Yet it is this behavior that frequently draws in what they are desperately trying to avoid.
In the DVD, they talk about the Law of Attraction. Unlike magnets where likes repel likes, energy is drawn to similar frequencies. Just like water molecules come together in the atmosphere to create rain droplets that fall to the ground to make tiny rivulets, which come together to form streams flowing into rivers and eventually into the ocean, so does our positive or negative thoughts and emotions create our reality. Whatever we focus on will manifest in our lives. Whether it be love, prosperity, or health, we are the creators of our reality. By focusing on what we lack instead of being grateful for what we do have, we manifest more of the same. Instead of cursing the bills as they come in, we need to be grateful for your ability to pay what you can and actively visualize prosperity coming into your life. The difference is by changing the focus to the prosperity instead of the debt, you create more wealth both of spirit and money. If you are seeking a love mate, be grateful for those in your life that you share love and respect with. By enjoying the pleasures and wonders life offers with the people you enjoy, you open the door for others to come into your life. If good health is the issue, put you energy into being healthy. The announcement last week by John and Elizabeth Edwards’ plan to continue their campaign for the White House wasn’t unreasonable bravo, denial, or Elizabeth martyring herself; it was Elizabeth choosing to put her energy into her life instead of the cancer. By feeding her zest for life, she is empowering herself to be healthy and strong. Instead of the cancer taking over control over her life, Elizabeth chose to be the master of her destiny and live her life to the fullest. There is one thing about life, no one gets out alive; it is up to all of us to determine how we spend the time. We can either chose to live in fear or live wisely by sharing our joy and love.
Sometimes even positive manifestation has unexpected results. Whether it be legal, financial, emotional or spiritual, the Divine grants what we request. When you ask the universe to help you make a difference in the world without setting limits, you might find yourself in a situation that is beyond your control, wondering what happened and why you. If you don’t place limits on to your expectations, you leave yourself give the Divine cart blanch to involve you in whatever aspect life it needs a champion or a catalyst. However, by setting boundaries, you are more able to understand and control the process.
Trust is another major aspect of The Secret. Many times what we loose faith just as what we want is about to manifest. Instead of keeping our energy focused and having faith, we allow negative thoughts and energy to enter our lives, which blocks its creation. Our jobs are to ask, visualize and to accept what we want to come into our lives. How it arrives is the Divine’s job. The more we worry about how it will be provided, the more roadblocks we place in front of it. However, if we have faith and confidence in the end result, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish in our lives. In spite of the limitations all of us have been taught growing up, there is more than enough for everyone to live healthy, prosperous lives filled with joy and love.
There is nothing in our lives we cannot change by changing our perspective. The only limits on our lives are those we place on ourselves. Having the courage to ask for what we want and expecting to get it, will open manifestation doors before us. Living a life of gratitude and faith will not only give us that courage to ask, but will hasten our goals and desires arriving into our lives.

7-year-old on dirt bike arrested, cuffed
Baltimore mayor apologizes; mother says son was just sitting there
The Associated Press
Updated: 2:54 p.m. ET March 17, 2007
BALTIMORE - Police arrested a 7-year-old boy, handcuffed him and hauled him down to the station house on a charge of riding a motorized dirt bike on a sidewalk.

Then, according to his mother, Gerard Mungo Jr. was handcuffed to a bench and interrogated before being released to his parents.

"They scared me," Gerard told The Baltimore Examiner before breaking down in tears.

Mayor Sheila Dixon apologized Friday for the arrest, and Police Commissioner Leonard Hamm said it would be investigated internally.

The arrest came after an officer saw Gerard riding his dirt bike on the sidewalk in east Baltimore on Tuesday, police spokesman Matt Jablow said. Hamm, citing the internal probe, declined to discuss how the rest of the incident unfolded.

Kikisa Dinkins said her son was sitting on the bike with the motor off on the sidewalk when an officer grabbed him by the collar and pulled him off.

"I told them to let go of my baby," Dinkins said. "Since when do you pull a 7-year-old child by his neck and drag him?"

Dinkins said she called for a police supervisor to intervene, but the confrontation continued to escalate after the supervisor arrived.

