Auld Lang Syne

“Should auld (old) acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld (old) acquaintance be forgot, and auld (old) lang syne?” Ahhh…. the long familiar song associated with this time of year.

Auld Lang Syne: “For (the sake of) old times.”

‘Tis the end of another year, my friends. 2022 is coming to a close as 2023 approaches. Did you all have a wonderful Christmas? I sure did. I was extremely grateful to spend a relaxing holiday at home with my family. We carried on the annual Christmas Eve tradition of driving around looking at the local Christmas decorations. Then, once we arrived home we watched the classic film, A Christmas Story starring Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker, along with Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon who played his parents and Ian Petrella who played his pesky little brother, Randy. My family and I have seen the movie countless times, but every time we watch it, it still cracks us up.

And then on Christmas day, we stayed home opening our gifts as we sat by the fireplace. It was definitely a wonderful time!

Tomorrow is the first day of the new year and I’m certainly ready for it. Are you? I’m really looking forward to this next year! What does 2023 have in store for you? I’d love to hear about it! What are some of your holiday traditions and what exciting plans have you got for the upcoming year?

As we celebrate this festive holiday season, always be safe and enjoy. Life is for remembering, not regretting!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!

~ Love & Light, Sheila 💋

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Intelligent & Residual Hauntings: What Are They?

(Originally published on August 3, 2014)

Ok, everyone’s heard of Casper the Friendly Ghost, right? You know, the cute transparent guy who floats around through walls? If all the hauntings were as adorable as him, then that would be pretty amazing and all the little kiddies wouldn’t be so afraid of the things that go bump in the night.

Well, let’s take a step back and face reality here. Some hauntings can be pretty frightening and down right mind-numbing. Did you know that there are actually two known types of hauntings? Yes, intelligent and residual…

An intelligent haunting is when the spirits can interact with the living, a type of energy that DOES have consciousness. These spirits may find ways of communication much like the ways discussed in my previous blog titled, The Afterlife ~ A Corporeal’s Transition, or the spirits can often communicate through the use of a voice box; a tool that is used to collect electronic voice phenomena (EVPs). Spirits of intelligent hauntings are known to interact with the living by attempting physical contact as well. For instance, spirits can be playful in nature and a person may feel their hair being pulled or a gentle touch when no one else is to blame for the action. However, other spirits of intelligent hauntings may not be as friendly and the living can experience a sense of malevolence and often these types of spirits are more negative with their contact and might even try to inflict harm upon the living. Many people do try to provoke this type of haunting and I strongly recommend using extreme caution because one never knows what can happen. So, be wise and be careful.

The second type of haunting is known as a residual haunting. It’s more like a supernatural experience that resembles a recording of past energy. For instance, like hearing footsteps walking down an empty hallway when no one is there. It’s believed that in a location where someone has released a large amount of energy or heightened emotions were experienced and the energy attaches or “imprints” itself. As a result of the abiding energy, individuals in the future may get to experience seeing a type of “recording” of these events. Some signs of a residual haunting may be the absence of interaction from the spirit. As if the spirit doesn’t acknowledge the presence of the living person. The spirit will almost seem totally oblivious to anything that’s occurring in it’s presence.

Another sign of a residual haunting is the energy that is felt can often be quite intense for the individual experiencing it, but this isn’t anything that should be feared. The energy can also be the result of the interruptions to electricity and electrical appliances. It’s also very possible for things in the immediate area to change. For example, doors opening and shutting. Once again, this is simply energy. The spirit is completely not applying any conscious effort to these activities.

Throughout the years, I have experienced both types of hauntings. They were very mild in nature and I never felt threatened. I’ve heard footsteps jaunting down an empty hallway and creaking down an old set of stairs. I’ve seen electrical disturbances when there was no accountable reasoning for anything else. I have even experienced the gentle touches…..

Have you ever experienced anything supernatural?

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Jamais Vu: A Random Peculiarity of Familiarity

Have you ever had a moment when you’ve bumped into someone that you haven’t seen in a while and they are so happy to see you, but you haven’t the slightest clue as to who they are? Or you go to a place that you’ve been to many times before, but you can’t seem to remember it? This happens to us all, especially to me (LOL), it seems like it happens to me more times than not!

