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.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Components of & Creating a Ritual
1) Prepare for the Ritual:
Rearrange any furniture if you are doing it inside, clear a space and pack up all tools and candles, etc. Take a cleansing bath to wash away all physical dirt and relax your body ridding it of stresses. Meditate to find that quiet soothing center, near your heart - you can not effectively perform a ritual if you are mentally preparing your grocery lists.
2) Purify, Cleanse and Consecrate:
As you cleaned yourself and cleared your mind - so too you must cleanse your tools. This is respectful to the deity as well as to yourself - there are many ways to do this but simpleist is passing a representation of the 4 elements over all tools (like salt, incense, holy water, candle). Saying: "I purify my ritual tools by air [pass the incense over altar], I purify you by fire [pass each tool through candle flame], I purify you with water [sprinkle each with holy water] I purify you by earth [sprinkly lightly with salt]; I charge you to serve me well within the sacred circle, and I dedicate you to deepening my practice in the ways of Wicca." Place your hands over the tools imagining a glow of power foreach - Say: "I cleanse and consecrate these tools in th name of the Lord and Lady, that they be fit tools by which to [state the intention of your ritual]. So Mote it be."
3) Casting your Circle
Stand at your altar (or the North point of your circle. Ground & center- take 3 deep breaths to relax and clear your mind. Using your forefinger of your right hand (or a magickal tool such as a wand or athame) pointed toward the ground at the center of your area, begin walking the circle in a clock-wise ( called deosil) fashion. You will walk the circle 1 to 3 times while reciting a verval invocation**. Visualize the circle as a bubble becoming a hardened shell to prevent negative energies from entering with each pass. Once the passes are complete and you are back where you started say;
"As above, so below -- this circle is sealed. So mote it be!"
Stomp your foot to indicate the seal has been activated.
The Triple Circlecasting invocation by: Lady MorningStar(Recite as you walk the first time around your circle)"In this place, this circle roundI consencrate the sacred groundwith golden light this place surroundall power here contained and bound."(Recite as you walk the second time)"From earth, the things that manifest from air, the things of mindfrom fire, the things that motivate from water, the souls refined."(Recite as you walk the third time)"And yet no place and time there be between the worlds, my word and me welcome, Ancient Ones, and see this place is sealed, So mote it be!"
4) Calling the Quarters:
Although quarter calls can have a variety of connotations, they are basically linked to the 4 directions and 4 elements. The following is completed after the circle has been cast. You start at the North is you are practicing more traditional Wicca or the East for a more ceremonial flavor. You are essentially opening a door in your circle to allow this specific energy into it. For a smoother transition of energy, stand facing the direction, with the center of your circle at your back. Place your feet apart and cross your arms over your chest, and bow your head - this is the "God" Position. As you say your quarter call slowly raise your head and open your arms overhead into a Y (the "Goddess"Position). Visualize a portal opening through which what you have called can enter - nothing else will be able to) - visualize your concept of the 4 elements entering your circle. Standard colors for the Quarters: Green=North, Yellow=East, Red=South, Blue=West.
Stand at the North candle/Quarter & light the candle: ""Hail guardians of of the watchtowers of the north, Lords of the element of earth; I, (say your name), do summon, stir and call you forth to witness this rite and protect this sacred space. So mote it be."
Stand at the East candle/Quarter & light the candle: "Hail guardians of of the watchtowers of the east, Lords of the element of air; I, (say your name), do summon, stir and call you forth to witness this rite and protect this sacred space. So mote it be."
Stand at the South candle/Quarter & light the candle:"Hail guardians of of the watchtowers of the south, Lords of the element of fire; I, (say your name), do summon, stir and call you forth to witness this rite and protect this sacred space. So mote it be."
Stand at the West candle/Quarter & light the candle: "Hail guardians of of the watchtowers of the west, Lords of the element of water; I, (say your name), do summon, stir and call you forth to witness this rite and protect this sacred space. So mote it be."
5) Invoking Deity:
This is to call a deity into your body to help focus your power and lend her own to whatever working you are doing. When celebrating a Sabbat (holiday) I use a much longer and more specific invocation
"I call the down, O my great Queen (name of Goddess) to enter my body and commune with my spirit. Be with me now as I fulfill my destiny and
work magick in accordance with your will. So mote it be."
6) Great Rite
The GReat Rite is often an important part of raising energy within your circle and honoring the cycle of life. It is far more than merely sex- it is a joining of energy and identity - invoking thepower from the union of the Goddess and the God. This celebrates fertility, life, and unity and is the best re-balbancer if a situation/spell calls for harmony of energies to be restored. 2 parts to the great rite:
Great Rite in Truth: In volves the physical, spiritual and energy union of a male and female within the circle.
Symbolic Great Rite: Performed using a ritual tool associated with female receptive energy (such as a cup or cauldron) and one associated with male energy (like the wand or athame). The male tool is lowered into the female tool with awareness and intent- directly after the invocation.
7) Working Magick
You may be celebrating a Sabbat or Esbat or you may need to perform some sort of magick. This is th part of the ritual you would plan out ahead of time. *When planning your magickal working - make sur e you have a clear and percise definition of why you are performing the ritual and what you hopw to achieve - all other aspects of the ritual will derive from it. Who are you speaking to or hopeing to reach with your workings, who is your audience? What God/desses will aide you in your intent? Whic tools, and symbols will help amplify and support your intent? - NOW try to think of one focal point that will associate all of the above - Will you use a single spell ans vizualization to send out the energy to a person in need, etc. Keep it simple and direct.
