Not for Ourselves: a Karmic Romance

  

He slowly walked out of her reach. "I'm sorry."

 

“For what?” Shawn Michael demanded, stepping off the main path. He was quickly followed by Damien MacNab, Richard Connell,  and Keith Connell. “Explain yourself, boy!”

 

“I told you!” Keith volunteered, pointing at Shannon and Michael. “I told you they were together.”

 

Shannon Marie's gaze quickly darted from her father to the smirking Keith. Anger rose within. “Papa. Whatever he told you,” she jutted her chin in Keith's direction, “is a lie.”

 

“Shut up girl!” Richard snapped, sauntering into the glade. “He said you were together.”

 

“Harlot!” Keith smugly pointed at her; the condescension in his voice matched his father. “Just like your Seanhair!”

 

Shawn Michael snapped around; his left hand reaching for the dagger at his belt. “Richard, shut your bastard up!” The warning hung in the air between them, threatening to become more than a verbal battle.

 

“Michael?” Always the gentleman, Damien squared his shoulders and composed himself. With relaxed, yet directed long strides, he quickly crossed the distance between himself and his son. Damien reached out slightly and tilted his head so that their matching deep hazel eyes met. “Why were the two of you here together?”

 

“Father, we always come to honor Bridget.” Michael’s gaze did not waver.

 

Shannon was suddenly aware of how alike in manner and appearance they were. Without Damien’s beard, it was like the men were looking in mirror reflections of themselves; one towards the past and the other toward the future. Both were warriors; but whereas Damien had aged into a statesman, Michael still had the temperament and the physical stamina of a warrior and a hunter. Although their eyes were the same shape and color. Damien’s held wisdom. Michael’s were those of a seer who saw other times and places.

 

“I would never dishonor you or myself.” Michael continued. “Nor would I betray her father’s trust.” He turned toward Shawn. “Sir, your daughter and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. You never questioned us before. Why would you doubt us now?”

 

“We always have been together since we were children. Rachael and Scott used to come with us.” Shannon Marie interceded. “Since Scott was sent to the monastery, Rachael does not come anymore. Michael and I promise to always remember them to Bridget. We are honor-bound. Rachael gave me her offering.” She pulled the coins from her pocket.

 

“Pagan—“

 

“Shut up!” Shawn Michael snapped, cutting off Richard. The anger in his voice was sharper than the blade at his belt. “My daughter does not lie.”

 

“Neither does my”--

 

“Your son?” Richard cut Damien off. “Are you dishonoring your legit heirs by acknowledging your bastard?”

 

Shawn Michael crossed the few yards between himself and Shannon Marie. His voice softened when he spoke to her, yet the anger, which was only inches away, remained directed at the Connells. “Little Elf, what oath did you give.”

 

“The four of us made a blood oath on Bridget’s altar to be each other’s defenders and protectors.” Michael quickly answered, stepping toward the father and daughter pair. “We are one in her name.”

 

“Yes, Papa. It is true.” Shannon Marie looked up into her father’s eyes, trying to get him to understand how she felt about Michael without her being forced to put it into words. They were more than friends, yet they both knew that was all it would ever be. How could she speak what her heart felt in front of all of them when she could not say it out loud to the person who meant the most?  Angrily she looked at the Connells.

 

Arrogantly,  Keith stood beside his father,  his arms folded across his

chest. She hated him the most for his pretense. His parentage was no better than Michael’s, yet he presented himself as a son of rank.

“But it’s none of their concern. Michael is honorable. Neither of us would do anything to disgrace ourselves or our families.” She pointed at Keith. “He cannot say the same.”

 

"There was nothing more?" Damien demanded, stepping back and scratching his graying beard.

 

“Nothing worth speaking of.” Michael whispered and turned toward the altar. “I-we-it doesn’t matter. We have done nothing to shame ourselves or our families.”

 

Damien’s voice softened as he stepped around Michael and lifted his chin as if he were a small boy instead of a nearly grown man. “Speak the words of your heart.”

 

“I can’t Father. I don’t have the right.” Michael turned away and walked back to Bridget's altar. He stood there with his back to them all.

 

Damien's gaze followed his son, but his eyes quickly moved on to the stone formation that honored The Horned One, Cernuous. Scratching his beard, he seemed to be seeking an answer from the God. He blinked and shifted his weight to look at Shawn Michael. He slightly nodded. “Your daughter is an honorable young woman. So is my son. I believe both of them.”