When this happens to someone, they have just experienced “jamais vu”. And what the heck is jamais vu, you may ask? Well, according to Wikipedia “In psychologyjamais vu (/ˈʒæm ˈv/French pronunciation: ​[ʒa.mɛ.vy]), a French borrowing meaning “never seen”, refers to the phenomenon of experiencing a situation that one recognizes in some fashion, but nonetheless seems very unfamiliar.” Strangely, it’s the opposite of “deja vu” which is the phenomenon that basically describes the feeling one gets when they’re experiencing a current situation even though they know that it has never happened to them before. Back in June of 2015, I wrote an article titled just that, “Deja vu” about its meaning and a couple of my very own deja vu moments.

And just for kicks…. here’s another “vu” that everyone’s well aware of, simply because it happens to us all. Ever have that moment when something is on the tip of your tongue, but you can’t, to save your own life, remember what it is? Like when someone starts to hum a song that you haven’t heard in a really long time and you know the name of the song, but you can’t quite get it out. Or when a couple of friends start talking about an old televisions series with what’s her name…. ya know the one… that actress that’s been on t.v. for years, but for some weird reason we just can’t remember her name at the moment….. Experiences like this happen to each and every single one of us. This phenomenon, my friends, is known as “presque vu”.

So many “vu’s” it’s hard to know what to do…. lol

Anywho… just a little quirkiness for a “Fun Fact Friday”! Hope you have a blessed weekend!! Massive love to you all!!! ❤

 

 

Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker

~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phasmophobia: A Ghostly Fear

Do you have a fear of ghosts, anything ghoulish that goes bump in the night and causes fright? Well, if you do, then don’t worry because millions of others do, too. It’s a very common fear known as “phasmophobia”. The word “phasmos” derives from the Greek language referring to “phantom” or “supernatural being”. It’s also known as “spectrophobia”. “Spectrum” is Latin referring to a specter, or an image of a thing, or an apparition.

Symptoms of phasmobia can typically be found in most disorders that lead to anxiety. A sufferer can go through feelings of dread, rapid heartbeat, panic attacks, also nausea and severe vomiting. It’s even been reported that a person suffering from phasmosphobia can develop OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) in order to conduct rituals to negate any kind of ghostly presence.

However, one can find treatment for such a fear. Self help methods can be extremely successful by reaching out to someone to openly talk about it to help eradicate the phobia by facing it. Another way is to contact professional help so that the phobia of ghosts can be removed. I always suggest to anyone who believes they’re experiencing any kind of ghostly activity to contact their local paranormal investigative team. It’s been from my own experiences that I’ve found these teams are compiled of members who are intelligent, non-judgmental and extremely open-minded, and are very willing to help to the best of their ability. Many of my friends are paranormal investigators and I always feel comfortable and at ease when working with them.

Also, the relaxation method of meditation (which I highly recommend) can help calm one’s inner turmoil, creating more focus, therefore a sense of confidence to bring forth a well-balanced mental state of mind. And…. having a close relationship with one’s spirit guide is something else I recommend. I work very closely with mine and by doing so, I have absolutely no fear.

There’s even a “specific phobia” involving a ghastly fear of mirrors. This macabre phobia is referred to as “catoptrophobia” which derives from the Greek language for the word “mirror”. Now I mentioned “specific phobia”, which simply refers to any type of anxiety disorder that signifies an illogical fear of the exposure of a specific item and/or situation which can eventually lead to the distressed individual avoiding all contact with the item and/or situation. The fear can actually be so paralyzing to the individual’s mental state that it literally disrupts their life.

 

Here are a few more phobias that I found to be rather interesting.

Achluphobia: which is the fear of darkness.

Eisoptrophobia: which is the fear of one’s own reflection.

Samhainphobia: which is the fear of Halloween.

And…. Wiccaphobia: which is the fear of witches and/or witchcraft.

The last phobia I had to include. Why? Because of my own personal beliefs and spiritual journey. I am Wiccan, a solitary one who practices the use of white magic, and there’s definitely no reason to fear anything I do. I only believe in promoting love and light. I am well aware of those who practice dark magic, and I also stay away from them. But that doesn’t mean that I fear them.

It’s easy to fear that which one doesn’t understand. It takes strength, courage and faith to overcome adversity.

“…I am perfectly aware that the fear of ghosts is contrary to science, reason and religion. If I were sentenced to spend a night alone in a graveyard, … I should already know that twigs would snap and the wind moan and that there would be half-seen movements in the darkness. And yet, after I had been frog-marched into the graveyard, I should feel a thrill of fear every time one of these things happened…” ~  Philosopher, Peter van Inwagen

 

 

 

Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker

~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Embrace the Dark, but live the Light.”