8) Raising Energy
Generally I use meditation and visualization to raise energy and empower my intent. But you can also find chants & invocations or Incense, oils and potions; or Dancing & drumming; or Offerings/Sacrfice; etc.
9) Communion
This is more than a restocking of energy, it is a method by which the Gods bless and share power with you teh practitioner. Thats why we offer blessings upon the food and dring, then give some back to the gods when we are finshed with the ritual. For te drink - Hold the chalice/cup up toward the sky. Ground and center. Imagine you are presenting the drink to the Goddess Herself and say: "Bright Lady, Bless this drink with your love and grace. Imbue it with your blessings, that I may drink it to honor you, and in so doing share in your wisdom, knowledge and love. So mote it be." Drink most of the wine or juice. (saving some as an offering after your circle is closed.)
Hold your hands over the food on the pentacle or plate, visualize the God blessing the food, and say: "Mighty Lord, bless thsi food with your strength and love. Charge it with your blessings, that I may eat of it to honor you. And in so doing share in your wisdom, knowledge and love. So mote it be!" Eat most of the cake (saving some as an offering after your circle is closed.)
10) Thanking Divinity
You always want to thank the deity for participating in your rite. Stand at your altar and say: "Thank you Lady of Peace and Lord of NIght (or name the God/dess you invoked forthe ritual); I thank you for your presence withing my circle and for lending your power to this ritual. I honor you and bid you farewell. So mote it be." *Be sure to envision an opening in the circle from which the god/dess can leave. If you invoked more than one start with the last one invoked and release in reverse.
11) Releasing the Quarters:
Once you are finished with your magick/ritual, before opening your circle, this is essentially the reverse of the above process. Start with your arms in the Goddess position visualizing a portal for the energy to leave your circle slowly releasing into a God pose as you again seal the portal. Start your releasing at the last Quarter you called and work in a counter-clockwise manner.This is the standard Quarter Release to match the above Calling - you can also find specific types of quarter calls - angelic, dagon, etc) and the release that matches it.Start at hte West and work your way in reverse to the North."Guardians of the (direction), lords of the element of (element), thank you for participating in my circle this night / day. Go if you must, stay if you like. Hail and farewell."
12) Opening the Circle:
Once all magickal practices are complete. Walk the circle 1 time in a counter clockwise (widdershins) fashion. Visualize drawing all excess energy into a tool or your hands. Some will also pass the energy into their altar. Once the circle has been walked one time say: "The circle is open, but never broken. Meery meet and merry part until we merry meet again. So mote it be!" Again stomp your foot one time to indicate the circle is now open.
13) Offering
Taking the remaining portion of food and drink from communion - pour it into an offering bowl or place it outside saying: "Food for the Gods, I return you to the Gods, Lord and Lady, I thank you for your manifold gifts and blessings."
Rearrange any furniture if you are doing it inside, clear a space and pack up all tools and candles, etc. Take a cleansing bath to wash away all physical dirt and relax your body ridding it of stresses. Meditate to find that quiet soothing center, near your heart - you can not effectively perform a ritual if you are mentally preparing your grocery lists.
2) Purify, Cleanse and Consecrate:
As you cleaned yourself and cleared your mind - so too you must cleanse your tools. This is respectful to the deity as well as to yourself - there are many ways to do this but simpleist is passing a representation of the 4 elements over all tools (like salt, incense, holy water, candle). Saying: "I purify my ritual tools by air [pass the incense over altar], I purify you by fire [pass each tool through candle flame], I purify you with water [sprinkle each with holy water] I purify you by earth [sprinkly lightly with salt]; I charge you to serve me well within the sacred circle, and I dedicate you to deepening my practice in the ways of Wicca." Place your hands over the tools imagining a glow of power foreach - Say: "I cleanse and consecrate these tools in th name of the Lord and Lady, that they be fit tools by which to [state the intention of your ritual]. So Mote it be."
3) Casting your Circle
Stand at your altar (or the North point of your circle. Ground & center- take 3 deep breaths to relax and clear your mind. Using your forefinger of your right hand (or a magickal tool such as a wand or athame) pointed toward the ground at the center of your area, begin walking the circle in a clock-wise ( called deosil) fashion. You will walk the circle 1 to 3 times while reciting a verval invocation**. Visualize the circle as a bubble becoming a hardened shell to prevent negative energies from entering with each pass. Once the passes are complete and you are back where you started say;
"As above, so below -- this circle is sealed. So mote it be!"
Stomp your foot to indicate the seal has been activated.
The Triple Circlecasting invocation by: Lady MorningStar(Recite as you walk the first time around your circle)"In this place, this circle roundI consencrate the sacred groundwith golden light this place surroundall power here contained and bound."(Recite as you walk the second time)"From earth, the things that manifest from air, the things of mindfrom fire, the things that motivate from water, the souls refined."(Recite as you walk the third time)"And yet no place and time there be between the worlds, my word and me welcome, Ancient Ones, and see this place is sealed, So mote it be!"
4) Calling the Quarters:
Although quarter calls can have a variety of connotations, they are basically linked to the 4 directions and 4 elements. The following is completed after the circle has been cast. You start at the North is you are practicing more traditional Wicca or the East for a more ceremonial flavor. You are essentially opening a door in your circle to allow this specific energy into it. For a smoother transition of energy, stand facing the direction, with the center of your circle at your back. Place your feet apart and cross your arms over your chest, and bow your head - this is the "God" Position. As you say your quarter call slowly raise your head and open your arms overhead into a Y (the "Goddess"Position). Visualize a portal opening through which what you have called can enter - nothing else will be able to) - visualize your concept of the 4 elements entering your circle. Standard colors for the Quarters: Green=North, Yellow=East, Red=South, Blue=West.
