Going Clean

At this point I can't exactly remember how far back it was when I was struck by spirit to go vegetarian. I do however remember feeling pretty damn good. Now I know to most that seems a bit obvious that going clean would result in better overall health, but as I was coming from a completely inexperienced place. I have an understanding that in order for optimal human health, we need a combination of both animal products and plant based products. Granted, I am also aware that there are plenty of substitutes for animal nutrients, but I guess for me it boiled down to the fact that I love me a nice juicy steak and didn't ever really feel compelled to remove animal products from my diet.
I feel the need to say at this point that, in all honesty going vegetarian or even vegan for me wouldn't really bother me too much. I much rather prefer my plant based goodies to my animal friends. My family is pretty meat-centric, but I can do without it no problem. Sometimes people making the switch often have a hard time finding satisfaction in plant substitutes, but I being the individual that I am, fucking love them! I love algae, quinoa, tofu, raw veggies, rice cakes, naked juice, kombucha, leafy greens, fruits, and meat substitutes are pretty good. I remember that when I started over with my new diet, I decided with my limited diet, I was going to do a vegetarian diet. Honestly, the only reason for that was because I felt that leaving cheese and yogurt in my diet would allow me to be able to eat something if I happened to be at a guests house and there being a barbeque happening. Also, the other reason being that I suffer from migraines every so often so I didn't want to shock my body to much with a large change. I will make the argument that while on my vegetarian diet, I suffered no migraines(big surprise).
I recently began thinking about making the switch again and I seems a bit easier now as I was introduced to a wonderous herbal remedy for treating migraines. I figure after the winter season, I will switch over and try to keep strong into the fall. So this way I will spend half the year vegetarian and the other half meat balanced. I plan on doing more research in order to broaden my knowledge base and be able to take full advantage of the benefits. Also, I really need to get into better physical shape. I think I'll leave that for another post...

Book of Shadows

I have gathered a good deal of artwork for my book of shadows. It actually takes a really long time finding the right image in the right style. So far all my images are relatively similar in style. Leave it to me to get ahead of myself and start planning out my book before it actually arrives. I really hope all this hype doesn't fade when the book arrives and I have to start filling it. On a related note, I will be starting the transfer of information to my personal book of shadows tonight. I have a notebook I am currently using, but most of that will need to be transferred. I will continue to use the journal when I'm out and about with the circle or at a class to take notes and collect the silvery spheres of wisdom to add to my personal collection. Some people would argue copying information from a book into your personal journal. I have to disagree. I understand that if the information is present and I own the book, it will be available to me, but having the important stuff noted somewhere else, makes it a hell of a lot easier to find the information. Books have a lot of fluff and sometimes it's necessary to skim the top and remove the fat. I'm after the lean and can't be bothered with digging. Also, as I said before, the purpose of this book of shadows is to have a heirloom book I can pass down and use well into my elder years. I wanted something decorated and nice that I could have for display in my altar room. That's also the reason I will also be keeping a personal book of shadows. That will contain mostly spells, recipes and more practical information. An example for those who don't get it is: the large book will have things like the rede, charge, the witches rune, formal circle casting etc... The personal journal will have spells I constructed, rituals, recipes for incense, natural home remedies, personal thoughts, songs and chants etc.... Hopefully that will give you a better understanding of it all.
It's so interesting to see how excited I get thinking about how all this unfolding. Just the thought of being able to pass down all the wisdom I have/will collect(ed) over the years, makes me feel so happy. I can actually picture my grandchildren pulling my book of shadows out of the cabinet and eagerly flipping through the pages and staring in awe at all the history and knowledge within it. I know to some of you this may seem like a bit of a silly fantasy, but you have to understand that as people, we all have the desire to leave our mark on the world. Being a witch, I am already do just that. My drive is leaving a legacy for my children. I want to be remembered as a great chef who was an amazing witch. Yeah sounds a bit cocky, but most of the people in my family are kinda on the not so awesome side, so the fact that I have the success I have now, really shines bright in their eyes. I want that light to never fade. Continuing on the cocky express, I also think to myself, dang my kids and future generations will be able to say my grand/father is/was a witch! Alright the train ride was short lived. I end with this, "I am a witch and no one can take that power away from me" Also, never mix espresso and sugar, the resulting rush is super intoxicating. =-)