The harsh realities concerning Faith and the Universe

[Crimson Mage]

This post is not a critque of everyone here, but on some and is my opinion of course, and as thats the case, I'm sure others will have differing opinions. You are obviously free to disagree with me as you wish, although i believe most of us know at least one person who fits the mold here:

I've seen an awful lot of complaining lately about how this person or that has been somehow mistreated, and the blame for this misfortune is attributed to the fact that they have either been mistreated due to the fact theyre Pagan, or the other person is mean, or that the universe at large has some diabolical plan that they never have a happy moment in their lives.

Everything from Energy requests for the sniffles, to threads complaining that a boss didnt change policy to suit their needs, to others complaining about a relationship that's gone sour, and a host of others containing many different versions of the "woe is me, I'm such an unhappy person and asked the Goddess to help me but she hasn't" syndrome.

It seems that in most cases above, the poster has either ignored or forgotten two very valuable points:

1. The Goddess has many more important things to do than cure a cold. So do others- like giving their energies to someone with cancer, or much more serious illness than the sniffles, or aiding someone who is suddenly homeless and jobless. If you came down with a cold, seek a CURE, whether herbal or from the closest pharmacy - or use your own energy to cure yourself. There's no need to suck precious energy from the universe when the cure is simple and obvious, and right there in front of you. And while we are at it, maybe it's time you thought to try and help yourself before asking the Goddess. Why should she if you haven't bothered?

And if youre that homeless person, and you quit your job because you didnt get the raise you wanted, or you didnt like your boss because he's Christian and wont give you Beltane off -- and all of a sudden youre on the street because you now do't have money to pay your rent; you brought it on yourself. Take responsibility for your actions.

2. The World is not, and will never be, exclusively Pagan -- just the same as it will never be universally Christian, Muslim, or anything else. This means EVERY Faith must learn to make compromises in order to participate with those of other Faiths and become a participant in the World at large. Although we all bring our faith as a part of us into these daily dealings, that doesnt make them Faith-based. Too many of us seem to get it in our heads that if it isnt done the way it would be done in our "perfect world", then it isnt right. If a business is owned by a Muslim, I would expect that the owner would choose to celebrate the Muslim holidays by closing his business. The same holds true for owners of other faiths as well. you dont like that fact? - then dont work there. The choice after all is yours to take the job or not, knowing the facts.

We have no right to impose our faith on the rest of the world than they have to impose theirs on us. The World is also NOT perfect, nor is it intended to be. If it were, there would be no lessons to learn anywhere. You have no inherent right to anything just because you're here. You earn your rewards for deeds done - be they good or bad. Stop blaming the world (or the goddess) for your misfortune and take a good hard look at what you may have done (or not done) that contributed to it.

Faith is not to be confused with destiny. Faith does not destine you to have certain things or deny you others. Only you do that in your dealings with society. If you choose to dress for a job interview in all black, with three pentacles sewn on the back, looking unkepmt, and instilling fear in a good percentage of those around you - why would you EVER think you'd that job at the bank? Or the one at the lawyer's office, or even at Dunkin Donuts? The time you spend on your job is NOT your time. It is time you have sold to your boss for a fee. And as such, you have a responsibility to stay within the parameters of the regulations the boss has laid down -- or choose to get a different job. this isnt the time for a display of faith, its work time. No different than a bible-thumping evangelist has no right to stand on his/her soapbox during worktime either. Save it for your own time.

And remember one cold hard fact. A great portion of what you do is YOUR responsibilty, not that of the Universe, or the Goddess. You're the one who makes the choices, and when you make a bad choice, blame it on yourself, do what you can to fix it BEFORE asking for help, and then move on. It's getting a little old seeing people not understanding that they themselves need to change, and stop expecting the rest of the worls to change FOR you.

[semi]

Good post.

[Philosophia]

I don't see a problem in sending little energy to cure a cold or the sniffles for a person.

[Arion]

Yeah, you make some good points.