Stand at the North candle/Quarter & light the candle: ""Hail guardians of of the watchtowers of the north, Lords of the element of earth; I, (say your name), do summon, stir and call you forth to witness this rite and protect this sacred space. So mote it be."
Stand at the East candle/Quarter & light the candle: "Hail guardians of of the watchtowers of the east, Lords of the element of air; I, (say your name), do summon, stir and call you forth to witness this rite and protect this sacred space. So mote it be."
Stand at the South candle/Quarter & light the candle:"Hail guardians of of the watchtowers of the south, Lords of the element of fire; I, (say your name), do summon, stir and call you forth to witness this rite and protect this sacred space. So mote it be."
Stand at the West candle/Quarter & light the candle: "Hail guardians of of the watchtowers of the west, Lords of the element of water; I, (say your name), do summon, stir and call you forth to witness this rite and protect this sacred space. So mote it be."
5) Invoking Deity:
This is to call a deity into your body to help focus your power and lend her own to whatever working you are doing. When celebrating a Sabbat (holiday) I use a much longer and more specific invocation
"I call the down, O my great Queen (name of Goddess) to enter my body and commune with my spirit. Be with me now as I fulfill my destiny and
work magick in accordance with your will. So mote it be."
6) Great Rite
The GReat Rite is often an important part of raising energy within your circle and honoring the cycle of life. It is far more than merely sex- it is a joining of energy and identity - invoking thepower from the union of the Goddess and the God. This celebrates fertility, life, and unity and is the best re-balbancer if a situation/spell calls for harmony of energies to be restored. 2 parts to the great rite:
Great Rite in Truth: In volves the physical, spiritual and energy union of a male and female within the circle.
Symbolic Great Rite: Performed using a ritual tool associated with female receptive energy (such as a cup or cauldron) and one associated with male energy (like the wand or athame). The male tool is lowered into the female tool with awareness and intent- directly after the invocation.
7) Working Magick
You may be celebrating a Sabbat or Esbat or you may need to perform some sort of magick. This is th part of the ritual you would plan out ahead of time. *When planning your magickal working - make sur e you have a clear and percise definition of why you are performing the ritual and what you hopw to achieve - all other aspects of the ritual will derive from it. Who are you speaking to or hopeing to reach with your workings, who is your audience? What God/desses will aide you in your intent? Whic tools, and symbols will help amplify and support your intent? - NOW try to think of one focal point that will associate all of the above - Will you use a single spell ans vizualization to send out the energy to a person in need, etc. Keep it simple and direct.
8) Raising Energy
Generally I use meditation and visualization to raise energy and empower my intent. But you can also find chants & invocations or Incense, oils and potions; or Dancing & drumming; or Offerings/Sacrfice; etc.
9) Communion
This is more than a restocking of energy, it is a method by which the Gods bless and share power with you teh practitioner. Thats why we offer blessings upon the food and dring, then give some back to the gods when we are finshed with the ritual. For te drink - Hold the chalice/cup up toward the sky. Ground and center. Imagine you are presenting the drink to the Goddess Herself and say: "Bright Lady, Bless this drink with your love and grace. Imbue it with your blessings, that I may drink it to honor you, and in so doing share in your wisdom, knowledge and love. So mote it be." Drink most of the wine or juice. (saving some as an offering after your circle is closed.)
Hold your hands over the food on the pentacle or plate, visualize the God blessing the food, and say: "Mighty Lord, bless thsi food with your strength and love. Charge it with your blessings, that I may eat of it to honor you. And in so doing share in your wisdom, knowledge and love. So mote it be!" Eat most of the cake (saving some as an offering after your circle is closed.)
10) Thanking Divinity
You always want to thank the deity for participating in your rite. Stand at your altar and say: "Thank you Lady of Peace and Lord of NIght (or name the God/dess you invoked forthe ritual); I thank you for your presence withing my circle and for lending your power to this ritual. I honor you and bid you farewell. So mote it be." *Be sure to envision an opening in the circle from which the god/dess can leave. If you invoked more than one start with the last one invoked and release in reverse.
11) Releasing the Quarters:
Once you are finished with your magick/ritual, before opening your circle, this is essentially the reverse of the above process. Start with your arms in the Goddess position visualizing a portal for the energy to leave your circle slowly releasing into a God pose as you again seal the portal. Start your releasing at the last Quarter you called and work in a counter-clockwise manner.This is the standard Quarter Release to match the above Calling - you can also find specific types of quarter calls - angelic, dagon, etc) and the release that matches it.Start at hte West and work your way in reverse to the North."Guardians of the (direction), lords of the element of (element), thank you for participating in my circle this night / day. Go if you must, stay if you like. Hail and farewell."
12) Opening the Circle:
Once all magickal practices are complete. Walk the circle 1 time in a counter clockwise (widdershins) fashion. Visualize drawing all excess energy into a tool or your hands. Some will also pass the energy into their altar. Once the circle has been walked one time say: "The circle is open, but never broken. Meery meet and merry part until we merry meet again. So mote it be!" Again stomp your foot one time to indicate the circle is now open.
13) Offering
Taking the remaining portion of food and drink from communion - pour it into an offering bowl or place it outside saying: "Food for the Gods, I return you to the Gods, Lord and Lady, I thank you for your manifold gifts and blessings."
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Creating A Spell
Creating a spell is a simple affair - since the power is within you. But here are some cautions and tips:
*Use magick as a last resort for mundane things. Getting your wishes will not always happen in the way you think - for instance, wishing for money may mean your beloved grandmother dies and leaves you an inharitence. So always try to solve problems with changes in your life - then use magick.