"They started yelling at him, 'Do you know what you did is wrong, son?'" Dinkins said. "He was so scared he ran upstairs."

Police arrested Gerard and confiscated the bike.

Dinkins said officers fingerprinted him and took his mug shot. Hamm could not confirm that and said those actions would not have been normal procedure in a non-felony case.

‘He’ll never be the same’
Dinkins said the arrest scarred her son. "This has changed his life," she said. "He'll never be the same."

The Police Department's zero-tolerance arrest policy — begun under former Mayor Martin O'Malley, who is now Maryland's governor — has drawn complaints that such arrests occur most often in poor, black neighborhoods. Gerard is black.

Hamm said the officer had the option of talking with a parent or confiscating the bike. He said that although the city is concerned about nuisance dirt bikes, the arrest "was not consistent with my philosophy of trying to solve problems in the neighborhoods."

The mayor, who appeared Friday with Hamm, said she also planned to look into the case.

"It is clear to me that the arrest was wrong, that the officers on the scene should not have arrested the child, and on behalf of the City of Baltimore I apologize to the boy and his parents," Dixon said.


© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17647997/


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

© 2007 MSNBC.com

Messages Fromt The Universe March Issue

Here is March's issue of Messages From the Universe. Sorry it was
late. As always, the individual authors retain the copyright of the
articles, but you are more than welcome to share the ezine

You may hve to cut and paste the address in your browser.

http://us.share.geocities.com/tirgana/MessgesMarch2007.pdf

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light
Wiccan Wisdom
By
Theresa Chaze

