Kaede's Journal

Tarot Reading - Week of 10/4 to 10/10

2009-10-04T02:51:00.000+01:00

Good Sunday morning, everyone! I mentioned last week, when I was not in a good mental or emotional position to read the cards, that I was going to use a special Halloween deck for this week, and I will use it for the month of October. This is a beautiful and whimsical deck by Kipling West, filled with some amazing symbolism. As the Autumn/Halloween/Samhain season is my favorite time of year, I couldn't resist buying this deck when I saw it in the store. I knew it would be perfect for this month. Here we go for the first week.

On Sunday, be on the lookout for a message or invitation.

On Monday, something you have been working on will come to a happy conclusion. There is joy and fun in this particular outcome.

Tuesday shows a reliable and resourceful person. Look for him if there is something you need.

Wednesday is a day to feel the connection to nature. Remember that nature is a creative force, so it is also a time to be creative.

On Thursday, a conflict will be resolved. This may be in an enterprise or new undertaking that successfully takes off. The conflict that such a thing harbors within will smooth out.

The card of Friday tells us that the best is yet to come. It is like a journey when the destination is fondly anticipated. It will not disappoint.

Saturday is a day to focus on fairness and balance. Try to approach every situation with a level head.

The overview of the week shows that this is a good time for new ideas or projects.

Even though we're a few days into it, this is the first reading for the month of October. The card for the month shows an unfairness. Be on the lookout for conflict where you will have a very hard time defending yourself. Pick your battles, some things are not worth fighting over and some things are not really as you perceive.

That's all for this week, have a great one and make the most of it!

No Reading This Week

2009-09-26T12:08:00.000+01:00

I'm very sorry, but due to a personal emergency, I will not be reading the cards this week. I'll pick up again next week with a fun Halloween-themed deck and a look at October!

Tarot Reading - Week of 9/20 to 9/26

2009-09-20T05:44:00.005+01:00

Good morning! We have an interesting week ahead of us.

On Sunday, you will find yourself in a fight. It started out as play but turned into something significant. You're on equal ground.

Monday will bring with it a sudden change. You did not see this coming.

On Tuesday, things will even out with feelings of prosperity. Now is a good time to express your generosity.

There will be the beginning of a relationship on Wednesday. This will be a significant pairing, so be on the look out for it.

Things Thursday appear hopeful. The spark of hope that is behind you when things are at their worst is right in front of you today. You need but reach for it.

Friday will be a happy day. There will be feasting and everyone will have plenty.

On Saturday, you have achieved a balance that you have been seeking. Don't get too confident and lose your focus, though!

The overview of the week shows you dissatisfied with what is offered. Try not to focus on this, or you may find the offers disappear entirely.

That's all for this week. See you next time!

Tarot Reading - Week of 9/13 to 9/19

2009-09-13T14:42:00.003+01:00

Good morning! I hope everyone kept a level head last week. Here's a look at this week.

Sunday will feel like things are in motion. It could be a feeling of flightiness or travel or just that things are progressing as they should. In this, the destination is not important. It is all about the journey.

On Monday, there is a challenge before you that you are not meeting. Face it head on instead of waiting for it to pass. You may find it does not pass easily if you try to stay out of it.

Tuesday is a day of happiness and joy. Did you meet the challenge of yesterday to find everything as you like it? Do something nice for yourself today. It feels even better to make the most of a good day.

On Wednesday, something is successfully completed. You've been working on something for a while and now you have finished with the best possible outcome. Great job!

Thursday presents your next project. You are struggling to reach your destination. Remember that all journeys can be difficult when you are just starting out. Take it one step at a time and you will see your goal soon enough.

Friday is a day for creating. This is not creation in terms of simply work, but in something that you enjoy and take pride in doing.

On Saturday, take time to remember. There is joy in memories of things past: like the celebrating of a birthday or sitting with friends talking of old times. Don't live in the past, but honor it and find the happiness in it.

The overview this week shows a focus on work. You have the skill that you need for the task and it's perfectly alright to take pride in your work. Even if something you love to do becomes your bread and butter, try not to forget why you love to do it in the first place.

I hope everyone plans to have a great week!

Tarot Reading - Week of 9/6 to 9/12

2009-09-06T14:30:00.003+01:00

Good morning! I hope September is so far treating everyone well.

This Sunday, you will come to an end of a journey. You're not there yet, but the destination is in sight.

On Monday, spend your money wisely. Get something you need, or don't get something you don't really need. Success comes with clear thinking.

Tuesday is not a good time to be taking a rest. You still have important things to do and can't stop now.

On Wednesday, you're unhappy with everything. If you keep looking at the world this way, you're going to miss what's really before you.

Thursday is a day of bounty. If things looked dirty yesterday, today there is new life around you. It is a good time to take on new projects and nurture things you've already started.

There is hope for a new endeavor on Friday. It's a good idea to go through with this undertaking. If you work at it, it may prove to be quite lucrative.

On Saturday, you're experiencing a failure to face the facts. If you don't see things from every side, you're likely to make the wrong decisions or come to the wrong conclusions.

The overview of this week is a feeling of rashness. It doesn't pay to act foolishly. Pay attention and keep your mind open to every possibility.

That's it for this week. Have a good one!

Tarot Reading - Week of 8/30 to 9/5

2009-08-30T08:12:00.000+01:00

I hope last week wasn't too terrible a time for you. Here's a look at this week.

Sunday will feel like a loss of tranquility. Something will happen to shake up you calm and peaceful life. This is not one of those sudden changes that will linger.

Monday will bring a sense of complete fulfillment. The sun is bright, you and the people around you are happy. Nothing could be better.

On Tuesday, you will be clinging to your ways. Holding with ideals and traditions is not always a good thing. When they are outdated, you do yourself a disservice when you don't move on.

On Wednesday, you will see the fruits of your hard work. Few things bring more pleasure than knowing that all the work you have done has been worth it, and you will be able to see the payoff of that very soon.

Thursday is a day for creating things. Like a master at the controls of a machine, everything is falling into place as you design.

On Friday, be on the lookout for an intelligent and quick-witted person. She as something to say and it is worth it for you to listen.

Saturday is a day for inspiration. Have faith in your ideas, they come from a wondrous place.

The overview of the week, while it seems a bit of contrast to the days, is dreary. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that is where your focus should be.

September starts on Tuesday. Where as the year gone? The overview of the month reminds us to be self-sufficient. It is always nice to have help offered you, but beware that it may have an ulterior motive that is not in your best interests.

Tarot Reading - Week of 8/23 to 8/29

2009-08-23T11:52:00.001+01:00

This week looks like it's going to be a bit of up and down, particularly at the end. Let's check it out.

Sunday will bring a feeling of destitution. Everything will look bleak, but take care not to ignore the help that is offered to you.

On Monday, things will feel isolated and cloudy. Try not to let the greyness of a gloomy day darken your mood. Like all weather, this feeling can change rapidly.

Tuesday will see a threat to your safety. It may be that of something physical like your home, or an ideal that you cling to. Remember that a threat only has power if you let it.

On Wednesday, some one or thing has a message for you. If you're not paying attention, you're going to miss it.

Thursday is the first day of the upswing. It will see a renew of a partnership. This could be a relationship forgotten or even a current relationship getting a dose of the passion and love it was built on.

On Friday, we head back down. This day will feel like coming home defeated. Whatever you set out to do, you did not succeed. Take heart in the fact that you saw it through to the end and now have a chance to begin again.

Saturday will be a day of creativity. You are a master at your craft and it will shine through in everything you do this day.

The overview of the week looks like doubt will cloud your thinking. While it is often counterproductive to doubt, keep in mind that, in this instance, it is a reasonable fear. Just don't let it get the best of you.

That's all for this week. Next week, we'll also get a look at September.

Tarot Reading - Week of 8/16 to 8/22

2009-08-16T04:11:00.000+01:00

A new week and halfway through August already! Did anyone catch the Perseids last week? The moon would drown out most of them, unfortunately. My area had clouds. Maybe next year will be better for meteor viewing.

On Sunday, an honest person will play a prominent role in the day. He has wise advice and it would be good to listen to him.

Monday will feel like a successful business. Everything is going well and you're right on top where you want to be.

Be careful of too much kindness on Tuesday. Generosity is wonderful, but it can hurt you if you give beyond your means.

On Wednesday, that feeling of success from Monday will carry over. Be on the lookout for a new business venture. It may be worth your while.

Things go a different direction on Thursday. Your mind will be flooded with concern and worry. Don't let these thoughts torment you. It's always darkest before the dawn.

On Friday, you may find yourself trying too hard. Blind determination is just as bad as ignoring what needs to be done. Try to find the middle and don't go too far in either direction.

Saturday will feel like you're charging in unprepared. It might be a good idea to take a step back and consider before you make a move.

The overview of the week is an overall feeling of abundance and contentment. The week may end in franticness, but things will still work out.

Have a great week!

Tarot Reading - Week of 8/9 to 8/15

2009-08-09T03:06:00.002+01:00

Happy new week to one and all! Let's get to it.

On Sunday, you will hear wise advice. It is a good idea to heed this, even if it may seem unreasonable to you. Things are not always as you perceive them.

Monday will bring a need to be generous. Don't give in at this time, though. You really can't afford to. It is sometimes not worth it to give to others at too much of your own expense.

On Tuesday, be on the lookout for things that are initially obscured. There is light in the darkness and the things that are hidden from you will come around. It may take time.

Wednesday is a time for things to come full circle, but you will feel they are incomplete. Perhaps you did not finish something you began. Some project may have been abandoned before its time, or you simply didn't follow through. You may want to pick up and see it to the end, or you may want to hold on to it for later. Don't let it go completely.

On Thursday, you will feel very overwhelmed. You will be attacked from all sides and trapped on the low ground. The low ground is better than no ground at all, however. Use what you have to get the advantage.

You will feel like you're flying and out of control on Friday. Things are moving fast and they seem to go no where. You could try to stop, or you could ride this wave to its natural end.

After the wild motion of yesterday, Saturday is a good day for rest. You need it, and you've earned it.

The overview of the week shows determination and brings the need to think about things in a new way. Maybe try another perspective to overcome your obstacles.

That's it for this week. Have a great one!

Tarot Reading - Week of 8/2 to 8/8

2009-08-02T02:26:00.001+01:00

Back again! Welcome to August.

Sunday will bring a feeling of stagnation. There are trials before you, but you are not facing them as you should.

Monday is an inopportune time for resting. There are things you still need to do yet.

On Tuesday, be on the lookout for a deceptive woman. Someone is trying to get the better of you.

Wednesday will offer a clean getaway. Be careful, in your haste, you've left something behind.

Thursday is a day of contemplation. Pick one thing to focus on, too much will break your concentration.

You will have a feeling of bounty on Friday. Everything is as is should be, you feel as if you have plenty.

On Saturday, you will still have work to do. The job is not done yet.

Like Sunday, the overview of the week looks like a period of stagnation. Don't get caught up in an inability to change.

August is here. It will be a time to save, not spend. You may also experience a feeling of failure. Don't neglect your responsibilities.

See you next time!

This Week's Tarot

2009-07-29T12:17:00.000+01:00

Sorry, dear readers. Circumstances beyond my control separated me from my deck and computer this past weekend. We'll pick up again next week with a look a August too!

Tarot Reading - Week of 7/19 to 7/25

2009-07-19T07:29:00.000+01:00

I hope everyone had a splendid week last week. Onward!

Sunday will bring with it a feeling of emptiness, like you don't have everything you need, let alone an abundance. This could be anything from money to social interaction. It might be a good time to evaluate what you do have and invent ways to make it fill you where you need it.

On Monday, you're still feeling like something is missing, but this time it is very clearly money. We're all struggling right now. While that's no comfort to you, you can find ways to be frugal. Today would be a good day to work on that.

Tuesday will find you in deep concentration. You are highly focused on something. That's usually good, but don't be so focused that you miss what may be around you.

Wednesday is an escape but not a clean getaway. You've left something behind that can be easily traced to you. You may want to rethink your plans if you don't want to face who or what may be following. It may even be better to not try to escape at all.

Thursday will see feelings of fulfillment and contentment. All is right with the world and everything in it. Bask in this day, they don't come often.

On Friday, there is a message for you. Be observant so you don't miss it.

Saturday is a day of sound judgment. Listen and heed the wisdom of the people around you.

The overview for the week looks like we'll be focusing on memories. Things you knew and loved from your youth will fill your thoughts this week.

Have a good one!

