Conspiring With The Universe

by with No Comment Mabon

As the month of September makes its way in we shift into the times of preparation for the last quarter of the calendar. In this 9th month we celebrate the Equinox, and there are so many beutiful ways of honoring this magical time. As a woman who walks the Wiccan path, I enjoy finding activities of a spiritual and, of course, ceremonial nature. Having found another inspiring article by a great pagan author who shares an interesting way of spending this time of renewal and transformation…I share it with you in case you too are looking for another way of cleansing the old and preparing to renew .. to be you!

“We have but three months until the Winter Solstice of 2012, the date of a significant sshift in consciousness for the Earth and its inhabitants. One way to prepare yourself for this heightening of spiritual awareness is to perfom a cleansing. We must banish the old to make way for the new.
A highly successul way to sacrifice one;s inner torments and hindrances is to construct a poppet. As a type of sympathetic magick, poppets are dolls that either represent a person or are effigies of a certain energetic force. The most common example of a poppet is a Voodoo doll. While common thought may have us believe that poppets are exclusively used for harm, these magickal representations can be utilized in an occult or spiritual sense for any intention under the sun. I have constructed poppets for healing, for mending conflict, and for attractin abundance, and even worry dolls to help ease the mind.
The coven I velong to, Opus Aima Obscurae, practices “banishing poppet” magick every year. We begin construction of these dolls in the Autumnal Equinox and conclude on Samhain. As the season is shifting into its death cycle you may choose to harness its energy accordingly.
The dolls are most powerful when you sew and construct them entirely on your own. I like to keep old t-shirts in a bag in the coven temple room, which can later be cut apart and stitched together for the purpose of sachets, poppets, or charms. (before stitching, be sure wash the shirts with salt and apple cider vinegar to remove accumulated energies.)
Once two equal sized “humans: have been snipped from a black shirt (black is generally used for banishing), hand stitch them together while repeating a chant to the doll, such as “you are my anger, you are woe, into your figure my darkness I sew”, or a similar modification depending on your intentions. Once sewn, the head is left entirley open so you may stuff the doll with one’s acute anishing representations.
The most obvious things to put in these poppets are dead leaves, to directly attune it to Autumn and the Dying Tide. I prefer to stuff the little arms and legs with these. The body of the poppet can contain anything that represents what you want to banish. You must also include clippings form your hair and fingernails, as well as a drop of blood, which will successfully bind the doll to you.
Beyond tese basics, here are a sample items you might want to place in the poppet’s body: herbs used for banishing, mathces (for the sulfur to exorcise evil), snakeskin (for shedding the past), dead bugs and fragments of animal bones (death energy), dust from a windowsill or corner of the house, dried-up fallen plant deitrus (to gather up old energies), photographs of people whose influence you wish to banish (to provide a link), deer ticks (to represent energy leeches, astral or otherwise), a penny (for feeling broke or brassic), and pages of wymbols and sigils.
You may choose to burn the poppets on a Mabon fire, though my group uses a Samhain fire, having begun the poppet construcion at the equinox. Solitary practitioners may choose to create a single banishing poppet, as mentioned above. However, you may also create several poppets for different issues or ailments. if working with a group, each member may create individual banishing poppets to be burned in a common Samhain fire, but you may opt to create one enormous Burning-Man- style group poppet to rid the group ifself of unwanted vibrations-be it conflict among members, poverty, misdirection, suspected curses, or anything else.
Because autumnal banishing poppets are rooted in creativity and a deep desire to purge oneself of the unwanted, practioners should feel free to experiment, be artistic, and take to the sky-or, to the flame, as it were. Divinate in those burning embers (pyromancy), mind the fire, and smile as that which you banish is licked and transformed by the Sacred Flame!
–Raven Digitalis

Mabon

by with No Comment Home FeaturedMabonWicca

The Second Harvest
There is a day in mid September, usually around the 21-23, where there is balance of daylight and darkness for the second time in the wheel of the year. Here we observe with reverence and respect the return of the powerful dark. Also known as the Festival of Mabon (pronounced MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn), the Autumnal Equinox is a short moment of equilibrium in the pendulum of time, where day and night hours are equal, as darkness grows and expands, to rule once again for another six months. Nature has ways of giving the signs of change. The more you connect with the Earth the sooner you learn to notice these signs. It’s important to establish a relationship with Nature, it’s essential for survival.
As we look up at the sky we notice birds already lined up flying south. Earth bound nature-creatures begin to gather their supplies for the cold months ahead. Some, with the adventurous spirit, decides to stretch it a bit and explore just before first frost. The mood for Fall festivals, apple picking and hay rides beckons. Loud and joyful celebration to stand out in the dark, the bittersweet pleasures this holiday brings.
In Druidism this celebration is known as Mea’n Fo’mhair. Here the honor is to The Green Man, God of the Forest, and offer tribute to the trees and forests.
Traditionally these offerings include: ciders and wines, herbs of the season and fertilizer.

Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth.
Various other names for this Lesser Wiccan Sabbat are The Second Harvest Festival, Wine Harvest, Feast of Avalon, Equinozio di Autunno (Strega), Alben Elfed (Caledonii), or Cornucopia. The Teutonic name, Winter Finding, spans a period of time from the Sabbat to Oct. 15th, Winter’s Night, which is the Norse New Year.
We give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year’s crops. Mabon is a time of fruition. As we commemorate the harvest and look back upon our labors, we evaluate our gains and losses. This goes for all the fruits of our labor. Our physical labor during the warm months of Summer would be responsible for getting us through the the cool months of winter. But we also face spiritual and philosophical challenges, where our harvest is more symbolic, these are the fruits of our inner labors. In its central theme of balancing light with darkness, Mabon is a good time to evaluate our spiritual growth and review our direction of the chosen path.

Have we honored the Goddess and God this year with our lives?
Have we lived in accordance with our convictions?
Have we taken the time to examine our ethics?
Have we achieved a balance of giving and receiving?

Mabon also teaches us about letting go. Summer is going away. The green lands, the flowers and the herbs in the garden are dying back to the earth for the next cycle of rebirth and growth. The rising Moon is the Harvest Moon.
As we take time to celebrate and savor the profound beauty of the autumn season, we are also preparing ourselves to let go of summer’s pleasures and embrace the new waves of wisdom the winter brings. It is a time to finish old business as we ready for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection, centering ourselves. Meditate on the prosperity in your life.
It is this holiday that reveals the abundance in our lives. Bring out the horn of plenty to decorate the altar, and fill it to burst with fruits of the fields and forests. Use your horned cow from Imbolc to symbolize the horned Goddess. Dress in all your finery for this Sabbat; use crystal, china, and silver for feasting to create sympathetic magic for the abundance of another harvest. This holiday is a true family holiday, be certain that you touch one another in a closed circle. It is the drawing to and of family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. Display the Green Man in circle and be sure to offer him libations in places where he lurks. Thanksgiving offerings can be left for the nature spirits; sprinkle new cider, freshly harvested herbs, or bits of compost in garden beds.

Symbolism of Mabon: Second Harvest, the Mysteries, Equality and Balance.

Symbols: wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty.

Herbs: Acorn, benzoin, ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, passionflower, rose, sage, solomon’s seal, tobacco, thistle, and vegetables.

Foods: Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Incense: Autumn Blend-benzoin, myrrh, and sage.

Colors: Orange, red, purple, russet, maroon, brown, and gold.

Stones: Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.

Activities: Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.

Spellworkings of Mabon: Protection, prosperity, security, and self-confidence. Also those of harmony and balance.

Deities: Goddesses- The Crone, Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses. Gods-Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, and The Green Man.

Mabon is a time for mysteries, to gather the young-ones and talk about hidden ancient knowledge. It is a time to honor Aging Deities and the Spirit World, and to pay our respects to the Elders and the keepers of Time. Considered a time of balance, it is when we stop and relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests, whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our jobs, raising our families, or just coping with the hussle-and-bussle of everyday life.
May your Mabon be memorable, and your hearts and spirits be filled with opulence as you celebrate your accomplishments!

For a Harvest & Mabon ritual visit Divine Muse: Mabon Harvest Ritual

Mabon Recipes

Mabon Incense

2 parts Frankincense
1 part Sandalwood
1 part Cypress
1 part Juniper
1 part Pine
1/2 part Oakmoss (or a few drops Oakmoss bouquet)
1 pinch pulverized Oak leaf

Burn during Wiccan ceremonies on Mabon (the Autumnal Equinox, circa September 21st), or at that time to attune with the change of the seasons.

Recipe source: “The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews” by Scott Cunningham, Llewellyn Publications, 1989

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Autumn Equinox Ritual Potpourri

45 drops Honeysuckle Oil
1 cup Oak Moss
6 small Acorns
2 cups dried Oak Leaves
2 cups dried Honeysuckle
1 cup dried Passionflower
1 cup dried Rosebuds and Petals
1/2 cup dried Pine Needles
1 tablespoon Sage

Mix the honeysuckle oil with the oak moss and then add the remaining ingredients. Stir the potpourri well and store in a tightly covered ceramic or glass container.

Recipe source: “The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes” by Gerina Dunwich, a Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994

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Covenstead Bread

3/4 cup water
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup finely chopped citron
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons anise seeds
2-1/3 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice

Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Add honey, citron, sugar, and anise seeds. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves and then remove from heat.
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices, and fold into the hot honey mixture. Turn the batter into a well-greased 9 X 5 X 3-inch loaf pan and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for one hour. Turn out on a wire rack to cool. (This recipe yields one loaf of bread.)