[Crimson Mage]

Minerva, I dont mean to sound like that shouldnt be done if you (as the sender) wish to. What I am saying is that some people come to EXPECT to get it from you, and rather than trying to solve their problem on their own first, would rather "mooch" off the rest of the public and get it for free, simply by typing a few lines. There is not, and should not, be anything for free in this world. In order to learn our lessons and strentghen our Spirit we need to make efforts in our lives, and not just read a few books or answer a few posts.

[Philosophia]

Minerva, I dont mean to sound like that shouldnt be done if you (as the sender) wish to. What I am saying is that some people come to EXPECT to get it from you, and rather than trying to solve their problem on their own first, would rather "mooch" off the rest of the public and get it for free, simply by typing a few lines. There is not, and should not, be anything for free in this world. In order to learn our lessons and strentghen our Spirit we need to make efforts in our lives, and not just read a few books or answer a few posts.

I agree! When I send energy, its usually done on a condition that the "Goddess" will send it as she sees fit so it may not work the way the receiver desires i.e. I just direct the energy to a person, not control how its done. IMO, this solves any issues I may have morally and if the recipitant has "lessons" to learn, they will. I just give that little boost and the rest is up to them...
:hugz: for creating a wonderful post. I agree with it and I just had to clarify that little bit for myself.

[StormVixen]

I agree... even though I complain a lot, make bad decisions and ask for energy and whatever... I'm also trying to sort it out myself... I don’t blame it on anything other than myself... although it might seem like I do! I believe the "energy" people send me is helping me sort myself out... and I greatly appreciate people who are kind enough to care.

[jcldragon]

One of the Seven Cosmic Laws by which this Universe operates is the Law of Gravitation. We gravitate conditions to us in the external world that match the conditions that prevail in our internal worlds. Thus, a person who habitually thinks negatively, looking for things to go wrong, will end up surrounding themselves with personal chaos in their lives. Whereas a person who makes the effort to think positively, always looking for opportunities, will discover solutions to problems that come up, and venues for expression.

What lies within, reflects without. We have co-created the conditions in this world by what we believe they have to be. Conditions of inharmony persist, because we believe they are necessary, giving even more power to them by the Law of Momentum. Change your internal attitude, and you change the world around you.

As more & more people realize this, and apply themselves to positive thought, and positive action, then a positive momentum will be generated, and we can remake the world according to our Heart's desires. This begins as individuals, and then it can spread to larger & larger groups. The Key is Faith. Our attitudes influence the people around us. If we think negatively about them, thinking that they will never learn, then we make that happen. If we think positively about people, seeing what is Divine within them, they will respond to that as well, and we will initiate the positive momentum for change.

[MankyCat]

Good post.

The answer to everything is not a spell. One saying that I always liked was "God helps those who help themselves". For me, typically a spell is one of the last resorts... that or a catalyst to help me get my butt in gear and get my mind focused on getting done what I need to get done.

Like finding a job. All because you did a spell doesn't mean you'll find a job or the job. You need to send out applications and work on your resume and interview presence or you won't likely find the job or get it.

[Vigdisdotter]

Very well said :)



I don't see a problem in sending little energy to cure a cold or the sniffles for a person.

If you want to, go for it. I usually don't have time or energy since both tend to go into far more important endeavors. And since I see such as very low on the priority list, I can see what the OP is talking about.

[Kendrah]

What?! WHAAAAT?!?! Lies! All Lies! It was the Goddess that made me pull the trigger and eat that twinkie. She hates me and just made me stubb my toe! It's horrible! She's out to get me!

What? What? You don't believe me? Personal responsibility?! That's for the birds! The birds I say!

*coughs* I think I'll just leave now. *runs away*

[Merrilyn]

Much agreed, Crimson Mage. :spinnysmi

[Ravenna Angellin]

Fantastic post! I agree with several different points made wholeheartedly. I see this kind of behavior so frequently, and its not an exclusively pagan behavior either. I've seen a great many people of various faiths who display attitudes like this and it's ridiculous!!

Thanks for putting up such a fantastic post!