Tarot Reading - Week of 7/12 to 7/18

2009-07-12T18:58:00.000+01:00

Hello and happy new week to you!

We start off Sunday with a feeling of unhappiness and a lack of fulfillment. This may simply be the end of the weekend blues. Try not to let it get you down. Just because you feel like nothing is right does not mean it is so.

On Monday, you will be in need of other people. It's a good time to get things off your chest. Always remember that your friends are there for you, that is part of what makes them friends.

Tuesday is a far cry from Sunday, where you will be able to feel content with what you have. Maybe you've been working on a new plan for yourself and your life. Today is the day when you will be satisfied with your efforts.

Wednesday is a great day to focus on the relationships you have with others. Remember that all relationships need nurturing to thrive. Today is a good day to tell your significant other that you love them, or to call that old friend you haven't spoken with in a while. The connections we have with others is part of what keeps us healthy.

On Thursday, be on the lookout for a deceptive woman. Anyone pretending to be what they are not is not what you need right now.

Friday is a victory. Be careful of gloating over it, though. Those you have defeated may be plotting their revenge.

Saturday sees you at the top of your game. You have the high ground; just keep in mind that you can fall off that edge too.

The overview of the week warns of excessive generosity. It is good to give of yourself, but if you give your all, what do you have left?

That's all for this week. See you next week!

Full Moon - the Moon of Athena

2009-07-08T19:18:00.001+01:00

Athena, one of the most celebrated goddesses of the Greek pantheon, rules over this Esbat.

Athena is celebrated as a ferocious goddess who defends her home and the laws of civilized life. As a goddess of war, this makes her very different from the god of war, Ares, who is more about offense than defense.

She prizes the arts and the word of law and justice. The owl is a sacred being to her. Her energies over this moon make it a perfect time for spells involving furthering knowledge or skill, and is a good time for asking of her guidance, if you have need of it.

I used this Esbat to meditate and to pray. I have been having some health issues lately and needed some guidance from wisdom greater than my own. It was a calming exercise that quieted many of my fears. It also called to mind the experience I had at Litha on the water, with the beautiful owls hooting above.

I've never felt any particular affinity for Athena or owls, but I do recognize her influence in my life when there is need to do so. I hope this Esbat found you at a place of calm as well.

Tarot Reading - Week of 7/5 to 7/11

2009-07-06T02:31:00.002+01:00

I hope everyone had a nice week and our US of A friends had a fabulous Independence Day. On to the week ahead!

Sunday brings us something incomplete. It shows an unsure action, and something began that was not finished. That does not mean it cannot be picked up at a later time, but if you wanted it done now, it is not.

On Monday, things will be in motion. Whatever is happening in your life, it is happening with deliberate, progressive action. It would be a good day to start something with determination.

On Tuesday, we see a relationship that failed before it began. Perhaps that person was not meant to be in your life for longer than they were. Whatever it is, take that lesson. You are who you will be tomorrow because they were there, even if briefly, today.

Wednesday reminds us to be careful with our finances. Now may not be a good time to be generous, though it is always good to be kind. Be careful that you do not give for others at your own expense.

On Thursday, there is a trial. You will face it alone. Keep your head on as you do, you can prevail, it is not an impossible situation.

On Friday, be mindful of a deceptive woman. She may seem kindly, but she is out for her own interests.

We can expect good advice on Saturday, maybe from a wise and well-respected individual. Take what he says to heart. He has knowledge where you do not.

The overview of the weeks shows a lack of effort. Whatever you are trying to accomplish, now may not be the best time to sit back and watch it work. Remember that you get from anything what you put into it. If you put forth little effort, you will see little reward.

That's it for this week. Have a great one!

Tarot Reading - Week of 6/28 to 7/4

2009-06-28T13:09:00.000+01:00

Brightest of bright mornings to you! I hope you all got a lot done last week.

Sunday may see you not very happy. You will be unsatisfied with everything. Remember that you can't keep refusing every offer hoping for a better one. Before you know it, there may be no offers at all.

On Monday, be on the lookout for a narrow-minded person. There will be deceit and treachery. Be careful that this person is not you.

Tuesday finds determination. You have an ability to notice the obvious. Trust your perception.

Wednesday is the calm before the storm. The storm is the foundations being ripped right out from under you. Be on your guard and keep your wits about you.

Thursday sees some fresh creativity. You are responsible, use this time to its full advantage.

You are distracted on Friday. There is a message for you. Focus, or you will miss it.

You're going to find many things happening at once on Saturday. You will have trouble keeping things balanced. Try taking things one at a time, so you won't get overwhelmed.

The overview of the week looks like a struggle to get started. Maybe it would be a good idea to wait it out.

This week also sees the start of July. I pulled a card to give us an overview of the month. It outlook is good and hopeful. You will have what you need.

That's all for this time. See you next week!

Litha 2009

2009-06-22T02:15:00.001+01:00

I did not have an opportunity to have any kind of ritual or celebration for this Sabbat. I was on a kayaking trip, but it turned into one of the most magickal experiences I've ever had.

The trip brought me to a part of the river with which I was very familiar. It is my favorite place to paddle, and there are many plants and creatures to see.

On the trip, I had an opportunity to paddle this creek at dusk. They launched us well apart from each other, so it seemed like we were on the water alone, but we weren't really alone because that is not safe. We were told not to use any lights and to refrain from talking.

I know this creek. I know its turns, its shortcuts, and its obstacles. Paddling in the growing darkness was no problem for me at all. I think the familiarity of the water made it that much more special for me, because I did not have to focus on where I was going, and what I needed to avoid hitting. Instead, I could listen to the sounds of the night, the sound of my paddle in the water was almost an affront to the gentle murmurs around me.

At one point, just before crossing under a bridge, I saw two juvenile Barred Owls. Some little bird was picking on them, and they flew over the creek, screeching at it. I had only seen an owl in the wild once before; I passed one sitting on the side of the road. This was two owls!

Passing under the bridge brought a chorus of night sounds, where before it had been very soft. I paddled as far as I could, to where navigable water ends at a vast beaver dam. There was a breach, which I knew from an earlier day paddle, and the water joined with the creatures singing their night songs.

On the way back, the paddlers gathered near the bridge. A group from the trip walked there to try to call out some owls. I had already seen two, I knew they were there. At the recorded sound of the Barred Owl's cry, those two young ones and four others hooted in agitated reply.

It was a family, two adults and their brood of four. They stood in a tree, flapping their silent wings at us, then glided hauntingly across the creek one by one. They hooted there for a while before soaring back across the creek. It is so hard to even attempt to explain the majesty of these creatures, and how being in their presence caused me to weep with the beauty of it, of the night.

I can think of no better way to have spent this Sabbat.

Tarot Reading - Week of 6/21 to 6/27

2009-06-21T14:02:00.000+01:00

Good morning, everyone. I hope that yesterday's nightmares didn't carry too far into your waking world. Happy Litha to you! On with the reading!

Sunday is a time for games. It's always good to play a little, especially in hard times.

On Monday, those games may turn into fights. You have the high ground, don't get cocky.

Tuesday is a wonderful day to be alive! On this day, you will find pleasure in your daily existence. It is a day to experience the world in brightness, happiness, and with a childlike joy. Enjoy it.

On Wednesday, you're starting something new. You're off to a good start. Keep your eyes open.

Thursday will find you full of determination. The things you need will be plainly clear.

Friday is a day to be careful with your spending. It is always good to be generous, but don't offer more than you can afford.

On Saturday, you will find patience and moderation. Much like yesterday, it is a day to be frugal.

The overview for the week says that this is a week of action. It is not the time to be resting or to let things take their course without direction.

Have a great week!

Tarot Reading - Week of 6/14 to 6/20

2009-06-14T13:53:00.003+01:00

Good morning, one and all! I hope everyone had a great week.

Sunday is a day to pay attention. You are likely to miss the obvious.

On Monday, you will find determination. Be careful, you're likely to be giving 120% to the wrong cause.

Tuesday sees a conflict, but you are on guard and holding your ground. You have what it takes to not let it get the better of you.

Wednesday is a great day to honor the people you love. Don't forget that love can make you blind.

On Thursday, something is hidden, but there is something else that helps light the way in the darkness.

Friday is a struggle to get started. Maybe you didn't adequately prepare or you're missing something. Find it before you take off.

Saturday will bring with it some torment. Don't fret, remember that nightmares are still only dreams.

The overview of the week tells me that it will be a week of practicality. You have sound judgment to apply in every situation.

That's all for this week. See you next time!

Full Mirror Moon and Wishing Moon

2009-06-09T08:59:00.000+01:00

I hope everyone had a fabulous Esbat!

This was called the Mirror Moon, it is a good time to focus on yourself and things within you that need changing or nurturing. It was also another Wishing Moon.

I feel I am in a near-constant state of personal reflection and growth, so I did not focus on that aspect of this Esbat. Perhaps, in a way, I did.

I have worked with the faerie realm since I was a child, before I even knew exactly what it was. Children have an intuitive knowledge about the world that most are taught to forget as they grow up. For a time, I did forget what I knew. When I came back to it, it was there as it always had been. When I remembered what I had been taught to forget, it was a revelation of my spiritual life.

I own two fairy houses, made by an unbelievable talented artist who captures the very essence of their realm in her work. The faerie plain exists at the same place as ours, but most people cannot see it. Children and animals can, and people with knowledge and open hearts can. The houses that this artist makes pull a piece of their realm into ours, like pulling a loop of thread through fabric. Their plain exists within those walls, and looking into a house is truly looking into their world.

This Esbat was spent in commune with the fae who dwell in my home, in the homes I have placed for them. One of them has been my companion for as long as I have the ability to remember. The other, I have yet to meet. That being will make him or herself known when they are ready. There are more than these two as well. It is comforting to know they can bring parts of their world into ours, I think.

Tarot Reading - Week of 6/7 to 6/13

2009-06-07T13:44:00.001+01:00

Good morning! I hope everyone had a great week last week and took some time to take some rest. I did, but I sacrificed sleep to do it (you put those two together!). On to this week!

Sunday is a day of motion; however, you are moving against the current. You can fight it and keep going, but you may wear yourself out unnecessarily. It might be a good idea to pause until the water flows in your favor.

In maybe the opposite of Sunday, Monday will see an unwillingness to make the necessary effort. You have to work to get what you want, and it will never come if you just wait around.

Tuesday will bring a disappointment. The card that came up for this day is one of those that I never want to see in a reading. It tells us that the world is a dark place full of anguish. The bright side here is that it does not have to be this way. If your world comes to a bleak halt on Tuesday, remember that you are in control of you. This is not set in stone.

Wednesday carries the theme of Tuesday. Be on the look-out for a dishonest person and be wary of scandal. Remember that people can take advantage of you only if you let them.

Thursday is looking up. You're on guard and holding your ground. It's been tough to get this far, but you are on top of things.

On Friday, something comes to a close and it was not as you intended. You may find an effort did not pan out as you wanted. Don't be too discouraged, even if you return empt-handed, you still return and that allows new possibilities.

Saturday is not a day for making rash financial decisions. Make sure you weigh all options carefully. You may find your efforts are better suited elsewhere.

The overview of this week shows a lack of faith. This reflects in the cards, especially early on. Remember, when you are at the bottom, you can stay there or you can go up. Make the choice for yourself.

That's all for this week! See you next week!

Tarot Reading - Week of 5/31 to 6/6

2009-05-31T13:13:00.000+01:00

Hello! I hope last week treated all of you well. This latest period of Mercury retrograde has ended; communications should be getting back on track shortly.

On Sunday, you're being a little too careful with your money. It's ok to hold on to what you make, especially in these hard times, but you don't want to be so frugal that you sacrifice things you need.

Monday is nothing short of a good day. You've been working and planning and everything falls into place.

On Tuesday, things continue to go forward. It may seem like it's fast, but it's a pace you can handle.

Wednesday sees a little slip up, you've worked so hard on other things that you've missed something important. Don't take that first step without more preparation.

Perhaps it was the false start of yesterday, but you're thoroughly unsatisfied by Thursday. What you need to get through this is being offered, you only need to accept it. Don't wait, because those offers won't keep coming.

On Friday, don't overindulge. It is always great to take time for yourself, but too much of it will put you behind.

Saturday's card reminds us to be generous. You may be so focused on other things in your life that you forget to give of yourself to the people around you. We're all in hard times, every one, even a smile can brighten someone's day.

This week, it's a good idea to take some rest, but if you don't allow yourself that time, it is going to be fitful and leave you feeling more frazzled than you already are.

That's it for this week. See you next week!