Covenstead Bread improves if allowed to stand for a day, and it is an ideal bread to serve during Lammas and Autumn Equinox Sabbats as well as at all coven meetings.

* Recipe source: “The Wicca Spellbook: A Witch’s Collection of Wiccan Spells, Potions and Recipes” by Gerina Dunwich, p. 169, a Citadel Press Book, Carol Publishing Group, 1994

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Sea Turtle Wisdom Bread
(contains eggs)

2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 tsp. b. sugar or honey
3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. vegetable oil
2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
Raisins
1 egg
Water
Green food coloring

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Whisk in sugar/honey, salt, and oil. Slowly fold in flour, as it becomes harder to stir, turn the dough onto a lightly floured countertop and dust the dough with flour. Knead the dough by folding it in half and pressing it with the palm of your hand until it springs back when you poke it lightly with a finger. Form into ball and place in lightly greased bowl. Dust dough with flour and cover it with a clean cloth towel. Let it rise for 30 minutes. (Shouldn’t spring back, now)
After the dough has risen once, punch it down and form balls for the shell (6in. diameter), head (3in.) , and legs (2in.), and assemble on a greased cookie sheet. Etch a crisscross pattern on top of shell with a knife. Use 2 raisins for eyes. Let rise for 30 more minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush lightly with egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbs. water and couple drops green food coloring) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 2 turtles

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Harvest Morning Apple Muffins
(vegan recipe)

*Dry ingredients*

2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon

*Wet ingredients*

2 cups plain vegan soydrink
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 apple, peeled and cut into 1 cm cubes.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease muffin tins.
Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Mix wet ingredients in a separate vessel.
Add wet to dry and mix well. Batter will be lumpy.
Mix in chopped apple.
Pour into muffin tins and bake at 400 F for 20 minutes. Makes 12.

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Lunch Crumble

5 apples
1 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 tbs. butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. allspice
2 tbs. apple juice or orange juice

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter a 9-inch square baking pan or a casserole of the equivalent size, then dust it with flour. Peel, core and slice the apples, and arrange them in the pan. In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend the oats, brown sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, salt and allspice on low speed until it forms a coarse meal. Crumble the mixture evenly over the apple slices and sprinkle with the juice. Bake for 35 minutes.
Makes 6 servings.

(Serve warm with chilled fruit and vegetable plates, buffet style.)

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Share the Wealth Applesauce

24 tart apples
Juice of a lemon
2 cups water
1 cup b sugar
4 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup raisins (optional)

Peel and core the apples, then cut them into chunks. Place the apples in a large nonreactive saucepan, and add the lemon juice and water. Stir in the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for 30 minutes or until the apples are soft. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the cinnamon and raisins, if desired. Stir light for a chunky sauce and rigorously for a smooth sauce. For a pink applesauce, use red apples and leave the skins on. Once the apples are soft, you can strain out the skins or lift them from the sauce with a fork.
Makes 2 1/2 cups.
(Pour into resealable jars, decorate to give as Harvest gifts to relatives, friends, and neighbors)

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Mabon Caramel Apples

1 package Kraft* Caramels
6 red or green apples, destemmed
6 popsicle sticks

Melt caramels slowly in a double boiler. When runny in consistency, stick popsicle sticks into top center of apple, and dip apple into caramel sauce, making sure to cover entire apple with a coating of caramel. Place dipped apples, stick up on wax paper covered cookie sheet an refrigerate till caramel hardens.
Makes 6 servings.

Remember, an apple a day keeps the dentist, doctor, and dermatologist away!!!!

beltane

Beltaine

by BeltaineWicca

May is perhaps one of the most exciting monts of the year, as the bright and joyful birthing energy of spring blossoms into vigorous excitement this month. The newness of life bursts into eager exuberance. The world is growing, stretching, and reaching out to find the wild and extravagant love and erotic sensation. It is the perfection of being in the moment, a time of happiness and fervor.
The month of May brings the Roman festival of Maia, goddess of growth and abundance for whom this month is named; Flora, goddess of springtime and flowers, and Rosalia, the Festival of Roses. The Irish celebrate the Veneration of the Sacred Thorn, and the Norse, the Feast of Frigg. There’s Garland Day in England, Lei Day in Hawaii, and of course, the Celtic celebration of Beltane–a festival already in full swing when the month arrives.

beltaneThe rythm of our bodies and hearts instinctively feel the tempo of the wild universe, which opens its arms and embraces us as we flow in with laughter and joy. The perfect, unalloyed pleasure of being is the Beltane state of mind. We flow into this state of mind when we dance in harmony with the ecstatic universe. We let go of our petty selves and step into that flow of harmonious union to become ecstatic ourselves. We embrace our wildness.
Often, it’s difficult for us to emerge as ecstatic, wild, nature beings. One avenue to emergence is to celebrate a deity. Flora, the Roman goddess of springtime and flowering vegetation, is a good choice for the Beltane state of mind. She is the patroness of everything that grows and flourishes: flowers, plants, trees and vines. Her festival, Floralia, was celebrated from April 28 to May 3, and in a rose festival on May 23, though much of the orgiastic celebrations were eventually outlawed. Nevertheless, we can find her ecstatic magic in our bodies and in the blooming flowers.
Each event is a fertility festival in which plants and flowers play a very important role. It is a real pity that their role as magical tools is frequently overlooked. Because they are capable of something wonderful. Flowers are capable of speaking real words that soar straight into the universe in a very special but secretive language called Floriography — the language of flowers.

Beltaine

(April 30th – May 1st)

beltaine-maypole

Also known as Roodmas, Beltaine has long been celebrated with feasts and rituals. Beltane means fire of Bel; Belinos being one name for the Sun God, whose coronation feast we now celebrate. Beltane is also commonly known as May Day, “may” coming from “maiden”, representing the Goddess in Her Maiden aspect. The name Beltane is sometimes incorrectly assigned to Litha, the holiday of Mid-Summer, by some modern traditions of Wicca, even though Beltane is the Gaelic word for May.
Halfway around the year from Samhain, when we honor our beloved dead, Beltane is the festival that celebrates all of the living world: plants, animals, and human beings. On both occasions, the veil between the worlds is said to be thin, and is no more unusual to see the fairies near Beltane, than it is to see the spirits of the dead at Samhain. Beltane is also the great spring holiday of the Goddess. It is a time of Faerie Magic and the Queen of faeries is represented by the Queen of the May. Along with her consort, she rules over the festivities and serves as representative of the Goddess.
In most temperate climates, flowers are now in bloom, trees are in blossom or in full leaf, and gardens are beginning to grow. All of the hibernating animals are fully awake. The birds have nested and settled down to raise their brood.
Beltane is the Holiday of fertility. For Pagans, one of the great gifts of the Goddess is the power of the earth to grow wonderful flowers and fruits and all the things we eat. We are thankful for the fertility of the earth, and our job is to keep the land and the soil healthy, to protect the animals and plants and trees so that fertility can continue. The earth is a living being, and all of her creatures are part of her body. Each has a place, a purpose, a special part in the great dance of life.
As summer begins, just as the weather becomes warmer, and the plant world blossoms, an exuberant mood prevails. At Beltaine we celebrate the joys of being alive. We give thanks for all the different kinds of pleasure our bodies give us, for without our bodies we couldn’t see, hear, touch, taste, smell, run, dance, jump or do any of the things we do. Children celebrate by doing all the things they can do which they couldn’t do before — run, jump, play games, climb trees, dance, turn somersaults and cartwheels or anything that makes them glad they have a body. Adults celebrate sexual pleasure. For Pagans, the good, loving feelings that people can give each other with their bodies are special gifts of the Goddess. When we give each other love and pleasure, the whole earth is pleased. We give thanks for the power women and men have to make babies and bringing new people into the world.
In old Celtic traditions Beltane was a time of unabashed sexuality and promiscuity where marriages of a year and a day could be undertaken but it is rarely observed in that manner in modern times.beltane maypole
On this day all the different kinds of human fertility and creativity are celebrated and thanked for. Not only pro-creation, but we create in many other ways as well. When we paint, draw or sculpt, when we write poems, songs or stories, when we garden, cook or bake, we take part in the fertility of the Goddess.

In the old Celtic times, Bel-fires were lit on hilltops to celebrate the return of life and fertility to the world. Jumping over the fire could ensure safe delivery of a pregnant woman, spring spouses to young people, grant traveling a safe journey, ensure health, and bring about conception for a barren woman. Young people would spend the entire night in the woods “A-Maying,” and then dance around the phallic Maypole the next morning. Older married couples were allowed to remove their wedding rings (and the restrictions they imply) for this one night. May morning is a magickal time for wild water (dew, flowing streams, and springs) which is collected and used to bathe in for beauty, or to drink for health.
Some may say that the Christian religion had only a poor substitute for the life-affirming Maypole — as is the death-affirming cross. Hence, in the Christian calendar, this was celebrated as ‘Roodmas’. In Germany, it was the feast of Saint Walpurga, or ‘Walpurgisnacht’. An alternative date around May 5 (Old Beltane), when the sun reaches 15 degrees Taurus, is sometimes employed by Covens. (Both ‘Lady Day’ and ‘Ostara’ are names incorrectly assigned to this holiday by some modern traditions of Wicca). Think of the May pole as a focal point of the old English village rituals. Many people would rise at the first light of dawn to go outdoors and gather flowers and branches to decorate their homes. Women, traditionally mother and daughter, would braid flowers into their hair. Men and women alike would decorate their bodies. Beltane marks the return of vitality, of passion. Ancient Pagan traditions say that Beltane marks the emergence of the young God into manhood. Stirred by the energies at work in nature, he desires the Goddess. They fall in love, lie among the grasses and blossoms, and unite. The Goddess becomes pregnant of the God. To celebrate, a wedding feast for the God and Goddess must be prepared. Let Them guide you!

