What Is The True Meaning of Christmas?

As we all know (or least should already know), Christmas is "loosely"  based on the ancient Roman pagan Festival of Saturnalia.  While there are some arguments as to it's true origin, Christmas holds many of the customs of this particular festival.  For instance, the tradition of gift giving, eating, drinking and making merry, the hanging of boughs of holly, the mistletoe and the Christmas tree are all pagan in origin.

We know that Jesus, the Christian savior,  was not born on Christmas day; and the legend of St. Nicholas came much, much  later.  By the same token we know that reindeer are really caribou and that all of Santa's reindeer had to be female because male "reindeer" lose their antlers around this time of year.  Not to mention there have been claims that reindeer can't even fly.  (That's a sarcastic remark by the way folks!)

Setting all that aside, you have to wonder ... what is the true meaning of Christmas?  Why was it even created?

While many of us will agree that Christmas has become overly commercialized; and the naysayers just scoff and say it was all a lie to begin with and it should be done away with altogether; have  you ever really sit and wondered why Christmas was even created?  Why the coupling of both the Christian beliefs and the Pagan traditions?

What if ... just what if ... Christmas was created for one particular purpose?

Can't See the (Christmas) Trees for the Forest

Have you ever really taken in the messages of the many stories and movies that have been relayed to the masses?  What the one common thread was?  Now I want you think about this one for a long hard minute.  What is the one common thing all these stories about Christmas have?

A Christmas Carol, It's A Wonderful Life, Miracle On 34th Street ... even How The Grinch Stole Christmas (to name just a few) ... all have one thing in common.

Besides being a Christmas story, they all invite us to see things from another's point of view. To literally and metaphorically walk in the other person's foot steps.  In some cases, that other person's point of view was the person you had once been.

Part of the celebration of Saturnalia was role reversal.  It was the one day out of the year where the slaves and their masters would change places.  Imagine that!

Now think back to all your favorite Christmas stories/movies.  How did they receive the Christmas spirit?  By changing places (metaphorically speaking) and seeing the world from a totally different point of view.    It was in that moment when they could see through another's "eyes" that the meaning of Christmas  truly came into being.  They begin to understand that person and their beliefs.  Their tiny hearts, hardened by life, began to fill up with all the joy and love that other person exuded and experienced.

The true gift of Christmas isn't anything you can buy.  The best gift you can ever give someone is the two things all we humans desire the most ... understanding and acceptance.

But how can you truly understand someone ... if you never bothered to really see them, hear them and get to know them?  And if you do not understand anything they are about ... how can you truly accept them?

I believe that Christmas was created for the soul purpose of assisting us in coming into this understanding.  That it was brought about through mutual agreement on some level to set aside one day a year where each person can have an opportunity to walk a mile in another's shoes.

It is my belief that in the custom of the ancient Romans, somewhere along the way, both Christians and Pagans alike, came to an agreement.  In their infinite wisdom, they knew that if we were ever to learn how to  live in harmony with one another, we would first need to come into an understanding with one another.  And what better way to do this than combine all beliefs and traditions into one?

Sharing the Spirit of Christmas Through The Eyes Of Others

As a Christian, have you bothered to see through the eyes of your Pagan brothers & sisters?  Have you given thanks for their collective contributions in creating a colorful and splendid holiday?  And you Pagans ... have you stopped to consider the teachings of Jesus?  Are his teachings so different from your own?

All you naysayers and politically correct police out there ... are you so miserable that you cannot allow others to enjoy one day out of the entire year to eat, drink and be merry?  To openly and without threat of being chastised express good will towards all people?  Would it kill you to not only see, but truly comprehend, the other person's point of view for a change?  If only for that one day?

Are the words Merry Christmas so abhorrent to you that you would prevent another from expressing their joy?  How would you feel if someone shamed you or go out their way to stop you into never expressing your joy on an occasion that maybe they view as frivolous and outrageous?  How would you feel about that?  You wouldn't like it very much ... would you?

This Christmas, take a step back and look at it from the other person's point of view.  You will be surprised by what you see and what you learn! Hell! You might even find yourself enjoying the holidays!

