KickButtMama On The Pagan Path

The Winter Blues - Top 5 Battle Ready Tips

2011-02-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

The sun is getting stronger, staying light longer each day, slowly (very slowly) warming a bit. Soon it will be Spring and we'll wonder where Winter went to. But for some, especially those in the North, the winter can seem unending. We've had a record snowfall this year - no doubt due to the volcano eruption in Iceland last year. Then last week we had a couple of beautiful 60 degree days. It seemed the cold dark was finally behind us....but, as is often the case here in the North East, the weather changes on a dime. Now we are back to the frigid cold, and snow.

I don't personally suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) but when we get so close to spring, with no fresh sprouts (or you know, ground) to show for it, even I can feel down. Here are some remedies to pull some Spring into your spirit.

1. Get some fresh cut flowers. I bought some for our Imbolc altar and they are still blooming and beautiful. I think I paid a whopping $8 for all of them. They are bright purple (not a natural color) and some ingenious person even dipped the petals in a bit of glitter so they sparkle ever so slightly. Now, I personally hate having fresh cut flowers in my home. I hate how they smell when they start to die, I hate the pain of changing the water all the time, and I'm not fond of the idea of chopping the Goddess' beautiful creations for nothing better than stimulating my eye. But when I'm feeling down, and I'm struggling to feel the Maiden Goddess I will get some fresh cut flowers. They remind me the Goddess is protecting the seeds and the God is growing stronger to help life grow (and melt the snow!)

2. Light some candles, grab a glass of wine (or I like steamed milk for this better, with a shot of caramel and chocolate), I might grab a steamy novel, or I might just want to read to my kids. The point is, being warm and cozy - this helps me to think of the cusp of spring when the Goddess has all the world protected and warm in her loving embrace. It's amazing how good we can feel after a bout of comfort.

3. Sex anyone? Seriously, or you can take a good workout class. This time of year is not my, er, most energetic. Heck some of my body hasn't seen a razor in several months...so I'm not at my most sexy feeling. But doing a bit of grooming and setting the scene for a romantic rendevou can be fantastic - don't underestimate the power of the "happy hormones" that get released after a bout of sex or a good workout. They can carry you through the darkest of days.

4. Start an herb garden - you can do this inside, getting ready to transplant them outside or into larger pots once Spring arrives. It always lifts my spirits to see SOME sign of life returning to the land.

5. Cleansing & Smudging. Dust is a harbor of negativity. With our heaters pumping full throttle and no air circulation our home is a breeding ground for dust during the winter months. And with an asthmatic son, and my DH and I suffering from allergies, that dust is an enemy of old. So do a spring cleaning, then smudge with some Sage (to get rid of the negativity). Then I like to fill the house with scents of spring - citrus, floral, etc. You could also rearrange Furniture. Seriously! I don't think most realize how stuck in routine we get. Try moving the couch so it faces the windows, add some mirrors (which will add light and make rooms look larger), repaint, add new drapes with a lighter fabric to let in natural light! The curtain thing is especially true in my home. We live in an old house, and the windows are very drafty, so we hand up fleece blankets as curtains each winter - making our home pretty cave-like. It's always a huge relief to uncover the windows and let a little natural light in.

I'm Baaaaaack

2011-02-07T13:05:00.002-05:00

I'm actuall back, after taking about a year off of blogging I'm looking forward to getting into the swing of things again!

Planning Your Yule-Tide

2007-11-25T18:36:00.000-05:00

Yule, the Winter Solstice, comes again this year on December 22, 2007. It is the longest night of the year but the night relenquishes it's hold on the land as each day the nights become shorter. The sun also drops a bit in the sky gaining strength to warm and thaw the land.

Symbolism of Yule: Blessings, rebirth, closure, strengthening, awakening, planning for the future.

Symbols:

Evergreens: representing the immortality of nature. That,even though it seems that nature dies in the winter, it is really just sleeping and renewing its strength.
Weaths: a circle of evergreens - mixing the immortality of nature with the circle power of ritual
Yule Log: representing several things - the world tree (doorway to Otherworlds), the prosperity and strength of the family, strength of the Gods, etc.
Holly: representing prosperity and good fortune
Spinning wheels: representing the forward motion of time
Mistletoe: representing good fortune and love
Candles of gold & red: representing the fire of the sun
Winter Flowers (such as poinsetta's) represent the enduring nature and strength of Nature.

Colors: Red, Green, White, Gold, Yellow, Silver & Orange

Deities: Triple Goddesses - especially Dagda and Brigid, The Oak King, The Green Man, The Horned One. Odin, Lugh, etc.

Tools: Bells, Candles

Foods: Cookies & Cakes, cider, fruits, nuts, pork dishes, turkey.

Spell Workings:

Peace
Harmony
Introspection
Dedications
Ending of Bad Habits
Start of New Plans

Carols: I like to make my own Solstice songs by taking easy to remember Christmas songs and changing the words...for instance

Solstice Night (sung to Silent Night)

Silent night, Solstice Night.

All is calm, all is bright.

Round the Yule log, burning bright.

Keeping us warm, all through the night.

Peace and happiness to thee,

Peace and happiness to thee.

Family Traditions:

I also love to involve my children in Yule. This is a magical time for everyone. The night is mysterious and unknown; sometimes even scary. Children are more in tune with these changes than even we pagans. I love teaching my children about the 3-Fold law (what energy you send out comes back to you 3 fold) therefore by helping others we can wipe clean some of the negativity we may have sent out throughout the year. Ending all thought of it and starting fresh. Also sending out that good energy can't be a bad thing. So, we make baby blankets and give them to Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units at our local hospitals..(see the Crafts sections)

Here are more traditions you can do as a family:

Make blankets for the needs or hospitals
Work at a blood drive or soup kitchen to give back to those less fortunate than you.
Make cookies and put them together in small baskets or gift bags to give to your neighbors.
Make Yule or Holiday cards blessing them with love and happiness
Go on a cookie scavenger hunt - using paper gingerbread men or reindeer as the 'clues'. The winner gets to be the Oak King and sit at hte place of honor (or I'll make a cape & aluminum/cardboard sword for him to wear)
Make Tissue Paper wreaths (see crafts section) to give to the kids' friends families
Make Horned Man Hat (or you can think of it as Reindeer Hats) and explain the significance of the Horned Man (see crafts section)
Set out Reindeer Food (see recepies)
Helping to decorate your home with the above symbols. Children love to decorate and you can explain the significance of each item as you go along.

Crafts:

Fleece Blankets: This is a super easy gift or donation to make and even young children can help. Cut a square of fabric. For baby blankets I use about 12 by 18 inches. Using a pair of scissors, I make 1 inch incisions about 1/4 inch apart all around the whole blanket. I knot each piece to create a fringe. Thats it, no sewing, blanket done.

Tissue Paper Wreaths: This si a great decoration. Take a paper plate and cut out the center - creating a circle about 1.5 - 2 inches wide. Using multiple colors of tissue paper, have the children crush each piece into a ball. Spray the plate with adhesive spray (in a well ventilated area) then have the children affix the crumpled tissues to the plate. Wait for the adhesive to dry. Using a hole punch, pop a hole in the top of the plate. Using a colorful piece of string thread through the hole to create a hanger.

Reindeer / Horned Man Hats: Cut a strip of construction paper about 1.5 - 2 inches in width, and long enough to fit around the child's head. Staple or tape shut. Using brown construction paper, trace the child's hands. Cafefully cut out the 'antlers'. Affix to the band, with tape or staples. I sometimes will use cream construction paper and let the kids color, sparkle or in other ways, decorate the antlers.

Dried Citrus/ Apple Ornaments: Using fresh 'sun' fruits, such as oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits or apples. Slice into thin circle slices. Put them carefully on a cooling rack. Put into a 200 degree oven for several hours, turning every hour until they are dry. Open the oven door slightly and leave in the oven overnight. Laying on a piece of wax paper, coat evenly with a clear ployurathane coating. String with fishing line, and hang on the tree, or dangle in the windows.

Reindeer Food: Essentially you make Chex Mix (cereal, pretzles, peanuts, raisins and M & M's). Take a paper bag - decorate like a reindeer {red pom-pom for nose, googlie eyes, and trace the kids hands on brown construction paper then cut out, as the antlers.} Place the 'food' in the bag and staple shut setting it along side Santa's Cookies. I've also used an open bag with bird seed that I set outside on the stoop for the reindeer to eat while Santa distributes the gifts.

The Fabulous Kickbutt Topiary: This is also super easy and the kids love it. Supplies: Large styrofoam ball (at least 4 in), cinnamon sticks, silk winter flowers, holly, etc, ribbon, 4 in terrocota pot, 4 in styrofoam disk (to fit in the pot), styrofoam glue, spray adhesive, paint. Procedure: Place a thin line of glue around the inside rim of the pot. Place the foam disk, inside the pot, paint the pot and set aside. (Make sure you lay out wax paper to protect the work surface). Cut the heads off of the silk flowers. Spray a small section of the large foam ball. Press the smallstem of the flowers into the ball, pressing until the adhesive affixes the flowers securly. Work around the surface of the ball, leaving a very small space in the 'bottom'. Take 3 cinnamon sticks that are relatively straight. Bind the ends with florist wire (if you'd like, not necessary). Press the ends, tightly held together, into the foam disk in the pot (right in the center.), and again into the small clear space in the base of the ball. Remove. Heavily glue the hole in the pot, then place the sticks back into the glued hole in the pot. Leave until dry. Taking the holly. Decorate the surface of the foam in the pot, spraying small sections with the adhesive as you go, wait till dry. Glue the hole in the bottom of the foam ball, gently place the cinnamon sticks into the hole. wait for glue to dry. You can then decorate the pot or cinnamon sticks with the ribbon.

Recepies:

"Yule Log": Make a chocolate cake (I usually use vanilla cake then chocolate frosting, but its up to you, its supposed to represent the wood log). Pour in to a Greesed and Floured Jelly Roll (15x10x1 inch) Pan. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes at 375 degrees. Lightly sprinkle a clean dry cloth with powdered sugar. Loosen the cake (fresh from the oven) around the edges then gently dump it on the cloth. Roll the cloth around the roll, set on a cooling rack. Let cool. When totally cool, unwrap cloth. Then frost with light chocolate frosting. I also decorate the roll with frosting to look like holly - but you can bring in pine cones, acorns & holly and decorate the 'Log' (just don't forget to wash them thoroughly first).

Sugar Suns: Using a sugar cookie mix, cut out in circles or use a cun cookie cutter. Alow to cool, then decorate with yellow, orance & red frosting.

Plum Pudding
1/4 lb. flour
1/4 lb. currants
1 tsp. salt
1/4 lb. sultanas (small raisins)
1 tsp. allspice
2 cooking apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1 tsp. ginger
1 ounce cut mixed (citrus) peel
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 oz. shredded almonds
pinch fresh grated nutmeg
Juice and grated rind of 1 orange and 1 lemon
1/4 lb. fresh breadcrumbs
1/4 lb. molasses (treacle)
1/2 lb. shredded suet
4 large eggs
1/4 lb. brown sugar
2 tbsp. brandy
1/4 lb. dried chopped apricots
1/4 lb. prunes
1/4 lb dates
Sift flour, salt and spices into a large bowl. Stir in breadcrumbs, suet and sugar. Add fruits, peel and rind. Beat lemon and orange juice, molasses and eggs together and add to other ingredients. Steam for 6 hours -- a coffee tin filled with the mixture and placed in a steamer in a covered pan does well.
(A little vinegar and lemon juice in the water will prevent the pan from discoloration. ) After steaming cover in a cool place and let age as long as possible - usually about 5 weeks.

To serve, re-steam for another 3 hours. Remove from tin, douse with warm brandy and set it ablaze!

Wassail (traditional hot - sometimes spiked- Yule Cider)
4 litres apple cider or juice (fresh milled organic is excellent!)
1 orange, chopped
1 lime, chopped
1 lemon, chopped
4 cinnamon sticks or 1 t. ground cinnamon
1 inch-square piece of fresh ginger or 1/4 t. ground ginger
1 t. cloves, allspice and/or star anise
Heat all and simmer in an enamel pot (aluminum can impart a metallic flavor) on low for an hour, then serve to cold, caroling folks.
brandy or rum for adults, optional

Yule-Tide Season Then vs Now

2007-11-25T11:34:00.000-05:00

Yule is the celebration of the Winter Solstice, when the dark half of the year gives way to the light. Beginning the next morning the sun hangs a little lower in the sky, therefore warming the land just a bit more.

In ancient times, living in the dark half of the year must have been near torture. Living with the cold (without insulation), limited food resources, and being confined to a small space generally overflowing with family and livestock. It shouldn't be surprising, then, that the ancient peoples = who marked the passage of time by way of the sun and moon = would celebrate the dawning of the end of this risky time. No doubt conservation of food stores was also the way of life during the first half of winter. After such a time of illness and boredom, it should also not surprise, that they mark this day/night, with sacrifices, bon-fires and emerging from their homes to mingle with neighbors and grand feasts.

Darkness rules up to this day. For the ancient peoples, who lacked sufficient lighting systems, they would have to deal with only about 6 or 7 hours of daylight. The myths of the time, focused much of the evils on the night = also not surprising as falling temps would no doubt increase the rates of sickness and death. So, the Yule celebrations would also celebrate the light of the Sun and Sun Gods fighting and conquering the Moon and Moon Gods. The Oak King is a gain victorious (aka The Sun King) defeating the Holly King, thus allowing the warming of the land and strengthening of the Sun.

Each of the traditions still celebrated today, originated with our ancient Celtic and Scandinavian ancestors. The decorating of the Christmas Tree, the Yule Log, The Christmas Ham, the decorating with evergreens and holly - all (and more) originated with Yule Traditions.

The Christmas Boar/Ham originated as the Yule-Eve Honor Boar. The best boar would be brought into the meeting house where the peoples would lay hands upon it and re-make vows. The sacrifice of the boar would send their vows to the Gods, and the meat from the sacrifice was a form of the Gods honoring those vows.

Decorating with Evergreens had a few reasons behind it. First of all the evergreen was seen as a symbol of immortality - as the leaves and plant-life seem to 'die' during the winter, but evergreens retain their beauty and color throughout the cold dark time. Decorating the house with holly worked to reinforce this immortality concept - but it is also prickly, and therefore might be used to protect against evil spirits entering through the extended night. Holly was also set out on entry ways as a symbol of good fortune. Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy would decorate the outside and inside of homes, inviting the Nature Spirits to wake from their slumber and begin to thaw and fertilize the land.

Mistletoe. Mistletoe was (and still is) a sacred plant to Druids and certain Scandinavians. It was used by the Druids as an AllHeal, believing this plant holds the soul of the tree within its power. Pieces of the plant would also be cut on Yule and distributed to the people as protection against evil - hanging it in newborns cribs, hanging it in the barn of the first born calf of the year to protect the herd, etc. In some areas it was also considered a plant of peace - if two armies converged in a forest below mistletoe they would call a truce for 24 hours. The act of kissing under the mistletoe has long been thought of as an English custom, but its origins may come from much further back in history, all the way to Norse mythology. The Goddess Frigga had a son, Balder who become the most beloved of all the Gods. Frigga so loved her son she acquired vows form all natures elements - fare, air, earth and water - that none of their 'children' would ever come to harm her son. Loki, ever the evil prankster, found a loophole in mistletoe. He made an arrow out of the plant and gave it to Balder's blind brother Holder, guiding his hand in firing the arrow straight into Balder's heart, killing him. It was believed Frigga's tears became the white berries. She kissed her son, and he restored to life. Frigga was so happy she reversed the reputation of the evil plant - into one of love and happiness, promising she would bestow a kiss to all who passed under it.

The Yule Log. It should surprise no one that the Yule Log is also a tradition from ancient times. It was common for the Sabbats, Solstices & Equinox's, to be celebrated with the ceremonial burning of fires - sometimes to cleanse in preparation for winter as with Mabon, sometimes to cleanse the effects of winter in preparation for spring as with Beltaine, and sometimes just as a plea to the Gods for continued protection. Marking the end of the rule of the Holly or Oak king - the end of the rule of the sun allowing the earth its time of rest and recuperation of winter or the end of the rule of the nigh, welcoming the sun again to warm the land and its people, or the enduring battle between fertility and death in nature. This is true for Yule, which is also known as the Winter Solstice, commonly referred to as the longest night of the year, it marks the time when the night begins to shorten and the days to again lengthen - giving our ancestors hope of the end of the cold and suffering of winter. The Yule log (which oddly could not be bought, it had to be given or harvested personally by the family burning it). It was meant to represent the health, fruitfulness and productivity of the household. In ancient times the log, after being retrieved from the forrest by the whole family who would drag it home singing carols (livening the spirit often dampened through Winter), they would decorate the log in evergreens (representing immortality and the fruitfulness of the coming spring) and sprinkled with cider or wine (after all it is a party) and bits of red or gold fabric (both the fabric and wine represent the coming time of the Sun's rule). They would then uncover the remains of the previous year's Yule Log and add it to the fireplace with this year's log to be burned for 12 hours before being doused (with either Holy Water or Cider depending on the region). The the remains would be protected for the next Winter Solstice. Ash is the traditional wood for the Yule log as it is the 'World Tree' in many traditions - the center of the universe or doorway to other worlds.

Gift Giving. As this is the first major gathering since winter began (at Samhain, or Halloween) this time was often a great party - joy in surviving the harsh winter thus far. Children would often start the day by going house to house, or person to person giving gifts of apples, or decorated bows of evergreens as these are symbols of the Sun warming the land, and the immortality of nature. Wheat Stalks & Flour also made great gifts, representing the bounty of the last harvest (memories of a warmer, happier time), and a sense of accomplishment (of the successful harvest), triumph and the remembrance of the Sun's warmth. When Christianity took over the tradition of Yule, changing it to Christmas, they also took the opportunity of giving treats under (or sometimes on) the Christmas Tree.

The Christmas Tree is debatable in it's origins, although England's Queen Victoria made it a popular Christmas tradition, falling back onto her husbands Germanic roots. The origins of the Christmas tree as a Christian tradition date back about 1,000 years to St. Boniface. He supposedly came across a group of pagans celebrating the Winter Solstice by honoring (or 'worshiping') an Oak tree. He was so incensed to have the lack of Christianity's prevalence thrown in his face that he cut down the tree. A young Fir supposedly instantly replaced the desiccated tree, which St. Boniface took as proof of the existence of Christianity and made the Fir a symbol for it. But, a tree was not brought indoors by Christians until the rule of Queen Victoria - whose husband was a Germanic Prince. Many of the Christmas traditions preserved today were originated in Germanic countries - from the songs to the decorations - including the Glass Bulb decorations placed on the tree. In fact the book of Jeremiah in the Christian bible reads, "For the customs of the peoples are false: a tree from the forest is cut down, and worked with an ax by the hands of an artisan people deck it with silver and gold they fasten it with hammer and nails so that it can't move." Where is obviously condemns the use of a tree in forms of worship (although, admittedly, it is most likely referring to the act of worshiping the tree itself). The use of pulling in an evergreen tree (usually an oak, pine or fir) and decorating it with apples, cloth bows/flowers, with the soul purpose of allowing children to collect 'dainties' during the Yule-tide season can be found in print as far back as the 16th century. Therefore, it is argued that this specific tradition can not be proven as descending from the Pagan religion of the Celts and Germanic/Norse. Although, it would make sense considering the honor the Celts placed on trees that a tree in their 'yard' would be decorated as they were also using free-fall (already on the ground) bows of evergreens to decorate their homes to celebrate Yule. The Druids have long used Trees in their practices, honoring their spirits. So, I can't think they would sacrifice the tree itself, to be used as a decoration. I can believe they would single out and honor a free growing evergreen as a symbol of the immortality of nature.

Christmas Spirits. We are all quite familiar with the Christmas Carol made popular by Charles Dickens. Even this tradition comes from long ago. In fact the history of Christmas Spirits ties in with the use of the Yule log by Scandinavian traditions. One of Odin's original names was Jolnir, and he was often celebrated at the Winter Solstice by Scandinavian ancients. Odin was the God of Wine and revelry, but he was also one of the Gods of death. It was thought he could be seen riding across the night sky collecting souls. As Yule is the celebration of the waning of the Night's strength, it is not surprising they honored Odin's night rides on this eve. It was further thought the ghosts were free to roam from Samhain (Halloween) until Beltaine (May 1 st) when the veils between the worlds was thin and spirits of the dead could pass easily through unto the Summerlands or Underworld.

No matter the tradition, location or religion celebrating this dark time of the year. A sense of celebration and accomplishment was and still is prevalent. After spending the last month's conserving food, and warmth, getting together for a feast, dancing and gift giving, as well as colorful decorations blesses all man. Turning the harsh cold of the northern countries into the warmth of the fire and love. This time is not only about getting. I believe it is important to remember the roots of the season to honor those who came before us. And to put our problems into perspective. If you have food and warmth than the Winter is no longer as devastating - but there are still those who don't have such necessities. I believe that the act of helping those without - will benefit ourselves 1000 fold.

Enjoy the Yule-Tide Season!!

My Esbat RItual

2007-10-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

Esbat Ritual
Celebrating The Full Moon

Before starting my ritual I take a shower visualizing sloughing off all the negative energies while saying:

By the silver light of Lady Moon,

By my heart and hands and mind,

By all that's holy, true and strong,

I am cleansed to pure.

May both my hands do good works to honor the Gods

My feet walk the honored path,

My mind stay clear and sharp,and my Heart free from negativity.

As I take this sacred cleansing.

As I am a tool for Brigid,

I am now free from all unworthy influences.

I am now fit to meet greet and be blessed by the Goddess.

As I was in my first moments of my first life,

I am now and always will be,

So mote it be!

I stand outside or in the light of a window for the actual ritual.

Supplies: Moon Candle (unscented white pillar, etched with astrological and elemental symbols), my normal tools. My altar. Quarter candles and Elemental Representations.

Ritual:

I light my illuminator candle on my altar.
Standing in the light of the Full Moon, I close my eyes feeling the Moon's rays soaking into me. I ground and center - aligning myself with the Earth and Moon. I clear my mind of daily stresses and just take a moment to enjoy the beauty of existance.
Cleansing & Consecrating my Tools: I place all my tools for ritual on my altar then hover my hands over all of them. I visualize the power of the moon, Goddess and myself causing the negative energies to turn to steam and dissapate into the atmosphere as I say:

By the silvery power of the Moon, My connection to Mother Brigid. I cast my power over these sacred items. No negativity may touch them. May they serve the Goddess and myself well in all my working here tonight.

I pass each of the elemental representations over the altar. Saying :

By the solidity and strength of the Earth, I banish negativity from these tools. By the power of the planes within the Air I cast all negativity to the winds. By the vibrancy and strength of Fire I cast the protection of the Moon over these items. With the soothing peace of water Brigid's blessing is given unto these, my sacred tools.

I knock on the altar once to seal the cleansing saying So mote it be!
Circle casting: Walking the circle three times (deosil) I visualize a protective bubble rising from the earth to encompass the space saying:

"This circle round and round, By my might and will is bound. Only those invited in may cross. That strength and power will not be lost. (end of 1 time around) From the earth the power of manifestation, from air the power and strength of spirit, from Fire the pulse of transformation, from water enevitability. This circle comprises the Elementals, all that I am and see. (end of round 2) By the power of the Ancients, the love of my Goddess, the strength of the Moon's power shining down. As above so below, as within so without. With my will and mind and soul combind in one voice, in one cohesive unit, This circle is sealed, so mote it be!" (end of round 3, back at my altar.)

Elementals: Starting in the North and again working Deosil, I light the tealights at the quarters. Once a candle is lit, I stand with my arms crossed over my chest as I begin to speak, slowly moving in to the Goddess position. My eyes are closed, and I visualize a hole opening in my bubble that allows the guardian entry - to me it looks like a physical representation - like a pillar of flame, or a cascade of water,etc. I say:

"I call to the Guardians of the North. Element of Earth. I am honored to welcome you into my circle for this Moon celebration. I ask you to lend me your power and protection for all my workings this eve." I repeat for the other directions/elements (East/Air; South/Fire; West/Water)

Evocation:
(a) Brigid: Standing dead center in my circle I close my eyes to again feel the connection to Brigid (my patron). And I raise my arms and invite her to my circle, asking for her continued blessings that I might be her representative on this plane. As I speak I light the illuminator candle I have set to glow on her representation.
(b) Female Energy of the Moon: Opening my eyes I gase upon the face of the moon, feeling its love bathing my skin. I light my moon candle as I say: "Blessed Be Lady Moon, mother of us all. I am overjoyed to have your presence so strongly in my circle this eve. I call you to join with me in the joyous enchantments I will work this night. I stand here bathed in the light of your love and support, to honor my Path, to honr my ancestors and all my Sisters that have come before me. I'm seeking to invoke your creativity this eve, that I shall succeed in my workings. May my voice carry on the winds as I bless your bounty, beauty, and goodness. Bless me in return with the bounty of yoru silvery light. Hold me forever in the protective embrace of your endless love. So Mote It Be!"
(c) Male Energy of the Moon: I light my God candle (orange, red, gold or yellow) as I say: "Lord of Night, join me in my sacred space this eve. The hunt is on for this year. Break away from your duties to join me and your lady in these Holy Rites. Honor with me, your lady riding across the stary sky in all her glory. So mote it be" -note I of course also envision a door in my circle to allow the deity energy entry.
Draw Down The Moon: This is essentially an invocation of the power of the moon. I generally use it to imbue amulets or protection charms (as the moon's energy is strongly protective). I have a draw down written in my parenting blog.
Depending on the Month and energy of the Moon I will perform workings - amulets, divination, or just meditating to help focus my mind or expand my senses.
Now that I have utilized a chunk of the Goddesses and Moon's energies to strengthen my Magick, I must honor that sacrifice and replenish their energy and my own with communion.
(a) Cup: Holding my hands over the cup I visualize the cup radiating and filling with power. I dip the forefinger of my power hand (or you can use your athame) into the cup visualizing the combination of male and female enrgy. Saying something like, "The Goddess blessed all the world in the making of this (drink). Her energy ripened the fruit that was sacrifieced for her here this night. May the cup fill me with her blessing, and replenish that which she blessed me with." Drinking all but a bit. Visualizing the energy soaking into my body. I pour the remainder on the ground to replace the Gods energy.
(b) I repeat with the cake. Holding my hands over it enrgy soaking into the cake. Saying just about the same as above. Eating just about all of it while the energy permiates my body. Then leaving the rest for the Gods.
Thanks & Close: I then thank and release the deities and quarters. Then walk the circle in reverse one time saying, "This circle is open, but never broken" visualizing the excess energy soaking into me or my athame.

Begining A Daily Practice

2007-10-27T19:46:00.000-05:00

Many of us start with celebrating our faith on the Sabbats, or High Holy Days, but there are 365 days in a year and therefore, we have 365 opportunities to strengthen and celebrate our connection to our spirituality.

But, many are overwhelmed with what they can do that is simple and relatively quick to honor the Gods and take a moment for ourselves on a daily basis. The trick is to not get complicated.

Think of it this way...

Everyday the sun rises. This allows for life to thive. We can not exist without the sun. Therefore we should give thanks for the nurturing feeding energy given by our Star.
Everyday the moon is revealed. The moon is a cycle. Women are ruled by their own cycles. Therefore, we can utilize the different phases of the moon and our own cycle to celebrate womanhood as a physical representation of the Goddess.
Everyday we eat. We take that which the Earth sacrificed for our existance into ourselves. This could not be done without the Goddess.
We should also take a moment each day to list the things we are thankful for....our families, our health ect. This can also be a time of asking for assistance in a daily problem. This will decrease your daily stresses as you are asking for assistance prior to a problem becoming something huge.

These are excellent ways of instituting a daily practice...Over the next week, I will be giving examples of how to use these as a means of implimenting a daily practice.

What do I do for a daily practice?

Every morning I thank the Goddess for another day in this existance. I acknowledge there will come a morning in which my existance will change. I'm thankful for each day She has given me to be with my boys and to live.
At every meal I pray giving thanks to the Earth and the Goddess. My boys also love to do this. I gorund and center, feeling the connection to deity. Then say something like, "I thank you Goddess for this meal, May it fill me that I might feel, strong and whole the day through, that I may be in service of You. Blessed Be."
When I shower I visualize negativity sloughing off, just as I would before ritual. I say something like, "By my heart and hands and mind, By all that's holy, true and strong, I am cleansed to pure. May both my hands do good works to honor the Gods, My feet walk the honored path, My mind stay clear and sharp, and my Heart free from negativity. As I will so mote it be!" **I'll often add an addition of a situation in which I might feel negativity in that day, like My heart shall be light and full fo love while my mind communicates my desires in my staff meeting today...etc.
Before bed each night I'll hold my talismen (an agate pendant) and again ground and center. Then I'll speak to the Goddess. Thanking her for the continued health and safety of my children. I'll ask for assistance in a problem. But over all I'm communicating my joy in my connection to deity, and thanking Her for her influence in my life.

Various Paths Explained

2007-10-21T08:51:00.000-05:00

Okay one of the hardest things a Pagan will do, will be to find the right Path for themselves. Each tradition or path has different ethics, traditions, holidays, deities, etc. It can be overwhelming to find the one that best sooths your spirit. Here is my brief overview of some of the more popular traditions.

Alexandrian: This is a Wiccan tradition branched off from the Gardnerian path. It is steeped in myetery and tradition, with formal and structured practices. There a re several small differences between Alexandrian and Gardnerian, the main is the Alexandrian use of the Atheme as a symbol for the element of fire and the Wand a symbol for Air. Like many Wiccan traditions the Polarity of energy is celebrated - the male/female interaction. Contrary to popular belief, the term Alexandrian does not refer to the creator of the trdition, ALex Sanders, but to ancient Alexandria. Alexandrians tend to be more liberal and eclectic than strict Gardnerians. Most of the principles of this tradition have been outlined by Janet and Stuart Fararr in their book series.

Asatru: (Aka Norse Heathenism) Many believers prefer the term heathens to neo-pagan as this is one of the few pagan traditions to be based mostly on actual documented practices and beliefs, staying true to their Norse ancestry. The Asatru believe in 3 levels of deity: The Aesir (the gods of the clan - representing leadership, community, crafs, etc) The Vanir (which represent the fertility of the land and forces of nature). The Jotnar (these are giants, the Gods of unrest and disorder, in a constant battle with the Aesir.) As opposed to following the Rede and Crede, the Asatru follow a Moral Code which includes: Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-Reliance and Perservearance.

Black Forrest Clan: This is Silver RavenWolf's group and is considered Euro-Wiccan, drawing from Silver's German heritage and Pow-Wow and training she received from her Old Guard Wiccan magickal teachers. The Black Forest is not a social organization and does not charge an initiation or elevation fee. The Black Forest training program is designed specifically to train Wiccan Clergy, and therefore does not train individuals new to the Craft.

Blue Star Wicca: Blue Star was founded Frank Duffner in 1975 in Pennsylvania. Blue Star practices mostly as a hierarchical, mystery-based tradition with its roots in Alexandrian Craft. Most covens operate on a Grove system, in which uninitiated members and students comprise an Outer Court, and Initiates make up an Inner Court. Traditionally, a Coven (or circle) would include both Inner and Outer court members and would be presided over by a Third Degree High Priest and High Priestess.

British Traditionalist Witch: A formal, structured, neo-Gardner that is a mix of Celtic and Gardenarian beliefs. Most famous organization at this time is the International Red Garters. British Traditionals move mostly from within the Farrar studies/Alexandrian. They too are fairly structured in their beliefs, and train through the degree process. Their covens are also co-ed.

Celtic Pagan: This is the term for those of us who follow the ancient Celtic path. Following in the steps of our forefathers to dedicate our lives to the greater good. Any Priest/Priestess, Shaman, Druid, of the Celtic path has a strong sense of responsibility to the welfare, safety and happiness of those conscidered 'under their protection.' Having a strong connections to the spirit of nature, the boundries between the realms and our duty as humans to care for nature. Celtic Pagans are different from Celtic Wiccans in that they do not follow the Rede or Crede. More like the Nore Heathens the Celtic Pagan follows a moral code. Having personal integrity is essential to any Celtic Pagan. It generally takes a minimum of ten years to be conscidered Priest/Priestess level i nteh Celtic Path.

Celtic Wicca: These followers adhere to Celtic/Druidic patheons, and rituals/practices that are Gardnerian in base, heavily stressing the beliefs in nature, the elements and the Ancient Ones. They had a vast knowledge of and respect for the healing and magickal qualities of plants and stones, flowers, trees, elemental spirits, the little people, gnomes and fairies.

Ceremonial Witchcraft: Followers of this Tradition use a great deal of ceremonial magick in their practices. Detailed rituals with a flavor of Egyptian magick are sometimes a favorite, or they may use the Qabbalistic magick. Less religion, more emphasis on the art and science of magick. Rituals are generally complex and practices lean towards the esoteric side of Wicca. Not geared towards the solitary practitioner, but can easily be adapted for those who choose to work alone.

Circle Wicca: Circle was begun in 1974 by Selena Fox and Jim Alan. Its headquarters are at Circle Sanctuary, a 200 acre Nature preserve and organic herb farm in southwestern Wisconsin.They publish an annual source, the Circle Guide to Pagan Resources as well as a quarterly magazine, Circle Network News.