Beltane is the holiday that draws all Witches outside to celebrate the returning power of the Sun and the fecundity of the land.
Wear red robes for ritual and dress your altar with reds for passion. If you have identified a nearby rowan tree, you can make a wreath for your hair using rowan sprigs. Mom and daughter could braid their hair, and weave in a few tender blossoms. Decorate your house with freshly cut greens, herbs and flowers. Arrange for music or drumming to lighten the steps of the dancers of the maypole or spiral dance. Lose yourself in the dance.
Fire is an honored element at this ritual, so have circle members jump over a cauldron – or bonfire if you have the space and its safe – for purification and protection. Water is another honored element: be certain to visit your local sacred spring or riverbank. Leave a drop or two of milk and other food offerings for the nature spirits.
Wake before dawn on this day and watch the Sun rise over a river or beach. Gather a pitcherful where the Sun has gilded the water. When you return home walk the bounds of your land sprinkling water in you garden beds to ensure plentiful rainfall during the growing season.
Breads and cereals are popular. Try oatmeal cakes or cookies sweetened with a dab of honey. Dairy foods are again appropriate… An early morning walk through a local park or forest could be fun for everyone.

Beltane Lore

The Altar: a simple arrangement of flowers will decorate your altar and fill the room with a delicious natural scent. May Baskets can be made of small branches or paper strips, or you can use a pre-made basket to decorate it with flowers and greens. Branches of Rowan, Hawthorn or Oak can form a green background. You can also use pictures of the Fair Folk. And be sure to set out a bowl of milk or cream for them at night. .. And if you spot your cat or dog drinking the milk, don’t worry .. its probably a Faery in disguise 😉

The Colors of Beltane: Reds for passion. Bright colors like the beautiful flowers this time of year. Some especially connect the colors of gold, purple and green with this holiday — the golden shine of the Sun, the deep plum of grape wine and the peridot and hunter greens of the forest.

Incense, Herbs and Wood: Incenses used for Beltane should be strong, intoxicating, heady, and erotic. Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Peach, Musk, and Vanilla are all appropriate.
If you want to use herbs to make an incense or spell powder to throw on the fire, Woodruff, Fern, Rose, Chamomile, Wormwood, and Galangal are good choices.
Often you will read about the nine sacred woods used in kindling the balefire. Obviously, the trees should all have strong connections to magick, but substitutions can be made depending on where you live.
Oak would be the first choice, the backbone of the fire, so to speak. To that add eight other types of wood. Any and all of these are acceptable: Rowan (mountain Ash), Hawthorn, Birch, Apple, Elder, Ash, Thorn (or Blackthorn), Grape Vine, Holly, Willow, Cedar,Yew and Hemlock.

Food for Beltane: Anything seasonal, harvested. Oatmeal. Nuts. Grains. Berries. Grapes.

Activities for Beltane:
MAYPOLE — Nothing symbolizes Beltane so much as the Maypole, the origins of which lie in fertility and sex.
The maypole represents the phallus of the God. The wreath around the top represents the vagina of the Goddess. As the Maypole is danced, the ribbons wind around the pole and the wreath flowers, symbolizing the Divine Marriage, the sexual union of God and Goddess.
The men should cut down the tree and de-limb it. Always ask permission and always leave something in return when you do this. You are taking a life, the tree feels pain and suffers even as it falls. So leave an offering of flowers, food and wine for the spirit of the tree and for the Goddess who nurtured it to life. While the men prepare the Maypole, the women dig the hole, focusing on the womb of the Goddess, the passion that throbs under the soil. The men lift the Maypole into the hole and everyone cheers as the women fill in the dirt and pack it down. The women should have already prepared the flower wreath that will sit atop the ribbons.
When it is time for the dance and the ribbons are outstretched and the dancers are ready, one person will scurry up a tall ladder and place the wreath over the pole to rest on the taut ribbons. The opening of the wreath should not be more than 12 inches wider than the tree, so that it rides the ribbons down as the dance progresses. The ribbons wrap the pole.
The dance stops when the weaving stops because everyone is flat against the pole. Tie off the ribbons and let the wreath finish dropping to the ground. Celebrate!

BOWERS OF LOVE & LUST — In ancient times, on Beltane night, it was traditional for young men and women to celebrate fertility by slipping away into the woods to have sex. Any children conceived at this time were known as merry-begets, and were considered children of the Gods.
For outdoor Beltane celebrations it’s a lot of fun to create bowers. If you have a large outdoor private area, take small tents or tarps and discreetly place them in the woods. Decorate with flowers and ribbons, add vases of flowers, wreaths and the like. Mark the bowers and put a sign to indicate when they’re being used. Be creative! It’s a good idea (and one can be remembered as a thoughtful host) to place a bowl of condoms in the tents, as well as trash cans.

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*sources*
http://www.wicca.com
Llewellyn’s Witches Almanac

**post originally published may 2006

Brideo’gas

Imbolc

by Celebrate The SeasonImbolcWicca

(February 1st – 2nd)

The Festival of Lights

Brideo’gas

Imbolc, (pronounced “IM-bulk” or “EM-bowlk”), also called Oimealg, (“IM-mol’g) by the Druids, as is the festival of the lactating sheep. It is derived from the Gaelic word “oimelc” which means “ewes milk”. Herd animals have either given birth to the first offspring of the year or their wombs are swollen and the milk of life is flowing into their teats and udders.
Imbolc is one of the four greater Sabbats, celebrated on February 2nd. It is to celebrate the first stirrings of spring. It is the time of blessing of the seeds and consecration of agricultural tools. This is when the first buds can be seen appearing on trees, and in many places the first Crocus flowers begin to spring forth from the frozen earth in the Northern Hemisphere. It is when the days are quite visibly longer than they were around Yule, and they are of somewhat bearable temperatures, as it marks the center point of the dark half of the year.

Religious Myth

brigid’s cross

On this Sabbat Pagans honor the Goddess in her Maiden aspect, as the bride, for from this day to March 21st, it is her season to prepare for growth and renewal. Brighid’s snake (Kundalini energy) emerges from the womb of the Earth Mother to test the weather, (the origin of Groundhog Day).
Traditionally, celebrants honor Brigid, who has many names; she’s known as Brighid, Bríde, Brigit, and Brìd. In Her honor, the Irish call the Imbolc holy day “Lá Fhéile Bríde” (the Feast of Bride), the Scottish “Latha Fhèill Bríghde” (the Festival of Brigid), and the Welsh say “Gwyl Ffræd” (Brigit’s Feast). Her element is fire. She inspires the mind to create poetry. Brigid blesses holy wells, healers and blacksmiths, and Her symbol is a weaving of straw called a Brigid’s Cross, fashioned from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. You can find these Celtic talismans blessing doorways all over Ireland. She is the Triple Goddess — Maiden, Mother, and Crone — who offers us light in the season of darkness. Also, Straw Brideo’gas or Corn Maidens (corn dollies) are made from corn, oat or wheat straw, dressed up and placed in cradles or baskets with white flower bedding known as “Bride’s Bed”. Young girls then carry the Brideo’gas door to door, and gifts are bestowed upon the image from each household. Afterwards at the traditional feast, the older women make special acorn wands for the dollies to hold, and in the morning the ashes in the hearth are examined to see if the magic wands left marks as a good omen. The dolls are generally kept year round as a symbol of fertility. Home hearth fires are put out and re-lit, and a besom is place by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new. Candles are lit and placed in each room of the house to honor the re-birth of the Sun.
That said, this season belongs to Brigid, the Celtic goddess who in later times became revered as a Christian saint. Originally, her festival was on February 1, but the Catholic Church later replaced this festival with Candlemas Day on February 2, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and features candlelight processions.

Another traditional symbol of Imbolc is the plough. In some areas, this is the first day of ploughing in preparation of the first planting of crops. A decorated plough is dragged from door to door, with costumed children following asking for food, drinks, or money. Should they be refused, the household is paid back by having its front garden ploughed up. In other areas, the plough is decorated and then Whiskey, the “water of life” is poured over it. Pieces of cheese and bread are left by the plough and in the newly turned furrows as offerings to the nature spirits. It is considered taboo to cut or pick plants during this time.
Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Imbolgc Brigantia (Caledonni), Imbolic (Celtic), Disting (Teutonic, Feb 14th), Lupercus (Strega), St. Bridget’s Day (Christian), Candlemas, Candlelaria (Mexican), the Snowdrop Festival. The Festival of Lights, or the Feast of the Virgin. All Virgin and Maiden Goddesses are honored at this time.

Celebration

Imbolc is a festival of light, reflecting the lengthening of the day and the hope of spring. It is traditional to light all the lamps of the house for a few minutes on Imbolc, and rituals often involve a great deal of candles.
Now is the time to wear white, go for long walks through the snow and search for signs of spring, and for honoring the maiden goddess. It is a time of personal growth and renewal. Do some spring cleaning, meditate, have a cleansing bath.