~ Ravenna

[jcldragon]

Good post.

The answer to everything is not a spell. One saying that I always liked was "God helps those who help themselves". For me, typically a spell is one of the last resorts... that or a catalyst to help me get my butt in gear and get my mind focused on getting done what I need to get done.

Like finding a job. All because you did a spell doesn't mean you'll find a job or the job. You need to send out applications and work on your resume and interview presence or you won't likely find the job or get it.When a person performs a Spell, they focus upon a desired result. This makes that condition possible. However, action in the Material World is required to make that possibility come into Manefestation. This is what completes the circuit, and when the circuit is complete, things happen.

[MankyCat]

When a person performs a Spell, they focus upon a desired result. This makes that condition possible. However, action in the Material World is required to make that possibility come into Manefestation. This is what completes the circuit, and when the circuit is complete, things happen.

That's pretty much what I was attempting to say... except that an actual spell isn't always necessary. Then again, it really depends on each person's beliefs. To me, thoughts can be pretty powerful in themselves, but don't necessarily require a ritual to bring it to be. Action and Will... That's what it boils down to.

But I think we are saying very similar. Liked your wording of it though. :)

[jcldragon]

That's pretty much what I was attempting to say... except that an actual spell isn't always necessary. Then again, it really depends on each person's beliefs. To me, thoughts can be pretty powerful in themselves, but don't necessarily require a ritual to bring it to be. Action and Will... That's what it boils down to.

But I think we are saying very similar. Liked your wording of it though. :)Terminology is only important as far as getting an Idea across to a specific type of person. It's the Ideas that are important, & not the words. For example, I use a much different terminology from what I use here, when I'm speaking with a "Sermon on the Mount"-type Christian. Once they get the Idea, they can rephrase it anyway they want to in order to make the Idea clear to themselves, and whatever people they deal with. (Note that I do not consider Fundies to be Christians at all, because they believe that words are more important than Ideas.)

Spellwork is specific, and there are many approaches which produce the same results and are essentially the same thing. The point I'd like to make, is that the Principles that make Spellwork produce results, are in operation at all times, and are employed by all living beings, whether they know it or not. It all comes down to Mind, and how we use it. A person's general attitude, and view of the world, functions as a Spell that operates in the background on a constant basis. Now while this is not specific, like a Spell, the power involved is enormous. At all times we are broadcasting a message to the Universe, and the Universe is responding to the message that we are sending out. This makes all of us Living Spells, and through this process we co-create the world we live in.

Imagine a world where the general population was aware of this fact.

That is the Spell I'm working on... a world of conscious co-creation of our Heart's desires. Imagine that for a moment, and you make it a possibility. To make that possibility manefest, you merely need to take action by expressing it through the way you live & think. People of similar vibration, will pick up on that first, and seeing the possibilities, they will make this possibility more & more probable.

Momentum & Inertia are active forces in the Universe, and by our attitudes, and worldviews, we contribute to one or the other. Thinking of people as being bound in Ignorance, is a violation of their Free Will, since that contributes to whatever bondage they have already assumed. Thinking of people as being in the process of waking up, subtly gives them permission to wake up.

When you run acoss somebody who is receptive to this mode of thinking, explain the Process in any way you think they will understand it. When they get the Idea, they will seize hold of it, and begin the Process of Implementation. Thus, is Initiated the Cascade of Creation. This is not the only planet in this Universe, which has emerged from barbarism. Now is our turn. Let's do it. So Mote It Be!

[Xirian]

This is a wonderful thread and an excellent post. Many of the things that I've thought in the past were in this post. Thanks Crimson Mage!!!

[Philosophia]

If you want to, go for it. I usually don't have time or energy since both tend to go into far more important endeavors. And since I see such as very low on the priority list, I can see what the OP is talking about.

And I generally will "go for it". It doesn't take a lot of time (probably 5-10 mins) nor energy.

[MankyCat]

It's the Ideas that are important, & not the words.