Covenant of the Goddess: A cross-traditional federation of over one hundred covens, plus solitary elders and associates, who have joined together to win recognition for the Craft as a legitimate and legally recognized religion. Essentially it is a meeting of the minds in Coven's. Any coven can join as long as it is a cohesive, self-perpetuating group that has been strong for a minimum of 6 months.

Dianic: This is another Wiccan tradition. *The Dianic Craft includes two distinct branches:
*1. One branch, founded in Texas by Morgan McFarland and Mark Roberts, gives primacy to the Goddess in its theology, but honors the Horned God as Her Beloved Consort. Covens are mixed, including both women and men. This branch is sometimes called 'Old Dianic', and there are still covens of this tradition, especially in Texas. Other covens, similar in teleology but not directly descended from the McFarland/Roberts line, are sprinkled around the country.
*2. The other branch, sometimes called Feminist Dianic Witchcraft, focus exclusively on the Goddess and consists of women-only covens and groups. These tend to be loosely structured and non-hierarchical, using consensus- decision- making and simple, creative, experimental ritual. They are politically feminist groups, usually very supportive, personal and emotionally intimate. There is a strong lesbian presence in the movement, though most covens are open to women of all orientations. The major network is Re-Formed Congregation of the Goddess, which publishes "Of a Like Mind" newspaper and sponsors conferences on Dianic Craft. [* Amber K] {2}

Druid: This is a branch of Celtic Paganism. We are the Priests and Priestesses. The teachers and protectors of knowledge. We are the keepers of brehorn law, ensuring those under our protection follow our strict moral code as well as are not harmed by the lack in others. We act not just as mediators between students and spirituality, between man and the Gods, but we lead the rites of passage both for people and nature - ensuring balance, we are the shamans of the Celtic world - traveling between the realms - for the purposes of maintaining balance as well as aquiring knowledge.

Eclectic Witch: This catch-all phrase indicates that the individual does not follow any particular Tradition, denomination, sect, or magickal practice. They learn and study from many magickal systems and apply to themselves what appears to work best. Followers include any aspects involved in the other traditions. This may include the belief in the Celtic deities as well as Jesus Christ, as well as a strong belief in Buddhism. At the same time, followers worship the God and Goddess of Wicca. With these ideas, one can choose what they wish to follow, which they feel would be best for their heart, mind, body, and infinite spirit. One can add and remove certain elements of rituals in this branch, although this is widely controversial within the Neopagan community. The main idea though is to follow whatever one feels will affirm their life, rather than to be locked into a tradition which may be overwhelming or to follow given rules or certain aspects of the tradition which may frighten the practitioner. A main goal in any way of Eclecticism is balance. Followers aim to take that which was taught and use certain ideas in those teachings as tools toward their spirituality and higher purpose. A free spirit is considered to be a balanced spirit.

Faery Wicca: (aka Feri, Fey, Fairy, etc) This is an Irish tradition that centers on green Witchcraft and faery magick. It is an ecstatic, rather than fertility tradition, emphasizing on polytheism, practical magic, self-development and theurgy. Strong emphasis is placed on sensual experience and awareness, including sexual mysticism, which is not limited to heterosexual expression. Starhawk is an initiate.Among the distinguishing features of the Faery tradition is the use of a specific Faery Power or energetic current which characterizes the lineage. Feri witches often see themselves as "fey": not black, not white, outside social definitions, on the road to Faeryland, either mad or poetical. Edgewalkers. They know that much of reality is unseen, or at least has uncertain boundaries. There is a deep respect for the wisdom of Nature, a love of beauty, and an appreciation of bardic and mantic creativity. Core teachings acknowledged by many of the branches of the tradition include the doctrines of the Three Souls, the Black Heart of Innocence, the Iron and Pearl pentacles, as well as an awareness of "energy ecology", which encourages practitioners to never give away or to waste their personal power, preferring instead techniques designed towards transmuting "negative" energy into a pure and more useful form. Trance experiences and personal connection with the Divine are at the heart of this path, which has led to a wide variety of practices throughout the larger body of the tradition.

Family Traditions: These are the practices and traditions, usually secret, of families who have been Witches for generations.

Gardnerian: Gerald Gardner is thought of as either the grandfather of most neo-pagan traditions, or a big fat liar. There is much disagreement surrounding his history from the coven he clamed to be initiated in to his work "Witchcraft Today" in which he lists many practices and beliefs of this coven. This tradition leans heavily on tradition and family, paying close attention to family geneologies - the term 'hereditary witch' is often coined by this tradition, although most pagans dislike that term. Reincarnation and the Rede {an' it harm none, do what ye will} are the basic tenets for this path. Covens strive for a balance between the male/female members - as this polarity is an important component to their rituals and practices. They lean heavily on secrecy and tradition (although the basis for the traditions are greatly disputed). It is thought that Crowley, Blake, Kipling, and Yeats have all contributed to Gardnerian's published books of shadows.

Georgian Tradition: The Georgians, founded by George E. Patterson in 1970, were chartered by the Universal Life Church in 1972, as The Church of Wicca of Bakersfield. In 1980 they were chartered as The Georgian Church.They lean toward the Goddess and generally work skyclad but individual groups or individuals may do as they wish. They are both religious and magickal and celebrate the eight Sabbats. Members are encouraged to learn from all available sources - making it an established eclectic tradition.

Hereditary Witch: One who can trace the Craft through their family tree and who has been taught the Old Religion by a relative who was living at the same time. How far one has got to go back on the family tree to meet the conditions of the first part of this definition is debatable. Family trades (another name for Hereditary Witches.) This term is greatly debated in the pagan community, as it seems to make those with family traditions more important than those that broke away from tradition to follow their spirit.

Kemetic Wicca: The Kemetic or Egyptian path is the worship of the set of Egyptian gods and goddesses. There is particular strain to pray to the family of Osiris and his wife/sister Isis, and their falcon-headed son, Horus. This is called a trinity. Sacred symbols such a the Ankh (the ancient Egyptian symbol for life), and Eye of Horus/All Seeing Eye are very popular in this sect. Some try to copy the religious rituals of the ancient Egyptians and the Book of the Dead (ancient Egyptian book describing spells and rituals used during embalming and other various rituals) is sometimes used as a reference.

Kitchen Witch: Basically, this type is one who practices by hearth and home, dealing with the practical side of religion, magick, the earth and the elements.

Neo-Pagan: This is the term used to indicate any religion that is based on the beliefs, traditions, symbols, practices, etc, of ancient religions. Saddly, due to lack of proper documentation, Neo-Pagans buil their traditions on assumptions and supositions of the ancient world.

Minoan Tradition: The Minoan tradition is actually of triad -- the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood, and the Cult of Rhea -- was incorporated in December of 1998 under New York State religious corporations law. Their beliefs do not focus on the gender differences of the dieties and many Minoan followers are gay, lesbian and bisexual.

Pictish Witch: Scottish Witchcraft that attunes itself to all aspects of nature: animal, vegetable, and mineral. It is a solitary form of the Craft and mainly magickal in nature with little religion.

Reclaiming: Reclaiming is a community of women and men working to unify spirit and politics. It is a tradition of Witchcraft that began in the 1980s in Northern California.

Pagan: This is an umbrella term. Saddly there are many different definitions for it ranging fron evil anti-Christian Devil worshippers to Naturalists. (Go figure) But the most widely accepted definition amound us is this: Paganism is the practice of any Non-Christian religion. So, that would include all Eastern Religions, Judism, Wiccans, Celtic, Native Americans, etc.

Pow-Wow: Indigenous to South Central Pennsylvania. This is a system, not a religion, based on 400 year old Elite German magick. Pow-Wow has deteriorated to a great degree into simple faith healing. Although Pow-Wow finds its roots in German Witchcraft, few practicing Pow-Wows today in Pennsylvania follow the Craft or even know the nature of its true birth.

Sacred Wheel: An eclectic neo-Pagan path which was organized in Delaware withing the past decade. Calling themselves Wiccan, they focus on balance and learning. Celtic beliefs are a part of their teachings. Still concentrated in the easten states, covens are formed from study groups which include both old-timers and novices.

Seax-Wica: Founded by Raymond Buckland in 1973. Although of Saxon basis, it was authored by Raymond himself without breaking his original Gardenarian oath.

Shamanic Witchcraft: This term refers to practices associated with those of tribal shamans in traditional Pagan cultures throughout the world. A shaman combines the roles of healer, priest (ess), diviner, magician, teacher and spirit guide, utilizing altered states of consciousness to produce and control psychic phenomena and travel to and from the spirit realm. Followers of this path believe that historical Witchcraft was the shamanic practice of European Pagans; and Medieval Witches actually functioned more as village shamans than as priests and priestesses of "the Old Religion." Shamanic Witchcraft emphasizes serving the wider community through rituals, herbalism, spellcraft, healings, counseling, rites of passage, handfastings, Mystery initiations, etc. The distinguishing element of Shamanic Witchcraft is the knowledge and sacramental use of psychotropic plants to effect transitions between worlds.

Solitary Witch/Pagan: This is the term for those who are not a part of a coven, but choose to practice their faith privately.

Strega Witches: Follows a Tradition seated in Italy that began around 1353 with a woman called Aradia. Of all the traditional Witches, this group appears to be the smallest in number in the United States. It is traditionally a quasi-messianic Syncreto-Pagan religion that honors the Roman god Lucifer, the Roman goddess Diana, and their lovechild, the demigoddess Aradia who was sent to earth in human form to offer freedom through witchcraft to the poor and oppressed. It is mainly a Classical Anarchist religion, and can be seen as a direct reaction to the Christianization of Italy and the predominant class system thereof. In fact, Stregherian mythology is filled with strong Anarchist and anti-Christian themes, both literal and allegorical.

Teutonic Witch: From ancient time, the Teutons have been recognize as a group of people who speak the Germanic group languages. Culturally, this included the English, Dutch, Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish peoples. This is also known as the Nordic Tradition and incorporates deities, symbolisms and practices from Norse and Germanic cultures.

Wicca: This is another Umbrella term. Any and all traditions that follow the Rede and Crede are conscidered a branch of Wicca. This is made possible by the fact that Wicca has no specific pantheon - so one could infact be a Christian Witch, or Celtic Wiccan, or Roman Wiccan, etc the first part of the title referring to the pantheon and traditions they adhere to.

For a comprehensive look at the different paths in America, check out Margot Adler's Book - Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America

References:
(1) Religious Tolerance { http://www.religioustolerance.org/ }
(2) Bewitching Ways { http://www.bewitchingways.com/wicca/witch.htm }
(3) Wicca { http://www.wicca.com/ }
(4) Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland, Llewellyn Publications, 2006
(5) Ritual Craft, by Amber K. and Azreal Arynn K, Llewllyn Publications, 2006

The Modern Vs Tradition on Samhain

2007-09-25T11:40:00.000-05:00

Samhain is the traditional name for Halloween. It origionated from the Celts, but the Celts by no means had license on days celebrating and honoring the dead.

The Encyclopedia of Religion says, "Halloween, or Allhallows Eve, is a festival celebrated on 31 October, the evening prior to the Christian Feast of All Saints (All Saints' Day). Halloween is the name for the eve of Samhain, a celebration marking the beginning of winter as well as the first day of the New Year within the ancient Celtic culture of the British Isles. The time of Samhain consisted of the eve of the feast and the day itself (31 October and 1 November)" (1987, p. 176, "Halloween").

Concerning Halloween The Encyclopedia of Religion continues:

"On this occasion, it was believed that a gathering of supernatural forces occurred as during no other period of the year. The eve and day of Samhain were characterized as a time when the barriers between the human and supernatural worlds were broken. Otherworldly entities, such as the souls of the dead, were able to visit earthly inhabitants, and humans could take the opportunity to penetrate the domains of the gods and supernatural creatures.

"Fiery tributes and sacrifices of animals, crops, and possibly human beings were made to appease supernatural powers who controlled the fertility of the land . . . Samhain acknowledged the entire spectrum of nonhuman forces that roamed the earth during the period" (pp. 176-177).

On this holiday "huge bonfires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits . . . The souls of the dead were supposed to revisit their homes on this day, and the autumnal festival acquired sinister significance, with ghosts, witches, hobgoblins, black cats, fairies, and demons of all kinds said to be roaming about. It was the time to placate the supernatural powers controlling the processes of nature. In addition, Halloween was thought to be the most favourable time for divinations concerning marriage, luck, health, and death. It was the only day on which the help of the devil was invoked for such purposes" (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 15th edition, Micropaedia, Vol. IV, p. 862, "Halloween").

In most regions, once Christianity moved into town they assimilated many of the traditions so as to not alienate the common folk. This is true for almost every Celtic Holiday: Besides Halloween, the Celts observed the winter solstice or Yule which was later transformed into Christmas; the spring fertility rites of Ostara which became Easter; Feb. 2 as Candlemas, was assimilated into the supposed day of Jesus' presentation in the temple and the purification of Mary - In the United States Candlemas persists in Groundhog Day; and others.

In 601 A.D. Pope Gregory the First made it so that we have no written records of our ancestors celebrations and traditions. Only in abstract can we extrapolate what was done and why. Pope Gregory, wrote is now famous edict - telling his Christian missionaries to try to assimilate as much of the 'common' beliefs as possible. The Celtic Underwords became the Catholic Hell. Our male deities, who are often represented with animal extensions - we transformed into demons. The Druids who worshipped nature were condemed as Devil or Satan worshippers...which in a way is true....since the Christian vision of Satan came from our Herne the Hunter. The common people were given a choice - follow the slightly modified new traditions and forget the old, or die. "Samhain remained a popular festival among the Celtic people throughout the christianization of Great Britain. The British church attempted to divert this interest in pagan customs by adding a Christian celebration to the calendar on the same date as Samhain. The Christian festival, the Feast of All Saints, commemorates the known and unknown saints of the Christian religion just as Samhain had acknowledged and paid tribute to the Celtic deities" (The Encyclopedia of Religion, p. 177, "Halloween")

Many of the traditional celebrations for Samhain are still carried on today -

Apples:
The bobbing of apples was a form of divination, for example. The first person to bite the apple would be the next to marry (like catching the bouquet). The peeling of the apple was a way of measuring lifespan - the longer the single strand of peel the longer the life.

Pumpkins:
Origionally the Celts would carve turnips and place candles in them to guide family spirits to them and guard against negative spirits. When Irish Immegtrants came to America and discovered the bog orange turnip - the Pumpkin - they started using these for their carvings. ********

Jack The Turnip - The origin of the term Jack O'Lantern
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/9526/fable018.htm

Trick Or Treating:
Since the spirits roamed the countryside on Samhain or All Hallows Eve. The people left cakes and treats for the spirits of their loved ones. If a spirit came to your home though, and was not one of your dearly departed....would you really send them off hungry? Of course not. And neither did the ancients. Of couse how are you to know if the beast at your door is a boy from a nearby town or if it is a dark spirit? Better to give them a treat than to suffer the consequences. It is debated whether this is the source of trick-or-treating. It could also be attributed to beggers going to the homes of the rich and threatening with evil spirits if they were not fed.

The Witch:
Not surprisingly, Witches were associated with this Sabbat. Of course ancient practitioners and Druids would perform seasonal rites on this High Holy Day, but when Christianity transformed the Celtic Wheel of the Year (holidays) they vilified the practices of magick as well. Many went into hiding but could be seen on the Sabbats performing the ancient rites. So, the Church convinced the huddled masses, who were already forgetting their own Pagan roots, that the evil spirits they remembered being taught about on Samhain were in the control ofthese evil witches.

The Black Cat & The Full Moon:
As with above, the black cat and the full moon are both utilized by many Pagans when performing rites as they associated with strong links to the Goddess. Therefore in the advent of Christianity, what had once been viewed as a supreme blessing became evil incarnat. The black cat working as the witch's familiar - sort of true, but any cat or animal can be a familiar. But the color black is asociated with the banishment of negativity, so it can be surmised these ancient praticiioners performed banishments on Samhain to help protect the masses, and this was the sourse of the rumors.
Witch Flying on The Broom:
Witches have utilized straw brooms for centuries, as a means of banishing negativity. Somehow over the ages, this association was confused with the Norse myths on Hallowe'en. "Historically, beliefs about mythic Norse spirits and deities who flew through the air to gather souls and reward heroes influenced the Celtic fairy lore and witch lore that became a part of Halloween, and they also contributed to the development of the flying Father Christmas figure we know as Santa Claus, with his furs and his northern European reindeer" (Jack Santino, All Around the Year: Holidays & Celebrations in American Life, 1994, p. 26).

Costumes, Masks, Oh My...The Celtic Mardi Gras?
There were many reasons the ancient Celts were believed to have worn costumes. One of which was to celebrate life. Dress-up and have a huge party. The harvest is finally, fully complete with food stored for Winter. The nights are growing longer and the days already getting much cooler. Shortly the masses would be huddled in their homes just trying to srvive. So, why not one last hurahh - wear bright colors and be merry? This span of several days (From Oct 31 - Nov 2 the Celtic New Year) made all the hum-drum of ancient life tolerable. Just imagine - working from dawn to dusk only to be so exhausted you immediately pass out, only to repeat the process every day. On Samhain, the people cast off their ordinary live and kicked-up their heels. Celebrating life, making wishes for the new year, honoring their fallen bretheren, etc.

Another reason for wearing masks and costumes, goes toward honoring the Deities, Guardians and the Dead. As the veil between the realms is believed to be thinned only a couple of times a year - there is no better time to show one and all your deep affection for someone not of this realm. Some owuld dress up as their Patron - thus honoring them by enacting feats of bravery. Others would make a face and call it by the name of a past loved one - hoping all the love in their heart woudl call out to their spirit for a visit. People would also wear costumes of the animals slain that Sabbat as a form of thanks. The animals gave their lives so the villagers might live, what greater honor than to have the villigers dress as them and honor their life.

The most bizarre costumes and masks are also based on tradition. Remember, with the veil thin, not only the good spirits roam the countryside. It was believed one could not be bespelled by dark forces if their texture was unexpected. Think of it this way - when casting a spell, its strength comes from our belief in the outcome. If you're unsure of any piece of the ritual it has lost its strength. This was the basis for wearing the bizarre. Dark forces could not entrap your spirit if they could not first make a spell guaranteeing what they would encounter. If they expected a young woman and instead encountered a strange beast, the spell for the young woman would not touch her. Its a bit convoluted but in its essense it is correct. This same basis was used during the plagues. Many people would wear hideous masks in the hopes of scaring off the cause of the disease.

Sooo, when you go to celebrate with your family. Think about the origins of the traditions you are celebrating. Are you honoring your heritage or insulting it? Don't be afraid to create your own traditions.

Samhain: History & Lore

2007-09-08T12:44:00.000-05:00

DATE: October 31, November 2, November 4 or when the Sun is at 15 degrees Scorpio

PLANET: Moon*, Mars

DEITIES: Crone Goddesses, Dying/Aging Gods, Sacrificial Gods, Death & Otherworld Deities, All Gods & Goddesses of Fate, Death & the Underworld, Guides & Psychopomps, Judges, Hunters

ELEMENT: Water

COLOR: Black, Orange , Violet*, Silver*

SYMBOLS: Cauldron, Jack o'Lantern, Mask, Balefire, Besom (broom)

ENERGY CENTER*: Brow Center: center of the head, behind the bridge of the nose - 3rd Eye

MEANING OF THE WORD: "Summer's End"

*PRIMARY FOCUS: Transformation, regeneration, honoring / communicating with the dead, divination, honoring / celebrating the harvest, preparing for Winter.

Alternate Festival Names & Translations

English : Halloween, Hallowmas
Irish Gaelic : Samhain (sow-ihn)
Oiche Shamna {Samhain Eve} (ee-huh how-nuh)

Scottish Gaelic : Samhuinn Oidhche Shamhna {Samhuinn Eve}
(sah-vin uh-ee-hyuh how-nuh)
Manx : Sauin Oie Houney {Sauin Eve} (sow-in oh-ee how-nee)
Welsh : Nox Calan Gaeaf {First Day of Winter} (noss cal-ahn gie-ahv)
Cornish : Nox Kalann-Gwav (noss cal-ahn gwahv)
Breton : Noz Kala-Goanv (noz cal-a-gwah)

History

In ancient times the Celts tended their herds on the hillsides and celebrated or recognized only 2 seasons - Winter & Summer. Summer was recognized as the time of toil - tending to the crops and sheep. At the end of Summer came the harvest festivals Lughnasadh, Mabon & Samhain. By the time Samhain came around the weather was starting to get much colder. Therefore there were many ways the ancient Celts were believed to have celebrated this time of transition.

The 3rd Harvest

As the crops have been completely reaped by this time, the Celts turned their attention to the livestock. So, while the first two harvest festivals focused on crops this festival focuses on the animals. There were 3 reasons for this:

1) Slaughtering Livestock. This was the accumulation of bringing the cattle down from higher pastures. Any livestock that didn't look fat enough to survive the harshness of winter would be slaughtered. So, the weaker would be sacrifices - which would feed the family throughout the winter. And with less mouths to feed, the healthier cattle had a better Chance of surviving through winter as well. Keep in mind, these were harsh times. Many people died each winter of disease or exposure. So, much of the Sabbats were focused on achieving blessings to maintain a healthy life. Therefore, the Sabbat blesses the meat and the sacrifice of the weaker animals that the stronger animals and the families could survive.

2) Purifying the living livestock. This is part of the reason for the Sabbat Fires on Samhain. The livestock that was not to be slaughtered would be lead between two huge fires. This would bless the beasts and purify them of disease. This will bolster their health and give the Gods blessings on the animals lasting through the winter. Also for the poorer farmers, it was not uncommon to have the livestock live in the home with the farmers family. In which case the Samhain fires were doubly needed to keep the family from becoming ill. {On Beltaine, the animals are again led through the fires - this time sloughing off the effects of winter}

3) The Wild Hunt. The Tenth//Eleventh moon of the year was often referred to by Native Americans (East Coast) as the Hunting Moon. Appalachian Folklore & American Wiccan and Eclectic Wiccans refer to it as the Blood Moon - based on the amount of blood spilled during the hunting season. Aside from killing off weaker livestock, this is also the traditional time common for tribes, the world round, to send out their hunting forces to stock up on food for the winter. Wild animals such as Elk & Deer are fat and fully grown, so it was the perfect time to bring home food for winter.

Thinning of the Veil

Most present day Pagans, as well as the ancients, believe the Otherworld (Spiritual Realm, Astral Planes, etc) is just beyond our perception of the world in which we live. There isn't really a wall there. (I have never found a belief system that believed that...except for the Christians Pearly Gates was the closest I've ever found) Instead of a read barrier, most humans are distracted easily. Our vision of the mundane world would be disrupted by our vision of Otherworld, so our minds tend to shy away from it - and many never consciously realize it even exists. But, our understanding of the cycle of Life and Death is very much in-your face on Samhain and Beltaine.

The hunt and harvest "death" is an in-your-face reminder of the cycle of life, it should be no surprise that the veil between the realms is celebrated as being at its weakest from October 31 - Nov 2. It could be argued that the veil is thin due to the amount of animal souls trying to cross over on a single night. But, if you take a step back from the literal, and look at the world around us as the ancient Celts must have - you'll realize it is much more difficult to differentiate between Blooming Life and Death. The leaves are 'dying', branches look more brittle and aged, migratory animals have left already - changing the landscape as well as sounds of the wilderness. Even the strength and "Life" of the Sun seems to be dying, as the sun is at its lowest and doesn't give off much warmth.

This recognition of the cycle of life is enough for the conscious mind to disregard the slight-of-hand that normally blocks the Otherworld from our mortal eyes. Therefore, it is common for present day and ancient pagans to honor their dead loved ones. As this was the closest they would get to communicating with those that had gone on before.

Ironically this is also where wearing costumes, or masks with clothing inside out first originated. As the veil is thin enough for you to communicate with ancestors, so too it must be thin for evil spirits. The ancient Celts didn't define "good and evil" but once Christianity set in, and the thinning of the veil was acknowledged by those who now believed in such beings as the devil - they became terrified of having their soul carried away by evil forces against their will. So, ironically like many of our other Sabbats, one of our most precious holidays has been transformed into fear (and commercialism) by the old misnomer of Good vs Evil.

Why was it considered the Celtic New Year?

If you think of our modern New Years celebrations, one of the most universal activities is to make New Years Resolutions. These are, presumably, based off of looking into our selves for things we would like to change. The dark half of the year (Winter) is a time for hibernation. What else is there to do but to reflect upon your life and determine things you want to improve or change. The ancients were overwhelmed with work throughout summer, so Winter was the time for introspection.

Furthermore death is but another step, a doorway leading to transformation. Winter is the greatest representation of this in the whole Wheel of the Year. That while the landscape is 'dead' the wheel will continue to turn and Spring will come bringing new 'life'. You can't get the new life of Spring without having the death of winter. You see, time is circular rather than linear - darkness is the end of the light, but it also comes before the light...the Celts love a good circular argument. Therefore, the ancients considered this the Start of the new Wheel of the Year. Now that death has occurred - all things are possible.

Lore

This is a great time for sitting around the Sabbat Fire and telling old Myth & Legends.

Obviously with the thinning if the Veil tales of mortals stumbling out of the Fae's clutches after hundreds of years are popular. As well as Ghost stories, as the spirits travel more freely on this eve.

Some wonderfully magickal stories for Samhain:

* Descent of the Goddess
* Rhiannon & Pwyll (Rhiannon was queen of the Underworld had birds whose songs restored the dead)

Invocations vs. Evocations

2007-09-04T10:08:00.000-05:00

It can be difficult in the beginning to differentiate between Invocations and Evocations. Here's my little trick - Evocation is External; Invocation is Internal. HUH?

I know these are a little hard concepts - some of the hardest those in the first years must comprehend. So, close your eyes and visualize the power of ritual.

We call up within ourselves that "Power Person " that part of us we may have given a power name, that part of us that is intrinsically entwined with Mother Nature and Deity. This part of us is always there, just not always at the forefront of our consciousness.
We also ask Deity, and the Elementals to enter our circles - to lend their own unique powers and protections to our rites. We cut a door into our circle so that their ethereal energies might come inside.

The first is an example of an Invocation, the second is an Evocation.

Now we can take it a step further.....

Invocation: Since our Power Self is always intertwined with deity and the Elements, we can call upon a Specific Deity or Elemental to help us - they can help bring forth specific characteristics in our Power Self....this is where it can get confusing. Lets say for Yule you call upon Brigit - you want to make protection amulets for the upcoming year - so you call her into your circle (evocation) but when your trying to imbue the power into the amulet you need to be able to 'see' that protective energy. As you may recall Brigit is Goddess of the Forge, but she is also a mother and poet. So be Invoking her you bring those specific qualities (of yours) to the forefront - maternal, protector, strength, beauty. You can then use this energy in spell and ritual work.

This is a great debate - some believe to Invoke is to invite the Spirit into yourself - and that's how you can utilize the specific energy. While others (like myself) believe it is you Associating specific traits to one Deity or another or one Elemental or another - once you've associated certain traits - it becomes like using certain herbs, thinking of them, inviting them into your circle helps you focus your mind and your Power Self on those specific qualities. We're all complicated beings - Invocation just helps you cut away the excesses in your personality -so that your Power is funnelled down into a tiny specific purpose!

Evocation: When you cut that door in your circle you should be visualizing an ethereal (spiritual) entity entering your circle. They are separate entities - you are just inviting them in to be guides and protectors. If your mind digresses and you go off track their energy can help to keep you focused -also they are much more powerful than we are - as you utilize your own Power Energy in magickal workings - so those entities in your circle are also contributing energy - this is why we do communion, to help replenish their energy after we used some of it.

Of course its not gonna end there (that would be too simple wouldn't it?)

The power of Prayer Invoking is also the power of prayer to a specific deity. Why wouldn't it be evocation? Well - we are utilizing that internal connection to deity to communicate - think of it like an old phone cord between the heart of your Power Self to the heart of your Patron Deity (or the deity you're calling upon in this prayer). If you are praying to any deity or to Spirit in general you are Evoking - you can't focus your power energy specifically so you can not wholly use the internal wire directly to the gods, you must instead use your voice and mind - the wind to cary your prayer, etc.

Think of it like this: When you pray to a specific deity, when you call their name, your Power Self and your Mind go through rapid associations - Who is this being your calling to? - so in effect, you call those traits within yourself to the forefront in order to better focus your mind. If there are millions of deities out there you need to power your prayer with a specific taste - that taste relates it to the deity the message is intended for - so in effect you invoke the Deity in order to send a prayer to them.BUT, if the prayer is just a general plea, not to anyone in specific, than you are evoking the etheral, making the taste of the message be palatable to anyone who can aide you.

INVOCATION EXERCISE

When you ground and center, and/or begin to meditate you clear your consciousness of all the hoopla of the daily grind. Then you access that part of you that is connected to Power - be it nature, Spirit, Diety, whatever. At first, when you try to work a ritual or any magick at all, you work with this all encompassing Power from within. BUT - over time you will learn the different "Taste" of Power. . . .

Meaning, the power that is connected to a specific deity will have traits of that deity. What do you think of when you think of that deity. The same can be said for your magickal tools, or the elements. So.....we're gonna start differentiating in the simplest manner possible.

LEVEL I: Power Self & Magickal Tools:

Power Self - this is to help you become better aquainted with the Powerful part of you. If you have already chosen a Power Name simply naming yourself out loud should help you feel this Self emerging. In the begining you'll still have to ground and center first.

Sit in a quiet spot(or lay - I prefer to lay; but if you're gonna fall asleep you'd better sit). Make sure you'll be undisturbed for at least 20 minutes
Either hold your tool in your hand or else Have the tool right next to you - so you wont have to open your eyes to locate it.
Take a few deep breathes. Clear your mind of everything.
Start at your feet - relax your toes, then your arches, then your ankles. Work up to your calves, the knees, than the thighs. Relax your womb and belly, your Pelvis and abdomen. Feel your lungs expand and expel your tension. Your shoulders relax, then your neck. Your jaw is loose as is your tongue. Your sinus' and temples, and finally the crown of your head relaxes.
Search deep within yourself for that Power Center. Get a taste for the general Power within you. If you are a visual person - it may writhe with many colors, constantly changing shape, form & color. I usually see my Power Self as a "Glowing Me" Like I have a phantom overlaid on my physical form - that is colorful and soft.
Feel how your Self is different - don't try to focus too much on the physical (like how your skin feels) at first, or you may lose the Power Self. If you like using visuals - what color does your power hand change to? How about the other Power Centers - the Womb, Heart, Third Eye, etc? If you're not using visuals, how does your hand feel. Does any other part of you feel different.
To come out of the meditation trance - start at the crown of your hear and become again aware of physical sensation - work backwards from step 4.
Once you've recovered your physical form, write tdown all of your observations. From now on, each time you use your tool - you should Try to regain the same (or more powerful) feelings.

Magickal Tools: {athame, sword, bosom, cauldron,etc.} (Picks up from step 5 of the Power Self Exercise)

Now, hold the Magickal Tool in your Power Hand (the hand you write with usually).
Feel how your Power changes and focus'. If you like using visuals - what color does your power hand change to? How high up your arm do the colors go? If you're not using visuals, how does your arm feel. Does any other part of you feel different.
To come out of the meditation trance - start at the crown of your hear and become again aware of physical sensation - work backwards from step 4 (from the Power Self Exercise).
Once you've recovered your physical form, write tdown all of your observations. From now on, each time you use your tool - you should Try to regain the same (or more powerful) feelings.

Digression: Some Wiccans have a permanent Magickal Space set up in their homes or yards. I do not. I keep my tools in a Rubbermaid container so that I can bring it with me. Nature is my Magickal Space - and it exists outside of my yard..lol.

LEVEL II: Deity & Elementals: {Fire, Earth, Air, Water} (Picks up from Step 5 of the Power Self Meditation)

Elementals: This is a whole lot harder than doing the basic Power Self or Tools exercise. Mainly this is true beause the elementals are less and more than simple substances. We will each associate different things with each element.

Furthermore - to really connect deeply with an Element - You need to hold the element both Physically and Metaphysically - this means hold a candle, or a bit of salt (thought I like dirt better) or pour some water in your hand, etc) Thats physical. But also visualize all those personal associations. What do you think of when you visualize Fire? Hot, Powerful, Variations? Culmination? Whatever, its totally personal. So, while holding the Physical Representation in your power hand, you want to list as many associations - SLOWLY - as you can. The Druids very much believe in the power of Word. Each word that your mind links with something will make that something more powerful within you. So, if you list many things that you associate with fire - than the power of Fire will be that much greater within your Power Self.

NOTE: We each usually have 1 or 2 elementals that we strongly connect with and 1 or 2 that we have a much harder time connecting with. This is part of the importance of performing these exercises - otherwise you may try utilizing the power of an element that your physiology simply can not understand.

Now (after Steps 1 - 5 of Power Self), Physically hold a representation fo the elemental in your power hand - this means hold a candle, or a bit of salt (thought I like dirt better) or pour some water in your hand, etc) Thats physical.
Then Metaphysically Draw in the power of the Element. List in your mind all the things that the element make you think of (see below for one of my lists)
Feel how your Power changes and focus'. If you like using visuals - what color does your power hand change to? How high up your arm do the colors go? If you're not using visuals, how does your arm feel. Does any other part of you feel different. Do you feel more or less powerful? Do you feel in control or out of control? Etc.
To come out of the meditation trance - start at the crown of your hear and become again aware of physical sensation - work backwards from step 4 (from the Power Self Exercise).
Once you've recovered your physical form, write tdown all of your observations. From now on, each time you use your tool - you should Try to regain the same (or more powerful) feelings.