Imbolc Lore

Deities of Imbolc: All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Inanna, Gaia, and Februa, and Gods of Love and Fertility, Aengus Og, Eros, and Februus.

Symbolism of Imbolc: Purity, Growth and Re-Newal, The Re-Union of the Goddess and the God, Fertility, and dispensing of the old and making way for the new.

Symbols of Imbolc: Brideo’gas, Besoms, White Flowers, Candle Wheels, Brighid’s Crosses, Priapic Wands (acorn-tipped), and Ploughs.

Herbs of Imbolc: Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers.

Foods of Imbolc: Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Poppyseed Cakes, muffins, scones, and breads, all dairy products, Peppers, Onions, Garlic, Raisins, Spiced Wines and Herbal Teas.

Incense of Imbolc: Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Cinnamon, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh.

Colors of Imbolc: White, Pink, Red, Yellow, lt. Green, Brown.

Stones of Imbolc: Amethyst, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Onyx, Turquoise.

Activities of Imbolc: Candle Lighting, Stone Gatherings, Snow Hiking and Searching for Signs of Spring, Making of Brideo’gas and Bride’s Beds, Making Priapic Wands, Decorating Ploughs, Feasting, and Bon Fires.

The Rituals

– I –

Typical Wiccan Imbolc ritual

The Altar should be provided with:

-a gold and a silver candle (lit)

-a cauldron filled with earth or salt into which eight unlit candles have been set. A white candle in the middle surrounded by (in order)a red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and violet candle. The colored candles should form a circle around the white.

-Incense and burner (the incense should be cinnamon, you can just use regular cinnamon on a charcoal disc)

Tools:

-Consecrate a circle and call the quarters.

-Recite the following Prayer:

This night the Mother sleeps in Winter
Dreaming of the Life to come
Clothed in silent white
She rests from the labour of birth
Born at Solstice, the Child Sun grows strong
Hear us, Child of the Mother
Bring to us the Fire of Life

-Take the gold candle and light the white candle in the center of the cauldron, then use the white candle to light the rest saying as you do:

Fire of Breath (violet)
Fire of Desire(purple)
Fire of Purity(blue)
Fire of Creation(green)
Fire of Knowledge(yellow)
Fire of Spirit(orange)
Fire of Life(red)

-Return the white candle to the center of the cauldron and say:

I stand in the center
My heart is a child’s
I celebrate the Seed
Awaken and grow
I stand in the center
My heart is a child’s
I celebrate the Seed
Awaken and grow
I stand in the center
My heart is a child’s
I celebrate the Seed
Awaken and grow
Sun’s Flame, Brigid’s Flame
Bring us light
Bring us life
Awaken the Mother
The time of Growth draws nigh
Sun’s Flame, Brigid’s Flame
Bring us warmth
Bring us growth
Awaken the Seed
To grow and prosper
Sun’s Flame, Brigid’s Flame
Bring us light
Bring us life
Bring us warmth
Bring us growth.

-Meditate on new beginnings and future plans, this is also a good time for initiations and consecrations.

-Snuff the candles when you are done. Close the Circle.

~ ~ ~ )0( ~ ~ ~

– II –

Tools:
In addition to your magical tools, you will need:

* A White Altar Cloth
* Light Green Taper Goddess Candle
* Light Yellow Taper God Candle
* 13 White 4″ Stick Candles
* Brideo’ga*
* Small Woven Basket with White Flowers
* Pentacle Candle Wheel
* Handful of Acorns
* Cauldron
* Snow/Crushed Ice
* Small White Pillar Candle
* Potpourri Holder
* Tea Lite
* Basil, Bay, Heather Flowers, Cinnamon and Vanilla Potpourri Blend
* Long Wooden Stick Matches

Preparation:
Sweep area, moving in deosil direction. Outline your circle with white cord Angelica leaves. Place Pentacle Candle Wheel in the center of altar. Place the lt. green taper Goddess candle to the top left of altar and the lt. yellow taper God candle to the top right of altar. Put the white flowers in the basket as bedding for the Bride’s Bed, then place the Brideo’ga atop the flowers. Place the basket in front of the Goddess candle, to the left of the Pentacle Candle Wheel. Place the acorns in front of the God candle, to the right of the Pentacle Wheel. Place the tea lite in the bottom of potpourri holder, and put holder at front center of the alter. Place white pillar candle in the middle of the cauldron, fill cauldron about 1″-2″ with snow or crushed ice, and position on floor in front of altar. Put the container with potpourri where it can be reached easily. Place the rest of your tools and props according to personal preference. Bathe or shower for purification. Ground and center. When ready, put on some soothing music associated with this Sabbat and your ritual.

Cast circle by holding out your right hand and tracing over the cord or leaves in a clockwise direction. As you trace over the outline envision flames of pure white rising up along the perimeter. When the beginning and the end join the circle is complete. Step up to the cauldron and light the white pillar candle, saying:

“Amidst the darkness the Lady is stirring,
Gently awakening from frozen dreams,
All the world has awaited this moment The return of the Maiden,
And Her promise of oncoming Spring.”

Call the Quarters.
As this is a time to honor Mother Earth as she wakes from her winter’s recovery of giving rebirth to the Sun King at Yule, start with North, the element Earth. Pick up the container of potpourri, step up to the altar and pour some into the holder, saying:

“Powers of Earth, the Maiden awakens!
Come join the circle and share in the light.”

Put the container back where it was. Light the white candle at the North point of the Pentacle Candle Wheel. Continue, by waving your hand over the potpourri as if to create a breeze on which to carry the scent, saying:

“Powers of Air, the Maiden awakens!
Come join the circle and share in the light.”

Light the white candle at the East point of the Pentacle Candle Wheel. Light the tea candle in the bottom of the potpourri holder, saying:

“Powers of Fire, the Maiden awakens!
Come join the circle and share in the light.”

Light the white candle at the South point of the Pentacle Candle Wheel. Pour some water into the holder with the potpourri, saying:

“Powers of Water, the Maiden awakens!
Come join the circle and share in the light.”

Light the white candle at the West point of the Pentacle Candle Wheel. Remove the white candle from the top point of the Pentacle. Since Akasha is the omnipresent, it need not be invoked. Light the candle and invoke the Goddess and the God by lighting the lt. green Goddess candle and the lt. yellow God candle with the white candle. Place the white candle back in the top point of the Pentacle Candle Wheel, saying:

“Be with me now, oh Ancients, eternal,
Hear now my prayers, hopes and dreams.
The Goddess has wakened, once more as the Maiden
By loving caresses from the strengthened Sun King.”

Light the inner cross points of the Pentacle Candle Wheel, starting with the cross point to the right of the North point. Light all 5 cross points in succession, saying:

“The Earth now grows warmer, as the Wheel again turns
And as each passing day adds strength, To the Sun King’s rays
The Maiden, of his gift of life, now silently does yearn.”

Take a couple of the acorns from in front of the God candle and place them in the Bride’s Bed with the Brideo’ga. Light the three aspects of the Goddess candles. All aspects are white because She is the Triple Goddess appearing as the Maiden, pure, and renewed. Step back from the altar and contemplate the light that is brought about by the re-union of the God and the Goddess saying:

“Behold the God and Goddess,
Lord of the Forest and his Bride,
Once again the Earth is blessed
With life anew inside.
Seeds shall soon begin to sprout
And creatures shall young bear
For this is the Promise, the Cycle of Life
That is born of the love They share.”

Now is the time for meditation and any spellworkings. Spellworkings associated with Imbolc include those for fertility, defining and focusing on goals for the future, organization, health, and protection. Next, celebrate with Cakes and Ale (Poppyseed Cakes* and Spiced Tea*) Ceremony, saving some for the wee Folkes, outside. Thank the God and Goddess for Their presence snuff their candles. Thank and release the Quarters, saying:

“Though you leave this circle, tonight,
Water, Fire, Air, and Earth
Your symbols shall linger on a while
Blessing my home and hearth.
The herbs that scent this room tonight,
Were chosen with loving care,
To bless me, my family and my friends,
And my sisters and brothers everywhere.”

Snuff each of the white candles at the directional points of the Pentacle Candle Wheel, starting with the candle at the top point first, then the West point and working in a widdershins direction. Snuff the inner cross point candles also in a widdershins direction. Finally snuff the three aspects of the Goddess candles. Step back from the altar and face the cauldron with the white pillar candle still burning brightly saying:

“I honor Thee, Maiden, most blessed Bride
As your candle burns through this night
And thank you for the renewed life you offer us all
As you emerge from the dark to the light.”

Release the circle. Clean up, place the cauldron from the floor onto the middle of the alter. Let the candle burn out by itself. Place the potpourri in a spot where its scent and blessings fill the house. You are done.

—————————————————————————-

*references*

The Witches’ Voice Inc.


http://www.celticspirit.org
http://www.wicca.com
http://www.mythicjourneys.org

Yule

by WiccaYule

Falling between the 19th and the 23rd day of December, and also known as the Winter Solstice, Yule (pronounced EWE-elle) is the time when the dark half of the year yields to the light half, marking the shortest day of the year accompanied by what is also known as Solstice Night, the longest night of the year.

We now begin our return closer to the sun, as the sky holds the sun for a little longer each day, it begins to get a little warmer as well.
In ancient times this moment in the wheel of the year was celebrated joyfully, honoring the “rebirth of the Oak King”, the Sun King (the return of the sun), Giver of Life that envelopes the frozen Earth, giving her the warmth she needs to bear forth the seeds she protected in her womb through the fall and winter days. Bonfires decorated the fields, as the crops, trees and gardens were sprinkled with cider as a blessing.

