Author: Sister Bridget Corfield

  • Earthing.

    Have you ever heard of “Earthing”? Up until 2 days ago, I had not. I happened to notice a link to an article as I scrolled through my Twitter feed.  Turns out, it is basically the practice of connecting with the Earth, and feeling better.  Sounds pretty simple, right? Admittedly, when time and weather permit, and I get to spend time in my back yard, sitting on the ground under my favorite tree, I do feel happier, calmer, more relaxed. And naps under said tree, well, they are the best. I got to wondering if there might be any evidence to back up the article I had read, and I did uncover some interesting reading. I tried to provide links to full text articles, so you could read for yourselves if you so desired.

    This is a link to a pdf of an introductory article on Earthing  co-authored by Dr Oschman.

    http://74.63.154.231/here/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/understanding_earthing.pdf The conclusions

    ”Earthing reduces every measure of stress we have used in our studies.”

    ’The most important health benefit of Earthing is providing the body with abundant electrons from the Earth. The scientific research and hypotheses related to Earthing point to a major impact on the inflammatory process as a result of this electron transfer.”

    “We do not describe Earthing as a "treatment" or a "cure" for any disease or disorder. Instead, it can be said without any equivocation that the human body evolved in contact with the Earth and needs to maintain this natural contact in order to function properly.”

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3576907/ Links to a study which you can read for free on Pub Med Central that states there “were measurable decreases in cardiovascular risk factors after 2 hours of grounding.” However, for you science minded folks, the sample size for this study was 10.

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15650465 “Results indicate that grounding the human body to earth ("earthing") during sleep reduces night-time levels of cortisol and resynchronizes cortisol hormone secretion more in alignment with the natural 24-hour circadian rhythm profile. Changes were most apparent in females. Furthermore, subjective reporting indicates that grounding the human body to earth during sleep improves sleep and reduces pain and stress.”

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265077/ A pretty comprehensive review article on the subject, not terribly long and the full text is available for free. The conclusion —  “The research done to date supports the concept that grounding or Earthing the human body may be an essential element in the health equation along with sunshine, clean air and water, nutritious food, and physical activity.”

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21856083 “Earthing generates immediate changes in electroencephalography (EEG), surface electromyography (SEMG), and somato-sensory evoked potentials …..Earthing significantly influences on the electrical activity of the brain. “

    I think the statement that struck me most was this:

    “the human body evolved in contact with the Earth and needs to maintain this natural contact in order to function properly”

    Seems so simple and so true.  Naturally, there is a commercial element that has cropped up to help “promote” this practice. Earthing shoes, sheets, chairs, matts, etc. To me, adding more “stuff” seems to defeat the whole idea, which seems pretty simple – Go out and connect with the Earth!  

    I am glad that I clicked on that link in my Twitter feed J I think I know a little more than I did a couple days ago. And the next time I nap under my favorite tree, I will feel a little less guilty when I wake up.

    Love

    Sister Bridget

  • Follow Mambo Sam and I on Instagram!

    Morning!

    With so many social media outlets available these days, sometimes I get a little overwhelmed.  One outlet that I still find really fun and easy is Instagram 🙂

    Both Mambo Sam and I use Instagram. We post pictures not just of our magickal life, but of all of our life – family, friends, pets, nature, etc. Things we find cool!  It is a way you can get to know us better, or just enjoy some neat pictures!

    Follow Mambo Sam on Instagram -  @samanthacorfield

    Follow me on Instagram – @sisterbridgetcorfield

    Check out some of my rosaries – @griffonageboutique

    Love

    Sister Bridget

     

     

     

     

  • Coconut Sweet Potatoes.

    Hey there!

    Every once in a while I come across a recipe that just screams PAPA LEGBA to me 😉 And since we are coming into the season where sweet potatoes are everywhere,  I have a feeling this might be something that he would enjoy. Actually, I think just about anyone would enjoy this, it is just yummy! I made a batch using uncanned sweet potatoes, and it was quite delicious.  I just baked it a little bit longer than what is listed below. Warm, southern style comfort food. If you try it, post a comment here on my blog and let us know what you think 😉

    Light and Love

    Sister Bridget

    Coconut Sweet Potatoes.