Valkyrie Publishing announces the March 1 release of Theresa Chaze's new ebook, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light. It is a 105-page ebook containing Wiccan wisdom and rituals for the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner. It contains rituals for the individual as well as for groups.
Although Wicca is a modern term, it is based on traditions that reach back to when humans toiled the soil and hunted the forests for food. It is a wisdom, which helps Wiccan and Pagans work in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family or tribe. Most of us today do not grow our own food or hunt in the forest; instead, we work jobs and forage in supermarkets. This doesn’t change the essential nature of our goals, which is to provide for our families and ourselves. By working in harmony with the nature's energy, which surrounds us, we can bring balance, peace and prosperity into our lives. This doesn’t mean our lives will be without challenges, but it does mean with faith in ourselves and the Divine we can weather our challenges to reach our best and highest good.
Wiccans also respect other religions. We do not alter their rituals or prayers as an anti-religion. I have heard of covens, which as part of their initiation require the initiate to say the Lord’s Prayer backward. Wicca is based on spiritual traditions, which began long before Christ walked upon the Earth. We are a positive, loving force in the universe. Only by respecting all paths can we honor ourselves, each other and the Divine life force, no matter what is called, which is in all of us.
In my soon to be published Book of Shadows called, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, I share some of what I have learned. It is a positive healing magic, meant to help you on your path. If you are looking for rituals to control or harm another, you are looking in the wrong book. Anytime you try to control another’s destiny, it is black magic. Which brings me to the Wiccan Creed “do what ye will, but harm none.” and the “rule of three”. The only exception to these rules is in self-defense. Once you are no longer being attacked, you must stop; otherwise, you become the attacker and the rules apply to you. Both the creed and the rule of three have been hotly debated. Whether you call it the rule of three, karma, or what goes around comes around, your actions do have consequences for good or evil. Harm or manipulate another, no matter what your intentions, and you open yourself to the same at another’s hand. However, random acts of kindness bring help and healing back to you when you need it. It is your choice.
There are two categories of protection. The first is a response to an attack that has already begun. Rituals, which reflect back or bind the other’s negative energy, fall into this section. The second set of rituals are preventative measures, which include cleansing, shields, and reinforcing your own energy. Protection rituals or spells, which reflect back or bind, are specifically for self-defense on a spiritual level. Once you are in a safe spot, you can then turn your attention to preventing further aggression. These protection rituals are solely for self-defense. To follow the attacker and to continue, reverse the roles and you become the attacker. These rituals are specifically designed for self-defense, nothing more.
More than protection, justice rituals are for situations, which are bigger than the individual is, when you want to clear your karma, or break karmic ties with another. They are the best way to release the situation to the wisdom of a higher power. However by doing so you also forfeit your control over the end results. By letting go, you allow the best and highest good to determine the outcome. There are many situations both on the personal level and on the grand scale that would benefit from setting aside the ego and allowing Goddess/God to deal with the challenge.
What would a book of Shadows be without prosperity rituals--a book of other wisdom. But if you are looking for rituals to help you win the lottery or to steal others’ belongings, you need to look elsewhere. There aren’t many rich witches out there who didn’t become so without hard work. That doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t happen, only that is unlikely that you will win millions. Prosperity is more than the sum total of what is in you bank account, but of who you are and what you have accomplished. That doesn't mean you can set aside the mundane needs of life and go meditate on a hill--even then you have to eat. What it does mean that you need to take responsibility for your decisions and your life. Casting spells and doing rituals can help, but I have yet to meet a rich witch. The best way to insure a successful, prosperous life is to remain in school and get a good education. In doing so, you'll find a source of satisfaction as well as being able to live comfortably.
Most love rituals are in fact black magic. If you try to influence another against their will to love you, even for good reason, it is black magic and eventually you will pay. In the movie, The Craft, the one witch discovered how dangerous it can be. She forced a classmate to love her, but instead of a lover, she created a dangerous stalker. Besides wouldn't you prefer to have a love match where you were loved you for yourself instead of forcing someone to love you. How could you ever trust the love between you? Created in trickery and deceit, it could never be a strong bond. Also in doing so, you would create very bad karma and destroy any chance you and any of your true soul mates would have of connecting.
As with the protection rituals, the following are not meant to be the only path to take. If you are physically ill or injured for goodness sake, seek medical help. I am not a doctor or a medical professional. Healing rituals are designed to heal from the spiritual down to the physical. Many illnesses, both on the physical and emotional level have their sources in the spiritual. By healing etheric body or the soul, the physical body is restored. There isn't a simple explanation of why illness happens--nor are there any cure all. Frequently illnesses are learning experiences, karmic balancing or the result of emotional trauma. The only way to deal with them is to find the root cause. In doing so, the lesson is learn or the trauma is understood so trapped emotions can be released. This is no guarantee that the physical ailment will just disappear, but it will aid with the healing process.
Wiccan and Paganism are multi-dimensional paths whose main purpose is to be able both live well and in harmony with the universe. You won’t find them on street corners trying to convert others, nor do they actively attack others; it would be against their belief system. Instead, they chose a life’s path in the pursuit of wisdom, honor and harmony. They work their jobs, care for their families, and pay their bills, while trying to make this world a little better for everyone.

“When I use the term “awesome” in reference to Theresa Chaze’s new book, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light, it is such an understatement that I really feel ashamed I cannot come up with a better term. Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is an excellent reference guide for anyone who really wants to know what Wicca is really all about. Theresa, an Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church and Wiccan Priestess, guides us through rituals, alter-building and dragon magic with such a gentle and easy tone that even those of us who don’t practice Wicca can understand that it’s not about evil, but about finding good in the world. It has totally changed my way of thinking. I believe that if more people would realize that Wicca is not about burning animals at the alter or casting evil spells, but concentrate on Theresa’s principles that “…Wicca is a wisdom…based on living in harmony with the rhythms of nature to provide and protect the family…,” you will see the full impact that those who practice Wicca are trying to portray. I highly recommend Out of the Shadows and Into the Light…a must read for anyone who wants to know the REAL world of Wicca.”
--Dorothy Thompson, editor, The Writer’s Life (www.thewriterslife.net) and editor/contributing author of Romancing the Soul (Zumaya Publications 2004)

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light is only available at www.theresachaze.com. Downloads are five dollars to be paid through Paypal.

Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She leads her readers to magical realms and others worlds. Her work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. Theresa Chaze's major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. She publishes an ezine called, Messages From the Universe, which is available on her site www.theresachaze.com.

