There has got to be a better way!

[MorrigansRaven]

Hi, I'm new to the Pagan community, but have semi-worshiped for years. Because of my home life, which has been troubled, I ask Morrigan for strength, and offer a sacrifice, in way of my own blood. I do this out in the forest, and after I deliver the cut, I smear my blood on a huge, old pine tree, and thus far it has always worked and I have recieved strength, physical and mental, but there has got to be another way! If you know of any, please, do tell!
Jessie

[serenarian]

Why not substitute the blood offering for something else? Pour a libation of wine or juice at the foot of the tree. It will have the same effect but be a lot less painful. :) Or, if you feel you must use blood, why not use your menstrual blood?

[Morgandria]

In my experience, libations and offerings of whiskey, red wine, red ale, Guinness, pine or dragon's blood incense, bone, carnelian, jet, onyx, obsidian, garnet, and crow's feathers are also acceptable offerings to The Morrigan, as well as menstrual blood. She is also rather fond of offerings of things with personal significance, if you can afford to part with them.

Blood sacrifice is a very potent offering, and something I only offer in times of great need - usually in the form of three drops after I've pricked a finger with my lancet from my blood meter. That's all it takes. Please don't go cutting yourself up anymore.

-M.

[MorrigansRaven]

I thank you for your help, but I will probably continue on with my blood sacrifices, i offer blood two or more times a week, and I cannot get my hands on any wine, or other alcohal based drinks, bones, I can get some bones, and I can offer my silver chains, I will however, get a sharper knife, so the process of cutting will be quicker.
Jessie

[mato]

ok I dont do it much cause I believe that I've bled enough for three lifetimes so I approach this from another perspective...
Maybe you should consider why you need to cut instead of why it is used as an offering... If you can get to the bottum of that than the offerings will change with your attitudes... also if your going to make an offering of your blood cant you do it at a blood bank? Step up to the plate wisper a prayer as the needle goes into your arm and offer your blood through that instead of the forest... blood isnt always good for the wildlife...

[Arylon]

also if your going to make an offering of your blood cant you do it at a blood bank? Step up to the plate wisper a prayer as the needle goes into your arm and offer your blood through that instead of the forest... blood isnt always good for the wildlife...

Good point! Hmmm........ :)

[Rockprincess]

[QUOTE=mato] also if your going to make an offering of your blood cant you do it at a blood bank? Step up to the plate wisper a prayer as the needle goes into your arm and offer your blood through that instead of the forest... QUOTE]

It seems to me that the Goddess would appreciate this gesture far more than anything else. Good thought, Mato.

[MorrigansRaven]

All of you are coming up with great ideas, but I am not of age to give blood to a blood bank. I would if they would let me though.
Jessie

[Cerulean]

Is there another reason you cut yourself, MorrigansRaven?

[Soleil]

Cutting gives you a rush, perhaps that is why you feel like you're getting strength.
If you're doing it so often, it might become a habit, and a very hard one to get rid of.

[Calzaer]

Is there another reason you cut yourself, MorrigansRaven?

Ding! We have a winner!

[FaerySong]

I understand the rush you feel when you cut. And it becomes a bad, bad habit. I also understand the not yet of age fact that it seems hard to honor these deities "as well as the adults" Perhaps you could use red paint and paint on paper and just make random pieces of art. It won't hurt, or leave scars, and the red represents t he blood you don't need to shed. :) I hope you find a nicer alternative, and may the Divine guide you.

[MorrigansRaven]

I thank you all for your help, but there is no need to worry about cutting being an addiction for me, it hurts, and I don't look forward to it, I am finding other, better ways to make offerings to Morrigan.
Blessed Be
Jessie