FIRE: Hot, Powerful, Variations, Culmination, Fast Transformation, Volitile, Hard To Control, etc

WATER: Soothing, Calm to Fierce, Slow Transformation, Moon, etc,

AIR: Movement, Astral, Psychie, Wisdom, Inspiration,

EARTH: Solid, Cycle of Life, Science, Inevetable, etc.

Deity: {Specific}This can only be accomplished if you feel drawn to 1 or more Deities. If you do not yet feel such a connection - Thats OK!! Some of us have felt a calling from a specific deity for some time (and being an instrument for a deity isn't always fun or soothing)

This exercise is extremely similar to Elementals. Its important to list your associations NOT the associations found in a book but what YOU think of when you think of a specific Deity. I also like to hold a Physical Representation of my Deity in my power hand to help keep me grounded. Then I Metaphysically connect.

I have heard of this connection working in two ways.

There is a part of the Deity deep within you - your Power Self is inactuality only 80% You and 20% Deity. In which case when working the meditation you should visualize the Deity superemposed over your Power Self or Sharing your Power Self. (This so doesn't work for me)
This is the basic connection between you and Deity. A thick metaphysical cord that links the two of you. It can run from a few different body parts....

Female Invoking Female Deity : Womb, heart or 3rd Eye
Female Invoking Male Deity: 3rd Eye, Crown
Male Invoking Female Deity: Genitals, Solar Plexus, Heart
Male Invoking Male Deity: Throat, 3rd Eye

Now what makes this connection different from Evocation is 1 thing: Energy and Power flows both ways down the connection - so that you feed yoru Deity energy and They feed you energy - so this "Cord" should pulse with Power.

Otherwise follow the same steps as for the Elementals.

EVOCATION EXERCSES:

To write your own Evocations is a very personal choice. Again you always want to work with Power that you can physiologically and metaphysically manipulate toward your purposes - if you invite "Spirit" Into your circle, and a male deity enters...but you are not strong in working with Male Energy than you've wasted the whole ritual. So you need to try to be as specific as possible - both in your words and your visualization.

Things to remember when writing your own evocations:

What is the porpose? Why are you attempting to perform this ritual? Par down all the frivolous and look deeply into yourself. This should be answered as honestly as possible or you will fail. {Meaning - its easy to say - I'm performing a Samhain Rite. But why are you performing it? To help the earth move toward fall? To better connect with nature? To also perform meditations and spells? ou need the Sabbat connection to deity for your mental happiness? BE HONEST}
Who are you targeting to assist you? Include all "Energies" - the Fae, Elementals, Deities, Ancestors, whatever. Again you're trying to only include the ones you CONNECT with - you and verbally thank the ones you must leave out of the ritual.
What will you use to help you? List all tools, herbs, incense, etc.
Once you have these three lists - you need to take each thing individually. Write a short list of everything you associate to it (ie. What we did for Elementals & Deity Invocation).
Once you have multiple lists, make sure they are similar, or at least complimentary. Meaning - if you are performing a Mabon Rite - and you invoke Fire..this wont work, as Water is the element for Fall and Mabon - so you'll be putt ing a dampner on all magick you perform within the circle.
Sit back and clear your mind a moment.
The list you made in step 4 is your Evocation Qualities - your Associations. If you make an amulet this is what energy will go into it. You will ask Spirit to please imbue the amulet with protection and the Spirit will lay a metaphysical hand over the amulet and send the protective enery into it. The energy just doesn't need to pass through you.
Now you're ready to write your own Evocations.

Here's an example for Mabon....

Mabon, honoring my accomplishments, recognizing what I must still work on, meditating for aid in conquering my personal flaws, making amulets for winter.
Elementals (I'll be invoking Air and Brigit); Green Man
My main altar tools: Athame, chalice, cauldron, tools to make the amulets (leather, premade pendants), icon, incense (cinnamon), elementals,
Air: spirituality, flowing, breathing, change / Green Man: dieing, wilting, end of the season / Brigit: Mother, protector / etc
Write Invocations and Invocations (my invocations I say mentally, as I'm calling on the power from within - BUT - I'll also evoke Brigit my Patron Goddess to always witness my circles)

INVOCATION (sample):
Hail Brigit, Goddess and Mother of my Soul. Please fill me up with your great blessings. Guide my mind and soul in all I do - that it may honor you as my Mother and Guide. Welcome and Blessings!

{NOTE: On a Sabbat, you'll also want to Invoke the Power of the Holy Day. }

EVOCATION (sample)

Seasons Change, Wheels turn. On this Sabbat Morning I call to Brigit. Great Mother, Protector, Craftswoman. My Guide, My Goddess. Blessings! I beseach you to enter my Mabon circle this morn that I may always follow you in all my magickal practices. Bless me and honor me, Great Mother on this most Holy Day. Welcome!

Mabon: For You & The Family

2007-08-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

This is a day of celebration, of giving thanks therefore there are many things you can do to mark the holiday. You can get as involved as you wish. If you are a Pagan you will probably wish to perform a Harvest Ritual at dawn or sunset. If you are new to Paganism, or if you would just like to mark the passing of the Autumnal Equinox as a solar day. Either way the following list are activities you can incorporate into your own Autumnal Equinox Celebrations!

RITUAL:
I often like to perform my Mabon ritual outside in the forest, as this is one of the first places to show the colors of Fall. Gather either at Sunrise or Sunset as they are the marking points of this day.

The symbolism of Mabon:
This is the harvest of the vine, so you want to express thanks for the fruits and vegatables that will feed us through the winter. Also, this is the harvest of the year of Self. Meditations: You'll want to meditate on what you've accomplished, how you've grown throughout the past year - than thank the Gods for the experience. You'll want to meditate and plan to incorporate more balance in your life and honor the diferences betweent he male and female, the yin & yang.

Spellworkings:
This is the ending of summer and the beginning of fall - we are harvesting in reparation of a harsh winter - both physically and metaphorically. Therefore all preparation spells are appropriate - Protection, Prosperity, Security, & Health. Also working in spells for Harmony & Balance are important. Giving thanks for the bounty of the previous year. Incense: You can make your own Autumn Blend using benzoin, myrrh & sage, or you can purchase any combination therein.

FOODS:
Ths is a harvest festival, and it is likened to the American Thanksgiving celebration - so the foods are much the same:
*Apple & Pumpkin Pies
*Squash, Corn, Potatoes, Carrots, etc
*Poltry (many were sacrificed in this time of preparation of winter)
*Breads & Nuts

ACTIVITIES:
* Make Corn Dollies (see crafts)
*Make a wish for balance - write it on a piece of paper, burn it in a fire-proof pot than scatter the ashes to the winds.
* Make a wine or beer or mead
*The Squash Roll Game - sitting in a circle,roll the squash across; whoever catches it can ask anyone a question - like truth or dare)
*String herbs for drying
*Take a Hike
*Discus the seasonal changes
*Make Mulled Cider (see recepies section)
*Give thanks for the plants and animals who give their lives to sustain us.
*Cover the table in a white cloth. Everyone gets a marker either red, orange or black and writes what they arethankful for. Each year the family adds to the cloth till it is entirely covered in thanks. Than a new cloth is made.
*Adorn graves with apples, or garland made from leaves, acorns & pine cones
*Offer Libations to the trees in thanks for making the air breathable and for their future sacrifice of their leaves.
*Offer a libation to the Fae in your garden of Sugar Water and Sweets (I always explain to my boys that the garden fae will be going into hibernation soon too, so they need all the treats we can give.) See recepies for their treats.
*Dress in your most colorful clothes and EAT, EAT, EAT!!!!!!

STORIES/MYTHS
I let my boys stay up till sunset when we have a bonfire (weather permitting) and tell myths and stories.

King Arthur & Mabon: One of the myths we tell is the story of King Arthur saving Mabon from the prision he was held captive in - only because Mabon was the only one who could control the Fae Dog that wanted to kill Arthur. www.timelessmyths.com/celtic

The Mabinogion: There is an online translation, essentially it is a compilation of Wlesh myths at www.sacred-texts.com

Bricriu's Feast: there is a fabulous online translation of myths at www.timelessmyths.com/celtic that I would recommend

SHANNON's RECEPIE's

Meade Recepie:
This rich ale known as meade is a very old Celtic creation which was used for sacred rituals. It was thought to be a gift of the deitiesand was used to honor them. Many different recepies exist, and most are guarded. This is a short-cut method, ignoring the lengthly fermentation process. But it is a tradition to also begin the makings of Mead at Mabon and let it ferment til Samhain and Yule.

Short-Cut (from Celtic Myth & Magic by Edain McCoy, ppg390)
1/2 gallon water1-
1/2 cups raw honey
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice, rounded
1/2 cup Everclear

Slowly heat all the ingredients together- except the alcohol - in a large stock pot. As the honey melts, an oily crust will form on the top of the meade. You can leave it there, for some feel this adds to the full-bodied texture of the meade, while others will tell you to skim it off. Do not allow the meade to come to a boil. When it is well blended, remove from the heat, stirring occasionally, unti it settles. When it has cooled, add the Everclear and serve.

Shannon's Apple Pie
This is the recepie handed down to me by my Grandmother. I cheat and use a boxed powder for the crust but you can certainly make your own or even by frozen.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

~8-10 medium-large apples (I usually use a Braeburn or other mild, low juice apple)
~1/2 cup butter/marjarine
1 cup sugar
1 tbs nutmeg
1 tsp cinnimon

In a large bowl I mix the nutmeg, sugar & cinnimon together. I peel, core and slice the apples into 1 inch squares. I add the apples, a few at a time, to the sugar mixture, mixing well. ] If you plan to wait to bake thansprinkle with lemon juice. ] You may need to add a bit more sugar mixture depending on the size and quantity of the apples, but you want all the slices with a fine coating. Lay the bottom crust in the pie plate. Bake for about 5 minutes until just lightly brown. Pour the apples into the pie plate. Spread them out so they are even inheight. Cut the butter into small cubes and push it into the apples.(evenly spread).Lay the top crust over the apples and fold the edges under the lowercrust. Slice the top. **I place the pie plate on a large cookie sheet.This will save your oven from needing a good cleaning if your apple juice boils over. Cover with Aluminum Foil and bake for abotu 20 minutes.Uncover and bake until brown - abotu 10 minutes.

FAERIE SUGAR WATER
This is to feed the fae in the garden. My kids love to make it and set it out in toy sized cups.
1 cup of water1 Tby granulated sugar1/4 tsp vanillaFood Coloring
Using small bowl mix water, sugar and vanilla. When mixed well, add just 1 or 2 drops of food coloring.
I serve with sugar cookies that the kids frost and add sprinkles to.

Autumnal Equinox

2007-08-18T13:06:00.000-05:00

Mabon, pronounced May-bon, MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn, is the Fall Equinox, named after the Celtic God of the same name. Falls on Sept. 23, 2007, 5:51 A.M. EDT. This lesser Sabbat is known, not only by the name of Mabon, but also that of Harvest Home, Winter Finding and Alban Elved plus various other names, such as The Second Harvest Festival, the Festival of Dionysus, Harvest of First Fruits, 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 this Sabbat to Oct. 15th, Winter's Night, which is the Norse New Year. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n Fo'mhair, and honor The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees.

Since most European peasants were not accomplished at calculating the exact date of the equinox, they celebrated the event on a fixed calendar date, September 25th, a holiday the medieval church Christianized under the name of 'Michaelmas', the feat of the Archangel Michael. In medieval times, rents fell due and contracts were settled at Easter and at Michaelmas.

The Autumnal Equinox is a specific moment in time - when the earth reaches a specific point in its cylindrical rotation around the sun. The Solstices are the tips of the cylinder, the equinox's are 1/2 way between the solstices (Yule and Summer Solstice). To the people of earth this day is marked by the appearance of the day and the night seeming to last the same amount of time. In the northern hemisphere it marks the end of summer and the begining of fall, as after this time the days will begin to shorten and the nights to lengthen through Winter.

Every Sabbat has an element of Thanksgiving....thanking the Gods for the
blessings of Spring at Beltane and teh fertility of the land, Thanking for the first harvest at Laughnasadh, etc. But many Wiccans liken the Autumnal Equinox to the American Holiday of Thanksgiving. because it is the main harvest festival, often associated with cornucopias of fruit, bread, and vegetables.

Many traditions view the Gods death (or transformation) beginning at Litha and ending at the Autumnal Equinox. The God is viewed to transform into the food for the land - meaning the fruits, vegetables, grains, etc that were harvested are parts of the God providing for us for the coming winter. When the field is harvested and turned this is also a part of the God, preparing for the fertilization of His seed in the coming Spring. His Spirit return to the Mother as His body is utilized by the land, and will be reunited to His body at Yule when He is reborn.

So, in a way we celebrate His "death" at the Autumnal Equinox - as His death is not an ending but a step along the path toward re-birth. We can not have a fertile Spring or enough food for winter without this "death". Therefore, it might be more appropriate to say we are celebrating His sacrifice to transformation rather than His "death" which is often viewed by mortals to be an ending rather than a step allong an essential path. This idea of death and rebirth or transformation is replayed again and again at the Autumnal Equinox - the grain must be cut from the fields, causing the lpant to "die" yet the grain is again transformed into bread.

Therefore, we celebrate, give thanks, and honor the cycle of life and
transformation, of the God and land, at the Autumnal Equinox. The most basic way to honor this cycle is through eating. Each time we imbibe food or drink we are acknowledging the item we eat was once "alive". We should realize the plant, animal, whatever, had to "die" or be transformed into food so that we might use that energy to live. It is transformed again through the digestive process, ending as a fertilizer to the land so that things may be born again or re-grown. So, when you eat your Sabbat Dinner, take a moment to thank the food for its generous sacrifice, for allowing its physical body to be transformed for the continuation of life. This is just another way to give thanks to the God for the same sacrifice.

This giving of thanks should also be an integral part of your Sabbat Ritual. You should honor the sacrifices made that you might continue on your own path. None of us survives alone, everything is interconnected, so in order for you to progress and evolve until your time of transformation (death) you acknowledge all the many things that made that evolution possible. This is also an essential element of the Autumnal Equinox, and it is why American's liken it to their Thanksgiving. If you were honoring all the things that make it possible for you to continue on your path, than you will also be honoring all the people who have touched your life - both directly and indirectly. At Samhain (the next Sabbat) we widen this honoring to include our ancestors and those people that are no longer with us on the physical plane.

Who do we thank? Well each tradition has different Gods associated with
thanksgiving and tha harvest. Some believe, as the Druids do, that each God and Goddess represent a separate entity, that the Gods are similar to people in that each is unique. Some other traditions see the 'separate' Gods as a way of describing different characteristics of the God and Goddess. When its all boiled down we thank and honor the Mother Goddess - that which is capable of giving life, nurturing, caring, and eternal; and the Horned God - that which is capable of transformation, dieing to be reborn.

As celebrating the Autumnal Equinox is about celebrating the transformations in life and death, divination is another great past-time. Usually I harvest the materials for making my own divining tools on Lughnasadh, make and consecrate the tools during the Autumnal Equinox and then use them on Samhain....this makes the tools VERY powerful. Of course you can make them on any of the Sabbats, and use them on most as well. The 3 harvest festivals coming together in power makes for a fabulous tool that will last through your life. (see Autumnal Equinox Crafts for directions on making tools.) Also, due to the masculine nature of the Sabbat, making the more masculine tools would also be appropriate - the wand, staf, boline, athame, etc.

There are many simple ways honor this Sabbat if you are new or uncomfortable with performing a full ritual. Apples are sacred to this holiday as we are harvesting the vine and fruits (Lughnasadh was for harvesting grains). Apples represent the goddess - if you cut an apple in half the core is in the shape of a pentagram. In any Celtic traditions the Land of the Dead is called Avalon, which literally means "Land of Apples". So, apples represent the transformation from life to death to rebirth. Placing an apple ath te grave of a loved one, or in the windows, shows the Goddess you wish to be reunited with family and loved ones. The apple on a grave is a symbol to your loved ones that the Goddess ensures the renewal of life, even through death. You can ask any Mother Goddess, (Modron especially) or Mabon, to guide you in a meditation - to gain understanding of the Otherworld and of reincarnation, or of your place in the cycle of life of all things.

The best thing you can do for this day is to take a look at your life. What have you achieved? In what ways have you changed? Who aided you the most? Be thankful for all that has happened in your life - the good an the bad - as it has led you to this very moment. Acknowledge to yourself and the Gods that you are on a path of learning - and that is an ever changing state. Be thankful for the oportunity to gain this understanding. Imagine how flat life must be to the unenlightened - who can not see the interconnectedness of all living things. Be thankful for this vision, and the chance to gain the understanding of what is needed from yuo, what can YOU provide to this cycle that no others can. Think of it as if you were specifically chosen by the Gods for a specific purpose. Thank them for the chance to find meaning on this path, before moving to the next.

Myths
Myths are also an important part of celebrating any Sabbat, in the Celtic Traditions. Many Pagans refer to the Autumnal Equinox as Mabon.

MABON (Welsh) {MAH-bahn or BAY-bone] Also maponos and Maponus.
Mabon means "great son", the child of Modred whose name means "great mother". He was stolen from Modron at three years old and later rescued by King Arthur. Mabon's myths overlap those of Gwyn Ap Nuad, and they may have once been the same deity. Mabon rode wild horses, had prized guardian hunting hounds, and he may have been an actual ruler of Wales who later came into myth.
He is also a minor sun God, yet he represents the power in darkness. His images transcend all the life stages of other Gods. He is a king of death and the Otherworld, a deity of the harvest and fertility, and was once called "The Divine Youth" by his followers. He represents innocent youth when young, strength and virility as a young man, and the sacrificial God when elderly. His image is linked the hierarchies of sacred animals , and he may have once figured heavily in long lost Celtic creation myths since he is equated with the expelling of and control of the darkness and of storms. Some Celtic traditions see him as the original being, the first God, the first life carved out of the primal void of the divine womb. He was adopted by the Anglo-Romans as Maponus and was honored at Hadrian's Wall. He is sometimes called a masculine Persephone, or the Celtic Dionysus because of his linkage with the grape harvest.

Gwyn Ap Nuad (Welsh) King of the Fairies and the underworld. Later he became King of the Plant Annwn, or subterranean fairies. His name means "white son of darkness" and he was the child of the sun/death God Llud, also called Nuad or Nudd, the leader of the hunt.
God of war, death, and the hunt, and a patron God of fallen warriors. He is equated with Ireland's Fionn MacCumhal as both Gwyn and Fion mean "white". As the master hunter, he rode a wild horse and had three massive hounds; one red, one black, and one white. In an early Welsh poem he is a God of battle and of the Underworld, the escort of dead souls to Annwn. Rural people claim they can sometimes hear his wild chase at night. (The hunt is a metaphor for gathering souls for the Otherworld.)
Today he is often thought of as king of the Tylwyth Teg, the faeries of Wales who can be equated with the Tuatha of Ireland. Modern legend has him living on the summit of high Welsh hills looking down on his people. (1)
The Myth behind Authurs saving Mabon: The Price of Marriage
Arthur and Culhwch set out to find Ysbaddaden's home. Culhwch learned of where the giant lived, when he met a shepherd named Custenhin (Custennin), who was the husband of Goleuddydd's sister. He was told that no one left Ysbaddaden's domain alive. Culhwch gave the shepherd, a ring as a reward for the information. Custenhin gave the ring to his wife and told her that he had met his nephew. Custenhin's wife was sorrowful that her nephew was going to his death.
They invited their noble guests, where Culhwch met the couple's last son, named Goreu, who was hiding in the chest near the hearth. Ysbaddaden had killed the other twenty-three sons. Kei asked her to let Goreu to become his companion in the quest for Olwen.
Culhwch wanted to meet Olwen, so his aunt made arrangement. Culhwch fell in love with Olwen when she arrived at his aunt's house. Olwen refused to marry him unless her father agreed. Olwen knew that when she marries her father would die. Olwen advised Culhwch that he must go to his father and ask for her hand in marriage. Culwch must do everything Ysbaddaden ask for, if he hoped to marry her.
Culhwch and his companions arrived at Ysbaddaden's fortress, killing nine gatekeeper and nine mastiffs, until they stood before Ysbaddaden. When Ysbaddaden heard what they wanted, he asked his servants to lift his eyelids with a fork, so he could see his prospective son-in-law. Ysbaddaden told them to return tomorrow.
As they turned back to leave. Ysbaddaden hurled one of his three-poisoned spears at them. Bedywr caught the spear and threw it back at the giant. Ysbaddaden received a wound to his knee. Ysbaddaden cried out that he would have trouble walking up hill.
They returned in the morning, demanding to allow Culhwch to marry the giant's daughter. Ysbaddaden told them he must consult Olwen grandparents first. As Culhwch's company leave to have breakfast, Ysbaddaden threw another spear at the group. This time Menw, son of Teirwaedd caught the spear, before hurling back at Ysbaddaden. The spear pierced Ysbaddaden's chest. Ysbaddaden complained that he would suffer from chest pain and stomach ache.
Culhwch and his companions returned from their meal, again making their demand. Ysbaddaden's eyelids had drooped over his eyes. Once it was pushed up, the giant threw his last spear. This time it was Culhwch who caught the spear and threw it back at Ysbaddaden. The spear struck one of his eyes. The giant moaned that his eye would water whenever the wind blows, and he will suffer from dizziness and headache as a result of this latest injury.
It was then that Ysbaddaden started making demand from Culhwch. Culhwch promised Ysbaddaden he would fetch everything that the giant wanted. Ysbaddaden told Culhwch he must complete over forty impossible tasks. Some tasks can't be completed until he performs one or more task that was necessary for success. Some of these tasks were also preparation for his daughter's marriage.
Each task seemed to be short, yet it took at least seven pages for Ysbaddaden to list all his requirements. I don't think I will go through here. However, I will try to recount some of the most important tasks that Culhwch and his companions needed to complete.
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One of the items that they had to fetch was the sword from Wrnach the Giant. Kei pretending to be a craftsman said he was a burnisher of swords. Kei polished Wrnach's sword before killing the giant with his own sword.
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Next they had to find and release from prisoner, a man or youth named Mabon, the son of the goddess Modron. Culhwch needed Mabon to control Drudwyn, the hound of Greid, to hunt the boar (Twrch Trwyth). Fetching and the leash (Cors Hundred Claws) and the collar (Canhastyr Hundred Hands), as well as the hound (Drudwyn), were three other conditions that Culhwch needs fulfilling.
Gwrhyr, Arthur's interpreter, could speak the language of the animal. To find out where Mabon was held captive, Gwrhyr must talk to one animal after another. Each animal was older than the previous. First Gwrhyr talked to Ousel of Kilgwri, who did not know of Mabon, but thought that the Stag of Rhedenvre might know. The stag did not know, but the beast told him to find the Owl of Cwm Cawlwyd. The owl guided them to the Eagle of Gwernbwy, who in turn told them to speak to the Salmon of Llyn Llyw. The salmon was the oldest and the wisest of the animals. The salmon took Kei and Bedywr to Gloucester, where they found Mabon's prison. They freed Mabon, who in gratitude joined Culhwch's company.(2)

References:
(1) Celtic Gods & Heroes : Mabon & Gwyn Ap Nuad http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/deities.html(2) Culhwch, Olwen & Arthur rescue Mabon. http://www.timelessmyths.com/celtic/mabinogion.html#Culhwch

Correspondences / Associations

2007-08-15T11:32:00.000-05:00

There are many references to correspondences and associations in all Pagan books - they refer to Gods, Days of the Week, Planets, Animals, etc. Generally speaking a correspondance or association is relating 1 or more things together. For instance: Saturday was named after the God Saturn, and so it is associated with him, also it is associated with the planet Saturn - meaning the traits that correspond to Saturn the Planet / God will also correspond to Saturday. Essentially associations and correspondences are the same thing - the relating of individual characteristics, so I will use the term correcpondences throughout this post. Even more confusing is the fact that not all the books jibe with the same references...so what should a neophite make of that?

There are 4 main classifications of Correspondences.

1) Personal: Each of us views the universe and all that inhabits it, a little differently. Its part of what makes us unique - and its definately what makes our path's unique. Over time you may find that amythist (for instance) is a healing stone and is calming - therefore it has those correspondences....whenever yuo with to invoke calm or healing you pull out an amythyst. Also, we view certain days as different from others. For some the New moon is a time of great power and reflection, for others the feel at their weakest when the moon is dark - therefore each person will assign different correspondences to these moon phases. Accoringly, we've each lived vastly different lives, therefore the date of our childrens births (for instance) will hold great meaning for us, and may allow us to access our power in reguards to parenting - guidance, soothing, love, etc. Therefore, over time we may make a list of correspondences that are entirely unique to ourselves. These are no less powerful than any other correspondence because power comes from our Belief - as long as you whole heartedly believe in something it has great power.

2) Familial. Just as we make our own associations to days, moon phases, etc as we live our lives; we also carry on traditions that were past down to us from our parents and families. If you always have a family reuinion on a certain day than you may associate that day with family activities and feelings. If you have been taught from birth that bears are dangerous and frightening, you may have a hard time connecting to their power as a totem, etc. So, families can instill in us correspondences we maynot even be aware of, but that are unique to our families heritage.

3) Magickal Tradition. Each tradition has a different set o correspondences. For instance the Wiccan believes in the law of 3 and The Rede. A Celtic, like myself, does not, we follow an honor tradition. Therefore there are not the same consequences and associations for actions or behavior. Celtics also put great power into nature - not just nature as a whole but each individual piece; Trees have great power depending on what type of tree it is and each has different correspondences attatched to them. Wiccans have a great respect for nature and have correspondences associated with each piece of nature - but there are not as long and complex as the Celtic tradition. Therefore, each tradition may have its own correspondences - largely based on region and the people who practiced the tradition bringing the above two types of correspondences to the table.

4) Regional. Depending on where you live, and were raised, you will associate different correspondences to everything. Someone from the North East United States may feel a great connection to the White Birch tree and utilize a more complex list of correspondences (or uses) for it since it isreadily available in that region. But, someone from the south west, while recognizing ther are uses for the tree, won't rely on such a comlex list of uses as it is not easily available...but they may have a longer list for the various types of cacti. Therefore, the region in which you were raised and now practie your craft will impact the correspondences you associate with the tools around you.

How does this help you in establishing your own Path?

Remember there is no right or wrong in establishing your own practices...even if you subscribe to one of the more specific traditions, I believe we all make little adjustments to make the tradition fit us more personally - if not we wont have as strong a connection to all of the pieces of the tradition, and that will weaken any of our workings.

Correspondences are easier to make than you realize. Think of a watermelon and make a list of words you associate with it:
* Wet / cold / summer / hot days / family picnic / happiness / messy / etc
Our brains make lists of these such correspondences daily and have done since we were in our mother's womb. Some aspects of the craft will be entirely new, from out of your element. For instance, you may have never touched or worked with a Tarot deck. In this instance you simply can not buy a book and start divining the future by making a list of the cards and looking them up. Any elder will tell you to first meditate with your deck, study each of the pictures, become acquainted with it. Make notes on your findings....essentially make your own list of personal correspondences. Yes you may still use the universal definition of each card - but with this greater understanding of each card you will be able to understand truly what it means...the difference between book smarts and street smarts.
According to Amber k. and Azreal Arynn K. of the book Ritual Craft, Correspondences, in fact all symbols, are stand-ins for a reality that is not present, but could be. By manipulating these symbols we tell our [Deep Mind} what we want to happen; by sending energy into a new pattern of symbols, we give our Higher Selves the plan and materials to manifest that new reality.
What the heck did that mean? Well, think of this. You're totally stress out and need to find a new job. You're running low on money and your kids are sick. You're feeling the pressure both external and internal. So, you decide to do a ritual to help you in finding the perfect job. As parts of this ritual you may have water, communion, maybe some music, you concentrate on all the aspects you wish to have in your new job, as well as the parts of your personality you wish to focus on to help you during interviews. The very act of going through the ritual steps helps you focus, and release tension. The act of communion is to replace energy - so you feel revitalized, etc. Each of these steps remind the brain of past experiences and things it associated with each event and sequence. I feel my most powerful after a short round of meditation to clear out the stresses of the day - therefore I use it whenever I'm stressed....not only to relieve the tension (because my brain recognizes it is a soothing act) but because I feel most connected to the Goddess when I open my eyes and my brain remembers each and every time I connected wit Her and how wonderful that made me feel.
A great many of the correspondences for Deities come from mythology. For instance lets take a look at Mars - he is associated with the day Tuesday, his correspondences include: Courage, self-interest, activity, action, assertiveness, passion, adventure, decisiveness, aggression, anger, violence, etc. Mars was a Roman God, one of the most widely celebrated. According to Encyclopedia Mythica { http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/mars.html }
The god of war, and one of the most prominent and worshipped gods. In early Roman history he was a god of spring, growth in nature, and fertility, and the protector of cattle. Mars is also mentioned as a chthonic god (earth-god) and this could explain why he became a god of death and finally a god of war. He is the son of Jupiter and Juno. According to some sources, Mars is the father of Romulus and Remus by the Vestal Ilia (Rhea Silvia). Because he was the father of these legendary founders of Rome, and thus of the Roman people, the Romans styled themselves 'sons of Mars'. Mars is portrayed as a warrior in full battle armor, wearing a crested helmet and bearing a shield. His sacred animals are the wolf and the woodpecker, and he is accompanied by Fuga and Timor, the personifications of flight and fear. The month March (Martius) is named after him (wars were often started or renewed in spring).
So, it is apparent where these correspondences originated. When the Planet Mars was named after him - it was also given the same correspondences. This is another example of a traditions correspondences. Each traditions has different myths and deities...if you were Greek you would use Ares for the above correspondences, or if you were Norse you would use Tiw, etc.

Other Types of Correspondences:

Deities: I have already explained how each tradition cam by the correspondences associated with each deity. For most it come through ancient myth - or, for some traditions, the stories of the Gods' lives.

Symbols: This would include runes, alphabets, and other symbols. Each has a different correspondence; meaning, each symbol stands for some intangible idea or feeling. Most of the symbols developed over time - many before true writing was established. Priests & Priestesses needed a way to convey the intangible to a people who did not have a lot of time to devote to the spiritual, so simple symbols were developed to represent each item. Even the elements have a symbol associated with them - when out side of the circle, you can draw the sigil to invoke the strengths of each of the elements. When in circle using the sigil can help you connect on a deeper mystical level than just calling the quarters.

Astrology: This is another form of correspondences. First of all, the planets in our solar system each have a Deity associated with them giving them personality correspondences. For instance the moon is connected to the Goddess - by observing the phases of the moon you can vary the strength for your connection to Her. The same goes for the other planets in our solar system - depending on their orbit around the sun (this would fall under the Zodiac and Sun/Moon Signs) on the day of our birth we may carry certain characteristics that are similar to these correspondences. Therefore by observing the heavens, we may build on the strengths or ease the weaknesses from those traits.

Using Correspondences in Ritual:

The following list is a very small sample of the thousands of correspondences available to us in Ritual. Now that you have a greater understanding of what correspondences are you can utilize your books on your tradition to their utmost.

The Following List is from Amber K. and Azrael Arynn K in Ritual Craft.

RITUAL THEME: Healing
GODDESS: Brigit, Hygeia
GOD: Apollo, Asclepius
COLOR: Green, Rose
STONE: Clear Quartz
HERB/TREE: Wilow
DAY: Sunday, Monday
MOON PHASE: Waning to Banish; Waxing to Restore

RITUAL THEME: Love
GODDESS: Aphrodite, Venus
GOD: Eros
COLOR: Rose
STONE: Pearl
HERB/TREE: Apple
DAY: Friday
MOON PHASE: Waxing

RITUAL THEME: Prosperity
GODDESS: Lakshmi
GOD: Dagda
COLOR: Gold, green
STONE: Lodestone
HERB/TREE: Almond
DAY: Thursday
MOON PHASE: Full

RITUAL THEME: Learning
GODDESS: Saraswati, Minerva
GOD: Odin, Thoth
COLOR: Black, Royal Blue
STONE: Apatite
HERB/TREE: Ash
DAY: Wednesday
MOON PHASE: Waxing

RITUAL THEME: Spiritual Growth
GODDESS: Any
GOD: Any
COLOR: Violet
STONE: Lapis Lazuli
HERB/TREE: Rowan
DAY: Any
MOON PHASE: Any

Using Days / Planets / Deities in the Craft - Shannon's Example of Correspondences

Sunday: Obviously associated with the Sun, it is a good day to do rituals/spells related to enlightenment, expansion, power, logic, brilliance, healing, and music. The Sun is a ruling force over us all - but it feeds as warms us too. The energy of the Sun is very much directed to confidence and achievement, joy, illumination, ruler-ship, etc.
Incense- mix equal parts of - cinnamon, angelica, rosemary, sandalwood, and frankinsense.
Oil: Cinnamon Oil

Monday: The day of the moon. Appropriate for dream work, psychic power, the sea and water, and woman's magick. Remember the moon is all about cycles - menstruation, the tides, moon phases, etc. So obviously the power of the moon is strong in taking next steps (following a path) as the moon calls to us, our power, if is an excellent time to develop your power.
Incense - mix equal parts of - Lemon Balm, myrrh, eucalyptus
Oil: Myrrh Oil

Tuesday: Named for Tiw, the martial god of the Norse. Work related to assertiveness, strength, battle, legal issues, protection and self-defense are strong on Tuesdays due to its association with Mars, which is all about decisiveness, action, war, etc.
Incense - mix equal parts of - Allspice, basil, hops, High John the Conqueror
Oil: Allspice Oil

Wednesday: Named for Woden, the Norse father-god and master of magick. Due to its association with Mercury, this day is strong for travel, and although Mercury is a god of thievery it is really not recommended on Wednesdays. Mercury's energies are about Communication, information, thought and reason so utilize this in your rituals and spells for extra power.
Incense - mix equal parts of - Lavender, marjoram, mint, clover.
Oil: Lavender Oil.