“I love the Light as much as I love the Dark. It’s such a beautiful balance.”

~ Sheila Renee Parker

 

 

I openly embrace both, the Light and the Dark, and that’s with life in general. The reason for this, I truly believe, is that by doing so it helps me to better understand things, to open my perspective of my surroundings. To have one without the other is irrational. The balance becomes heavily outweighed. There can’t be Light without Dark, nor Dark without Light.

Now, that doesn’t mean that I condone violence or hatred of any kind. Absolutely not! I live by the Rede, “An it harm none, do what ye will.” And I am a huge believer in Karma. But what I am referring to when I say that I embrace the Dark as much as I do the Light, is that we all have our moments. We’re not always going to have the perfect life. However, I do believe that life is what we make it. We’re occasionally all going to have that “off-beat” moment when we may feel like “blah”, and that’s perfectly o.k. Life’s not always going to be peachy keen and we need to accept those “Dark” times. Embrace them for they are the moments that help us to become stronger and appreciate the “Light” moments all the more. Even the darkest of moments can’t survive when the tiniest of light exists. There is a radiant spark within us all. Let it light the way to empowerment!

Be proud of who you are and love the individual you’ve become. You are worthy of what you deserve. We all harness the power to achieve greatness. Dream. Believe. Achieve!

Love & Light! ~ Sheila

 

Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author

 

 

“Yin & Yang’s Convergence”. Watercolor by Sheila Renee Parker (Prints available at: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/yin-and-yangs-convergence-sheila-renee-parker.html)

 

 

Hellhounds: Such Naughty Lil’ Pooches

Popularly known as “The Bearers of Death”. These mangled, black furred, dog-like beasts have existed in legends for centuries. They’re reported to be supernatural in nature and possess ghostly characteristics with a foul odor. They’re also known to terrorize their victims with their gnarling sharp teeth and razor claws. They have red glowing eyes, super strength and speed, and may even have a fiery appearance with hellish abilities.

According to European folklore, many have claimed that if a person stares into a hellhound’s eyes three or more times, or hear its terrifying howl, it could be an omen or possibly the cause of that individual’s death.

These naughty little pooches’ purpose? Often, to protect the entrances to the realms of those who have passed on, like burial grounds and cemeteries. The nefarious beasts may be responsible for other ghastly duties like protecting unearthly treasure and/or hunting the souls of the lost.

The tale of these ferocious creatures is well-known throughout Great Britain. The Isle of Man has their own version referred to as “Moddey Dhoo. Wales has their’s known as “Gwyllgi”. The “Cadejo”, according to Central American folklore, is a large black canine that haunts those who walk late into the night on country roads.

As stated earlier, hellhounds are referred to as “The Bearers of Death”. These creatures were given this title because it was alleged that they were created by ancient demons to serve as heralds of death. Sightings have been documented all throughout history, including locations within the United States: Louisiana, Kentucky, Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio and then even abroad in Vilseck, Germany. The hellhound known as “Black Shuck” roams the Norfolk, Essex and Suffolk coastline of England. It has been seen lurking around graveyards, dark forests and crossroads. According to Catalan myth, their version of the foreboding beast is referred to as “Dip”: The Devil’s emissary who sucks its victim’s blood.

Just a few years ago the London-Based archaeology group, DigVentures discovered the skeleton of a gigantic dog from a shallow grave less than two feet deep in the ruins of Leiston Abbey, Suffolk. According to the archaeologists, they stated that the dog’s height was more than seven feet on its rear legs and weighed around 200 pounds. The DigVentures team believes that the skeletal remains likely date back to medieval times. It is possible that the canine was a rather large hunting dog and perhaps possibly the initial spark that created the legend of “Black Shuck”.

So, makes one wonder doesn’t it? Do nefarious creatures like the demonic hellhound really exist? Or are they the product of superstitious minds who possess wild imaginations?