*nods* Great post. I agree wholeheartedly. Would love to comment more, but my brain is rattling over your post. Thank you. :fpraise:

[Athena-Nadine]

And I generally will "go for it". It doesn't take a lot of time (probably 5-10 mins) nor energy.

*...nods...* It doesn't take any time or effort out of my day or life to say a quick prayer for someone. I don't send energy out to people because I feel these things are to be left to the gods' discretion.

I agree with the original post, as well, though.

[Crimson Mage]

Although most (the VERY big majority) out there understand what I meant by the original post, I'd like to clarify it a bit further.

I dont mean to make anyone feel they're doing a bad thing if they send a bit of positive energy to soneone with the sniffles. By all means, it's your energy, and you SHOULD do exactly that if it's what you feel is appropriate.

The people I am speaking of are those who somehow think it's OK to ask others for help (whether it's the Goddess in a ritual or some other person around them ) before they have done anything to try and alleviate the problem on their own. I have only one prerequisite for helping someone in this life -- show me you have tried and failed on your own, and I will give you everything I possibly can to help you. But if you have made no further effort than to do a ritual or two, that's not effort in my book, that's simply asking a different energy to do it for you. There are all too many people out there who sit and count their misgivings, develop what they think are the right prayers, rituals, or spells, do those things, and leave it at that. To me that's the easy way out, and takes no REAL effort. For example, I don't think someone should be making a post saying "woe is me, please help, I can't find a job" if the only things that person has done is burn a Green Candle, do a Ritual, say a prayer, and send out 10 resumes. My answer to them would be "get off your arse, buy a newspaper, and make an effort to put your application in for every job you're qualified for. (Note I did not say "every job you WANT' - I said every job you're qualified for). Maybe the only job you are offered is one you don't really want, but it's one you can do - and get PAID to do. That's effort, and effort gets repaid in some way down the road, it always does -- just the same as lack of effort gets repaid as well. Just because you have a Goddess to pray to, and friends who have energy does not give you the right to become lazy and do nothing for yourself.
There are those that also want to make every single situation that occurs into some kind of spiritual endeavor. I don't agree. If you think you need the Goddess to help you with that case of the sniffles, and think she controls all - then you need to look a little deeper my friend. SHE must have also given them to you if that's TRULY what you believe. In thats case, follow your ideology that the Goddess controls all, and you'll have to also assume she gave them to you for a reason... so sit back and deal with your lesson. Stop trying so damned hard to make everything in your life a spritual moment. If you do that, you'll miss the REAL ones!
Sometimes that Blackbird flying overhead is exactly that -- no more than a blackbird flying overhead. Maybe the bird is seeking food, or sending a message to someone OTHER than you, or simply just out enjoying a ride in the wind. Just because you see it does not give it significance. Should you keep note of it -- absolutely, because maybe more DOES happen that makes it clearer to you. But just because nothing further develops does not mean the Goddess has failed to make it clear to you, or you somehow faltered on your path. Recognise the possibility that it's possible it was never meant for you to begin with. Sort of like that child in the toy store assuming every single toy was made for them - we all know that isnt true. not every sign you see is for you either.

[Lunar Raven]

I agree with the main post 100%. Good post, thanks.

Motivation, Desire and hardwork should be used way before spellwork or magick. You can't rely on the universe to cover your ass all the time..basically. That's what I got out of it. Hard work pays off...and makes you actually deserve it :P

[TaysatWesir]

Although most (the VERY big majority) out there understand what I meant by the original post, I'd like to clarify it a bit further.

I dont mean to make anyone feel they're doing a bad thing if they send a bit of positive energy to soneone with the sniffles. By all means, it's your energy, and you SHOULD do exactly that if it's what you feel is appropriate.