 

Without hesitating, Shawn Michael returned the gesture. He faltered for a moment as if he were choosing his words carefully. “The Clans have their ways for good or bad. They cannot be changed. At least not from the inside. But not all of us are from the inside. Shannon Marie’s Seanhair is not of the Clans. When I married her daughter, we created a new tradition that was not quite Clan, not quite de Medici. I agree to release my claims to my wife’s family possessions. I gave her my family's name. As with the Clans’ traditions, my eldest daughter and her husband would inherit the clan title and honors...but Madam de Medici would name her heir. Do you understand?”

 

Shannon Marie did not. There was no reason for Papa to be speaking about the family business. Especially not now. Besides, Damien was Papa’s best friend. He knew all this already. None of it was a secret.

 

Damien slowly nodded his head.

 

Shawn Michael continued. “Some traditions can be broken without reproach. Others only bent. But some traditions cannot be broken. My daughter is of honorable blood. She deserves all her birthrights. Not everyone will accept Jacqueline De Medici's decisions and choices. They will try to take by force what they can’t have by law.”

 

“Strong friends and family alliances are shelter in such storms.” Damien interjected. “An honorable family, we would fight to the death to protect their own whether by blood or marriage. I speak for MacNab Clan and all our kin and all our kin’s kin when I say we are such an honorable family.”

 

“We have an agreement!” The elder Connell angrily barked.

 

“And it will be kept!” Shawn Michael matched his tone as he snapped around. “To bring peace between our clan, my eldest daughter and heir will marry yours. I will keep my word as long as you honor your end of the bargain. Shannon Marie has been and will be Madam de Medici's heir.”

 

“That wasn’t the agreement!” Connell growled advancing on Shawn Michael. "The estates go to the husband of the eldest daughter if there is no legit male heir. My son is entitled--"

 

“To the small estate, my father shall bestow on me.” Shawn Michael cut him off. “And the title.”

 

“Only you and yours thought that there was more. The rest knew the lay of the land.” Damien added, standing beside Shawn. “You were a fool to expect otherwise.”

 

“Tradition is tradition.” The elder Connell snarled. “Eldest child--legitimate child,” he corrected himself, “inherits the family title and property.”

 

Shannon Marie knew there was more to his meaning than his words conveyed. They were talking about clan agreements and marriage as if they were interchangeable. But Seanhair taught her that she would always have the right to choose with whom she shared her bed. Did not her older sister have the same right? Again she had the strange feeling of not being alone within herself--it felt as if a stranger was also looking out of her eyes and hearing as she heard.

 

This was important. Alyssa knew it was a turning point. A path had been chosen, yet she knew not what the options were. Nor was it her right to decide. Something had been just set in motion.

 

Shannon felt the stranger within her. From the beyond, words from another place echoed within her—“To another place to the other time take me back to the beginning of this crime. Let me see and understand the unfolding of this karmic plan. Show me now in this light how to make this wrong a right.”

 

Fear suddenly overwhelmed her. Shannon did not understand why this moment was so important. Why were Damien and Papa talking formally as if they were at court? They were friends. Always. For as long as she could remember, they had spoken openly as brothers. She looked at Michael; he was closed off to her. She wanted to reach out to Papa; she couldn't force her feet to move the few steps between them.

 

“I give you my word.” Damien continued, “The MacNab Clan honors the traditions of the other clans' families. We will respect the understanding between the Cullen clan and Madam de Medici.”

 

Shawn Michael slowly nodded.

 

Damien MacNab returned the gesture. “I'll make the arrangements with Laird MacDonald to make the first announcement.” He turned toward Bridget’s altar. “Michael, come here.”

 

Michael immediately bowed in reverence to Bridget and returned to his father’s side. Damien leaned forward and whispered into his ear. For a moment, Michael stepped back, looking first at Bridget’s altar and then at Shannon.

 

Damien stepped closer and continued to speak in a voice so low it did not carry across the field. As he finished, Michael slowly nodded but said nothing.

 

Shannon Marie saw regret and sadness in his eyes. Their eyes met briefly. Michael turned away and looked at Bridget’s altar. It was like he was mourning part of himself. Disappointment and grief radiated from him.

