Tuesday, June 29, 2010

What is a Pagan?

Labels can be misleading, hurtful and unfair. The term Pagan is from the Latin word paganus, an adjective originally meaning "rural", "rustic" or "of the country." A Paganus was a country dweller or villager in the eyes of the three largest, organized faiths. Both pagan and heathen have historically been used as a label by those who follow Judaism, Christianity and Islam to indicate a disbeliever of their religion.

Today, Pagans enjoy freedom to follow and practice their faith in the manner most comfortable and meaningful to them. Being a Pagan is a blanket term for many faiths like Historical Polytheism (such as Celtic polytheism, Norse paganism, and Hellenic Polytheistic Reconstructionism also called Hellenismos), Folk/ethnic/Indigenous religions (such as Chinese folk religion and African traditional religion), and Neopaganism (such as Wicca and Germanic Neopaganism).

Yes, it IS confusing, but there are specific names for different faiths, just like Catholic and Protestants are Christian...then Wicca and Native Americans are considered Pagans. Labels, that's all the words are...Labels. It is the deeds, history and the people of a faith that should be considered, not a label.

If you ask any Pagan what the word means to them, you may be surprised to hear many different definitions. People will express themselves in unique ways and their faith is an expression of their inner soul. So leave the labels on the jar of peaches and try to reach out with your heart to understand what is new to you.

For centuries, Gypsies, Pagans, Wiccans and others have had to bear terrible repercussions as other developing faiths tried to strip the "villagers" from their personal beliefs. Now is a time of mending, to live side-by-side in the light and forget the past grievances. Each soul has a right to choose how to reach Summerland or wherever you desire to find peace. Blessed Be )O(

Friday, June 11, 2010

Welcome to Irish Gypsy's Parlor

Welcome to my Irish Gypsy's Parlor...

My name is Chérie Angélique de Sues and my family was cursed by my great, great, great, great grandmother who was dragged through the streets of Paris and burned at the stake as a practicing gypsy-witch.

As she succumbed to the flames, she cursed her daughter-in-law who betrayed her that no de Sues male who married a Catholic bride would bear sons. After many generations and barren, son-less Catholic brides, I am the last of the de Sues name. The curse held true and so began my interest in the Wiccan-Gypsy heritage that is mine.

Irish Gypsy's Parlor will introduce characters from my novels. Ghosts, werewolves, Wiccans and Gypsies who walk by night. A realm of dreams, fortunes and shapeshifters. No one is quite safe, even in the parlor.

So keep scrolling down into the abyss of sexy excerpts, spells, omens, my families Book of Shadows and be enchanted...

May truth shine on you,
Chérie Angélique de Sues

Thursday, June 10, 2010

A fourth page to Irish Gypsy's Parlor

I'm thrilled with the wonderful comments on my newest blog & website, Irish Gypsy's Parlor. I used this blog name because I'm am a creature of tradition. I'm Irish/Gypsy and my grandmother would take me into her magickal "parlour" to teach me Wiccan Ways... I never thought years later I'd be at the computer and sharing the ancient Book of Shadows and family recipes for success with White Magick. The newest page is just that, Family Book of Shadows, recipes to help you with everyday stress and fix things that become less than ideal in your life. I am a firm believer that you can get what you want, have it your way and make everyone happy in the process with your decisions. A strong woman is no secret in Wicca, we were the chosen, the ones in tune with nature. I hope you enjoy the blessings of our world.
Blessed Be, Cherie

Sterling Silver Diamond Cut 5 Point Star Pentagram Ring, size 9

Friday, June 4, 2010

The Pagan & The Pen

CH Scarlett is a wonderful author and owner of The Pagan & The Pen. This blog is so much more, as authors, artists and other talented people have pooled their experience. I've joined them and will be writing a monthly, maybe bimonthly column and adding more as time permits. I'm half Wiccan and half Gypsy, this intriguing blog explains the pagan lifestyle, holidays and offers ways to be at peace with yourself and the planet. This appeals to me on so many levels. I'm drawn to talented people; musicians, artisans and writers for their ability to see outside the box. To be able to see the world in a different perspective and not belittle anyone else for their beliefs. I hope you'll join me on June 20th where I'll be talking about the Summer Solstice that will happen on June 21st this year. I plan to participate in a celebration on Summer Solstice so the day before worked for me. See you there!