Bottom line, the true meaning of Christmas isn't about the birth of Jesus, it isn't about who gets the best gifts or if reindeer are really female caribou, it's not even about whose right or whose wrong.  It's about taking a little time out of your year to get to know someone, to come into an understanding and acceptance.  To see the world through your neighbor's eyes.

We have 364 days to fight and argue, to berate and misunderstand, and all that other stuff.  Let's allow some time off to just enjoy one another.  It's just one day out of the year folks.  What do you have to lose?  Really?

From My Family To You and Yours ....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Source for Festival of Saturnalia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia

Why I Honor Christmas --- Empress: The Untold Story

I have had many people ask me what the ranting about the holidays is all about.  Even had one person ask me who pissed in my Wheaties.  First of all ... don't eat Wheaties ... can't afford'em!   

Really sad when one of your life's ambitions is to make enough money to actually purchase a box of Wheaties ... ain't it?   And what is the deal with the high price of cereal anyways???!!!  Really crappy how expensive one box of friggin' cereal is!  oy vey! 

But I'll leave that particular rant for another day!  Right now I want to address my reasons (as I have many) for expressing my distaste for those who are making it their life's work to do away with the holidays ... in particular and most especially CHRISTMAS!

Join me now as we step in the Way Back machine ... turning back the dial to those days long since gone ... back to yesteryear ... back ... back ...  back ...  (I'm an old broad ... it's gonna be a long trip... hope you packed a snack!) .... BACK to where it all began .... 

12:03 a.m. July 25, 1960

(this is where you would normally hear some sort of corny dramatic music...

use your imagination!)

Well here I am!  All fresh and new from the womb!  Damn bright light burning my retinas like a beeeeeatch!  oy!  Thought that light came AFTER I died sheesh!    What is up with THAT? 

Now I know what you are thinking ... how the hell does she remember all that stuff?  Simple!  I was actually conscious when I came sailing through that great divide!  And too ...   In case you didn't notice ... I'm not like other people! 

At any rate .. as I lay there while that quack ... I mean crack team of medical professionals cleaned me up ... I started laughing!  (True Story by the way ... the entire family still regales me with it ... unfortunately)  Yes!  I came into this dreary world LAUGHING!  I was actually glad to be here. 

I remember thinking how happy I was!  Truly happy! 

Yea ... happy to be out of that rather tight fitting accommodations they had me in.  Sheesh!  You would think as much as the human belly can stretch it wouldn't have been so closed in ... ya know?  oy vey!

Anyways ... that's how it all started!  I came into the world Happy ... Laughing ... seriously delirious ... no doubt all those drugs they gave my mother during the labor ... oy!

If I knew then ... what I know now ... I would have insisted that the doctor give me a life time supply of that crap!  oy vey!

Okay ... fast forward to December 1965. 

This is when I first realized we didn't participate in the festivities.  You see ... my mother is a devout Jehovah's Witness ... and for whatever idiotic reason ... she thought it was a great idea to live in an ALL Catholic Neighborhood!  ohhhh yea!    In fact ... St Cecilia Church was only 3 blocks down the street!  yea that's right!  a Catholic Church!  And what's this?  Right on the corner of our street?  Would that be the house where all the Nuns lived????  CATHOLIC NUNS!!!!!!  Are there any other?  oy vey!

I have nothing against the Catholics!  I have nothing against Nuns!  I dig Nuns!  Loved those habits!  I always liked that whole black and white ensemble!    Still do!

But you have to admit ... it wasn't the best possible choice for a comfort zone if you get my meaning here people!!!

This whole scenario brings new meaning to "sticking out like a sore thumb"  ... doesn't it?  Oh but WAIT!  There's More!!!

We were the ONLY house not to have any snazzy colored lights ... or a dazzling tree in our front window.    I wasn't allowed to say Merry Christmas ... I wasn't allowed to watch any of the Christmas shows like Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer or A Charlie Brown Christmas or Miracle on 42nd Street or 32nd street or Hollywood & Vine .. or whatever street it was  on ... Hell you know what I'm talking about!  oy!  I didn't get to watch  A Christmas Carol or that one damn Christmas movie with Jimmy Stewart... the one where he dies and his dingbat of an Angel Clarence shows him what would have happened if he had never been born. 