Energy Reading for March 2007
By
Theresa Chaze


There continues to be many multi-level and multi-dimensional changes happening for everyone. If you think you have been excluded, you are either not paying attention or you are lying to yourself. It is the time of revelation, not the one from the Bible, but the exposing of our true hearts and souls. No longer will excuses or the blame game be able to hide us from what karma accounting we have earned. For those who chose to have the courage to face the challenges head on, there will be resources and the support that you need; those, who chose to attempt to run, will be bit in the butt by what they are running from.

From the past, we are carrying forward the need for peace and harmony. Although we thought we had a brief time out, it was just an illusion. The changes continued within and without even though we seemed to be hiding in a safe place. At that time the changes were happening on such a grand scale, we couldn't see how they affected our individual lives. But the spiral has once again to tighten its loops and we will once again be swept up in the energy changes.

For the month of March, the energy will be represented by the Death card. I'm going out on a limb to say that in March, Death will affect our lives on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels. There will be many who chose to leave the earthly plane this month. Their jobs are either done or they are no longer able to accomplish their tasks from this plane of existence. Instead, they will move to the upper realms and direct the flow of energy from there. Those that will remain will have their beliefs and traditions challenged down to the core. As the waves crash on the shore, something old will be unearthed, which will prove much that is believed as truth to be false. No one will unscathed; no one will be left untouched by the changing sands of light.

The energy we will take out of March is Rejuvenation or the Judgment card. Casting off the old shackles, we will find new freedom from the old traditions and beliefs. The Justice bill will be coming due for everyone. How we have treated ourselves, others, and the planet will determine what color ink the balance will be written in. Those who have done harm and refused to learn their karmic lessons will find a deficit in their accounts, while those, who have come to the aid of others and done their best to move forward, will be blessed beyond their imagination.

There were two cards that wanted to describe the challenges we will all be facing. The six of cups is the past coming into the present like the snake eating its tail we will begin a new cycle by going back to the beginning. Old friends, old challenges, and old beliefs will reappear in our lives. Some will be blessings, while others will again challenge us. The second card is the eight of pentacles. It is a card of acceleration and out of control movement. Half hazard encounters and coincidences will make us question just how much control we have in our lives. The answer is as much as we are willing to take responsibility for. Their are no accidents in life, just attention getting methods of the Divine when we don't listen to the messages being sent.

Theresa Chaze--Wiccan Priestess, Ordained Minister, Civil Rights Activist and Fantasy Writer



Theresa Chaze has been described as the woman who plays with dragons, especially the dragons of the mind. She flies her readers to magical realms and others worlds on the wings of her dragon spirit. An Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church and Wiccan Priestess, Theresa Chaze's work is based on her philosophy that all peoples can live together in peace as long as we come from respect, not only for ourselves but those who follow different paths or beliefs. Her work has been compared to Marion Zimmer Bradley and Anne McCaffrey with an adult version of Harry Potter mixed in. However, her non-fiction focuses on civil rights, ethical animal treatment, and responsible environmental management, which includes rapidly moving away from fossil fuels into alternatives.

Her resume is as diverse as her interests. On the mundane level, she graduated from Michigan State University with Bachelor Degrees in English and Video Production; after which she worked for several years at local TV stations. On a more spiritual level, she is a Tarot Reader and a Reiki Healer. She is a natural born intuitive and empath with an instinctive connection to animals and nature spirits. Through her maternal lineage, she is able to not only sense those who have crossed over, but she can also communicate with them. In the summer of 1981, she initiated on the Wiccan path. Samhain of 1997, she fully dedicated to the path of the Goddess. February, 2007 she became an Ordained Minster of the Universal Life Church.

Her major works so far include the first two novels of the Dragon Clan Trilogy, Awakening the Dragon and Dragon Domain, and a free fantasy ebook called, Sisters, Mother, Daughters. Her Book of Shadows, Out of the Shadows and Into the Light will be released on March 1; it will only be available through her website. Her screenplay, Never Can Say Good-bye, is one of the 2006 winners of the Gloria Film Festival. Additional non-fiction articles and observations can be found in her newsletter; the link can be found on her site at www.theresachaze.com. Readers are welcome to visit site to download her free ebook and join her newsletter list.

