TWS: Project Montoring Thread

[SatSekhem]

I'm sorry this is so late. It's been an emotional roller coaster this week.

1. What useful message can you take away from the first chapter?

The most useful message from the first chapter, I feel, is to listen to your own intuition. As Rose listened to hers and stepped into the wide world to rectify the wrong, so, too, should we heed that inner voice that is telling us what's missing in us.

2. How does the material relate to your specific needs?

This first chapter related very much to my specific needs: there was discussion about all of the 'beginner courses' that I missed out on when I was studying magic years ago. I now understand centering and grounding (even if I can't quite do it yet...); I've become more conscious of breathing techniques and trying to use them in a calming mode; I learned how to cast a circle in another way... I mean, the list is endless. But, the general gist is that this chapter really showed me where I was lacking, how I was lacking, and attempted to help me rectify that.

3. What material in the chapter do you want to focus on?

Right now, I think my primary focus should be on the centering and grounding aspect. Visualization, in general, is a massive problem for me because I don't visualize in the same way as about 75% of the people who do out there. I feel that once I can get those two aspects down, then preparing to cast my first circle (in the manner taught in the book) will be the next step.

[Tana]

My other problem is that I really, really loathe their telling of the swan story. It's just... ugh. I am spoiled, though, because I adore Juliet Marillier's Daughter of the Forest which is a lovely retelling of the swan story.

 
Hah, funny thing happened.
I got "Sword & Sorceress 18" and found in there a very, very cool version of the TWS story. Only is was ravens.

[Waldhexe]

Anyone still active?

I was busy elsewhere the last couple of weeks, but I'm taking the book up again and want to work through some things in chapter 1 (elements path and inner path).

[SatSekhem]

Anyone still active?

 
I just realized that it's been weeks since I picked up the book. I think a large part is because of all the Tarot-ing that I've been doing lately. I can't budget my time appropriately. :mad: Hopefully, I can deal with that and get back into it. When I do, I'll be starting Chapter 2 for the Elements Path.

[Waldhexe]

Good to hear someone is still there.

***

Since I'm the only one working with the inner path maybe I should start some threads on it. I hope some people will join me at least in discussing some contents they find interesting. Or some people might use the inner path threads later when they have finished the elements path?

I've read the elements part of chapter one again and still find some things interesting and will join the discussion on them, but at the moment I don't want to do the whole elements path all over again, there's much more stuff for me in the inner path.

But I guess one way or the other people here will inspire each other as we always do... So I hope nobody minds if I go ahead and post threads for the inner path as I work through it?

[Fier]

So I hope nobody minds if I go ahead and post threads for the inner path as I work through it?

 
I think that's a great idea. And as you said, they may be helpful for people who aren't working on the Inner Path now but are in the future.

[Juni]

I think that's a great idea. And as you said, they may be helpful for people who aren't working on the Inner Path now but are in the future.

 
It was certainly helpful for me, as I've settled on the Inner Path.

I read Chapter 2. I really am not enjoying this book. *sighs*

[Shadow]

Anyone still active?

I was busy elsewhere the last couple of weeks, but I'm taking the book up again and want to work through some things in chapter 1 (elements path and inner path).

 
I have just purchased the book on my Kindle and want to work through the Elements path as a goal for the new year. The desire to read it was generated by this SIG so I would be interested to hear if people are still active.

[Juni]

I have just purchased the book on my Kindle and want to work through the Elements path as a goal for the new year. The desire to read it was generated by this SIG so I would be interested to hear if people are still active.

 
I'm determined to get through it, and I just read chapter 2 last night.

[SatSekhem]

I'm determined to get through it, and I just read chapter 2 last night.

 
What is it about the book that you don't like?

[Juni]

What is it about the book that you don't like?

 
I do have an answer for you but it's going to have to wait until my brain resolidifies from its current state of mush. :/

[SatSekhem]

I do have an answer for you but it's going to have to wait until my brain resolidifies from its current state of mush. :/

 
No problem. I am in no rush. I can wait for eternity if I gotta!

[Waldhexe]

It was certainly helpful for me, as I've settled on the Inner Path.

Cool! So I'm not the only one...

I read Chapter 2. I really am not enjoying this book. *sighs*

I'd also love to hear what you dislike, but no rush...

[Juni]

I do have an answer for you but it's going to have to wait until my brain resolidifies from its current state of mush. :/

 
I totally forgot that you guys had asked me about this! Sorry.

I think I can sum it up in two quotes, from the Inner Path portion of Chapter 1. (Pages 25 & 26 respectively in my copy.)

"These stories promise, over and over, that if we set off on the path with nothing but courage, determination, and a kind heart, we will reach our goals no matter how impossible they seem. The stories promise that in return for our greatheartedness, the universe will provide miraculous assistance that can bring about huge, impossible changes for the better."

"Through all her courage, vision, and endurance, the transformation she seeks comes about, miraculously, at the last moment."

These two quotes seem to exemplify, for me, the attitude taken in TWS: that if only we believe, we will be rewarded. Maybe Starhawk and Valentine live in a different version of reality than I do, because in the world I live in, that's crap. There is no Old Nurse hanging around, waiting for me to ask the right question, to hear me say the misguided wish so I can learn some cosmic lesson in a painfully roundabout way. Life is not a fairy-tale; I don't come with a supporting cast. While there are certainly lessons to be learned, I have to look for them, and nothing in the world happens just to teach me something.

This, combined with seeing Goddess in caps all over the place, and the generically Wiccish framework that I've seen thus far... I am positive that I can learn from this book, that it can be a useful tool, but I do feel a bit like I'm hammering a nail with a brick. And that I picked the brick from a pile of tools without knowing what kind of work I'd need a tool for, if that makes any sense.

[SatSekhem]

these two quotes seem to exemplify, for me, the attitude taken in tws: That if only we believe, we will be rewarded. Maybe starhawk and valentine live in a different version of reality than i do, because in the world i live in, that's crap. There is no old nurse hanging around, waiting for me to ask the right question, to hear me say the misguided wish so i can learn some cosmic lesson in a painfully roundabout way. Life is not a fairy-tale; i don't come with a supporting cast. While there are certainly lessons to be learned, i have to look for them, and nothing in the world happens just to teach me something.

This, combined with seeing goddess in caps all over the place, and the generically wiccish framework that i've seen thus far... I am positive that i can learn from this book, that it can be a useful tool, but i do feel a bit like i'm hammering a nail with a brick. And that i picked the brick from a pile of tools without knowing what kind of work i'd need a tool for, if that makes any sense.

 
yes! This.