I didn't get to listen to Christmas songs ... go carolling ... I didn't get to eat any figgy pudding (still don't know what the hell that is... dont' think I want to either!), I  didn't get to  hang mistletoe or deck the halls with boughs of holly or any of that cool stuff!

I never got to experience sneaking down right at midnight on Christmas to catch Santa in the act!  I didn't even get to leave the old fat fart any cookies and milk! 

Yea! Sad story ... total tragedy!  There's actually more ... but I don't want to depress any of ya'll! 

Sufficient to say .. now you know why I am so adamant about keeping Christmas!   Why I am so hellbent on saying Merry Christmas and not .. Happy Holidays!  Why I am so damn determined to sing Christmas songs and spread the spirit of Christmas! 

Even though I was not allowed to participate in the festivities .. in my heart I had the True Spirit of Christmas!  And I believed in Santa Claus!  Still do!  I like his bright red suit and shiny black boots and his belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly when he says HO! HO! HO!  Just indeedy I do! 

And yes!  I believe that each and every time a bell rings an Angel gets their wings!!!!  And I ring those bells people!!!!  Yes I do! I do!!!

And ain't nobody taking that away from me!!!! 

Fast forwarding again folks ... so hold on to your panties!  

November 1990  ... BLACK FRIDAY  (dramatic music ... use your imagination!)

Having finally breaking completely free from the J.W. indoctrination ... and having spent the entire Thanksgiving watching every single Christmas movie I could get my hands on ... I boldly took my now new found paganistic heathen ass to the nearest WalMart (at 3 a.m. nonetheless!) and purchased my very first Christmas tree and Christmas ornaments!  I made sure I had several different kinds of cookies (wasn't sure what kind Santa liked ... and wasn't taking any chances!) and several gallons of milk.  I shopped for presents and wrapping paper and bows and cute little gift bags and all sorts of Christmas albums. 

I was up to my armpits in debt and loving every moment of it!  I was finally having my very first Christmas!!!!    Pity those folks at Wally World didn't work on commission cause they would have made enough to retire that year! 

But that's how it all began folks!  And now you know The Untold Story!

Now this true tale of how one little girl's dream of having a Christmas.  I hope it will help someone remember the joy & splendor of the season.  It is my desire someone, just one person will remember that Christmas is the one day out of the year that we can use as an excuse to be a little nicer ... to be a little more giving of ourselves ... To give us a moment to think about Peace on Earth and Having Good will towards all those who share this planet!  And maybe ... we will get so addicted to that feeling of doing good and being nice that we will want Christmas all year 'round!  yea!

Or ...  maybe ...

*****Insert Very BIG Grin****** 

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This might guilt you all into sending me Duct tape ... and LOTS OF IT! 

I mean after all I spent Thirty (count'em ... THIRTY) years of not having a friggin' Christmas People!!!  :-) 

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited




Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

All Rights Reserved©™

It's All About Y.O.U.!

One of the many things I have had to acknowledge and accept is that we are all spirit beings having a human experience.

Let me repeat that ... We are All Spirit Beings Having A Human Experience!

While it may not be so tough to acknowledge this ... it is exceptionally difficult to accept it!  At least it is for me!  And from what I have observed over the last 40 plus years ...the majority of people here on Planet Earth find it equally difficult.

With all the discussions, books, seminars and workshops going on these days, you would think that we would be alot happier and alot more enlightened.  Speaking of which ... Have you ever wondered why you can't find any truly enlightened people? 

Yea you can find a shit load of empowered and spiritually evolved people.  But where are all the truly enlightened folks hiding?

Seriously ... where are they? 

Well this was the question posed to me during a conversation I had with my friend Mellen-Thomas Benedict one day.

Mellen-Thomas has a way about him.  (You can find out more about Mellen-Thomas by going to his website at www.mellen-thomas.com). Anyways, Mellen-Thomas is one of the most genuinely loving and kindest men I have the privilege knowing.  But his question really bugged me.

Where are all the enlightened people?

 What do you mean I ain't enlightened pal????  After I thought about it though I realized how very right he is!  Well Shit Fire! 

You know ... nothing pisses me off more than finding out something else I have to work on!  Crap!

So this leads me back to what I originally stated ... We are ALL Spirit Beings having a Human experience!