Thursday: Nameds after Thor, the Norse god of slaves and the common people. He as famous for his magick hammer and could smash all obstacles with his great strength. Rituals to remove barriers, as well as career/prosperity rituals do well on Thursdays. These are also good as Thursday is associated with Jupiter. Jupiter's energies are focused on Expansion, growth, generosity, enthusiasm, exploration, and networking.
Incense- mix equal parts of - Cinquefoil, clove, hyssop, nutmeg, sage.
Oil: Nutmeg Oil

Friday: Named for Freya, the primary goddess of the Norse. She is a goddess of youth, love and sensuality; but she is also a war goddess and the chief of the valkyries. Work related to love, relationships, or battle, are appropriate. Friday is also associated with Venus, which is associated with love, pleasure, happiness, sensuality, attraction and money.
Incense- mix equal parts of - Lilac, rose, valerian, vetivert.
Oil: Lilac Oil

Saturday: Obviously named for Saturn, one of the elder gods from Greek mythology. Saturnian energy defines, limits and controls, but also brings order out of chaos. Work should focus on getting organized or bringing things under control. Saturn energies also include: boundaries, rules, order, discipline, also limitation, contraction, delay, resistance to change, criticism.
Incense- mix equal parts of - Comfrey, mullein, patchouli, Solomon's seal..
Oil: Patchouli Oil

God/dess of the Day

2007-07-30T10:59:00.000-05:00

Lugh

We can see this ‘euhemerization’ clearly in the case of the god Lugh, who gives his name to the Irish summer festival of Lughnasadh. In the earliest Irish myths he is clearly a deity. As such, he offers himself as the saviour of the Tuatha dé Danann, the predecessors of the Milesians or Gaels. Seeking entry at the palace of King Nuada of the Silver Hand, at Tara, he announces each of his skills in turn – ‘Blacksmith, warrior, musician, poet, scholar …’. Each time he is refused entry, until he points out that no one else combines all these skills in one person, as he does.

In the Mabinogion, the main source of British myths, Lugh has become the much more human Lleu Llaw Gyfes, nephew (and possibly son) of the magician Gwydion. He is skilled, and protected by charms, but he is not obviously a god: in fact at one point he appears to be mortal.
http://www.livingmyths.com/Celticmyth.htm

Lugh in Myth
The god Lugh was worshipped in Ireland as a deity of the sun. This connection with the sun may explain his name (it means "shining one"), and it also may account for the attributes that he displayed: he was handsome, perpetually youthful, and had a tremendous energy and vitality. This energy manifests itself especially in the number of skills he had, according to legend, mastered. In fact, there was a tale that related Lugh's myriad abilities at arts and crafts.

As told in the Battle of Magh Tuiredh, the god travelled to Tara, and arrived during a tremendous feast for the royal court. Lugh was greeted at the door by the keeper of the gate, and was immediately asked what talent he had - for it was a tradition there that only those who had a special or unique ability could enter the palace. The god offered his reply: "I am a wright". In response, the gate keeper said: "We already have a wright. Your services are not needed here". Still, Lugh, not to be so easily dismissed, continued: "I am a smith". Again, the guard retorted that the court had a smith that was quite adequate; but the god was not to be dissuaded. In short order, he noted that he was also a champion, a harper, a hero, a poet, an historian, a sorcerer, and a craftsman. To this list, the gate keeper merely nodded his head, and stated matter of factly that all of these various trades were represented in the court by other members of the Tuatha de Danaan. "Ah, but you do have an individual who possesses all of these skills simultaneously?", was Lugh's clever and inspired reply. The guard was forced to admit his defeat, and so Lugh was allowed to enter and join the festivities.

According to Celtic mythology, Lugh was the son of Cian and Ethlinn. After the god Nuada was killed in the Second Battle of Magh Tuiredh, Lugh became the leader of the Tuatha De Danaan (the term for the gods and goddesses who descended from the goddess Danu).
http://www.loggia.com/myth/lugh.html

Cerridwen
Cerridwen is one of the Old Ones, one of the great megalithic pre-Christian Goddesses of the Celtic World. Although, in her story, she embodies all three lunar aspects of the Goddess, Maiden, Mother and Crone, she is primarily worshipped in her Crone aspect, by and through her Cauldron of Wisdom, Inspiration, Rebirth and Transformation. The cauldron has an intimate association with femininity, together with the cave, the cup and the chalice, and the association of femininity with justice, wisdom and intelligence goes back to very ancient times.
Cerridwen was originally worshipped by the people of Wales. It is told that she lived on an island, in the middle of Lake Tegid, named after her husband, with her two children, a beautiful daughter, Creidwy, and a very ugly son, Afagdu. To compensate her son for his unfortunate appearance, Cerridwen brewed a magical formula, known as "greal", (is this where the word Grail came from, I wonder?) which would make Afagdu the most brilliant and inspired of men. For a year and a day, she kept six herbs simmering in her magical cauldron, known as "Amen", under the constant care of a boy named Gwion.

One day, while Gwion was stirring the cauldron, a few drops of the bubbling liquid spattered on his hand. Unthinkingly, and in pain, Gwion, sucked his burned hand, and, suddenly, he could hear everything in the world, and understood all the secrets of the past and future. With his newly enchanted foresight, Gwion knew how angry Cerridwen would be when she found he had acquired the inspiration meant for her son.
He ran away, but Cerridwen pursued him. Gwion changed into a hare, and Cerridwen chased him as a greyhound; he changed into a fish, and Cerridwen pursued him as an otter; he became a bird, and she flew after him as a hawk; finally, he changed into a grain of corn, and Cerridwen, triumphant, changed into a hen, and ate him.

When Cerridwen resumed her human form, she conceived Gwion in her womb, and, nine months later, gave birth to an infant son, whom she, in disgust, threw into the water of a rushing stream. He was rescued by a Prince, and grew into the great Celtic bard, Taliesin.

Rebirth and Transformation.

Cerridwen's cauldron is an ancient feminine symbol of renewal, rebirth, transformation and inexhaustible plenty. It is the primary female symbol of the pre-Christian world, and represents the womb of the Great Goddess from which all things are born and reborn again. Like the Greek Goddess, Demeter, and the Egyptian Goddess, Isis, Cerridwen was the great Celtic Goddess of inspiration, intelligence and knowledge, and was invoked as a law-giver and sage dispenser of righteous wisdom, counsel and justice.
http://www.cs.rochester.edu/~schubert/290/cerridwen.html

Lughnasadh - Rituals

2007-07-25T13:39:00.000-05:00

THE RITUAL:

Step One: Banish Negativity from your space.
Take the broom and sweep the entire area with a broom working in east to west strokes. (banishing negativity) Cleanse the area by walking each element around your soon-to-be circle in a clock-wise direction saying:
"Element of (name element). In the name of Spirit I cast out all unclean energies, real or imagined. May this area be blessed in the name of Spirit and be filled with the energies of love, joy and truth."

Step Two: Altar blessing & Empowerment:
Pass each of the representations of the elements over your altar 3 times in a clockwise direction. {visualize that you are stirring up positive energies into action and blocking out negativity} Once the third pass is complete place the incense on the east side, candle on the south side, bowl of water ion the west side, and earth (or salt) on the north side of your altar. Dab a scented oil on each corner as well, then dab the center of the altar saying:
"I bless and consecrate thee, O sacred altar, in the name of Spirit (or your deity). May you repel negative energy and collect positive enery from this day forward until the end of time. So mote it be."
Draw an equal armed cross in the air over the altar. Tap the altar 4 time, one for each direction and say:"As above, so below. This altar is sealed. So mote it be!"--Note if you have previously blessed and consecrated your altar..pass the representative of each element over the altar intoning a personal blessing, then tap the altar 5 times -- one for each element and once for Spirit.

Step Three: Light your illuminator candles on your altar. Say: "Oh Ancient Ones, I am here to honor you and preserve the old ways. I have come tonight to celebrate the harvest and consecrate its first fruits. I am here to renew my connection to you and the sacred land. I AM HERE TO HONOR THE GODS!"

: Cast Your Magick Circle - walk the circle in a clockwise direction (anywhere from 1 to 3 rotations).Saying the following Sabbat CircleCasting: *start by standing in front of your altar and say:
"tides of the season, ebb and flow"
(tap altar once - state the name of the Holiday energy to be invoked)
"From spring's first light to autumn's glow"
(Hold hands over the altar.)
"Doesil around from birth to death"
(begin in the north and begin making yuor rounds around circle)
"Legends, myths and love connect."
(you should be back at the notrh)
"Solar fire, sun's bright burning"
(Lift red fire candle from the altar and look skyward)
"Purify the Great Wheel turning"
(return candle to altar)
"Winds of the North to carry the flame"
(Begin walking north to east)
"The mists of eons, call thy name. Lughnasadh."
"East and South, the West inspire"
(pause as you state each of the directions)
"Enjoy the spirals even higher!"
(back at the north)
"The circle rises and marks rebirth"
(Begin the third pass of the circle)
"As seasons change and kiss the earth."
(back at the north)
"From seed and plough to harvest home."
(Hold hands over the altar again.)
"To starry vault and standing stone."
(At north point to the sky.)
"This Sabbat circle, thrice around."
(visualize the bubble sealing as your circle)
"I seal thee now from sky to ground!"
(bring your arm down and stomp your foot.)

Step Five: Light each of the quarter candles, calling the quarters. {remember to visualize an opening in your bubble for the quarters to enter}"Winds of Lughnasadh's Fire(direction), attend, acknowledge, and proclaim!"(once back at the altar raise arms,"Winds of Lughnasadh's Fire Spirit, fill this circle with thy love and protection!"

Step Six: Honor the Earth Mother.
Pour a bit of olive oil on the ground or into the offering bowl. As you pour say:
" As One we join with Her, our Mother. As One we sing to Her our song. As one we touch Her As One we heal Her, Her heart beats with out own as One Earth Mother, I honor You!"

Step Seven: Invocation of Spirit/Deity. Ground and center yourself again in front of your altar. Raise your arms to the heavens in the traditional Goddess pose. I'm using a call to Brigit but you can use a different one if you wish.
"Lady Brigit, first mother. Lady Brigit, I call to you. With the silence in my heart, from your call within my mind, with your kiss upon my lips I call you, I call you, I call you. Lady Brigit, I call to you. Bring me your inspiration. Lend me your honey tongue. O, Lady Brigit, O Lady Brigit, I call you home. I call you here."
You'll also want to call upon Lugh the primary deity of the High Holy Day. Assume the God position and say:
"I call to Lugh, Lugh of the long arm, master of all arts. I ask that you bring your skill to me once again as I ask you here to partake in the first fruits of the harvest. You've shown me how to take care of the grains and how to reap the harvest. Join with me now, Lugh, to eat the breads baked with the harvest! My grain has grown heavy a nd ripe as I've brought back the wheat of our Ancestors. Join with me, Lugh, and accept my offerings! Lugh, be with me tonight!"

Step Eight: Lughnasadh Invocation -
Light a small candle say or sing: (this is from Silver RavenWolf's Solitary Witch ppg 87)
"The King and Queen are wed at last
while summer's kiss turns feilds and grass
to harvest gold, and garden gifts
find sacrifice on earthen lips.

Witches gather hand to hand
power raised along the band
Vortex spiral in its quest
force and form to manifest!

Debts repaid and games of sport,
weather magick -- Thor's retort
blessing babies, baking bread
stocking up for winters stead.

Witches gather hand to hand
power raised along the band
Vortex spiral in its quest
force and form to manifest!

Bonfires, dancing, circle round
fruits and produce from the ground
offer up a feast of praise
while shadows lengthen in the maze.

Witches gather hand to hand
power raised along the band
Vortex spiral in its quest
force and form to manifest!

Witches gather hand to hand
power raised along the band
Vortex spiral in its quest
force and form to manifest!

Dark Lord melts into the night
taking with him summer's light
merging wishes, law, and might
removing evil from our sight.

Witches gather hand to hand
power raised along the band
Vortex spiral in its quest
force and form to manifest!"

August sun turns to bronze
golden children singing songs
fireflies flitter in the dusk
touching all with faery dust.
note: this is the fire of the fire holiday it is sacred fire with healing and purifying properties. As you light the candle, be aware of its power and significance - let it burn out in your cauldron.

Step Nine: Blessings & Wishes:
Earth - Now take up a dish of earth. Bless it in the name of the Goddess. Lay your hands upon it and say:"I bless, consecrate, and set apart this earth, in the name of the Triple Goddess. May this be sacred earth, set apart for magic. For earth is of the Goddess, being her sacred body." Remember that the Goddess is not only of the Moon, but of the Earth and of the farthest stars. She is the Triple Goddess of the Circle of Rebirth, the Mother of All Life. Decorate the dish of earth with flowers.Wands - take a wooden wand and oil it with vegetable oil." I bless it in the name of the Lugh, the Lord of all the arts. Pass it swiftly through the candle flame, the fire in the cauldron, so that it becomes magically imbued, 'charged', with power. Place the wand upon the dish of earth, saying as you hold it there: "As the wand is to the earth, so the male is to the femaleand the Sun to our blossoming world.Joined, they bring happiness. May the God of Life give ___ {something you want, for example, peace on Earth} May Brigit bring it forth!"

Sit quietly for a while, and picture the blossoming of what you have desired in life. The spells and invocations of all of us, all working on themes like these, must eventually bear fruit, because life is on the side of peace. Leave the earth and wand upon the alter.

Step Ten: Spiraling Peacefully. Walk deosil three times around the circle, then spiral into the center. Go evenly, with grace, meditatively. Sit beside the candle flame (cauldron), allowing yourself to feel peaceful. Gaze into the flame. The next part is different depending on whether you are man or woman.
*For a Woman: visualize a red rosebud in your womb. Always your womb is the source of your creative power, whether you are pregnant with a child, an idea, a work of art or an intention. Close your eyes and picture the light from the candle streaming into your womb so that the rosebud blooms, unfolds. Hold the image for a while, feeling the silkiness, smelling the scent, the freshness, seeing the color of the fully open rose within you. Feel the strength and power of your own fully blossomed capabilities. Say:"I am woman,strong to conceive and to create,to give birth and to tend.As I am daughter of the Goddess,and blessed by the God, may I ___"{here name what you wish to bring forth in life. For example bring healing to others or write my book whatever matters to you} {**Do not perform the petal opening visualization if you are pregnant - your body may treat the petal as the cervex and try to open.} Feel the strength and creative force within your womb, the center of your being. See the power being channeled, flowing into the desire you have just voiced. Open your eyes. Always, the rose is within you.
*For a Man: Visualize a bright flame. This burns within your sexual center, a point at the base of the stomach, just above the pubic hairline. It is your own male strength and energy which may rise through your body to be released as giving, fertilizing power, in any form, or may be the potency which impregnates, creating a physical child. It is the force which blesses and bestows, a healing and creative energy, like the shining Sun. Visualize also that you are sitting in a garden and that a rose tree is in front of you, the roses in bud. Say:"I am man,and in my passion is beauty,in my warmth is life.As I am son of the Goddess,and blessed by the God,I offer my strength and vitality to ____ "{name the area of life, the place, activity, or committment you choose}Visualize the light streaming from you to a rose upon the tree causing it to unfold, to blossom. Your flame is lowered by this effort. Much has gone out of you, the flame sinks down. Wait and watch, until a pink light streams from the rose towards your body. At its touch, just above the pubic hairline the flame resurges. It burns highter and stronger than before. Open your eyes. The flame is always within you.

Step Eleven: Perform any spells or additional rituals / meditations you would like.
Pn Lughnasadh I like to do property protections and make any poppets as necessary. Here is the procedure I use for protection...

A) Auric Protection for you.
Sit quietly and close your eyes. Take a few soothing breaths. Try to clear your mind and center into that soothing place deep within you. As you continue takingdeep breaths vitualize inhaling a blue mist - its light and clean. As you exhale visualize you are exhaling a grey smoke more heavy and toxic. (In this visual you are inhaling a soothing peaceful mist and exhaling the negativity and toxins) Once your entire body is full of the blue mist - visualize pushing the mist out through your pores (still inhaling more to keep the body full) Once you are surrounded by the blue mist it hardens into a shell. Thick and strong. To protect your child - have them sit on your lap. After you have pushed the blue mist through your pores visualizeit surrounding yor child. Have it harden/solidify. I check (a quick visualization) each morning to make sure the shell is still there on my kids and re-do the visualization monthly.
B) Protecting your property from negativity. This is another visualization. Once back inside (or on your property) after tossing the flowers in the above spell. Close your eyes, center and a gain ground by finding that peaceful center in your body. Envision the property line as a glowing golden ring. Imagin a golden "force field" (for lack of a better term) rising from the ground and surrounding your home and property in a bubble. Like you would when casting a circle. Havet he golden bubble harden.I also re-visualize this monthly on the full moon.
C) Sealing the property protection with a Witches Bottle
SUPPLIES: A Witch's Bottle(any bottle or jar with a top), Rosemary, Red Wine, Pins or nails, NeedlesMETHOD: Fill a small jar with the rosemary, pins and needles saying all the while the following as you do it:
"Pins needles, rosemary and wineIn the Witch's Bottle of mine;Guard against harm and enemiesThis is my will, so be it!"
When the jar is full pour in the red wine. Put the lid on the jar as tight as possible, Drip wax from a red candle around the seal of the lid.Bury the jar at the farthest corner of your property or place it in an inconspicuous spot in the house.
The Witch's Bottle destroys negativity and evil. The pins and needles impale evil, the wine drowns it and the rosemary sends it far from your home
D) Further Meditation for Charging your room or Home. Sit Straight with palms on lap, take deep breaths, relax, and move into a mental space where you activate your intuitive senses, Imagine a cord of energy from your spine connecting you to the Earth, and channel energy from the Earth through it, Silently ask for divine protection, guidance, and blessing, Direct your psychic sensing outward, and feel lines of force coming out of your aura, Note where the strongest energy is (check out the floor,ceiling, directions, etc), Note spots that feel empty or dead, note places that feel full alive, focus on where you are sitting and how you feel at that particular spot, Imagine a sphere of light and love energy at your heart, feel it pulsing outward with every breath. Feel the radiance increase with every breath, feel your self as a star, continue to breathe deeply and send out the energy, letting it pulsate in the room, When ready, start making power sounds representing the love and light you are channeling; use it to amplify the light you are weaving; and fill the room with the energy, Then shift focus to sending a probe out into the room, and note the differences in the quality of energy and how you feel about it, Repeat if necessary, When done, feel the completeness of the work.

Step Twelve: Take Communion - Hold hands over cup {visualize the energy of the sun feeding the vine growing into a berry, etc} and say:"From the sun to the vine from the vine to the berry from the berry to the wine this brew is blessed in the sacred names of our Lord and Lady. So mote it be." Lower the athame into the cup and say:"As the rod is to the God so the chalice is to the Goddess and together they are one!"{Visualize divine energy pulsating from the blade into the cup, and the entire cup filling up with white light.}Take a drink from the cup visualizing the divine energy entering your body and pushing out any negativity. When finished (do not drink all) say:"May you never thirst."Next hold your hands over the cakes and say:"From the moon to the stalk from the stalk to the grain from the grain to the bread this bread is blessed in the sacred names of our Lord and Lady. So mote it be!"Take a bite of the cake (or eat almost all of it), when finished say:"May you never hunger."**After ritual is complete pour remaining libations outside.

Step Thirteen: Perform offering to the gods (only if outside). This is the fire offering: "Upon the wings of fiery flame I give this offering in Goddess' name." where you pour just a drop of each into the cauldron. Otherwise combine in a libation bowl or dish.

Step Fourteen: Thank and release the quarters (begin in the west if you started in the north and move winddershins-counterclockwise)."Winds of the Spirit of Beltane's Fire, blessings upon you. I release thee upon thy way till next we meet again! Winds of the Beltane's West, blessings upon you! I release thee upon thy way till next we meet again!" (repeat for the South, East & North)

Step Fifteen: Release the magick circle (1 rotation counter clockwise)"O Great Circle of Sabbat Art, attend me no more this day but be released into (usually your athane, rod or wand)."

Step Sixteen: Seal the altar energies by tapping once on the altar and extinguishing illuminator candles.

Step Seventeen: Clean up and offer libations bowl out of doors. Pour on the ground or leave out side saying: "To the Gods."

Lughnasadh - Treats

2007-07-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

Mead

SUPPLIES:

6-8 oz honey (preferably local)
1 gallon white wine
6-7 citrus or spice tea bags
large glass stockpot
glass bottles or jars

PROCEDURE:

Mix honey, wine, teabags and fruit in large stockpot
Bring to a boil for 1 minute
Simmer for 2-3 minutes
Let cool
Transfer to glass bottles or jars
Refrigerate for 3 days

Melon Sorbet

SUPPLIES:

4 cups melon, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup granulates superfine sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
(optional: 1 tsp dark or spiced rum)
blender or food processor
coarse siece
wire whisk

PROCEDURE:

Puree the melon in a blender or food processor and strain through the seive
Combine 1/2 cup of melon with the sugar and bring to a boil, stirring frequently
Remove from the heat and add the remaining melon, lemon jiuce and mix well.
Cover tightly and freeze overnight (If adding the rum do it just as the sorbet is about to feeze)
Spoon into bowls or refrigerated melon rinds. Garnish with berrise and honeyed whipped topping (see next).

Honey Whipped Topping

SUPPLIES:

2 oz cream cheese
2 tbs honey
1/2 cup whipped heavy cream
wire whisk

PROCEDURE:

Whisk the cream cheese and honey together until smooth
Fold in whipped cream
Refrigerate.

Lughnasadh Pie
Blueberries, also known as fraughans, herts or bilberries, are connected with the ancient festival of Lughnasadh. In later years, the Sabbat came to be known as Garland Sunday, a time when the whole village would gather for a day of singing, dancing, courting, feasting and picking wild blueberries.

SUPPLIES:

1 cup sugar
¼ cup flour
Grated zest of ½ lemon
Salt to taste
5 cups of fresh blueberries
Pastry for 9 inch, 2-crust pie
Juice of one lemon

PROCEDURE:

1 tablespoon butter Combine sugar, flour, lemon zest and salt to taste. Add blueberries, tossing to thoroughly coat fruit. Pour mixture into a pie crust drizzle with lemon juice and dab with butter. Place top of pie crust over pie; seal and flute edges. Cover edge of pie with foil. Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
See also: The Festival of Lughnasadh
*From Celtic Folklore and Cooking by Joanne Asala. Llewellyn Publications. 2001. http://www.irelandsown.net/pie.html

Lammas Cookies
These sunny cookies are eaten at feasts honouring the Sun God, Lugh.

SUPPLIES:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 cups flour
¼ cup Irish whiskey
¼ cup candied lemon peel
¼ cup of sultanas or golden raisins
¼ cup almonds, chopped

PROCEDURE:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until blended. Add flour and Irish whiskey and beat until smooth. Add fruit and nuts and mix well. Drop dough from a tablespoon on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes. Remove from sheet while cookies are still warm.
*From Celtic Folklore and Cooking by Joanne Asala. Llewellyn Publications. 2001

Shannon's Fav Lughnasadh Crafts

2007-07-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

The following are from Magickal Crafts by Kristen Madden & Liz Roberts

Vision Incense

To help your vision be clearer.

SUPPLIES:

1 tsp gum tragacanth or bum arabic
glass or bowl of warm water
wet cloth
1 part mugwort (artemisia vulgaris)
1 part cinnamon
1 part sage
saltpeter (potassium nitrate)
6 parts powdered sandalwood or cedarwood
2 parts powdered benzoin
1 part ground orris root
6-9 drops essential oil (myrrh or sandalwood)
waxed paper
small kitchen scale
ceramic or stoneware bowl
food grinder
thin wooden skewers
Styrofoam square to hold skewers

PROCEDURE:

To make tragacanth gum glue, which you will leter need: Dissolve 1 tsp of the gum in a glass or bowl of the warm water. You may need to whick it a bit to dissolve it completely. {If you plan to make stick incense - which is more difficult than cones or blocks, thin the glue with a bit more water. For blocs or cones it should be almost dough like, but for sticks it should be a bit thinner} Cover with the wet cloth and set aside. If it thickens too much while sitting, just add a little bit more water. {Whatever you don't use will keep for a month}
Prepare your incense Mixture. Grind together 1 part of each: mugwort, cinnamon, sage, to form a powder.
In a bowl mix the wood, benzoin and irris root well. Add essential oils - Mix Well.
Add 4-5 parts incense mixture to the oil mixture.
Weigh and add 10% saltpeper. Do not add more than 10%. Mix Well.
Addgum glue and mix well. Form into blocks or cones on waxed paper For sticks, dip skewers into teh mixture and stick them into syrofoam to dry. You can dip 4-6 times until they are as thick as you want. Allow to dry slightly between dippings.
Allow to dry 2 - 7 days in a warm dry place until thoroughly dry.

Tree Spirit

I know being a Druid I'm most content when surrounded by nature - a forest, plain, whatever. We're all a little bit like "tree huggers". The following is a representation of the Green Man. Remember the Green Man is a tribute to the spirit in every tree or plant. At this time (Lughnassadh or Lammas) you may want to create a representation of the Green Man at his prime to grace your home through the darkest parts of the year to come. Or you can use the colors of harvest to celebrate the ripening and circle of life.

SUPPLIES:

large pin or needle
polling pin
oven
baking tray
26 gauge wire, 6 - 8 inches long
2-oz packs of polymer clay: either plain colorless (if you wantt o paint) or in the following colors: chocolate brown, sand, pearl, black, green, leaf green
paints (optional)

PROCEDURE:

Mix one pack of chocoate brown clay with one pack of sand-colored clay. Kneed together until the clay is pliable and the two colors swirl together like marble
Form half of the marbled brown clay mix into a flat 4-inch wide circle
Shape a nose from some of the remaining clay and mold it into the center of the circle. I do this by rolling a ball about the size of a golf-ball then after placing it on the circle- I use my thumb and fore-finger to smooth out the nose.
Roll out 2 pearl-colored balls each about the size of a marble
Roll out 2 green-colored balls each about the size of a pea
Roll out 2 black-colored balls each about 1/2 the size of a pea.
Stack the green balls on the pearl balls. Then stack the black balls on the green. Firmly press these 2 stacks onto the 4 inch circle to form the eyes
Shape the teeth by roling out a small sausage of pearl clay. THen flatten it a little before carving lines with the point of a pin to separate individual teeth. Press the teeth into the place of the mouth on the 4 inch circle.
Use the remaining marbled clay to form the chin, lips, cheeks, eyelids and brow.
Marble-mix 2 green colors together as you did the browns.
Roll out the marbled green into a 1/8-inch-thick slab with a rolling pin.
Use the needle or pin to cut out 12 - 12 leaf shapes
Arrange the leaves around the face to form the Green Man's hair and beard. Then attatch each leaf by pressing some part of it firmly in to the face.
I use the needle or pin to incise the veind and variation to each leaf
Push a small hoop into the back (center, top) of the face
Bake according tot he manufacturers instructions
If painting allow the face to cool completely - make sure to schlack it good when finished.
Hang on a wall or your favorite tree

Lughnasadh - Theses and Festivities

2007-07-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

Themes:

First Harvest, Grain Harvest, Sacrifice, THe Celtic God Lugh

Key Activities:

Make Corn Dollies
Make a wreath out of grain
Bless Marriages, Babies and Homes
Roast the First Ears of Corn in the Fire
Tell stories of Lugh, and Demeter and Persephone
Hold games of strength and agility
Have an Outdoor Picnic
Design an outdoor scavenger hunt (using items to celebrate the season - these can be used in a spellfor ongoing prosperity and health throughout winter)
Desplay, barter or sell artwork or crafts
Hold a Celtic Bragfest, or storytelling contest
Bake Braided Bread
Make decorative wheat ornaments
Start a harvest quilt, to finish by Yule for a needy family
Start some beer, to drink at Imbolg
Enact the Sun God transforming nito the Grain God
Ask each person (family and friends) "What will your harvest be this year?"

Seasonal Appropriate Foods:

Grains
Breads
Roast Corn on the Cob
Cookies
Cake
Zucchini Bread
Braided Bread

Chants and Songs

Hoof and Horn
Oh Tell My Why
Sun King
Horned One, Lover, Son

Recepies and Directions for the above will be forthcoming within this coming week.

Lughnassadh - Celebrate the Harvest

2007-07-15T08:21:00.000-05:00

Lughnassadh or Lammas Arrives on August 1 or 2 or when the Sun is at 1 degree Leo.

LUGHNASSADH LORE

It is the first of the 3 Harvest Festivals celebrating the Earth releasing her bounty to us. Lammas is a contraction of the Anglo-Saxon words for "loaf mass": referring to the honor paid to the first loaf of bread made from the grain of the year's harvest.(1) Since the God was injured at Litha he begins to die in earnest during Lammas. The God sacrifices Himself to rebirth so that he comes back in the way of the harvest to feed his people throughout the upcoming winter. The God's sacrifice (not to be confused with many Christian beliefs that this involves crazy knife-wielding Priests. *giggle*) is sacred, its just a transfer of His energy. When we eat the bread made of the grain of His sacrifice - we are taking a part of him into ourselves...absorbing some of His energy. When we partake of the grain we serve multiple purposes in the Great Cycle of Life (1):
1) We honor the God by eating to survive, our very survival making His sacrifice more sacred.
2) We eat the "seed" of the God in the form of the grain - this will eventually result in magickal pregnancy that will allow the God to be reborn in the Spring.
3) We are taking into ourselves His qualities and responsibilities: We're making a type of oral contract to carry on His work of living in the service of life throughout a harsh Winter.

Therefore, the eating of the Lammas Bread is a sacred act; helping us to reconfirm the sacredness of life, death and rebirth (1).

The Celtics call this High Holy Day Lughnassadh. (LOONA-saad or Loo-NAS-aad). This refers to the games that, acording to folklore, the Celtic Sun God Lugh established in honor of his foster mother, Tailtiu(2). These were games of speed and strength: such as races, tosses, and wrestling. We don't know what the original motivation was, but it can be assumed that as the Gods strength began to wane as he died, a last show of strength was called for. Conversely some Celtics believe Lughnassadh celebrates the marriage of Lugh. In ancient Ireland, Lughnassadh was celebrated in Tell-Town (in what is now the Count Meath) and in 3 other locations, Emain acha in Ulster, Carman in Leinster, and at Tara.

Some folk tales tell us Lughnassadh was an occasion for the settling of legal and political matters, such as treaties, while the games and feasting were held. However in a poem preserved in a medieval manuscript, we learn that at Carmen, there weer prohibitions: deeds of violence, abductions, the repudiation of husband or wife, and the levying of debts. The penalties ascribed by this poem for violating those prohibitions were severe - "Whoever transgresses the law of the King Beren prescribed firmly for ever that he should not thrive in his tribe but should die for his mortal sins." (2)

Handfasting was an important part of the Lughnassadh celebration. This was an informal Hand-In-Fist - a marriage without a marriage that lasted a year and a day to the next Lughnassadh. If the bride became pregnant within that time then no wedding or more formal handfasting was required. If conception didn't occur than the formal wedding was held at the next Lughnassadh celebration. If the marriage was not to be re-newed or made more permanent the Bride and Groom would stand back to back facing North and South and walk away from each other. Such trial marriages were common in the 1500's. (2)

Some Traditions begin celebrations at Lammas-Tide (July 31). This is the Celebration of Freyr, the brother of the fertility and Moon Goddess Freya. There are many similarities in Freyr's lore as there are in Lugh's. Just like Lugh, Freyr had many skills as talents - He was said to have possessed a boat that not only could hold up the Gods, but which could also be folded up!

Almost all Pagans who celebrate this first harvest festival create or honor mounds. Corn and grain are often gathered in stooks, or tee-pee shaped bundles. Other crops are sometimes piles into traditional mounds. These can look like the burial mound, and so that is just as they represent - the death of the God and crops at the time of harvest. In the Wiccan Tradition, a grave is a womb, for the Earth is the body of the Goddess. From Her - we and the God - are reborn. Seeds and roots beget their own rebirth, from the Earth, to the Earth. (1) Mounds are also traditional entries to and from the Palaces of the Otherworlds, the land of Youth where the immortal Gods and Fae live. So, we can incorporate them into our rituals or celebrations.