If this was a final good-bye, it would bruise my soul
Things were left unsaid.
Things were left undone.
You have walked through a doorway, that eventually I will go.
Together we shall meet.
Together we shall speak.
Each would listen and share what we have learned.
We were teachers.
We were students.
Now is not the time of sorrow, yet tears will be shed.
We will honor your life.
We will mourn your loss.
This life was full of challenges, some you met, some will be faced again.
The joy and love you shared will light your path as you cross the threshold.
Those who have gone before shall embrace and guide you to peace and grace.
Time will pass.
Time leaves only your beauty.
Until you return again to the Earthy path, may you be surrounded by our love.

Edith Pachesny, age 67, died Sunday evening Febuary 17, 2002 as the result of an automobile accident in Manistee. She was born June 23, 1934 to Helen (Davis) Kubanek and the late Matthew Kubanek. Edith married Donald Pachesny on August 31, 1957 at St Joseph Church. Edith especially liked spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She also loved her dog, Bandit and took him everywhere she went. Edith was a ommunicant of St. Joseph church and was very active in the services of the church, especially working on the funeral luncheon and the paczki programs. Over the past few years, she was the primary caregiver for her mother.

Edith is survived by her: husband, Donald; her daughter, Theresa; sons and daughter-in-laws--Daniel and Shelia with their four children, April, Cara, Shawn, and Ridge; Michael and Anne, with their daughter, Katherine; Steve and Patti, with their son, Logan; her mother, Helen Kubanek; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Minister and Delores and John Maidens; many neices and nephews also surivive her.
There were many challenges she waited to face until late in life to face. She didn't drive untils he was in her fifties. But once she learned the world opened up to here and she took advantage of the opportunties it offered to her. Soon after she went back to school and got her GED , getting her "Nurses Aid/Homecare Giver" certificate. She swam several times a week, played basketball with the grandkids and took them on nature hikes. She is a shining example of how it is never too late to begin again.
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Spirit burns eternal

Valentine's Day Magic
(an excerpt from Out of the Shadows
And into the Light)

Love Rituals

Most love rituals are in fact black magic. If you try to influence another against their will to love you, even for good reason, it is black magic and eventually you will pay. In the movie, The Craft, the one witch discovered how dangerous it could be. She forced a classmate to love her, but instead of a lover, she created a dangerous stalker. Besides wouldn't you prefer to have a love match where you were loved you for yourself instead of forcing someone to love you. How could you ever trust the love between you? Created in trickery and deceit, it could never be a dependable bond. Also in doing so, you would create very bad karma and destroy any chance you and any of your true soul mates would have of connecting.
There also several kinds of soul mates, not all of them are romantic. Some temporarily appear in our lives to help heal old wounds or to balance out karma. Some are friends from the past have found each other this time around just because they enjoy each other’s company. Still there are soul mates, who have been love matches many times before. They have laugh, cried and grown as souls together. This bond is one that cannot be broken, nor is it calm and serene, but frequently passionate and challenging as you force each other to grow towards your best and highest good.
The best way to find a love in your life is to find love in yourself first. Once you see the beauty of your soul, others will see it as well. Be yourself. Do what you like to do. It is the only way you will find someone who will love you not a facade.
With ever word you speak, every action you take you teach others how much value you place on yourself and how you expect to be treated. When you love and respect yourself, others will honor you the same way. These rituals are to help you create a wonderful love affair with yourself and restore your self respect. They will heal old wounds and help you take back your own power. In doing so, you meet others as an equal. After all, to find your soul mate you have to be able to look them in the eyes to see the soul within.
I’ve also include a few semi-traditional love spells that will draw in a romantic soul mate. Remember, that until you love yourself, no one else will either. Secondly, if you are looking for someone to date or mate, remember to list human as one of the qualities, otherwise you might find yourself with the cutest puppy instead of a spouse.


Reuniting with our own power

What you will need:

A pink candle
A red candle
A purple candle
The courage to grow and change

So many people have lost the ability to see the perfection of their own soul. Instead, they see only the imperfections that society places on them. They give up their individuality to be accepted by others and in doing so deprive themselves of their power. This ritual reinforces your soul's true self. In claiming your selfness, you become a beacon, which allows others to do the same.

