October is here! (A guide on shopping for the spookiest day of the year)

The leaves are turning color, the wind is starting to become colder, and the sunny days of yore are now replaced with cloudy days.  It's October of course, the biggest shopping time of the year for goths.  I'm sure you've noticed it by  now, shopping centers being overtaken by the creepy holiday, selling spooky trinkets to celebrate the coming of Halloween.  If you're like me, then a week (or more) before October first, you were antsy at the passing days, impatiently waiting for the best time of the year (and I don't mean Christmas).  The wait is over, and the time is now!  

But wait, what if you're new to the goth scene, and you don't know where to start?  Below, I have a few tips and tricks to help.  

1. Stay away from cheap products

    This includes anything that looks like it'll fall apart if handled too much (like cheap metals, etc...).  This can be frustrating, especially if you buy the said object for a hefty price, just to have it fall apart on you.  Some mass produced products (not just Halloween, but most products as a whole), are made of cheap materials, and sometimes will break easily.  Anything that looks like it will break if handled too much, stay away from, even if you have to spend a few dollars more to get the better made product.  It'll save you in the long run.  

2. Don't limit yourself to just Halloween stores

I can't tell you how many times I went to Kmart, or the dollar store, and found an accessory that I just had to have.  If you only shop at Halloween stores, then you are limiting yourself to the other possibilities of finding products that can either enhance your look, or give you new ideas.  I know what some of you are thinking.  "Kmart and most dollar stores only sell massed produce items, so why are you telling us to shop there, when you  just told us to stay away from products like that?"  Because, not all products that Kmart, and stores alike sell, are cheap.  There are a lot of cheesy looking costume pieces yes, but sometimes you can find a gem of an accessory to go with your outfit, or something that you can use.  You have to be willing to hunt, if you want to find them though.  

Also, not all Halloween stores sell five star products.  Some of it is mass produced anyway, which means no matter which store you go to, you'll have to hunt to find what you want, and not limiting yourself to just one store, you can find a better range of Halloween goodies.

3. Be Inspired

With any goth outfit, one must be inspired to make it work.  Always look for inspiration, especially around Halloween time.  If you're inspired around this time of year, the sky is the limit, and the accessories that you need, or are inspired to use, will be easier to obtain, and can really make your outfit pop.  With goth fashion, one should be inspired anyway (though I know it's hard sometimes.  I'm just starting to get inspired again myself), but even if you are in a bit of a fashion rut, going shopping for Halloween can be a fun way to become inspired.  

4. Fall is also a good time to shop for clothing

Besides shopping for the latest spooky Halloween accessories, fall is a great time to buy the essentials that any goth should have in their closet.  In the fashion world, goth will at times become popular among society, and fashion will draw inspiration from the dark subculture.  Sometimes it can be aggravating  seeing the subculture of darklings in the spotlight, and every trendy person striving to wear what goths have been wearing for decades, with no knowledge of the subculture.  However, this is the time of year that we have the clothing advantage.  It's a lot easier now to find clothes more suited for one's dark image, rather than having to buy off the internet, or go to specialty shops.  We can now go to a mainstream store, and find goodies that can even make Elvira squeal.

Another note:  When looking for clothing, try to find clothes and don't look like a costume.  It's important that you do this, because one of the things that set goths apart from goth  look a likes, is how well put together someone's outfit is, as shallow as that seems.  Now, that doesn't mean that you can't buy Halloween items anymore.  That is't what I'm saying.  What I am saying though, is that if you wear something that looks like a costume (or is a costume) as a goth outfit (especially when it's nowhere near Halloween), you won't be taken seriously, which may result in hurt feelings.  The less your outfit looks like a costume, the better you'll be put together.  So, what I am saying is that if you are looking to do some shopping for your gothy closet, stick to clothing that look like...clothing, and stay away from pieces that look like costumes.

5. Have fun

Above all else this October, have as much fun as you can.  Halloween is a celebration of not only dressing up and getting candy, but also the wiccan new year.  I urge you on your adventures of shopping, don't forget to laugh and have fun with the holiday.  Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!

So, you want to be a Neowiccan? (Neowiccan for beginners)

So, somewhere down the line, you stumbled upon paganism.  After some thought, you decided that you wanted to become involved with it.  That's all well and good, but where does one start?  One doesn't simply 'become' one over night, and for some, it takes quite some time to fully understand what the hub bub is about.  For my first official post about Neowicca, I introduce to you a beginner's guide to the craft.  Even if some of you are reading this out of curiosity, or just for knowledge purposes, I'm ecstatic that people want to read more about it.  Hopefully this will shine some light and stop some of the misunderstandings that surrounds this religion.