The people I am speaking of are those who somehow think it's OK to ask others for help (whether it's the Goddess in a ritual or some other person around them ) before they have done anything to try and alleviate the problem on their own. I have only one prerequisite for helping someone in this life -- show me you have tried and failed on your own, and I will give you everything I possibly can to help you. But if you have made no further effort than to do a ritual or two, that's not effort in my book, that's simply asking a different energy to do it for you. There are all too many people out there who sit and count their misgivings, develop what they think are the right prayers, rituals, or spells, do those things, and leave it at that. To me that's the easy way out, and takes no REAL effort. For example, I don't think someone should be making a post saying "woe is me, please help, I can't find a job" if the only things that person has done is burn a Green Candle, do a Ritual, say a prayer, and send out 10 resumes. My answer to them would be "get off your arse, buy a newspaper, and make an effort to put your application in for every job you're qualified for. (Note I did not say "every job you WANT' - I said every job you're qualified for). Maybe the only job you are offered is one you don't really want, but it's one you can do - and get PAID to do. That's effort, and effort gets repaid in some way down the road, it always does -- just the same as lack of effort gets repaid as well. Just because you have a Goddess to pray to, and friends who have energy does not give you the right to become lazy and do nothing for yourself.
There are those that also want to make every single situation that occurs into some kind of spiritual endeavor. I don't agree. If you think you need the Goddess to help you with that case of the sniffles, and think she controls all - then you need to look a little deeper my friend. SHE must have also given them to you if that's TRULY what you believe. In thats case, follow your ideology that the Goddess controls all, and you'll have to also assume she gave them to you for a reason... so sit back and deal with your lesson. Stop trying so damned hard to make everything in your life a spritual moment. If you do that, you'll miss the REAL ones!
Sometimes that Blackbird flying overhead is exactly that -- no more than a blackbird flying overhead. Maybe the bird is seeking food, or sending a message to someone OTHER than you, or simply just out enjoying a ride in the wind. Just because you see it does not give it significance. Should you keep note of it -- absolutely, because maybe more DOES happen that makes it clearer to you. But just because nothing further develops does not mean the Goddess has failed to make it clear to you, or you somehow faltered on your path. Recognise the possibility that it's possible it was never meant for you to begin with. Sort of like that child in the toy store assuming every single toy was made for them - we all know that isnt true. not every sign you see is for you either.
Great posts! I agree with you on that Crimson Mage.

[Philosophia]

Although most (the VERY big majority) out there understand what I meant by the original post, I'd like to clarify it a bit further.

I dont mean to make anyone feel they're doing a bad thing if they send a bit of positive energy to soneone with the sniffles. By all means, it's your energy, and you SHOULD do exactly that if it's what you feel is appropriate.

The people I am speaking of are those who somehow think it's OK to ask others for help (whether it's the Goddess in a ritual or some other person around them ) before they have done anything to try and alleviate the problem on their own. I have only one prerequisite for helping someone in this life -- show me you have tried and failed on your own, and I will give you everything I possibly can to help you. But if you have made no further effort than to do a ritual or two, that's not effort in my book, that's simply asking a different energy to do it for you. There are all too many people out there who sit and count their misgivings, develop what they think are the right prayers, rituals, or spells, do those things, and leave it at that. To me that's the easy way out, and takes no REAL effort. For example, I don't think someone should be making a post saying "woe is me, please help, I can't find a job" if the only things that person has done is burn a Green Candle, do a Ritual, say a prayer, and send out 10 resumes. My answer to them would be "get off your arse, buy a newspaper, and make an effort to put your application in for every job you're qualified for. (Note I did not say "every job you WANT' - I said every job you're qualified for). Maybe the only job you are offered is one you don't really want, but it's one you can do - and get PAID to do. That's effort, and effort gets repaid in some way down the road, it always does -- just the same as lack of effort gets repaid as well. Just because you have a Goddess to pray to, and friends who have energy does not give you the right to become lazy and do nothing for yourself.
There are those that also want to make every single situation that occurs into some kind of spiritual endeavor. I don't agree. If you think you need the Goddess to help you with that case of the sniffles, and think she controls all - then you need to look a little deeper my friend. SHE must have also given them to you if that's TRULY what you believe. In thats case, follow your ideology that the Goddess controls all, and you'll have to also assume she gave them to you for a reason... so sit back and deal with your lesson. Stop trying so damned hard to make everything in your life a spritual moment. If you do that, you'll miss the REAL ones!
Sometimes that Blackbird flying overhead is exactly that -- no more than a blackbird flying overhead. Maybe the bird is seeking food, or sending a message to someone OTHER than you, or simply just out enjoying a ride in the wind. Just because you see it does not give it significance. Should you keep note of it -- absolutely, because maybe more DOES happen that makes it clearer to you. But just because nothing further develops does not mean the Goddess has failed to make it clear to you, or you somehow faltered on your path. Recognise the possibility that it's possible it was never meant for you to begin with. Sort of like that child in the toy store assuming every single toy was made for them - we all know that isnt true. not every sign you see is for you either.

