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Raven (yes, really), a pagan, homeschooling mother of two -- one teen, one tot -- shares her adventures in parenting from a pagan perspective. Watch her juggle work, education, parenting, cooking, gardening, and . . . how many balls are in the air now? Sometimes they fall, and sometimes she learns from her mistakes. You can, too.

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Using the Craft on Behalf of Children

Sometimes the most obvious uses for magic and the craft don't occur to us until someone else points them out.  Take me, for example. I've been writing this blog for a couple of years now, and yet it took an Internet meme to point out what I could be doing to help my children by using simple aspects of the craft.

Given my frequent forgetfulness at all of the spiritual healing tools available to me when one us falls ill or gets a minor injury (e.g. scrapes, bruises, et al), maybe it shouldn't be such a surprise.  Sure, I grab the bandages or dit da jow, but Reiki or shielding? Totally forgotten.  After all, I keep track of thousands of mundane objects and events across a given week, it's hard in the day-to-day to recall the deeper lessons from the past.

Among the list I stumbled upon were such things as sewing protective sigils in their clothing and favorite teddy, enchanting their bedding for good dreams, and brushing away negativity when brushing their hair (keep water on hand for this and discard the water after). 

I liked the list so much, I started pondering what else might be useful to help our children.

 

1. Sending away monsters (a.k.a. negative energy or mischievous sprites): Any parent who frequents Pinterest will likely have heard of Monster Spray to help children overcome fears of monsters in the dark or beneath the bed. A magical modification would include an herbal infusion within the bottle, such as lavender for calm or rosemary for cleansing, or teach them to banish with bells, clapping, and saining (with supervision). 

2. Student talisman: Make a colorful ribbon braid, put knots in a leather cord, or make a talisman to place on a necklace with an intent to promote focus, success, and protection.  The child can wear it or carry it in a pocket when away at school or a trip without a parent.

3. A good night's sleep:  hang a sprig of rosemary by the door and any windows, include sweet woodruff in the closet and drawers where moths might visit, and spritz your child's bedding with a mixture of vodka and soothing essential oils like bergamot or clary sage. Use about 15 -20 drops of oil to one spray bottle of cheap vodka, spray lightly over bedding in the morning, and allow the vodka to evaporate during the day. And go ahead and enchant their blanket for comfort and pillow for sweet dreams.

4. Protective greenery: help the child pick an appropriate living plant to stay in their room for added protection. Cacti are excellent for older children whose rooms receive enough sunlight throughout the day.  Spider plants are durable in shade, even if seldom watered. Whatever plant is chosen, guide the child in asking the plant to provide protection from monsters, bad dreams, or whatever worries currently trouble them.

5. Sweep away the doldrums: one of the easiest and most practical forms of clearing stagnant and negative energy is with a trusty broom.  Even small children, if given their own small brooms, can take great pleasure from sweep, sweep, sweeping the floor clean of dirt, dust, and worries.  If they're merely clearing dirt or leaf litter tracked in from shoes, let them sweep it clear out the door.  Otherwise, help little ones with a dust pan, and allow older children to clear it themselves.  If you're in an apartment, do a preliminary clean up before handing your child the broom to sweep the energy outside to move freely once more.

6. Deep clearing: when things have become particularly stuck in a child's life -- they're not keeping up with chores, their rooms are messy, they're stuck in an emotional or creative rut -- it's time to do a deep cleaning.  Older children eight years or older can help, but I'd recommend getting younger ones out with another family member or friend for a few hours.

After helping a child pick up their room (if they require assistance), vacuum the floor, and dust.  Then set up a small altar in the center of the room with fresh flowers, water, a small dish of salt, and at least one candle. Call in the directions and any beings with whom you work, ask also for the attendance of any spirits protecting the child.  Drum or clap widdershins around the room from the door. I prefer clapping, especially in corners, because I can hear the dull thud replaced with a clear ringing sound once the stuck energy has moved.  Sain or smudge deosil (clockwise) from the door to neutralize the space.  Then once more clockwise, go about the room ringing a small bell with a high, clear, appealing sound.

Stand in the doorway, touching both sides, and wrap white light around the room, setting an intention to last a year.  Thank those who shared in the work, close the circle, and clear the altar.

 

These are merely a few ideas from within my own toolbox.  What's most important is showing you love them.  Even an encouraging note in a lunchbox can work magic at the right moment.  What other tools do you have or lessons have you learned that have a practical application for caring for your children?  

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Raven lives in a forest with her two homeschooled children, partner, and several demanding cats. She enjoys performing, cooks a mean burger, and is obsessed with farming, but has yet to adopt a goat. Her publications are listed at SatyrsGarden.com.

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