A little something to think about while sitting alone in a slightly dimmed room on a dark and stormy night. And don’t worry if you hear slight scratching on the window beside you. It’s probably just the wind blowing a tree limb that’s causing the noise, or…. maybe it’s not….. perhaps it’s a hellhound trying to claw its way in……… 😉 ***HOWLS!!!***

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker

~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker

Coming Out Of The Broom Closet

Not necessarily an easy thing to do for a witch. Well, at least not for me. I was raised as a Baptist. When I was little, we went to church on Sundays and Wednesdays. We also attended other church related events and gatherings like Vacation Bible School and holiday celebrations. I was even in the church choir. Everyone was always extremely welcoming and full of love, however that was never enough. Why I say this is because while growing up, my curiosity always had the best of me. I would often question things about religion and the reply I got every time was, “Never question God.”. No disrespect to the ones who told me that, but their answer never satisfied me. It actually troubled me because I wanted to know more. I’ve always been extremely inquisitive about life in general. So, when I was told “Never question God”, that made me want to question all the more.

As I got older, and upon doing my own research, I discovered there was so much more than what I was lead to believe as a child. Keep in mind, I am not trying to dance on anyone’s toes or show any kind of disrespect to anyone’s beliefs. I am merely speaking on my own personal behalf and what it was like for me. But after years and years of going through life feeling unfulfilled with my faith, I finally came to a point in my life when I stopped listening to certain popular beliefs that made me feel uncertain and them trying to fulfill their need to “save me”.

Wait…. Save me? Save me from what? I don’t need saving just because I don’t believe like them. And I am not going to Hell because of my choice. I no longer follow the path to which I was raised, meaning that of course, I am not a Christian. I am a Wiccan, a solitary practitioner. I do not belong in a coven (and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that for those who do). I follow my own heart, my own path. I love being at one with nature and embracing all its magic. I communicate with the Angels, listen to my Spirit Guides and try my very best to live at peace with all the beautiful energies of the Universe.

A few summers ago, a young individual tried to convert me. She was on a missionary trip that lasted several weeks to help spread the word of Christ. While doing so, she and her group were seasonally employed at the same place where I worked. One day she asked me about my faith, so I openly told her about it. And then, as time went on, she tried to persuade me to listen to her as she attempted to make me change my belief. I asked her very calmly, “Why are you trying to do this?”. She replied, “Because I’m worried for your soul. I don’t want you to go to Hell.”

Honestly, I could see the concern in her eyes. She was such a kind and bright young lady, just a little naive was all. When she said that she was worried for my soul I told her, “No need to be worried because I’m not. I feel that I’m following the right path for me just as you are in your belief. As long as we all follow what is right and what is good, isn’t that what really matters? What defines your belief doesn’t define mine. Just because I don’t follow your path doesn’t mean I’m going to Hell.” That made her quiet for a moment as she pondered, looking into my eyes. I continued (again, very calmly and politely), “Honey, you’re wasting your breath with me.” I then put my arms around her to give her a great big hug and told her that I loved her because after all, she was such a sweetheart and a complete joy to work with.

It’s only been within the past few years that I’ve found the courage to speak openly about coming out of the broom closet. Why? Well, because of my upbringing and the societal fear about witches. (Wiccaphobia: the fear of witches or witchcraft.) Throughout the centuries, and thanks to Hollywood’s constant misleading portrayal, it’s easy to understand why people fear us. However, it is ignorance that keeps people in the dark. That’s why I now openly talk about being a Wiccan in hope to help educate others and let them know that we are nothing to be afraid of. I can only speak personally on my behalf because I know how I am with my spiritual journey and the fact is that I only practice white magic. I negate anything that is dark, negative and/ or evil. I stand proudly and firm with my beliefs and if anything of the latter ever tried to gain control over me, I would quickly call upon the Angels, my Spirit Guides and the positive energies of the Universe for white light protection. Trust me, I do not follow the dark arts. I promote, protect and project only and all that is good. As I always say, “Love & Light!” and I mean that with all my heart!

Several years back I wrote a previous article about another encounter that I had with a “bible handler” going door to door. Here’s that article titled, “Ignorance is Bliss”…. or is it just annoying?

Keep it real, people and never be afraid to be yourself! You are loved!! AND…. YOU TOTALLY ROCK!!!

Love & Light! ~ Sheila 💋

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Created with love, our beautiful jewelry is handmade with carefully selected natural stones and glass beads. The gemstones that are incorporated into our pieces are chosen not only for their beauty, but for their deep, inspiring benefits as well. As for many of you know, natural stones are wonderful conduits that can help us all obtain a greater level of self-awareness. Whether it’s to assist us on our daily journeys, to help us reach better health, better mentality or a better sense of peace and well being. Natural stones have such a magnificent power that Clay and I want to help you, the wearer, incorporate them into your lives. Together, my husband and I design bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and so much more!