Yea many of us know that!  But how many of us are actually practicing what we know in this regard?  I'll be the first to honestly state ... I'm not! I don't!  Not on a regular basis.

Yes!  Like many of  you... I pick and choose when to actually practice what I truly believe!  And usually, most often than not, only when it suits me and when it is convenient.

Well CRAP!  Thanks Mellen!  Thanks for reminding me how far I come and how much further I need to go! 

Don't know whether to hug and kiss the guy or kick his ass and duct tape him to a cactus out in the middle of the desert!  oy!


The one thing I do know is ...  Not being truly enlightened doesn't make us hypocrites.  No, just makes us work a little harder to remember and keep in mind the principals we readily spout off but rarely actually live by.

And of course, remembering that Old habits are really and truly hard to break!  Keep in mind folks, we've been practicing the bad habits a LONG time!

So how does one achieve true enlightenment while going through the human experience? Well, I asked my spirit companion, Antari this very question. 

He stated, in order to become truly enlightened, one most do away with the idea of being better or less than another. 

Scratching my head, I asked him for clarification on this. 

To which he replied, as you are well aware of Beloved, many are under the belief that they are either better or they are less than another. This is clearly seen on a regular basis through various venues. 

Human experiencers are constantly comparing themselves to someone outside themselves. This comparison is usually done unconsciously you see. And through these comparisons, judgments are made. And most often than not, these judgments are usually harsh and cruel.
 
These judgments either are based on being better or being less than those they are comparing themselves to.

Comparisons, when left uncheck, creates an unhealthy outlook on life. It creates and perpetuates strife and hardships. It provides a continuous flow of anger. Anger leads to hatred, hatred leads to conflict, conflict leads to destruction.

While there are those with more experience, more knowledge and more insights, the truth of the matter is this … no one human experiencer is better or lesser than the other. All have something to contribute. And all contributions are worthy of consideration.

Thank you Yoda … I mean Antari.  *lol*    So I asked (yes, I'm a glutton for punishment!) How does one put an end to this perpetuation of comparison?

Antari replied, by remembering Y.O.U.
 
Y.O.U.? 

Yes, Beloved. Y.O.U. --- Your Own Understanding.   You see Beloved, it is not about the other person, but it is about Y.O.U! It is, and has always been, about Your Own Understanding.    If you are faced with a challenge, then it is Y.O.U. that is in need of re-evaluating. If you desire change, then it is Y.O.U that will have to change! It is not about someone else. It is about Y.O.U!

Acceptance without comparison. This comes about when Y.O.U have met the challenges and subsequently worked through them to your soul's satisfaction.   Living by example, not by force. If you have an idea, then live it. By being the example, others of like mind will join you on your idea, adding their own uniqueness to the collective. There is no need for force. And there is certainly is no need for judgment.

And how do we achieve this understanding? 

Beloved you achieve this understanding by keeping in mind that each of you here on planet earth are Spirit Beings Having A Human Experience. That each of you came here with a unique purpose. Each have a Y.O.U to work on and to work through.    And too, by remembering, with out one another, the entire experience would be dreadfully dull!

Thank You Antari!

You are most welcome My Beloved!

Excerpt from The ZEN of Duct Tape: An Empress Is Born

All Rights Reserved©™

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as the Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  Click HERE for the review; and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice  Click HERE    

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited


Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

Let the Love In

As human experiencers, we all desire to be heard, to be noticed and to be accepted.  All share these desires.  No exceptions!  But this is only  the outer layer of what our true desires are.   And what are our true desires?  

That question can be answered in one four lettered word--  Love. 

To be Loved, to feel Love, and to know Love.  This is what we desire the most.

The definitions of Love is as vast as the Universe itself.  It is the only emotion that has a national holiday dedicated in it's name --St. Valentine's day.   And it is the only emotion that has more songs and poems dedicated in it's name than anyone could possibly count or remember. 

But do you, as an individual, really comprehend and fully understand the true definition of Love?

Love can be found anywhere & everywhere.  It is continuously taking place. And it is experienced on different levels, in a wide variety of ways.  There is love for your spouse,  your boyfriend/girlfriend; the love you have for your parents and your assorted relatives & siblings; the love for a child, a pet or a dear close friend. All of these are  Love in it's various forms.  And while each of these levels go from one degree to another, they all have one vital thing in common ...  it exists in our lives. 