Lammas-Tide is a mystical combination of waning Summer and impending Winter. Though the harvest has stated Summer is still here. But as we see it coming to an end we much hurry to enjoy the time left before the dark time.

References:
(1) Celebrating The Seasons of Life: Beltane to Mabon; by Ashleen O'Gaea ppg 99 - 103.
(2) The Solitary Druid: by Rev Robert Lee (Skip) Ellison ppg 145 - 149

Celtic Paganism Explained

2007-07-03T10:21:00.000-05:00

The following is my synopsis of general Celtic Paganism. I'll write up my 3 sub-catagories of the Celtic Witch: Druidry, Celtic Warriorism & Celtic Shammanism, in additional posts.

What does "Celtic" Mean?

Celtic is an ethnic entity consisting of the Irish, Scottish, British (Great Britain, Gaul, Welsh, Cornish). Celtic Paganism refers to the geographical distinction of the Continental Celts (the Celts of Gaul - early period) and the Insular Celts (the British Isles/Ireland - later period)

What is Celtic Paganism?

Obviously Celtic Witch's follow the Celtic Pantheon - the list of Gods & Goddesses worshipped by the ancient Celts. But to be a Celtic Witch is much more than that. Respecting the history, mythology, traditions and holidays of the ancient Celts - and learning from them, then converting them to fit todays lifestyles are important parts to being a modern Celtic Witch.

Celtic Paganism is based on Earth - meaning almost all the beliefs and practices - and Elemental Spirits - the elements, spirits, psyche. Ancient Celts had a vast knowledge of the magickal properties of herbs and roots and used them in both healing and magickal practices. This allows the Celtic Witch to work magick into every aspect of daily life - from jewlery, to cooking to how they decorate their homes and interact with people.
Celtic Paganism is also Polytheistic - meaning a Celtic Witch believes in many Gods/desses. There is the Great Mother, Danu, who is the most powerful, but all other deities (much like candle colors, gems, scents, etc) have their own magickal associations. Because each deity has their own associations there was not much distinction of importance between male and female deities (Danu excluded), however the female deities often have more accessible associations to daily life - Deities were also believed to appear at any place and any time.

As the most important (powerful) Deity to a Celtic Witch is Danu and the fact that Goddesses were readily available or accessable - women in ancient Celtic societies were revered and treated better than in other ancient societies - for instance women could become warriors and warrior queens as well as mothers. Don't get me wrong, their life was still oppressive, men still ruled the roost, but they didn't treat the women as bad as the Romans or Greeks.

Along with following the general traditions, many modern Celtic Witches also follow this path to becoming an active Celtic Pagan Practitioner - After initiation into Celtic Paganism, one begins a journey to discover their Warrior Self and how that self can aide their spiritual developent. Therefore the Celtic Warrior is equivelant to a beginner to intermediate Celtic Pagan. The Shaman is the second stage of Celtic Paganism. They are the healers anddiviners, learning to use the interconnectedness of the universe fro each persons benefit. Therefore they are teh intermediate to advanced level of Celtic Pagan. Finally, there is the Druid. They are the Priests and Priestesses of the Celtic Pagan Path. They are all of the other two designations (warrior and healer) as well as divinors and teachers. See additional posts for further development into these catagories.

Differences between Wicca and Celtic Paganism?

Quite obviously Celtic Paganism follows the Celtic Pantheon. Where one can be a Wiccan and call upon the Celitc Pantheon - this does NOT make one a Celtic Witch. There are marked differences between Wicca and Celtic Paganism. Some of these differences are:

Wicca assigns the sun a male deity - Celtic Paganism has both a male and female deity associated with the sun.
Wicca is (mostly) Duotheistic whereas Celtic Paganism is Polytheistic.
Most Wiccans set up a permanant sacred space - or use the same space for each ritual. Due to a Celtic Witch's connection to the land their rituals can be performed anywhere.
Wicca does not require the understanding of mythological stories or elements in their magickal practices while Celtic Paganism does.* Wicca does not require a connection to ancestors or the land (many Wiccans chose to honor the land and their ancestors, but it is not required).
Probably the most important difference between Wiccan and Celtic Paganism is Wicca follows a "An it harm none" Law - Celtic Paganism does not. Instead of this law Celtic Pagans follow a Values System. The Celtic Values are the following:
Honor (oineach): If you have Honor (personal honor) then people will respect you and you can make a difference in the lives around you.
Loyalty (tairise): Steadfast. Unchangeable - people can rely on you to always believe and act the same way - also you will not change your mind once you have given an oath. Hospitality (aiocht): Helping people who are not related to you is an important aspect of the Celtic Witch.
Honesty (indracus): Integrity, openness, guilesness, friendliness in dealing with people.
Justice (coir): Brehorn Law is the ancient justice system (often ruled by druids) Ancient Celtic laws were all about comparing behavior with a cosmic rightness - you know whats right and wrong.
Courage (meisnech): Maintaining control no matter the situation; being able to see all sides of an issue, and all solutions.

THE CELTIC TRIUMVERIATE

STAGE 1: THE WARRIOR

The warrior self is an essential part of any Celtic Pagans spiritual journey. As Celtic Pagans do not follow the Wiccan Reed, and intead follow the Values system including Honor, Justice and Courage; it is obvious that being able to protect ones loved ones and those under your protection is an important aspect fothe Celtic Pagan. So, Think of the Celtic Warrior as the beginer - to - intermediate manifestation of the Celtic Pagan.

But, Celtic Pagans also believe in the interconnectedness of all aspects of the universe. This being the case there will always be repercussions to descisions. Do you fight to protect ones family to the death - thus causing the death of anothers family member? For the Celtic Warrior Honor and Justice are the most important aspects of the value system. If you take an oath to protect someone - then you are honor bound to defend them even if you do not agree wit the reasons for the battle. So, no Celtic Warrior takes an oath without considering all possible ramifications.

The ancient Celts were a bit kinder to their women - often allowing them to be warriors as well as mothers - for who would defend the home while the men were off hunting or fighting in a war? Also, Ancient Celts had many feminine "Goddesses" who would protect them and lead them in war - which further proves the feminine attributes were not shunned from teh battlefield but honored.

A major portion of the Celtic Warriors persona is sexual freedom - the idea that women are the earth-bound representation of Warrior Goddesses. Again in ancient customs teh Warrior Female would often initiate Warrior Generals and Kings through a sexual rite similar to sacred Pagan practices still performed today. This being the case a Celtic Warriors initiation often involes ritualistic sex as a means of gaining power from the Warrior Goddesses.

While the modern woman may not be called upon in a time of war (unless she is in tharmed services) all women are called upon to defend themselves from harm, their children from danger or even to defend their self-esteem.

Becoming a Celtic Warrior may not have the same physical conotations it had in ancient times, the modern women must still come to terms with being a women. That the very fact that she is a woman - capable of bringing life into the world, her menstration cycle following that of the saced birth, death, rebirth cycle in almosth all Pagan beliefs - is essential in all other aspects of spiritual growth. You can not grow in spirituality if one week a month you are ashamed of your bodily functions.
You cannot allow others, or your self, to make you feel shame - this is the core of the Celtic Warrior. Knowing you are a part of the Goddess.

Therefore you must make your choices based on the cosmic right vs wrong - and follow through with them no matter what.

The Celtic Warriors Dedication Ritual exposes much of what it means to be a Celtic Warrior Woman. There are 11 parts of the dedication: Cleansing of the mind and body. Shielding. Arming both physically and mentally. The naming of Arms. The declaration of Intent. The Sacred Vows. The naming of the Warrior Self. The bestowing of the Torque. Assuming the Warrior's stance. Drinking a Warriors Brew and Consuming the Hero's postion.

The Sacred Vows taken by the Celtic Warrior are written by each woman in the time prior to the dedication. They contain the intent to defend yourself and your family. An acknowledgement of your strength and power as a warrior woman; dedication to the way of the Goddess; a willingness to protect those weaker than yourself.

STAGE 2: THE SHAMAN

Shaman's have appeared in many traditions as well as across the ancient world. People are most familiar with Native American tribes' as well as African tribes as having a shaman or a medicine person who connects the energies ofthe realms - but it was also comonin the ancient Celts as well as Asia.

Shamanism is a major portion of being a Celtic Pagan. Think of it as the intermediate to advanced practitioner of the Celtic Pagan. This is the healer, one who spends their time and spirituality in the assistance of others. Some will focus their time and energy on only being a Celtic Shaman while others use a triumverate of power connecting all forms of Celtic Paganism - the Warrior, the Shaman and the Druid.

A shaman is the master of meditation and altered states of consciousness. Once this altered state, or deep meditation, has bee achieved the shaman is able to contact as well as use energies from the Otherworld - this can be used to gain knowledge, heal people or to see the future. Essentially, the shaman is the master of astral projection - believing their soul leaves the body to travel to otehr realms or Otherworlds - where they can obtain the necessary knowledge or power for any given goal.

This is an ancient mystical practice - the shaman may not only travel to Otherworlds but they may communicate directly with the Gods and spirits from this plane of existance and others. This is how they collect power and knowledge - through communication, learning and self-sacrifie - as traveling within the realms is done for the help of others rather than the gaining of power for themselves.

Celtic Shamans believe everything - all aspects of the universe - is interconnected. So by changing one thing one must take into account the ramifications of the change. Healing one might take healing energy away from another, for instance.

Generally, Celtic Shamans are most commonly healers first and mystics or prophets second. They require their patients participate in the healing process - through belief that the techniqus work as well as relying on the shamans experience and knowledge in interpreting the energies and symbols fromthe Otherworlds in solving a problem. Sometimes the shaman will take the believing and practicing patient with them on their astral journeys. If the patient is a non-believer than the shaman will travel alone and try to fit their revelations into a belief mode more comfortable to the patient.

All travel by the Celtic Shaman is along the spiral path or laborynth which is the central axis between Earth (our realm) and the Upperworld and Underworld. A Tree is the cetner of the universe and is often where the Celtic Shaman will convene with guides to gather knowledge.
The Underworld is essentially identical to this plane of existance (Earth) the major difference being all animals, plants and inanimate objects (like stones) are capable of communication - mythical beings are also common in this realm. This realm is usually reached by the Celtic Shaman through a tunnel.

The Upperworld is usually reached by ascending a spiral staircase or a tree. The Upperworld is essentially the land of spirits and th Gods (although the Gods also travel between all the realms in Celtic Pagan beliefs). There are essentilly two halves of the Upperworld - the joyous side where sould are enjoying this time before re-birth; and the gloomy side, where souls are tormented by mistakes in the past - like a murderer driven mad by his klillings. A shaman will travel between both halves of the Upperworld though rarely travels to the gloomy side without the aide of an animal guide, or the empathic nature of the astral travel can be overwhelming.

As I said previously, Celtic Shamans believe everything is connected. This aids in the believe that each person as animal guides and spiritual guides. When in the astral state a Celtic Shaman will often meet up with these guides for learning as well as guidance through the realms.

STAGE 3: THE DRUID

The Druid was a pivotal person in Ancient Celtic Society. These were the advisor's to Kings, the Priests/Priestesses, Teacher, Bards, Judges, Astronomers, Diviners, Healers, Warriors, etc. These were among the most learned in ancient society - yet they would on occasion fight along side the warrior class. Therefore, it was not a portion of the religion fo Celtic Paganism that was open to the general public - one had to be learned and had to have a desire to immerse themselves i their chosen field for up-to 20 years. The Catholic Church designed its priesthood and seminaries based on the seminaries of the Druidic Order.

There are 3 levels of being a leader as a Druid or an advanced Celtic Pagan - the Bard (poets), the Ovates and the Priests/Priestesses. The common person who followed Celtic Paganism would not work their way up to becoming a druid - although popular and particularly gifted craftsmen were considered the Druidic followers.

The Bard - wore Blue Robes. The Bards job was to teach using rhyme and song. This requires a certain level of creativity as the rhymes are NOT the dark/spark/lark variety but the riveting and soul searching variety. In order to make up the riveting rhymes to teach others the Pagan religion - you need to have an understanding of it yourself. Therefore the Bard classification can last from anywhere from 1 to 10 years based on the skill level of the Druid, and their capability of teaching others.

The Ovate - wore Green Robes. The primary function of the Ovate was to compile knowledge. Think of the Ovate in terms of the Monks of old - transcribing knowledge and soaking it up like a sponge. Again this classification can last from 1 to 5 years based on the Druids level of learning.

In some texts the Ovate and the Bard were further classified together as Filid. The filid are classed with the lords, and the Priestesses are classified with the Kings/Queens. In some translations of Filid or the plural Fili, it means seer, prophet or prophecy, and satire.

The High Priestess/Priest - wore White Robes. This is the diviner, the ancient psychologist, the royal consultant, teacher, diviner, etc. Essentially The Druids and Druidesses formed the professional class in Celtic society. They were often the most educated in the ancient world as knowledge is revered by Druids. The High Priestess was responsible for the people in her area, much like royalty, but her responsibilities included ensuring the fertility of the land, all divination, coronations, weddings, blessings, healings, etc. The Druid was also the Lawyers and Judges of Ancient society - keeping the knowledge of the laws of the land and issuing punishments to the transgressors. The Head (or highest) level of Priestess-hood is the Priestess of the Grove - it requires 20 years of dedication to the Celtic Pagan Path.

Druidic Belief System - There are a few metemorphosis' that take place with the Celtic Pagan Belief structure by the time one is declared a High Priestess/Priest.

The biggest is the Afterlife - all Celtic Pagans believe in re-incarnation. But, the Druid believes the soul is immortal. Once a life ends on this - the mortal plane - it moves onto the Otherworld where it has another life. When this Otherworld Life ends the soul comes back to this plane for re-incarnation. At the births in Ancient Celtic Societies - the Druid Priestess would mourn for the death of the Otherworld self.

Once the soul has learned as much as it can through many rounds of reincarnation, it returns to The Source. This is a private section of the Otherworld. It is the literal source of all - even the Gods were birthed here. Think of it like a flame - sparks that rain down are each a soul - be it God or man, eventually the sparks return to the flame to add energy to the creation of another spark. So, a piece of our soul will be used in the creation of the new.

The way I teach the difference in the Druidic Belief Structure from the Generalized Celtic Pagan Structure is that they become more detailed and specific. The Moral Code, for instance, states in Celtic Paganism that honor and loyalty are of utmost importance - the Druid agrees but expands to include Loyalty and honor even unto the death (as the soul is immortal, who cares if we move onto another plane) and you essentially speak the truth only - nothing but the truth. To falter from the Hospitality, Loyalty, Honor, Truth moral code is a grave offense in the Druid - the soul cannot move on - all it has learned in this reincarnation's rotation has been lost and must be done over. So, breaking the code - even a little - is of grave concern and taken extremely seriously.

Gaelic Translations

2007-06-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

Place Names

Aran Islands: Oileain Ariann (ILL-yawn AW-rinn)

Belfast: Beal Feirste (Bayl FER-is-chech)

Castlehacket: Cnoc Meadha in the County Galway

Connacht: Connacht (CONN-uckhut)

Cooley: Cuailgne (COOL-ing)

Cork: Corcaigh (CURK-ee)

Donegal: Dun na NGall (DOON-na-NGOLL)

Dublin: Baile Atha Cliath (BOLL-yah AW-ah CLEE-ah)

Amragh, Conor's Seat: Emain Macha (AV-in MOCK-ah or MAAX-ah)

Kerry: Ciarrai (KEER-ee)

Kilkenny: Cill Choinnigh (kill CWINN-ee)

Leinster: Leighean (lion)

Limrick: Luimneach (LIM-nuckh)

Mullach na Sidhe: A flat region of County Roscommon [means faerymount]

Munster: Mumhan (moon)

New Grange, the Boyne Valley: Burgh ne Boinne (brew na BO-in-yeh)

River Shannon: An Sionnain (un CHUH-in)

River Liffey: An Life (un LIFF-ay)

Sidhbhair or Siabhra: The town of Cloon-Sheever [means Meadow of Faeries]

Tara: Teamhair (CHOW-irr)

Ulster: Uladh (ULL-uh)

Modern Gaelic Months

Month: mi (mee)

January: Mi Eanair (mee ANN-irr)

February: Mi Feabhra (mee FYOW-rah)

March: Mi Marta (mee MAWR-tah)

April: Aibrean (AH-brawn)

May: Mi na Bealtaine (mee na BAL-tene)

June: Maitheamh (MAH-hev)

July: Mi luil (mee YOO-ill)

August: Mi Lunasa (mee LOO-nassa)

September: Mean Fomhair (MAN fore)

October: Deireadh Fomhair (JERR-ah fore)

November: Mi na Samhna (mee nah SOW-nah)

December: Mi na Nollag (mee nah NULL-ug)

Days of the Week

Monday: De Luain (tha looan)

Tuesday: De Mairt (tha mor-sht)

Wednesday: De Ceadaoin (tha CAA-deen)

Thursday: Da Deardaoin (thar THAIN)

Friday: De h'Aoine (tha h-AIN-a)

Saturday: De Sathairn (tha sa-HAR-in)

Sunday: De Domhnaigh (tha DO-na)

Seasons

Spring: earrach (ARE-uckh)

Summer: samhradh (SOUR-ah)

Autumn: fomhar (FOE-war)

Winter: geimhreadh (GEV-rah)

Colors

Black: dubh (dove)

Blue: gorm (GUR-im)

Brown: donn (done)

Green: glas (gloss)

Grey: liath (LEE-a)

Red: dearg (JAR-ug)

Yellow: bui (bwee)

Bright: geal (gyal)

Dark: dorcha (DURR-ka)

Numbers

Zero: naid (La-oad)

One: aon (and)

Two: do (dO)

Three: tri (thr-EE)

Four: ceathair (CA-head)

Five: cuig (CO-eeg)

Six: se (SHA)

Seven: seacht (SH-a-ht)

Eight: ocht (Ach-t)

Nine: naoi (lo-E)

Ten: deich (deh)

Eleven: aon deig (an dig)

Twelve: do deig (dO dig)

Thirteen: tri dheag (thr-EE dig)

Fourteen: ceathair deag (CA-head dig)

Fifteen: cuig deag (CO-eeg dig)

Sixteen: se deag (SHA dig)

Seventeen: seacht deag (SH-a-ht dig)

Eighteen: ocht deag (Ach-t dig)

Nineteen: naoi deag (loee dig)

Twenty: fiche (fee)

Twenty-One: fiche a haon (fee ha HAN-d)

Twenty-Two: fiche a do (FEE ha DO)

Thirty: triocha (TREE-a-ha)

Forty: daichead (THA-head)

Fifty: caoga (COA-ga)

Other Words of Interest

Army: arm (orm)

Battle: cath (koh)

Bay: cuan (COO-un)

Beach: tra (thraw)

Bee: beach (bach)

Blackbird: lon dubh (lun duv)

Bog: portach (PURT-uckh)

Bull: tarbh (torv)

Castle: caislean (KOSH-lawn)

Cat: cat (cot)

City: cathair (COH-urr)

County: contae (CUN-day)

Cow: bo (bo)

Dog: mada (MODD-a) or madra (MOOD-ra)

Faery Folk: na siogai (na SHEE-ogue-ee)

Faery Woman: bean si (ban shee)

Faery Shoemaker: laipreachan (LEP-ruckh-awn)

Faery Mound: lios (liss) {also called a sidhe (shee)}

Fox: mada rua (MOD-ah ROO-ah)

Hen: cearc (kyarc)

High King: ard ri (ard ree)

Hill: cnoc (cnuck)

Horse: capall (COP-ull)

Hound: cu (coo)

Ireland: Eire (AIR-uh)

Island: oilean (ILL-yawn)

King: re (ree)

Lack: loch (luck)

Magick: draiocht (DREE-uckht)

Mountain: sliabh (shleev)

Mouse: luch (luckh)

Peace: siochan (SHEE-uckh-awn)

Pig: muc (muck)

Plain: maigh (MAW-ee)

Queen: banrion (BON-reen)

Rat: francach (FRONG-cuckh)

River: abha (OWW-ah)

Road: bothar (BO-hurr)

Sea: muir (mwir) or farraige (FAHRig-uh)

Seagull: faoilean (FWEE-lawn)

Sheep: caora (QUEER-ah)

Stream: sruthan (SHRUH-awn)

Superstitions: piseoga (PISH-ogue-ah)

Swan: eala (ALL-ah)

Town: baile (BOLL-yah)

Valley: gleann (glyann)

War: cogadh (CUG-ah)

Waterfall: eas (ass)

Well: tobar (tubber)

Witch: cailleach (KALL-yuckh)

Wood: coill (qwill)

Wren: dreoilin (DROLL-een)

The Seeker Ceremony

2007-06-18T20:31:00.000-05:00

This is great for any High Holy Day...A seeker ceremony is for someone who is interested in learning more about Paganism. Essentially you are dedicating a part of yourself to your path. Since you are a beginer you may not yet know the specifics of what you believe - ie. exactly which Pantheon you follow, psychic strengths, Traditions - like Celtic, Druid, etc. So this ceremony is not choosing these things, it is a dedication that you will try to find the answers to these questions.

WHEN TO PERFORM? Whenever you feel ready. You can do it on one of the Sabbats - the High Holy Days, or another day that has importance for you. Intent is what matters most - you must WANT to learn and dedicate yourself to being open to new ideas.

SUPPLIES: Incense, a token (most lie a charm or piece of jewlery then can wear), an altar (table or big rock), 4 White candles for the quarters, a compas to locate the quarters. 4 White illuminator candles, 1 Red (or white) Needfire candle (the one you'll use to light other candles), Small bowl of Holy Water**(see below for recepie), small bowl of salt, a tea candle, a cauldron (or fire-proof bowl), a small snack - generally cake or bread and a drink generally wine or grape juice, a picture or statue as your representation of Spirit / God/dess, an Athame - or any knife not previously used for cutting, Your notebook (Book of Shadows) - although I usually write my notes on notecards for rituals.

METHOD:

1) Blessing & Consecrating your tools: Place all supplies and tools on your altar. Pass a representation of the elements over each tool and supply asking the elemtal guardians to bless and protect these items. Pass the Incense over items and say: "Guardians of the East, element of Air, bless and protect these tools that I might serve the Lord and Lady for the good." {Remember the needfire candle can represent the south - fire, Holy water can represent the West - water, Salt can represent the Noth - Earth}. Hold you hands over the altar saying: "I bless and consecrate these items for my seeker ceremony. May no evil or negativity abide in thee. May the blessings of the Lord & Lady (or Spirit) descend upon this altar and these tools. So mote it be."

2) Set up your ritual site: Place a candle at each of the quarters - using your compass to find the exact location. *If doing your ritual outside walk the area first asking the fairies for permission to use their space and to protect you during this special ceremony. Stand before your altar and take a few deep breathes. Ground - feel yourself rootend to the earth, and center - find that calm spot deep within you, where the power flows.

3) Casting the Circle & Calling the Quarters: (see previous posts on 4/19/07)

4) Calling Deity: Move to the center of your circle facing your altar, stand in the God position (Arms crossed over chest, looking down toward the ground). Close your eyes and feel the connection to God in your body - strong pulsing with power, a reverbaration deep within your being. Slowly shift to the Goddess position (Arms open wide toward the sky - like a Y - looking up at the sky). Taking deep breathes feel your connection to the Goddess - a warmth and sensual pulse of comfort, like you're getting a hug from within. Say: "Holy Mother, Divine Lord, I welcome you into this circle for my seeker ritual. Come to me and bless me and bless me with thy divine presence. Gift me, please, with your special powers. I have come to this day (eve) to proclaim my interest in the knowledge and spirituality in the Craft of the Wise." Feel for the stronger pulse of the deity's presence within yourself.

5) Your pledge: Kneel in fron of yor altar and say the following or write your own pledge. "I, (state your full name), do solemnly swear by my Mother's lineage and by all that I hold sacred and holy, that I will honor and respect Spirit and the brothers and sisters in the Craft of the Wise. I will strive to serve Spirit in every fascet of my life. I dedicate myself to absorbing the vast knowledge available withing the Craft. I further swear to not use my knowledge to purposefully cause harm, nor will I require payment of money, goods or services when I pray for people or work magick for them beyond a fair exchange of energy. In one year I will assess my knowledge and understanding in the craft. At that time I may decide to dedicate myself to the Lord and Lady to further my growth, or I may walk away to follow another spiritual path. I will do my best to work in harmony with all around me. I will respect other religions as I respect my own. Spirit has now witnessed my oath. On this day, (name the day), I claim my power! So mote it be!!" *Take a moment to enjoy the peace in your soul after finishing this speach.

6) Protection Token: Stand and light the tea candle in your causdron. Take your token - be it coin or jewlery or pretty rock. Hold the item over the cauldron saying: "Lord & Lady, please bless this token of my faith. May it provide protection as I walk the Path of the Wise." Take the token to each quarter and ask the Guardians to bless and energize the token. *You can use "Guardians of the East, element of Air, bless and protect these token that I might safely and proudly walk the Path of the Wise." Take the token back to the altar, hold it over the cauldron again saying, "This object represents my testament to this day and my vow. I will wear it in honor of the Lord and Lady. So mote it be." As you put the poken on or in a pocket (you want it close to your skin) say: "At this moment I am reborn in body, mind, and spirit. So mote it be!"

7) Communion: Hold your hads over the drink and say: "From the moon to the land, from the land to the vine, from the vine to the berry, from the berry to the juice. I consecrate this drink in the name of the Lord and Lady. May their blessings shower upon me through eternity. So mote it be." Drink most of the drink - saving some to donate outside after, pour it on the ground saying "To the Gods". Hold your hands over the bread, say: "From the sun to the land, from the land to the stalk, from the stalk to the grain, from the grain to the bread, I consecrate this food in the name of the Lord and Lady. May their blessings shower upon me through eternity. So mote it be." Eat most of the food - saving some to donate outside after, place it on the ground saying "To the Gods".

8) Meditation. Sit on the ground in front of your altar, practicing some meditation techniques.

9) Thanking Deity. Stand in front of your altar open arms overhead in the Goddess position, say: "Great Mother, Divine Father, I thank you for attending my seeker ceremony. Guard and guide me until I decide to become a part of a community of the Craft of the Wise, or choose to seek another path. Help me to do the divine work givin to me, and help me in all of my choices. So mote it be."
10) Close the Quarters and Circle. (see posts from 4/19) After closing the circle say: "This circle is open, but never broken. Merry meet, and merry part until we merry meet again. For we are the people, the power and the change. So mote it be!"

Derived from Solitary Witch, by Silver Ravenwolf

Todays Divination: Palmistry

2007-06-16T19:02:00.000-05:00

Cheiromancy - ("kei-re-mancy")

Also known as Palmistry. The hands change throughout life - the lines evolving over time, reflecting changes in ones life. Therefore the gazing and reading of the lines and bumps and variations of the palm can give you an understanding of the subjects personality, history, and a glimpse at their future. It is important to note that Palm Reading should be a dry reading - meaning you shuold not ask any questions leading up to the reading. Any information given might sway the reading instead of you taking the variations at face value.

The dominant hand (right for right-handed people, etc) shows what the subject has done with their life (their conscious mind) where as their non-dominant hand shows their birth potential - how their life would have played out if their choices and actions had been different (their unconscious mind).

You always start with noting the shape of the hand - shape of the palm, length of the fingers etc (see list A for associations). Even though this will be among the last you present as part of the reading. Then move onto examining the non-dominant hand to see what potential they were given at birth. This will give you a basis for understanding what will be on the dominant hand. Notice the lines - if they are deep and clear tis indicates the subject understands and experiences much of the joys and pains in life. If however, the lines are faint the subject wil tend to be superficial and morecolorless. THey need to get out and enjoy life to the fullest.

List A - Shape of the Hand

Although variations abound, the most common classifications used by modern palmists (from www.wickipedia.com ) :

Earth hands are generally identified by broad, square palms and fingers, thick or coarse skin, and ruddy color. The length of the palm from wrist to the bottom of the fingers is usually equal to the length of the fingers.

Air hands exhibit square or rectangular palms with long fingers and sometimes protruding knuckles, low-set thumbs, and dry skin. The length of the palm from wrist to the bottom of the fingers is usually less than the length of the fingers.

Water hands are recognizable by the long, sometimes oval-shaped palm, with long, flexible, conical fingers. The length of the palm from wrist to the bottom of the fingers is usually less than the width across the widest part of the palm, and usually equal to the length of the fingers.

Fire hands are characterized by a square or rectangular palm, flushed or pink skin, and shorter fingers. The length of the palm from wrist to the bottom of the fingers is usually greater than the length of the fingers.

List B - Reading the Palm

The three lines found on almost all hands, and generally given most weight by palmists:

Heart Line is found towards the top of the palm, under the fingers. Palmists interpret this line to represent matters of the heart, both physical and metaphorical, and believe it can indicate emotional stability, romantic perspectives, depression, and stoicism, in addition to various aspects of cardiac health. Essentially - this line shows by its length and depth, the strength of the subjects emotional and intuitive capabilities. Someone who has a long deep Heart Line is likely to feel deeply both the good and the bad - emotions are important to this person with judgements and hunches as the likely result. It should always be considered along with the Head Line as there is a strong relationship between the two. This line is often more developed on the unconscious hand (non-dominant) than the conscious.
Head Line. This line starts at the edge of the palm under the index finger and flows across the palm towards the outside edge. Often, the head line is joined with the life line (see below) at inception. Palmists generally interpret this line to represent the person's mind and the way it works, including learning style, communication style, intellectualism, and thirst for knowledge. It is also believed to indicate a preference for creative or analytical approaches to information.Essentially - it shows by its length and depth, the intellectual capability of the subject. A long, deep, and clear Head Line indicates a clear, strong intellect that can be of great value to the subject. If the line slants downward rather than straight across indicates someone who has very high intelligence, but often uses it fo the wrong goals, BUT they have the capability to be highly powerful if guided.
Life Line. This line extends from the edge of the palm above the thumb and travels in an arc towards the wrist. This line is believed to represent the person's vitality and vigor, physical health and general well being. The life line is also believed to reflect major life changes, including cataclysmic events, physical injuries, and relocations. Contrary to popular belief, modern palmists generally do not believe that the length of a person's life line is tied to the length of a person's life. If this line never connects with the Head Line than the subject has a strongly independent nature - they have always been; rather than the Head and Life Lines starting out connected (representing our emotional dependence with our parents) then branching off with maturity. This line can be accurately broken down into sections representing years of life - take the life line and separate it into 3 equal parts. The first (containing the blending of the Life and Head) represents the first 25 years of life. A deep clear Life Line running smoothly around the palm indicates a rich, full life with good health throughout. A line that is in the form of a chain shows probable bad health - if it is only chained in the latter portion of the line the subject should beware of poor health in the later years of life. A parallel to the life Line on the side of the Mound of Venus, shows useful luck and natural vitality . On most palms there will be a number of tiny lines that branch from the Life to the Head or Hear Lines. Each of these indicate a goal of some kind that will be attained. (If you broke the lifeline accurately you should be able to form a time-line accurate up to within 2 years of when these goals will be achieved). About 2/3 of the way across the lifeline will often have a triangle formed of 2 short minor lines and a part of the Life Line itself. This means a talent of some sort is available for the subject to use for great personal satisfaction. An angle or sudden change in direction of the Life Line shows that there will be a change in course in their life. A break in the line will mean trouble, and if the break occurs on both hands it can be fatal if great care is not taken. If, however, a new line begins at the Mount of Venus, the trouble will not be too drastic.
Fate Line runs from the bottom of the palm near the wrist, up through the center of the palm towards the middle finger. This line is believed to be tied to the person's life path, including school and career choices, successes and obstacles. Sometimes this line is thought to reflect circumstances beyond the individual's control, or alternately the person's choices and their consequences. Essentially - not everyone will have this line. According to Raymond Bucklands "Complete Book of Witchcraft", for some this line will run strong and deep from the wrist to the middle finger (meaning luck comes readily and freely, these subjects do well with no apparent effort) The great majority of people, however, the line might be faint or nonexistant (maning luck only comes through hard work) For many others the line may be deep and unbroken up to the Heart Line where it will blend into it (meaning they let emotions obstruct much of the good fortune that would normally come their way - worry, temper, fear, whatever may be limiting them). Similarly, the line might break or blend at the line of the Head (maning they may over think things too much, when the mind is made up the opportunity may be past) Someone whose Fate Line starts on the Mount of the Moon (see below) will probably have a peaceful life. If only a part of the Fate Line branches to the bast of the Mount of the Moon than good fortune will come from a marriage or other attatchment. If it starts at the wristlets - wealth will be inherited, or rewarding career gained.
Variations include:
The upper half of the palm lying immediately below the fingers is considered to represent the higher or intellectual nature and the lower half of the palm to represent the materialistic side of the nature. If one of these halves is larger than the other as decided by the central placement of the head line or in this case the single transverse palmar crease it shows greater development of that aspect of the nature. Based on this general principle, if this line is placed below its abovementioned normal position it indicates an intensely intellectual nature; if it is placed above its normal position it indicates an intensely materialistic nature and interests.
On rare ocassions the Heart & Head Lines join to form a single deep line - indicates the Head and the Heart are united and few barriors can stand in the way. This person will probably be of genius level. However they need to work to keep a tight discipline on their mind for there is a slight barrior between the strong controlled mind and uncontrolled chaos of mental instability.
Other minor lines:
Sun Line - parallel to the Fate Line, under the ring finger; believed to indicate fame or scandal.
Mount of Venus - starts between the little and ring fingers, runs in a rough arc under the ring and middle fingers to end between the middle and pointer fingers; thought to relate to emotional intelligence and the ability to manipulate If it is thin, dry and leathery - the subject is cold and thinlipped, tolerating little warmth from others. If it is warm and well rounded, full and firm - the subject is under Venus' best inluences; pleasing as a friend, delightful in love, and a person whose kindness toward others always brings warmth. If the Mount is crossed by many vertical & horizontal lines this person is not as serene as they appear - they have many underlying feelings kept deeply hidden.
Mount of the Moon - aka The mount of Luna is located on the lower part of the palm directly below the lower plain of Mars. A triangle on this mount indicates a natural talent within the occult. Any lines that arise indicate a hint of unconscious magick and of its close relation or of love between man and woman. Lines reaching toward this Mount from around the edge of the hand indicate a prediction of travel by sea or air. This firmness and fullness of this mount indicates generally just how well the subject can combine practicality with imagination.
Union Lines (aka Marriage Lines) - short horizontal lines found on the percussive edge of the palm between the Heart Line and the bottom of the little finger; believed to indicate close relationships, sometimes - but not always - romantic.
Mercury Line - runs from the bottom of the palm near the wrist, up through the palm towards the little finger; purported to be an indicator of persistent health issues, business acumen, or skill in communication.
Travel Lines - these are horizontal lines found on the percussive edge of the palm between the wrist and the heart line; each line is said to represent a trip taken by the subject - the longer the line, the more important the trip is to the subject.
Wristlets - At the base of the hand sometimes rings can be found. They will generally indicate how long life will last. Each complete, well-formed ring shows a complete twenty years of life. But the wristlets willl change considerably throughout life, and choices and way of life will be the final factor on longevity.
Other Markings - these include stars, crosses, triangles, squares, tridents, and rings under each of the fingers; their supposed impact and meaning varies by location on the palm and freedom from other interfering lines.

