Stress stress stress.

Managing stress is becoming incredibly higher up on my priority list. Right now, I'm on a quick break from the hell that is studying for my chemistry final tomorrow; I'm passing the course (barely, which is entirely unlike me), but I want more than just a passing grade. I want to show that I am as good at this stuff as I used to be; but the studying is getting to me! I find my head is absolutely throbbing and its just feeling like a mess of information is not sitting right in there.

In other words, I'm close to giving up. But I know I can't. Tonight I will ask the Goddess to bless me and keep me strong when I go to write one of the hardest tests I ever have tomorrow, but I know I cannot rely on her completely. For now, while I sit here at my desk, I can sit back and do some calming visualizations to center myself and bring my energy back and focussed. Nothing can replace review and stud. Coffee, though helps too!

Anyways, thought I would give a quick update. I will hopefully be doing a nature journal post soon, as I've noticed some wonderful things these past few days, but right now I'm concentrated on getting through this final. Wish me luck!

Visualization and "Song of the Week"

So I tried the visualization from the first lesson of the Oak & Mistletoe school curriculum yesterday for the first time. To say the least, it was quite a bit more difficult than I thought it would be. I'm having a lot of issues doing more than "remembering" what I was supposed to be recalling through my senses. The visualization calls for seeing a meal you recently had in your mind; I chose, yesterday, to visualize the meal I shared with my boyfriend, my aunt and cousin when I was in Toronto on Saturday night. I could vividly remember the sights and sounds of the on-the-corner pub we ate in, but I couldn't quite grasp the idea of smelling or tasting what I ate. I was close, though, as my mouth watered when I remembered the crisp texture of the lettuce in my wrap and the gentle warmth of the chicken mixed in. I think this will come in time; I tried today just getting myself into a completely relaxed state and trying to forget what was going on around me, and I think practicing this may be key to grasping the first visualization exercise. Like all things, this will come with practice, and its a rather nice skill TO practice; after all, these exams are stressing me out.

Anyways, thought I would share my "Song of the Week" with you. My favourite band, Barenaked Ladies, wrote a beautiful song called Same Thing. This is a beautiful song, cataloging the changes that come with growing up and getting older - something a lot of artists touch on but, in all honestly, never this wonderfully. The recorded version of the song is missing one of the most touching verses; as such, I feel it necessary to post a video of an acoustic version of the song. This video, part of something called the "Bathroom Sessions" was recorded by Ed Robertson, frontman of Barenaked Ladies, in the bathroom of his Toronto home (not as weird as it sounds! The acoustics play out wonderfully). There's a whole series of videos like this and I really recommend you sift through and watch them. Regardless, this is "Same Thing", a song that I feel describes life in an incredible way.

WitchVox Feature

So a while back I wrote an essay and posted it to WitchVox in hopes that it would be featured in mid-November. The article was about one of my idols and someone I have always looked up to, the late Steve Irwin, Wildlife Warrior and conservation pioneer. My essay examined looking at Steve from a Pagan perspective; how we, as a nature-based religion, can help save our Earth and protect the vast variety of biodiversity within it.

If you read the article, take a moment and think; what can YOU do to conserve wildlife, habitat, and the rest of the biosphere? How can you, in your day to day life, be kinder to our Mother? This is our only home - we need to do what we can to preserve and protect Her. Take a moment and view the Wildlife Warriors website, linked from the article, and be inspired by the conservation work this group (that Steve Irwin set up) does. You will be amazed. Sign the petition to save Steve's Place (the Steve Irwin Conservation Reserve in northern Queensland), and take a moment to remember a great individual who had a big heart and a soft soul.

The article is here.

AdSense...

I should mention that yes, I have put advertisements up on this blog through the Google AdSense program. Its my hope that by clicking on them, you can help be get the necessary funds to purchase the beautiful book about the Inclusive tradition as well as required supplies for my Path. Hopefully, this doesn't seem selfish; I'm a University student barely making enough money to pay my rent, food and tuition. Your help in just "clicking" the ads is greatly appreciated!

Once I've purchased the book as well as a few more supplies, I'd really like to look into putting the money my AdSense generates towards conservation work; this is something I'm extremely passionate about and will fight for throughout the entirety of my life.

Your clicks are much loved!

Hey there.

Welcome to Moonlight Flights, the blog of Skyhawk - a young Canadian Witch with a love of all things aviation, nature, photography and science.

I'm currently a student of the Inclusive tradition of Wicca. I have been of a Pagan mindset for five years now but have decided to solidify my path with the Inclusive tradition through the teachings of Oak & Mistletoe coven's teaching school. It is my intent for this blog to not only become the required Dreams, Meditations, Visualizations and Nature journal for the course but also to become a place for my musings on living the Pagan life. Whether it be how the planet and universe speak to me or what I learn from the Goddess herself, it'll all come here.

Besides my path, I'm thoroughly interested in aviation, horses, photography, music and science. Occasionally, some of that stuff might pop up here as well.

Regardless, thanks for stopping by! Blessings!