But what is Love?  Really?  Love is energy in it's purest and most concentrated form.  It is the most powerful energy in the entire Universe. In fact, it is Love that created the Universe itself; and it is Love that binds it together.  It is that ever-present energy that flows through and around each and every aspect of creation.

Love in our Human Experience


Throughout human history all the way to this present day 21st Century,  obsessions & addictions, pain & abuse  has been, and continues to be, equated to and with Love! 

And the number one emotion that has been and continues to be equated with Love is ... fear.

It is the ONLY emotion known to humankind to have this claim to fame!

Bet you didn't know that ... did you?

How many of you reading this right now ... and be honest... have equated your obsession and/or addiction  and/or fear to Love?  Ok, I'll make it easier for you by asking you the following questions:

Do you find yourself saying, feeling, acting in the following manner:

          - "I can't let them go, I can't stop thinking about them,  I've tried!"? 


          - "I need" to hear their voice, even if it is only a recording, i.e., voice mail? 

          - "I need" to see them ... if only from a distance or a photograph?

          - Go out of your way to just "happen" to be somewhere, be it in a store, out on the street and/or online, somewhere you know they are going to be so you can just "casually" run into them?

OR ...

• Do you find yourself keeping account of all the mistakes someone has committed?

• Do you feel you are unable to forgive ---let go of  the pains and transgressions of the past?

If you answered yes to any one of these questions then it's  not Love!   

If you find yourself doing any of  these things, even on the most innocent of levels ... you are in a state of addiction, obsession ... fear.  You are not in the state of LOVE. 

Let Freedom Ring!

Love, true and genuine Love, is freedom for all  parties involved.  It is the Freedom of being.  It is the state in which you are truly happy whether you are with the one you love or not.  Love does not cling or hold on to another.  Love does not need anything to feel complete and whole.  Love does not keep an accounting of injuries nor does it hold on to the pain.  

Love  just IS. 

When we let Love in we discover Peace.  Our entire being is filled with a contentment that we never believed possible.  With this contentment we are Free.  And with our personal freedom we find ourselves  stepping  aside allowing others to enjoy freedom as well!


As human experiencers we have lived in fear and with fear all our existence.   You would think that we all would be  tired of it by now and give it up.  


Giving up fear in favor of Love?  Wow!  What a concept!  *LOL*


Say No to Fear ... step aside and let Love In ...


After all, what do you have to lose?  Really?

"Step aside and let love in.  Let your eyes be opened to the Love You ARE!  For after all that is said and done ... in the end ... Love is ALL that matters!  It is all that ever Truly Mattered !"  Grandmother to The Oracle, Children of the Luminaries ~ Book II: Training Day

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

Julia is  currently  with the Louisville Metro Police Department Major Crimes Unit  and is presently pursuing a degree in psychology specializing in Criminal profiling. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited




Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

All Rights Reserved©™

The Sparrow: A lesson In Worthiness

My one burning desire was to do the work Jesus had done while he was here on Earth.   As I close my eyes, I can still hear that tiny sweet voice coming from that little dark curly headed five year  girl I once was.   "I want to be just like Jesus!"   This was the answer I gave to the question, what do you want to be when you grow up?  posed to me by one of my mother's friends.    

Her name was Margie Black (name changed to protect privacy).  She was a very kind, loving woman with bright red hair and sparkling blue eyes.  Margie had a way of bringing Bible stories to life.  She made everything so real and so reachable. So tangible!  When she spoke of Jesus, it was if he were right there in the room with us!  It was that real!

Margie encouraged questions and helped you to think for yourself.  Her favorite saying was ... "A man who doesn't stand for something, will fall for anything!"  And so it was with her teachings.  She would impressed on  me,  that never take any one person's word for anything!  Not her, not anybody!  She would exclaim in her lilting soft voice ...  Research!  Study! Think it through and think it for your Self!  If it holds true for you, then keep it.  But keep in mind two things.  One, what holds true for you, may not always hold true for another.  So learn to see the other person's point of view!  Two, as you grow, you will begin to know more. And this will change some of your truths.    So stay flexible, keep a sharp eye, a keen ear and an open heart throughout all your days!