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Bring Romance into your Summer with a Paranormal Thriller Novel

 

Alyssa attends a local Pagan festival to read Tarot Cards as a way of raising funds for a local animal rescue organization. When a group of drunken men invade the festival, attacking the attendee and destroying the booths, she and others stand up to them only to learn that they are off-duty deputy sheriffs. Unwilling to let their bad behavior slide, they file complaints only to learn that the leader of the pack is Justin Nevel, the Sheriff's nephew. Although she is one of many who complain, Nevel focuses his need for revenge on Alyssa. His harassment quickly escalates. When friends and co-workers stand up for her, his intimidation spreads to them. In an attempt to understand why she was singled out, Alyssa performs a magical ritual. But instead of receiving an answer, she is taken back to a Scottish parish and the life when she was known as Shannon Marie Cullen. The granddaughter and heir of Jacqueline Marie Katherine de Medici, Shannon Marie lived both in and out of clan tradition. However, unlike their older sisters, she and her younger sister, Rachael, were spared the limitations and intrigues of court. Raised more like sons than daughters, they were wild and free. Both saw life as a challenge to be met and conquered. Yet there was one sadness that Shannon Marie was forced to accept or so she thought.. Clan tradition stood between her and Michael being together, which led to him choosing the path of the Goddess. She loved him enough to honor his decision until the obstacles between them suddenly vanished. She selfishly agrees to the marriage. Instead of joy, their union brings about betrayal, bloodshed, and murder. As the memories of her past life awakened, Alyssa melds with her former self. Watching the events before her death unfolds, she began to understand how the manipulation of others followed them through the ages until they are forced to again meet. In the past, one man loved her, yet her selfishness betrayed his trust. One man hated her for who she was and for what he could never have. Both have again entered her life. Have they learned enough to put finally put the past to rest or will they again make the same choices that led to murder and revenge?

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Not For Ourselves

A Book Review

By Cate Cavanagh

Theresa Chaze has once again proven herself to be a premier Wiccan author of amazing skill and creativity! Not For Ourselves is a robust novel that spans lifetimes in the most unique way possible by weaving a tale of revolving reincarnation.

Readers knowledgeable of the Craft will find this approach familiar yet refreshing in depiction as we witness the flashing back and forth of a character in the present reliving moments of a previous life whose errors have followed her through many incarnations including the present.

Through Alyssa’s eyes we see how conflicted relationships are fast forwarded to the present as she comes to recognize antagonists of her past life tormenting her in the present. Alyssa’s biggest challenge is to rejoin her past self and seek to correct the error that sent her span of lives into the condemnation of karmic debt.

A victim of stalking and terrorism by a local police officer Alyssa is forced to send her cats to live with her sister, Michelle. Reporting this officer (Nevel) is useless as the blue wall converges about him, rendering him protected against prosecution. As her torment continues week after week and month after month the result is the loss of her job as well what has become her fragile sanity. Despite this she fosters enough strength to vlog a diary of what is happening as well as publishing his threatening phone calls. When he and a fellow officer come to her house with false charges and threats, Alyssa finds her cause has been followed by the FBI for some time. Angry that they allowed her to live in constant fear she searches for a way to find peace again and to come away with her goddess given power once more!

Complicating matters is James, the FBI agent that rescues her and Wayne the attorney helping his father deliver hay to the reclaimed horse farm that Alyssa resumes on her path to recovery. But is Wayne in town to defend her tormentors?

So thorough is Theresa’s research she writes of how Alyssa houses an injured possum rather than have him free to roam the stable because its feces can cause serious, life threatening illness. As a horsewoman, I was very impressed with this authenticity.

Authentic as well as her description of projecting oneself into a past life and back again. Authentic as well is how she depicts the physical, mental, and emotional turmoil that rapid astral traveling can be. Those of us of the Craft have experienced this and it is very impressive that Theresa set before her the daunting challenge to recreate not just the physical sensations of trying to undo past errors but the very important tenets of the Wiccan path.

Upon completion of Not For Ourselves, those of the Craft will be sated knowing that someone like Theresa writes a true representation of this treasured belief system while opening a whole new realm of reading experience for the average reader.

Kudos to you Theresa Chaze! Well done!

Available on Amazon as a Kindle and in paperback as well as a PDF on the author's website.