Tarot Reading - Week of 5/24 to 5/30

2009-05-25T01:10:00.000+01:00

Good morning! Want an interesting week it will be.

Sunday will exercise your skills at leadership. Use your experience to get you through the day.

Monday is a good time to reflect on the past. How fitting for Memorial Day.

On Tuesday, you're having a bit of trouble keeping things balanced. Remember you can lose focus if you are too focused. Keep things easy, you'll find your juggling act isn't as much of a challenge as you make it out to be.

On Wednesday, be on the look out for impulsive mistakes. The best solutions come from being well-prepared, not from rushing into something without thinking it through.

There is trickery and deception in the air for Thursday. Be on the look out for someone close to you making a decision without considering everyone involved.

Friday will see you filled with determination. This is one of those days were you can't lose sight of your goals.

On Saturday, things will look dark and bleak. Pay attention, there are at least two sides to every situation. You might find what you really want is just behind you.

If you're not careful, impatience will drive you this week. Let things flow, keep things balanced. You'll get through if you don't rush.

Have a great week!

Tarot Reading - Week of 5/17 to 5/23

2009-05-17T15:27:00.000+01:00

Good morning one and all! How many of you noticed that I forgot to pull a card to sum up the week last week? I did. Woops! But this week makes up for it, as a card jumped out during my shuffling. This indicates something to pay particular attention to.

There were a lot of cups in this week's spread. It's a good idea to be mindful of your emotions and the emotions of others.

On Sunday, try to keep everything in moderation. This day's card reminds us that even things we love should never be excessive.

Monday will see the ultimate fulfillment of a goal. It may be something you've been working on or hoping for. It will come to the best possible conclusion today.

Tuesday will be a good day to count your blessings. You may not be satisfied with what you are given, but when all is said and done, you need to realize that you really do have what you need and more.

There is another great conclusion on Wednesday. It looks to be a problem that has finished at a happy outcome. Dance in this joy, you've earned it.

Be mindful of your actions and those around you on Thursday. The card of this day suggests a powerful, controlling outside influence, or your own self-destruction. You've had a good week so far, so don't become a victim of yourself or anyone around you.

Friday will bring with it a sense of inaction. Perhaps it will be a good time to rest, instead of letting the stagnation get the best of you.

Saturday is a good time for quiet contemplation. Listen to the sounds around you. Trust in the wisdom of the world and the people you respect.

The overview of the week indicates a false start. If you're ready to begin something, it may not happen just as you plan. It would be a good idea to hold off starting something. Maybe you can wait for Mercury to leave this retrograde cycle on the 30th.

The card that jumped out signifies a lack of balance. Keeping things straight in your life is a juggling act. Keep your head and you can keep your hands steady too.

Have a great week!

Tarot Reading - Week of 5/10 to 5/16

2009-05-10T01:23:00.000+01:00

Good morning and Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, kitty and doggy mothers, mothers to be, and mothers hoping to be. Take some time today to tell all the mothers in your life that you love them. I've been spending the weekend with my own mother and it feels like it's the best gift I could have given her.

This week is going to be a little topsy-turvy, but it seems to turn out ok.

Sunday will bring a feeling of balance achieved. Some matters that you've been dealing with have been handled. Even so, be on the lookout for feeling overwhelmed at what you have yet to do.

With Monday comes a great relief. The worst is over and you've survived a disaster. Keep your head, though, as this is only a momentary advantage. Don't block yourself in with an inability to change.

Tuesday, be on the lookout for a man with bad advice. He's trying to manipulate you. You have the power to not allow it.

On Wednesday, you'll feel thoroughly down and out. Finances may be strained or you're feeling a lack of faith. There's a light in the window, however. You have to look for it and know that aid awaits within.

You're facing some obstacles on Thursday. There are threats and excessive force. Don't let it become a failed start. You have the strength to overcome what is in your way.

Friday is a day to carefully consider your actions, for they all have consequences. If you're on top of things, it will be like a renewal. When one thing ends, another always begins. Think of it like the rebirth of the phoenix. Death brings a fresh start.

Saturday is a good start. Perhaps it is what you made room for yesterday. Whatever it is, it's underway with promise. Hold your course.

Have a great week!

Beltane 2009 Part II

2009-05-09T13:05:00.000+01:00

While I only got to stay for half of the time of Fertile Ground Gathering because of family obligations, it was still a magickal experience. The wonderful setting of Prince William State Forest is transformed into a special place between worlds. You feel that when you enter.

I must admit that I suffered from yucky heat exhaustion on the opening day of FGG, despite my best efforts to drink lots of water. The weather was deceptive; it felt cool, especially when the thunderstorms came through, but was still quite warm and we worked hard to get everything set up. After being unable to eat even bread, my roommate took me home to sleep in the cool softness of my own bed. I must admit that my bed had never felt as soft and inviting as it did that night.

Friday morning was very different. I had recovered well from the previous day and returned to FGG with energy and appetite. My morning tarot class went very well. I did not participate in the opening ritual, but observed and lent my energy from across the field so I could stay on the radio in case someone needed something. I did get the opportunity to participate in the Object Alchemy workshop presented by the proprietors of Fairy Woodland, and I'm beyond happy that I did. It was an experience like no other.

After a late massage from one gifted healer and a little time around the bonfire, it was time to head home. It truly felt like I was leaving a place where I belonged. The witches, Druids, Shamans, and Healers danced and drummed in the night and kept the energy going for the rest of the weekend. It's amazing to reflect on how this group of people, from far and wide and on different points of different paths, could so effortlessly create a truly sacred space where they can dance, teach, learn, and just be. It was safety. It was peace. It was joy. It was fellowship.

I hope it is not too soon to look forward to next year.

The Full Elf Moon

2009-05-09T12:34:00.000+01:00

It's fitting in more ways than one that I spent this Esbat at Fertile Ground Gathering. Sure, we were celebrating Beltane a week late (the mundane world known as "park availability" got in the way, it will next year too) but we had some incredibly wonderful guests, including the unbelievably special John and Bridget from Fairy Woodland. Their presence, wisdom, and teachings were the most fitting for this Esbat than any other reason.

The Elf Moon is a time to communicate with the Fey. Many of them travel around the time of Beltane, and you can see them moving across the ley if you know where and how to look. One of John and Bridget's workshops taught us how to make a window for that purpose. Participants came away with their window and some special sand collected from a variety of places that provided the foundation of our windows, as it is the foundation of life. Two days prior, John gave me a stone that he had found on his walk. It appears to be quartz or calcite or a mixing of both and has been in my pocket since. I can't even begin to repeat the stories I'm hearing.

I learned much from them. Much about noticing the world. I always thought I was rather good at that, but it's truly amazing the things I've missed.

The order of the day did not have room for a ritual and no particular spells were needed. Instead, I spent the day (among my duties to Fertile Ground Gathering staff and patrons) listening, letting the Fey speak to me, hearing their songs as they calmed my fears and helped me open my eyes as my mind and heart were already opened. I left an offering of sweet fondant before retiring for the night.

I hope this Esbat found all of you, gentle readers, happy and willing to listen when the Fey have something to tell you.

Tarot Reading - Week of 5/3 to 5/9

2009-05-03T09:15:00.001+01:00

Good morning! It looks like we may be struggling a bit this week. Watch out for Wednesday when Mercury goes retrograde!

On Sunday, be on the look out for unfairness. You may treat someone unjustly, or someone may be unjust to you. Be mindful of what you do and say and how it may affect others.

Monday shows the presence of an honest and beloved person. Perhaps it is you in this role, or someone you know will offer some needed, honest intelligence.

Tuesday may involve a feeling of corruption. Someone near you is twisting things to their own ends. Be on the lookout for it.

On Wednesday, Mercury goes into retrograde. This is fitting because the card signifies that you are losing ground. Keep your head and stay on your feet. Don't let the energy of the day turn into disaster.

Thursday is a balancing act. Don't focus on your worry or concern, try to see that there are at least two sides to every problem.

Friday will see a threat to safety, to the things you have been working towards. It is merely a sign that more work needs to be done, so keep in mind that the threat could simply be that you don't see something through.

Saturday brings an excessive individual into the mix. This can be part of someone's charm, and may mean that they have a very important message for you that you should not miss.

This reading makes the week seem hard, but in general, we are reminded to stay understanding and sympathetic. Any obstacle can be overcome if you approach it calmly.

Beltane 2009 part 1

2009-05-02T16:41:00.001+01:00

The happiest of Happy Beltanes to you!

I must admit that I planned nothing for this Sabbat, as I will be celebrating next weekend at Fertile Ground Gathering. I've found that sometimes things present themselves.

Beltane is a fire festival and a major fertility festival. It is the other day, next to Samhain, where the veil between the worlds of the living and the spirits is thinnest. It is said that the Fae travel on this day, many looking for new residences. It is a good time for any kind of divination. With the veil being thin, insights from the spirit realm come through more clear.

A few months ago, I found an amazing artist who makes the most wondrous fairy houses I've ever seen. I ordered one a week ago, and - wouldn't you know? - it arrived yesterday morning!

In celebration of Beltane and the travels of the Fae, I did a simple meditation and welcoming ritual. I placed my new house away from the cats, cast my circle and set an offering of milk and honey. I've been collecting things: a tiny snail shell, a few quartz pieces, and a crystal point to put in my house as gifts for the fairies, so I placed them inside as well. I sat before the house and meditated welcoming the Fae to stay as long as they will.

It was a perfect way to celebrate Beltane and welcome the blessings of the fairies into my home, where they've always been welcome, but now they have a cozy, cat-safe place to stay.

Tarot Reading - Week of 4/26 to 5/2

2009-04-26T15:01:00.003+01:00

Good morning! This looks like a nice week.

Sunday is a day of action and passion. If you have nice weather like I do, get out and do something!

You're expecting obstacles for Monday. Hold your ground, take this period to pause and prepare.

There are lots of things in front of you to consider on Tuesday. Daydreams aren't always a bad thing, just remember to bring your focus back when you need to.

Wednesday marks the end of a journey, but it wasn't what you expected it to be. Take heart, it could just be a delay.

Thursday is another time for dreams. Sometimes, we need to see our past to see where we're going.

Keep your feet on Friday, or your foundations will crumble beneath you. Don't be afraid of change.

Expect good news about finances on Saturday. Remember that good can just be better than you were expecting.

This whole week is about your relationships with the people in your life. Cherish your friends, they can help you see things you may be missing.

Something New

2009-04-21T16:13:00.003+01:00

Well, new for this blog anyway.

Shadow Grove is planning a festival for Beltane again. It's the same festival that brought me to that great community a year ago. The festival has expanded to span four days and will include a number of wonderful guests. Like last year, I will be leading a workshop on learning the tarot. Unlike last year, however, I can't be there for the entire festival. We were unable to get the park for our first choice of Beltane weekend, so our festival will be the following weekend, the weekend of Mother's Day. Knowing my mother, she'll want to kayak, and she'll want me to be there. Also, my aunt is visiting from Utah that weekend and it will be nice to see her (not to mention I will be expected to be at my grandmother's home for dinner on whichever day they're having it). This works out ok, as I can hold two workshops on Friday morning and evening, and still have time to experience the opening ritual and spend some time offering my Reiki services at the Healing Garden.

New this year, we will be offering tarot readings. Since I can't be there all weekend, the ministers were able to book a new member of the Grove for the readings. In a recent turn, this person found she was pregnant and ordered on bed rest (best of luck and health to you!) which leaves the position of tarot reader vacant. Perhaps I am the logical choice to fill that position, except that I will only be there the first two days. We still need a reader for Saturday and Sunday.

I am happy to do this, even though I'm a little nervous because I haven't read for others in years. I think it's much like riding a bike; I know the cards and the things they can mean and I know the spreads I am comfortable using. There are just a few snags, all of practicality and logistics. The first is that pesky weekend where I won't be there because of family obligations. The second is the simple fact that no two readers read the same way. The original person we had coming listed a couple spreads that she uses and based pricing for service on those (she is a professional reader, actually, and has more experience in that regard than I). The thing is, I hate the Celtic Cross spread, one of her features. I stopped working with it more than a decade ago. No matter if I read for two days or we find someone else to read for the duration of the festival, the content of what we offer will have to change.

It feels like a small set-back to me, which is a very good thing. The biggest problem is filling Saturday and Sunday. I've been working on an elemental spread. The idea came from my friends at Goldentree Wands, though I admit that I never got a reading from her and didn't really pay attention when she was reading at GoddessFest. The idea came from them, but the actual spread, how I work it and what it means, are my own because of that fact. It needs some refining to bring it to a place where I can work with it for others. I have a few weeks to do this. I could always focus on a pyramid spread as well. I'll find something comparable that works.