Sweet, beautiful, bundle of LOVE Margie Black! 

So when I had given my answer to Margie, she didn't let it stop there.  Oh No!  She went on to ask me why.  Why do I want to be just like Jesus?  I told her because he loved people. He wanted to help them and to heal them.   To which Margie would then ask, but don't you love people?  Don't you want to help them out and heal them too?    Of course I do Margie!  That's why I want to be like Jesus when I grow up!  Margie thought for a moment before a broad smile stretched across her face, But don't you already help people?  she asked.   Oh Margie!  I'm only five years old for heaven's sakes!  What can I do to help people?  It was then Margie wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tight and then whispered in my ear, You do what Jesus did when he was only five years old.  She kissed me on the cheek and with a wink said, just be who you are!  

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Just be who you are!  That's all that is asked.  Nothing more, nothing less.  This is the legacy not only Margie handed down to me, but one my maternal grandmother passed on as well!

When we fashion ourselves after someone else ... work at being ... just ... like ... them,  we tend to lose our Self in the process.  It is during this experience, we forget our own worth.  

I am not talking about following in someone's footsteps here.  No.  I am speaking in terms of fashioning your very existence after someone to the point that YOU are virtually hidden away ... nearly non-existent!

We give up our self worth so easily and so readily.  Always comparing ourselves to others.  Always wanting, striving, needing,  to be like this one or that one.     Believing and thinking if only I could be more like her ... or him ... or them.  

If only.   Perhaps the most famous (if not infamous) two words in the human language!

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In his Sermon on the Mount,  Jesus reiterated our worth.    "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows." ~ Matthew 10:24-39, The Christian Bible.
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I often wondered why Jesus used the Sparrow to get his point across.      

Sparrows are those little brown birds that seem to be everywhere.    They do not draw attention to themselves. They are not majestic like eagles with their white headed feathers and eight foot wide wing spans. They don't have have long elegant legs like the blue heron or  soar gracefully in the wind like seagulls.   They don't have brightly colored tail feathers that fan out brilliantly as they strut about like the peacock.   No, they are seemingly ever present,  unimpressive, unassuming.

Could it be that Jesus knew that during our own human experiencing, most often than not, we would  go around thinking and/or believing that we too are just as seemingly unimpressive?  Knowing that yes, we are  obviously here,  that we obviously have something to offer,  but why isn't anyone noticing?  And when we feel we are  unnoticed, unappreciated, unheard, we begin to develop a belief that we are just not good enough!  That we must ... we must ... become something other than we are.  

We begin to discount our worth because we are not like all those other types of birds.

Our  tiny feathered wondrous friend the Sparrow  delights in who it is and why it is.   And you know how I know this?  It's beautiful praises of gratitude and worth can be heard through their chirping and singing.  What a joyous sound they make!   As I listen to these little messengers of gratitude, I'm willing to wager that our little friend the Sparrow does not compare itself to the Eagle or to the Peacock.  Or to any of it's feathered kin.  Nor does it have the need or the desire.

Now my Question is ... Why Do You?

About Julia K. Cole

What can you expect from someone who considers Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality a personal calling? Straight forward answers that lead to life-changing experiences on a soul level!

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™. Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

As a writer, Julia is a virtual powerhouse of creativity.  Among Julia's literary accomplishments is  the  Children of the Luminaries  trilogy;  Book One: The Coming Storm can be purchased by clicking Here.   

Book Two  of the trilogy is due out in the Fall of 2015 and Book Three will be available in 2016.  The long anticipated ZEN of Duct Tape:  An Empress Is Born will be out in 2016.  As well as the Teddy Mitchell Chronicles.

Julia has also contributed to several other publications including Brad Steiger's  Real Zombies, The Living Dead, and Creatures of the Apocalypse  Click HERE for the review; and Marie D. Jones' Destiny vs. Choice  Click HERE    

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited


Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

Just a Wee Bit Of Love Brings A Whole Lot of Clarity!

So many times we feel that we are all alone in our feelings ... especially when it comes to our  doubts.  We feel that others are so much better than we could ever be.  We even believe that  they could never ever feel this way or that way.  It just isn't possible!  They (whoever "they" are) are just too strong and too confident to ever doubt themselves! 