1. Wicca and Witchcraft aren't the same thing!

"Wait, what?  Witchcraft and Wicca aren't the same thing?"  No, it's not.  Eventhough wiccans do practice witchcraft, it's not the definition of wicca, but only part of it.

Wicca:  

1. Contemporary paganism, nature based religion, warshipping the god and the goddess (or in some cases, whichever gods/goddess' the participation would like)

2. Incorporates the practice of witchcraft

Neowicca:

1. Non traditional wicca, also known as Eclectic Wicca.  Because most people can't become wiccan, due to not being initiated into a coven, nor have any wiccan lineage, they often take teachings form other pagan sources.  One of those sources are wiccan books that follow the outer court, non oathbound teachings of wicca (Scott Cunningham books).

witchcraft:

1. The art of practices of sorcery and magic

2. Magical influence, witchery (For a quick guide on what witchcraft is and isn't, please refer to my much earlier post: Real Witchcraft).


Now that we've settled what Neowicca is, and what witchcraft is, let's talk about why witchcraft is important to Neowicca.  Neowiccans have a deep appreciation for nature, and lets face it, Neowicca and witchcraft goes hand in hand.  But why?  Well, this is when it gets complicated.  Everyone has their own reason why they are attracted to this religion, as well as practice witchcraft.  I would hope that the people who dabble, are doing it for the right reasons (although that's not always the case).  Most Neowiccans however, practice witchcraft as a form of helping others, along to empower themselves, and others.  It has nothing to do with revenge, nor being a unique snowflake.     

2. Neowicca Practices

Besides witchcraft, there is a lot to Neowicca.  First things first, Neowicca is about studying, not having 'special powers'.  A little anti climatic?  Well, it's true, everything that most people know about Neowicca is wrong, and the sooner we get over that, the better we'll be off.  Next, let's decide if you want to be solitary, or accepted into a coven.  Either way, it will still require to study, and to learn about Neowicca/the craft as often as you can.  It's almost like doing a bible study, if we want to get technical (only we study our book of shadows, or Neowiccan books).

The reason why we study so much, is because when doing spells or rituals, everything ties in together.  If you know which moon phase, day, or even planetary hour to cast a spell, it can have a lot more positive effect on your spell, verses casting them with no direction.  As they say, 'knowledge is power' and the more you know in this case, the more informed you are, which means that you can strive for accuracy.  I suggest to do a lot of research about Neowiccan holidays, moon phases (moon and month correspondence), days of the week, planetary hours, herbs, etc.  Remember, part of Neowicca is working you bum off, and there is no short cuts.  It's like what Yoda said, "Do or do not, there is no try."

When working with the craft, one must also know code of ethics, or the wiccan creed.  The wiccan rede is like our ten commandments, they help guide us on how to use our knowledge, in a constructive way.  The biggest rule, is to harm none.  It's self explanatory, but if you want to get down and dirty, it means don't hurt anyone while performing a spell, or ritual.  Another rule to keep in mind, is that whatever you send out, comes back to you, three fold.  It simply means that if you have negative intent when you perform a spell, then that negativity comes back you times three.  However, if you send out positive intent, then that comes back to you times three.

If you want to read more about the wiccan rede I suggest this: Wiccan Rede.  For more about the history, I suggest this: Wicca Information.

Last thing, before we move on.  Reincarnation.  Wiccans don't believe in a Heaven or Hell, but in reincarnation.  Reincarnation is basically when someone dies, their soul, or spirit, is reborn, and they live another life, without remembering their other lives (unless past life regression takes place, but I'll explain that later).


3. God and Goddess (and others)

When talking about Neowicca, it's hard to agree on which god or goddess to follow.  Mainly Neowiccans follow the horned god, and moon goddess, but there are exceptions.  Neowiccans believe in other gods too, which is why some covens will warship Zeus  some will warship Diana, and it goes on from there.  It really depends on what you want to do.  I know people who are atheist, who practice witchcraft and Neowiccan ways, and I know people who warship more than one god.  I also know people who choose to warship the Christian god, and his son, Jesus.  There are no wrong answers here, but I were you, I would research thoroughly, then go with whichever one seems to fit your belief most. 


4. Tools

Because this is a beginners guide, I must mention tools (or at the very least, tell a little about them).  Some of them are a no brainer, and some of them you might not use an awful lot.  These are just the basic, everyday alter tools.  For other tools, you can find them at the store, or in nature, but I'm only going to list the alter tools.  I might write another post later, more in depth, about alter tools, and ritual tools.