The Fingers: Each finger is broken into 3 sections and is associated with an astrological sign - it is also an indicator of good or bad aspects of these signs. At the base of the finger is the mount associated with the sign of the finger (eg. index finger = Mount of Jupiter). The fullness or thiness of the Mount shows how strongly te aspects of the sign are influencing the subject. The 3 sections represent the relative spiritual, intellectual, and material development under each of the signs. If for example, the lowest section of the small finger (Mercury) is noticable larger than the other 2 sections then there would be strength expecially in management and salesmanship. Using List C along with intuition and judgement - similar personality traits can be derived.

List C - Astrological Associations of the Fingers.

The Thumb: Rhea, follows the mount of Venus.
The Index Finger: ruled by Jupiter, is above the mount of Jupiter. The matriarch/patriarch image, the "boss", comander, leader, executive. Principle traits are pride, ambition and confidence. Upper Mars mount is located beneath the mount of Jupiter.
The Middle Finger: ruled by Saturn, is above the mount of Saturn. the plain of Mars is located in the center of the palm (beneath the mount of Saturn), The wise old man/woman, often the personification of old age and the very end of life. Principle traits of this sign are wisdom, solitude, shyness, melancholy, an solitary bleakness.
The ring finger: ruled by Apollo/the Sun God, is above the mount of Apollo. All things Bright and Good. The arts, medicine. Principle Traits are love and beauty.
The pinky finger: ruled by Mercury, is above the mount of Mercury. Sharpness and quickness of mind; cleverness; shrewdness;. Principle Traits include buoyancy, friendliness, skill in management and commerce.

I developed this information based on Bucklands Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland and www.Wickipedia.com .

Myth of the Day: Oisin in Tir na nOg

2007-06-12T07:54:00.000-05:00

Oisín in Tír na nÓg

It happened that on a misty summer morning as Finn and Oisin with many companions were hunting on the shores of Loch Lena they saw coming towards them a maiden, exceedingly beautiful, riding on a snow-white steed. She wore the garb of a queen; a crown of gold was on her head, and a dark-brown mantle of silk, set with stars of red gold, fell around her and trailed on the ground. Silver shoes were on her horse's hoofs, and a crest of gold nodded on his head.

When she came near she said to Finn, "From very far away I have come, and now at last I have found you, Finn son of Cumhal."

Then Finn said, "What is your land and race, maiden, and what do you seek from me?"

"My name," she said, "is Niamh of the Golden Hair. I am the daughter of the King of the Land of Youth, and that which has brought me here is the love of your son Oisin."

Then she turned to Oisin, and she spoke to him in the voice of one who has never asked anything but it was granted to her. "Will you go with me, Oisin, to my father's land?"

And Oisin said, "That will I, and to the world's end,"

for the fairy spell had so wrought upon his heart that he cared no more for any earthly thing but to have the love of Niamh of the Head of Gold. Then the maiden spoke of the Land Oversea to which she had summoned her lover, and as she spoke a dreamy stillness fell on all things, nor did a horse shake his bit, nor a hound bay, nor the least breath of wind stir in the forest trees till she had made an end.
And what she said seemed sweeter and more wonderful as she spoke it than anything they could afterwards remember to have heard, but so far as they could remember it was this:

"Delightful is the land beyond all dreams, Fairer than anything your eyes have ever seen. There all the year the fruit is on the tree, And all the year the bloom is on the flower.

"There with wild honey drip the forest trees; The stores of wine and mead shall never fail. Nor pain nor sickness knows the dweller there, Death and decay come near him never more.

"The feast shall cloy not, nor the chase shall tire, Nor music cease for ever through the hall; The gold and jewels of the Land of Youth Outshine all splendors ever dreamed by man.

"You will have horses of the fairy breed, You will have hounds that can outrun the wind; A hundred chiefs shall follow you in war, A hundred maidens sing thee to your sleep.

"A crown of sovereignty your brow shall wear, And by your side a magic blade shall hang, And you will be lord of all the Land of Youth, And lord of Niamh of the Head of Gold."

As the magic song ended the Fians beheld Oisin mount the fairy steed and hold the maiden in his arms, and ere they could stir or speak she turned her horse's head and shook the ringing bridle, and down the forest glade they fled, as a beam of light flies over the land when clouds drive across the sun; and never did theFianna behold Oisin son of Finn on earth again. Yet what befell him afterwards is known. As his birth was strange, so was his end, for he saw the wonders of the Land of Youth with mortal eyes and lived to tell them with mortal lips.

The Journey to Fairyland

When the white horse with its riders reached the sea it ran lightly over the waves, and soon the green woods and headlands of Erin faded out of sight. And now the sun shone fiercely down, and the riders passed into a golden haze in which Oisin lost all knowledge of where he was, or if sea or dry land were beneath his horse'shoofs. But strange sights sometimes appeared to them in the mist, for towers and palace gateways loomed up and disappeared, and once a hornless doe bounded by them chased by a white hound with one red ear; and again they saw a young maid ride by on a brown steed, bearing a golden apple in her hand, and close behind her followed a young horseman on a white steed, a purple cloak floating at his back and a gold-hilted sword in his hand. And Oisin would have asked the princess who and what these apparitions were, but Niamh bade him ask nothing nor seem to notice any phantom they might see until they were come to the Land of Youth.

Oisin's Return

The story goes on to tell how Oisin met with various adventures in the Land of Youth, including the rescue of an imprisoned princess from a Fomorian giant. But at last, after what seemed to him a sojourn of three weeks in the Land of Youth, he was satiated with delights of every kind, and longed to visit his native land again andto see his old comrades.
He promised to return when he had done so, and Niamh gave him the white fairy steed that had borne him across the sea to Tir na nÓg, but charged him that when he had reached the Land of Erin again he must never alight from its back nor touch the soil of the earthly world with his foot, or the way of return to the Land of Youth would be barred to him for ever.
Oisin then set forth, and once more crossed the mystic ocean, finding himself at last on the western shores of Ireland. Here he made at once for the Hill of Allen, where the dun of Finn was wont to be, but marveled, as he traversed the woods, that he met no sign of the Fian hunters and at the small size of the folk whom he saw tilling the ground. At length, coming from the forest path into the great clearing where the Hill of Allen was wont to rise, broad and green, with its rampart enclosing many white-walled dwellings, and the great hall towering high in the midst, he saw but grassy mounds overgrown with rank weeds and whin bushes, and among them pastured apeasant's kine.
Then a strange horror fell upon him and he thought some enchantment from the land of Sidhe held his eyes and mocked him with false visions. He threw his arms abroad and shouted the names of Finn and Oscar, but none replied, and he thought that perchance the hounds might hear him, so he cried upon Bran and Sceolan and strained his ears if they might catch the faintest rustle or whisper of the world from the sightof which his eyes were holden, but he heard only the sighing of the wind in the whins.
Then he rode in terror from that place, setting his face towards the eastern sea, for he meant to traverse Ireland from side to side and end to end in search of some escape from his enchantment The Broken Spell But when he came near to the eastern sea, and was now in the place which is called the Valley of the Thrushes,* he saw in a field upon the hillside a crowd of men striving to roll aside a great boulder from their tilled land, and an overseer directing them.
Towards them he rode, meaning to ask them concerning Finn and the Fianna. As he came near they all stopped their work to gaze upon him, for to them he appeared like a messenger of the Fairy Folk or an angel from heaven. Taller and mightier he was than the men-folk they knew, with sword-blue eyes and brown, ruddy cheeks ; in his mouth, as it were, a shower of pearls, and bright hair clustered beneath the rim of his helmet.

And as Oisin looked upon their puny forms, marred by toil and care, and at the stone which they feebly strove to heave from its bed, he was filled with pity, and thought to himself,

"Not such were even the churls of Erin when I left them for the Land of Youth " and he stooped from his saddle to help them. He set his hand to the boulder, and with a mighty heave he lifted it from where it lay and set it rolling down the hill.

And the men raised a shout of wonder and applause; but their shouting changed in amoment into cries of terror and dismay, and they fled, jostling and overthrowing each other to escape from the place of fear, for a marvel horrible to see had taken place.

For Oisin's saddle girth had burst as he heaved the stone and he fell headlong to the ground. In an instant the white steed had vanished from their eyes like awreath of mist, and that which rose, feeble and staggering, from the ground was no youthful warrior, but a man stricken with extreme old age, white-bearded and withered, who stretched out groping hands and moaned with feeble and bitter cries.

And his crimson cloak and yellow silken tunic were now but coarsehomespun stuff tied with a hempen girdle, and the gold-hilted sword was a rough oaken staff such as a beggar carries who wanders the roads from farmer's house to house. When the people saw that the doom that had been wrought was not for them they returned, and found the old man prone on the ground with his face hidden in his arms. So they lifted him up, and asked who he was and what had befallen him.

Oisin gazed round on them with dim eyes, and at last he said, "I was Oisin the son ofFinn, and I pray you tell me where he dwells, for his dun on the Hill of Allen is now a desolation, and I have neither seen him nor heard his hunting-horn from the western to the eastern sea."

Then the men gazed strangely on each other and on Oisin, and the overseer asked, "Of what Finn do you speak, for there be many of that name in Erin?"

Oisin said, "Surely of Finn mac Cumhal mac Trenmor, captain of the Fianna of Erin."

Then the overseer said, "You are daft, old man, and you have made us daft to take you for a youth as we did a while ago. But we at least have now our wits again and we know that Finn son of Cumhal and all his generation have been dead these three hundred years. At the battle of Gowra fell Oscar, son of Oisin, and Finn at the battle of Brea, as the historians tell us; and the lays of Oisin, whose death no man knows the manner of, are sung by our harpers at great men's feasts.
But now the Talkenn*, Patrick has come into Ireland and has preached to us the One God and Christ His Son, by whose might these old days and ways are done away with; and Finn and his Fianna, with their feasting and hunting and songs of war and of love,have no such reverence among us as the monks and virgins of Holy Patrick, and the psalms and prayers that go up daily to cleanse us from sin and to save us from the fire of judgment."
But Oisin replied, only half hearing and still less comprehending what was said to him,

"If your God has slain Finn and Oscar, I would say that God is a strong man."

Then they all cried out upon him, and some picked up stones, but the overseer bade them let him be until the Talkenn had spoken with him, and till he should order what was to be done.

http://www.shee-eire.com

Fae Folk & Kin: With Associations

2007-06-12T07:27:00.000-05:00

Work in progress.......

CREATURES

Barguest: Brittish. One name for the phantom black dog. In appearance the Barguest was as large as a calf, with long sharp fangs and claws, fiery eyes and a shaggy black coat. The Barguest seems to have been a name used relatively widely for a shapeshifting creature, which could also appear in the shape of a bear, indeed the name Barguest may derive from the German for 'bear ghost'. In common with many supernatural creatures, the Barguest could not cross running water, and as a black dog it was often seen as a death portent.

Cait Sith: Scotland. Also known as a "Faery Cat"; it is as big as a dog and completely black - except for a small white patch on its chest. It can be ferocious when stumbled upon.

Church Grim or Kirk Grim: The guardian of old churchyards in the form of a black dog, it protected the dead from the Devil, demons and other nefarious supernatural creatures. The dog was often seen on stormy nights and was regarded as a portent of death. It has been surmised that the Church Grim is a folk memory of a sacrifice. It was believed in the past that the first burial in a churchyard would have to watch over the rest of the dead. A dog may have been buried first in place of a human. Phantom black dogs are numerous in Britain, and almost every area has its own variant. Although not all of these are thought to be derived from a folk memory of a sacrifice, the practice was once widespread.

Cwn Annwn: (coon anoon) Welsh, means hounds of the otherworld(underworld), are phantom dogs seen as a death portent. Also known as "Hounds of the Hill", "Herla's Hounds". Their growling is louder when they are at a distance, and as they draw near the growling grows softer and softer. Annwn is the Welsh underworld, a place ruled by Gwyn ap Nudd or by Arawn, who is one in the same character. In Welsh stories this land is the ever-living, and is full of magical beasts and treasures. Almost every area in Britain has its version of phantom or fairy dogs.

Cu Sith: Scotland, "Faery Dog". A supernatural green dog with long shaggy fur; it was roughly the size of a large calf but not dangerous to meet. It could hunt in total silence but when its prize was reached it would let out 3 barks that could be heard for miles.

Kelpie: A supernatural Water Elemental. Takes the form of a horse; malevolent.

The Glaistig: The Glaistig was a solitary supernatural being of the Scottish Highlands, with the upper half of a woman and the lower half of a goat, although she was also believed to appear in human and animal form. Her skin was grey, and long golden hair fell about her body. Like many of the fairy races she was often seen clothed in green, in the form of a long flowing robe, which covered her goat half. In the diverse and changing traditions of the Highlands, the Glaistig was seen as both benevolent and malevolent towards humans. In one aspect she even takes the role of the Banshee, wailing at the death of important people. She was also thought of as a trickster - throwing stones and leading travellers astray from their paths. In her gentler role she was seen as a mischievous friend to children, and in older stories she was even trusted to play with children while their mothers were milking the cows. The Glaistig was also closely linked to cattle, and in some forms is seen as a herder of domestic cattle, and of wild deer. Libations of milk were poured for her, especially on selected stones; this veneration may be linked with older fertility customs.

Gwartheg Y Llyn (gwarrthey er thlin): Welsh. Faery cattle. You could milk it and it would never run dry. They birthed new cattle without the use of a stud and if you killed one for meat another magically appeared.

Mermaids: Welsh. Tales of mermaids have been around for centuries, and form a large part of seafaring lore, especially round the coastal areas of Britain such as Cornwall, and the Northern Isles of Scotland. Their sighting was thought to be a bad omen, foretelling storms and rough seas. The descriptions of mermaids were remarkably similar from the tip of Cornwall, to the Outer Hebrides. Generally their upper body was that of a beautiful woman with long hair, and the lower half of their body from the waist down, was that of a fish. In many of the classic descriptions mermaids are to be found sitting on a rock just off the shore, combing their hair, singing sweetly and admiring their beauty in a hand mirror. Their beautiful singing brings men into their clutches much like the classical sirens, and the unfortunate victims are either drowned, spirited to their world, or eaten in the depths of the sea. Mermaids Rock, near Lamorna on the Eastern tip of Cornwall was one such haunted seat, the mermaid was said sing the local fishermen to their deaths. Sometimes mermaids are compelled from the water by mortal singing. In some tales mermaids are more benevolent, and have the ability to grant the gift of magical powers, but usually there is a still high price to pay. As well as granting wishes there are tales of mermaids intermarrying with humans and creating hybrid children with some powers of faery. Although most tales describe sea dwelling mermaids they were not restricted to the sea, and there are several examples of mermaids haunting rivers and deep pools. There have been several actual recorded sightings of mermaids over the last few hundred years, even into the 20th century, especially in places where the old beliefs die hard.

Nuckelavee: One of the most fearsome and gruesomely described supernatural creatures, the Nuckelavee inhabited parts of Northern Scotland. The creature's home was in the sea but it ventured on land often to feast upon humans. The Nuckelavee rode a horse on land, and its horse was sometimes indistinguishable with its own body. Its head was ten times larger than that of a mans, and its mouth thrust out like a pigs with a wide gaping maw. The creature had no skin, and its yellow veins, muscle structure and sinews, could clearly be seen covered in a red slimy film. The creature was armed with venomous breath and great strength. It did however have one weakness, an aversion to fresh water. The horse on which it rode, is described as having one red eye, a mouth the size of a whales and flappers like fins around its forelegs. Although the horse was sometimes seen as part of the creature's own body.

Silkies: Silkies are shape shifting sea fairies usually in the form of bright-eyed seals. They are localised to Northern Scotland and the Shetland Islands. Silkies often came on to land in human form, where they would dance, especially on the night of the full moon. In taking human form the Silkies shed their sealskin, and hide them in a safe place. There are many tales from the clans of leaders taking Silkie wives by stealing their skins. The Silkies are said to make good wives but always long for the sea, and return to their seal form if they gain repossession of their skins. The silkies can be identified in their human form by their webbed fingers and toes and their ability to swim underwater for long periods of time.

WOMEN

Bean Nighe: The tradition of 'The Washerwomen at the Ford' seems to have its roots in Celtic legend and myth. She appears in the Irish stories and can be identified as the crone aspect of the triple goddess. The Bean Nighe could be found at the side of desolate streams and pools washing the bloodstained clothing of those who are about to meet their maker. In appearance she was small in stature, always dressed in green and had webbed feet. Although the Bean Nighe was often seen as an evil portent she was not always a portent of ones own death as in the Irish version, and if approached in the correct way she would grant wishes. All you had to do was get in between her and the water. You would then be given the opportunity to ask three wishes and three questions, but three questions would have to be given truthfully in return, in the form of a traditional exchange between humans and supernatural creatures.

Bean Sidhe / Bean-sidhe (ban-shee) : Ireland. "Woman Faery"; a spirit attached to certain families. When a member's death approaches, the family will hear th Bean-sidhe crying (keening). Not always terrifying as is thought in modern myths. In actuality they are mothering protectors of a family for generations and feel the losses keenly.

Black Annis: Brittish. The area around the Dane Hills in Leicestershire, (now built upon) was said to be haunted by a creature known as Black Annis, possibly the remnants of some pagan goddess in darker times. She took the form of a one eyed wizened crone, immensely strong with sharp tearing teeth, long black claws and a blue face. She was said to hide in a giant oak, long since felled, that was once the remnants of a great forest, which covered the area. From this lofty perch she would leap out and eviscerate unwary travellers. Although partial to all human flesh she took particular delight in eating young children, whom she flayed alive. She then hung their skins like a grisly trophy upon the walls of a cave known as Black Annis's Bower. She is said to have created the cave with her bare hands tearing through the rock with her iron claws. Black Annis was also identified with a huge cat. A drag hunt with the body of a dead cat was carried out from the Bower into Leicestershire until the 18th century.

Boabhan Sith: The Baobhan Sith is a particularly evil and dangerous female vampire from the highlands of Scotland. They were supposed to prey on unwary travellers in the glens and mountains. The name suggests a form of Banshee.

Cailleach Bheur (Scotland); Cailleach Beare (Ireland) : "The Blue Hag". A cross between the Underworld Goddess and a faery spirit. She has fangs and sometimes three faces - thus making her into a triple deity or being. She was associated with winter in that she was re-born every Samhain and brought in winter - she carries a magickal staff that freezed the ground wherever it touches. She also protected animals throughout the winter months.

Caoineag (konyack): Scotland "The Weeper"; a Bean-sidhe; (still researching)

Cyhyreath (kerherrighth): Wales. A for of a bean-sidhe. It usually cries or groans before multiple deaths by an epidemic or accident.

Gwrach-y-rhybin: Welsh; a Bean Sidhe. A hideous hag who haunts Welsh families, and is also associated with specific places,warning of death or danger and would lament the passing of a family member.In appearance she has matted black hair, overlong arms, black teeth and a hooked nose.

PROTECTORS

Brownie: Bwca, Bwbachod in Wales; Bodach (budagh) in the Scottish Highlands, Fendoree in Man; Pixies or Pisgies in the West Country of England; Bockle in Scotland. They are about 3 feet high and dress in brown colors. They have brown faces and shaggy hair. Brownies make themselves responsible for the house where they protect by coming out at night to complete the (human) families unfinished work. Any offer of reward will drive them away, but they expect an occasional bowl of milk and piece of cake to be left out. Tradition sayes they do not like teetotallers or ministers. If offended, brownies will create malicious mischief. They are protectors and assist the family they care-for for generations.

Coblynau: (Koblernigh) Wales; {Known as Kobolds in Germany}. Mine spirits, similar to knockers. About 18 inches high, they like to dress as miners. Although they are ugly, they are good-humored and will knock where rich ores are to be found.

Gnomes: Earth Elementals. They live underground and guard th treasures of the Earth. Gnomes are wonderful metal workers, especialy of swords or armor.

FAERY GROUPS

Dryads: All Celtic countries. Spirits who dewll in trees, oaks in particular. They were contacted by Druids and shamans for inspiration.

Ellyyllon (ethlerthlon): Wales. Faeries whose queen is Mab. Their food is toadstools and faery butter, a fungus found on tehroots of old trees. Similar to the English Will O the Wisp, it appears as a light and misleads travellers from their path.Along with black dogs, tales of fairy lights are common throughout Britain, with a different name given to a similar phenomena. In general they are seen as malevolent, guiding lone travellers into treacherous bogs. The belief may arise from the natural production and combustion of methane in boggy areas

Elves: Another name for the Trooping Faeries of Britain. In Scotland they are divided into the Seelie and the Unseelie courts. The name is also applied to small faery boys. Elf-shot describes an illness or disability supposedly caused by their arrows. Elves, like many kinds of Fae, can also appear in size from quite small to human size.

Fenoderee/Phynnodderee (fin-ord-er-ree): Isle of Man. Brownies who are large, ugly and hairy. Goblins / Hob-Goblins: Small, grotesque but friendly Brownie-type creatures.

Piskies or Pixie: The Piskie is a general name for a fairy race or tribe in Cornwall while Pixie was from the West Country. In appearance they look like old men with wrinkled faces, and are small in stature with red hair. They dress in the colours of the earth especially green, using natural materials such as moss, grass and lichen. Generally the piskies are seen as cheerful creatures with a prankish nature. They are said to be helpful but also mischievous, helping the elderly and infirm whilst sometimes leading the more able bodied traveller astray on the lonely moors. Many stories relate to travellers being led into the wild moorland to become hopelessly lost because of the Piskies. There are many legends attached to the origin of the piskies (and other fairies). Some people saw them as the souls of pagans who could not transcend to heaven, and they were also seen as the remnants of pagan gods, banished with the coming of Christianity. In tradition they are doomed to shrink in size until they disappear. Another theory suggested they were the souls of babies who had not been Christened, a story championed by early clergymen, and one which has often been used to explain fairy origins.

The Spriggans: a family of fairies in Cornish folklore, they are the closely related to the Piskies, but were generally believed to be darker and more dangerous than their mischievous cousins. Whereas Piskies are generally described as being cheerful and fun loving, Spriggans are more spiteful and full of malice, directed at humans in the form of evil tricks. It was believed that the Spriggans haunted the lonely places such as castle ruins, barrows, certain standing stones and windswept crags. Spriggans were thought to be the source of such misfortunes as blighted crops, bad weather and illness, especially in a time when the mechanics of such things were not fully understood. They were also want to steal small children and replace them with their own kind, a common trait in many of the fairy races of folklore. In appearance the Spriggans are described as grotesquely ugly with wizened features and crooked skinny bodies. They form part of the fairy bodyguard as described by Bottrell and Hunt, ready to dish out summary justice to those who would harm their otherworldly cousins. In this defensive respect they could expand from their diminutive stature to giant sized proportions. One of their common traits was to lead lonely travellers into swamps or near to dangerous and crumbling cliffs, a factor they share in common with the Will o' the Wisp and the Piskies. Although the Piskies would not lead people to dangerous places.

Snow Faeries: Also known as Frost Faeries, Winter Faeries, Jack Frost, The Frost King, Old Man Winter, or the Snow Queen. Snow Faeries take on many different appearances depending in which land they live in. In some lands they are trooping faeries like the Pillywiggins, who collectively help bring winter to the world. In this instance they are small, winged creatures, dressed in white. As and individual being, such as Jack Frost, he is a solitary male. No record has ever been kept of their attitudes towards humans, but they appear to have no interest in us at all. Snow Faeries are not just faeries but a single pervasive personification of winter which is part of the faery lore of the entire northern hemisphere. These faeries bring on winter, encourage the snow, and paint frost on windowpanes. Before science was able to understand the simple principles of condensation, no doubt the picturesque frost left on windowpanes during the night took on a magickal quality. Found in the winter of Faeryland, in a night winter woods, or near winter streams and lakes.

Spunkies: Scotland. Spunkies have never been seen, but they are not friendly faeries. Reports of their appearance varies, but they are all said to be short, ugly, and long-armed. Spunkies are stalkers of "unprotected' children. In the place of the stolen infant they leave an ugly faery changeling. Spunkies may be another faery form that is merely an incomplete thought-form stemming from the unexplainable infant deaths in which a child simply failed to thrive. Unprotected, in this sense, may mean both magically and spiritually. In more modern times the term most certainly meant without benefit of Christian baptism, and in pagan times it meant without formal dedication to the Goddess and the bestowal of a secret name. Modern folklorists are quick to point out that Spunkies are almost unknown today. Robert Burns, Scotland's poet laureate, wrote of Spunkies, saying "...in some miry slough he sunk is Ne'er more to rise."

SOLITARIES

Cluricaun or Clobhair-ceann: Ireland. A solitary faery who lives in cellars and likes to drink wine and other spirits. A cross between a leprichaun and a hobgoblin (see below).

Far Darrig / Fear Dearg / Fear Dearc. Ireland. "Red Man"; a solitary faery who wears a red cap and coat and likes to indulge in greusome practical jokes. However, farmers consider them lucky to have around. Fear-Gorta: Ireland. "Man of Hungar"; a solitary fae who roams the land during bouts of famine; he brings good luck to those who give hom money or food.

Fin-Bheara (fin-vara) / Fionnbharr (fyunn-varr) / Findabair (finnavar): Ireland. "The Faery King of Ulster", sometimes called the "King of the Dead". Although he was married to the Faery Lady, he still courted beautiful mortals.

Gean-canach: Ireland; "Love Talker". A solitary faery who personifies love and idleness. He appears with a dudeen (pipe) in his mouth. It was considered un-lucky to meet him.

The Succubus & Incubus: The Succubus is a female faery who sexually attacks human men, and the Incubus is a male faery who sexually attacks human women. Their unprovoked attacks have been documented throughout human history. It was once believed that anyone claiming such contact was mad an they were summarily incarcerated. But the evidence for their existence is well-documented. and their assaults are still going on today. Pick up any popular work on modern hauntings and there will be at least one story of a frightening sexual attack by an astral entity which has occurred in the last few years. Persons who have been attacked by these malevolent spirits display mild to severe bruises and bite marks, many of them in places where they could not be self-inflicted. Women may also show torn vaginal tissue after an attack. There are two folk remedies which may help keep them from you. A peony flower taken to bed or a cauldron in the room is said to keep away the Incubus, and bluebells or phallic-shapped magickal tools are supposed to ward off the Succubus.

GENERIC FAE NAMES

Bendith Y Mamau: Welsh Bendith Y Mamau means 'the mothers blessing' and is a generic name for the fairies, especially in Southern Wales. In appearance the fairies are described as small and ugly, and are most readily identified with the Brownies, or the West Country Pixies, although they have the characterisations of most fairies. The Bendith Y Mamau were particularly ready to steal small children and replace them with their own changelings known as Crimbils. It was thought that they needed to improve their stock with mortal blood. Mothers had to take precautions not to leave their babies unattended in fairy country. There were various methods of retrieving mortal children from the clutches of the Bendith Y Mamau, many of them barbaric to the poor child suspected of being a Crimbil. Calling the fairies by the flattering title of the 'Mothers Blessing' was thought to appease them. The other name for the fairies in Wales is the Tylweth Teg meaning the fair folk. Daoine Sidhe (theena shee): Ireland. A name for the Fae people.

Faeries / Fairies: The earlier name was Fae's. The term faery now covers all Anglo-Saxon Elves, the Dione Sidhe of the Highlands; the Tuatha de Danann of Ireland, the Tylwyth Teg of Wales, the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, the Wee Folk, Good Neighbors, and many more.

Ferrishyn (ferrishin): Osle of Man. Name for the Faery Tribe.

Gentry: Irish. Name for all the Faeries The Good Folk: General term for faeries.

Tylwyth Teg: This is a general name for the fairies in Wales, it means the fair folk. Like the Bendith y Mamau the flattering name was thought to appease them. In appearance the Tylwyth Teg were small in stature with golden hair, a common trait in many fairies. They were thought to live under hollow hills and in deep crevices, and to frequent ancient places such as Bronze Age Barrows or cromlechs. Like other fairy folk they often interacted with mortals in the past, and it was possible to gain a fairy wife, although they always longed to return to their own people. According to many stories time in their realm passed much slower than in ours, a day in their realm could be a year or a hundred years in ours.This difference could prove disastrous for any Mortals returning from the fairy realm.

Will o' the Wisp: There are various explanations for the Will o' the Wisps, the most general being that they are malevolent spirits either of the dead or non-human intelligence. They have a mischievous and often malevolent nature, luring unwary travellers into dangerous situations. They were not always so dangerous, and there are tales told about the Will o' the Wisp being guardians of treasure, leading those brave enough to follow them to sure riches. In many places the Will o' the Wisp were associated with spirits of the dead who could not enter either heaven or hell, malignantly wandering the earth leading foolish travellers astray. The lights were also seen as death omens, and when seen within graveyards they were known as corpse lights. These were said to light the path of a coming funeral - from the victims home to the graveyard - in the form of small flickering flames. In other tales the light were often said to appear in places where a tragedy was about to occur. more to come!!

Todays Divination: Tea Leaves

2007-06-11T11:08:00.000-05:00

Tasseography - (tea leaf reading)

This is one of the easiest to learn of the Divinitory arts. For best results use loose China Tea, brewed in a pot without a strainer. The tea is poured into a cup without any pattern on the inside 9or you'll go cross-eyed). The subject of the divining should drink the tea but leave sufficient amount in the bottom of the cup to distribute the leaves around the inside (just a small splash left over so when the cup is swirled the tea leaves will adhere to the sides of the cup). They should also focus on the question they are seeking guidance from while drinking. Ask the subject to take hold of the handle of the cup and slowly - 3 times clockwise- rotate the cup (again focusing on the question) - allowing the remains of the tea to spread up the sides tot he rim of the cup. Then the subject should invert the cup completely on its saucer to get rid of the excess.

To interpret the signs requires an understanding of the following list. Also there is a time consideration. The rim of the cup (and close to it) represents the present through the next 2 or 3 weeks. As you move down the sides you are moving further into the future. Until you reach the very bottom of the cup and the very distant future. The handle (starting point) represents the subject - or its symbols represent things that will directly effect the subject. The exact opposite of the handle are symbols that may have a passing effect on the subject.

*If the symbols you can see clearly or really well - than the subject is lucky. The less defined mean they are less decisive and prone to hindrance.

*Shapes - Stars: success; Triangles: fortune; Squares: protection; Straight Lines: definite plans; Wavy Lines: uncertainty; Dotted Lines: a journey; Numbers: indicate years, months, days, weeks, or hours {Usually in the upper 1/2 of the cup is in terms of hours or days, in the lower 1/2 is in terms of weeks, months, or years.}

The following list is the general interpretation of symbols found in tea leaves. BUT as with most divinitory techniques - rely on your Feeling from the shapes rather then any Set definitions.

Tea Leaf Symbols:

Anchor: end of a journey; safe landing; successful end to a business or personal affair; problems unexpectedly solved.

Arrow:disagreement; antagonism; instructions for a journey; a letter.