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Not for Ourselves: A Karmic Romance

What do you do when life hands you lemons. Authors make lemonade by writing the challenges into their work. Theresa Chaze is no different. Written as a way to cope with and to understand the sexual assault, Not for Ourselves tells the tale of a woman, who is attacked and tormented by men she met for the first time at a Pagan Festival. Unable to comprehend why they chose her, she performs a magical ritual that was designed to help her understand why they would want to destroy a stranger's life. All though it is fictionalized story, it reflects how the assault and the months of harassment afterward shattered her life and nearly turned Chaze into a shut-in

Before October 18, 2006, Chaze was confident gregarious woman, who faced life with moxie and courage. Her writing career had begun to take off with the launch of her novels and screenplays. She sought out adventures and blazed her own trails through life. All that ended on October 18, 2006. The person she was died that night and she became someone she didn't recognize. Before, she forgave easily. At midnight her slate was wiped clean and everyone, including herself, had a fresh start for the new day. All that changed. The fear overshadowed her life. Leaving her home sent her into panic attacks that triggered severe asthma episodes. The fear became a rage that she turned both inward and onto others. There were many times in the next two years that she had the razor blade out and the note was written. Good friends keeping careful watch over her is the only reason she didn't follow through. Instead of asking for justice, she sought vengeance on those who had harmed her. When Chaze lost her ability to function, she sought help and was diagnosed with PTSD, After years of therapy, Chaze has glued the shards of her former self together to create a life that once again based on love, light, and hope. Writing Not For Ourselves helped her complete the healing process

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Alyssa attends a local Pagan festival to read Tarot Cards as a way of raising funds for a local animal rescue organization. When a group of drunken men invade the festival, attacking the attendee and destroying the booths, she and others stand up to them only to learn that they are off-duty deputy sheriffs. Unwilling to let their bad behavior slide, they file complaints only to learn that the leader of the pack is the Justin Nevel, the Sheriff's nephew. Although she is one of many who complain, Nevel focuses his need for revenge on Alyssa. His harassment quickly escalates. When friends and co-workers stand up for her, his intimidation spreads to them. In an attempt to understand why she was singled out, Alyssa performs a magical ritual. But instead of receiving an answer, she is taken back to a Scottish parish and the life when she was known as Shannon Marie Cullen.

The granddaughter and heir of Jacqueline Marie Katherine de Medici, Shannon Marie lived both in and out of clan tradition. However, unlike their older sisters, she and her younger sister, Rachael, were spared the limitations and intrigues of court. Raised more like sons than daughters, they were wild and free. Both saw life as a challenge to be met and conquered. Yet there was one sadness that Shannon Marie was forced to accept or so she thought. Clan tradition stood between her and Michael being together, which led to him choosing the path of the Goddess. She loved him enough to honor his decision until the obstacles between them suddenly vanished. She selfishly agrees to the marriage. Instead of joy, their union brings about betrayal, bloodshed, and murder

.
As the memories of her past life awakened, Alyssa melds with her former self. Watching the events before her death unfold, she began to understand how the manipulation of others followed them through the ages until they are forced to again meet. In the past, one man loved her, yet her selfishness betrayed his trust. One man hated her for who she was and for what he could never have. Both have again entered her life. Have they learned enough to put finally put the past to rest or will they again make the same choices that led to murder and revenge?

Not for Ourselves is available on Amazon as a Kindle and in paperback as well as a PDF on the author's website.

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Finding the courage to heal

God Saw a Butterfly is a tale like no other. From first awareness to facing her fears and self-doubt Shylon must choose between two paths. One leads to an amazing adventure. The other to a place that God cannot go. Only she can choose which path to take. But choose she must.

Shylon's journey of self-awareness challenges you to see both the best and worse in yourself as it shows you the reflection of your own soul. Through her journey of self-discovery, you will learn how we are all connected by love and fear. This magical tale is a guidebook that empowers you to face and release your fears and in doing so, gives you the courage to seek and accept new adventures. God saw a Butterfly clarifies your understanding of your life's journey. It will help you interpret why you attracted the people, challenges, and events that entered your life.

The proceeds from God Saw a Butterfly will be used to produce the TV series, Horses and Heroes. Combining Peer Support with Equine Therapy, Horses and Heroes will empower veterans to heal and reclaim their lives. You can make a difference in veterans lives by buying a copy of God Saw a Butterfly and by recommending that others do the same.

