have a daily pagan spiritual practice

Really, I’ve been doing a lot better with this goal than I thought I would. I haven’t missed a morning yet (it’s simpler than my evening devotion) ~ despite interruptions. So far I’ve just been doing a simple Elemental Cross Ritual and then saying my small devotion when putting on my prayer beads. During the next couple of days, though, I’m going to work on Circulating the Light of the Cross. Once I have that down, I’ll work on invoking and banishing the elementals.

I decided to work on creating a Sphere of Protection one step at a time for several reasons. One reason is because I thought it’d be easier to learn one part before adding another and another until I can perform the whole thing in one go without needing to interrupt the flow by looking at cheat sheets. The other reason is because it’ll give my kids a chance to get used to letting Mama have a few minutes of private time. I try to do it when they’re occupied ~ but that doesn’t always work. So I close the door to the bathroom (it’s the only room I feel is ‘safe’ enough to perform my morning ritual ~ and I’m already in there getting ready for the day, anyway) and tell my oldest that it’s my private time when the door is shut. Anything she needs to tell me can wait until I open the door. It seems to be working so far.

I’ve been doing well on my evening devotions, too. The first night I was visiting my family, I did my prayer beads meditation. The second night, though, I just went to sleep. It’s the only meditation/ritual I’ve missed since I started my goal. Not too bad, eh?

This weekend is going to be more trying. My husband wants to go visit my FIL. I think it’s going to be more difficult to find time to do my evening meditation/ritual. Hopefully, I can go to bed a little earlier than my husband and have a little time to do it.

Anyway, I’m really happy with the way I’ve designed my daily practice. I like having a morning protection ritual and an evening devotional ritual and meditation. It just feels right.

I’ve been doing well with this goal so far. Yes, it’s only been a few days, but every day counts. I’m getting comfortable with my rituals and relaxing into them. This weekend is going to be a bit challenging, though, because I’ll be visiting my family. My morning ritual can remain the same, but I’ll be using my prayer beads at night rather than performing a ritual at my altar. No problem ~ that’s one of the benefits to using prayer beads. :>

I think I’ve finally developed a daily practice that will fit into my schedule. It’s based on druidic rituals ~ but I’m drawn to druidry more than most other forms of paganism.

I’ll begin my day by doing the Sphere of Protection according to AODA guidelines. It’s simple and straightforward ~ and I should be able to get 5 minutes or so of peace in order to do it. Afterwards, I’ll put on my Earth Mother Rosary and say a simple devotion as I clasp it about my neck.

In the evenings, I’ll purify myself, center and focus, and perform a simple solitary ritual similar to the one described in The Solitary Druid. I’ll meditate afterwards.

I’ve been researching rituals, devotions, prayers, etc. fairly extensively the past few days (and less extensively for the past few months), but really want to have something in place for the new year. I feel content with my choices ~ they’re simple but meaningful ~ and am looking forward to putting everything into practice.

I’m not ready to declare this goal my next challenge quite yet; I’m getting close, though. And meditating more often is definitely helping me to lay the groundwork for a daily practice. I’m reading up on daily devotions and prayers I can merge into a simple but meaningful ritual. I think I’m going to establish an evening practice first, then add a morning practice as I become consistent and comfortable with an evening one.

You know, I think I’ll think about making this my next challenge for Samhain. New beginnings and all….

I’ve challenged myself to meditate 4 times a week and practice yoga with my daughter 3 times a week. Every day, I wear my Mother Earth prayer beads. I say a little prayer when I put them on and take them off. I try to take a moment to give thanks to Father Sun and Mother Earth in the morning when I take my dog for a walk (those few precious minutes to myself) ~ some days are better than others. So I’m making a start and building upon it as it comes to me.

I’d really like to start my day with meditation, prayer, and a devotion. It doesn’t have to be long ~ maybe 30 minutes. But my son wakes up so early that it’s difficult to get up before him.

I’d also like to end my day with the same ~ that should be easier to accomplish. I just need to be a bit more disciplined about it.

I think this is going to be my next challenge.

Real Life™ has been whacking me very hard, and it hasn’t been easy to keep up a daily practice. At least I have observed all the Sabbats and Esbats (both new and full moons) and many of the days inbetween.

I’d say I’m still working toward this.

I’m not sure that I had a perfect week, but it was better. If reading and writing on the subject of spirituality is part of practice, then I’m meeting my daily goals.

My life doesn’t follow a predictable schedule. Some days I am quietly at home, others I am a dashing from meeting to meeting, a city woman with too much to do and no time to do it.

A life like this needs a daily moment in sanctuary, a way to put the day to bed and honor the Goddess.

It need not be difficult:

Light a candle.
Pray or meditate at the altar.
Be in the moment.
Savor nature.
Create art with sacred intent.

Any one of these things.

And should a day be missed.

There is always tomorrow.