Consciousness Rising

This past week Sophie has shown a tremendous leap in emotional maturity. On Friday, she had a 'fight' with another girl on the bus. This other girl was a friend and so the particulars were not very serious, a scuffle over a seat and then Sophie's glasses were knocked off and the other girl raised her fist to Sophie. Well, my strong willed girl was having none of being threatened and she grabbed the girl by the front of her shirt, inadvertently scratching her in the process. The girl was hurt and bleeding a little, so the bus driver stopped at the bus stop and spoke with both of the girl's dads. Noting that they were both to blame the bus driver chose no punitive action and left it to the parents to handle.

While talking to Sophie about it later that night, she became very upset about he possibility of being grounded. When we told her that she may not be, (we were trying to find out the best course of action if it was only self defense) she began crying out right and said that she should be grounded after what she did. Needless to say this surprised us after just hearing her saying she did not want to be grounded. We continued talking and listening to her side of the story and it began to be clear that she felt some guilt over having scratched the girl, which she said she didn't mean to do. Finally after we could not console her, I asked her what she thought a god grounding would be for what she did and she replied that she should be grounded from her DS. Her pride and joy. We were astounded. She then went on to say, after I asked her if a day was long enough, that it should be longer than a day. Her dad looked at me when she went to get a tissue and said "She has a conscious!"

It is times like this that make the very difficult and trying work of parenting so rewarding. All those important life lessons that you have tried to teach over those first few oh so important years comes to fruition. You are confronted with a beautiful soul, full of integrity and you realize that you had a little something to do with it. The feelings that this evokes cannot be described, but if you are a parent yourself, you will know what I mean.

Family Full Moon Wish Spell

Today is the Full Moon. In honor of Her loveliness this night, here is a sweet Full Moon Wish Spell to share with your children.

Family Moon Wish Spell

Time: Any Full Moon

Tools: Bonfire or fire pit (or small cauldron)

Scraps of white paper

Silver and blue markers, pens, colored pencils, or crayons

Herbs: jasmine, rose, lavender & rosemary

1. Set out a bowl of the mixed herbs for each member of the family who will be participating.

2. Gather in a circle around the bonfire or cauldron. Hold hands and meditate for a moment, mentally casting the circle. Have someone call each of the four directions.

3. Pass around the paper and writing instruments. Have everyone write down everything they wish to manifest by the next full moon. Do not hold back on this step, even if it seems ridiculous, put it down.The younger members who cannot write yet can draw pictures or have older members help them. Remember to vigilantly watch anyone younger than ten around the fire.

4. Welcome the Moon Goddess by saying:

Tonight we welcome the Moon

Round as the mother's womb

We send our wishes out into the night

To be heard by the Goddess bright

From full to dark then full again,

Please grant us our wishes by then.

5. Have everyone throw their wishes into the fire, followed by a handful of herbs to seal the spell.

6. Clasp hands again and watch the papers curl and burn. Meditate on the idea of your wishes soon being fulfilled.

7. When you are ready, break the silence and open the circle.Do not forget to thank the Goddess and God.

8. Bring out snacks and drinks and enjoy the fire. Feast and talk.

Day of the Dolls

In honor of the Japanese Doll Festival (or Girl's Day, an occasion to pray for young girls' growth and happiness.) that Sophie and I find so intriguing, we held our own version today. We began by having a lovely Doll's Tea party, complete with chamomile tea and tiny cookies and cakes. All of the dolls in the house had to be invited, of course, though some of them couldn't make it due to prior engagements. After the tea we read several books on the subject of dolls, of course. We own quite a few and we got some more from the library yesterday. I so enjoyed dolls when I was a child and all three of my girls did too. Once I had children I began making dolls for them, and doll clothes and that has continued to be a source of great joy and creativity in my life. I look forward to the day when I can teach Sophie to make dolls and doll clothes. I have tucked away a couple of books just with that in mind. (Dollhouse People; A Family you can make & Make Your Own Ragdoll, a step by step guide)I also, look forward to when she is old enough for paper dolls, another great childhood favorite. What fun! I really enjoyed this day with my little daughter and I think that she did too.