*You must TOTALLY believe the spell will work. You have to keep your energy full force to enact change of any kind. If you doubt the results they will fail.
*Remember when writing a Spell, the speaking or writing portion - essentially the spell itself- is just the manifestation or focus of your power. The power is already there and can be used for anything - writing or saying a spell just helps to direct the energy in the direction you wish for it to go. That is why total concentration and belief are so important.
*Does a spell need to rhyme? No, not necessarily. Rhyming flows through the mind and out of the mouth - you don't have to think hard on the words if they rhyme which allows you to focus on the intent rather than the words - since the words don't matter as much as the intent and belief, don't stress. Be percise and you'll do fine. Here's a Sample of some simple spells.
To Change The Current Course of Your Life
On a white piece of paper (un-lined) Fill it with collored scribbles. Just let your mind go and fill the page. This signifies the chaos in your current life. Draw a heavy Black X across the whole sheet saying:
Burn Paper entirely, scatter ashes in the wind envisioning the Gods receiving your wishes.
Increase Confidence Spell:
On a piece of paper write in bold, clear letters:
Confidence, come unto menervousness, now quickly flee
Bring me strength and bring me ease
As I will, so mote it be!
Place Hermite, turquoise and quartz on the paper; then wrap the paper sequrelyaround the stones then tape shut. Place in pruse or pocket.
Change Perspective:
On a waxing moon, gather a yellow candle, vanilla oil and 1 tsp of Thyme. Anoint the candle w/ the oil then roll it in the Thyme. Light candle. Anoint your temples withthe oil saying:
Let candle burn out completely.
Increase Cash Flow:
On a Waxing or Full moon, hold adventureine in your dominant hand and concentrate on money flowing to you. Enchant the stone saying:
Place the stone in a pocket or purse and carry it constantly
*Use magick as a last resort for mundane things. Getting your wishes will not always happen in the way you think - for instance, wishing for money may mean your beloved grandmother dies and leaves you an inharitence. So always try to solve problems with changes in your life - then use magick.
*You must TOTALLY believe the spell will work. You have to keep your energy full force to enact change of any kind. If you doubt the results they will fail.
*Remember when writing a Spell, the speaking or writing portion - essentially the spell itself- is just the manifestation or focus of your power. The power is already there and can be used for anything - writing or saying a spell just helps to direct the energy in the direction you wish for it to go. That is why total concentration and belief are so important.
*Does a spell need to rhyme? No, not necessarily. Rhyming flows through the mind and out of the mouth - you don't have to think hard on the words if they rhyme which allows you to focus on the intent rather than the words - since the words don't matter as much as the intent and belief, don't stress. Be percise and you'll do fine. Here's a Sample of some simple spells.
To Change The Current Course of Your Life
On a white piece of paper (un-lined) Fill it with collored scribbles. Just let your mind go and fill the page. This signifies the chaos in your current life. Draw a heavy Black X across the whole sheet saying:
"I want no more of my old life no dissension, stress or strife.Grant a new realityKeeping safe my FamilyAs I will, so mote it be!"
Burn Paper entirely, scatter ashes in the wind envisioning the Gods receiving your wishes.
Increase Confidence Spell:
On a piece of paper write in bold, clear letters:
Confidence, come unto menervousness, now quickly flee
Bring me strength and bring me ease
As I will, so mote it be!
Place Hermite, turquoise and quartz on the paper; then wrap the paper sequrelyaround the stones then tape shut. Place in pruse or pocket.
Change Perspective:
On a waxing moon, gather a yellow candle, vanilla oil and 1 tsp of Thyme. Anoint the candle w/ the oil then roll it in the Thyme. Light candle. Anoint your temples withthe oil saying:
"Ancients come from near & far
Hear my call from where e're you are
Propose, inspir, enchant, enthuse
Until I am at last infused
With new ideas and clear directive
Fill me with a fresh perspective
As I will, so mote it be!"
Let candle burn out completely.
Increase Cash Flow:
On a Waxing or Full moon, hold adventureine in your dominant hand and concentrate on money flowing to you. Enchant the stone saying:
"Money come, money growInto my wallet gush and flow
And fill it to the very top
Then keep on coming, never stop"
Place the stone in a pocket or purse and carry it constantly
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Tomorrow on Kickbuttmama is in Charge
* Priestess' Ritual
* Writing a Spell
* Traveling to the Otherworlds - Guided Meditation
* Writing a Spell
* Traveling to the Otherworlds - Guided Meditation
Sabbats and Esbats of the Year
Sabbats are in Deep Red, Esbats are in Deep Blue, Orange are the Full Moons. NOTE: I'll be adding how to celebrate the Sabbats and Esbats sometime this week:
Samhain (October 31) This the celebration of the new year. A feast at harvest's ending, a re-affirmation into our beleifs in the eternal cycle of life and death. The Crone is the supreme deity of this festival - Samhain is essentially when the old God her son and lover dies, and she goes into mourning for him until she can reform into the maiden. The cauldron on halloween comes from the ancient belief that all the souls of the dead return to the Goddess' cauldron of life, death and rebirth to await reincarnation.
The Day of Banshees (November 1): The banshee represents the Otheworld realm of omen, known as the Tir na mBan, a world where all dead souls must go in or der to be reborn. On the night before a death, the banshee sings her lamentation which can be heard across the countryside. Placing apples on the graves of loved ones is a popular practice on this equinox. Apples represent the Otherworld, rebirth, eternal life and the crone Goddess.
Birch Moon (November or December Full moon): Moon of inception, great night to celebrate new beginings and fresh starts.