A brief word about alters.  Neowiccans use the same tools as initiated wiccans.  Like most things in wicca, your wiccan alter is sacred, and a space for you to express yourself with the craft. It's best to personalize this space, instead of buying a store bought, or copying from other people.  With wicca, everything is about personalizing.  Also, with your alter, you can decorate it for the seasons, as well as the wiccan holidays.  Just don't forget when decorating, alters area  sacred space for your craft, and should be treated with respect.  Nothing besides wiccan items should be allowed on it, and it should always be well taken care of.

Athame:  A ritual knife, used to direct energy (casting circles).

Candles:  Are one of the most important tools for when casting spells.  The colors represent which type of spell you're casting, and can empower your spells.  Using candles to represent directions, or to invoke the god and goddess (or whomever you choose to warship), are placed on your alter.

Chalice:  It's usually used for ceremonial drink, an offering to the gods, or holding salt water.

Deities:  Statues of a god for your alter.  Placing it on your alter makes it a little more sacred, with the statue watching over it.

Pentacle:   Offers protection during magical work.

Stones/Crystals:  Boosts up a spells power, and can bring earth energy to your alter.

Book of Shadows: Your own sacred text (and something else you need to personalize).  It holds your knowledge, your teachings, your spells, everything.

What I have up there are just the basics.  If you want a more in depth explanation, then read this: Tools


5. Holidays

I'm just going to list the major holidays, I won't go too much in depth about them.  This would need another post (or rather, posts), all it's own.  So for now, I'll just list them and their dates.

Samhain (Halloween): October 31st, pagan new year, honoring the dead, cleansing and releasing.

Yule (Christmas): December 21st, rebirth, life triumphs over death.

Bridgid (Imbolic): February 2nd, purification, initiation, dedication.

Eostara (Easter): March 21st, conception, regeneration, new beginnings.

Beltane (May Day): May 1st, passion that fuels life, joy, fertility.

Litha (midsummer): June 21st, transition, and planning.

Lammas (Lughnasadh): August 1st, gratitude, abundance, fruition.

Mabon (Thanksgiving): September 21st, giving thanks, reflection.



And there you have it, an introduction for Neowicca.  I'll most likely post a much bigger, longer explanation for each of these topics, and more at a later date.  Thank you all who read this monster of a post, I sure hope this was helpful, and insightful.  My point with this article, being that there is more to Neowicca than meets the eye.  It's been a mysterious religion, but with more books being published about the subject, the rumors are starting to be put to rest, so to speak.  I hope to also get others to understand that wicca doesn't mean any harm, nor do we want to convert anyone into evil cults.  Neowiccans are simply misunderstood people, who like in most religions, just want people to tolerate their practices, and have a little respect.

Labels, labels, labels!

Exactly what the title says, the dreaded word that no person, young or old wants to hear.  Labels.  At least one point in our life (most likely when you were in middle, or high school), you have been labeled something, either positive, negative, or part of a certain group.  Most likely, you weren't thrilled when the said person came up with that conclusion, and tried to explain (or argue) about that person's findings.  On the other foot, you have at lest labeled someone at least one time, with the result being the same, if not worse, than when you were labeled.  

Before you go on saying that you've never, or have never done such a thing, you have.  Everyone has.  You've labeled someone, I've labeled someone, and that cranky old lady down the street has labeled someone.  Anyone that says that they have truly never labeled someone, is either telling a lie, or isn't aware that they had.  Now, the point of this article isn't to simply just say 'everyone labels'.  There is actually a hidden meaning why we do this.  

As a society, we have a 'herd' mentality, where we are use to a common norm, and anything outside of that norm, could be seen as dangerous.  This is due to humanity's primitive ancestors.  A way how they decided if something was safe or not, is if it followed their social norms.  If something didn't follow the herd, then they avoided it at all cost, since it could potentially harm them.  With that being said, we still do this, for fear of danger.  This in turn, caused us to come up with 'boxes' to put certain types of people in, or label them, to be part of a group, or stereotype.  Bottom line, we use it as a short way to 'get to know' people, without having to actually talk to them.  We can guess what they like, or how they act, just by looking at them, labeling them to a group, or stereotype, and decide if we really want to interact with that person.

Don’t get stereotypes confused with labeling.  Instead of placing someone with a group of people (either right, or way wrong), stereotypes stamps a negative image on a person, or group of people.  One of the more known goth stereotypes, is that all goths are warship the devil. 