Again, I agree.

[Rasenna]

Well, since we live in America, according to the founding fathers, we DO have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...

[Caitrin SilverWolf]

One saying that I always liked was "God helps those who help themselves".

I always thought that was a wonderful saying for thieves.... I don't condone stealing but the irony makes me smile every time.:lol:

To add my voice to the chorus, I totally agree with the original post!

[Cain]

This post is not a critque of everyone here, but on some and is my opinion of course, and as thats the case, I'm sure others will have differing opinions. You are obviously free to disagree with me as you wish, although i believe most of us know at least one person who fits the mold here:

I've seen an awful lot of complaining lately about how this person or that has been somehow mistreated, and the blame for this misfortune is attributed to the fact that they have either been mistreated due to the fact theyre Pagan, or the other person is mean, or that the universe at large has some diabolical plan that they never have a happy moment in their lives.

Everything from Energy requests for the sniffles, to threads complaining that a boss didnt change policy to suit their needs, to others complaining about a relationship that's gone sour, and a host of others containing many different versions of the "woe is me, I'm such an unhappy person and asked the Goddess to help me but she hasn't" syndrome.

It seems that in most cases above, the poster has either ignored or forgotten two very valuable points:

1. The Goddess has many more important things to do than cure a cold. So do others- like giving their energies to someone with cancer, or much more serious illness than the sniffles, or aiding someone who is suddenly homeless and jobless. If you came down with a cold, seek a CURE, whether herbal or from the closest pharmacy - or use your own energy to cure yourself. There's no need to suck precious energy from the universe when the cure is simple and obvious, and right there in front of you. And while we are at it, maybe it's time you thought to try and help yourself before asking the Goddess. Why should she if you haven't bothered?

And if youre that homeless person, and you quit your job because you didnt get the raise you wanted, or you didnt like your boss because he's Christian and wont give you Beltane off -- and all of a sudden youre on the street because you now do't have money to pay your rent; you brought it on yourself. Take responsibility for your actions.

2. The World is not, and will never be, exclusively Pagan -- just the same as it will never be universally Christian, Muslim, or anything else. This means EVERY Faith must learn to make compromises in order to participate with those of other Faiths and become a participant in the World at large. Although we all bring our faith as a part of us into these daily dealings, that doesnt make them Faith-based. Too many of us seem to get it in our heads that if it isnt done the way it would be done in our "perfect world", then it isnt right. If a business is owned by a Muslim, I would expect that the owner would choose to celebrate the Muslim holidays by closing his business. The same holds true for owners of other faiths as well. you dont like that fact? - then dont work there. The choice after all is yours to take the job or not, knowing the facts.

We have no right to impose our faith on the rest of the world than they have to impose theirs on us. The World is also NOT perfect, nor is it intended to be. If it were, there would be no lessons to learn anywhere. You have no inherent right to anything just because you're here. You earn your rewards for deeds done - be they good or bad. Stop blaming the world (or the goddess) for your misfortune and take a good hard look at what you may have done (or not done) that contributed to it.