Feast of Potential (November 23): sometimes reffered to as the Secret of the Unhewn Stone. To hew something is to strike it repeatedly, or to force it to comform. This holiday is a time for a solitary witch to under go introspection and face the things that aren't easy to acknowledge. It is a day for examining difficult ideas, mulling over changes, and eliminating root causes of our resistance to the problem. Break insecurities and fears down blow-by-blow. One way, prior to the feast, of accomplishing this is to make a list of all the things you know are within your power to do but have not done either out of fear or lack of confidence. After the feasting, work a ritual, meditate or take a guided journey that has always been difficult for you.
Yule (Winter Solstice): One of the oldest Sabbats, perhaps as much as 12,000 to 20,000 y/o. Most Wiccans choose to enact or pay tribute to the eternal battle between Waxing and Waning forces of the year. ie. The Holly King vs. The Oak King, the Red Dragon vs. the White Dragon, etc. This is also a great day to enact Birthing rites, or Blessings/Wiccanings
Hogmanay (December 31): Moon of the Hag, a great day fordeveloping divination techniques and eating sweet treats.
Rowan Moon (Dec Full Moon): Sometimes called the Moon of Vision, this is a great time in which to travel or to bring out inner strengths.It has also been refered to as the Astral Moon as it is a good time to try your had at astral projection.
Festival fo the 3-Fold Goddess (January 6): This correspondes to The Twelfth Night ends the 12 day mid winter celebration that focuses on the Mother Goddess. This holiday could be moved to mid April or Mid July as well - the actual date isn't as important as the intent.
The Feast of the Morrigan (January 7): A feast day to celebrate the power and magesty of the Triple Goddess of eath and destruction. Remembering that with death there is re-birth, and that what she destroyes she revives.
Ash Moon (Jan Full Moon)Connects the flow of life and a ll crafting magickal tools. Forming an Ash Wand to be used as a healing stick can be done on this night.
Imbolg (February 2): A fire festival that celebrates the strengthening of the young sun and his awaiting bride - the earth Goddess. This festival also honors Brigid - a Goddess with many attributes and correspondences including Fire. This is also the festival of women's mysteries, celebrating the leadership of women. This is also a traditional time for augury practices, or divining the future by reading natural signs - Birds, wolves and snakes are popular divination devices on this holiday.
The Feast of St. Blaize (February 2): This is a feast in honor of patron healers as protection against the harsh winters. So, Goddesses such as Brigid are honored and invoked, and meditation/rituals/spells to develop healing abilities often occur.
Alder Moon (Feb/March Full Moon): A moon of action as Spring nears. This cycle quickens the awaying earth - great night for starting projects to instill changes.
Whuppity Scoorie (March 1-3): This festival is designed to awaken mother earth from her long winter's sleep. Tapping the earth 3 times with a staff or wand then calling out to motehr earth by name telling her its time to awaken - are common practices.
The Feast of Rhiannon (March 4): Honors the Welsh Horse, moon and ancestor Goddess. Celebrate with horse imagry, lunar rites, and honoring your ancestors. THe horse also symbolized the ability to travel between worlds - making this night a great time for astral projection to other realms. Offering libations to Mare and Epona will also give you magickal dreams on this night.
Day of Sheila-na-Gig (March 18): Honors the mysterious Goddess of thresholds and women's mysteries. This is a good day to skry into or meditate on her image, allowing her to open the portal to her secrets for you.
Ostara (Spring Equinox) / Tea & Telphi Day: A day of balance and sexual awakening. Eostra is the Teutonic Goddess of spring and fertility. You can also honor the twin Goddesses of Tara - Tea & Telphi -who can bless you with protection.
Lady Day (March 25): Celecbrates the return of our Lady Goddesss from her winters slumbers. Some traditions include - burying eggs to fertalize the feilds, decorating w/ spring flowers, dancing and feasting. Any woman who gives birth on this day is thought to be blessed by the goddess. It is also a time of sexual awakening - a time when 2 geneder-halves reunite (soul-mates) making this day great for Handfasting. Divination concerning romance is traditionally a part of this day as well.
Willow Moon (March Full Moon): The willow is a feminine tre that thrives on the femine element of water, its boughs are traditionally used as magickal tools. Due to these 2 facts this is sometimes refered to as the Witch's Moon.
Hawthorn Moon (April Full Moon): Blooming Hawthorn is a faery flower - giving the petals and blooms great strength as magickal aids.
Beltaine (May 1): One of the most popular Sabbats in the Wiccan Year. Traditionaltime for handfasting. THe main purpose of the sabbat is the celebration of the sexual union or marriage of the Goddess and the God. The morning dew from this day is excellent to purify yourself with as an anointing oil. The wood burned on this day has great protection strength as well. (see my posts on Beltane on 4/19)
Veneration of the Thorn (May 4): This is a night to honor the old faery guardians of the thorn trees. Tying a scrap of white cloth around one of the thorn trees by a holy well was said to send your wishes to the faeries. Making a walking stick or staff out of a thorn tree also imbues you with great blessings. Finally, leveling blessings - or making petitions to deities are traditionally done on this day.
Night of the Lunantisidhe (May 16): This is a night to pay homage to the frightening black-thorn tree. It is a night to try to right the wrongs humans have done to nature and visualize the healing of plant-life and the land.
Oak Moon (May or June Full Moon):The oak tree is a tree of strength and endurance.
Midsummer (Summer Solstice): Celebratingthe full-flower of womens power; dedicating yourself as a warrior, invoking sun God/dess', hosting a feast eaturing hot foods - revel in the warmth of the sun when it is at its zenith.