After creating your circle of protection--
Light the pink candle to reclaim your friendship with yourself
Light the red candle to reclaim the passion you feel for what makes you special
Light the purple to reclaim your unique place in the universe.

Then say:

“I'm not afraid to question, for that is how I answers are found.
I'm not afraid to take back my power,
for that is how strength is born.
I'm not afraid to speak my wisdom,
for that is now knowledge is shared.
I'm not afraid to love,
for that is how healing begins.
I'm not afraid to be yourself,
for that is how others are freed.
I'm not afraid to see all women as my sisters, mothers, and daughters,
nor am I afraid to see all men as my brothers, fathers, and sons
for that is how they shall see me.
I shall rebuild what was destroyed.
For in seeing the good in myself I can see the good in others.
In seeing light in others that I have seen within,
we create a common bond that creates understanding.
In creating that bond, we reclaim our power over our lives
and send out a love that can save the world.”

Meditate on the flames until you feel peaceful. Then release your circle and allow the candles to burn down.

Finding your life path

Sometimes we lose our way emotionally and spiritually. It is okay to question where we have been and where we would like to go. In clarifying things our own minds, we frequently find possibilities that we previously over looked. This ritual and meditation will help find your path, whether it be an old one renewed or a new one that you thought was impossible.

What you will need:

A white candle
Your favorite incense

Light the candle and incense, saying:

“There was a time
I didn't have a rhythm.
For I lost me
in a sea of disbelieve.
Yet there was a spark
that sang to me as a lark.
There was still hope
that I could find the strength to cope.
Goddess show me the right track
to find so I might find my way back.
On the threshold I stand
to this foreign land.
Here in my heart questions do live,
yet the answers I cannot give.
Shall I go forth to the new and unknown
or shall stay in this place where the familiar is shown.
Goddess, show me the way to my best and highest good
so I made decide with true vision and truth without fear's hood.”

Meditate on the candle with an open heart until the candle burn down. The true message might not come at the moment but through signs and dreams. Be more aware of the world around you. Signs don't always come in flashing neon; more often than not they are as subtle as butterfly wings.





Call to the Goddess

What you will need:

A white candle
A green candle
A silver candle (or a second white if you cannot find silver)
A full moon

Cast your circle of protection. Light all three candles and say:

“I am one.
I am all.
I am separate
yet connected.
I am the shaft of wheat growing in the field,
fertile--indispensable to all that lives.
It’s my body that creates the future,
as I was created in the past.
Every shaft blows in the wind,
yet it dances to music it alone hears.

Each is unique.
Each is alone.
Each ripens
in its own time.
Separate, yet within the earth all the roots are forever intertwined
giving us strength beyond the one.
Each grounds the power of the eternal
within the roots of tomorrow.

We are the protectors.
We are the teachers.
We are the healers,
which insure the future.
Seeing beyond the moment, we have clarity of vision
to see the past and create the future.
We are the creative influence,
which inspires others to reach for the stars.

One face is a daughter.
One face is a mother.
One face is a crone,
yet there is but one.
Within each is all, sister, mother, daughter, grandmother each in turn,
yet all remain within each soul.
One with all within the heart of the moon,
we share feminine passion.
One face is son.
One face is a father.
One face is an elder,
yet there is but one
Within each is all, brother, father, son, grandfather each in turn,
yet all remain within each soul.

I call to them from before.
I call to those from now.
I call to those yet to come.
Together let us become the wheat,
whose roots intertwine in the field of all realities
those that have been and those yet to be.
I call you to speak with one voice
that will echo among the ages.

Let our voices be heard.
Let our voices be as one.
Let our voices radiate the power
to create our will.
Open the doors between the realms of time and space,
as we stand on the threshold between yesterday and tomorrow.
Let our voices be clear and strong,
sending our message beyond the beyond.

In the time before time.
In the time before space.
In the time before the first
life sparked into being
there was the spirit of the Life Bringers.
Older than old, with no beginning or end
they challenged the darkness to produce life and light.