    • 3 (16-ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained
    • 1/2 cup sugar
    • 1/4 cup milk
    • 2 Tablespoons butter
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
    • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
    • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
    • 3 Tablespoons flour
    • 3 Tablespoons melted butter

    TO PREPARE:

    Combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, 2 Tablespoons butter, eggs and vanilla in a bowl.  Mash until blended. Spoon into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Combine the coconut, pecans, brown sugar and flour in a bowl and mix well.  Stir in 3 Tablespoons melted butter. Spread over the sweet potatoes. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until light brown and bubbly.

     

    Images4

  • New Orleans Red Witch Candle

    Hi!

     

    I am taking today to say a few words here about one of my FAVORITE candles – The New Orleans Red Witch!

     

    A little background first.

     

    The New Orleans Red Witch love candle is something that is used to acquire either new love or help rekindle an old love. It is a milder candle that is based on what was once known as "crimson witch magick." The Crimson Witch was supposedly once a real person (early 1800's) who did witchcraft to save marriages, get those girls or guys
    who had no real prospects a relationship, etc. She was purported to be a kind old lady interested in bringing happiness to others. Interestingly enough, the legend goes that she never married having lost her own true love to some kind of accident.

     

    This candle can be used for a variety of things. For a new case, a case in progress, any love situation where you want to lend a slightly softer, loving energy too. Not a power or control candle (along the lines of the Famous Red Mummy) the feelings from this candle are softer and  sweeter. Use the candle with one of your Gris Gris bags from any of the love spells. After beginning your session, chant a bit with your Gris Gris bag, then chat a bit or concentrate on what you are hoping to achieve.

     

    This candle is a lunker! A bit bigger and heavier than the Famous Red Mummy candle. What does that mean? It means you can get MANY MANY sessions from just one candle. The Red Witch candle does come in a three pack for Mind Body Spirit, just like all our other candles. The three pack includes a bigger bottle of oil, bigger bag of herbs, a bag of 30 cones of incense and an incense burner! A three pack of Red Witches can keep you in good stead to do alot of candlework and send alot of sweet energy to your case for a long time 🙂

     

    You can see the Red Witch here at www.spellmaker.com/witch.htm 

     

    Tell her I said HI!

     

  • Saint Gabriel the Archangel

    Saint Gabriel the Archangel~

     

    Gabriel’s name means “God is my strength”.

    ~

     

    Gabriel helps people whose life purpose involves communication, including teachers, writers, actors, photographers, speakers, etc.

    ~

     

    This archangel is a messenger who whispers in our ear of coming events, changes, and opportunities for new experiences. Gabriel always brings good news !

    ~

     

    He restores life and light into stagnant areas of your life such as relationships, businesses, households, etc. Ask Gabriel to resurrect any blocked areas of your life and fill you with the remembrance of your divine purpose and destiny. You will receive creative ideas and opportunities to help you get moving again.

    ~

     

    Call on Gabriel for assistance with a career or a problem that involves putting forth your ideas and perceptions to others. Definitely ask Gabriel to be with you when you are going on a job interview or asking for a raise or promotion at work.

    ~

     

    Because of Gabriel's role as a communicator and mediator between Heaven and Earth, Catholics hold the Archangel to be a Patron Saint of broadcasters, telecommunications workers, diplomats, messengers, postal workers, and stamp collectors.

    ~

     

    Because Gabriel helped the prophet Daniel interpret his dreams, those seeking similar aid with their own dream work may petition the Archangel for help.

    ~

    Mentally call for Gabriel by saying, “Beloved Gabriel, please come to me now and help me express myself in the best Light. Thank you.”

    ~

     

    Correspondences:

    Gabriel’s colors are white and indigo

    Gabriel guards the day of Monday

    Gabriel is associated with the second (sacral) chakra

    Gabriel’s special number is nine.

    Crystals associated with Gabriel are Orange Calcite, Topaz, Moonstone, and pearls.

    Lillies are very special to Gabriel.