But when we allow ourselves to let Love in just long enough to express our inner most thoughts ... we see that we are not alone!  Why we actually see that the very ones who display so much strength, so much confidence, the ones we never believed it possible to ever have any doubts, felt the same as you!  Why they even considered giving up on their dreams at one time or another ... just like YOU! 

Wow!  The clarity we get when we let just a little Love in!  Just a wee bit makes all the difference!  Don't it?

Imagine what clarity we would have if we let just a wee bit more in!

hmmmm!  You know, I got to thinking of all those times I just wanted to quit!  Sheesh!  I lost count of all the times I was ready to just throw up both hands and quit!   I wanted to just Quit!  Quit Everything!  Just go back to how it was before I became consciously aware.  Before I began giving in to the memories.  Before the rememberances of who I truly Am came flooding in! 

Oy Vey!  Now I understand that old saying of ignorant being bliss!  Nothing like walking around not knowing nuffin to keep a smile on your face!  :-)  

And yes,  there are times when I still want to quit!  GADS! How easy it would be to just crawl under some rock and tell the rest of the world to have at it!  Call me when it's over!  Especially, and most particularly, when facing My Self.

Is it me or has anyone else noticed that no matter where you go ... there YOU are!  oy vey!

Ahh facing Self in such a wide variety of ways through  All these wonderful people so willing to express all my doubts and fears in their own special and unique ways!  Blessed volunteers who bravely step forward to remind me of my past mistakes.  To cheerfully point out what a (insert your favorite adjective here please).  :-)

 Like I need these people to remind me of all those times I was a total and perfect ASS?????  PLEASE!  My memory is in tact with respect to all my asinine behaviors! Thank you very Much!  I need no one to remind me ... I remember all of THAT (and then some) in DETAIL! 

But then I remember...they are only doing what I had asked of them.  It is then I have to say I am Sorry.  I'm sorry you felt it necessary to step in and remind me of what a (insert your favorite adjective here please) I was, were, am! :-)  I'm sorry for dragging you in the mud hole with me when all you wanted was to love me! 

Here, I made you a mud pie!  I even put a nice rock on top to show how much I care! :-)  It's all shiny underneath that filth ... like me!  But you knew that all along ... didn't you?

Funny isn't it?  How easy it is for us to Remember all our misgivings, all our mistakes, all those times when we weren't loving to our Self ... with our Self?!  We remember all the pain ... yet we forget so readily and so easily ... all the splendor, all the joy, all the Love!

It is during these times that I ask myself ... what is the worst thing that could happen if I simply let Love In?

What is the worst possible scenario?  What could possibly go wrong if I just step aside and let Love In?

hmmm!  Infinite possibilities here!  Just imagine all those possibilities!



"Daughter, after all that is said and done,  Love is all that matters.  It is all that ever truly mattered!"  Grandmother to The Oracle "Children of the Luminaries: Book II~Training Day"

Wytch Witch Is Which

By Julia K. Cole
© All Rights Reserved


Witchcraft and Wicca, while similar in many respects, are not the same.  How so?  

Wicca is a “recognized religion” whereas Witchcraft itself is not even considered a religion.  In fact, Wicca might best be described  as a “modern religion” based on ancient Witchcraft traditions.

One way that some make the distinction between the two  is by calling Wicca the religion of Witchcraft, while Witchcraft itself is a practice.  

Many seem to believe that most Witches are Wiccans.  But this is not always the case.  There are Witches who actually do follow other religions.   In fact, I know a few “Christian” Witches.

Just like a person can be a Christian without being a Baptist, a person can be a Witch without being a Wiccan.  Make sense?

Wicca

Wicca is an Earth-based, nature centered religion drawing on the ideas of pantheism, gnosticism, ceremonial magick, witchcraft and the pagan religions of our forefathers.   Their way of life and beliefs are mainly about living in peace with yourself and others, and giving to those that gave to you. (Sounds almost like Christianity, doesn't it?)

Wicca is also believed by some to be a modern revival of the old, Pagan religions, using magick, nature and a female Deity along with Her Consort, the Horned Lord, as its central core.