It was tradition going from house to house offering gifts, such as handmade baskets of evergreen boughs, filled with clove spiked apples and oranges, and wheat stalks dusted with flour. The apples and oranges represented the sun, the boughs were symbolic of immortality, the wheat stalks portrayed the harvest, and the flour was accomplishment of triumph, light, and life. Holly, mistletoe, and ivy not only decorated the outside, but also the inside of homes. It was to extend invitation to Nature Sprites to come and join the celebration. A sprig of Holly was kept near the door all year long as a constant invitation for good fortune to pay visit to the residents.
The ceremonial Yule log was the highlight of the festival. In accordance to tradition, the log must either have been harvested from the householder’s land the previous year (kept for this specific purpose), or given as a gift… it must never have been bought. Once in the house, placed in the fireplace it was decorated in seasonal greenery, doused with cider or ale, and dusted with flour before set ablaze. The log would burn throughout the night, then smolder for 12 days after before being ceremonially put out. Ash is the traditional wood of the Yule log. It is the sacred world tree of the Teutons, known as Yggdrasil. An herb of the Sun, Ash brings light into the hearth at the Solstice.
A different type of Yule log, perhaps more suitable for modern practitioners would be Oak or Pine. For the three candles, find a smaller branch of oak or pine, and flatten one side so it sets upright. Carve, or drill, three holes on the top side to hold a red, a green, and a white candle for the season; or a green, a gold, and a black candle for the Sun God; or a white, a red, and a black candle for the Great Mother Goddess. Continue to decorate with greenery, red and gold bows, rosebuds, cloves, and dust with flour.
Deities of Yule are all Newborn Gods, Sun Gods, Mother Goddesses, and Triple Goddesses. The best known would be Dagda, and Brighid, the daughter of Dagda. Brighid taught the smiths the arts of fire tending and the secrets of metal work. Brighid’s flame, like the flame of the new light, pierces the darkness of the spirit and mind, while Dagda’s cauldron assures that Nature will always provide for all the children.

Symbolism of Yule: Rebirth of the Sun, The longest night of the year, The Winter Solstice, Introspect, Planning for the Future.

Symbols of Yule: Yule log, or small Yule log with 3 candles, evergreen boughs or wreaths, holly, mistletoe hung in doorways, gold pillar candles, baskets of clove studded fruit, a simmering pot of wassail, poinsettias, christmas cactus.

Herbs of Yule: Bayberry, blessed thistle, evergreen, frankincense holly, laurel, mistletoe, clove, oak, pine, sage, yellow cedar.

Foods of Yule: Cookies and caraway cakes soaked in cider, fruits (mainly apples and oranges), nuts, eggnog, ginger tea, spiced cider and ale.

Incense of Yule: Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon.

Colors of Yule: Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange.

Stones of Yule: Rubies, bloodstones, garnets, emeralds, diamonds.

Activities of Yule: Caroling, wassailing the trees and crops, burning the Yule log, decorating the Yule tree, exchanging of presents, kissing under the mistletoe, dancing by the bonfire, honoring Kriss Kringle the Germanic Pagan God of Yule

Spellworkings of Yule: Peace, harmony, love, abundance and increased happiness.

Deities of Yule: Goddesses-Brighid, Dagda, Isis, Demeter, Gaea, Diana, The Great Mother. Gods-Apollo, Ra, Odin, Lugh, The Oak King, The Sun King, The Horned One, The Divine Child.

For a Harvest & Mabon ritual visit Divine Muse: Winter Solstice Ritual

Yule Recipes

Moravian Scotch Cakes

1 1/2 cups veg. butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cups flour
2 tsp. caraway seeds

Mix the flour, caraway seeds and sugar together. Work in the butter with the finger tips until well blended. Roll out about 1/3 inch thick on floured board. Cut in small squares. Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 325° about 15 minutes. When cold, cover with icing and sprinkle with colored sugar.

–

Acorn Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 1/2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (5 cups)
1 small acorn squash, seeded and cubed
13 3/4 oz. vegetable broth
4 Tbsp. rice milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. sliced almonds; toasted
ground nutmeg

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Then over medium heat sauté onions until golden, about 8 minutes. Add potatoes, squash and broth. Simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 25 minutes. Cool slightly. Working in small batches, place the vegetables with the liquid in a blender or food processor. Whirl until pureed. Return the puree to the saucepan. Stir in milk to desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Heat over low heat. Remove to heated bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of almonds and nutmeg.

–

Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries

6 sweet potatoes
1 cup cranberry sauce
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp. orange rind
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 Tbsp. veg. butter
1 cup cranberries
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Boil sweet potatoes in their skins until barely tender. Peel, slice thickly, and arrange in a buttered baking dish. In a saucepan, mix remaining ingredients. Simmer, uncovered, for five minutes. Pour over sweet potatoes and bake uncovered at 350° for 20 minutes or until glazed and hot.

–

Yule Moon Cookies

1 cup butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 cup grated almonds (blanched)
1 tsp. vanilla

Icing:
2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 Tbsp. water

Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and light. Add grated lemon peel, salt, flour, grated almonds, and 1 tsp. vanilla; mix thoroughly. Place dough in bowl. Cover and chill thoroughly. When the dough is well chilled; or the next day, roll out dough to 1/8″ thickness and cut with moon/crescent cookie cutter. Place 1/2″ apart on un-greased baking sheet. Bake in preheated 375° oven for 8-10 minutes.

Icing:
While cookies bake, combine confectioner’s sugar, vanilla and water. Spread over the tops of cookies while still warm, but not too hot, as icing will melt. Thin with additional drops of water if glaze is too thick. Allow cookies to cool.

Makes: 10 dozen cookies

–

Yuletide Slaw

4 cups red cabbage, shredded
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, corse ground
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup salad oil
2 tablespoons parsley
1 green bell pepper, chopped

Combine and toss the vegetables together. Mix salt, pepper, salad oil, lemon juice, sugar and parsley and pour over the vegetable mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour, Toss briskly before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

–

Hot Spiced Wassail (non-alcoholic)

4 cups cranberry juice
6 cinnamon sticks
5 cups apple cider
1 orange, studded with whole cloves
1 cup water
1 apple, cored and sliced
1/2 cup brown sugar

Mix juice, cider, and water in large saucepan or crock pot. Add cinnamon sticks, clove studded orange, and apple slices. Simmer mixture for 4 hours. Serve hot.

Makes 12 servings.

–

Solstice Surprise Salad

1 large unpeeled cucumber
1 15 1/2 ounce can whole chestnuts
4 ounces cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons French dressing

Wash and dry cucumber. Cut into quarters, lengthwise, then thinly slice into a non-metal bowl. Grate cheddar cheese and add to cucumber. Break up the chestnuts into fairly large pieces and add. Toss well to mix, adding the French dressing. Chill for one hour before serving.

Makes 6 servings.

–

Raspberry Marsh-Bars

1/4 pound butter
10 ounce raspberry chocolate chips
12 ounce can evaporated milk
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
3 1/2 cups sugar
7 ounce jar marshmallow creme
1 heaping tablespoon of instant coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla

In heavy saucepan or double boiler melt the butter. Add evaporated milk, sugar, and coffee. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add raspberry chocolate chips and bittersweet chocolate. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are melted. Add the marshmallow creme and stir until well blended. Stir in the vanilla. Pour into a slightly greased 9″ x13″ pan. Refrigerate. Cut into bite-sized bars when cooled.
Makes 12 servings.

–

Recipes sources:
Celtic Connection www.wicca.com
Ravenna’s Wheel of the Year www.angelfire.com/wa3/angelline