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Horses and Heroes is a Reality TV series, which combines the highly effective Peer Support Therapy with Equine Therapy. Unlike most in the genre, it will focus on healing and positive growth rather than endorsing bad behavior. Each season will bring together veterans from WWII to the current conflicts. They will be sharing their challenges and supporting each other as they find new solutions to their physical and emotional challenges. They know the talk, because they have walked the walk. They see the dodges and will be able to call each other on them. Sparks may fly. Tempers may flare, especially when they force each other to face their ghosts. But there will also be laughter and fun as they rebuild the comradery, which kept them safe and strong. The snarkiness and practical jokes between the branches doesn't simply end. There is always room for just one more. When it airs, it will reach into the homes of the veterans, who need to hear that they are not alone, and give them information as well as permission they need to also heal. They will help each other find their way back to the world. Veterans can’t go back and make a brand new start; but they can start from now and make a brand new end.

Do you believe in karma?

Alyssa learns there is a reason that birth wipes away the memories of the past from the conscious mind. When a chance meeting opens a karmic door, she must quickly find a way to remember before the hatred from another time once again cause her tragic end.


Nict for Ure Selfe (Not for Ourselves): a magical fantasy novel from Theresa Chaze on Vimeo.

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Have you ever met someone and suddenly felt love or hate? Did you wonder why? What if you had forgotten the reason? Would you want to remember if it could save you life?

Elizabeth was asked by her mentor to teach a writing course at a small college. Since she never forgets a kindness, she reluctantly agrees. Arriving in town, she instantly regrets her decision. She wants to run, but she is honor bound to stay. Even as the ghost of a small child begs her to forgive, the memories of another time arouse feelings of hatred that she doesn't understand and cannot control. When she meets Shane, all of their lives are thrown onto a dangerous collision course from which they can neither run, nor can they hide. The question is, "Can they overcome their tragic past or will they be doomed to repeat it?"

Love can be a blessing or the curse that destroys a town.

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…

Graduating from the School of Hard Knocks

Every day is a journey. The challenges and test we face teaches, heals, and strengthens us. However it is our choice how we react to those challenges and test


If you visit my website at www.theresachaze.com you can learn more about my work.

The Ascension Process: Remembering Your Soul’s Name

The Ascension Process: Remembering Your Soul’s Name

The ascension process is much like a video game. Each level has its own rules, challenges and resources. At some levels helpmates are close; on others, they the ones initiating the challenges. Each level teaches the player more about the game, making her or him a wiser, stronger competitor. At each new stage, the player is given incentives to keep going--additional resources, wisdom or challenges. There are consequences for mistakes and rewards for successes. So it is with the ascension process, which begins with a name.

When a soul claims it's name, not only does it separate itself from the soul collective, but it also claims its individuality, thereby staking claim to its own power. When the soul incarnates it sends down a piece of itself, which is called the spirit. Whereas owning its name was the beginning, the spirit remembering it is acknowledging and accepting its soul's history, which is in itself a new beginning.

More than just labeling itself, a soul asserts ownership of itself. It is the declaration "I am, the I am." Finding the strength and the courage to leave the collective is the first step on the journey called destiny; deciding on a name is just the first step in the journey. Once decided, it cannot be changed and will identify the soul for eternity, which is why it is considered the most important decision a soul can make. With each step the soul takes away from the collective, it becomes more distinctive and independent. The lessons it learns and the wisdom it collects raises its energy vibration, giving it access to more information and more intense learning opportunities. With independence comes mistakes and missteps. Experience leads to imperfections; imperfection leads to regret. However, it is this winding road with its many side paths that prepares the soul for the ascension process, which eventually leads to forgiveness and unconditional love.

During incarnation process, the spirit is prepared for the lessons or issues the soul wishes to address. Part of this process is stripping away the knowledge and memories to create a clean slat. Although, the soul retains its personality traits, it doesn't remember the details or the motivating factors behind its actions. Amnesia is not a punishment, but a way to help prevent a soul from becoming stuck in guilt and regret. By allowing the soul to start a new chapter in it Akashic Records, the soul is allowed a fresh starts with old challenges. Called the formative years, the first three years of life are when the soul redevelops its connection with the physical plane. It bonds with others and establishes communication skills. In addition, it also decides what the focus will be for this particular life; in short, which karmic challenge or lesson will be the main focus. During this time, the incarnating spirit still maintains a connection with its soul, which is why many children hold on to memory fragments of their past lives. However, as the verbal and social skills develop, these memories are usually pushed into the subconscious for save keeping. It is more important for its attention to be directed out and forward, than inward and toward the past. Toward the end of life, especially for the aged, this process is reversed as the spirit prepares to be reabsorbed into its soul and the life's lessons evaluated.