The Feast of Aine (June 25): This is a fire festival once a part of midsummer. Aine is an Irish fire and cattle Goddess. Blessings and protections and the use of the element fire are common on this day/night.
Festival of Cerridwen (July 3): This celebrates the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom and plenty. Celebrate all you have learned.
Holly Moon (July Full Moon): Emphasizes polarities, particularly between the male and female.
Rowena (July 15): Celebrates this Goddess of knowledge. A rowan tree also has protective powers and amulets of protection crafted from its bark & leaves are made on this day. You can also make amulets and cast protections in general on this night.
Lughnasadh (Lammas) (August 1): Celebrated the marriage of Lugh - the harvest lord to the land or Goddess. Celebrates the first fruits of harvest. In many traditions the king is slain - cut down like a tree, in others it is the wedding of the king and his sacrifice comes at Samhain. Great day for Handfasting. Focus your energies on the power of the feminnine to bring forth the harvest from her womb (the land) and to grant sacred status to her harvest lord.
Taillte's Day (early - to - mid August): Celebrates the Goddess of inspiration and competition. Celebrate by hosting your own games or by testing the limits of your physical endurance.
Hazel Moon (August or Sept Full Moon): Honor the crone and celebrate wisdom
Mabon (Autumnal Equinox): This is the second of the 3 harvest festivals (with Lammas and Samhain) It is primarily the harvest of berries and a time for making wines. This is the time when the Goddess enters cronehood, and when it is proper to adorn graves witht he symbols for rebirth. It is also a time of balance, when light and darkness equals - but after which dark is dominant. Rituals to celebrate sacred burial spaces, the croning of the Goddess, and hopes for regeneration are appropriate.
Vine Moon (September Full Moon): Celebrates the harvest, particularly products used to make alcoholic beverages.
The Feast of Brewing (September 28): Celebrates the making of alcohol for festivals and sacred purposes. This is a good time to honor tje Goddes of heather and heather wine - Uroica.
Garland Sunday (Late Aug. Early Sept): Taking garland adorned with apples to the local cemetaries is what the ancients did. Also, tossing apples about and mouring the dead - the nrepairing the communal dathering spot for dancing and drinking and feasting. Symbolizes the crone,death and eternal life.
Ivy Moon (Oct. Full Moon): Moon of Resilience - addresses our beliefs in rebirth and our triumph over death.
Reed Moon (October or November Full Moon): Cycle of completeness of home, hearth and looking inward.
Most derived from: Celtic Women's Spirituality By: Edain McCoy
Samhain (October 31) This the celebration of the new year. A feast at harvest's ending, a re-affirmation into our beleifs in the eternal cycle of life and death. The Crone is the supreme deity of this festival - Samhain is essentially when the old God her son and lover dies, and she goes into mourning for him until she can reform into the maiden. The cauldron on halloween comes from the ancient belief that all the souls of the dead return to the Goddess' cauldron of life, death and rebirth to await reincarnation.
The Day of Banshees (November 1): The banshee represents the Otheworld realm of omen, known as the Tir na mBan, a world where all dead souls must go in or der to be reborn. On the night before a death, the banshee sings her lamentation which can be heard across the countryside. Placing apples on the graves of loved ones is a popular practice on this equinox. Apples represent the Otherworld, rebirth, eternal life and the crone Goddess.
Birch Moon (November or December Full moon): Moon of inception, great night to celebrate new beginings and fresh starts.
Feast of Potential (November 23): sometimes reffered to as the Secret of the Unhewn Stone. To hew something is to strike it repeatedly, or to force it to comform. This holiday is a time for a solitary witch to under go introspection and face the things that aren't easy to acknowledge. It is a day for examining difficult ideas, mulling over changes, and eliminating root causes of our resistance to the problem. Break insecurities and fears down blow-by-blow. One way, prior to the feast, of accomplishing this is to make a list of all the things you know are within your power to do but have not done either out of fear or lack of confidence. After the feasting, work a ritual, meditate or take a guided journey that has always been difficult for you.
Yule (Winter Solstice): One of the oldest Sabbats, perhaps as much as 12,000 to 20,000 y/o. Most Wiccans choose to enact or pay tribute to the eternal battle between Waxing and Waning forces of the year. ie. The Holly King vs. The Oak King, the Red Dragon vs. the White Dragon, etc. This is also a great day to enact Birthing rites, or Blessings/Wiccanings
Hogmanay (December 31): Moon of the Hag, a great day fordeveloping divination techniques and eating sweet treats.
Rowan Moon (Dec Full Moon): Sometimes called the Moon of Vision, this is a great time in which to travel or to bring out inner strengths.It has also been refered to as the Astral Moon as it is a good time to try your had at astral projection.
Festival fo the 3-Fold Goddess (January 6): This correspondes to The Twelfth Night ends the 12 day mid winter celebration that focuses on the Mother Goddess. This holiday could be moved to mid April or Mid July as well - the actual date isn't as important as the intent.
The Feast of the Morrigan (January 7): A feast day to celebrate the power and magesty of the Triple Goddess of eath and destruction. Remembering that with death there is re-birth, and that what she destroyes she revives.
Ash Moon (Jan Full Moon)Connects the flow of life and a ll crafting magickal tools. Forming an Ash Wand to be used as a healing stick can be done on this night.
Imbolg (February 2): A fire festival that celebrates the strengthening of the young sun and his awaiting bride - the earth Goddess. This festival also honors Brigid - a Goddess with many attributes and correspondences including Fire. This is also the festival of women's mysteries, celebrating the leadership of women. This is also a traditional time for augury practices, or divining the future by reading natural signs - Birds, wolves and snakes are popular divination devices on this holiday.