     

     

    Prayer to Saint Gabriel

     

    Blessed Saint Gabriel, Archangel

    We beseech thee to intercede for us at the throne of divine mercy:

    As thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation,

    so through thy prayers may we receive strength of faith and courage of spirit,

    and thus find favor with God and redemption through Christ Our Lord.

    May we sing the praise of God our Savior with the angels and saints in heaven forever and ever. Amen

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

     

    When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Gabriel, the Messenger of God, is generally depicted with white lilies or a trumpet horn, it is considered appropriate to make an offering of white flowers or to play music before an altar a thank-offering.

     

     

     

     

    "If you seek an angel with an open heart…

    You shall always find one."

     

    – Anonymous

     

     

     

    Ganriel1 Gabriel2

  • Archangel Raphael

    Archangel Raphael

     

    Raphael’s name means “God heals” or “God has healed” which tells us a lot about his responsibilities to Earth and her inhabitants. Raphael is a very powerful healer of both humans and animals. Raphael is very connected to all animals, both domestic and wild. He can be called to help find lost pets.

    ~

     

    Ask Raphael for help when you are in any kind of pain, whether it be physical, emotional romantic, intellectual or spiritual. He will somehow inspire you with sudden ideas and thoughts giving you just the right information to help the healing. Pay attention to and then follow these angelic answers to your prayers.

    ~

     

    You can call on Raphael on behalf of someone else who is in need of healing. He is also associated with the healing of addictions. The person must want the help, and be accepting of it for it to occur. Angels can not interfere with a person’s free will.

    ~

     

    When asked for healing assistance, Raphael surrounds and nurtures people with the emerald green light of his halo. Green is the color of healing and clairvoyant people may see emerald green sparkles when Raphael is around. 

    ~

     

    Raphael is connected to eyesight – both physical and non-physical. If you or a friend are going in for eye surgery, ask Raphael to oversee things. If you are needing help connecting with your intuition, he can help with that as well.

    ~

     

    Raphael oversees travelers, helping them arrive at their destination safely. Infact, he is the patron saint of travelers.

    ~

     

    Raphael is also very connected to doctors, nurses, and other health care workers.

    ~

     

    Raphael's loving personality outshines his physical characteristics; he is often described as being friendly, amusing, gentle and kind. These qualities also make him the Archangel best suited to overseeing the host of guardian angels.

    ~

     

    Correspondences:

    Green Aventurine is very special to him. Carry a small piece of this crystal in your pocket and hold it in your hand when you need to call on him. . Also other crystals such as emerald, jade and rose quartz are special to him.

    The Heart Chakra is specifically associated with Raphael.

    People often see flashes or sparkles of emerald-green light when calling on him.

    His colors are emerald green and deep pink – both colors of the heart.

    His special number is eight.

    ~

     

    A prayer to Saint Raphael

    Blessed Saint Raphael, Archangel

    We beseech thee to help us in all our needs and trials of this life,

    as thou, through the power of God, didst restore sight and

    give guidance to young Tobit.

    We humbly seek thine aid and intercession,

    that our souls may be healed,

    our bodies protected from all ills,

    and that through divine grace we may be made fit

    to dwell in the eternal Glory of God in heaven. Amen.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

     

    A prayer to  St. Raphael for  Before A Journey

    Dear Saint Raphael, Angel of travelers,

    be with me and guide me on this journey.

    Protect me from sickness and danger

    and guard those I leave behind.

    Let your wings enfold me

    while I am away and return me

    safely home.

    Amen.

    ~~~~~~~~~

     

     

    Another Prayer to Saint Raphael the  Archangel

    Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God," I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor {mention your petition} and the great grace of purity of prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

     

     

     

     

    Rafe3 Rafe1 Rafe2

  • September 29th The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

    Hello!

    This is a post a wrote a couple years back about my favorite day of the year, Feast of the Archangels! I hope you enjoy the post. Also, to celebrate this day and in honor of the Angels, I am offering 29% off in my Etsy store, Griffonage Boutique. This would be a great opportunity to pick out a rosary or chaplet in honor of the Angels 🙂

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

     

    September 29th  The Feast of St Michael and All Angels

     

    Make yourself familiar with the angels

    and behold them frequently in spirit;

    for without being seen, they are present with you.