I'm excited about doing this, but the truth is that I need to exercise my skills. So, in the spirit of getting myself comfortable in reading for others again, I'm going to work with my deck every day. It will start with one card in the morning that I will define, think about, and reflect on for the course of the day. I will then do a weekly reading of eight cards, one for each day of the week and a card for the week in general. Then the daily cards throughout the week will modify that. On the first day of a new month, I will pull an extra card for that month. Starting next week, I will post my weekly spread, and I will pull them with general purpose: that is, so they will apply to most people instead of a specific question or situation of my own. I have a lot of preparation to do for the festival, for my workshop and possibly taking this over. This feels like a good place to begin.

The card of the day, because I know you are wondering, is the Four of Pentacles Reversed. This is the miser, signifying that I am holding on to something when I should be letting go, when it's ok to let it go. It might be money, or maybe an idea, or maybe something as basic as uncertainty. This is what I have to think about today.

More Than a Pet

2009-04-20T14:30:00.000+01:00

I've never really had a familiar. That is, a creature that is my magickal partner, who works spells and rituals with me and lends its energy. It requires asking, dedication, and something in the creature, if it started as a pet, will change. I like my pets as they are and so never tried to make one my familiar.

On the other hand, I often don't have animals with me in ritual other than to simply be there. On occasion, my cat has chosen to help, and I could feel her energy working with mine, but those were always her choices and I like it to remain that way.

In Autumn of 2007, I purchased two anoles. My brother and I each had one as children, but I don't remember much beyond their names. These creatures were marketed as tame pets who enjoy being handled. The truth is that this is not so, but that was perfectly ok for my situation. If they were to escape my hands, it would mean death (specifically, death by cat).

So, I didn't handle them much at all, and they seemed happy. I joyfully watched them hunt crickets and bask in the warmth from their little tank light. The set up of my previous living arrangements put their tank within my ritual and spellworking circle. That's just the way it happened to work out. Somehow, I felt their fiery lizard energy in my workings. I got used to them being there, sometimes it seemed they would lend their energy, sometimes they would not. It was a choice, just as it was for my cat.

I felt a closer bond with the male, named Lord Nagafen. Maybe it was because he was less skittish around my hands and would occasionally sit on my fingers for warmth. Maybe because it was he who lent energy to my work. He was definitely the first one I picked in the store. The female, Lady Vox, mostly just came with him as a mated pair, though I learned to love her too.

In recent weeks, they had both shown a lot of activity. Nagafen molted and grew and they both looked full of life. Last Sunday, I woke to find Nagafen dead. His body showed evidence of terrible distress but, not being an expert on anole health, I could not really determine a cause of death. Of course, I worried that it was some negligence on my part. One of my roommates helped me remove him from the tank and bury him under the soft vines outside. Then, he kindly left me alone to cry as I cleaned the cage for Vox's safety.

It's heartbreaking to lose a pet, to lose a pet with no certain cause, and to lose a pet that you were particularly attached to. That night, I started a 7-day ritual. I burnt dragon's blood incense to help set my focus. I placed a blue candle on my altar and charged it with peace, that Nagafen may find peace where he is, and that Vox would find peace in his absence. The first three nights were focused on Nagafen's farewell, the last four were for Vox. On Wednesday, I took a piece of quartz that I had harvested from the local quartz vein and charged it with energies of peace, grounding, and good health. On Sunday morning, with the candle burnt out and the energies sent as directed, I placed the quartz under the tank so Vox may draw upon its energy when she needs it.

I learned a lot more about the care of anoles since trying to solve the mystery of Nagafen's death. I hope I have improved my knowledge enough to keep Vox happy and healthy for many years to come. All we can do is the best we can with the knowledge we have at time. Nothing has ever come closer to being my familiar than these little lizards. I wish Nagafen an easy journey to his next cycle, and I will honor him by doing my best to take care of Vox. It is my duty to them.

The Raven Moon

2009-04-10T22:55:00.000+01:00

I was contemplating the name of this month's Esbat in preparing for my ritual. In many cultures, ravens are signs of death or an ill omen. They are scavengers, birds of mischief. They are said to be the guardians of the dead and can tell when death is coming.

Ravens are solitary or travel in pairs, unlike their smaller crow brethren that often flock. Perhaps it is their resilience as scavengers or their loyalty to their mates that give power to this Esbat.

My casting this month was simple, and drew on that power of resilience. I'm still putting the finishing touches on the store that I plan to open. I decided to set a crystal grid in my bedroom, where most of my crafting, ideas, and administration take place. A crystal grid is a number of crystals, placed in a specific pattern or geometrical shape that enhances and channels their energy. I used chunks of quartz that I gathered from the local quartz vein in the forest. I placed the four largest pieces in the corners of the room. Four smaller pieces bisect each wall and one piece was placed in the center of the room, which is under my bed.

With my grid in place, I meditated upon it and felt the energies of the quartz connect in the grid. The quartz will help keep me centered, grounded, and focused on the task at hand, be it creating or sleeping.

I hope this Esbat finds you with strong foundations under your feet.

Ostara, the Fulfillment

2009-03-23T14:55:00.000Z

I hope this new spring season is treating everyone well.

This was my first Ostara celebrated with my friends and family of Shadow Grove. The plan for the day involved egg hunts for the children, and painting wooden eggs, little bird houses, and flower pots. All around, the Grove was showing signs of the new life of spring, and we were surrounding ourselves with its symbols.

The ritual in the early evening did not involve a bonfire as it often did. This time, we were led in a meditation and when we opened our eyes, we were each holding a brightly colored egg. Mine was orange, and I first thought that was not a relevant color to me, but soon came to realize it was perfect. At Imbolc, we each had charged a seed and were told to bring it back with us. During the ritual, while we held on to our eggs for a later purpose, we planted our seed in little peat cups with a little flag marking our names. These seeds will be cultivated and germinated and will later be planted in the Grove garden as a sign of our community, our family. Those who wanted one received a gift of a blooming Narcissus, that many of us planted in the pots we had painted.

The eggs we were given had a special purpose. After the ritual, we trudged back up the steep hill. We were told to draw upon the egg, dividing it into quadrants lengthwise. On either end, we put our name and a symbol that represented our faith (this was a pentacle in my case). We then thought of four things that we wanted, needed, or hoped for and wrote or drew symbols to represent them in each of the quadrants. The task from there was to roll the egg down a hill. When it stops, the quadrant facing up contained what we needed to focus on. Mine was happiness, which I represented by a glowing sun. This is also a feeling I get from the color of my egg, and in line with my wish last Esbat. I then opened up my egg and threw it into the woods so the critters of the Grove could have something to munch on.

After all of that was the feasting and gaiety I've come to expect with this wonderful group of people. Many of us were noting that this was the largest amount of people for a Sabbat that we've yet had. It is so nice to see this ministry growing, though we are near out-growing the ritual space. We have some thinking to do about that dilemma.

The Hare Moon and a Wishing Moon

2009-03-12T12:35:00.000Z

While this month is called the hare moon, which is quite fitting for the season, according to 7th House, there are four Wishing Moons throughout the year as well. A Wishing Moon is just what it implies; it is a time to make a wish and to wait for its fulfillment.

I had planned a certain working for this Esbat but ended up doing something else entirely. Perhaps this something else was more in line with the energies of the Wishing Moon than I could really have planned. I did something I have not done in quite some time: I went out on a date!

It may seem like a simple enough thing, but I see it as living. Whatever does or does not come from one dinner date, I went out into the world and spent a nice evening living in it.

Esbats may be set aside for spell casting, but there is no greater way to honor the phases of the moon and the cycle of life than to experience it. My wish is simply to never forget that I deserve my own happiness, in whatever form that may take.

May the hares find you warm and happy and taking an active role in your life.

Tony Was Freakin' Awesome

2009-03-02T15:46:00.000Z

A week ago, the community of Shadow Grove learned that one of their own left this world. It was sudden and unexpected and the physical cause is still unknown. In that week, there was grief and sorrow for his wife and 9-month old daughters. There was also celebration. We celebrated his life, the lives he made, the lives he touched. Even those who did not know him well knew a special light had left us.

I got sick and was unable to go to the Calling on Friday. I could, however, make it to the funeral on Saturday. This took place at his family's Methodist church. It was, by far, the most forward-thinking Christian church I have ever been to. The pastor asked the ministers of Shadow Grove to participate in the service, read a poem that was written for Tony, and chose a closing hymn that would specifically sing to our path, to Tony's path. When the pastor announced the Shadow Grove ministers, the person sitting in front of me leaned over to his wife and whispered, "they didn't go to this church?" That was amusing to me. The funeral was beautiful.

Yesterday, we had our own remembrance gathering at the Grove House. Tony was known as the Grill King. If you couldn't find him, he would be at the grill, preparing meat the way it should be prepared. He also enjoyed a good bonfire, and was coordinating that and much of the meals for our upcoming Beltane festival. Our memorial involved the two things that we knew he was passionate about: a raging bonfire and a feast he would have been proud of.

It was the most people I've yet seen at the Grove. Through tears, smiles, and laughter, we said our farewells, and burned letters in the fire. This was a special fire as well. It contained parts of a wooden trebuchet that had flung its last pumpkin into the trees this past Samhain. Tony had helped build that. We think he'll be around for the building of the new trebuchet. After the ritual, it was back to the house for an amazing feast while people shared stories and memories.

I think everyone would be honored to be remembered this way. It was not without sorrow, but it was also filled with happy memories and sharing them with friends and kin.

Have a blessed journey, dear one.

Dedication Moon

2009-02-10T15:26:00.000Z

This full moon is so named because the energy is right for dedication. It was particularly appropriate for me and the purpose of my Esbat.

I will be starting a business venture in a month or so. In fact, it has already well begun. For years, I have been a crafter. I make everything from trinkets to toys, sculptures to spiritual tools, ornaments to jewelry. For years, many of my friends, family, and acquaintances have asked when/where/if I will sell the things I make. The time has come for me to heed their advice and open a shop. This is just a hobby, and I do not believe it would ever support me enough to quit my day-job. Even so, I still want to see it succeed in this economy and beyond.

I gathered some supplies, cast my circle, and lit a green candle for success. I burned a special, sweet-smelling success blend of incense. Within my circle, I made a necklace. It is beads of different sizes of unakite, strung and knotted on a cotton with a pewter clasp. Unakite is a very pretty stone with shades of green and coral. It is good for clearing the solar plexus chakra and balancing emotions as well as diffusing electromagnetic energy. It is very good at removing emotional blockages that may be holding you back. In all honesty, I chose to use this stone because I think it's pretty. This necklace will symbolize my undertaking, and my dedication to it.

The necklace remained on my altar through the night while the candle and incense burned out. I'm rather proud of the simple design, having incorporated the knotting techniques I use when making japa malas. In a month or two, I'll be ready to open my shop. It's exciting. I'm already working on several commissioned pieces. This feels like a great way to put my leisure hobby to good use.

An Announcement

2009-02-02T23:49:00.002Z

I learned today that Goldentree Wands must close its virtual doors. A victim of the faltering world economy, they have become like so many small businesses before them in the last year or so. If you have ever wanted to purchase something from these fine artisans, now is the time. The shopkeepers think it unlikely that they will be able to reopen when things level out. I promise you will never find an item more special and magickal in any store.

It makes me sad. No two people ever deserved success more than they did. On the bright side, it sustained them for five years, where many small businesses don't stay afloat for nearly as long. I hope they find some solace in that knowledge, though I imagine it's barely a comfort if it is one at all. The link will remain on the links page for the month of February. Don't miss your chance to own a truly unique and magickal tool of a quality that I am certain you will never find matched.

Imbolc, the Promise

2009-02-02T17:13:00.000Z

I hope everyone had a wonderful Sabbat, and that this first period of Mercury Retrograde did not treat you too badly.

Shadow Grove hosted an Imbolc ritual last night at the Grove House. While the weather was beautiful, the sun went down and took his heat with him. This being a fire ritual, we lit the bonfire with a sacred flame. This flame was guarded and carried by the teachers of the Grove ministers from Brigit's sacred, eternal flame in Kildare. The site, sometimes known as Brigit's Forge, had an eternal flame sacred to the goddess burning and carefully tended for centuries. It was extinguished and reignited several times, until the Order of Brigidine Nuns relit the flame in 1993. Imbolc is the feast day of the goddess, and this goddess is sacred to me.