samhain2

Samhain

by SamhainWicca

Ancestor Night, Celtic New Year

samhain2

The chilled breeze that flutters the red, orange and yellow leaves, nibbles at the skin, raising goose-bumps. Samhain is upon us. Expect the unexpected if you celebrate this holiday -the Celtic New Year- on All Hallows Eve.
Pronounced SOW-in, SAH-vin, or SAM-hayne – means “End of Summer”, and is the third and final Harvest. The dark winter half of the year commences on this Sabbat.
It is generally celebrated on October 31st, but some traditions prefer November 1st or at the cross-quarter. It is one of the two “spirit-nights” of the year, the other being Beltane.
It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended, and the “thin veil” between the worlds is lifted. It is the time of the year when traveling between the physical and the spirit world is made easier, and communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, as well as them contacting us; for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands. Look for psychic dreams on the astrological Samhain (date of the cross-quarter); your intuition will be in top form should you do readings at ritual. This power gets stronger with the passing of each year.
It is a time to study the Dark Mysteries and honor the Dark Mother and the Dark Father, symbolized by the Crone and her aged Consort. This is the sabbat for wearing your witchy black. Clean the house, including the hearth, from top to bottom; the garden also needs to be prepared for the winter by this date. Lay new fires. Cleanse divination tools (cards, crystals, runes, pendulums) and rededicate them to the Goddess. For the last of the Harvest Festivals, put apples, nuts, acorns, and squashes on the altar, and add pictures of the family members you are missing. Using freshly harvested hazel nuts, make wreaths with nine nuts (three times three) to protect your house from fire and lightning. Offer thanks to the river gods or the god of the sea, and remember to honor the goddess Hecate.
Originally the “Feast of the Dead” was celebrated in Celtic countries by leaving food offerings on altars and doorsteps for the “wandering dead”. Today a lot of practitioners still carry out that tradition. Single candles were lit and left in a window to help guide the spirits of ancestors and loved ones home. Extra chairs were set to the table and around the hearth for the unseen guests. Apples were buried along roadsides and paths for spirits who were lost or had no descendants to provide for them. Turnips and pumpkins were hollowed out and carved to look like protective spirits, and pumpkin lanterns were placed upon tables, tree stumps, boulders, and wooden fence posts, watching over and marking the boundaries, for this was a night of magic and chaos. The glowing faces will float in the darkness, scaring away all malintent. Traveling after dark was not advised, as it was believed that the Wee Folke became very active, pulling pranks on unsuspecting humans. People dressed in white (like ghosts), wore disguises made of straw, or dressed as the opposite gender in order to fool the Nature spirits.
This was the time that the cattle and other livestock were slaughtered for eating in the ensuing winter months. The cauldron, a symbol of life, was sometimes used as a serving platter. It contained a limitless supply of food for all those with a righteous heart. Any persons placing themselves or their personal desires before that of the natural world would not only find an empty cauldron, but the cauldron would reflect back to them the pain and suffering of all humanity.
When cut on bias, apples display the pentagram they hold inside. The apple trees in the world of the Goddess are said to bear fruit all year long. Apples hang on strings from branches for a game much like bobbing for apples. Retrieving an apple from a low hanging branch by suing only one’s mouth foretold of an exceptional year of wisdom and spiritual growth.
Bonfires were built. Firewood from nine downed trees are previously selected, cut, split, seasoned, and stacked in a bonfire heap waiting to be set ablaze. They were originally called bone-fires, for after feasting, the bones were thrown in the fire as offerings for healthy and plentiful livestock in the New Year and stones were marked with peoples names. Then they were thrown into the fire, to be retrieved in the morning. The condition of the retrieved stone foretold of that person’s fortune in the coming year. Hearth fires were also lit from the village bonfire to ensure unity, and the ashes were spread over the harvested fields to protect and bless the land.
Some say that the roots that remained from the final harvest represented that which was manifested over the past year, the earthly attachment from which everything grew. All good and ill grows from the seeds of action sown by our deeds. To produce new growth and avoid repeating the past, the roots must be dug up and burned in the ritual bonfire. The flames would consume any negativity, and the smoke would carry prayers to the Goddess. But others believed that any crops still in the field on Samhain were considered taboo, and left as offerings to the Nature spirits.
As darkness descends, each Witch in their own time makes their way to the altar of the ancestors, lights a white votive candle, and says a prayer for their recent and long departed. Ancestore can be anyone the heart is drawn to, blood-related or not. Their wisdom is ours to sample and learn from. Wisdom is stored in a Jungian collective, a spiritual cauldron of consciousness, where each generation may access the wisdom of the ages. Rebirth is the transfer of that wisdom to the newly born.
Soon, everyone gathers in a circle. They chant and walk the circumference of the meadow three times sunwise. The entire festival community participates in the circle-casting ritual. If a single individual was left out for any reason, the circle was not properly cast.
The bonfire is lit. Flames rush from the bottom to the top, each one trying to be the first and extend the highest into the darkness above. Knotted cords are tossed into the fire and named aloud by their bearer for the malady of deficiency they magically contain- “lack of money, joblessness, back pain”, and so on. Loose herbs and sachets specifically mixed for this moment are also burned with a prayer for something better to come. The death rattle is passed from person to person with prayers for the elimination and cessation of all negativity. A burning torch, representing fires of change and prayers for new beginnings, follows after the death rattle.
The priestess and priest who organized the gathering, and who conduct the ritual, have fasted for several days preceding the ritual. They assemble an offering plate and serve it with a blessing at the seat left empty to honor the dead. They fill their own plates, the remaining folks fill theirs, and the feast is held in silence.
Divination will be practiced around the fire. People will use scrying mirrors, tarot cards, and stones tossed in circles of ash. The music will start, the games will begin, and the festival will celebrate the New Year until dawn.
Various other names for this Greater Sabbat are Third Harvest, Samana, Day of the Dead, Old Hallowmas (Scottish/Celtic), Vigil of Saman, Shadowfest (Strega), and Samhuinn. Also known as All Hallow’s Eve, and Martinmas (that is celebrated November 11th), Samhain is now generally considered the Witch’s New Year.

Symbolism of Samhain: Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.

Symbols of Samhain: Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms, Corn, Straw dolls.

Herbs of Samhain: Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.

Foods of Samhain: Traditionally, pork was the most sacred of Celtic food, which was served on a platter holding center place. A cauldron of vegetable stew stands nearby. Cobs of corn, lettuce, nuts, warm bread, colorful fruits, beans, potatoes, peas, squash, tomatoes and melon are appropriate for this feast. Also turnips, apples, mulled wines.

Incense of Samhain: Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg.

Colors of Samhain: Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.

Stones of Samhain: All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.

For a Samhain ritual go to Divine Muse’s Samhain Ritual

Samhain Recipes

Eye-Opening Fried Cornmeal Mush Perfect for breakfast!

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup cold water
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
2 3/4 cups water in a pan

Bring the 2 3/4 cups of water to a boil. In bowl, combine the cornmeal, 1 cup water, salt, and sugar. Gradually add this mixture to the boiling water, stirring constantly. Cover and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Pour into a shallow loaf pan. Chill in refrigerator overnight. In the morning, turn out of pan onto a platter or flat countertop. Cut into 1/2 inch slices. Fry slowly in a very small amount of vegetable oil. Turn once. When browned, serve warm with butter and syrup or fresh fruit.
Makes 6 servings.

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BeWitchy Vegan Apple Pancakes

2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 cups soy milk
2 tbs. veg. oil or butter, melted
1 cup finely chopped apples, peeled and cored
1 cup fresh made applesauce
1 cup walnuts

In a large bowl sift flour, baking powder, baking soda together. Add the soy milk and the oil or butter. slightly mix. Add in extras as preferred: apple chunks, apple sauce, nuts, etc. Lightly oil skillet and heat over medium heat. Drop 2-3 spoonfulls of batter into skillet and cover. When the center begins to bubble, flip and cover.
For the pancakes to stay warm until all pancakes are made keep them in the oven at 200 degrees. When serving dot with butter, top with applesauce, apple chunks, syrup, and a dash of cinnamon. Can also roll them up into logs.
Makes 4 servings.

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Gramms’ Baked Apples

6 Apples
1 cup brown sugar
Honey
Granola, walnuts (optional)

Cap off apples cutting above half line. Core and slightly scrape inside and save in a small bowl. Set apples on a baking pan and sprinkle brown sugar and honey inside, cover each one with their top and sprinkle rub brown sugar and honey over them. As much as desired. Place in oven at 300 degrees for 25 minutes or until apples are soft and juicy. To serve top with granola and or walnuts, if desired.
Makes 6 servings.

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Thought-Seed Crackers

1 box family-favorite crackers
Butter/Margarine
melted Onion or garlic powder
Caraway, celery, poppy, and sesame seeds
Dillweed

Brush the crackers lightly with butter/margarine. Sprinkle lightly with onion or garlic powder and ever so sparingly with dillweed. Top with combination seed mix. Bake on an un-greased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 5 minutes or until crisp and hot.

–

Legendary Potato-Fries

3 average size potatoes, any kind
vegetable oil
salt, pepper and garlic powder (optional)

Wash potatoes, cut in half and slice 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick slices. In a medium saucepan heat oil on medium-high heat. When hot add potato slices, 3 to 4 slices at a time -depend on size of pan. When start to brown on sides and lightly on top, flip. Remove from heat when top lightly browns. Place on tray with paper-towels to absorb extra oil. When potatoes are done, sprinkle salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Makes 3 servings

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Pumpkin Mush Cups

2 medium size pumpkins
butter
salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic, basil, oregano, corn kernels, red or green diced peppers

Cut the pumpkins in half. Prick the skin a few times with a fork, apply some butter all over them and place on a cookie sheet, cut-side up. Bake in 350 degrees for approx. 30 minutes or until the meat is soft but the shell still holds. Let the pumpkin cool a bit, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Scoop out the pumpkin meat into a bowl and mash it, as if making mash-potatoes. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic, basil, oregano, or other preferred extra. Re-fill pumpkin halves and bake for approx. another 20 minutes. To serve, top with hot yummy corn kernels and/or peppers -if desired. You may sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon. Garnish with basil leaf.
Makes 4 servings.

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Candied Squash Ring

2 acorn squashes
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soft butter

Cut acorn squashes crosswise in 1 inch slices. Discard seeds and ends. Arrange in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Combine brown sugar and butter, spread over squash. Bake, uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally.
Makes 6 servings.