Faith is not to be confused with destiny. Faith does not destine you to have certain things or deny you others. Only you do that in your dealings with society. If you choose to dress for a job interview in all black, with three pentacles sewn on the back, looking unkepmt, and instilling fear in a good percentage of those around you - why would you EVER think you'd that job at the bank? Or the one at the lawyer's office, or even at Dunkin Donuts? The time you spend on your job is NOT your time. It is time you have sold to your boss for a fee. And as such, you have a responsibility to stay within the parameters of the regulations the boss has laid down -- or choose to get a different job. this isnt the time for a display of faith, its work time. No different than a bible-thumping evangelist has no right to stand on his/her soapbox during worktime either. Save it for your own time.

And remember one cold hard fact. A great portion of what you do is YOUR responsibilty, not that of the Universe, or the Goddess. You're the one who makes the choices, and when you make a bad choice, blame it on yourself, do what you can to fix it BEFORE asking for help, and then move on. It's getting a little old seeing people not understanding that they themselves need to change, and stop expecting the rest of the worls to change FOR you.

Post of the month. Easily.

[MankyCat]

I always thought that was a wonderful saying for thieves.... I don't condone stealing but the irony makes me smile every time.:lol:


Go figure that I usually play thieves in RP games.

[jcldragon]

Although most (the VERY big majority) out there understand what I meant by the original post, I'd like to clarify it a bit further.

I dont mean to make anyone feel they're doing a bad thing if they send a bit of positive energy to soneone with the sniffles. By all means, it's your energy, and you SHOULD do exactly that if it's what you feel is appropriate.

The people I am speaking of are those who somehow think it's OK to ask others for help (whether it's the Goddess in a ritual or some other person around them ) before they have done anything to try and alleviate the problem on their own. I have only one prerequisite for helping someone in this life -- show me you have tried and failed on your own, and I will give you everything I possibly can to help you. But if you have made no further effort than to do a ritual or two, that's not effort in my book, that's simply asking a different energy to do it for you. There are all too many people out there who sit and count their misgivings, develop what they think are the right prayers, rituals, or spells, do those things, and leave it at that. To me that's the easy way out, and takes no REAL effort. For example, I don't think someone should be making a post saying "woe is me, please help, I can't find a job" if the only things that person has done is burn a Green Candle, do a Ritual, say a prayer, and send out 10 resumes. My answer to them would be "get off your arse, buy a newspaper, and make an effort to put your application in for every job you're qualified for. (Note I did not say "every job you WANT' - I said every job you're qualified for). Maybe the only job you are offered is one you don't really want, but it's one you can do - and get PAID to do. That's effort, and effort gets repaid in some way down the road, it always does -- just the same as lack of effort gets repaid as well. Just because you have a Goddess to pray to, and friends who have energy does not give you the right to become lazy and do nothing for yourself.
There are those that also want to make every single situation that occurs into some kind of spiritual endeavor. I don't agree. If you think you need the Goddess to help you with that case of the sniffles, and think she controls all - then you need to look a little deeper my friend. SHE must have also given them to you if that's TRULY what you believe. In thats case, follow your ideology that the Goddess controls all, and you'll have to also assume she gave them to you for a reason... so sit back and deal with your lesson. Stop trying so damned hard to make everything in your life a spritual moment. If you do that, you'll miss the REAL ones!
Sometimes that Blackbird flying overhead is exactly that -- no more than a blackbird flying overhead. Maybe the bird is seeking food, or sending a message to someone OTHER than you, or simply just out enjoying a ride in the wind. Just because you see it does not give it significance. Should you keep note of it -- absolutely, because maybe more DOES happen that makes it clearer to you. But just because nothing further develops does not mean the Goddess has failed to make it clear to you, or you somehow faltered on your path. Recognise the possibility that it's possible it was never meant for you to begin with. Sort of like that child in the toy store assuming every single toy was made for them - we all know that isnt true. not every sign you see is for you either.I suspect that people who attempt the "easy" way, do not realize that the only advancement that really counts, is what we produce ourselves. Moreover, I don't think they actually comprehend their real power, or how to actuate it, as yet. That's why my posts in this thread have been pointing out how things work, and what we really can do about solving problems.