Incarnating is the soul’s way of actively learning, clearing karmic debt and connecting with others. However, whether the entrance into body is done through the birth process or through walking in, its ability to remember its karmic history is severely limited. It is part of the learning and testing process that each soul must grow through as it learns tolerance and forgiveness, while releasing its fear. How a soul reacts to challenges is also a very important part of the education. However, as the soul gains more experience through the incarnation process, the connecting cord becomes thicker and stronger. This makes the transmission of information from the soul to the spirit easier and more accurate. For more advanced souls, the loss of memory is no longer necessary for they no longer need to be protected from their past. The amnesia is designed to protect the spirit from the backlash of previous self destructive behaviors and emotions. It is impossible to erase the errors made in previous lives; however, by learning and growing from them the karmic scales are once again put into balance. The memory loss is designed to help the soul again face the challenge with the negative baggage of the past safely locked in its subconscious.

The spirit remembering its soul’s name is a turning point in the soul's growth and learning process. Just like stepping away from the collective was the beginning of a new journey, so is the spirit remembering its name the inauguration of a new segment in its existence. It signals that the incarnated spirit and soul have achieved balance. In doing so, the soul not only fully accepts responsibility for its actions, but becomes opens to receiving blessings as well. The later is the most difficult part of the process. Not only does it involve facing old fears, but also forgiving oneself for past mistakes. Most souls of light forgive others easily, but themselves not so much. Guilt and anger blocks the healing process, which in turn delays development on all levels. This is why only highly developed souls remember their history while incarnated.

If the information is made available too quickly, it is detrimental to the spirit who is not ready to shoulder the burden of the past. However, remembering and being told is two completely different situations. It is the difference of being able to read the book and being told what it says. In remembering, the soul is given direct access to its entire past--the good, bad and the ugly. A psychic who disclosures the client’s name soul name gives her or him the keys to the kingdom without telling them where the gate lays. At best it means nothing, at worse it brings back a flood of memories that the person isn't emotionally or spiritually ready to deal with, which is not unlike when a kundalini rise prematurely. As with the kundalini, sudden a sudden karmic awakening can lead to madness and death.

When the spirit and soul are in balance, the awakening is natural, which makes the memories uplifting and healing. Instead of adding burdens, they release them and open new venues of growth. Forgiving of oneself and accepting forgiveness from others is the final step in this journey; it is the release of what could have been by accepting was and being grateful for the growth opportunity. The past becomes the present while the present becomes the past. . No longer hampered, the spirit’s vibration level rises, making it ready for the next leg of journey.

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Wiccan Ritual: Karmic Weave-Releasing Unwanted Ties

Karmic Weave: Releasing Unwanted Ties

All relationships are connections between individuals. Some are karmic, while others are current issues. However, these bonds are not always positive, nor are they solely between individuals but groups as well. Bigotry has been passed on from generation to generation for no other reason than it has always been that way. This engrained behavior creates unwanted ties and karmic imbalance. It is only by stepping back to see the larger picture that healing and forgiveness can be achieve, thereby breaking the cycle.

Karmic relationships are not necessarily negative. Many souls will incarnate together in order to help each other grow and learn. These relationships are blessing of healing and support. However, those of karmic debt are the continuation of pass issues, where one or both failed to learn from the situation or behavior. These reoccurring relationships will be ongoing until one or both grow through and let go of the past. It is only by releasing your end of the karmic tie though forgiveness that your soul will be freed and be able to move on to the next challenge.