This flame was passed to the members of the Grove, and we each took a piece of it home with us. Mine is burning on my altar at this very moment. In the interest of being safe, this fire will burn by contiguity. All fires lit in that candle (and thus, all fires lit from that candle) originated with Brigit's fire. It was an honor indeed to receive this gift.

Yule was the wish of warmth and the return of the sun. Imboc is the promise that we will see that wish come to pass. Ostara will be the fulfillment of that promise. And how perfectly matched everything was. Mercury has left retrograde, it is a time for new beginnings. The moon is waxing, it is a time for new beginnings. The world slowly wakens from its winter slumber, it is a time for new beginnings. May they bring you warmth and light in the days to come.

The Cold Moon

2009-01-11T22:54:00.000Z

Another method of naming moons is based on the energy of the Esbat in question. These names may or may not repeat from year to year. It is by this system, which I take from the guidelines of 7th House, that I will name the moons this year.

I had an opportunity to join the Shadow Grove community for an Esbat on this day. I have only been to their Sabbat rituals, but I must admit that I did not plan to attend this Esbat. That ended up working well, as the hostess had to cancel.

I wear a protection amulet around my ankle. Every now and then, it will break and fall off. When a protection amulet breaks, it is said that it served its purpose, successfully protected you in some way, and needs to be replaced for the protection to continue. My amulet broke just last week. This was a perfect time for me to recast.

I gathered my materials and cast my circle. I make the amulet out of a single piece of white cotton cord, white being a color of purity and protection. Using only my fingers, I made a chain with the cord (it's just like a chain in crocheting, without the use of a hook). I then summoned my energy, filled it with images of shields and walls and strength and, one by one, tied nine knots in the cord. Nine, having always been a magickal number, is special and significant to me personally. When that was done, I charged my amulet with Reiki, and tied it about my ankle where it will remain until it breaks and a new one needs to be made.

I rarely need to recharge these, and one tends to last for years before I need to make another. I feel fortunate that I did not have to wait long for the next full moon to replace it.

In other news, Mercury went retrograde today, and will remain so until February first. Mercury is tied to communication and things moving forward smoothly. During the retrograde, you can expect to see miscommunications and interruptions. It is a good time to finish projects that you have already started, but not to start new ones. I hope you all fare well!

Gregorian New Year!

2009-01-01T22:41:00.000Z

Happy New Year! Welcome, 2009! It's amazing how time flies, isn't it?

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday.

As is my tradition, I set out my annual tarot reading that I will now share with you.

January will be filled with artistic endeavors. An artist will be in the present, and I have a strong feeling that artist is me.
February is a triumphant return. I will see my desires realized, the results of efforts I have put forth.
In March, I need to be careful with money, paying particular attention to not missing any bills. In this day and age, that gets more and more likely.
April will be a time to slow down, lest I rush at whatever I am trying to do.
May will see many losses, but there will be a bright side if I know where to look.
In June, I will be looking at success after hardship. My destination is in sight.
July will see an achievement of goals.
But August will be a time when I am out of balance and frustrated.
September will see a project end, but not finished.
I need to be careful and pay attention in October.
In November, things will look up, but slowly and gradually, the way they are meant to.
December will bring me a resolution and a compromise.
Over all for the year, I'm looking at much meditation and reflection, and I need to accept help when it is offered.

Most people have ups and downs in their lives. If this reading comes exactly to pass (which they rarely do), this is no different than any other day-to-day. I am planning to open a web store in the coming year, and I know I will be crocheting my fingers off this month to plan for it. Maybe it will be ready in February, maybe July. I realize that opening any kind of shop in this economy is pretty silly. I think I'm going about it in a safe way, but I'll have to save the details for when things are ready. The end of the year will be tough, but it looks like it will turn out ok.

Yule 08

2008-12-22T18:43:00.001Z

I had such a moving experience at Shadow Grove for this sabbat that I scarcely know where to begin to talk about it. I supposed the beginning is the best place!

The evening started with hors d'oeuvres and some sabbat-appropriate crafting. We made corn garlands and coated pine cones with peanut butter and seeds so the critters of the forest could have something to eat during this time when this area is quite barren.

After dusk, we gathered in the lower room of the house for a run-down of the ritual and to get started. Down an immense flight of stairs that descends into the forest, there is a path that wraps around a gathering place and over a little creek to the ritual circle. Grove rituals usually start at that water crossing, where participants and smudged and cleansed and sent into the circle. This ritual was working a little differently.

Pre-ritual cleansing took place in the house. We each took an unlit candle with us and gathered on the deck. In a dark procession, we descended the sixty-step flight of frozen stairs to the ritual circle.

The theme of Yule is bringing back the light. After the longest night, the sun will slowly begin to take hold again, until it dominates the skies in the summer. For this ritual, we called on the sun, represented in fire, to bring back the light and fill our cold world with the blessings of its bounty. We took a flame from the ritual fire and, as we dismissed the quarters, lit our candles around the circle on that one flame. The procession then went back over the creek and up the breath-taking stairs, bringing back the light from where we started in darkness. It was, by far, the most beautiful Yule celebration I have ever been a part of or witnessed.

After that, we feasted, laughed, fellowshipped, and chose random names for our gift exchange. You may recall my crafting from my November esbat; the gift I made was a Chilean three-legged pig. They're usually made from pottery and exchanged between friends as a token of goodwill and luck. My little pig was crocheted in Yule colors of red, white, and green. The recipient, an extremely kind and loving person who makes a delectable beer bread said it made him smile every time he looked at it. This, of course, made me quite happy. My gift was a beautiful dream catcher made by the High Priestess' son. He is an extremely creative young man, and it just so happened that I needed a new dream catcher. As moving as the ritual was, it was also amazing to take part in this little Grove tradition. It seemed like gifts went to the person who needed them most.

The tradition of exchanging gifts at this time is centuries old. Early people would share what they had in abundance with their neighbors. This was usually crops or meat, or useful things like wool. Nothing was wasted and everyone had what they needed to get them through this time of year when things do not grow. We are blessed in this day and age to have stores that carry such necessities even in the bleak of winter, but the tradition lives on. Maybe none of us really needed any of those little trinkets, but you could tell they were all made with love and warm intentions, and we all do need that.

I hope you, gentle readers, had the brightest of bright Yules.

December Esbat

2008-12-13T14:16:00.000Z

I hope everyone had a wonderful esbat.

I had planned to do something else entirely with this esbat, but the need arose to send some dear friends and family safety in travel. My sister-in-law is going to Japan in January. I am both excited and terribly jealous for her. Another friend is going to be making a long road-trip at the end of the month, despite the possibility of snow and ice in the way. This was the perfect opportunity to send them some safe travel wishes. I think we all know how stressful traveling can be.

I lit a blue candle for tranquility and calm for my sister-in-law, who will be in transit for quite a while just getting to her destination. I then lit an orange candle for alertness for my friend who will be on the road for days. I drew on those energies, filling myself with those hopes and safe thoughts, then projected them to the people they will help.

It should be noted that, while casting a spell for someone who did not ask for it is unethical, that is not what I did here. This was a spell on a wish, my own wish, for the safety of my friends. It was not a spell that imposed my will on their actions, but it did put some extra strength, calm, and fortitude in their grasp if they but reach for it.

Another Full Moon

2008-11-13T04:12:00.002Z

I hope all of you had a bright and mostly warm esbat. The days are getting shorter and the weather is definitely getting colder.

I didn't have anything special planned in advance for this esbat, but something did present itself. The local pagan ministry I've been working with, Shadow Grove, holds celebrations for every sabbat. In the past, I'm told, Yule was a community event at a local Universalist church, not a private ritual at the Grove House. They've decided to bring Yule back to the Grove, but otherwise keep their traditions intact. Part of those traditions is a gift exchange, as many groups do. This group wants the gifts we exchange to be something hand-made. I'm all for that, I fill much of my free time creating things. Seeing as how Yule hasn't happened yet, I'm not going to say what it is I made. I will say that it's fitting, considering the item's ultimate purpose, that inspiration struck me on this esbat.

I gathered my supplies before my altar and cast my circle. Then, I got to making, focusing on what I wanted it to represent as it took shape in my hands. This tiny trinket took four hours to complete, which actually surprised me quite a bit. But, it was made in ritual and filled with my intent and I know it will be a special gift to whomever receives it. I concluded my ritual and left it sitting on my altar, where it will remain until it finally gets wrapped up for our Yule celebration.

I must say, I really enjoy it when things line up just right.

Oh, and keep your eyes on the sky! The Leonids are coming, and should be at their peak in just a few days.

Help Me Welcome

2008-11-02T16:09:00.001Z

My third godson, Alexander! As several worked so hard to ensure, he and mom and doing wonderfully!

May the world bestow many blessings on this new life!

Happy Samhain, Happy New Year

2008-11-01T10:04:00.002Z

Samhain is one of the most important holidays in the witch's calendar. It marks the third and final harvest, where livestock is slaughtered and meat prepared for the long dark winter months. It is one of two times when the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is thinnest. Rituals often include messages to loved ones who have gone before, or ancestors unknown, or even a dumb supper. This also makes it a great time for divination. The fae folk are on the move with other incorporeal creatures that walk the Earth on this night. It is also regarded by many as the new year. The old year ends and begins on this day, and many people include things they want to leave behind and thinks they wish to gain during rituals. It marks the symbolic death of the god in the shortening of daylight hours, until he is born again at Yule. I call this period the Dark of the Sun, as the yearly cycle of the sun reflects the monthly cycle of the moon.

This has always been a very special holiday for me. The autumn is my favorite time of year, this holiday occurs during the month of my birth, and the magick of the world feels stronger than ever. This also makes the very first ritual I was able to share with a local ministry I have been working with since I went to their festival at Beltane. I was excited at being able to join them in ritual, and not the slightest bit nervous.

The evening started with preparations. There was paper to write a message to love ones who had passed on to be burned in the ritual bonfire. We made wooden and fabric poppets to represent something we wanted to be rid of, or something we wanted to take with us into the year. I made one of each.

The group of sixteen participants (and one to stand outside the circle as a protector - I need to research this concept, in fifteen years of my own practice, I have never heard of such a position) walked gaily to the ritual circle and then quietly prepared ourselves as we were cleansed one by one. During the course of the ritual, each person was given the opportunity to throw their message and/or their poppet into the flame and say a few words about it or not as they saw fit. My poppet was a representation of the many things that happened to me this year that I needed to leave behind me. This was mostly low points that I had given far more energy to than they needed. My letter was to my maternal grandfather, Poppop. About three years ago, he sent me a message, a loud and clear message, and I finally got the chance to tell him I had received it. He passed on when I was very young, and I think the time we would have shared was taken from us. My other poppet is to remind me of my own strength, and it will stay on my altar until next Samhain.

After everyone sent their messages or gave to the fire what needed to be left behind, we did something very special. It was four years ago Samhain that the sacred space of this place was dedicated. In their attempts to gain non-profit status with the government, they are becoming much more public and the space needs more protection than ever. We raised energy and cast a vast shield around the property, to protect it, those who dwell there, and those who come and go in perfect love and trust. It was beautiful.

When the ritual ended, we moved to another bonfire and told crazy stories into the night.

I am happy that my first ritual with this group, my chosen family, was so special. I am pleased to have been welcomed into their circle, and I know we can all learn and grow from each other.

The Full Hunter's Moon

2008-10-14T15:54:00.001+01:00

If the Harvest Moon is not in October, this moon is known as the Hunter's Moon. Deer are prevalent during this time and easier to spot with the leaves falling and the fields reaped. This is a good time to stock up on meat for the coming winter months when food is more scarce.

Some friends of mine are expecting their second child, who will be my third godson. He is due early November, and his mother has been having a very rough pregnancy. She suffers from pre-eclampsia, which seems to have caused very painful heart palpitations and the occasional panic attack, among other things. My friends asked me for some help.

I started my ritual by casting my circle and lighting two candles. One was a deep blue for healing, peace, and tranquility for the mother and the other was a light baby boy blue that has the same properties but was used to represent her baby. As the candles burned, I sent calm to them both. I then filled them with Reiki by distance. Simple, but effective.

Now, one does not need to be a Reiki master to send healing energy, and one does not need an esbat to use Reiki. I used this night that is set aside for spell work to combine the two, the method of healing that I used before I was attuned to Reiki, and Reiki as well. I will also continue with Reiki until their son is born (and after, if they wish it). I have no doubt that I will have a healthy godson, even without my healing energy. Pre-eclampsia describes symptoms that can have a number of causes, so the healing sent in this ritual is really for calm and for peace. The condition does not necessarily mean that something is wrong, and the doctors are agreeing. I know she will have relief.

