Pagan Blog Prompts

Prompt: Simplicity

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

A very common thing these days is to simplify our lives, in many different ways and for many different reasons.

Has being a pagan/wiccan/druid/etc inspired you to be simplistic? How?

Prompt: All in the Genes?

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

This may seem a bit weird, but....

Is it hereditary?

I had to think about my wording on this one... I had to leave it vague, because I wanted it to be as open to interpretation as possible.

What I'm referring to here can be magic, witchcraft, spirituality, the things you can do that others around you cannot, etc. Another way to put it might be "Do you come from a family of Witches?" but that only works if you see yourself as a witch. Get what I'm trying to say here?

What you do and who you are - did it come from your bloodline? Or is it something you discovered and nurtured on your own?

Propmt: Totem Animals

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

Animals can teach us a lot about ourselves and the world around us....

Do you have a totem animal? What is it teaching you?

What have the animals taught you in the past?

I'm really looking forward to answers on this one - it's amazing what a single animal can tell us...

Prompt: What's in a Name?

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

As I was working my way through previous posts and comments (deleting dead links, commenting on posts that were still up), ideas for new prompts came up. This is one of them - enjoy!

What's in a Name?

Do you have a witch/magic name(s)?
If more than one, is one reserved for ritual use, with another that you go by to everyone else?

If you do use a witch/magic name, how did you come by yours? Was it 'given' to you? Were you lead to it? Or did you pick it yourself?
If you don't use a witch/magic name, why not?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Don't forget - we're on Facebook. Watch for news/updates there, when I don't get around to making a full blog post about it here.

Speaking of news, for those that did not see my message on FB yet, I have created a separate page on the blog to list the links of anyone that wishes to share their blog. It can be found on the right side of the blog, between HOME and AWARDS, or by clicking this link. If you'd like to be included, send me an email (pyrosunfire@gmail.com) with the subject line "PBP link on blog". Include the name of your blog, a description and/or button (if you want) and the direct URL please. All I ask in return is that you link back to us, either with the button or a text link.

Out with the Old, In with the New

2011-12-29T02:19:00.000-08:00

This week, I have both a regular prompt, and a question to ask of my followers.... First, the Prompt:

Most people save cleaning and organizing for Spring and Fall, but what about the dead of Winter? With the calendar New Year around the corner, lots of folks are taking time to clean out their lives - getting rid of the things they don't need/want and making room to welcome in the new (possibly better) things. Some refer to this as Resolutions, but even without a name, this is a good time to review your life as is and decide if you'd like to continue the same path or make changes.

Are you making Resolutions or Life Changes now?

Please share, if you are willing.

And now, my question to you folks is actually related to the prompt.... Over the past few days, I've been working on my own Resolution to keep up better with any responses that are shared here. I've been wading through all the comments ever made on this blog, reading people's blog posts inspired by or related to the prompts, and leaving comments where I can. In fact, some of you may have seen a bunch of comments from me (Connie Mitan via Google) - I'm not trying to spam, just let you know that your post is in fact being read, and that your participation here is acknowledged and appreciated.

In the process of reading through old comments, I've come across quite a few links that are no longer valid. My question to you is, should I delete the comments with dead links? Kind of a "cleaning house" thing... If this was my personal blog, I'd just do it, but because this is more 'public domain', I thought I would try to be fair to those that have engaged with us in the past.... Then again, would they ever even know their comment was deleted?

One last thing... I am looking for a better way to allow people to share their links, and I came across Linky Tools. Have you ever used it before? Would you be interested in seeing that added here, rather than having to comment through blogger? Any suggestions for the best source of one of these tools?

Don't forget, we're on Facebook now! And we have updated graphics, thanks to Shauna L. If you have a button for us on your blog/site, please update it to the new one.

And with that, I wish everyone a Blessed, Healthy and Prosperous 2012!

~Sunfire

Prompt: Winter Holidays and Family

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

This time of year, there are many different celebrations going on, most often ones that bring family close together. While it can be nice to see everyone again, it can also be stressful, when your family doesn't feel the same way about things as you do.

So, how do you deal with them? Do you simply avoid all talk of religion, even though the holidays can be very religious? Or perhaps it's just easier to avoid family all together....

If your family actually believes as you do, then perhaps these holiday gatherings aren't tough at all. Please, share with us how your Pagan winter family gathering go...

Prompt: Yule 2011

2011-12-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

Yule is right around the corner - any plans?

What is your favorite part of the Yule season?

Do you have a lot of close family that does NOT celebrate or honor Yule? How do you deal with all of the Christmas?

Prompt: Meditation

2011-12-08T09:00:00.000-08:00

Do you meditate? How?

Does it help you deal with things? Or do you do it for clarification on tough issues?

