Silent Rituals

I learned of silent rituals while attending Emunimon(please correct me, I am suspecting I’m misspelling it) a Maryland Pagan expo/workshops in 1998 or 1999. It was nice enough of the expo to provide ASL interpreters when I asked! I looked through the schedule of workshops and I thought ‘Silent Ritual’ sounded intriguing. I attended the workshop and I immediately knew it was ideal for deaf pagans! This activity includes mime, gesturing, facial expressions and body language. It can be used anywhere, from the private home to public hotels and no one would be the wiser! The ritual does not require any tools but your own imagination.

How does it work? Pagans would know the opening ritual in which one set up a circle. Now, do it without ANY tools. Visualize the tools in your hands, imagine they are in your hands or at your feet. You can visualize the circle developing as you draw it. Elements can be ‘shaped’ with your imagination as you call upon them. I use the sign “Fire” in a musical style for the element fire; gesture crumbles of dirt breaking down and falling from my hands referring to Earth; move as if the wind was dancing with me for Air and visual Water as waves blowing upon me, all as like I am writing a poem in motion. That’s the intention of silent ritual. I know how often pagans could run forth and back trying to find specific candles, certain cauldrons, right herbs, etc for rituals they may have in mind. It can be an headache, especially if you do not have tools right now or that you’re at a place that you feel you couldn’t practice your religion in public. Gods know there are people that get frightened seeing a dagger next to a cauldron and wonder, ‘what is all this for??!” The ritual reduces the potential over-reaction of anyone who may come upon the activity. Don't have to collect this candle, this bowl, that knife, that jewelry...it's just all the body and imagination that is needed for the silent ritual.

I would love to do a video to give examples what silent rituals could look like but I don’t’ know anyone who has a camcorder. Sorry!

Cadbury eggs, your name is LOVE.

I have to make a confession. I do have an addiction. If this item is available, I'd grab all I can get and afford. When it's not available, I crawl up the walls and whine. It is.... CADBURY EGGS.

The friends know me too well to the point that if I say I have "some" eggs, it means I have 30-48 eggs somewhere hidden in my place. So I'd NOT have to share 'em. When the Easter season ends, I'd go to stores all over to find last eggs! When all eggs run out, I'd stalk them out on internet at online stores, especially London-located stores (since cadbury eggs are available year-long there!)

According to those friends, they are waiting for me to pop out cadbury bunnies anytime. "Cadbury muncher" "Cadbury lick" "Cadbury Addict" "Eggsucker" are some of the nicknames they have for me especially during Easter time and when I would confess I have eggs.

I found this blog and when I read the article, I went "YES! That's how it is for me too!!!!" http://www.patrickmaloney.net/?p=798 For him/her, it'd come out in Febuary but it's January for me. I'm like "nah, nah, nah!! I got 'em earlier!!
Although I SHOULD admit.... (and if friends read this, they're gonna come here and stalk those poor eggs to remove)..I got a package of 48 eggs from an online store in late December. SHHHHHH.

Before folks wonder "doesn't she gain weight eating those over-dosed sugar-rush eggs??" Weird enough, no. I could eat six eggs a day and not gain an ounce. I believe it is because I walk, use excerise bike and eat healthy meals (beside the candy.) Do I ever get sick of them? Yes. It DOES happen but it also doesn't stop me buying more eggs. It's like as I said...an addiction. Someone compared cadbury eggs to heroin addiction- more you resist, more you crave it.

:::peeling a foil off the egg::: Savoring and munching on the chocolate cover::::licking the white creme::: Wot? I'm not finished! All I can say in my defense is..I don't smoke. I don't drink. I don't use drugs. I don't even drink coffee daily. So let me have my vice and it's more healthier! (I think.)

Have a good cadbury creme egg!!

Aspirations encouraged by an encounter with a Deaf teacher.

When I read the article about Susan Elliot, I wasn't surprised about her accomplishments. She was one of teachers I had while I was in high school. Damned proud of her!

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/news_columnists/article/0,1299,DRMN_86_5319432,00.html

I grew up with the belief that once deaf persons become adults, they are put somewhere or put to sleep. (Odd thought, I know) But that belief was because I NEVER had seen a DEAF ADULT as a child and even in adolescene. So it was all a mystery to me. Susan Elliot was the first deaf adult I had ever encountered. I'm telling you, worlds opened to me when I met her! I asked her about her schooling, colleges, her goals (teaching.) She was a spark of life; you could say she brightened any room she comes in. I was there when she found out she would get the US West teacher award. Reporters came to the high school to talk with her and I realized then there that if she can be successful, so can deaf people! I found hope blooming within me.

I didn't stay with her all day in the deaf classroom because I was too advanced in education. I attended classes with interpreters but I saw her everyday, especially when it was time for homeroom. She was there when I had flashbacks of a childhood trauma; I started seeing a counselor with her encouragementand her pushing my mother to let me see a deaf counselor, no less! Another deaf adult!

I was aspiring to be a teacher like her. Knowing that deaf adults do live and that they can be successful, I joined the drama club, the biology club, the Future Teachers organization and debate club. I set up plans to go to college and I was accepted. It was then when I found out I don't like kids! Hahaha! I do like them but not enuff to teach them! I wasn't sure. It was when I remember the deaf counselor. I admit, it took years before I realized that mental health was right for my career after I worked at two organiations working with deaf clients with mental disorders! What can I say? Better late than never!

Nevertheless, it was Susan Elliot (thro I knew her with a previous last name, what do you expect..she was a Miss, not a Mrs when I met her!) that encouraged me to dare to DREAM. To KNOW that I can be successful. To realize that I can help people (thro in a different path than hers.) Thanks, Susan!