Bell: good news; a wedding

Bird: news - good or bad; possible journey; companionship

Boat: travel; end of a friendship

Bottle: celebration; success

Bridge: travel abroad; partnership; introduction to new friends or business

Broom: end of a problem; change of jobs; domesticityButterfly:insecurity

Camel: long journey; temporary relocation

Car: local travel; introduction to new business associates

Candle: innovation; sudden new ideas

Castle: legacy; unexpected financial luck; good living

Cat: female friend; domestic problems

Chair: entertainment; relaxation

Church: marriage; serious illness (not death)

Clover: good fortune; unexpected success

Cross: hardship; discomfort; misfortune

Crown: honors; credit; promotion

Cup: love; close friendship; harmony

Dagger:danger; tragedy; business complications

Dog: friendship; companionship

Elephant: advice needed - preferably from an old friend

Fan: indiscretion; disloyalty; infidelity

Flag:defense necessary; warning

Flower: unhappy love affairGate: opportunity; possibility of advancement

Gun: trouble; argument; adultery

Hammer: hard work - which will be rewarded

Hand: friendship; help when needed; advice

Harp: contentment; ease

Heart: love or lover; confident

Horse: work

Horseshoes: good luck; start of a new successful enterprise

House: security; authority

Key: opportunity

Kite: exercise caution; think before acting

Knife: treachery; duplicity; misunderstanding

Ladder: advancement; opportunities taken

Man: stranger; visitor; help from an unexpected source

Mushroom: disturbance; complications in business

Palm Tree: a breathing-space; a rest period; temporary relief

Pipe (smokers): thought and concentration ahead; investigate all possibilities

Scissors: quarrel - usually domestic; double-dealing

Snake:an enemy; a personal hurt; a love affair

Tree: goal achieved; comfort; rest

Umbrella: temporary shelter

Wheel: advancement through effort; money

Windmill: big business dealings

(This list is built from Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland)

Comprehensive Divination Technique List

2007-06-09T16:46:00.000-05:00

I will be starting this thread to list out different divination techniques and explanations for divinations I have used (and some I'm still learning). I will also include how to make your own as Im a firm believer that tools made with your own two hands and personal energy are 10 times as powerful as those bought in a store.

The following is a list of the divinations I have personally used.

Here is a comprehensive list of divination techniques (I will not be touching on all of them in this thread, but if there is one you would like to explore further feel free to contact me!)
Types of Divination

Aeromancy is divination by atmospheric phenomena.

Alectromancy is divination by a rooster pecking grain.

Amniomancy is divination by using the caul.

Anthroposcopy is divination by observing facial features.

Arithmancy is divination by numbers (also Numerology).

Astrology is divination by planets and stars.

Augury is divination from the behaviour of birds.

Austromancy is divination by the winds.

Axinomancy is divination by a balanced axe or by a stone on a red hot axe head.

Belomancy is divination by arrows.

Bibliomancy is divination by random passages in books. See Stichomancy.

Biorhythm

Bletonism is divination by currents of water.

Botanomancy is divination by herbs.

Capnomancy is divination by smoke.

Cartomancy is divination by using playing cards.

Catoptromancy is divination by using a mirror.

Ceromancy is divination by molten wax dropped into water.

Chanelling is the act of connecting with a pirit or spirit guide for the purpose of divination

Cheiromancy is divination by the hands (see also Palmistry).

Clacking is divination by 'clacking' two stones together.

Clairaudience is divination by hearing things inaudible normally.

Clairvoyance is divination by "second sight".

Cledonomancy is divination by chance remarks or events.

Coscinomancy is divination by sieve and shears.

Crystallomancy is divination by a crystal.

Dactyliomancy is divination by using a finger ring. (Or Pendulum)

Dowsing is divination by using a forked stick or wires. AKA water-witching.

Geloscopy is divination by a person's way of laughing.

Genethlialogy is divination by the stars placement at one's birth.

Geomancy is divination by examining dots on paper, dirt particles or marks on the earth.

Gyromancy is divination by whirling around until dizzy and falling.

Halomancy is divination by salt.

Haruspicy is divination by examining the entrails of animals.

Hepatoscopy is divination by examining the liver of an animal.

Hieromancy is divination by observing sacrificed things.

Horoscopy is divination by means of a horoscope.

Hydromancy is divination by water.

Ichthyomancy is divination by fish.

Lampadomancy is divination by observing the flame of a candle.

Leconomancy is divination by observing the shape that oil poured on water makes.

Lithomancy is divination by stones.

Margaritomancy is divination by pearls.

Moleosophy is divination by moles on the body.

Myomancy is divination by observing the movements of mice.

Necromancy is divination by communication with the dead.

Numerology is divination by numbers and names.

Oenomancy is divination by the appearance of wine poured in libation.

Ogham Sticks the use of Ogham symbols on wooden discks for the purpose of divination or guidance.

Omen Journey is a meditation or astral journey for the purpose of divination or guidance

Oneiromancy is divination by dreams.

Onomancy is divination by the letters of a name.

Onychomancy is divination by the fingernails.

Ophiomancy is divination by observing the behaviour of snakes.

Ornithomancy is divination by the flight of birds.

Palmistry is divination by reading the lines and aspects of the hand. (see also Cheiromancy)

Pegomancy is divination by fountains.

Pessomancy is divination by pebbles.

Phrenology is divination by the bumps on the head.

Physiognomy is divination by the face.

Psychometry is divination by handling an object.

Pyromancy is divination by looking into a fire.

Rhabdomancy is divination by a wand or divining rod.

Runes the use of Rhunic Symbols forthe purpose of divination

Scapulomancy is divination by the shoulder blades of animals.

Scatoscopy is divination by the examination of excrement.

Sciomancy is divination by shadows or ghosts.

Scrying is divination by looking into a flat reflective surface. (see also Crystallomancy, Hydromancy, Catoptromancy, etc )

Sideromancy is divination by observing the movement of straws placed on a red hot iron.

Sortilege is divination by drawing lots.

Spodomancy is divination by looking at ashes.

Stichomancy is divination by random passages in books, see Bibliomancy.

Tarot the use of cards for the purpose of divination or guidance

Tephromancy is divination by looking at ashes from sacrifices.

Theomancy is divination by oracles.

Uromancy is divination by urine.

Xylomancy is divination by dry sticks.

Zoomancy is divination by observing the behaviour of animals.

Developing your senses

2007-05-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

Many of you have asked me for ways of expanding mental and sense abilities - like developing the ability to communicate with spirits, build empathy, etc. The strongest of gifts seem to be naturally given - sometimes to the point that a person must block it out or go nuts. But this does not mean you can not work on developing keener senses.

As most of you know my strongest tool is meditation and visualization. In the archives you'll see a guide to basic meditation. Once you are able to clear the mind and develop the environments you can begin with the next steps to developing your psychic, mental and senses strength and clarity. All of the below use a "Thought" choose which you want to develop - developing empathy, lets say (Thats what I'll use in the below examples - but you could replace with what you wish to develop).

STEP 1: BREATHING:
Pick a thought [ie. developing greater empathy]. Concentrate on that [developing greater empathy] alone. Feel the thought fill the air around you. Breathe in the thought [inhaling the broad spectrum of emotions, dreams and fears] with each inhalation. Repeat several times a day for 1 to 5 minutes.

STEP 2: FOOD CONSUMPRION:
Visualize your food being saturated with the single thoguth [the tangle of feelings soaking into each spoon-ful]. Chew the spoon-ful and swallow all the while visualizing the thought [sensativity to emotion] soaking into your body internally from the food - spreading from your stomach to your veins and out to your whole body. Repeat with each meal for 2 weeks.

STEP 3: LIQUID CONSUMPTION:
Repeat STEP 2 using a consumable liquid instead of food.Repeat for another 2 weeks.

STEP 4: MENTAL RETENTION:
Gather 5 or 6 household items. Place them on a table in front of you. Close your eyes and visualize only one of the items in perfect detail. Hold the image in your minds eye for up to 5 minutes.Repeat 2 times a day up to 5 minutes a day

STEP 5: VISUAL RETENTION:
This is similar to STEP 4. This time stare into the air above the table, with your eyes open. The goal is to see the image so vividly it hangs in the air in front of you. Repeat several times a day from 1 to 5 minutes.

STEP 6: SENSORY RETENTION:
A) HEARING: Hear the sound of a siren in your mind, focus to make the sound loud enough to actually be in the room with you. It is easiest to focus on loud sounds at first, but you want to move to quieter ones as well, focusing on the sound of the wind and waves and birds, etc.

B) TOUCH: Focus on a feelings - hot, cold, hunger, thirsdt, gravity, etc.

C) TASTE: Focus on tastes - focus on tasting the following vividly: Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Lemon. Start with 1 minute and work up to 5.

D) OLFACTORY: Focus on smells - focus on smelling each of the following distinctly: Roses, Cinnamon, Wet Dog, Furnature Polish. Start with 1 minute and work up to 5.
Repeat each several times a day for 1 to 5 minutes

STEP 7: PORE BREATHING
Lie down on a sofa, bed or floor and relax every muscle in your body. I start at my feel and concentrate on the sensation of each muscle relaxing one at a time. Feel all tensions in your body lift, dissipate and evaporate. Concentrate on deep breathes, slow and even. Concentrate on a single thought, proceed to repeat STEP 1. Feel the thought filling the air around you - Feel the thought [ie. a senseativity of others feelings] absorbing in throught your pores.Repeat several times a day for up to 5 min.

STEP 8: FAMILIAR OBJECTS: (AUTO SUGGESTION)
Sit comfortably and stare at a blank spot on the wall. Visualize a clock hanging there. Listen to it tick, See it. Hold the image for up to 5 min, then repeat with each of the following objects: Brook, Forest, Busy Street.Repeat 2 times a day for up to 5 min.

STEP 9: FAMILIAR PLACES
Sit comfortably and visualize in full detail a place that is both a comfort and familiar. Hear the sounds, see the images, smell the scents, etc. Repeat daily holding the image for up to 5 min.

STEP 10: UNFAMILIAR PLACES
Sit comfortably and repeat STEP 9 only this time visualize a place you have never been. Repeat daily for up to 5 min.

STEP 11: WILLPOWER
This step in all about learning to control your mind and body. If you feel hunger - push it from your mind for 5 min - NO thinking about it. If your tired, push any exhaustion from your mind, etc. Repeat several times a day up to 5 minutes

STEP 12: ANIMALS
Sit comfortably, close your eyes and visualize an animal. Watch how it moves, smell its fur/skin, feel it move against you, try to sense the animals emotions, try to connect.Repeat daily for up to 10 minutes

STEP 13: PEOPLE
Sit comfortably, close your eyes and visualize a person - friends and family alive or dead. Observe how they move, hear their voice - try to sense their emotions, try to connect.Repeat daily for up to 10 minutes

STEP 14: CONSCIOUS VISUALIZATION
Repeat steps 11 & 12 with your eyes open
Try to hold the visual for up to 5 minutes.

General Sabbat Ritual

2007-05-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

The start of any ritual will usually be the same - Casting the circle, calling the quarters and invoking Deity or Spirit. On High Holy Days I usually adjust my invocations to say what I am celebrating so here are my invocations and casts for my sabbats:

1) Casting the Circle:
~Tap the altar once~
The wheel of the year will ever turn,
the seasons will ebb and flow,
~Hold hands over the altar~
From an Autumn night to Spring s rain fall,
~Begin walking the circle in a Doesil fashion, starting in the East~
Marching ever from birth to death,
legends, myth and lore connect.
~Back at the East, move back to the altar, hold the red candle up to the heavens~
Purify the Great Wheel turning
~Replace the candle on altar and start second circle (at the East obviously)~
Winds of the East come to my call,
Bringing life and feeling to all.
~At each direction close your eyes for a heartbeat and visualize the energy of the Element entering you and your circle~
Fires of the South burning free
Bringing strength, power and passion unto me.
West flows free in Waters song
Bringing change and peace to all.
North brings me Earth so strong and true,
Grounding me so my energy may connect to all.
~Back to the East to begin third round~
This circle rises grounded in me
The seasons change displaying rebirth
From seed to plough
From harvest to feast,
The cycle continures for all to meet.
~Back to the altar, holding hands above it~
This Sabbat circle - thrice around,
~Visualize the bubble of your circle hardening~
I seal thee now from sky to ground!
~Stomp the ground ont timewith your foot to seal the magick~

2) Calling the Quarters:

Lighting each of the quarter candles, again starting in the East. Sart speaking in the God position (arms crossed over chest looking toward the ground) and slowly move into the Goddess position (arms raised and gaze to the heavens).

Guardians of the (direction) here my call. Element of (element) I desire you attendance this (name Sabbat) night. That I may learn from your strength, that your energy and minse shall unite to celebrate this Sacred day. Be welcome within my circle, acknowledge the power of this rite, imbue all within with your majesty!
~as you say it visualize an opening in your circle - a door for the element to pass through~

3) Invoking Deity:

Invoke Spirit, Lord & Lady or deity of your choice as you see apropriate for the High Holy Day. Not any different really than any other ritual invocation my general Sabbat invocation is the following - just fill in the blanks with your deity, Spirit or Lord & Lady and their characteristics. I suggest having a representation of them - even just a drawing- on your altar to help you better connect. Don't forget to visualize a doorway in your circle for them to enter as well.

"I call to thee, (name ). I call you (name) to enter my circle on this great night. Be one with me, fill me with your knowledge and power that I might perform this rite in your honor (I will sometimes add specific characteristics of the deity I am in need of to perform the rite) . Come unto me (name) this (Sabbat name) night, commune with my spirit, that I may fulfill my destiny and work this magick in your honor. Thrice called thrice honored. So mote it be!"

4) I like to read aloud my understanding of the Holy Day and recite my intent - what I hope to accomplish with my ritual. You can also welcome ancetsors into your circle for the ritual as well.

5) Draw Down the Moon (if peforming the ritual at night - this is a great way to raise power)

6) Work any magicks, depending on the Sabbat.

7) Meditate to solidify and raise more power within you.

8) Divination, Astral Travel, Rite to develop psychic power, do something with all this internal power.

8) Communion: This is to thank the deity and elements for sharing their power with your and to give some back in return.

9) Thank deity or spirit or Lord & Lady.
"Thank you (name) for participating in this (Sabbat Name) celebration with me. The knowledge learned will be put to good use. Peace be unto you, safety on all our journies. Thank you for this special ritual. "

10) Release the Elements:
"Guardians of (diretion), element of (element). Thank you for your support and strength during this ritual. It was all the more powerful and special for you participation. Go if you like, stay if you will. This ritual is complete. So mote it be."

11) Open the Circle:
Opening the circle is done with a once around in the widdershins direction (counter-clockwise) Direct your athame, wand or power finger toward the center of your circle to absorb the residual power from the ritual.
"As above, so below. This circle is open but never broken. So mote it be!"

12) Leaving the communion outside in a libation dish or spread on the ground - when you leave it out say "To the Gods" and visualize the nourishment reaching them.

Dian Cecht

2007-05-20T12:28:00.000-05:00

Diac Chect Was one of teh Tuatha De Danann. He was a healing deity who slew his own son, Miach, out of jealousy for surpassinng his healing power. Since Dian could not re-attatch the arm of a King of the Tuatha De Danann after it was cut off in battle- and Miach accomplished it. After Miach's death it was said that 365 healing herbs - one for every human ailment - grew from his grave. His sister, Airmid, gathered the herbs and laid them in an outline shaped like a body, so that the healing knowledge could be passed down from grnereation to generation. But Dian scattered the herbs so that the knowledge of how to cure all ailments was lost to us.

The outcome of this story for the ancient Celts was the Brat Aitmeithe, a large peice of cloth cut into the shape of a human body. Stitches on it are pictures of herbs that are beneficial to each part of he body.

Summer Solstice (aka Litha): An Explanation

2007-05-20T11:53:00.000-05:00

The Sumer Solstice is also reffered to as Mid-Simmer (think Shakesphere's "Mid-Summer Nights Dream") or Litha. This is one of the 8 major Sabbats or High Holy Days in most Witches Calendars. It falls on the longest day of the year - in the Northern~Hemisphere anyway (usually between June 20 - 23) This year it falls on June 21.

As it is the longest day of the year - it is not surprising the Holy Day is all about celebrating the Sun and its corresponding deities. In Wicca the Sun is represented by male deities but in Celtic witchcraft there is no gender alone associated with it - we have both female and male deities associated with the sun {see below for associated Celtic Deities}. This day is also about celebrating the abundance is what spring has wroght after Beltane - the previous Sabbat. It celebrates the abundance of Summers warmth and strength - the creativity and growth Summer facilitates. SO even as we celebrate the Sun we also celebrate the drastic contrast of the Summer Thunder Storms. So, at the time of celebrating all this richness and abundance we are recognizing and respecting the inevitability of decay, the cycle of birth to re-birth. This makes the Summer Solstice a great time of year to tend teh garden, pick herbs, etc.

Elements associated with Summer Solstice are Fire and Water. But, keep in mind that the High Holy Days are often represented as a wheel of teh year - as such it folls or flows from one Sabbat to the next - so there is some overlapping in associations: meaning some of the associations are the same as Beltane and some are teh same as Lughnasadh (August 1), and beyond in both directions. Along this reasoning - water is most associated with Fall while Fire is Spring and Summer.

How do the other elements relate to a "Fire Sabbat?"
Across from the Mid-Summer on the wheel of the year is Yule (The Winter Solstice = Winter, North). Its element is Earth. The 2 Equinoxes associated with Air and Water are Ostara and Mabon (respectively). Therefore - the Summer Solstice is "complimented" by Air and Water, and "opposed" by Earth. Earth and Fire balance eachother, understandably, as most fires are built on the earth or framed by it - but earth is also one of the best ways of extinguishing a fire. So, if you raise too much energy w/in your circle - you're "on fire" from it, you ground by conne conecting to the element of Earth. Fire cannot butn without Air - it needs it, which is why Air complements Fire. Symbolically, the beginings of magick in our circle begin at the East (Air) - so to raise the energy w/in your circle, your "fire" as it were, you need Air. But, you might be wondering how Water can complement and not oppose fire, as it also extinguishes Fire. BUT in many cultures Fire is a God aspect and Water is the Goddess aspect - you need both to complement the other.

The Summer Solstice also celebrated teh battle between the Oak King and the Holly King. The year is rolling toward winter and the abundance of the Oak must battle the decay of the Holly. From the Summer Solstice on, the days begin to become shorter and shorter, the harvest bgins to ripen, etc. So, while on this day the Oak King is at his strongest, He is challenged by Holly - the oncomming of Winter. The Oak King is thought of as the Goddesses consort - Her lover and partner in abundance and fertility. (He's the Green Man who marries Her at Beltane) on beltane this Green Man is very green, covered in foliage - by Mid-Summer he is represented by a single tree - he has matured. (By Lugnasadh His leaves have begun to turn and he isa ging unto decay and "death" of Winter.)

Many ancient Celts would pick summer grasses and toss them into the sea thanking Manannian Mac Lir for allowing the land to remain above the water for another year. Many Duids conscider this time a time of great Healing - as we gather our strongest herbs at this time. So many will recite the story of Dian Cecht as a part of their rituals: See other post.

Divination : Oghams

2007-05-19T17:46:00.000-05:00

Oghams are one of the most popular form of divination as well for people who follow the Druidic Path. The Tree Ogham is probably the most well known type of Ogham but in reality there are something like 150 different types of Oghams. On the Tree Ogham - There is a symbol for each of the wood types that is carved or burned into a small round disc of said wood (see http://www.dragonskeepfarm.com/Ogham_disks_used_in_divination.htm ).

Reading Oghams'
Speading a white cloth on the ground or table, hold the bag containing the discs up to the gods and ask the gods' blessing and guidance on divination. Shake the bag while praying - this allows the "proper Oghams" to come to the top. Grab the first 3 disks - unless something directs you to dig deeper - With te 3 Oghams drawn lay them on the white divination cloth from left to right/ The Left (answer from the Ancestors) , Middle (answer from Nature Spirits), Right (answer from the Shining Ones) - OR - The answers con be time related as in Past, Present, Future, depending on the questions asked. Here is the lost of all the Ohams (without symbols find those at the above web site).

The meaning of the woods in Druidry is the same as found in the Tree Oghams Attributes which is why I list them here:

Birch:
Standard Name =Beith ("BEH")
a.k.a. = Beth, Beithe, Beith
Letter = B
Means = New Beginings, Changes, prurification, sometimes challenges or personal changes in life; renewal and rebirth; may be discomforts involved - it is a favorable sign in most matters

Rowan:
Standard = Luis ("LWEESH"); Herb
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = L
Means = Protection & Control of Senses, Controling your life, protection from the controling forces of others; clarity & attention to details; concentration on task at hand; purification; choice between 2 paths

Akler:
Standard =Fern
a.k.a. = Phagos ("FAH-gos"); Beech; Iphin ("IFF-in"); vineyard
Letter = F
Means = Guidance, Assoc w/ Bran, Helping in making choices, spiritual guidance and protection; knowledge & lore; learning; study; education; the wisdom of the past as a guide to the future & present

Alder:
Standard =Fearn ("FAIR-n")
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = V
Means = Protection & guidance; bridge over deep waters; steadfastness; good advice received from others or your own inner depths; spiritual guidance and insite; the presence of the gods; an unexpected way past a difficulty

Willow:
Standard =Saille ("SAHL-yuh")
a.k.a. = Sail
Letter = S
Means = Mysteries & Water related subjects; Feminine attributes; gaining balance in your life; moving with the flow of events; intuition; dreaming; the unconscious; faith in personal vision. NOTE - since willow is associated with weeping sometimes balance comes through painful experiences

Ash:
Standard =Nuin ("NOO-in")
a.k.a. = Nin; Nion; Letter
Letter = N
Means = Ancients Knowledgs; the weavers beam; locked into a chain of events; feeling bound; connection & transformation; relationship to a larger contect; events may be more importantthan they appear

Hawthorn:
Standard =Huath ("OO-ah")
a.k.a. = Uath
Letter = H
Means = Counseling; protection & cleansing; being held back for a period of time; patience; reserve; retreat; a time of waiting planning; success after a delay; temporary obstacles

Oak:
Standard =Duir ("DOO-er")
a.k.a. = Dair
Letter = D
Means= Wisdom; Strength; security; success; forward movement; attainment; power & energy; a door opens to the outer world

Holly:
Standard =Tinne ("CHIN-yuh")
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = T
Means = Justice & Balance; Energy; guidance for problems to come; conflict; challenge; struggle against opposing forces; victory against odds; change in fortune; descisive action is favored.

Hazel:
Standard =Coll ("CULL")
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = C
Means = Wisdom & intuition; creative energies for work or projects; knowledge; intelligence; transformation & flexibility; communication and teaching;new information

Apple:
Standard =Quert ("KWEIRT")
a.k.a. = Queirt; Cert
Letter = Q
Means = Otherworld; a choice must be made; healing; happiness; recovery; awakenings * new experiences; an unexpected gift; rewards of success

Vine:
Standard =Muin ("MUHN")
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = M
Means = New Beginings; inner development occuring; take time for relaxation; inspiration; prophecy; unexpected truths; ; freedom from limits & restrictions

Ivy:
Standard =Gort
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = G
Means = New Beginings; Take time to soul search or you'll make wrong descisions; purpose; determination; self-control; slow and indirect progress; movement in round-about paths

Reed:
Standard =nGetal ("NYEH-tal"), wound
a.k.a. = nGeadal, nGetal
Letter = NG
Means = New Beginings; upsets, surprises; swiftness; sudden movement; instability; healing; change for the better; a message or an opportunity; not yet finished w/ your work

Blackthorn:
Standard =Straif, sulpher
a.k.a. = Straiph
Letter = SS, Z, ST (depending on the practitioner)
Means = Trouble & negativity; necessity & inevitability; hard realities in life; something that cannot be changed; results of one's own actions; a difficult path must be taken; the influences of Fate

Elder:
Standard =Ruis ("RWEESH")
a.k.a. = Reddening
Letter = R
Means = Enterence to the Otherworld; the Fae Folk; Healing; resolution; completion; transition from one state of being; difficulties permanently overcome; an omen of success in most things

Silver Fir:
Standard =Ailm ("AHL-m")
a.k.a. = Ailim; Elm
Letter = A
Means = Far seeing, knowledge of the future; Insight; transformation; expanded awareness; change for the better; peak experiences; dreams and visions

Gorse
Standard =Onn ("UHN")
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = O
Means = Collecting/Drawing things to you; combilation of forces; energy; life; vigor; sexuality; attraction; oportunities - though not without potential problems

Heather
Standard = Ur ("OOR")
a.k.a. = Ura; Earth
Letter = U
Means = Healing, homelands; spiritual power; the forces of nature; the coming of a new life; a door opens to the inner world; passion; power; magick; creation

Aspen
Standard = Eadhadh ("EV-uth")
a.k.a. = Eadha ("EH-yuh"); Edad
Letter = E
Means: Struggle in which victory is possible but not certain; a quest for inner strength
Yew
Standard =Iodhadh
a.k.a. = Idho; Iodho ("EE-yuh"); Idad
Letter = I, Y
Means = Death & rebirth; enduring realities; that which remains unchanged; old age; legacies from the past; the consecuences of present actions

White Popular
Standard =Koad ("KO-ud")
a.k.a. = Eadhadh ("EV-uth") ; Ebad; Grove; Elecampane
Letter = EA, CH, K
Means = Buoyancy & floating above problems; complexity; the presence of many factors

Spindle
Standard =Oir ("OR")
a.k.a. = Or
Letter = OI, TH
Means = Community; working within the home; radical transformation; sudden change; illumination or destruction (like a lightening bolt);set in motion by outside forces

Gooseberry
Standard =Uilleandh
a.k.a. = Uileand; Uilen
Letter = UI, IO, PH
Means = Kindreds - especially of nature; speaking & associating with animals; works well with herbs

Honey-Suckle
Standard =Uilleand ("ULL-enth")
a.k.a. = Iphin; Ifin
Letter = IO, IA, P, PE
Means = Drawing things together, binding; secrets & revelations; the influence of the subtle and seemingly insignificant; small causes with large effects; insight into the nature of the situation

Witchhazel
Standard =Mor ("MOHR")
a.k.a. = Phagos, Emhancholl, Emancoll ("EM-un-coll"); coll crossed
Letter = AE, X, XI
Means = Magick & Hidden Knowledge; Unexpected change; the arravial of new influences; the effectss of destiny

Norway Maple
Standard =Mailp
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = n/a
Assoc = Modifier of the Land

Rush (reed)
Standard =Brobh
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = n/a
Assoc = Modifier of the Sea

Bird Cherry
Standard =Craobh Fhiodhag
a.k.a. = n/a
Letter = n/a
Assoc = Modifier of the Sky

Celtic Goddess of the Day

2007-05-16T19:38:00.000-05:00

AIFE

(Irish, Scottish) Also spelled Aoife. Aife was a Goddess and queen of the Isle of Shadow, an honor she shared with her rival and sister Scathach. Scathach operated a school on the Isle where she trained fighters, including the nearly invincible Red Branch warriors. Aife also ran a school for warriors, but was much less successful than her sister.Aife was not vulnerable to magick, and commanded a legion of fierce horsewomen. She had a son by Cuchulain whom she kept from Cuchulain until the boy was of age to join the Red Branch.Other sources place her as a consort of the sea God Manannan or one of his sons, and say she stole an Alphabet of Knowledge from the deities to give to humankind. For this transgression, and her general meanness, she was transformed into a crane by the elder deities. Some legends say she haunts the countryside in this form to this day, others that she was accidentally killed by hunters. Call on Aife for protection, for general knowledge, or for aid in teaching.

NEXT SABBAT / ESBAT

2007-05-16T19:36:00.000-05:00

HEADS UP

The next High Holy Day is coming up fast......

June 21 = the Summer Solstice

Check back over this weekend for an explanation of the holiday as well as ways to celebrate and my personal High Holy Day Ritual!!

Brightest Blessings

Celtic Deity of Today

2007-05-14T10:34:00.000-05:00

Arianrhod
by Karen Davis copied from ExcyclopediaMythica (www.pantheon.org)

Arianrhod ("silver wheel", thus, the moon), is one of the descendants of Don. She had two brothers, Gilfaethwy and Gwydion the sister of Math ap Mathonwy, whose quality was that he required a virgin's lap to place his feet in, unless he was at war. When this virgin was raped, Math asked for a replacement, and Arianrhod volunteered. But when she stepped over his rod, she immediately gave birth to two children: a young boy and a blob. (This is likely because the word morwyn may mean either 'virgin' or 'free young woman', but it also indicates her divine status.)

The boychild was named Dylan; he was a sea-being who returned to the waves. The blob was snatched up by Arianrhod's brother Gwydion, who hid it in a chest until it grew into a baby. Arainrhod imposed three geases upon this boy: he would have no name unless she named him, he would bear no arms unless she armed him, and he would have no human woman to wife. Thus, Arianrhod denied him the three essential passages to manhood. Nevertheless, Gwydion raised the nameless boy, and one day Arianrhod spied a young boy killing a wren with a single flung stone. She called out that he was a bright lion with a sure hand, and thus he took that name: Llew Llaw Gyffes. Later, Gwydion faked an alarm, and tricked her into arming the boy.

Faery Folk and Kin: Magickal Associations & Explanations

2007-05-13T15:20:00.000-05:00

Work in progress.......

CREATURES

Barguest: Brittish. One name for the phantom black dog. In appearance the Barguest was as large as a calf, with long sharp fangs and claws, fiery eyes and a shaggy black coat. The Barguest seems to have been a name used relatively widely for a shapeshifting creature, which could also appear in the shape of a bear, indeed the name Barguest may derive from the German for 'bear ghost'. In common with many supernatural creatures, the Barguest could not cross running water, and as a black dog it was often seen as a death portent.

Cait Sith: Scotland. Also known as a "Faery Cat"; it is as big as a dog and completely black - except for a small white patch on its chest. It can be ferocious when stumbled upon.

Church Grim or Kirk Grim: The guardian of old churchyards in the form of a black dog, it protected the dead from the Devil, demons and other nefarious supernatural creatures. The dog was often seen on stormy nights and was regarded as a portent of death. It has been surmised that the Church Grim is a folk memory of a sacrifice. It was believed in the past that the first burial in a churchyard would have to watch over the rest of the dead. A dog may have been buried first in place of a human. Phantom black dogs are numerous in Britain, and almost every area has its own variant. Although not all of these are thought to be derived from a folk memory of a sacrifice, the practice was once widespread.

Cwn Annwn: (coon anoon) Welsh, means hounds of the otherworld(underworld), are phantom dogs seen as a death portent. Also known as "Hounds of the Hill", "Herla's Hounds". Their growling is louder when they are at a distance, and as they draw near the growling grows softer and softer. Annwn is the Welsh underworld, a place ruled by Gwyn ap Nudd or by Arawn, who is one in the same character. In Welsh stories this land is the ever-living, and is full of magical beasts and treasures. Almost every area in Britain has its version of phantom or fairy dogs.

Cu Sith: Scotland, "Faery Dog". A supernatural green dog with long shaggy fur; it was roughly the size of a large calf but not dangerous to meet. It could hunt in total silence but when its prize was reached it would let out 3 barks that could be heard for miles.

Kelpie: A supernatural Water Elemental. Takes the form of a horse; malevolent.

The Glaistig: The Glaistig was a solitary supernatural being of the Scottish Highlands, with the upper half of a woman and the lower half of a goat, although she was also believed to appear in human and animal form. Her skin was grey, and long golden hair fell about her body. Like many of the fairy races she was often seen clothed in green, in the form of a long flowing robe, which covered her goat half. In the diverse and changing traditions of the Highlands, the Glaistig was seen as both benevolent and malevolent towards humans. In one aspect she even takes the role of the Banshee, wailing at the death of important people. She was also thought of as a trickster - throwing stones and leading travellers astray from their paths. In her gentler role she was seen as a mischievous friend to children, and in older stories she was even trusted to play with children while their mothers were milking the cows. The Glaistig was also closely linked to cattle, and in some forms is seen as a herder of domestic cattle, and of wild deer. Libations of milk were poured for her, especially on selected stones; this veneration may be linked with older fertility customs.

Gwartheg Y Llyn (gwarrthey er thlin): Welsh. Faery cattle. You could milk it and it would never run dry. They birthed new cattle without the use of a stud and if you killed one for meat another magically appeared.

Mermaids: Welsh. Tales of mermaids have been around for centuries, and form a large part of seafaring lore, especially round the coastal areas of Britain such as Cornwall, and the Northern Isles of Scotland. Their sighting was thought to be a bad omen, foretelling storms and rough seas. The descriptions of mermaids were remarkably similar from the tip of Cornwall, to the Outer Hebrides. Generally their upper body was that of a beautiful woman with long hair, and the lower half of their body from the waist down, was that of a fish. In many of the classic descriptions mermaids are to be found sitting on a rock just off the shore, combing their hair, singing sweetly and admiring their beauty in a hand mirror. Their beautiful singing brings men into their clutches much like the classical sirens, and the unfortunate victims are either drowned, spirited to their world, or eaten in the depths of the sea. Mermaids Rock, near Lamorna on the Eastern tip of Cornwall was one such haunted seat, the mermaid was said sing the local fishermen to their deaths. Sometimes mermaids are compelled from the water by mortal singing. In some tales mermaids are more benevolent, and have the ability to grant the gift of magical powers, but usually there is a still high price to pay. As well as granting wishes there are tales of mermaids intermarrying with humans and creating hybrid children with some powers of faery. Although most tales describe sea dwelling mermaids they were not restricted to the sea, and there are several examples of mermaids haunting rivers and deep pools. There have been several actual recorded sightings of mermaids over the last few hundred years, even into the 20th century, especially in places where the old beliefs die hard.