Do you include any sort of meditation when working rituals?

Prompt: Ghosts

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Do ghosts exist? What are they?

What is your experience with ghosts?

Photos often tell stories we can't otherwise hear....

Ever had a ghost show up in a photograph you took or were in?

No prompt this week

2011-11-23T10:42:00.001-08:00

I'm heading out of town for Thanksgiving, and I know a lot of you are, too. So, enjoy your family time and don't worry so much about blogging. If you really need something to write about this week, there are a LOT of older posts you can sift through. Or simply make a post of the things you are thankful for....

Prompt: Mercury Retrograde

2011-11-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

We are about a week away from another Mercury Retrograde period....

Do these normally affect you? In what ways?

How do you handle the difficulties that crop up?

Do you use the time for reflection and meditation?

Prompt: Your Beginning

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

How did you come to be where you are today?

Did you always know you were Pagan/Wiccan/etc?

How did you get started on this journey?

Prompt: The Pagan New Year

2011-11-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

For a lot of Pagans, Samhain is seen as the "new year" rather than waiting until the calendar changes in January.... Are you one of these Pagans? Why or why not?

What does it mean to you, starting a new year? Are you one to make resolutions for the year ahead, or do you prefer to reflect on the changes in the year past?

Prompt: Samhain 2011

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again - Samhain is right around the corner!

What are your plans for this year? Or, if you're seeing this after the fact, what did you do?

Solo or in a group?
Honoring those loved ones that have passed on?
Welcoming the spirits into your home with a feast?
Working with a specific deity or pantheon toward a certain goal?

Show us your altar, too, if you want.

Update: Facebook Page

2011-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to make a quick post to let you know that we now have a Facebook page you can follow. The feed from the blog is set to automatically post new Prompts on the FB page, so it's yet another way to keep up with us. Be sure to tell anyone you know that follows us that is on FB, or feel free to invite some new people to join us in this blogging journey.

The FB page is at http://www.facebook.com/paganprompts

While the posts will show up on FB, please still come back to the blog directly (http://paganprompts.blogspot.com) to post links back to your blogs as comments to the prompt which you are responding... Thanks.

Prompt: Sex Magic

2011-10-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

How do you feel about using Sex in magic?
Have you ever performed The Great Rite for ritual?
In general, how does sex mingle with your spirituality?

Update: Poll

2011-10-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I know I usually don't do posts like this, but sometimes I just have to take a couple minutes to let you know I appreciate you following me. As I've said before - because you guys keep responding to my posts, I keep making them. :)

But that's not the main reason for this post - Actually, I'm curious. I was getting to thinking about it, and I started to wonder... where did you guys find me from? How did you end up here?

So I created a poll on the side of the blog, where you can let me know what brought you here, if you don't see your reason listed, vote Other and feel free to comment here with an explanation, if you want.

This is also a chance for me to ask for more suggestions... I'm working through a lot of the ones I've already received, but since this blog is about you and not me, I want to post ideas that you would be interested in blogging about. Leave any suggestions you have for topics here, please.

Thanks again for keeping this alive for so long!

Prompt: Energy in Objects

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in channeling energy (either your own or from other sources) into objects for a goal or purpose?

Do you conduct rituals to charge objects (with moonlight, water, salts, etc)?

Is the world just a bunch of energy, that we are moving and bending to our will (magic)?

Run with it! I'm sure there's lots of directions you guys can take this...

Prompt: Artwork

2011-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Share with us some of your favorite artwork, whether it be pagan in nature, created by a pagan, or otherwise touches your spiritual side. Tell us why you love it so much. And pictures - we love pictures!

Prompt: Familiars

2011-09-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have a familiar? Tell us about it.

How do you feel about familiars?

If you don't have one, is there a reason?

Is it possible to have more than one familiar?

Prompt: Mabon 2011

2011-09-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mabon is this weekend - what are you doing to celebrate?

Or, if you like, simply regale us with stories of Mabon past... Or feel free to explore the history and meaning behind it and educate the rest of us.

To non-pagans, it's simply the first day of autumn on the calendar, but to those of us more in tune with Earth and nature around us, it means something different... Explore that meaning this week.

Prompt: Pagan Pride Day

2011-09-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, when many places around the US (and perhaps the world?) are hosting Pagan Pride Day events.... Such events are designed to raise pride in Pagan individuals, as well as provide education and awareness to those who would otherwise never know about paganism and it's many facets of life.

These events are usually one-day festivals with vendors and other booths, music and entertainment, and of course the food! It's a great excuse to get out and meet new people that share a common interest with you.

What's your take on the whole thing? Do you have one nearby? Have you ever been? Do you support the ideals of the original project?

Or do you think that such festivals are merely there to stroke your ego, or are another excuse to dress funny and get drunk?