"But shouldn't you get to know the person, before judging them?"  Yes, that's the ideal way of politely getting to know someone, and it's very much encouraged.  However, there is another question I would like to ask:  

If you join a specific group, would you choose to be labeled as part of that group?  

I ask this question, because I believe that in this case, then it would be ok to label someone.  I'm not ashamed to be labeled as a goth, or wiccan, because that's what I am.    I'm both of those things, and me getting upset over the fact that someone labeled me as such, would be pretty stupid.  If someone stereotyped me, then I would hold offense.  This is especially true, if it's something extreme, like the whole 'all goths cut themselves' song and dance.

What I'm trying to say is, if you a join a group, embrace the label with confidence.  Be aware that labels aren't always a bad thing, especially if it's something that you identify with, or that feels like you.  

Goth: An ambiguous definition

What is goth?  You've heard this question thousands of times, asked by baby bats, and non goths alike.  You've also heard just as many different definitions, given by different goths.  Why so many different definition for goths?  Because goth in itself is ambiguous.  Everyone has their own definition for what goth is, and isn't.

The Core of Goth

If you ask the ever so famous, what is goth question, you'll get a million different answers, with a few key points, where most, if not all goths agree on.

1. Goth Music

2. Goth Fashion

3. Goth Art/Literature

These three topics are half of the answer to 'what is goth'.  The other half, comes form everyone's thousands of ambiguous definitions.  What I'm getting at, is you can have your own definition of goth.  I understand what you're thinking, How do I know what is goth, and what isn't?  If I seen someone famous, like Snookie dressed in all black, my first thought wouldn't be goth.  My first thought would be Are you kidding me?  and roll my eyes at the sight.  Wearing all black doesn't make you goth.  If you have a deep appreciation for the darker side of life, then yes, I would say that is goth.  

This is a hard subject to I guess explain somewhat, with so many different definitions, and all of them right.  I don't want to say that goth is what you make of it, but at the same time, it's true.  If you think that part of goth is wearing fishnets and you like them, go for it.  Remember, you don't have to like strictly things that are viewed as goth.  Like I said, goth has an ambiguous definition, and it gets confusing.  Also, don't let elitists bring you down.  There are sticklers like that in every subculture, including the mainstream.  Have fun with it, and be true to yourself.        

Anti-Goth Grant (did I read that right?)

Yesterday was the first I've heard of this from Stripy Tights and Dark Delights.  I have to say, I'm both shocked (maybe not that much), and disappointed that people would actually agree to give a grant for Anti-Goths.  I mean, how are they suppose to battle goth?  Break out the US military, and try to 'kill' it off, like a giant, rampaging monster?  

The Anti-Goth Grant Ends

This baffles me, really!  To ask the US government for money to combat a harmless subculture, or even the idea of goth, is just silly.  It would be like asking the government for a loan to combat against Trekkies (a fan of Star Trek).  It can't be done!

One good thing did come out of this though.  Now instead of battling goth, the people of Blue Springs are aiming towards goth acceptance (better late than never).  I really hope it works out for them, and maybe change a few minds about the negativity that surrounds goth sometimes.

   

The Halloween goth costume debate

I know a few blogs have already touched on this subject, but I felt like writing about it.  There have been a lot of talk about how during Halloween, non goths will dress like goth as a costume.  The amount of people hurt by it, and the amount who are alright with it, seems to be split right down the middle, with a small percentage on the fence.

Against it: 

I can see why one would roll their eyes when a non goth is walking down the street during Halloween, dressed to the nines in goth wear.  What a goth wears everyday isn't a costume, it's them expressing their fashion sense.  Having a non goth wear something that a goth would wear everyday for Halloween, can stir up some hurt feelings.  

The main point of this argument, is that if a goth would to dress in American Eagle clothing for Halloween, and explain to people that it was a costume, non goths would feel offended and hurt that someone would be wearing their fashion like a joke, or think that the goth is making fun of them.  Now, if a non goth did the same to a goth, the goth would feel the same way, and feel like the non goth was making fun of their way of life. 

Ok with it:

On the other hand, many goths feel that everyone has the right to dress how they want to, even if it means to dress goth for Halloween.  No one wants to be the costume police, and no one wants to get told what costume they should wear, or how to wear it.  Is the non goth going to ruin Halloween, just because they are dressed like a goth?  Most likely not.  It's Halloween, and one shouldn't let what another person is wearing, ruin their time. 