The Feast of St. Blaize (February 2): This is a feast in honor of patron healers as protection against the harsh winters. So, Goddesses such as Brigid are honored and invoked, and meditation/rituals/spells to develop healing abilities often occur.
Alder Moon (Feb/March Full Moon): A moon of action as Spring nears. This cycle quickens the awaying earth - great night for starting projects to instill changes.
Whuppity Scoorie (March 1-3): This festival is designed to awaken mother earth from her long winter's sleep. Tapping the earth 3 times with a staff or wand then calling out to motehr earth by name telling her its time to awaken - are common practices.
The Feast of Rhiannon (March 4): Honors the Welsh Horse, moon and ancestor Goddess. Celebrate with horse imagry, lunar rites, and honoring your ancestors. THe horse also symbolized the ability to travel between worlds - making this night a great time for astral projection to other realms. Offering libations to Mare and Epona will also give you magickal dreams on this night.
Day of Sheila-na-Gig (March 18): Honors the mysterious Goddess of thresholds and women's mysteries. This is a good day to skry into or meditate on her image, allowing her to open the portal to her secrets for you.
Ostara (Spring Equinox) / Tea & Telphi Day: A day of balance and sexual awakening. Eostra is the Teutonic Goddess of spring and fertility. You can also honor the twin Goddesses of Tara - Tea & Telphi -who can bless you with protection.
Lady Day (March 25): Celecbrates the return of our Lady Goddesss from her winters slumbers. Some traditions include - burying eggs to fertalize the feilds, decorating w/ spring flowers, dancing and feasting. Any woman who gives birth on this day is thought to be blessed by the goddess. It is also a time of sexual awakening - a time when 2 geneder-halves reunite (soul-mates) making this day great for Handfasting. Divination concerning romance is traditionally a part of this day as well.
Willow Moon (March Full Moon): The willow is a feminine tre that thrives on the femine element of water, its boughs are traditionally used as magickal tools. Due to these 2 facts this is sometimes refered to as the Witch's Moon.
Hawthorn Moon (April Full Moon): Blooming Hawthorn is a faery flower - giving the petals and blooms great strength as magickal aids.
Beltaine (May 1): One of the most popular Sabbats in the Wiccan Year. Traditionaltime for handfasting. THe main purpose of the sabbat is the celebration of the sexual union or marriage of the Goddess and the God. The morning dew from this day is excellent to purify yourself with as an anointing oil. The wood burned on this day has great protection strength as well. (see my posts on Beltane on 4/19)
Veneration of the Thorn (May 4): This is a night to honor the old faery guardians of the thorn trees. Tying a scrap of white cloth around one of the thorn trees by a holy well was said to send your wishes to the faeries. Making a walking stick or staff out of a thorn tree also imbues you with great blessings. Finally, leveling blessings - or making petitions to deities are traditionally done on this day.
Night of the Lunantisidhe (May 16): This is a night to pay homage to the frightening black-thorn tree. It is a night to try to right the wrongs humans have done to nature and visualize the healing of plant-life and the land.
Oak Moon (May or June Full Moon):The oak tree is a tree of strength and endurance.
Midsummer (Summer Solstice): Celebratingthe full-flower of womens power; dedicating yourself as a warrior, invoking sun God/dess', hosting a feast eaturing hot foods - revel in the warmth of the sun when it is at its zenith.
The Feast of Aine (June 25): This is a fire festival once a part of midsummer. Aine is an Irish fire and cattle Goddess. Blessings and protections and the use of the element fire are common on this day/night.
Festival of Cerridwen (July 3): This celebrates the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom and plenty. Celebrate all you have learned.
Holly Moon (July Full Moon): Emphasizes polarities, particularly between the male and female.
Rowena (July 15): Celebrates this Goddess of knowledge. A rowan tree also has protective powers and amulets of protection crafted from its bark & leaves are made on this day. You can also make amulets and cast protections in general on this night.
Lughnasadh (Lammas) (August 1): Celebrated the marriage of Lugh - the harvest lord to the land or Goddess. Celebrates the first fruits of harvest. In many traditions the king is slain - cut down like a tree, in others it is the wedding of the king and his sacrifice comes at Samhain. Great day for Handfasting. Focus your energies on the power of the feminnine to bring forth the harvest from her womb (the land) and to grant sacred status to her harvest lord.
Taillte's Day (early - to - mid August): Celebrates the Goddess of inspiration and competition. Celebrate by hosting your own games or by testing the limits of your physical endurance.
Hazel Moon (August or Sept Full Moon): Honor the crone and celebrate wisdom
Mabon (Autumnal Equinox): This is the second of the 3 harvest festivals (with Lammas and Samhain) It is primarily the harvest of berries and a time for making wines. This is the time when the Goddess enters cronehood, and when it is proper to adorn graves witht he symbols for rebirth. It is also a time of balance, when light and darkness equals - but after which dark is dominant. Rituals to celebrate sacred burial spaces, the croning of the Goddess, and hopes for regeneration are appropriate.
Vine Moon (September Full Moon): Celebrates the harvest, particularly products used to make alcoholic beverages.
The Feast of Brewing (September 28): Celebrates the making of alcohol for festivals and sacred purposes. This is a good time to honor tje Goddes of heather and heather wine - Uroica.
Garland Sunday (Late Aug. Early Sept): Taking garland adorned with apples to the local cemetaries is what the ancients did. Also, tossing apples about and mouring the dead - the nrepairing the communal dathering spot for dancing and drinking and feasting. Symbolizes the crone,death and eternal life.
Ivy Moon (Oct. Full Moon): Moon of Resilience - addresses our beliefs in rebirth and our triumph over death.