How do Pagan Pride events compare to something like a Gay Pride event?

Prompt: Teaching Your Children

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

So we've talked about what we, ourselves, are leaning anew.... but what about our children?

What do you teach your children regarding your beliefs?

Do you chose to home-school your children? Why? How do you think this will affect them as they grow up?

Prompt: Solitary longing...

2011-09-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

This week's prompt comes from reader suggestions, and I think it is something we should all think about....

If you are a Solitary, do you ever long for a mentor, coven or friend to learn with, learn from, or practice with? If so, what keeps you from seeking to join with others?

Prompt: Back to School

2011-08-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's the end of summer, and families everywhere are gearing up for the new school year. But that doesn't have to apply only to kids in school or young adults going to college... After all, life is about learning something new every day.

What have you been learning lately? Perhaps a topic of interest has taken over your focus lately, and you've been immersed in its research. Or maybe someone sparked a question in your mind, and you've been searching (both within and with-out) to find the answer. What knowledge are you seeking, and how close are you to reaching it's zenith?

Prompt: Your Tools

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

What tools do you use, if any?
Tarot or other divination tools?
Athame, chalice, candles, wand, etc?

Why have you chosen to use these tools? How do you prepare and maintain them? Where/how do you store them?

Pictures are encouraged and welcomed, if you feel so inclined.

Prompt: First Harvest

2011-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is winding down for us in the Northern Hemisphere... The days are getting shorter, even just a little bit, and we are starting to reap rewards from our actions earlier in the year.

What have you begun to harvest (either from a garden or in some other way) this season? What still has some time left on the vine before you can harvest it?

Prompt: Changing Beliefs

2011-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

This comes from a random hidden place in my mind....

"Do your beliefs change over the years as you change and develop?"

I know we are humans, and if we are living a life, we are always changing, growing, developing, learning.... And I was wondering how those changes have been reflected in your spiritual life....

Prompt: Dream Big

2011-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Another one taken from reader suggestions -

"I think we all dream of a sanctuary like Circle Sanctuary -- what would yours look like if you had the capital to make it happen? How would it support the community?"

If you're gonna dream, dream BIG!

Prompt: Witches and Warlocks

2011-07-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

This week's prompt comes from some recent suggestions....

"Some men who are wiccans are reclaiming the name "warlock" in the tradition of women reclaiming the name "witch". Warlock is commonly said to mean oath breaker. What do you think? Can it/should it be reclaimed?"

I'd like to add:
Wouldn't it make more sense to have all Witches be called Witch, no matter their gender? Why do we need the distinction between males and females that practice magic?

Prompt: Bad Magic?

2011-07-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Is there a such thing as "bad" magic? If so, define it and differentiate it from "good" magic.

Update and Open Call

2011-07-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

First off, I'd like to say a heartfelt "Welcome" to all of our newest followers! Glad you could find us! I hope you find lots of inspiration in these pages, either in our prompts or in the responses others have shared.

As a reminder, comments ARE moderated here. This is to keep our page free from spammers (which have taken to leaving comments in Korean or Japanese, and link to porn sites). I apologize if your comment doesn't show up for a couple days - I can forget to check in here on a daily basis. But trust that any honest comments from real people will be shared in time.

Can you believe we've been here since April 2009? With a new prompt each week, that's a lot of blog topic ideas to wade through! So be sure to skim our section on the left, the Labels section - those are all tags that have been used on prompts that may help you find something to write about. Or, if you'd rather, the Archives section is also on the left, where you can see the posts listed by date. Remember, you can go back to any previous prompt and respond - wherever the blogging mood takes you!

And now for the Open Call - I've gone through a LOT of my own ideas for prompts, and some days my stash just doesn't speak to me. So once again, I'm asking for input from my readers - What prompt ideas do YOU have? Perhaps something you've blogged about already that you'd like to see others consider... or ideas that never really materialized in your own blog. I want to hear 'em! I'll be storing them in a document on my computer so I can pull from them each week. Who knows when you'll see your prompt show up here....

One last thing. I want to thank everyone for their positive comments and feedback regarding this blog. I started it up when Witches Weekly disappeared, and I never imagined it would do so well. It is because of you that I keep going, and will continue to provide thought-provoking ideas for your blogs. Thank you!

Prompt: Looking on the Bright Side

2011-07-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

For a lot of people, finding the good in any situation is tough... but the old adage says to "look on the bright side" as a way to encourage you to search out the good in what appears to be nothing but bad.

Do you find strength to look on the bright side from your faith? Or does it come from somewhere else?

If you have trouble finding the good in everything, what steps would you take to change that?

Prompt: Ethical Eating

2011-06-30T17:01:00.001-07:00

How does your faith guide you in how you buy and eat food?