One only has watch the news or read the newspapers to find cases of stalking or racial bigotry. It is very easy to fall into the tit for tat mentality. However, in reality no one every gets even. Each side merely binds itself to that which they hate, creating an unending dance of pain, fear and resentment. Giving in to the anger and fear is easy. When it is all their fault, you absolve yourself of responsibility and create a victim role for yourself. However, no matter what the conflict, who started or who kept it going, there are always more than one side and more than one person responsible. That doesn’t mean that innocent people are not injured. But it always takes two to keep it going. Even when you are harmed through no fault of your own, how you react will determine the end result. By playing the victim, you only increase the likelihood that you will continue in that role. However, if you refuse to relinquish your power and self-determination, you will change the path of the relationship as well as the end result. If you don’t play the game, you can’t get caught up in the fall out. This doesn’t mean being a doormat. Simple stated it means if you don’t get emotionally involved or allow the behavior of another to affect yourself image, they cannot control your destiny. If you do not accept the challenge, there is nothing they can do.

Whether it is a positive or negative connection depends solely on those involved. Positive relationships, those that bring out the best of both, should be encouraged. However, those that are one sided or bring harm, need to be severed. One-sided relations are those that are not mutual; if the connecting bridge was built solely on one side, the relationship is not healthy and infringes on the other's free will. By forcing one's energy, attention or presence on another is an act of black magic and will have the appropriate consequences. Anytime you usurp another’s free will, you do more damage to yourself. Many think that loving another gives them free access to the other person. If the feeling is not shared, you cannot and will not be able to build a relationship. You cannot force another to love you. Attempting to do so will only create resentment and push them further away. The reverse is also true; hating another doesn’t bring positive blessings into your life. Like attracts alike; by sending out negative energy you will only attract those of who are on the same emotional and spiritual wavelength. It will only serve to reinforce your own believes and behaviors, thereby engraining them more deeply into your soul and making change that much more difficult. When you live in this mind set from lifetime to lifetime, your karmic debt increases as do the negative karmic bonds that you will eventually have to answer for.

The increasing bigotry and violence is more than just result of the uncertain economic and politic times; it is the coming due of many karmic bills and the balancing of the scales. Each of us are being challenge in the way, which will give us the greatest spiritual growth, and healing in the shortest amount of time. No longer do we have the luxury of putting off to tomorrow our challenges; finals have come early and there is no skipping school.

Yet even those who have done the spiritual work are finding that they are confronted with negative behaviors that are beyond their means to heal or release. It is not that they haven’t put in the effort, but that there are lingering karmic ties, which keep them from fully moving forward. It is only by severing these links that you will be able to move on. Giving in to the anger, fear or playing the victim, only makes the connection stronger and harder to break. However, if you emotional step back and objectively see the situation for what it is, you reclaim your power and ability to make positive changes. The question you must ask yourself is, “what do I want to achieve? By changing your focus from the challenge to the outcome, you refocus your energy to achieve the outcome you seek No matter what anyone else does, you are able to take back your power and retain control over you own destiny.

Karmic debt is a little different. It is past behavior. The results of which cannot be changed. However, this doesn’t mean that the connections are permanent or that you will be forced to be stuck if the other soul refuses to learn. There are ways to severe the ties and free yourself from others without having to directly confront them. The following ritual will help sever those ties; however, be warned that not only will it bring down the balancing on the other person but it will also calculate your karmic score as well. Yet if you have done the heart work of cleansing, healing and forgiving, there should be a positive balance. Even if there are still issues of your own to work through, the healing will be easier without the drag of someone who has locked their spiritual breaks. When the Titanic sank, it broke in two. If the break had been clean, the aft end would have slowly sank, giving the rescue ships more time to arrive. However, since it was still attached to the bow, it was dragged under just as quickly as the front of the ship. This analogy could be made of many spiritual attachments. The simple fact is that no matter how you feel about a person, you cannot save them from themselves. You cannot change their behavior, only the way you react to it.

Karmic Healing Weave

What you will need:

The will to heal and move forward from your heart

White yarn

Candles

Nine nails, preferably finishing nails or other with very small heads

A block of wood

A hammer

Draw a circle around the block of wood and find the center. In the center, drive the first nail in far enough for it to be secure. Just above put the second at the edge of the circle. Below it, drive the third also at the edge of the circle. Do the same on both the left and right of center. The next four nails are driven in between the first four at the rim of the circle. When you are finished there will be one in the center and eight around in a circle. Eight is the not only the number of energy but that of karma in action. This formation represents you and your karmic attachments.