My two cents:

I'm on the fence with this one.  I can see both sides of the debate, and why it can be an issue.  I do agree that what I wear on an everyday basis, isn't a costume, but how I express myself.  However, I also agree that everyone should have the right to wear whatever they want to.  

Something to consider is that some people like to wear costumes of a certain profession.  If someone wears a nurse costume, it doesn't necessarily mean that they are making fun of nurses.  Some people like the sexy factor, and others might wear the costume because they respect them, or even wanted to be one at one time.  Another thing is during Halloween, goth is accepted, and even encouraged.  Maybe someone felt like they want to be goth, but are afraid of what their friends and family will say, so they wear a goth costume for Halloween, and that way they can be what they want, without getting judged.  On the other hand, maybe someone isn't a goth, but has an appreciation for the subculture, so during Halloween, they dress in a goth costume, to show their appreciation.  There are a lot of factors to why a non goth would dress goth for Halloween, and not all of them have something to do with making fun of the subculture.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I agree that everyone has the right to wear whatever costume they want for Halloween, without persecution, or ridicule, even if their wearing something that you don't agree with.

     

Goth things I could never got into

I've been busy as of late, so sorry I haven't posted.  For this segment, I will talk about the goth things that I didn't get into and why.  

At some point when one is involved with the goth subculture, they find things that they like and dislike about it.  It's ok not to like everything about goth, and it in no way makes you any less of one.  This is very well explained in Darling Violetta's blog (which I recommend everyone to read).  Thanks to her, I decided to write this entry. 

1. Corsets

I know, it's a shocker.  I do not like wearing corsets.  I don't like how it's snug on my body, and how constricting it can be.  Yes, they make my figure look nice, but I can't handle the tight fabric around my body.  Corset tops like the ones from Tripp, I like because it's not too clingy,  but still tied like a corset.  Maybe if I wore a corset that was better fitting to my body, then I could get use to wearing one.

2. High Heels

I like a good pair of Too Fast heels like any other person.  However, they are the most uncomfortable things that I have ever worn.  I have no idea how women can wear them, to be honest.  I do like the heel's designs, but if they don't support my feet, and if I have way too many issues walking in them, then sadly, I can't wear them.

3. Dreadfalls

I have nothing against people who wear dreadfalls.  I like the colors and how they can make an outfit pop.  I just never gotten into wearing them myself though.  It's a case where other people look good in them, but I don't think I do, and that's why I never wear them.

4. Bustle Skirts

I like the victorian goth look, and I really like some of the skirts with the ruffles.  I'm not too fond of the bustles though.  As a woman with wide hips, a bustled skirt will make my hips and bum the main focus of my outfit, and I'm not too thrilled about that.  So, I like to avoid these as much as possible.

5. Newer Horror Movies

As a fan of the horror genre, I have to say that a lot of the newer movies have been lacking in plot, but have been engrossing in gore.  I miss the older, classic movies, where the plot was at least somewhat original, and the gore wasn't the main focus.  With the CGI tech, it seems that a lot of people just want the awesomely new graphics, instead of a nice, solid, storyline.  Actually, I remember watching The Future of Fear on Chiller, and they said their opinions about over using CGI in horror movies.  I have to say, I agree with them.  If you use too much CGI in a movie, the movie looks fake, and distracts the viewer from what's going on.  If they use a mix of CGI and old school special effects, the movies won't be overly fake, but appear to be real (even if some of the elements are obviously fake).  

6. Poetry

I'm probably going to get a lot of eye rolling for this, but I'm not that much into poetry.  I absolutely hate writing it for one.  Everytime I try to attempt at a decent poem, I write it, then when I go to read it, I cringe at how depressing it sounds (eventhough I don't remember putting anything remotely like that in it).  I do however, like to write Haiku, and I do well in that.  But writing a decent, non Haiku poetry, is not within my talents.  

7. Spiders

I really hate the feeling of something crawling on you, and spiders are no exception.  I don't mind spiders, but they're not my favorite things either.  I like to wear spider jewelry.  I really love my earrings of a black spider.  However, I have a fear of spiders, and if I feel something crawl on me, I get weirded out, not to mention lots of goosebumps.  So, I don't see myself owning a tarantula anytime soon.   

8. Drawn on eyebrows

This is a case of to each their own.  I don't think I would look good with drawn on eyebrows.  There are a lot of pictures of goths who look wonderful with drawn on eyebrows.  I just know that it's not right for me, and think that I would look horrid with them on.