Are you vegan (or vegetarian) because of the ethics your faith imposes? Or have you chosen to be that way for other reasons?

Do your beliefs even have anything to do with how you eat?

Prompt: Handfasting

2011-06-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

The season of marriage is upon us, and that also includes Hand-fasting. Feel free to delve deeper into the questions that tug at you most....

Would you do it as a way to symbolize your commitment in a relationship? As part of, or separate from, a traditional wedding?

Have you done it? If you are comfortable sharing, please tell us about it.

Do you believe a hand-fasting can be undone, in a sort of pagan divorce?

Prompt: Pantheons

2011-06-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have a specific pantheon (group of gods/goddesses) that you are particularly drawn to? Which deities do you work with the most?

Why do you think you are drawn to these over others?

If you don't work with a singular group, which group(s) are you drawn to, and how do you decide which to work with for any given situation?

Prompt: Ethics and Money

2011-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

How do you feel about being paid for certain services of a pagan nature? Like Tarot/Palm/Astrology readings? Often these services are seen as personal, due to the nature of the readings. Some people find it unethical to charge for these services.

Prompt: Resources

2011-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Today, let's share some of our favorite Pagan resources for anyone that might need a little help finding answers....

If you can, list at least one of each of the following:
- Book (title and author, ISBN if you have the book on hand)
- Website (name and URL)
- regular Publication (magazine, newsletter, etc)
- Person that you have spoken with (can be a Pagan celebrity or just someone you know in your community that has helped you out a lot).

List any other resources you'd like to share with us as well. It never hurts to have too much information :)

Prompt: the Wiccan Rede

2011-05-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

While I know some of you are not Wiccan, I do know that lots of people follow a 'golden rule' of sorts. Do you follow the Wiccan Rede ("And it harm none, do as you will.")? Or some variant of?

Feel free to share a story from when following this rule made a huge impact on the outcome of an event...

Prompt: The Rapture

2011-05-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

You know I'm going there.... What are your thoughts on this 'rapture' thing going on...?

Prompt: Book of Shadows

2011-05-12T00:22:00.000-07:00

Classic question for you guys this week...... What is your Book of Shadows (or Grimoire) like, if you even have one? What does it look like? What sorts of things does it contain? Is it completely handmade, or store-bought?

Feel free to include pictures, if you want.

Prompt: The Power of Thought

2011-05-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

A lot of people associate 'magic' with 'intention' and believe that ritual is just a way to bring that intention into reality. This is the power of thought.

How does the power of thought impact your beliefs and actions? Are you one that has accepted this power and use it daily? Or is it simply something that sits on the side lines until you need it?

How have you used the power of thought in the past to create your own reality? Or maybe you created your reality without realizing you were using the power of your thoughts?

Prompt: Beltane

2011-04-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend is Beltane or May Day. What do you do to celebrate?

Prompt: 'Green-washing'

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

With Earth Day coming up this weekend, I thought it appropriate to touch on the topic of 'green-washing'. Have you heard of it? What do you think of it? Have you been green-washed?

If you don't feel like blogging about that, here is an old Earth Day prompt.

Prompt: Beginning and Ending

2011-04-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

What is your belief on how life begins and ends?

This can apply to your own life, the whole of human existence, or the life of the planet we know as Earth - up to you.

No prompt this week

2011-04-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have to do this, but I am only 2 days away from my first craft show of the year (feels like my first real show ever), and I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off all week. Since I'm so busy, I totally have no idea where to come up with a new prompt for this week.

Fear not, however. There are plenty of older prompts to work with - just look at the list of topics on the side of the blog page. Plenty of things to spark your own blogging, I hope.

Hopefully after the show, I will find the time to write up a few week's worth of prompts and schedule them ahead of time. Sounds like a good time to ask for input again.....

So, do you have any suggestions? What would you like to see others blog about, pagan-wise?

Prompt: Magic

2011-03-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Define "Magic(k)"

What IS it? What does it mean to you? How can it exist? How does it work? What's with the extra 'k', anyhow?
Expound as you see fit.

Prompt: Symbols

2011-03-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

What symbols have meaning to you and your beliefs?

Are you a pentacle person? Or do you associate more with the Anhk of Ancient Egyptians? Maybe you feel more connected with some Native American symbols...?

Feel free to use pictures and explain why these symbols have meaning for you.

Prompt: St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T12:54:00.001-07:00

Ah, St. Patrick's Day - a day for pinching people not wearing green, drinking lots of green beer, eating corned beef with cabbage and potatoes....

But do you know why we even have this day? What's the story behind "saint" Patrick? How does it relate to us Pagans?

Explore this topic with a little research, then share your knowledge with the rest of us :) You might be surprised what you find....