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Delicious Vegan Pumpkin Pie

CRUST:
1/2 cup unbleached flour
7 tbsp whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vegan sugar or granulated cane syrup
1/2 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp canola oil
3 tbsp soy milk
1/2 tsp lemon juice
3-4 tbsp water

FILLING:
2 cups pumpkin (canned or fresh) If fresh, pre-cook and cool for preparation
1 cup rice milk
3/4 cu[ granulated cane syrup
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tbsp dark molasses (to taste)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice

rolling pin
9 inch pie pan

CRUST PREPARATION:
In a medium bowl combine flours, salt, sugar and baking powder. In a small bowl mix oil and soy milk. Pour liquid mixture into dry ingredients, mix with fork until the dough holds together forming a ball. Add some water if it gets too dry, gradually, until dough is ready to roll. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour. Lightly sprinkle flour over counter or table top and roll out dough with floured rolling pin. Form an 11 inch circle. Line the 9 inch pan with the dough and crimp the edges with your fingers, or a fork. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while filling is being prepared.
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

FILLING PREPARATION:
In a large bowl mix all ingredients until it is smooth and blunted. Pour mix into crust and smooth the top. Bake for 10 minutes \, then reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for 45-50 minutes, until filling sets.

**For better results make 1 day ahead to allow the ingredients in the filling to set

Source: Celtic Connection, Llewellyn Worldwide, and a touch of me

original post: Jun 22, 2007

Goddess Flora of Beltane

by Celebrate The SeasonMother GoddessUpcomingWicca

by Gail Wood

The bright, joyful, birthing energy of spring blossoms into vigorous excitement in the month of May and the holiday of Beltane. The newness of life bursts into eager exuberance. The world is growing, stretching, and reaching out to find wild, extravagant love and erotic sensation. It is the perfection of being in the moment, a time of happiness and fervor.
The rythm of our bodies and hearts instinctively feel the tempo of the wild universe, which opens its arms and embraces us as we flow in with laughter and joy. The perfect, unalloyed pleasure of being is the Beltane state of mind. We flow into this state of mind when we dance in harmony with the ecstatic universe. We let go of our petty selves and step into that flow of harmonious union to become ecstatic ourselves. We embrace our wildness.
Often, it’s difficult for us to emerge as ecstatic, wild, nature beings. One avenue to emergence is to celebrate a deity. Flora, the Roman goddess of springtime and flowering vegetation, is a good choice for the Beltane state of mind. She is the patroness of everything that grows and flourishes: flowers, plants, trees and vines. Her festival, Floralia, was celebrated from April 28 to May 3, and in a rose festival on May 23, though much of the orgiastic celebrations were eventually outlawed. Nevertheless, we can find her ecstatic magic in our bodies and in the blooming flowers.

Begin by creating a sacred space, decorating with flowers, bright-colored fabrics, and light foods made with honey, beans, grains, vegetables, and/or flowers. Leave space to move and dance. Take a deep breath and connect with the energy of Mother Earth, creating a feeling of safety and security. Close your eyes and eagerly call the goddess Flora into your circle.

“Lady of flowers, Lady of spring
Dance into my life and sweet passion bring.
Flora, goddess of all energy growing,Be here now, aid our vibrant knowing!
Hail and welcome!”

As these words echo in your body, feel the presence of goddess Flora before you. Gaze at her and drink in her flowering beauty, and feel the flourishing power of her presence. As you breathe deeply, breathe in the aura of her. She may sing or speak to you.
See her open her arms to youin an embrace. Feel the flow of energy inviting you as you move forward to merge with her. As you join together, feel the power of blossoming growth and feel yourself covered in flowers and vines. You are the flowering goddess. Breathe in this magic.
As you breathe in, feel the ecstatic energy of the universe fill you. As you breathe in, feel the need to move and dance. Dance the Flora within you. Give voice to her song and give movement to her essence. Go wild and feel her ecstasy as you dance, growing, flowering, thriving, living the erotic life. Let the excitement take you and move your body.
When it is time, take a deep breath. Eat and drink a little to ground and solidify the mystery you have just experienced. Then, close your eyes and feel the goddess inside your being. Her eyes tell you it is time to go, and gently she moves outside of you. With a final farewell, she is gone from your circle as you say:

“Fare-thee-well, Flora, goddess of spring.
Memories of Beltane will remain
No matter what else this year willbring.
Your flowers and vines will always remind-
Not just a holiday, a state of mind!
Go with joyful thanks and wild blessings,
Hail and farewell.”

beltane dance

The Celebration of Beltane

by Celebrate The SeasonUpcomingWicca

Beltane is the sensual Pagan festival of fire and fertility, also known as May Day — when we dance around the omnipotent phallic symbol, the maypole. The red and white ribbons woven around the maypole represent blood and semen; the sacred fusion of female and male energies that are the creative life force.
Capture the essence of this potent fertility celebration by weaving or plaiting red and white cord or ribon. Leave some loose, unplaited ribbon at the end to cut later. Wear your woven cord as a headdress or place onto your altar in a heart shape. Head wreaths were traditionally worn at Beltane to honor the Queen of May.
If you are single, to attract a partner, grab a red pen and a piece of white paper and write the qualities you admire in a lover. If you are in a relationship, list what you enjoy about your partner, plus a few traits you may wish to nurture. Then add what you love about yourself. Roll up the piece of paper and tie with the leftover red and white ribbon. Place it under your pillow as you sleep this night, thinking about the joy your partner, or potential partner, will bring. When you wake, store the scroll of paper in a safe place.
–Emely Flak

eostre

Ostara

by OstaraWicca

(Spring or Vernal Equinox)

The Festival of Renewal

eostre

March is when spring arrives in the northern hemisphere. trees are in leaf, and a carpet of flowers speads over the Earth. Insects are active, birds are building nests, and animals mate and give birth.
The Vernal (Spring) Equinox, when Pagans celebrate the festival of Ostara, which usually falls on or around March 20 or 21 (check your almanac for your time zone).
Our ancestors commemorated the day when light and dark stand in perfect balance (12 hrs of daylight and 12 hrs of night), before days begin to lengthen, and summer light dominates the dark. It marked the growing strength of the young spirit of vegetation, who emerged from a cave or tomb where he had spent the winter.
Called Ostara after the Saxon Lunar Goddess Eostre, this is a time of renewal, regeneration and resurrection as the Earth wakes from her long and deep slumber. This is the time of planting, children, and young animals.
It is the fertility of the Earth that we celebrate, and we symbolize this new life springing from sun and soil with eggs, chicks, lambs, and rabbits (all symbols of the Great Mother).
Ostara promises freedom from the cold and silent of winters, it heralds the return of hope and dreams. With the days lengthening, we fill our lungs with fresh air and drink the pungent cleansing teas that clear our bodies from the heavy foods of winter.
The Saxons believed that the goddess Eostre, in the form of a hare, traveled about the land renewing the fertility of the Earth and its creatures. She gave her name to the festival, Eostre or Ostara, which we carried over the idea of the Easter Bunny.

The Goddess at Ostara

Eostre is the Goddess of dawn and new beginnings. Another name in the same family is Ishtar, the Babylonian Goddess of the forming and evening stars. Eostre’s sacred animal is the rabbit or hare. Rabbits bear young in the springs, and have come to represent fertility and abundance. Hares, which are bigger and wilder than rabbits, have long been identified with magic, the springs, and the mysteries. Hares are associated with the moon – the ancients saw the “rabbit in the moon”, today known as the “man in the moon”.
The other Goddess we associates with the Spring Equinox is Kore or Persephone, daughter of Demeter, the Greek Goddess of grain and growing things. In the Spring, Persephone comes back from the Underworld to be reunited with her mother. A part of the Goddess that has been sleeping all winter reawakens with the warming of the ground of springs. She who has been mother, midwife, and teacher through the winter now welcomes back her own daughter-self, the Maiden of Springs. At this time of balance the Goddess is Mother and Daughter both.

The God at Ostara

The God of Springs is the young God, playful and joyful, the trickster. He is the spirit of everything that is joyful, light, and changeable. Born at Winter Solstice, nurtured at Imbolc, now he’s like a young and mischievous child, still wild and new. He has raw, creative energy that has not yet been harnessed, tamed, civilized. He sees with clear eyes and does not hesitate to announce that the emperor is naked. He deflates the pompous and laughs at self-importance.
The trickster is an important spirit power in many earth-based cultures. To many of the Native American tribes, he is the Coyote. To the First Nations of the Northwest Coast, he is Raven, who creates the world. In parts of West Africa, he is Elegba, the small child-God who as a point of light constantly runs circles around the universe. To early African-Americans, he is Brer Rabbit, who tricks his way out of trouble.
In European earth-based traditions, he is the Fool of the Tarot, who leaps blithely off a cliff as he follows a butterfly, yet always lands on his feet, because he takes himself lightly. He is spirit taking the plunge into matter, idea manifesting as form. He is Robin Goodfellow, shape shifter and wood sprite, child of the Faery King. He comes to us in the springs when all of nature is shifting and changing: seeds poking out sprouts, butterflies emerging from cocoons, tadpoles growing legs and turning into frogs.
We celebrate him on the Spring Equinox, but of course, his proper holiday comes shortly after, on April Fool’s Day. In his honor, we play tricks on one another.

Traditions & Stories

The Sun enters the sign of Aries at the equinox. In one solar myth the Sun is rescued from the underworld dragon and resurrected as the golden ram (Aries Chrysomallon) at the spring equinox. –Jason and his Argonaut crew journeyed to recover a sacred golden ram’s fleece and the stolen fleece was transported to the stars in his honor.
Sheep are said to bow three times to the east to welcome the rising Sun.
Buns marked with a cross, representing the four directions and the four phases of the Moon, was a traditional food at Pagan observances of Spring Equinox. These cakes, made and eaten once a year, were considered to be very powerful. A careful housewife would save a portion, which she tied in a bag and hung from the kitchen rafters. When anyone or beast of the household became ill, a few of the crumbs would be added to any remedy given to them to increase its effectiveness.
The convention of giving Easter eggs stems from a Pagan custom that is also related to the Spring Equinox, though the eggs in question were hen’s eggs and not the chocolate variety we have today! ^_^
Ancient Egyptians and Tomans gave each other presents of eggs at the Spring Equinox as a symbol of resurrection and continuing life. The egg, dyed red, represented the resuurrection of the Sun at the equinox.