Our mission is to help you bring forth your inner light while you embrace your sense of empowerment, assisting you with the look of greatness while your destiny unfolds into something phenomenal!

Feel the Magic.
Manifest the Dream.
Be the Reality!

Always stay blessed…. Love & Light!!! ~ Sheila & Clay Parker

Find our beautifully handmade jewelry at CSParkerJewelry on Etsy at….. CSParkerJewelry on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CSParkerJewelry (Handmade Jewelry. Natural Stones. Glass Beads.)

Flowing with those beautiful positive vibes!!

Hey, hey, hey all you amazing people!! Happy Friday and Happy Weekend to you all! It’s been quite a while since my last post, but wanted to drop by to wish everyone well. Whatever your plans are for the upcoming days, make sure that they are full of all the wondrous possibilities that life has to offer. Why?? Because YOU are worth it!! Help spread those beautiful positive vibes and pay that gorgeous smile forward! Remember, even the most minute act of kindness can mean volumes to someone who needs it!

 

Love & Light, my friends!! ❤

 

~ Sheila

 

 

 

 

CSParkerJewelry on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CSParkerJewelry  (Handmade Jewelry. Natural Stones. Glass Beads.)

Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker

~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker

 

 

 

 

Feeling Blessed!

Hey, hey, hey, everyone! TGIF and a very happy weekend to you all! If you’re here in the beautiful U.S.A., hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving yesterday! I know my fam and I did! Nothing better than spending time with loved ones!

It’s been a while since my last post…. a little more than three months, but I’ve been taking this time to…. as I mentioned in my last article…. “disconnect to reconnect”. Still working out daily, continuing to eat better… eating cleaner by omitting butter, oils, grease… refined sugars…. etc…. eating more produce and less processed…. and making sure to drink plenty of water instead of caloric drinks that are unhealthy.

Also, continuing to spend as much time going on nature walks as I can, weather permitting… (after all, the temps are getting colder). Trying to slow down my pace when it comes to enjoying life. Unfortunately, so many of us get wrapped up in the rat race of trying to get everything done in such a minute amount of time that we forget to literally stop and simply just…. breathe.

Periodically throughout the day, if we could all take a moment here and there to stop what we’re doing, regardless of what it is, and take a slow breath in… exhale slowly… repeat two more times, resulting in a total amount of three calming breaths. If we can all just do this two, three, or perhaps even more times a day, think of how much better we will feel. A more peaceful mindset helping us to stay focused so we can accomplish our goals more effectively with a positive outlook! Really isn’t hard to do once an individual initiates the process. Incorporate this simple act into your daily life, and before ya know it…. it becomes routine! That’s how it was for me. Something so simple as learning to stop and breathe has lead to so much more for me. And I couldn’t be happier! Life is a beautiful blessing, treat it as such and you will be blessed with life’s wondrous gifts.

And since my last post, not only have I been changing things internally for myself, I have also changed my appearance somewhat… lol. I no longer color my hair. Finally embracing my natural salt and pepper look! Got all my hair cut off and I love it!!! No more getting my hair colored every few weeks to hide the roots. My hair is so much softer and healthier now. Should have done it a loooonnnnggggg time ago, but I wasn’t quite ready to. All in due time, things will always happen accordingly. 🙂

Anywho…. I love you all and please stay blessed! You all are so extremely important, not just to me, but to those who hold you dear to their hearts as well. Realize your self-worth and continue to rock on!!! STAY AWESOME!!!!!! ❤

 

 

 

 

CSParkerJewelry on Etsy! https://www.etsy.com/shop/CSParkerJewelry  (Handmade Jewelry. Natural Stones. Glass Beads.)

Get a copy of my novel, The Spirit Within on Amazon!

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Twitter: @sheilarparker.

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Facebook: Sheila Renee Parker – Author

~ Sheila Renee Parker on Instagram: @sheilareneeparker

~ Art by Sheila Renee Parker available at: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/sheilarenee-parker.html

~ Sheila Renee Parker on YouTube: Sheila Renee Parker

 

 

 

 

Me with all my hair cut off…. Total transformation!!! And I love it!!! Stay blessed, everyone!! 🙂