Prompt: Volunteering

2011-03-10T01:04:00.001-08:00

Sometimes donating a little of your time can be spiritually rewarding... So I began wondering about other folks and how/why they volunteer....

Do you volunteer in your community? - If so, what is it you do?

Is there a religious or spiritual reason that you started doing it? Does that differ from why you still do it?

Prompt: Shopping

2011-03-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

When it comes to shopping for pagan items, or items that will be used in a pagan manner, where do you shop? Do you look for retailers that are geared toward the pagan community? Or would you rather find something simple from the discount store down the street?

Do you support any pagan-based small businesses? Do you even know of a pagan shop in your town?

Feel free to expand......

Prompt: Studying

2011-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

When studying paganism, or particular aspects of your chosen religion, how do you prefer to learn? Is this a thing for solitary study? Or are you the interactive learner that needs to connect with a group in order to fully understand?

I suppose this could lead to the Coven discussion, but I'm thinking of it less in the sense of practicing or worshiping, and more in the sense of learning and study.

So, how do you learn more about your religion, beliefs and chosen path?

Prompt: Gardening

2011-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

How does your garden grow?

It's time to start planning your garden for the summer... So I'm asking today about what you grow and how you grow it. Do you grow things to eat, for spiritual purposes, or simply for the beauty? Maybe you pick certain plants and flowers to appease the fairies, or perhaps you only grow herbs that you will use in your personal spiritual experiences.

Personally, this is the first year I'm really gardening... We've got a plot of the community garden, so we'll grow some tomatoes, bell peppers, peas, beans, carrots, garlic, onion, potatoes... maybe blueberries and hops... and here at home, we'll be trying a strawberry plant and a variety of herbs that we use on a regular basis. Nothing truly spiritual about the plans, but I'm sure the process of gardening will surely bring me closer to the Earth.

Prompt: Spring

2011-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

Another short-and-sweet one today....

How do you welcome Spring?

With Imbolc just past, we are anxiously awaiting the light's return... and we see little things each day that remind us that the warmth is coming back. So, how do you honor this part of the Wheel of the Year?

Prompt: Reincarnation

2011-02-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

Do you believe in Reincarnation?

I think I'm gonna leave it at that for this week. Leave it up to you to expand....

Prompt: Raising Children

2011-01-27T00:25:00.000-08:00

I myself am not a parent, so I'm not quite sure how to go about this topic.....

If you are a parent, what do you teach your children about Paganism and other religions? School-aged children surely have questions about other religions that they hear about from the kids at school - what do you tell them?

How are certain pagan aspects of your life entwined with what you teach your children about home life and interaction with nature?

I may not be asking the right questions, so wherever the topic of 'raising children in a pagan family' leads you to write, please share.

Prompt: Christian Paganism? Is it possible?

2011-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Personally, I know of at least one person that claims to be a Christian Pagan. While I don't really understand it, I find the thought of combining two religions into one rather intriguing. Especially when one of those religions practically hates the other....

Do you have any experience with Christian Pagan(ism)s? Or perhaps you yourself fall into this category? Please, enlighten us with your thoughts on this seemingly oxymoron combination.

Prompt: The Secret

2011-01-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of "The Secret"?

I have brought up the topic of The Law of Attraction in the past, but I thought I'd revisit it now, since lots of folks are working making changes in their life.

If you have heard of the Secret before, have you used it? Do you believe that YOU have the power to create your life? What experiences have you had that would encourage others to give it a try? Share your stories!

If you have not heard of the Secret before now, give the video above a few minutes of your time, and tell me that you are not intrigued... ;)

Prompt: Balance Between God and Goddess

2011-01-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

A lot of Pagan paths are Goddess-centered, sometimes seen as a rebuttal against the God-centered churches. But as Pagans, we also understand that balance in all areas of our life is important, and even necessary to our personal growth.

Today's topic is the balance between the God and Goddess in our own journey. Are you more attuned with the Lord or Lady? Do you follow a path that focuses on one more than the other? Or have you found a good balance between the 'two halves'?

Feel free to expound on this topic however you may felt lead. I look forward to seeing a wide array of responses... :)
BTW, Happy 2011 everyone!

Prompt: Resolutions

2010-12-30T01:11:00.000-08:00

Today, 30 December, is the end of Mercury's current retrograde period. Seems about right that we be setting new goals for ourselves, whether in the form of New Year's Resolutions or simply as results of the inner journey from the retrograde period.

So, feel free to share whichever you are comfortable with... Personal New Year's resolutions, goals for you and your projects, or steps you plan to take in your spiritual journey, in 2011 and beyond.