Happy Mabon

2008-09-20T15:03:00.002+01:00

Also sometimes just called the Autumnal Equinox, this is the second harvest before winter. Generally regarded as the vegetable harvest, it is also the thanksgiving celebration. Much like the American tradition in November, it is a time to give thanks to the Lord and Lady for their bounty and blessings.

I was unable to join the ministry for this sabbat because of a seasonal weekend job. This also made a ritual of my own not very feasible. After a hard day of working, however, a group of us get together for a very late dinner. I used that time to thank the gods and the planet for their many gifts.

I learned a meal blessing a few years ago that I use regularly, but most especially before the harvest feasts. I tend to write it frequently, though I cannot remember where I learned it, so you may have already seen it, and you may see it again.

Thanks to the Lord for the food we eat

Thanks to the Lady for her gifts so sweet

Thanks to the farmers who laboured long

Thanks to the animals for their bodies strong

Thanks to the hands that prepared our meal

Thanks to all who turn the Wheel

Full Harvest Moon

2008-09-15T16:51:00.000+01:00

This bright moon is so named because it is harvest time. Farmers can often continue gathering crops into the night by the light of this moon. It occasionally comes in October as opposed to September. The Harvest moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the Autumnal Equinox.

I could no longer put off re-dedicating my house charm for a time that my roommate and I could do it together. She was busy last night, and she is leaving in about a week for a week-long vacation. I'm excited to have the place to myself, but I know I'm going to need the protections that this charm will provide.

I placed the charm bag on my pentacle, cast my circle, and called the elements and deities. It is rare that I do more than a ritual circle for an Esbat. Protected by the Watchtowers and in the presence of my patrons, I re-stated the ingredients and the purpose of each, almost as if I was crafting an entirely new charm bag. When I had finished this, I cast a shield around the condo, programming it to protect those who dwell within and allow only those who mean us no harm to pass through. I tied the shield to the charm bag and hung it from a hook on the living room ceiling, where it will continue to shield my new dwelling.

Now, I work frequently with shields. Tying them to a charm or talisman keeps them up all the time without having to think about it constantly. However, shields take a lot of damage and need regular maintenance, especially the longer they are in place. I will periodically clean and fortify this shield, keeping the protections constant and at peak. Someday soon, I'll give you much more information about shielding.

The Sturgeon Moon

2008-08-16T16:05:00.000+01:00

The name most commonly associated with this moon is the Sturgeon. This large, bony fish seems to be abundant during this time, and that is how the moon got this name. Some other tribes call it the Full Red Moon, for the red hue upon rising. There are also some harvest references as the Green Corn Moon or the Grain moon.

Once again, my roommate and I were unable to hold a re-dedicating charm bag ritual together. Instead, something came up that I had to work on.

An old and dear friend of mine has gotten in trouble with the law. He has not clearly confirmed or denied to me if he actually did what they are accusing him of doing. This is troubling, because the charges against him are horrendous and unforgivable, and he speaks as if conviction and imprisonment are certainties. While he has yet to be tried (and, I think formally charged) he is currently living with his in-laws under house arrest. And, apparently I am the only person other than those he must live with who has not cut him off since the trouble started. Even his wife only sees him when she brings the children by for a visit. If it turns out to be true, I'm honestly not sure if I will be the only person anymore. He asked me for some work on his behalf.

The spell I worked had several parts. I lit a white candle for peace. I then took a cord of natural cotton fiber in white and filled myself with my purpose and need. I tied a knot for my friend to bind his fears and frustration, and give him strength. I tied a knot for his family and the other people he cares about, that they may also be given the strength to do what is right in their hearts. I tied a knot for myself that I may continue to be the voice of reason that he needs and find the strength to forgive the unforgivable if it proves to be true. I tied a knot for the truth, whatever it may be. I tied a knot for the people who may have been hurt by him, in this matter and all others. I tied a knot for those who love him to help them remember why they do even in the face of this ordeal. I tied three knots for each of his children, to bring them calm and peace as they are hurting the most from this right now. I looped the cord and tied it together, to bind everyone in hope that justice will be served, whether it is for the good or ill of my friend. When the candle had burnt down, I buried the stub and the cord in the woods behind my complex, so the Great Mother can send those energies to their purpose.

I must trust that justice will win out, whatever the truth may be. All I can do is wish my friend has the strength and courage to face it, whether it is a crime he really committed, or picking up the pieces of his life when the ordeal has past. I must believe in justice.

Happy Lughnasadh

2008-08-02T14:51:00.003+01:00

Many people get hung up on this Old Irish word. Modern Irish spells it Lúnasa, and that is how to pronounce it. It's not as complex as it seems when you know.

This is a festival of the god Lugh, my patron deity, as an honor to his foster-mother Tailtiu.

Some Christians celebrate lammas, or loaf mas, on this day. This is a reference to the first autumnal harvest, the grain harvest. Grains from the fields are harvested and stored for the coming winter. It is a festival of bounty and of preparation.

Once again, the ministry that put on the Beltane festival attempted to hold a ritual. Just like the attempt at the Litha, the weather had other plans. We feasted inside as the rain and thunder roared outside and then chatted and told stories into the night. Even without a ritual, I think it is perfectly wonderful to spend a sabbat in fellowhip.

Because this is a feast day of my patron god, however, I did light a candle to his honor, and Tailtiu's honor, when I returned home in the wee hours of the morning.

Help Me Welcome

2008-07-23T16:05:00.000+01:00

My second godson, Marcus! He is the cutest little baby I have ever seen.

May the world grant this new life the brightest of bright blessings!

Full Buck Moon

2008-07-19T13:57:00.001+01:00

This full moon was so named because bucks were growing new antlers at this time. It was also sometimes called the Thunder Moon, in reference to the many thunderstorms that tend to occur during this time of year.

I had a lot going on for this esbat. My roommate and I were going to hold a ritual together, to rededicate the charm bag I made in February. We decided to wait on that, possibly until next esbat, so I instead set the bag on my windowsill to let the moon cleanse it of the previous intent.

I also had been working on a project with a specific purpose. That purpose has changed dramatically over the past few weeks. That work was also left in moonlight to cleanse and make room for new intent.

After those were set, the real work began!

A new friend of mine had told me that she was not comfortable in her home. She and her husband had lived there for a few years, but it felt like his home, not hers. She did not complain much to him about it because he loved it, but she felt very uncomfortable and unsafe there. I offered to make a charm bag for her, and she acquired most of the ingredients. This will make it much more attuned to her.

I started this creating by gathering my supplies and casting my circle. I sewed a brown cotton bag, brown being the color of homes, with blue thread and a blue hemp drawstring, blue is good for promoting tranquility.

I first added my own ingredients: a hematite to absorb negativity; a carnelian for relaxation; a tiger's eye for grounding, protection, and to ward off ill wishes; and a clear quartz for balance and keeping the energy clean. I then added red rose petals for protection and happiness.

Next came the items that she had chosen: a lovely piece of kyanite for tranquility, cutting through fears, and grounding; a deep purple amethyst for protection and calming, and a mixture of lavender, sage, and rosemary for their protection and cleansing properties. The final touch was a shell that had been carved into a wave charm. She had thought of putting it in the bag, but I decided it would better serve it's purpose outside. I tied nine knots in a piece of white cotton cord for protection, and tied the wave charm to the bag with that.

I should be able to present her home tranquility charm bag to her at Lughnasadh if I don't see her sooner.

I hope all of you had a wonderfully productive esbat!

Occasion to Stop

2008-07-14T13:21:00.002+01:00

One of my friends is having a baby. Probably at this very moment, or very soon. She has had many complications through her pregnancy (the least of which being going through the first six months not knowing she was pregnant). Last week, she told me that if she didn't give birth by the end of the week, they would induce labor on Monday, today. I think her official due date was to be some time next week, but she's been really struggling the past couple weeks.

She told me she was going to the hospital at 0800, and I promised to think of her and send her some Reiki to help when she got there. I noticed the time, while sitting here in the office, and stopped. I closed my eyes and started with Reiki. I felt my crown chakra, the one through which the Reiki energy enters, tingling. Even for a couple minutes, with the click of computer keys around me, I felt the divine energy flowing through me and to my friend and her soon-to-be-born son.

The sensations I get when working with Reiki energy never cease to surprise me. I've sent Reiki before when I was at work, but I have never felt so instantly and assuredly connected to the recipient as I did right now. I hope this will give me energy for my day as well. And I hope my friend has an exceptionally easy labor and a perfect little son when it is done. I'm waiting for that call.

In other news, the website is back up and running. Thanks to all of you who kept me on the ball about it!

Please Forgive Me

2008-07-11T20:21:00.002+01:00

I only recently got an internet connection since I moved. And in the flurry of moving, I haven't had anything to update anyway. I noticed just this morning that my website was down. I suspect the cause is that I updated my address with my credit card biller but forgot to do so with the webhost (thus, they didn't match, thus they couldn't bill me, even though I'm not up for billing). I think I've straightened things out, but if you happen to come by and see the Arcanum isn't loading (I've been getting a 400 error) a few hours after this post, please let me know. That means the problem is somewhere else and I need to call them. Thanks, friends!

And as a reward for being without my site for I have no idea how long, I might even get some new articles up very soon.

Happy Summer Solstice

2008-06-23T15:31:00.002+01:00

The Summer Solstice has many names. Some call it Midsummer (meteorologically, it is the middle of Summer), some call it Litha. Whatever the word, a lot is happening during this fire festival.

The fields are full and ripe with growing plants for the upcoming harvest, just as the Goddess nurtures the God in her pregnant belly. The Oak King and the Holly King battle it out once again, and the Holly King reigns supreme until Yule. Days will start to get shorter even when it feels like the warmth is just beginning. In my area, almost every day ends in a spectacular thunder storm; the power of nature is in full force.

The group that put on the festival I went to at Beltane had planned a ritual weekend for Litha. This wasn't a public festival, but a private gathering at the proprietors' home, which is the group's established sacred space. The back deck offered a great place to congregate and partake of Sabbat crafts, and a long wood and earthen staircase led to the Grove, bonfire, and ritual circle back in the woods of their property near a small creek. This place had a magickal feel to it, and a coworker of mine has been trying for quite some time to get me there.

We had a great amount of crafts planned for the day. There was decorative besom making (the shaft being a large cinnamon stick and the bristles were a long grass grown right on the property). We made dream pillows, sewn and stuffed with herbs, and purification pouches to be thrown into the ritual fire. There was also a station for faerie houses and carving/decorating wands, staffs, or walking sticks. We also had a sun wheel that we were to decorate and would also be burned in the ritual fire. There were places for camping on the property and many people pitched tents for the weekend.

Most of Saturday was spent in crafts. I made a little besom, two dream pillows, and a purification pouch filled with nine herbs representing things I needed to be rid of and things I wanted to call to me. There was quite a lot of drama as some of the children inadvertently stirred up a nest of yellow jackets. My roommate used to be an EMT and she was a great help, though she later told me she was really nervous and unsure of herself because she had never previously dealt with possible allergic reactions. While I'm very sorry that a couple kids were sporting multiple sting wounds (and some of the adults that responded to the cry for help by the creek were too), and am very thankful that not a single person stung was seriously allergic to it. Despite my roommate's nerves, I know she was a great help and a comfort that she was there.

The excitement of the yellow jacket attack delayed our feast only a little. Once everyone was treated and calmed down or sleeping, we ate a sumptuous meal of mostly homemade dishes; grilled meats, salads and pasta, a delectable dip, and bar-b-qued venison. There was also muffins, cakes, cookies, and bread, and the whole meal was complimented by organic lemonade and sangria.

The second snag (the first being the yellow jacket attack) happened right after we cleaned up from our feast. Clouds and thunder starting rolling in, the skies opened up, and rain poured in great drops. Some of us stayed on the deck, not really protected under the upper deck, and some went inside to wait it out. The rain came down so hard that we all had to retreat indoors. After that cell, another one came through. The ritual and bonfire was a rain-out, as well as the bardic circle planned for afterwards (storytelling, singing, dancing, drumming, just fun things!). We stayed to the wee hours of the morning playing silly board games. Even though the ritual didn't happen, I can't think of a better way to have spent the day.