Reed Moon (October or November Full Moon): Cycle of completeness of home, hearth and looking inward.
Most derived from: Celtic Women's Spirituality By: Edain McCoy
The Lunar vs Solar Year
Many of you are relatively new to the craft and were curious about the Sabbats and Esbats. This is my wheel of the Year (in other words its Celtic) But most traditions in Witchcraft share the same Sabbats - or Great Holidays - the meaning and celebration mught be a bit different but you'll get he idea.
The solar wheel of the year, which measures the Sabbats, was the basic framework on which ancient Celts hung their eternal Goddess and the reborn/dying God. The Goddess moved through the year - giving birth tot he God in Winter - to mating with the God in Spring - to birthing him/his son in harvest, to watching him die in Samhain. So she was the maiden through winter to spring. Was the mother in summer - and was the crone in the fall. Essentially the Sabbats measure the Solar year - the placement of the Earth in its orbit around the sun.
The main marking points are the solstices (Yule and Midsummer) and the Equinoxs (Ostara and Mabon). So think of your circle:
Yule is to the North,
Midsummer is to the South,
Ostara is to the East,
Mabon is to the West.
Now both on the wheel and in the calendar year,
Imbolg is 1/2 between Yule and Ostara (so its a 45 degree angle between North and East).
Beltaine is 1/2 way between Ostara and Midsummer (so it is a 45 degree angle between East and South).
Lughnasadh is 1/2 way between Midsummer and Mabon (so it is a 45 degree angle from South to West).
Finally Samhain is 1/2 way between Mabon and Yule (so it is a 45 degree angle from West to North.)
Conversly, the Esbats measure the Lunar year or where in orbit the moon is to the earth and therefore what shape is it in. So like the Solar Year the year actually begins with Samhain (Holloween) The moon months are as follows:
Samonios (seed time) - october 2 nd 1/2
Dumannios (Dark time) - november
Riuros (Cold time) - december
Anagantios (Trapped time) - january
Orgronios (Ice time) - february
Cutios (Winds Time) - march
Giamonios (Sprouting time) - april
Simivisionios (Time of brightness) - may
Equos (Horse time) - june
Elembios (Claiming time) - july
Edrinos (Time of justice) - august
Cantlos (Time of song) - september
Mid Samonios (Center of seed time) - 1st 1/2 of october
SO using this list for what each month stands for we derive our Ebats - holidays to recognize the profound - concepts like life and death or great change, etc.
The solar wheel of the year, which measures the Sabbats, was the basic framework on which ancient Celts hung their eternal Goddess and the reborn/dying God. The Goddess moved through the year - giving birth tot he God in Winter - to mating with the God in Spring - to birthing him/his son in harvest, to watching him die in Samhain. So she was the maiden through winter to spring. Was the mother in summer - and was the crone in the fall. Essentially the Sabbats measure the Solar year - the placement of the Earth in its orbit around the sun.
The main marking points are the solstices (Yule and Midsummer) and the Equinoxs (Ostara and Mabon). So think of your circle:
Yule is to the North,
Midsummer is to the South,
Ostara is to the East,
Mabon is to the West.
Now both on the wheel and in the calendar year,
Imbolg is 1/2 between Yule and Ostara (so its a 45 degree angle between North and East).
Beltaine is 1/2 way between Ostara and Midsummer (so it is a 45 degree angle between East and South).
Lughnasadh is 1/2 way between Midsummer and Mabon (so it is a 45 degree angle from South to West).
Finally Samhain is 1/2 way between Mabon and Yule (so it is a 45 degree angle from West to North.)
Conversly, the Esbats measure the Lunar year or where in orbit the moon is to the earth and therefore what shape is it in. So like the Solar Year the year actually begins with Samhain (Holloween) The moon months are as follows:
Samonios (seed time) - october 2 nd 1/2
Dumannios (Dark time) - november
Riuros (Cold time) - december
Anagantios (Trapped time) - january
Orgronios (Ice time) - february
Cutios (Winds Time) - march
Giamonios (Sprouting time) - april
Simivisionios (Time of brightness) - may
Equos (Horse time) - june
Elembios (Claiming time) - july
Edrinos (Time of justice) - august
Cantlos (Time of song) - september
Mid Samonios (Center of seed time) - 1st 1/2 of october
SO using this list for what each month stands for we derive our Ebats - holidays to recognize the profound - concepts like life and death or great change, etc.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
HAPPY BELTANE!!!!
Celebrating the merry month of May, when spring is in its full glory, is widespread. May takes its name from Maia Majestas, the goddess of Spring. The erection of the sacred tree or maypole echoed throughout ancient tree worships. On May's Eve, young couples would leap between the Bal Fires before spending the night in the woods, to ensure fertility. The blooming of the hawthorn marked the transition from winter to summer, and May 1st was the ONLY day when hawthorn could be taken in to the home, in honor of the spring goddess, this sacred tree should only be cut for such important events.
SUPPLIES: A few sprigs of hawthorn, a little milk, a white candle, Juniper & Frankincense oils & an oil burner.
METHOD: On May 1st, find a hawthorn tree and take a few sprays (Thank the tree for its assistance on this special day) Pour a little milk at the base of the tree to thank the spirits. Sit with the tree for as long as you can, holding the sprays in your hands, and become one with the life surrounding you. Once home, light the candle and burn the oils, sprinkling a few hawthorn leaves on them. Carry the burner through your home &/or around the outside; concentrate on bringing down he energy from the sun and returning it again in the never-ending Circle of Life. Hang the hawthorn spray over your door, invoking love and good feelings to remain with you.
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