Prompt: Family and the Holidays

2010-12-23T01:19:00.000-08:00

The holidays can be stressful on most people, and I'm sure they can be even tougher when you hold beliefs that the rest of your family is not so fond of....

As you join with friends and family this Holiday season, how do you deal with differences in beliefs that may arise at gatherings? You might think "just don't bring it up", but what if someone else does?

Prompt: Yule Plans

2010-12-16T12:22:00.001-08:00

Yule is this coming Tuesday, 21 Dec. Have any plans yet? Ritual with friends/coven, or perhaps just a solitary night alone with your chosen deities?

If you don't get to this before Yule, feel free to share with us what you did this year.

Prompt: Ethics and the Economy

2010-12-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

We all know the economy is in a downward spiral as of late, and because of that, people have become willing to sell just about anything they can to make some extra money. While selling material goods is one thing, how do you feel about people that charge for spiritual services?

For example, does it make one a bad person if one sells Tarot or Palm readings to make ends meet? What about the folks who offer spiritual advice and guidance without divination tools, and charge for that service? Is this really a matter of ethics at all?

Prompt: Vegetarian...?

2010-12-02T01:40:00.000-08:00

How does being a Pagan affect your view on Vegetarians?

Does your love and respect for nature and living things lead you to stay away from meat? Or is it more based on the nature of the food processing that bolsters your distaste for meat?

If you are of the carnivorous branch of humans, does your Pagan view on life make you feel guilty at all? Does it affect the choices you make when you shop for meat in the store?

Prompt: Thanks-giving

2010-11-24T23:58:00.000-08:00

For those of us in the USA, today is Thanksgiving day. Sounds like a perfect time to consider what we are thankful for, what we have been blessed with, and how to show our gratitude.

Take a few minutes today to ponder this. Make a list, and watch how it grows. The more you realize that you are blessed with, the greater your blessings will become.

Prompt: Clothing Optional?

2010-11-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys! Lots of neat things I can work with, for sure.

One topic I saw repeat that sparked my interest as something we haven't really touched on yet was clothing...

How is your ritual clothing different from your daily wardrobe, if at all? Are you one to attend ritual skyclad (naked)? Why or why not?

Are there certain items you wear on a regular basis that are always present in your rituals (a necklace or ring, perhaps)? Does the energy of that item change for you?

Answer all or just some of those, if you like. Should be interesting... :)

Prompt: Your Sacred Space

2010-11-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

What is your sacred space like? Is it a permanent set up, or something you only create when you need it? What sorts of things do you need in order to make your space sacred? Is it an outdoor or indoor thing, or whenever and wherever you need it?

Feel free to share pictures, as well, if you like.

Looking for Input...

2010-11-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

First off, I'd like to start by saying a big "Thank you" for making this little blog project of mine worth it. Every time I log in and see comments to be moderated, I jump for joy that someone is (a) actually reading this, and (b) that you were actually inspired to write in response to the prompt. It is you guys that keep me going each week, even when I feel lost for a prompt.

Which brings me to my next point. I'm trying hard to avoid repeating myself too much in these prompts, but when I realized that I've been doing these prompts for over 1.5 years already, I knew it was time to get you guys in on the act again.

So consider this an open call for ideas. Anything you might want to write about, topics you may have covered on your own that others might want to explore, or just about anything related to this path we all travel that might be worth blogging about. Please, share any and all ideas, and I'll stash them away to be used in the weeks to come.

And don't think now is the only time to share ideas. If you come up with something 5 months from now, and I haven't asked for more input by then, by all means, come back here and post your ideas. I will surely see them and add to the list.

Thanks again for being here each week! Hope to keep this going for as long as possible.
~ Sunfire

Prompt: Finding Peace

2010-11-04T02:20:00.000-07:00

November 4th has been used as a day to blog about Peace for the last few years, thanks to Mimi Lenox and BlogBlast For Peace. So for this week's prompt, I'm asking you to blog for Peace.

What do you do to find and maintain peace in your life? What brings you peace? Better yet.....
What IS Peace?

Prompt: Samhain

2010-10-28T11:24:00.001-07:00

Samhain/Halloween is this weekend. What do you have planned?

Or if you prefer, tell us what Samhain means to you?

Prompt: Bullying

2010-10-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was designated as a day to wear purple in honor of stopping the bullying that goes on in school and online. If you have kids, how have you taught them to deal with other kids that make them feel bad?

If you don't have kids, how do you deal with bullies? Because even as adults, we have bullies around us at work or in community groups... and we all feel a little twinge of pain when someone says something hurtful...

Prompt: Guiding Words

2010-10-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Taken from reader suggestions:

Many people use the Wiccan Rede ("harm none" or some version of that) as a central tenet of their beliefs. What are some of the other phrases people use as a part of their faith? i.e. proverbs, sayings, etc.