Nuckelavee: One of the most fearsome and gruesomely described supernatural creatures, the Nuckelavee inhabited parts of Northern Scotland. The creature's home was in the sea but it ventured on land often to feast upon humans. The Nuckelavee rode a horse on land, and its horse was sometimes indistinguishable with its own body. Its head was ten times larger than that of a mans, and its mouth thrust out like a pigs with a wide gaping maw. The creature had no skin, and its yellow veins, muscle structure and sinews, could clearly be seen covered in a red slimy film. The creature was armed with venomous breath and great strength. It did however have one weakness, an aversion to fresh water. The horse on which it rode, is described as having one red eye, a mouth the size of a whales and flappers like fins around its forelegs. Although the horse was sometimes seen as part of the creature's own body.

Silkies: Silkies are shape shifting sea fairies usually in the form of bright-eyed seals. They are localised to Northern Scotland and the Shetland Islands. Silkies often came on to land in human form, where they would dance, especially on the night of the full moon. In taking human form the Silkies shed their sealskin, and hide them in a safe place. There are many tales from the clans of leaders taking Silkie wives by stealing their skins. The Silkies are said to make good wives but always long for the sea, and return to their seal form if they gain repossession of their skins. The silkies can be identified in their human form by their webbed fingers and toes and their ability to swim underwater for long periods of time.

WOMEN

Bean Nighe: The tradition of 'The Washerwomen at the Ford' seems to have its roots in Celtic legend and myth. She appears in the Irish stories and can be identified as the crone aspect of the triple goddess. The Bean Nighe could be found at the side of desolate streams and pools washing the bloodstained clothing of those who are about to meet their maker. In appearance she was small in stature, always dressed in green and had webbed feet. Although the Bean Nighe was often seen as an evil portent she was not always a portent of ones own death as in the Irish version, and if approached in the correct way she would grant wishes. All you had to do was get in between her and the water. You would then be given the opportunity to ask three wishes and three questions, but three questions would have to be given truthfully in return, in the form of a traditional exchange between humans and supernatural creatures.

Bean Sidhe / Bean-sidhe (ban-shee) : Ireland. "Woman Faery"; a spirit attached to certain families. When a member's death approaches, the family will hear th Bean-sidhe crying (keening). Not always terrifying as is thought in modern myths. In actuality they are mothering protectors of a family for generations and feel the losses keenly.

Black Annis: Brittish. The area around the Dane Hills in Leicestershire, (now built upon) was said to be haunted by a creature known as Black Annis, possibly the remnants of some pagan goddess in darker times. She took the form of a one eyed wizened crone, immensely strong with sharp tearing teeth, long black claws and a blue face. She was said to hide in a giant oak, long since felled, that was once the remnants of a great forest, which covered the area. From this lofty perch she would leap out and eviscerate unwary travellers. Although partial to all human flesh she took particular delight in eating young children, whom she flayed alive. She then hung their skins like a grisly trophy upon the walls of a cave known as Black Annis's Bower. She is said to have created the cave with her bare hands tearing through the rock with her iron claws. Black Annis was also identified with a huge cat. A drag hunt with the body of a dead cat was carried out from the Bower into Leicestershire until the 18th century.

Boabhan Sith: The Baobhan Sith is a particularly evil and dangerous female vampire from the highlands of Scotland. They were supposed to prey on unwary travellers in the glens and mountains. The name suggests a form of Banshee.

Cailleach Bheur in Scotland; Cailleach Beare in Ireland : "The Blue Hag". A cross between the Underworld Goddess and a faery spirit. She has fangs and sometimes three faces - thus making her into a triple deity or being. She was associated with winter in that she was re-born every Samhain and brought in winter - she carries a magickal staff that freezed the ground wherever it touches. She also protected animals throughout the winter months.

Caoineag (konyack): Scotland "The Weeper"; a Bean-sidhe; (still researching)

Cyhyreath (kerherrighth): Wales. A for of a bean-sidhe. It usually cries or groans before multiple deaths by an epidemic or accident.

Gwrach-y-rhybin: Welsh; a Bean Sidhe. A hideous hag who haunts Welsh families, and is also associated with specific places,warning of death or danger and would lament the passing of a family member.In appearance she has matted black hair, overlong arms, black teeth and a hooked nose.

PROTECTORS

Brownie: Bwca, Bwbachod in Wales; Bodach (budagh) in the Scottish Highlands, Fendoree in Man; Pixies or Pisgies in the West Country of England; Bockle in Scotland. They are about 3 feet high and dress in brown colors. They have brown faces and shaggy hair. Brownies make themselves responsible for the house where they protect by coming out at night to complete the (human) families unfinished work. Any offer of reward will drive them away, but they expect an occasional bowl of milk and piece of cake to be left out. Tradition sayes they do not like teetotallers or ministers. If offended, brownies will create malicious mischief. They are protectors and assist the family they care-for for generations.

Coblynau: (Koblernigh) Wales; {Known as Kobolds in Germany}. Mine spirits, similar to knockers. About 18 inches high, they like to dress as miners. Although they are ugly, they are good-humored and will knock where rich ores are to be found.

Gnomes: Earth Elementals. They live underground and guard th treasures of the Earth. Gnomes are wonderful metal workers, especialy of swords or armor.

FAERY GROUPS

Dryads: All Celtic countries. Spirits who dewll in trees, oaks in particular. They were contacted by Druids and shamans for inspiration.

Ellyyllon (ethlerthlon): Wales. Faeries whose queen is Mab. Their food is toadstools and faery butter, a fungus found on tehroots of old trees. Similar to the English Will O the Wisp, it appears as a light and misleads travellers from their path.Along with black dogs, tales of fairy lights are common throughout Britain, with a different name given to a similar phenomena. In general they are seen as malevolent, guiding lone travellers into treacherous bogs. The belief may arise from the natural production and combustion of methane in boggy areas

Elves: Another name for the Trooping Faeries of Britain. In Scotland they are divided into he Seelie and the Unseelie courts. The name is also applied to small faery boys. Elf-shot describes an illness or disability supposedly caused by their arrows. Elves, like many kinds of Fae, can also appear in size from quite small to human size.

Fenoderee/Phynnodderee (fin-ord-er-ree): Isle of Man. Brownies who are large, ugly and hairy.

Goblins / Hob-Goblins: Small, grotesque but friendly Brownie-type creatures.

Piskies or Pixie: The Piskie is a general name for a fairy race or tribe in Cornwall while Pixie was from the West Country. In appearance they look like old men with wrinkled faces, and are small in stature with red hair. They dress in the colours of the earth especially green, using natural materials such as moss, grass and lichen. Generally the piskies are seen as cheerful creatures with a prankish nature. They are said to be helpful but also mischievous, helping the elderly and infirm whilst sometimes leading the more able bodied traveller astray on the lonely moors. Many stories relate to travellers being led into the wild moorland to become hopelessly lost because of the Piskies. There are many legends attached to the origin of the piskies (and other fairies). Some people saw them as the souls of pagans who could not transcend to heaven, and they were also seen as the remnants of pagan gods, banished with the coming of Christianity. In tradition they are doomed to shrink in size until they disappear. Another theory suggested they were the souls of babies who had not been Christened, a story championed by early clergymen, and one which has often been used to explain fairy origins.

The Spriggans: a family of fairies in Cornish folklore, they are the closely related to the Piskies, but were generally believed to be darker and more dangerous than their mischievous cousins. Whereas Piskies are generally described as being cheerful and fun loving, Spriggans are more spiteful and full of malice, directed at humans in the form of evil tricks. It was believed that the Spriggans haunted the lonely places such as castle ruins, barrows, certain standing stones and windswept crags. Spriggans were thought to be the source of such misfortunes as blighted crops, bad weather and illness, especially in a time when the mechanics of such things were not fully understood. They were also want to steal small children and replace them with their own kind, a common trait in many of the fairy races of folklore. In appearance the Spriggans are described as grotesquely ugly with wizened features and crooked skinny bodies. They form part of the fairy bodyguard as described by Bottrell and Hunt, ready to dish out summary justice to those who would harm their otherworldly cousins. In this defensive respect they could expand from their diminutive stature to giant sized proportions. One of their common traits was to lead lonely travellers into swamps or near to dangerous and crumbling cliffs, a factor they share in common with the Will o' the Wisp and the Piskies. Although the Piskies would not lead people to dangerous places.

Snow Faeries: Also known as Frost Faeries, Winter Faeries, Jack Frost, The Frost King, Old Man Winter, or the Snow Queen. Snow Faeries take on many different appearances depending in which land they live in. In some lands they are trooping faeries like the Pillywiggins, who collectively help bring winter to the world. In this instance they are small, winged creatures, dressed in white. As and individual being, such as Jack Frost, he is a solitary male. No record has ever been kept of their attitudes towards humans, but they appear to have no interest in us at all. Snow Faeries are not just faeries but a single pervasive personification of winter which is part of the faery lore of the entire northern hemisphere. These faeries bring on winter, encourage the snow, and paint frost on windowpanes. Before science was able to understand the simple principles of condensation, no doubt the picturesque frost left on windowpanes during the night took on a magickal quality. Found in the winter of Faeryland, in a night winter woods, or near winter streams and lakes.

Spunkies: Scotland. Spunkies have never been seen, but they are not friendly faeries. Reports of their appearance varies, but they are all said to be short, ugly, and long-armed. Spunkies are stalkers of "unprotected' children. In the place of the stolen infant they leave an ugly faery changeling. Spunkies may be another faery form that is merely an incomplete thought-form stemming from the unexplainable infant deaths in which a child simply failed to thrive. Unprotected, in this sense, may mean both magically and spiritually. In more modern times the term most certainly meant without benefit of Christian baptism, and in pagan times it meant without formal dedication to the Goddess and the bestowal of a secret name. Modern folklorists are quick to point out that Spunkies are almost unknown today. Robert Burns, Scotland's poet laureate, wrote of Spunkies, saying "...in some miry slough he sunk is Ne'er more to rise."

SOLITARIES

Cluricaun or Clobhair-ceann: Ireland. A solitary faery who lives in cellars and likes to drink wine and other spirits. A cross between a leprichaun and a hobgoblin (see below).

Far Darrig / Fear Dearg / Fear Dearc. Ireland. "Red Man"; a solitary faery who wears a red cap and coat and likes to indulge in greusome practical jokes. However, farmers consider them lucky to have around.

Fear-Gorta: Ireland. "Man of Hungar"; a solitary fae who roams the land during bouts of famine; he brings good luck to those who give hom money or food.

Fin-Bheara (fin-vara) / Fionnbharr (fyunn-varr) / Findabair (finnavar): Ireland. "The Faery King of Ulster", sometimes called the "King of the Dead". Although he was married to the Faery Lady, he still courted beautiful mortals.

Gean-canach: Ireland; "Love Talker". A solitary faery who personifies love and idleness. He appears with a dudeen (pipe) in his mouth. It was considered un-lucky to meet him.

GENERIC FAE NAMES

Bendith Y Mamau: Welsh Bendith Y Mamau means 'the mothers blessing' and is a generic name for the fairies, especially in Southern Wales. In appearance the fairies are described as small and ugly, and are most readily identified with the Brownies, or the West Country Pixies, although they have the characterisations of most fairies. The Bendith Y Mamau were particularly ready to steal small children and replace them with their own changelings known as Crimbils. It was thought that they needed to improve their stock with mortal blood. Mothers had to take precautions not to leave their babies unattended in fairy country. There were various methods of retrieving mortal children from the clutches of the Bendith Y Mamau, many of them barbaric to the poor child suspected of being a Crimbil. Calling the fairies by the flattering title of the 'Mothers Blessing' was thought to appease them. The other name for the fairies in Wales is the Tylweth Teg meaning the fair folk.

Daoine Sidhe (theena shee): Ireland. A name for the Fae people.

Faeries / Fairies: The earlier name was Fae's. The term faery now covers all Anglo-Saxon Elves, the Dione Sidhe of the Highlands; the Tuatha de Danann of Ireland, the Tylwyth Teg of Wales, the Seelie and Unseelie Courts, the Wee Folk, Good Neighbors, and many more.

Ferrishyn (ferrishin): Osle of Man. Name for the Faery Tribe.

Gentry: Irish. Name for all the Faeries

The Good Folk: General term for faeries.

Tylwyth Teg: This is a general name for the fairies in Wales, it means the fair folk. Like the Bendith y Mamau the flattering name was thought to appease them. In appearance the Tylwyth Teg were small in stature with golden hair, a common trait in many fairies. They were thought to live under hollow hills and in deep crevices, and to frequent ancient places such as Bronze Age Barrows or cromlechs. Like other fairy folk they often interacted with mortals in the past, and it was possible to gain a fairy wife, although they always longed to return to their own people. According to many stories time in their realm passed much slower than in ours, a day in their realm could be a year or a hundred years in ours.This difference could prove disastrous for any Mortals returning from the fairy realm.

Will o' the Wisp: There are various explanations for the Will o' the Wisps, the most general being that they are malevolent spirits either of the dead or non-human intelligence. They have a mischievous and often malevolent nature, luring unwary travellers into dangerous situations. They were not always so dangerous, and there are tales told about the Will o' the Wisp being guardians of treasure, leading those brave enough to follow them to sure riches. In many places the Will o' the Wisp were associated with spirits of the dead who could not enter either heaven or hell, malignantly wandering the earth leading foolish travellers astray. The lights were also seen as death omens, and when seen within graveyards they were known as corpse lights. These were said to light the path of a coming funeral - from the victims home to the graveyard - in the form of small flickering flames. In other tales the light were often said to appear in places where a tragedy was about to occur.

more to come!!

Celtic Pantheon: Symbols, function & Correspondences

2007-05-13T10:23:00.000-05:00

ABUNDANCE, PROSPERITY, HARVEST
Anu / Artio / Bo Find / Campestress / Deae Matres / Lady Godiva /
Henwen / Latiaran / Nantosuelta / Taillte

ANCESTOR GODDESSES OF THE CELTS
Arianrhod / Cessair / Dana / Dwyvach / Ernmas / Modron

ANIMALS (General)
Ardwinna / Flidais / Henwen

APPLES
Ailinn / Badb / The Cailleach

ASTRAL PROJECTION / INVISIBILITY
Bellah Postil / Ethne / Luned

BATTLEFIELDS
Bellona / The Morrigan

BEARS
Artio

BEAUTY & PHYSICAL FITNESS
Aife / Deirdre / Luaths Lurgann / Scathach / Taillte / Triduana

BEES
Derbforgaille

BIRDS
Aife / Brighid (lark) / Cliodna (sea bird) / Corra (crane) / Dechtere /
Derbforgaille / Edain (swan) / Fionnuala (swan) / Garbh Ogh (eagle) /
Gwennoliak / Gwenddoleau / Princess of the Sun (swan) / Rhiannon /
Sequana (duck) / Uairebhuidhe

BLACKBERRIES
Brighid

BOARS
Ardwinna

BOATS / SHIPS / SHIPPING
Becuma / Grainne ni Malley

BOUNDERIES
Coventina / Ratis / Tamara

BUTTERFLIES
Edain

CATTLE
Aine / Blathnat / Bo Find / Damona

CAULDRON
Babd / Blathnat / Cerridwen / Cymidei Cymeinfoll / The Morrigan

CHALICE / GRAIL
Condwiramur

CHARIOTS
Flidais / Garbh Ogh / Princess of the Sun

CHILDREN & CHILDBIRTH
Ban-Chuideachaidh Moire / Brighid / Caireen / Modron

COURAGE & STRENGTH
Artio / Lavercam / Taillte

CRAFTSMANSHIP & SMITHING
Airmid / Brighid

CREATIVITY & INSPIRATION
Brighid / Canola / Cebhfhionn

CRONES
Babd / The Cailleach / Carravogue / Cerridwen / Gwyar / The Morrigan
/ Macha / Neman

CROWS
Babd / The Cailleach

DAWN
Genovefa

DEATH . OTHERWORLD / REGERNERATION
Babd / Cliodna / Cymidei Cymeinfoll / Dahud-Ahes / Queen of Elphane / Gwyar / Lady of the Lake / LeFay / Macha / Moingfhion / Morgan LeFay / The Morrigan / Nantosuelta / Neman / Niamh / Rhiannon / Taranis / Vivionn

DEER
Garbh Org / Genovefa / Saba

DIVINATION / PROPHECY
Andraste / Corra / Drem / Emer / Fedelma / Fleachta of Meath / Franconian-die-Drud / Gwendydd

DESTRUCTIVE MAGICK / BANISHING
Babd / Queen of Elphane / Macha / The Morrigan / Neman

DISEASE (giving & curing)
Airmid / Queen of Elphane

DOGS
Nehalennia / Turrean

DREAMS
Caer Ibermeith / Canola / Franconian-die-Drud / Mare / Rhiannon

DRUIDS
Amerach / Argante / Birog / Drem / Eadon / Franconian-die-Drud / Luned / Maer / Tlachtga

DUCKS
Sequana

EARTH
Achall / Bo Find / Campestres / Eire / Magog / Sequana / Taillte

EELS
The Morrigan

EQUAL ARMED CROSS
Brighid

FAERY WORLD
Achtland / The Beansidhe / Biddy Early / Biddy Mamionn / Blathnat / Caer Ibermeith / The Cailleach / Cliodna / Cred / ruantia / Edain / Queen of Elphne / Fand / Fedelma / Feithline / Grain / The Lady of the Lake / Liban / Meg the Healer

FEMININE MYSTERIES
Kele-De / Sheila-Na-Gig

FERTILITY
Aine / Anu / Arianrhood / Bo Find / Brighid / Campestres / Damara / Damona / Deae Matres / Epona / Finchoem / Fleachta of Meath / Magog / Modron / Nantosuelta / Tanit / Taillte

FIRE
Adsullata / Aine / Brighid / Ebhlinne / Inghean Bhuidhe / Lassair / Princess of the Sun / Rosmerta / Sul

FISH
Bean Naomha (trout) / Liban (salmon)

FLOWERS
Aine (meadowsweet) / Blodeuwedd / Deae Matres / Guinevere (hawthorn) / Plur na mBan

FORTIFICATIONS
Macha / Ratis / Tea & Tephi

GIANTS
Garbh Ogh / Vivionn

HARP
Canola / Eire

HAWTHORNE
Guinevere

HEALING & HERBALISM
Airmid / Aibheaog / Argante / Arnamentia / Bidddy Early / Biddy Mamionn / Brighid / Clota / LeFay / Liban / Princess Marcassa / Meg the Healer / Rosemerta / Sul

HEATHER
Uroica

HENS
Cerridwen

HORSES
Aide / Caer Ibormeith / Cartimandua / Edain / Epona / Franconian-die-Drud / Lady Godiva / Macha / Mare / Rhiannon

HOT SPRINGS
Adsullata / Rosemerta / Sirona / Sul

HUNTING
Flidais / Garbh Ogh

JUSTICE
Aerten

LOVE
Ailinn / Aine / Deirdre

MAGICK (general)
iddy Early / Caolainn / Gwendydd / Luned / Morgan LeFay / Rhiannon / Tlachtga / Vivianne

MILK
Brighid

MOON
Anu / Arianrhod / Fleachta of Meath / Rhiannon / Tanit

MOON, Dark
Cerridwen

MOON, Waning
The Cailleach / Babd

MOTHER GODDESS
Brighid / Caireen / Cerridwen / Cessair / Dana / Deae Matres / Dechtere / Domnu / Dwyvach / Latairan / Macha / Magog / Modron / Taillte

MOUNTAINS / HILLSIDES
Aine / Magog / Momu

MUSIC
Banbha / Canola / Eire / Emer / Fionnuala / Rhiannon

OTTERS
Liban

PLEASURE / DIVERSION / GAMES/ COMPETITION
Fand / Liban / Taillte

POETRY
Brighid / Eadon / Fachea / Lavercam

PRECIOUS GEMS
Fand

PROTECTION / GUARDIANSHIP
Aine / Babd / Brighid / Caolainn / Eire / Ethne / Ratis / Tea & Tephi

PRUIFICATION
Arnamentia

QUEENS / CLAN CHEIFS
Aeval / Aife / Aille / Ain & Iaine / Boudicca / Caolainn / Cartimandua / Ebha Ruagh ni Murchu / Queen Maeve / Maire ni Ciaragain / Veleda / Vennolandua

RAVENS
The Cailleach / The Morrigan

REGICIDE
Nair

REINCARNATION
Arainrhod / Edain

SACRED SITES
Nemetona / Tea & Tephi

SALMON
Liban

SEASONAL RITES
Aine / Arianrhod / Damara / Ebhlinne / Inghean Bhuidhe / Lassair / Latiaran / Moingfhion / Tlachtga / Tanit

SERPENTS
Corchen / Melusine

SEVERED HEADS
The Morrigan

SEX
Achtland / Aeval / Arianrhod / Epona / Fand / Queen Maeve / Modron

SHAPESHIFTERS
Badb / Carridwen / Dechtere / Edain / Flidaid / Flaithius / Liban / Melusine / The Morrigan / Gwennolaik

SHEEP
Brighid

SHIELDS
Badb / Brighid / Derbforgaille / Queen Maeve / Scathach

SLEEP
Caer Ibermeith / Fionnuala

STAFF
Arianrhod / The Cailleach

STARS
Arianrhod / Sirona

STORMS
The Cailleach / Muireartach

SOVEREINGTY
Achall / Ain & Iaine / Condwiramur / Creiddylad / Deirdre / Eire / Flaithius / Genovefa / Lady Godiva / Goewin / Grainne / Isolde / Lady of the Lake / Queen Maeve / Nair / Olwen / Scathach / Vivianne

SOWS
Cerridwen / Goleuddydd / Henwen

SUN
Adsullata / aimend / Aine / Bean Naomha / Gillagriene / Grainne / Grian / Princess of the Sun / Sul

SWANS
Caer Ibermeith / Edain / Fionnuala / Princess of the Sun

TEACHERS
Aife / Scathach / Uathach

TREES
Druantia / Gillagriene

TREFOIL / SHAMROCKS
Brighid / Olwen

TIME MANIPULATION
Amerach

TRIPLE GODDESS
Anu/Danu/Badb ; Badb/Macha/Neman ; Bo Find/Bo Dhu/Bo Ruadh ; Brighid ; Deae Matres ; Dechtere ; Edain ; Eire/Fodhla/Banbha ; Queen of Elphaine ; Epona ; Fiongalla ; Flaithius ; Garbh Ogh ; Guinevere ; Latairan/Inghean Bhuidhe/Lesair ; Melusine/Melior/Palatina ; The Morrigan ; Olwen

TRISKELE
All the triple Goddesses

TURNIPS
The Cailleach

VICTORY
Andraste

VIRGIN GODDESSES
Anu / Isolde / Nemain / Triduana

WARRIORS / WARFARE
Aerten / Aife / Ain & Iaine / Andraste / Badb / Banbha / Cartimandua / Cymidei Cymeinfoll / Ebha Ruagh ni Murchu / Grainne ni Malley / Luaths Lurgann / Macha / Queen Maeve / Maire ni Ciaragain / Muireartach / Nessa / Scathach / Sin / Uathach / Veleda

WATER / SEAS / LAKES / RIVERS
Adsullata / Arnamentia / Boann / Cebhfhionn / Cliodna / Dahud-Ahes / Domnu / Fand / Lady of the Lake / LeFay / Latis / Liban / Melusine / Morgan LeFay / Muireartach / Nantosuelta / Nehalennia / Sabrina / Sequana / Sionnan / Tamara

WAVES
Cliodna

WEATHER MAGICK
Stine Bheag

WEAVING
Arianrhod

WELLS
Aibheaog / Brighid / Bean Naomha / Caolainn / Cebhfhionn / Finchoem / Liban / Momu

WINE / ALE / MEADE
Latis / Sin / Uroica

WINTER
The Cailleach

WISDOM / INTELLECT / KNOWLEDGE / WIT
Ailbhe / Bean Naomha / Cebhfhionn / Nessa

WOLVES
Badb / The Morrigan

WOODLANDS
Ardwinna / Flidais / Garbh Ogh / Saba

*List accumulated in Celtis Womens Spirituality by Edain McCoy

If you want to research a specific Deity before I post it I suggest using Mythica Encyclopedia online at http://www.pantheon.org/

Traveling between Realms

2007-05-11T13:11:00.000-05:00

The following are guided visualization to lead you on a journey to Tir na mBan - The Land of Women; is a journey to gain wisdom. Enjoy.

Here are some tips before you attempt a journey: * Do not ever think your experiences are not real. So go into this journey in the right frame of mind. This is not ment for fun or sport but as a learning experience. *When in the Other-world respect the privacy of others whether spirits, the dead, deities, or other magickal travelers. *THE OLDEST RULE "Protection of Bread and Salt". If a being in the Otherworld invites you for a chat or to be a guide - you, as the guest, are under obligation to be at peace while you are there; just as the host is required to maintain this level of "friendship" for a minimum of a year and a day. You are not required to accept the offering - just be aware if you do you are essentilly bound in friendship & teaching to this person for a year and a day. **Make sure you wont be disturbed - no phones or kids ready to bother you whatever. Here is the Tir na mBan Meditation (from Celtic Women's Spirituality pg 176 by Edan McCoy) There re 3 ways to use this meditative technique. I will list all 3. These are guided meditation - meaning when you are first starting out you would get best results if you taped yourself speaking in a low quiet voice walking through the imagery. As you get more accomplished at meditations you wont need the guide, but its good at first. Prep: Close your eyes and slow your thoughts; breathe rhythmically and deeply. Center your spirit and let go. Focus inward relaxing your body from feet up through the top of your head. Then focus outward away from this time and place. Visualize allowing yourself to separate from your body and experience the wonders of the Tir na mBan. Find your self standing at eh center point of the right half of a double spiral. Cautiously put one foot forward, and begin to follow the spiral. You are aware the Otherworld is a limitless place with an almost infinate number of realms to explore. As you work your way out of the spiral, you feel the need to take form, or find a guide that will specifically help you into Tir na mBan. As you reach the point where the two spirals interconnect you will feel a change in pressure of the atmosphere. The world has become mroe fluid and light. Standing on either side of the path are 2 large dogs, one red and one white. These are the guardians of the gates of the Otherworld. They reguard you passively even though they are fearsome creatures.

Choose one of the following ~

A: Shapes-shifting: Feel your outer self becoming fluid with the world around you, changing into a vey feminine form. Feel your arms becoming (insert word for animal for ie. hooves, wings, paws, etc), and sense their power as the real you is enfolded in this new shape - Useally it takes up to 3 mintues for transformation to be complete.
You continue along the other spiral, moving clockwise through the counter-clockwise world of water and mist. Inward you travel in anever-tightening circle, until you come to a halt on the shores of Tir na mBan.
As you step onto the beach, you feel your other form returnign. The (insert animal words ie. feathers, pelt, etc) melts into your skin, and you look out of your own eyes once more.

B: Horse or Bird Guide
From out of the mist in front of you comes a guide to take you teh rest of the way to Tir na mBan. A beautiful (insert animal form: white mare or large black she-raven) comes to stand mystically in front of you, beckoning you to mount her. You climb willingly onto the creatures back.
You continue along the other spiral, moving clockwise through the counter-clockwise world of water and mist. Inward you travel in an ever-tightening circle, until you come to a halt on the shores of Tir na mBan.
You step onto the beach and dismount your guide. You sense she will be waiting for you when you return to this spot again for your return trip.

C: Silver Boat
From out of the mist comes a small silver boat to take you the rest of the way to Tir na mBan. You willingly climb into it, knowing it has been sent from the Otherworld.
You continue along the other spiral, moving clockwise through the counter-clockwise world of water and mist. Inward you travel in an ever-tightening circle, until you come to a halt on the shores of Tir na mBan.
You step onto the beach and climb out of the boat. You sense it will be waiting for you when you return to this spot again for your return trip.

Continuing on in Tir na mBan ~
From this place on the shore you see you are at the meeting point of 2 worlds. Behind you the world is misty and it is hard to see through the murky veil, but ahead of you in Tir na mBan it is summer, lush and green. A huge primeval forest spreads out endlessly before you. The only easy acces to it seems to be a small pathway right in front of you. The sides of the path are marked by 2 small cauldrons. As you approach you see they contain a dark red liquid. The path itself is dark red, as if stained by blood from thousands of years. The whole area radiates a sacredness, and throbs with potential life, and you feel your own heart beat in sync with it.
You follow along this blood path deep into the forest until you come to a grotto. In the middle of the grotto is a silver and gold throne, and on it is seated a Goddess-like woman clothed in flowing green robes. Upon her blonde head is a crown of gold that radiates like the sun and in the center of it sits the largest, clearest ruby you've ever seen. She exudes serenity an quiet power, and she seems at one with her surroundings.
All around her are the astral forms of woman like yourself who have come seeking the wisdom of Tir na mBan. At first it makes you sad to see how few women are lined up before her, waiting their turn to drink from a chalice. In comparison to all the women in the world, their numbers here are few.
When it is your turn the Goddess-like Queen offers you a drink from a large jewel-encrusted chalice. You approach the throne. The queen smiles at you with motehrly pride, and you take the heavy chalice and dring deeply from it. The potion inside tastes a little like milk nd honey, but it has a light, otherworldly texture and flavor that you have never before experienced.
You hand the heavy chalice back to the queen.
"Welcome to Tir na mBan," she sayes, "This realm belongs to you. Go and seek your wisdom, my sister."
With that comand you are free to explore this world at will. You move into the forest again, noting as you travel along how rich the landscape is in feminine imagery. Chalices, cauldrons, hares, does, horses, ravens, and pools of sacred blood literally enhance your surroundings.

*At this point you may explore the land of Women as you like - maybe visiting your ansestors, seek a vision in the cauldron of knowledge, seek out the Well of Segais (knowledge) that is traditionally guarded by a stag in the underworld, or you seek your shadow-self in the darker reaches of Tir na mBan. Your shadow self will have all your same fears, loves, hiopes and joys, strengths and failings. It will be neither good nor evil, strong nor weak. It will just be you. This discovery can be the most daunting aspect of otherworld travel, but it is one that will ultimately make you whole and give you spiritual insights you are not able to get otherwise.

Or you can go through a dream retrieval - The following guided meditation is for that :

Knowing that you must find your missing or unconcluded dream, you allow your intuition to guide you to the cave of dreams. You are lead throguh a misty land populated by fantastic creatures and images. In the center of a clear blue lake you see the mouth of the cave of dreams. The cave appears to be made of pure silver, and it glistens in the half-light of this dream world. Inside are all the dream images that have ever been made by women.
There is no boat nearby, or any apparently easy way to cross the lake to the cave. Then, knowing that in the dream world you can do anything, you step onto the lake and find you are able to walk on the surface of the water. You walk toward the cave enterance and take note that it has no guardian; its only protection seems to be the lake.
You step inside, and see that the cave of dreams is not dark. Many pathways lead away from this central chamber. Because you have been contemplating retrieving this particular dream while in your waking state, you decide to follow your instincts in selecting the pathway.
You walk through the narrow chamber, which contains an infinite number of closed doorwys. Most of the markings upon them do not look familiar, and you realize those roomsdo not contain the dream you are seeking. Finally you come upon a doorway that you know without a doubt contains yours. As you grasp the doorknob you vividly recal either the point at which your dream left off, or the feeling you had upon awakening from the dream you could not remember. You open the door, and step into the dream sequence.

*When ready to leave the cave- exit the door of your dream and follow the same path out of the cave as you used to ente. At the mouth of the cave, walk back across the lake and through the misty land until you are back in the forrest.

LEAVING Tir Na mBan:
Once you are back on the blood path, follow it back to the shore line. (If you have difficulty finding it will yourself to the shores.) Then follow these guides to leave:

A: Shape-shifting
As you stand on the shore, you feel the animal form tht you previously took reasserting itself, and you allow the transformation. Then you step off the shore and back onto the left-handed site of the spiral path, following it ever-outward to where it connects with the right-handed spiral. At this point your real form reasserts itself to your own physical body.

B: Horse or Bird Guide
On the shore, waiting for you, is the horse/raven that brought you here. You again climb onto her back and she carries you along the left-handed spiral, following it ever-outward to where it connects with the right-handed spiral. At this point you climb off of the guide and thank her for her assistance.

C: Silver Boat
On the shore, waiting for you, is the small silver boat that brought you here. You again climb into it and the boat carries you along the left-handed spiral, following it ever-outward to where it connects with the right-handed spiral. At this point you climb off of the boat. THe boat retreats back into the mists, awaiting your next trip to Tir na mBan.

Continuing your exit ~
You joyfully begin walking along the right-handed spiral, feeling Tir na mBan fading away from you as the atmosphere loses its fluidity. As you reach the center of the right-handed spiral you feel born anew. You feel yourself fading away from the astral world as a gental veil of space and time closes off your world from this one, and you say to yourself, "I am home".
Gently your consciousness transfers itself back into your physical body. Feel now the awareness of your physical self returning to your arms, legs, back, stomach and neck. Flex them and relish the joy of being a living human being. You are once again a part of the physical world. Open your eyes feeling exhilirated, energized and glad to be home with your new wisdom.

* I usually now write out my travels in my Book of Shadows so I don't forget any details.