Through them came all the others.
Through them came all life.
Through them came all possibilities.
I call to them now with their memory of all
to awaken and return to this time and space.
Bring your wisdom and grace
back to this realm.
Let all the others, to numerous to name, both light and dark
return at your side.
Our world has been bloodied by greed and hate.
Our world has become a place of fear and shame.
Our world has been over run by men,
who wish to control and dominate,
destroying all that creates life and light.
Return to us now in our realm,
make your power be felt.

Make your power be seen.
Make your power be the force,
which restores balance and justice in all nations.
As it was in the beginning and every moment after,
may the light of your love fill every women.
May your flame fill our souls, hearts and minds.
Connect us with each other and with the Divine light.
May we be the healers, the warriors, the truth speakers,
the creators of the divine spark of peace and love.
With each may be the all,
yet within the all may each voice
sing its own truth with clarity and pride.
As the one became many,
may the many become one
let our will be done.”

Okay here are the traditional ones. Remember not to get specific in either name or description. List the character traits you desire--do not list the physical ones as if you were giving a description to a police sketch artist. Ask for intelligence, a sense of humor, educational level, for mutual respect, that she or he be attractive to you and you to him or her, ask for an age range--do not ask that he have long, sandy blonde hair that is held back in a ponytail, stunning blue eyes, dimples, a good butt, and is wearing a blue shirt who just happens to looks like Mike in the next cubicle. That would be black magic and bad karma.



Three candles love spell--
if you really think you must

What you will need:

A pink candle
A white candle
A red candle
And a list of attributes you would like in a mate
White, pink and red rose petals

Sprinkle the rose petals together on the list, saying:

“Loved from within I do reach out
with complete hope and lack of doubt.”

Fold the four corners of the list toward the center, keeping the rose petals inside saying:

“From the east, south, west and north
I look for love in every port.”

Light the white candle and allow the wax drip on the list, sealing the edges close to keep the rose petals inside and say:

“With pure motives I seek out
the one who will share love with lack of doubt.”

Light the pink candle and allow the wax to drip on the list, sealing it and say:

“Let our friendship be filled with trust and wonder
which will make us stronger when others attempt to rip us asunder.”

Light the red candle and drip the red on the other two seals and say:

“May our passion for life and each other
keeps us together one to another.
We do seek to become one
while keeping our individuality from being undone.
Strong in ourselves separate and bold
but together we chose each other hold.
Not out of need or shame
we come to each other freely without blame.
Seeking to help each other grow towards the Divine light
we still have each other for comfort on the darkness night.”


Three roses

A very simple love spell, which allows you to ask for three things your true love will be.

What you will need:

Three white roses
A river or creek
Red thread
Three slips of paper with the three most important qualities you seek. For example:

My true love will be a man (woman) who is honest and kind.
My true love will be a man (woman) who respects me as much as I respect him/her.
My true love will be a man (woman) who is forgiving, honorable and wise with a sense of humor, which helps him meet life with balance.

Tie a quality to each of the rose with the red thread. Go to the river and toss in a rose for each line.

“One to seek
One to find
One to make our love shine”

Then go something that you really enjoy doing that involves other people. Having a good time doing an activity you love brings you into contact with others of like mind. In short--be yourself, love life, laugh and play and others will be drawn your way.

Wiccans and Pagans continue to fight for their civil rights.


Freedom of Speech
Freedom of relgion
The Freedom to stand up for what we belive in.

Dedicated to Sgt. Patrick Stewart, the Wiccan soldier who died in Afganistan and the VA refuses to honor his one last wish - a pentacle on his grave stone. Filmed at Sacred Harvest Festival 2006 The song "The Symbol" was written and sun by Celia who can conntacted at www.CeliaOnline.com. WitchyFilms continues to produce videos, which help promote freedom of speach and religion. Their site is www.WitchyFilms.com. Circle Sanctuary continues to help Sgt. Stewards family fight for his rights. They can be reached at www.circlesanctuary.com

Blessed are those who can fight for their rights with faith, courage and love.













For more information, visit the following links.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Mar-02-Thu-2006/news/6149634.html

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/oef/profiles/stewartpatrickd.html

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/stewartlifeandtimes.htm

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/veteranpentacle/stewartmemorial.htm