So, tell us - besides the well known "Harm None", what other sorts of words and phrases do you use to guide your choices and decisions on your journey through this life?

Prompt: Divinity

2010-10-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

This week's prompt comes from the suggestion of one of our followers. See where it takes you in your blogging/journal-ing journey...

What is your view of divinity? i.e. monotheism, polytheism, duotheism, pantheism, etc.
How does your faith explain so many different cultural viewpoints?
What is your theory (they're all theories, technically) on how it all began?

Dig in!

Prompt: Major Illness

2010-09-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

With Breast Cancer month on the horizon, I'm lead to think about major illnesses... How can you maintain your spirituality when you are fighting something like cancer? If you've had an experience with it (either yourself or someone close to you), and you are comfortable, please share with us how your spirituality was involved or affected. If you've never experienced a major debilitating illness, feel free to contemplate the possibility, and perhaps even come up with a plan to uphold your spirituality should something happen....

Prompt: Mabon

2010-09-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

It's Mabon for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere... How do you celebrate? What does it mean to you?

For those that are celebrating the Spring Equinox, feel free to talk about that instead :)

Prompt: Autumn Altar

2010-09-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

This is an easy one for ya - share with us your altar as it looks for this season (autumn for most of us, spring for some). Photos with explanation, or just text, whichever you prefer. Let's see that creativity and magic!!

Prompt: Unwinding and Relaxing

2010-09-10T01:21:00.000-07:00

After a long week at work, or a stressful time between family members, how do you unwind and relax? Feel free to dream big, but also share what you actually do on a regular basis to clear your head and calm down.

Tonight, it's a little time away from the computer, spent talking with my honey and sipping some herbal tea....

Prompt: Harvest Season

2010-09-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year! The temperatures are cooling off, the smell of autumn is in the air, and the harvests are in full swing! This is my personal favorite time of year - the preparations for winter begin, the sense of 'lazy summer' is gone, and the cooler weather is conducive to snuggling :)

How does the change from summer to fall present itself in your life? What sorts of preparations are you making? Any plans for rituals or other events?

Prompt: Distractions

2010-08-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

I'm a few days late in posting this one.... almost a whole week, in fact. Seems I keep feeding my addiction (playing World of Warcraft), which distracts me from everything else in life.

What sorts of things distract you from your path? How do you deal with them?

Prompt: Forgiveness

2010-08-20T01:34:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness is something often very tough to dish out. But sometimes it is the only way to move on from a bad situation.

If you feel comfortable, share a story about forgiveness in your life, and how things are much better now because of it.

If you are not comfortable sharing a story, or you don't have one to share, discuss how forgiveness is part of your spiritual life.

Prompt: Goddess Image

2010-08-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Let your creativity and art skills shine today - share with us an image of what the Goddess looks like, to you. Whether it be something you've drawn yourself, or something you've found/put together online... then tell us why, or what she means to you.

Prompt: Connected

2010-08-06T02:08:00.000-07:00

How do you see each person on this planet as being connected, if at all?

Is there some unseen 'force' that holds us together? Or perhaps it is more like a 'web', and each person is a point on it. Or maybe, like myself, you feel that we are all different manifestations of the same universal Spirit...

Feel free to elaborate :)

Prompt: Global Change

2010-07-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

By now, we all agree that global climate change (I won't call it global warming) is a reality. Weather patterns have shifted, and extreme changes are happening everywhere.

What sorts of weather changes have you seen where you live? And how have these changes affected how you practice your spirituality?

Prompt: Inner Exploration

2010-07-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

A lot of problems can be dealt with by "looking deep within ourselves to find the answer".... but how does one actually do that? I mean, where do you start searching within?

This is something that bugs me personally - I am starting to wonder if it's just a way for people to nicely say "I don't have the answer so leave me alone"....

Prompt: Extreme Temperatures

2010-07-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

For a lot of Pagans, worship and rituals take place outside when at all possible. What about when the weather is just too hot or too cold to do anything outside? How do you connect with nature when you can't be out in it?

Prompt: Earth changes... Gulf oil spill

2010-07-09T02:17:00.000-07:00

How has the Gulf oil spill affected you, either on a spiritual or simply emotional level?
Do you live near it where you can see the effects daily? Or are the images in the news enough to affect you?
How have you dealt with this? Have you sent Reiki to the Earth for healing? Have you joined a group in a massive energy working?

This is your chance to vent about the whole thing, if you need to. It's also a chance to find a way to help....

Prompt: Daily Ritual

2010-07-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Do you have a ritual/meditation/affirmation that you do daily? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?

Prompt: Barefeet

2010-06-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

To some, bare feet is the most disgusting thing in the world. Most pagans, however, feel that going barefoot into nature is one of the most liberating things in this world.