Witchcraft

The term witchcraft literally means the craft of the wise. In its original usage, witchcraft was practiced by those persons, generally female, who had knowledge of herbal lore, the law, psychology and physiology.

Witchcraft, however, is what we practice. Witchcraft is the art of magick, the art of energy manipulation, the art of altered states of consciousness. This is not a religion in and of itself.  

There are as many different types of Witches as there are Witches.  Each one may define her/himself differently.  Rule of thumb to remember is … Anyone who casts spells & works Magick is a Witch; A Wiccan is someone who believes in the Gods from any Pantheon (Greek, Roman, Celtic, Norse, etc.).

Witchcraft may be practiced in many different forms, and admittedly, not all of them are positive.

Witches & Wiccans

A Witch in the Wiccan religion is someone who has studied very hard, committed the Pagan ways to memory, and has given his/her life over to the Goddess for protection and guidance. The term Witch is a high title-- and keep in mind … just because you are Wiccan does not make you a Witch!  In the same sense that being a Christian does not make you a priest.  A Witch in other religions is anyone who practices magick.  

It is believed that all the words ‘Wicca-craeft’ (Old English for Witchcraft), ‘wicca’ (a male witch), ‘wicce’ (a female witch) and the plural ‘Wiccan’ are derived from the verb 'wiccian' which means 'to bewitch' or 'practice Witchcraft.   But since the root of this word is obscure  … there have been many arguments among scholars about the accuracy of any of these derivations.

Words such as 'Witch', 'wicked', 'willow' and 'wicker' all come from the root 'wit' meaning 'to know'. The name 'wizard' is from the Middle English 'wys' or 'wis', which means 'wise'. The name 'warlock', meaning a male Witch is an old Scottish word and is a derogatory term meaning 'traitor', 'enemy' or 'devil'.

Wicca, Witchcraft & Paganism

Each person gives a different definition of what each of these terms are.   In the most general of terms, a Witch is someone who casts spells and works Magick as a lifestyle.  A Pagan is a person who worships or honors Nature Deities.  A Wiccan is  a certain type of Pagan.  

Wicca, Wiccan, Witch & Witchcraft are viewed in a variety of different ways by those in the Pagan community.  Clearly, there are some who view Witchcraft and Wicca as being one and the same.  This isn’t necessarily the view of the majority however.  Many modern Pagans do not like to use the words 'Witch' or 'Witchcraft' because of the negative connotations they believe they hold.  There are those, however, who delight in these names and are proud to call themselves Witch.

Conclusion
Wicca, Wiccan, Witch and Witchcraft are viewed in a variety of different ways.    And yes,  there are some who do view Witchcraft and Wicca as being synonymous.   Yet … with all this said … one cannot help but see there does seem to be some connection between the very words "Witch" and "Wicca"… doesn’t it?

So!  Wytch Witch is Which?  You Be The Judge!

Blessed Be!

 

PLEASE NOTE:  This article is the original product of the author and may not be copied or used by anyone without the expressed written permission. 

About The Author

Known as The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape, Julia has made it her personal mission to put Reality back into Spirituality™.     Julia sets out to assist people in expanding their conscious awareness through her rather unique and personal take on the human experience. 

In the style of Erma Bombeck, Julia utilizes her own brand of humor and down to earth demeanor to get her messages across in an all so delightful way. 

Julia is  currently pursuing a degree in psychology specializing in Criminal profiling. 

PLEASE NOTE:  All artwork, unless otherwise specified, are the property of the individual artists themselves. The author of these blogs claims no ownership of the original artwork, but only of the sig tags created using said artwork. Each sig tag shown on these blogs include the appropriate copyright information of the Artists and the unique licensure for use.

Reproduction and copying of said work without proper authority is strictly prohibited




Unless otherwise specified, ALL articles on this Blogger are the property of Julia K. Cole.  The ZEN of Duct Tape™, it's name, teachings, modalities, and all excerpts; the nicknames The Empress of the Known & Unknown Universes™ and The Diva of Duct Tape™,  The Duct Tape Diva™; Putting Reality Back Into Spirituality™, Reality back into Spirituality™ are the property and trade marks of Julia K. Cole and are protected under Copy Right Laws both here in the USA and Around The World.  

All Rights Reserved©™