Solitary: A Self-Directed Spiritual Life

Let's talk. Come sit with me under a tree or by a lake while we chat about being alone in our practice and our beliefs. Solitary practitioners choose this path for many reasons and have a unique perspective. As a solitary witch, I want to share how I keep true to my beliefs and practices whether I'm working on my own, in a small group or attending a large group gathering. Author of Moon Affirmations, meditations based on the phase of the moon.

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Sacred Feathers

Lend flight to thoughts; waft away the mundane to make room for the sacred spirit journey.  Seeming to be at the mercy of the wind, feathers float on the breeze to be gifted to those who seek.  Yet the feathers direct the thoughts to a higher plane.

Feathers have been used as spiritual artifacts in almost all cultures.  Even today each State has a state bird, which is exempt from hunting and held as sacred.  Emperors, Priests, Goddesses have all been adorned with the sacred feather from a variety of birds from the peacock and parrot to the eagle and ostrich.  Some feathers are so sought after that the birds are now protected.  It is important to only pick up found feathers and not take them from living birds.  Be cautious about buying feathers as well - some are limited to only certain Native American tribes for their religious rights.  

Across the world birds have been revered and feathers the representation of the spirit of the bird.  In an effort to emulate the wisdom of the owl or the fierce strength of the eagle, feathers are used as a sacred tool.

Birds are typically associated with the element of air since most spend so much time flying in the skies and drifting on the currents.  Air is associated with thoughts and the feather can be used to help lift your thoughts to the higher realms, to connect with spiritual and philosophical thoughts.  

On my desk, in my pencil holder, I have a white feather given to me by a friend.  When I find myself stuck on an article or email, I’ll pull out the feather and stroke it as I contemplate what to say next.  Generally my ritual is to pull the feather and to stroke the softness of it while I allow my mind to relax and become unfocused.  The repetitive stroking is hypnotic and meditative.  Usually within a few minutes I’ve found the right words to continue whatever I’m working on.  

Feathers can also be used to direct smoke from sage or other smudging bundles of grasses and herbs.  This type of ritual is usually meant to cleanse and heal.  The feather represents breaking free of earthly bonds by lifting up on the air and smoke. 

The feather becomes a symbol of rebirth and of first steps.  It allows you to take flight from where you are currently in your life, soar on the wind currents until you find a better roost.  By taking flight it removes you from the tunnel vision perspective you may be experiencing and to go above and get a broader perhaps more objective perspective.  

Feathers used in dream catchers offer the dreamer a chance to soar away on good dreams while trapping the bad dreams in the catcher.  The feather allows the dreamer to reach for the dream which seems impossible and fly in the dream (whether literally or not) to a new way of thinking and being in order to escape the negative occurrences and seek out the better path for self.

Note - Picture by TJ Jahns and part of the art in Moon Affirmations

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Tagged in: air feather thoughts words
As a solitary, I consider myself a pagan witch who is seeking. Residing in rural Wisconsin, by day I work as a clerical worker and at night I spend my spare time writing. Writing is my way of expressing my feelings about my world and life. Raised on a farm, I have a love for nature and am inspired by the beauty and power I find there. I've been married for 33 years and have three adult daughters. Some of my other interests include cooking, genealogy, reading and crocheting.  
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