And it's not over! Those who camped out eventually retired to their tents, those who's tents got soaked ended up in the house or went to their own homes. My roommate's tent was a lake, and I didn't have one, so we went home for the night and returned (quite a bit late) the following day. Sunday became another day of crafts. Those who didn't make a besom were able to do so, some made more dream pillows. A few of us walked through the woods looking for staffs, one found a fallen branch of purpleheart (I almost picked that up, but my roommate gave me a length of poplar that she had found on the property some time ago, that was more meaningful to me, though I love purpleheart). Then we spent much of the afternoon sanding, drawing, carving, or otherwise tending to our wonderful wooden finds. In the afternoon, we had a great linner (somewhere between lunch and dinner) of left-over feast dishes. We eventually had all the fun we could stand, and another storm was moving in, so we cleaned up and headed to a restaurant for a very late dinner. I admit I was not the least bit hungry and just should have gone home, but I was in wonderful company and went with them anyway. This put me home extremely late so it will be quite hard to get through today.

Despite my fatigue (and the bad choice of staying when I should have gone that caused it), the yellow jacket attack, and the fact that our ritual couldn't happen as intended because of the storms, I can't think of a better way to have spent the Sabbat. I hope all of you had an equally wonderful, and without the stinging trauma, holiday!

The Full Strawberry Moon

2008-06-19T16:27:00.004+01:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Esbat. This moon was so named by the Algonquin tribes because June is the time for harvesting strawberries. Some further research shows this was called the Rose Moon in Europe, and roses sure are in bloom around now.

Spring is winding down and the official start of summer is almost upon us (meteorologically, we're nearly halfway through summer). The days are still long, the nights are still short, and the temperature climes daily in many places (unless you're in the Southern Hemisphere). It's a great time to feel the life of the planet in abundance.

I was going to do something completely different for this Esbat. I was going to recharge the charm bag I made at the Snow Moon so it fits my new dwelling, but something else came up suddenly. One of my dear cats has developed diabetes in her near-old age. I'm convinced it was a side effect of some medication she was on at the start of the year for a knee injury (and it is a common side effect) and so am feeling entirely guilty for giving her those pills in the first place. I also feel guilty that I could not take her with me when I moved and had to leave her with my parents, who may or may not be up for the challenge of caring for a diabetic cat.

In my new home, my altar is out and ready to be used whenever the need strikes me. Before moonrise, I gathered my materials and set everything up. I used a powdered rose incense for love, a blue candle for tranquility and healing, and set a rose quartz, again for love, and a bloodstone on my altar pentacle. The incense and quartz are to help my cat know I love her even if I can't have her with me. The candle is to help bring her peace and healing, as I'm sure she doesn't understand why she always feels hungry, and in anticipation of insulin shots which may make her nervous. The bloodstone is the best at healing matters of the blood (while diabetes is not a blood disease, it is blood-related as a metabolism issue). (For some reason, the picture came out very green!)

After my ritual bath (I used a hand-made rose scented soap to keep with my theme), I cleared my space with my besom, cast my circle with my wand (made of a wood that happens to be healing-specific), and lit the altar candle, spell candle, and incense. Wand in hand, I sat before my altar and conjured up a vision of my cat. I drew energy from the elements into my wand, and then from my spell-specific tools: the blue candle, the rose quartz, and the bloodstone, spending the most time with the bloodstone. I pulled energy from these into the wand, and from myself, and from the divine source of Reiki, and I felt the presence of the cat I was able to take with me in my circle, sitting calmly and lending her energy (something she has never done before). When I felt the needed energy had been raised and my wand was thoroughly charged, I sent that energy to my cat. The visualization saw her sleeping soundly cradled within the petals of a soft rose: calm, safe, happy, and getting well again. I finished my ritual with a Reiki session, then opened my circle and let the incense burn out. I did snuff the candle, but I will light it again this evening so it can burn out in a safe manner.

Here is one other (rather dark) picture at the conclusion of my ritual spell with my cat, Miss Luna, patiently lying upon the bed, where she was for the duration.

This Esbat also saw an end to the second Mercury retrograde period of the year. Hopefully, you found yourself unaffected and were able to use that time for some likely needed quiet reflection.

Retrograde Again

2008-05-28T14:05:00.001+01:00

Mercury went into retrograde in Gemini this past Sunday. Remember to be mindful of your communications during this time. It will be in retrograde through the middle of June. Now is a good time for inner contemplation and finishing projects that you have already begun rather than starting new ones.

In one coincidental act of timing, I signed a lease on a new place on Saturday, before the retrograde period (when they say is not a good time for signing contracts). I made a lot of compromises to get this far, and I'm not entirely happy about having to make them, but I am quite happy to be getting out of my current living situation. Moving in is scheduled for this weekend, but it's not exactly starting something new because the lease is already signed. How is that for timing luck?!

I hope you all fare well!

Full Flower Moon

2008-05-20T17:26:00.002+01:00

This moon was so named because flowers are usually abundant during this time. My area saw more flowers last month than this one; we have been getting a lot of rain.

I did something a little different for this esbat. All my tools are still packed away. I had to put the home I was looking at (and hitting snags to get) on hold, and began looking at places to rent with someone I met at the Beltane festival. We have turned in our applications and are waiting to hear if we're accepted. Here's hoping!

I had thought about a spell to move this process along, but I made many appeals to Hestia when I started my new home search and felt it was a better idea to let that work run its course. I've been making a lot of things lately, things with spiritual significance and things without, so I decided to make one of these things in ritual.

I gathered my supplies and cast my circle around my work area. I was certain I would not finish in one night, so I programmed my circle to be permeable. Beings that meant no harm to the happenings within would be allowed to enter and leave freely (this includes myself and my cats), and beings that do mean harm would be deterred. The circle would remain until the task is complete.

Then, it was time to begin. I had a general idea of what I wanted to do, but needed some inspiration to make it a reality. I meditated with the materials before me and started working with them when I felt that I was ready to do so.

As I had prepared, I had to stop before it was done (oh, how we hate life to get in the way!), and I feel the project is successfully taking shape. I left my circle intact, to maintain the energies within when I began, and will continue this evening. I'm sorry that I cannot yet tell you what it is that I am making, though I hope my desire to do it in ritual will be apparent when that time comes.

This is, at it's core, no different than when I make a charm bag, except it is a bit more elaborate; I'm rather surprised that I never before thought of doing it. I also learned something about my creative process; something that I think I've always known, just never really admitted to. That is, I don't use patterns and generally have little more than an (often vague) idea on which to build. I suppose many great ideas grow into wondrous things from a small beginning. I create best without a plan. That was an amusing thing to learn about me.

I hope all of you had a wonderful esbat.

Ritual Festival

2008-05-05T21:23:00.000+01:00

This weekend's Beltane gathering was wonderful. I've worked a number of festivals: some were completely entertainment (like a Renaissance festival), some were glorified craft fairs, but I had never previously been to a gathering like this, where the purpose was ritual, celebration, learning, and fellowship.

We had positively perfect weather, even though the forecast was for rain on Saturday night. The temperature was perfect, and it didn't rain at all. The park we were in had several campsites, each with a number of clusters of cabins and a dining hall, bonfire pit, and infirmary. We had one such site that had four cabin clusters. I stayed with three staff members (one is a current co-worker and another a former co-worker of mine) in the infirmary. We ended up being perfectly situated in the middle of most things and closest to the dining hall where they did most of their work. It was also great because we had our own bathroom!

This is the altar for the opening ritual on Saturday morning. We cast our sacred circle to encompass the entirety of the campsite, and made it permeable so friends could enter and exit at will. Directly after, we crowned the king and queen of the May. Saturday also included the maypole dance.

I don't have any pictures of the actual dance because I was a part of it. I think one of my roomies may have a few. We got turned around once or twice, but otherwise it was one of the best coordinated maypole dances I've seen. It wasn't perfect (I've actually never seen one executed perfectly, though in theory, it's quite a sight) but we weren't there to be perfect anyway. After the maypole had been wrapped, it was left standing all weekend so people could come and get fertility blessings from the maypole. A fertility blessing applies to anything that involves creation; it could have been for a craft, starting something new, or a new life.

After the maypole dance, we held our main ritual. This involved the joining of soil from the sacred spaces of the people gathered. I provided soil from where a maple tree that was sacred to me once stood. We then mixed it together, and each participant took a cup of it and a single sunflower seed.

My workshop was after dinner. I had about eight people and a poor bird that was trapped in the building. I forgot to check if it had gotten out; I hope it did. I had written an extensive lesson that I managed to leave at home, but I did have my outline. I think I was able to talk about almost everything I wanted to talk about. I do intend to write up this lesson, and it will eventually find its way to the Arcanum (it's something I've been needing to do anyway!). I think my little class went well, and I hope those who attended agreed.

Saturday night ended with a bonfire and drum circle. A few of us without drums, including myself, spent much of that time dancing around the fire. No wonder my legs are so tired today! In the infirmary, we got to bed around 0130, which wasn't so bad considering we had to get up early to start breakfast.

My only workshop on Sunday was a mala crafting class. Mala, meaning "garter," are prayer beads. I've made a few small sets in the past of my own design and method, so I was excited to take this workshop and hopefully learn something new. I was not disappointed. In fact, it was quite wonderful, and I hope to make some more sets with my new knowledge.

The one hour time slot this workshop was allotted proved to be too little. We ended up taking almost two hours. That's really because knotting between each bead takes time when you are a beginner, but we all wanted to do it. That's some of the skill that I was really hoping to pick up with the class. I've been wearing and getting to know my mala all day today. For me, it's a comfort to have them around. The very first strand I made broke. The second one recently lost a bead. I have another (I made three that first time) that I haven't used yet, that's how recently the second one lost a bead. The mala I made yesterday is twice as long as my first sets; they're traditionally one hundred and eight beads, but can be made any length that is a multiple of nine (you will usually find fifty-four, which is what I made yesterday, or twenty-seven, which is what I had previously made).

We concluded our weekend with another ritual where we opened the circle we had cast on Saturday. It was a truly fabulous weekend.

I took off of work today so I could finish cleaning up my gear and conclude my part of the ritual. The seed needed to be planted, and I took a portion of our ritual offering (instead of cakes and ale, we had berries and tea) to offer in my own sacred space. I chose the base of the massive oak tree in my back yard to leave the offering. I planted the sunflower in a place that will get sun. I hope it grows.

The theme of this festival was "plant a seed of unity," meant to draw groups, small covens, and solitaries into a larger group: not a coven, but a community. By mixing soil and planting actual seeds, we can take the energy of the gathering and bring it to points all over the region. I've been solitary for a while, but I've also been in covens before. It's refreshing to be reminded that, even though I practice my spirituality alone, I never really am.

I would like to take this blog moment to thank Shadow Grove, the Northern Virginia Pagan Network, and MoonFire for putting on this really wonderful Beltane celebration.

Happy Beltane!

2008-05-02T14:14:00.002+01:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful sabbat (and happy Samhain to my Southern Hemisphere friends!). I must admit that I thoroughly did not. I received a call from my grandmother at 0200, who was in a panic and bleeding. The family mobilized, summoned an ambulance, and took her to the hospital where we waited. After about four hours, my father and I were sent home to rest with the plan of coming back later so my mother and uncle could then get some rest. The source of the problem, we all believed, was an estrogen supplement that must be administered vaginally. Why a nearly ninety year old woman needs estrogen, and why her doctor would prescribe that kind, is beyond me. She was sent home and is mostly better, though the only good the hospital really did was to give her a much-needed IV and tell her to see the prescribing doctor as soon as possible. Needless to say, spending mornings in the ER waiting room is not the most spiritually conducive environment.

All is not lost! Beltane is one of the most widely celebrated of sabbats, second to Samhain. It is the other day when the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is most thin, and therefore a great time for communing with the faeries and for divination. As seems to be traditional in this day and age, since the holiday fell on a weekday, many people plan to do their major celebrating on the weekend. This plan ends up working out quite well for me, since a May Day ritual just wasn't going to happen on my own.

I will be attending a festival called Fertile Ground that is put on by a fairly local pagan fellowship. There are a few things they're doing that I don't exactly agree with (like encouraging the wearing of Renaissance festival-type clothing. I understand why they are doing this, and it's not required, but I don't prefer it. I shall have to go into detail about this at another time) but I know it will prove to be a fabulous weekend. There will be an opening ritual, a main ritual and maypole, and a nighttime drum circle on Saturday, a closing ritual on Sunday, and a decent amount of workshops, activities, and entertainment. I will be presenting an introduction to tarot workshop that I am rather excited about. My only regret here is that they gave me a time slot opposite another workshop I wanted to take.