    ~~St. Francis De Sales

     

    The feast of Saint Michael , also known as Michaelmas, is a Christian feast derived from the old pagan Autumn Equinox celebrations. It is the most ancient of all the angel festivals. Michaelmas became the fixed date for the feast otherwise associated with Autumn Equinox or the harvest. As early as 1014, the laws of Ethelred in England prescribe a three day fast for all Christians before the feast. Servants weren't allowed to work during these days.

     

     

    Michaelmas was a time when rents were due, and rents were often paid in food. The traditional rent for Michaelmas was a goose. Eating something rich like goose at this turning point of the year brings good luck. In Nottingham they say "If you eat roast goose on Michaelmas day, you will never want money all year." In Norfolk , they say, "if you don't baste the goose on Michaelmas Day, you will want money all year." Roast goose is the traditional meal served even now for the holiday. A flower, a wildflower, a white aster with many small star-like flowers, that blooms in late September, known as the Michaelmas daisy.

     

     

    Archangels Gabriel and Raphael are also honored on this day.

     

     

    Sainted Angels, like Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, are not like the other saints on the Church's calendar who were all once human beings. Angels are celestial beings created on a higher order than man. They are completely spiritual beings; they have intelligence and will; they are personal and immortal creatures. Angels are the servants and messengers of God — in fact, this is what the word "angel" means. Several different kinds (or ranks) of angels are mentioned in the Bible: angels, archangels, cherubim, seraphim, thrones, choirs, dominions, principalities, and powers. The Archangels want you to call on them for help. Don’t worry that you are overburdening them—Archangels can help many people simultaneously.

     

     

     

    "Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed.

    In fact angels have no religion as we know it …

    their existence precedes every religious system

    that has ever existed on earth."

    ~~St. Thomas Aquinas

     

     

    Mike1 Archangel Michael

    Michael’s name means “he who looks like God” or “he who is like God”. Michael is the leader of the Archangels. He is very tall and handsome. His energy feels warm and reassuring, like having a warm, fuzzy blanket wrapped around you. His main purpose is to rid the earth of fear — no small task! Call on him when you are feeling scared physically or emotionally and he will help you. Ask for courage and you will have it! (He is often pictured swinging a sword and with his foot planted on the devil.)He is the Patron Saint of Police Officers. Archangel Michael is also the angel in command of Lightworkers! He is also especially good with fixing mechanical and electrical devices ( a handy guy to have around!)

     

    Whenever you feel afraid or uneasy, mentally say, “Archangel Michael, please protect and calm me now.” If you are in an unsafe place or neighborhood, ask Archangel Michael to be your angelic bodyguard–to escort, guide and protect. In fact, you can ask Michael to be permanently stationed by your side so you’ll always be safe under his powerful protection. Just mentally say, “Archangel Michael, please be my guardian angel in all directions of time. Thank you.” And it is so!

     

     

    If you sometimes feel like you need protection from negativity, then each morning upon wakening ask for Archangel Michael to envelope you in a thick eggshell of white protective light to shield you from negative people and situations you come into contact with (in all situations). This is especially useful for very empathic people who tend to pick up on the emotions of people around them (positive and negative).

     

     

    Correspondences:

    Special colors – Blue and Gold

    Protector of the day Wednesdays

    Associated with the Third and Fifth Chakras

    Associated with the number 6

    Special crystals which are blue: sapphire, blue topaz : for peacefulness, and healing

    Special crystals which are yellow/gold : yellow topaz , citrine: to initiate positive action improve communications.

     

    Prayer to Saint Michael

    Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle.

    Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

    May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

    And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God,

    thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world

    seeking the ruin of souls.

    Amen.

    ~~By Pope Leo XIII

     

     

    Prayer to Saint Michael Powerful Aid

    Glorious Prince of the heavenly hosts and victor over rebellious spirits, be mindful of me who am so weak and sinful and yet so prone to pride and ambition. Lend me, I pray, thy powerful aid in every temptation and difficulty, and above all do not forsake me in my last struggle with the powers of evil. Amen.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

     

     

     

    Police Officer's Prayer to Saint Michael

    Saint Michael, heaven's glorious commissioner of police, who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force.

     

    Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgment.

    Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

     

    You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

     

    And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people. Amen.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

     

    When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Michael is generally depicted as the protector of the weak, it is considered appropriate to make a contribution to your local police force or community watch program, or to a shelter for the victims of violent crime, as a thank-offering

     

     

    Archangel Michael is your friend and protector, call on him often, daily if desired – he is waiting for your call.  Call on him for protection, for peace, for freedom.  He is with you always.

     

     

    Mike3

  • If Ogoun had a parrot….

     

    If Ogoun had a parrot, I think it would sing something like this 🙂

    Love,

    Sister Bridget

  • Inspiration from an unexpected place…

    Hi there!

    This needs to be watched and shared with all you know and love! Where ever you are in life right now, this speech is inspirational!

     

    Love

    Sister Bridget

  • How do you deal with Frustration?

    Good Morning!!!

    Hope you all are doing well and are enjoying this lovely summer! 

    As some of you know, I have been working at times to settle some matters dealing with my father's estate. Estate stuff, at least in this situation, tends not to be very simple. I often have an idea or thought or plan of how things will go with a certain issue, and then, well, God Laughs! 

    Driving home yesterday, I certainly was feeling rather frustrated. I got to thinking alot about this feeling, and I really don not like it! It sucks, basically. And I think I would really rather not feel it so much anymore. I did a little surfing when I got home, to see if there are some tips on dealing with frustration. I would like to share with you what I have learned….

    First, just to help clarify – Frustration is a feeling that arises when something occurs which keeps us from reaching a goal or expectation. There are other feelings which can occur as well, such as disappointment. BUT mix a little anger with your disappointment, and you have frustration.

    "Expectation is the mother of all frustration"

                    …… Antonio Banderas 

    Second, we can experience different levels of frustration in different parts of our lives. Some folks are more easily frustrated in the work enviornment, some with family, some in more social settings. It seems to be the more intense a situation, the more important the goal is to us, the more easily we can become frustrated.

    Anyone out there working on a love situation? How important is it to you that it resolve successfully? 

    Third, how we handle our frustration can definitely directly influence how much frustration we could be feeling in the future! Huh, you say? I said that the first time I read this as well. But look at it this way….if we learn to handle our frustration productively, and that leads to a positive resolution to our situation, then there will be nothing to get frustrated about in the future! 

    Of course, frustration is not always a bad thing. It can be quite motivating and can help us figure out steps so that we can reach our goals. But it is how we choose to express our frustration may cause more stress in our life and the lives of others.

    So, how do we handle our frustration? What are some good tips to practice or skills to develop? 

    I found this wonderful article by Judith Orloff about Frustration, and ways to handle it. Dr Orloff has 4 tips for handiing frustration with people. Here is an exerpt: 

    Tip #1. Focus on a specific issue—don't escalate or mount a personal attack.
    For instance, "I feel frustrated when you promise to do something but there is no follow-through." No resorting to threats or insults. In an even, non-blaming tone, lead with how the behavior makes you feel rather than how you think the other person is wrong.

    Tip #2. Listen non-defensively without reacting or interrupting.
    It's a sign of respect to hear a person's point of view, even if you disagree. Avoid an aggressive tone or body language. Try not to squirm with discomfort or to judge.

    Tip #3. Intuit the feelings behind the words.
    When you can appreciate someone's motivation, it's easier to be patient. Try to sense if this person is frightened, insecure, up against a negative part of themselves they've never confronted. If so, realize this can be painful. See what change they're open to.

    Tip #4. Respond with clarity and compassion.
    This attitude takes others off the defensive so they're more comfortable admitting their part in causing frustration. Describe everything in terms of remedies to a specific task, rather then generalizing. State your needs. For instance, "I'd really appreciate you not shouting at me even if I disappoint you." If the person is willing to try, show how pleased you are. Validate their efforts: "Thanks for not yelling at me. I really value your understanding" See if the behavior improves. 

    (end exerpt) 

    I will be trying some of these techniques with the various realtors, inspectors, lawyers, etc associated with my dad's Estate and let you know which ones I have found helpful. If you try any of these tips out, I would love to hear how they worked for you :-) 

    Love

    Sister Bridget