Cut a length of yarn that will be long enough to create the weave. Loosely tie a knot around the center nail. It should be snug enough not to spin, but loose enough to fit over the head of the nail. Guide the yard to the top nail and tie a knot, keeping in mind that the weave will be removed at the end. Return the yarn to the center nail and tie another knot. Repeat the procedure on the bottom, both sides and moving clockwise connect the last four nails to the center one.



Loop the yard and form a knot around the top spoke close to the center nail and say, “I forgive you and release you to your karmic justice.” Continue knotting around the circle, making sure the knots are snug but not tight until you have used all the yard. Each time a knot is made, repeat, “I forgive you and release you to your karmic justice.” The last knot must be tight and secure. It is the period at the end of your karmic sentence. Cut off any yard that is hanging over.

Take the weave off the form and light the candle. Focusing on the flame and say:

“With this flame I do burn away all the negatively which connects me to others.

With a forgiving heart, I release them to their karmic justice.

With (or without, if you which every you choose) grace, I severe the ties that bind us and block you from sensing me, seeing me, finding me or harming me. In my reality, you no longer exist in any shape or form. I accept only the karmic debt that I owe and am willing to pay it in full. For what I am owed, I ask that it be paid in full to the Powers of Justice in whatever way they see fit. From my heart, I forgive, release and move on.”

For the next lunar month, once a day light a candle and say, “From my heart, I forgive, release and move on.”

More Wiccan and Pagan rituals are available in the “Out of the Shadows and Into the Light.” This ebook of Shadows is only available at www.theresachaze.com. The download is $5.00 through paypal.

Are You Seeing What Love is Showing You?

A & E airs a show called "Sell This House". The premise is that a decorating team comes into homes that have been on the market for several months and restages them to make them more appealing to home buyers. Although some of their decorating ideas are unique, what caught my attention about the show were the comments made about the owners.

Under the guise of searching for a new house, buyers walked through the homes; however, instead of looking at the structure of the house and envisioning themselves living there, they critiqued the owners and their possessions. Sarcastic remarks were made about not only the style of the furniture, but the placement in the rooms. They didn’t like the color scheme, the knickknacks or the personal possessions of the current owners. Instead of looking at the beautiful bay window, the focused on the curtains. They didn’t consider the size of the rooms, number of bedrooms or any of the other features of the home that are actually relevant to their needs.

The middle part of the show focused on the redecorating. It could be as simple as moving or removing furniture. However, frequently there was extensive painting of walls, cabinets, and furniture. Personal items are removed or placed out of sight. The whole idea is to make the house look as impersonal as possible. In most cases, the changes did little to make the room seem larger, but they did make the house seem uncomfortable.

The best part of buying a new home is making it yours with your stuff. One of the first things I did when I bought my home was to paint the rooms to match my tastes and my furniture. The changes made it a reflection of me. It is my home. My refuge from the world. I made if comfortable for me.

The last segment of the show was the same buyers going through and marveling at how the changes made the home so much better. Some of the changes did. But why should they have cared. All the furniture, curtains and artwork were all going with the owners. None of the things they found so amazing were going to stay with the home. How often do we get caught up in critiquing others that we fail see that what we are seeking is right in front of us? We look for love, yet we only see the shallow aspects of size, shape and color; we over look the beautiful soul inside with whom we could share a wonderful relationship based on mutual love and respect. It’s only when we release our expectations and open our hearts to see the real foundation of a person that we are able to see if there is a true love match.

Magical Fantasy Novel Based on Real Wiccan and Pagan Magic

Ritually releasing Karma

Releasing to Karma

Light a white candle and say:

Allow this candle to be the light
which guides my soul through this dark night.
Releasing the need to do harm
I give them into Justices' arms.
Let not my anger and hatred block their way
and hold them from justice one more day.
In peace, love and harmony I allow myself to move on
into the bright future beyond.
I forgive them and me
in complete humility.
Allow my grace to begin
so I can heal from within.
On bended knee and open heart
I ask for the rage to depart.
Grant me the strength and wisdom to move on
so others shall not be put upon.
Goddesses and Gods of Justice I ask you to arbitrate
in this place and in the now to put an end to the hate.
Let your wisdom be the guide
to reveal where truth does hide.
Let it be reveal in such a means
that it can not be again made unseen.
Let it be written across the sky
in letters to be seen by every eye.
May each and every one who was drawn in
find their karma is ready to begin.
With open heart and lesson learn
all my doors and windows are ready to receive blessings I have earned.