All of our stories begin,
In the very same way
Branching out from
Our family trees.

Reaching for the sky
Soaking up the sun’s
Rays, while staying
Grounded in our roots.

Growing ever-stronger,
Facing the seasons
Graceful in the breeze.
Strong during storms.

Turning over a new leaf.
Bending rather than breaking.
Refreshed after rain, and
Providing strangers with shelter.

This could be used, when a friend, family member or even a loved one. Needs a little bit of a pick up after some bad news, a break up etc. You could always reword this blessing if, it’s in fact you that needs a little pick me up.

Additionally you could while doing this ritual, write down the things you wish to either let go of, or the change you wish see in your life. Then set fire to it (safely) and send those intentions into the universe.

Personal Blessing

Earth Mother and Sky Father
I invoke you, please watch over (name).

May the warmth of the new day’s sun
Refresh their energies anew this day.

May the light of moon goddess
Restore them softly as they sleep.

May the refreshing rain cleanse
Them, washing their worries away.

May the cool wind’s breeze gently
Blow new strength into their being.

May they walk, softly through this world
Seeing it’s beauty, all their remaining days

I use these words to call on thee
This is my will.
So note it be.

(C)BobChristianpoetry

In a break from my usual posts about poetry, or what’s been going on in my life, I’ve decided to share something of an even more personal nature. As some of you are aware, I’m working on a new book with the author, Daisy Burton. This book is all about a subject very close to me… Wicca.

In this book I have shared a spell or ritual that can easily be done in the home at this time of year. So I thought I’d share my idea with you. If you’re interested you could try it yourselves, and perhaps bring a little magic and joy to your hearth and home.

Christmas Candle Ritual

Items required:
• A large candle (long-burning, church-style)
• Non-perishable food items (eg, mixed nuts)

On Christmas Eve as it begins to get dark, place the candle next to the food. Light the candle, saying:

“In the past, on this night before Christmas, the story goes that people left offerings of food and drink while lighting candles so that Mary could rest on her way to the manger.”

Carry the candle to a window that faces the road, placing it on the window sill, saying:

“We share this light with all weary travellers on this night, with all those who feel they have nothing at this blessed time. I send blessings to them as we have much to be thankful for.”

Let the candle burn until you go to bed (making sure it’s very safe).
Make a donation within your means, or (outside of pandemic times) give a last-minute invitation to someone who you think might be lonely.

On Christmas Day, add the food to the Christmas meal.

I would like to extend very happy Yuletide greetings to everyone reading this. May you and yours be happy, healthy, and warm this Yuletide, and onwards into 2022.

To those who say that suicide is for cowards, I say this:

I’ve been asked many times
About any family mental health
Issues. I’m not depressed
Over a break up, nor is it a
Bad day. I can’t help it, or
Get over it, or cheer up.

It is, however, a neurological
Imbalance, triggered by just
One misplaced anxiety or
Fear. It’s real; it never gets
Easier with age. Crippling.
Bed ridden. Biochemistry.

Pushing away all those who
Love me; closing over my heart.
Brain whispering You’re broken;
They can’t fix you. Unable to see
Other perspectives. Conjuring
The weight of my past failures.

A fairground ride of feelings.
The highs and lows – an emotional
Rollercoaster with no destination.
Haunted house, skeletons in the
Closet. Roll up, roll up! Guess the
Weight of the emotional baggage.

It’s a desperate, debilitating issue
Falling into a hole. Rock-bottom.
Scared, alone, searching for help.
Medication labels reading
Like a magic spell. Teleporting
Me out of my darkest hour.

Coward I’m not. I’ve courage
In my convictions. I’ve danced with
Danger many times, insecurities
On a zip line; no harness, screaming.
Cowards lack the courage
To leave their life on their own terms.

The greatest lies you
Have ever believed
Are the ones you created;
Breathing life into them.

But they are all based
In your own deep, toxic
Insecurities, manifesting
Deep within your psyche.

You’re so desperate to seek
Approval from others, that
You’re happy to destroy those
Who have always loved you.

The limit has been reached.
You’ve run out of luck
And out of love. But you
Did this all to yourself.

Your relationship with truth
Ended because you and
Deception had an illicit affair.
Friends with no real benefits.

By Bob W Christian

Forgiveness

Have you forgiven those
Who hurt and abused you?
No, never! I hear you cry.
Then they still have control.

Some people will go their whole
Lives never forgiving or letting
Go of their pain; so wrapped up
In their hatred, vengeance, anger.

Causing physical and emotional
Damage to themselves, simply
‘Cause they think that to forgive is
A sign of weakness. I’m telling you

That’s not true. It takes strength,
Wisdom, and courage to choose
A better, enlightened path in life.
Achieving this is relatively simple.

Put yourself in their position.
If their pain, experiences, thoughts
Were yours, would you act any
Differently? I doubt it, if you’re honest.

Remember, ‘Hurt people hurt people’.
The parent who wasn’t there;
The ex who broke you. Free yourself.
Forgiveness begins by letting go.

By Bob W Christian

Love Letter

I wake up to you every morning;
Plant a kiss on your forehead,
Like a letter – a daily reminder
That reads: “I’ve loved you,
From the moment I first saw
Your beautiful smile.” The smile
That left me saying to a deity that
I didn’t quite believe in, that
You’d see… I would be someone
You can believe in forever – until you
Can no longer read my words.