~ ~ ~ )0( ~ ~ ~

The Altar: The altar for springs includes — what else?– images of rabbits and birds, eggs of all sorts, nests, flowers, and living plants. Start some seeds, to be planted out in the garden.

The Colors of Ostara: All pastels are appropriate for Ostara — especially the greens, yellows, and pinks. White makes a nice accent, but seems too sparse for an altar cloth representing the season of growth and fertility.

Incense, Herbs and Wood: Violet, honeysuckle, narcissus, and lemon make good incenses for Ostara. Jasmine, Rose, Strawberry, Floral of any type — the scents should be clear and light, floral and evocative, but not overwhelming or intoxicating.
Herbs associated with spring include meadowsweet, cleavers, clover, lemongrass, spearmint and catnip.
If you want to use wood in your spells and rituals, ash has a strong link with the equinox due to its connection with the macrocosm-microcosm concept in the Celtic ogham runes – the balance of light and dark… as above, so below.

Flowers: What better day to decorate for the spring season than with the flowers that blossom at this time? They are abundant and beautiful! Daffodils, jonquils, tulips, narcissus, woodruff, Gorse, Olive, Peony, Iris, violets and crocus and snowdrops – fill the house with their color after you’ve finished your spring cleaning.

Meditation: Take a walk around your neighborhood, walk in nature with no intent other than reflecting on the Magick of nature and our Great Mother and her bounty; looking and listening for signs of spring: the fattening leaf buds on trees, the first flowers of spring, the first Robin. Think about the Earth’s movement toward greater light and less darkness. How can you mirror this in your life?

Questions for Ostara:
1. Besides sunlight and darkness, what other signs of “balance” do you notice at this time of year? (Look both outside and within yourself to answer this question)
2. What could you do to welcome the signs of spring you notice on your walks?
3. Is there someone in your life who seems more dark than light in his/her makeup? Would you be willing to try to find more of their light? How can you do this? Does their darkness remind you of anything about yourself?

Sacred Gemstone: Jasper

Traditional Foods: Green leafy vegetables, Dairy foods (unless u’re a vegetarian — try soy milk and organic cheese!). Flower Dishes and Sprouts. Seeds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds etc.

Special Activities: Planting seeds or starting a Magickal Herb Garden.

~ ~ ~ )0( ~ ~ ~

An Ostara Recipe

Violet Salad

1TBSP raspberry vinegar
1TBSP minced Shallot
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
fresh ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp vegetable stock
1 1/2 tsp virgin olive oil
1/2 lb mixed greens washed
1/4 cup violet blossoms
1/4 cup wild strawberries (optional)

Combine vinegar, shallot, mustard and some pepper in a small bowl.  Let stand 5 minutes
Whisk in stock then oil.  Toss greens with dressings,  top with violets and strawberries and serve immediately.

pentacle seasons

Give Witches A Chance

by Adriana writes...Being LoveDrivenMother GoddessNatural HealingSpiritual LivingWicca

Who are Witches and what are they all about?

pentacle seasons

Salutations Blessed Ones!

The process of “growing up” is filled with challenges, and that was always alright with me being the fire sign that I am. I love challenges, and the more that come my way I say: “Yeah! bring’em on!”
The first 7 or 8 years of a person’s life are the clumsy years, when we learn how to move about the planet. We tend to fall down a lot during this time, but somehow we seem to be super-resilient to every slip and fall, and at times it even seems we dont feel a thing!
Then, in my opinion, the ‘teen years are the crazy ones, but most sweetest years because we discover the heart and are not afraid to express it, in any way. I’d say they are the revolutionary years in a person’s life. These years are the “make you or break you” years, and help define the path of one’s role in the earth. Not that it makes things easier –but what is easy anyway? and do we want an easy life? The “teen-age” is the time when we enter life in a faster lane -in the physical realm. We want to put into practice what little we know -or currently remember- thinking we know everything, but deep down inside we’re frighten little souls wanting to fit in and be loved and experience this wild world. It definitely is a tough age since we are no longer children, but not yet full adults. Once we reach adulthood, we have more freedom to “come and go” but somehow have forgotten to have fun, innocent fun. We become decadent beings wanting to overindulge and put our threshold to the test. We gamble with life, and many times in a not very safe way.
Coming up in the world with the awareness of your psychic abilities works in a similar way. Eventhough we all have psychic abilities, many choose not to explore these realms, and this is ok, as along as we walk the path we choose to travel through in this incarnation. But we must remember not to judge others for the path they choose to explore, for judgement brings only distraction. We all have reasons for the way our current life-experience is unfolding.Some call it karma, others destiny.. no matter the word, it’s all about choice. I, for one, choose to explore the spiritual side of my being. I too have my reasons. ^_^
We face all kinds of challenges and we get through them learning and expanding our Light or supressing and forgetting it. I remember the part of my life when I was growing up knowing there was a part of me I hadnt explored, but was there, within me. The inner witch was calling out to me and I didn’t know it. Until I “flowed” with the natural energy of my being and began to seek. A part of me thought we all went through the same thing and it’d be a great quest to share with friends. Then I remember the time of knowing and not being able to explore it openly because of what others would say. Both times were tough, a challenge, but somehow very necessary for the development and mastery of my craft. Deep down inside I knew this, and was ok with it. I’ve never had the problem of fear of what others would think, but didn’t want my family to worry about the judgement of others, so in some way I chose to keep my “special side” to myself.

Why do witches have such bad reputation in today’s world anyway? Well, in today’s world it is because people judge first rather than to do their own research before sharing an opinion without knowing it’s origin, and this way carrying an untrue body of energy around the community until it becomes inprinted in people’s mind. Word of mouth is a very powerful form of communication, because it is free and it moves fast, but it hardly maintains the purity of the message. This is a resaon why we’ve adopted the habit of “recording history”.

So to set the record straight -Witches are not satanists or devil worshippers. In Witchcraft there is no devil. There is Highest Good, and then there is absolute fear, but it is all in the usage of the energy the being chooses to practice. A Witch is a person who practices the Craft of Nature. Witches believe in God, our Supreme Source of Good and Divine Light. We pay respect to the four corners of the Universe, as they bless us with the powers of the elements and the secrets of creation.
Unfortunately, like in every path, there is a dark side and some people choose to take it and mal-practice with the Craft. These people have doomed themselves a not very satisfying karma, as the Wiccan Law declares that if one harms another it will return times three. Wiccan Rede
The word witch comes from the word witchcraft, with the root word wicca, craft of the wise.
Click here for more on the etymology of the word.

History also tells us about how during the end of the Matriarchal times, and the beginning of Christian era (Patriarchal era) the new religious leaders who followed the Catholic/Christian walk new the level of power that existed in Witchcraft, and of course, with power comes control, fear and therefore a “certain type” of respect. These leaders wanted to be the only ones in power, and wanted the people’s respect, but they did not care about how they’d achieve it, and so they implemented fear in the mind’s of the people. This is also when the division of classes became very prominent. The rich were kept rich because the new leaders needed (wanted) their goods, but the poor people of the villages which had limited goods became the “villains” with nothing to offer but crazy theories of magic and witchcraft.
These so called crazy theories are not crazy, but very much true. Magic is real. It is called Metaphysics. What do you think happens at the Vatican? Why do you think there are so many riches in the Vatican? And, how come there are so many Christian families suffering hunger and in poverty? Because these people keep this sacred power secret, which is naturally rightfully ours. God does not teach us to become materially rich in life, God created us rich, not materially, but spiritually, emotionally and mentally and we must learn to co-exist in this physical reality creating what we need, with this power, our power. It is all of ours’.
Explore the information you receive. Go to the root of the words you use in your everyday vocabulary and make sure you are trully saying what you really want to say.
I am a solitary practitioner of Witchcraft, and I flow to vibrate on the Highest frequencies of Divine Love & Light. I wish only Love, Peace and Beauty for the world and every being on it, and will feel the same way till the very last breath in this existence, in this physical body, until I return to continue to Be-in-Love of Divine Light Source, once again.

There are many spiritual paths being walked in today’s world, this is no secret, some of these paths are Lightpaths, and some are not. Research shows a light side and a dark side to every religious practice. Basically, what I am trying to say is that it is essential in one’s growth to discover our very own facts. Holding judgement is not of a Divine nature, and we are Divine Beings!
I know so many practicing witches who are great people, loving, compassionate and kind to the world. Great mothers and fathers, sisters, brothers and friends. Inspiring teachers, and responsible in their role as human beings. They are people who would do anything to help another being find peace and happiness.
So don’t judge a book only by it’s cover, what you find inside could change your life forever!
People are not to be measured by their choice of spiritual walk, there is Divine Light in every being, and the avenue they select is their choice, and not to be judged by any being, for any reason. Give everybody a chance, don’t be the judge of their choices, just be, for you.
Remember that in the end, God is in all and we are in all, and we all are one, and the same.

Merry Meet, Merry Part & Merry Meet Again!

Rev Adriana Zotelo