Where do you fit on the barefoot spectrum? Is it a way to spiritually connect with the earth around you? Or is it simply functionality?

Prompt: Summer Solstice

2010-06-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

With the longest day of the year around the corner, what sort of plans do you have to celebrate the Summer Solstice? If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, how will you be recognizing the Winter Solstice?

Just a little maintenance...

2010-06-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

First off, I want to say thanks to Isabella of Seeking Sanctuary for giving us the Sunshine Award! Granted, she showered us with this award way back in April, and I'm just now getting around to seeing it. Shame on me for being so out of touch, but many thanks for recognizing this blog for what it does - inspire fellow bloggers with Pagan writing suggestions.

Secondly, I wanted to let everyone know that I have had to implement comment moderation. In the past few months, we've received a lot of spam comments on our prompt posts, and I've been negligent in deleting them. This morning, I spent some time reviewing old posts and deleting all of those annoying spam comments. Starting today, any comments to the blog will be moderated before posting, so don't worry if you don't see your post right away. I will be reviewing and approving comments daily to avoid the spam and encourage the rest of us.

One last thing from me today - if you have any suggestions for the blog, be it topics or anything else, please let me know. I want to make sure everyone enjoys it here and comes back regularly. Should I actively promote this blog to bring in new people? Or perhaps I should make the time to visit and comment on everyone's posts.... What do you think?

Prompt: Your Community

2010-06-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

While lots of Pagans prefer to work alone, they don't have to BE alone. Having a community of people around them that can provide guidance or even just support is important in keeping us on the right track.

What kind of community of people do you have around yourself? Perhaps a group online that you converse with on a regular basis, or maybe a few folks in your town that understand your spiritual path and find ways to encourage you.... Do you have a coven to work with? What about a local pagan store that you frequent and have made friends with some of the fellow patrons...?

Prompt: The Tarot

2010-06-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

Simple one this week:

Do you work with the Tarot? What do you think of this divination method?
Do you read for yourself, others, or both? Why?
What is the most valuable lesson the Tarot has taught you?

Prompt: Natural Remedies

2010-05-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

A lot of Pagans prefer to be closer to nature, and they do this by using Natural remedies and cures when they can.

What are some of your favorite natural remedies and cures that you like to use? Herbs, oils, or foods - any way that you avoid chemicals when trying to feel better and heal physically.

Prompt: Biking

2010-05-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

This week's prompt is a little less pagan-based than previous ones, but the subject is something dear to my heart.

See, May is National Bike Month, and the week of 17-21 May is "Bike-to-Work" week. And I am super keen on biking. In fact, it is my biggest contribution to the Earth's safety. It's not just about exercise for me, but also about One Less Car on the road.

So I ask this -
Is riding a bike a part of your life? Tell us about it.
Is it something special to you? Is it about exercise, transportation, or something more?

Prompt: Cause of Stress

2010-05-14T18:16:00.001-07:00

What sorts of things cause you stress, in your mundane as well as spiritual life? How do you deal with the stress - eliminate the cause, or simply find a way to deal with the stress?

[sorry for the late post - had trouble coming up with something]

Prompt: Dealing with Pain & Anger

2010-05-06T18:36:00.000-07:00

This one came from one of our readers and it seems to fit with my life right about now, so I thought I'd use it for this week. Feel free to embellish, and be sure to connect it to your spiritual/pagan side.

"How do you deal with pain/anger and those who hurt you? How do you handle the judgments of others?"

Prompt: Nurtured by Nature

2010-04-29T14:23:00.001-07:00

I had an amazing day yesterday - my boyfriend and I got out into nature for a while. Hiking and exploring trails that are in the hills at the edge of town. No rush to get anywhere, just time to be out in nature and rejuvenate our souls. The next day (today), I'm ready to tackle all those 'real-world' issues I've been neglecting and putting off.

Where do you go and what do you do to be nurtured by nature? When you just need to get away from everything, what place in nature do you visit to let go of your worries, and come back into your life? Pictures are welcomed and encouraged!

Prompt: Science and Belief

2010-04-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

Taken from an older Pagan blog, I thought this might be something worth thinking about....

"Does science play a role in your spiritual beliefs?
Does it compliment or contradict, and in what ways?"

Prompt: Weather

2010-04-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

How does the changing weather affect you, in a spiritual sense? Whether you are in the Northern Hemisphere and welcoming in Spring, or in the Southern half of the globe and preparing for winter... I'm sure there's got to be some changes going on in yourself that are obviously related to the weather.

Prompt: De-stressing

2010-04-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough week, at work and at home. You feel scattered and scrambled. How do you de-stress and recover? What is your favorite way to unwind and rejuvenate?