In anticipation of my weekend, and because my Beltane day was so stressful, I did take a small bit of time to gather some of the things I will need. I have a set of Morris dancing bells that I often use in ritual. Unfortunately my first set of bells has gone missing (probably somewhere in my packing frenzy) and I needed to make some new ones. I stopped by the craft store and bought a pack of bells and some leather cord. Using scraps of leather that I had on hand, I strung my bells onto a strip of leather as a wide bracelet or anklet. I tied six silver bells (six has numerological significance to me) to a strip of grey leather with cords in spring colors of teal and rose. I was able to finish one last night, and I'll complete the other this evening. I actually like them better than my original bells, as they were made with a kit I purchased in a craft store and these are entirely my design.

I won't actually be performing a Morris dance; these bells are mostly for ritual use. It is said that we ring bells to keep the faeries away, as the fae are quite mischievous and we don't want them causing trouble as they wander about. Beltane is known as one of the major fertility festivals, but it is also one where the country dwellers would take time away from planting their fields simply to celebrate life and acts that create it. Whether you celebrated last night or are waiting for some more free time with the weekend, I hope you had a wondrous one.

Full Pink Moon

2008-04-23T00:43:00.000+01:00

So named for the prevalent pink flowers of spring, this moon is also called the Fish Moon, the Sprouting Grass Moon, or the Egg Moon, depending on the region.

At the request of a friend, I spent this esbat sending Reiki to someone who needed a little healing. Full moons are great for healing rituals as it is, but with all of my supplies packed up in moving anticipation, a Reiki session was just perfect for my current circumstances.

Everything on the moving front is on hold right now with no estimated time of return. It's disappointing on many levels, because if this falls through I would have lost some much needed funds in the attempt and, of course, not improved my living situation any.

While I'm a few days behind in getting this esbat post up, I hope everyone had a great day, and I hope you're all blooming with excitement at the thought of the many gay festivities surrounding the upcoming sabbat.

This Moon Has Many Names

2008-03-23T03:35:00.003Z

The names of the full moons that I have been giving you come from Native American traditions. I had a dear friend who is Comanche, who taught me the vast majority of the information I relay (even if it was not originally her tradition).

Some tribes called this the Full Sap Moon, a time when you could tap the maple tree for its sap. To others, this was the Crust Moon, referencing the hard shell-like surface of snow that melts during the day but freezes at night. In the north, it was often called the Crow Moon, as the birds returning from their winter roosts fill the air with their song. It was also commonly called the Worm Moon; worms emerge from the frozen ground where they are easily snatched by robins, the bird that most identifies the return of spring.

With all of my supplies still packed away, I was only able to do a simple candle ritual. Similar to what I had originally planned to do for the Esbat, only the purpose changed.

After casting my circle, I charged a white candle with thoughts of peace, calm, and patience. I then placed it in the north and lit the wick. As the flame burned, I surrendered thoughts of doubt, failure, and fear to be burned away by the flame. The candle took those doubts and destroyed them, and the patience and calm was released into my circle as the wax melted, thus filling it and me with those feelings.

My move that hasn't yet happened has been extremely frustrating to me. So, I took the opportunity to get rid of all of the negativity that I brought about in this temporary delay, and to replace that with the patience I need to get through this time and with knowledge that my much anticipated move will happen. It has to, I just have to wait a little longer.

I hope everyone had a marvelous Esbat.

Ostara, the Vernal Equinox

2008-03-21T10:23:00.000Z

An equinox is so named because the time of daylight and darkness is in equal measure. This is the first equinox of the year, marking the beginning of spring for people in the northern hemisphere.

Despite the cold weather my area has been experiencing, the trees are starting to bloom, birds are returning to their summer nests, and fair weather insects and amphibians can be heard through the night.

I've been personally suffering an intense case of winter blues, and only last night realized that is what it was. The process of changing my residence has stalled for now, which hasn't helped my mood. I was certainly expecting to be moved in and settling by now. Because of this, all of my tools are safely packed up in move anticipation, leaving me to performing a very simple meditation ritual.

I placed a pink candle, pink to represent the flowering sakura trees I love so much, into a painted jar and cast my circle. I prepared myself by focusing on the candle and filling my head with thoughts of spring and what spring means: new beginnings, starting fresh, and certainly warmer days that can be spent out of doors. I then picked up an old Book of Shadows and a pencil and started writing.

This is a form of meditation called automatic writing. The only rule it to write whatever comes to mind, and not to stop. I wrote for thirty minutes and filled five pages. The candlelight was just enough so that I could see the lines on the page, but not what was being written. I did not exactly follow the lines on the page, but writing neatly is not the objective. It is an exercise of meditation and channeling. When done right, you don't have any conscious thought about what you are actually writing.

I read over my pages of scribble this morning and found a lot of thoughts about how I've been feeling lately, where it's really coming from, and why I want to hide those reasons, and what I've really been feeling, from the people who are important to me.
Just as spring is a time of beginnings, this exercise allowed for beginning; beginning to see the truth behind my actions and emotions, and maybe even beginning to move them in a different, more positive, direction.

Embrace your beginnings.

Full Snow Moon

2008-02-22T19:11:00.003Z

I hope everyone had a fabulous Esbat! This is called the Snow Moon by many native tribes from the North and East. This is because the heaviest snowfalls tend to occur around this time. Tribes from regions that receive less snow call it the Hunger Moon, for the scarcity of food in the winter months.

I took two days during the three-day reign of the full moon to complete my spell work. In anticipation of closing on a new dwelling next month, I created a charm bag that will serve as an amulet for protection, peace, and a little bit of prosperity.

Sometimes, it's strange how things work out. I couldn't find the material I wanted to use to craft the bag and, from what I did have, I picked the wrong color. This bag will find a prominent place in my new dwelling, so I did not worry about natural fiber. Like the one I made for my coworker, I wanted a brown bag (the color for homes) with blue thread (a color of tranquility). I ended up picking not the brown deer suede, but the burgundy deer suede. This was simply due to the dim lights in the room. I also managed to not get blue thread, but a light gray thread, also probably from the lighting. Halfway through my sewing, I realized the colors I was working with and, right away, I also realize how perfect they were. The siding on my new home is gray, and the shutters are a shade of burgundy. Completely by accident, I chose material that was even more perfect than what I had intended. I used a brown hemp cord for the drawstring and a heavy brown glass bead to keep it tight. I began sewing just as the eclipse was starting on the 20th.

When my bag was complete, I added my stones. There is: a snowflake obsidian for peace and protection; a yellow tiger eye for protection, prosperity, and a little bit of courage (the courage is needed because so much of this change in living arrangements is something very new for me); an amethyst point for peace and calming fears; a carnelian for protection and calm; a green aventurine for prosperity; a citrine for calming fears and promoting peaceful sleep; a hematite to keep me grounded; a clear quartz to keep all the energies clean and strong; and one special stone that I knew I wanted to add before I knew why, a lovely piece of sodalite that's good for inner peace.

After the stones, I added the herbs: red rose petals for protection and to fill my home with love; rosemary for protection, purification, and peaceful sleep; sage for protection and cleansing; and a very special pinch of nepeta. The last herb, while good for it's calming energies, is also known as catnip, and I added it to try to encourage some calm and peace between my two cats.

I also had some special things to add to this bag for my new home. The first was ash from my Yule log to bring the happiness from my previous home to my new one. I then added the candle stubs from the success and prosperity spell I had finished with the previous esbat. After all, that entire working was with this new change in abode in mind. Like my coworker's bag, I added a pinch of ash from the anti-fire charm that my brother and I crafted years ago. The last piece was something I had never before had occasion to use. Several years ago, a friend of mine sent me some small branches from her tree outside. This tree was some kind of pine on the side of her driveway that had been struck by lightening some years before. The strike left half of the tree dead, and the other half still thriving as if nothing happened. She had respectfully taken some branches from the dead side; wood that has been struck by lightening is very magickal. For one thing, it serves as a protection from lightening. I added a few bits of this wood to my bag for its protective qualities.

The bag was completed and filled as the moon entered totality. I hung it from my bedroom window, where the shrouded light of the eclipsed moon cleansed it and its contents from any energies they might have picked up (and everything picks up energies). I then placed the bag in an altar box, safe and clean, to wait for the following night.

Last night, with the moon still considered full, I performed the actual working. Casting my circle and calling the quarters, I asked the Lord and Lady to bless my dwelling (wherever it may be) and I dedicated my charm to protecting it. At the conclusion, I hung it back in the window to charge with the light of the full, un-eclipsed moon. This morning, I removed the charm and put it back in the altar box where it will stay until I move next month. And I already have a plan for my first Esbat in my new home.

How Did You Fare?

2008-02-19T15:15:00.001Z

I hope everyone got through this period of Mercury retrograde without a scratch (as it were). I hope you found time for some nice quiet reflection and got some things finished or worked on.

I will speak more on this month's full moon later; however, I wanted to make sure everyone is prepared. Tomorrow, February 20th, will see a total lunar eclipse. The entire eclipse will be visible to South America and most of North America (for you West coast folks, the moon will rise in eclipse), and even some of Europe and Africa.

Magickally, an eclipsed moon is a contradiction. At the time we should be celebrating the fullness of the Mother, we see her shrouded like the Crone. It is a powerful and sacred energy. Much like the time of Mercury in retrograde, it is a good time for inner reflection, or for spellwork that involves protection, calming, and guidance. Remember that the moon is full for three days. If you really need something, like prosperity or success, you can work that on the day following the eclipse.

Have a look at NASA's Eclipse Page for some more information and specific times. If you are in the right area, enjoy the view!

A Little Follow-Up

2008-02-16T01:32:00.003Z

I took the stub and wax drippings from my candle spell with me to my appointment this afternoon. At a discrete moment, I dropped them in the front yard, thereby drawing the connection to the immediate goal.

The process is underway. I need to be approved for the loan and by the community association, but I'm not worried about either. We're hoping to settle in a month. For some reason, taking on more debt than I've ever had in my life is very exciting!

Impromptu Simple Candle Spell

2008-02-15T14:18:00.004Z

I love simple candle spells. If you need to do a little magic, light a candle (of course, it's more involved than that).

Today, I had occasion and need for a simple spell. Even though Mercury is still in retrograde, all other conditions lined up perfectly. The first is that the moon is waxing, a perfect time for calling something to you. The second is that it is morning, the day is just getting started, yet another perfect time for calling something to you. The third is that I ordered early enough so that the right supplies would be here when I needed them. And the time to work on this need presented itself.

I am looking to change my residence. Without going too much into detail, this is something that I desperately need. My current living arrangement, while allowing quite a bit of freedom, is choking me in other ways. I started the ball rolling in December. This afternoon, I have an appointment to see the dwelling I've been considering, and possibly put a contract on it.

I took a brown candle, brown being the color of homes, and placed it in a sun-shaped pewter holder. With my right index finger, I carved a little house into the wax. I then filled myself with my need and charged my candle with it. I gave it some Reiki for that extra push, and set it down in front of the fireplace in the South wall. I cast my circle and called on the goddess Hestia, goddess of the hearth and the eternal flame. I told the goddess of my need and my desire and lit the candle. I meditated before it, reflecting on what I need to happen this afternoon, opened my circle, and left the candle to burn down, releasing the energy to work towards my goal.

And this goal has been on my mind for years, but I had every time prior to now hit a complete and utter dead-end. There are no more dead ends. This is the final option, and it is going to go in my favor. I need it to, and I know the goddess will help me make it happen.

Happy Imbolc!

2008-02-03T04:13:00.001Z

There is a lot going on for this fire festival. Called Candlemas by Christians, we continue the lighting of fires or candles to help bring back the warmth of the sun. We also celebrate the first signs of Spring with early flowers and sheep's milk (seasonally, this is the time of lambing). The Maiden is the Goddess of this festival, usually personified in the Irish Goddess Brigid.

This festival is good for performing acts of divination, symbolized in the crossroads, and many things that involve purifying and protecting the home. In some traditions, this is the marriage festival, we see the Maiden Goddess on her marriage bed.

This is an important festival to me. My patron Goddess is one of the Maiden Goddesses, so I celebrate with her on this day (I also have an affinity for Brigid). It also occurs opposite my patron God's festival day. Interesting that it works out this way! By sheer timing circumstance, I was able to do something much more elaborate for this Sabbat than the smaller scale that I am often restricted to doing.

My first act of celebration began on the eve. Since we welcome the coming Spring, this is a good time for Spring cleaning. There is more cleaning than can actually be completed in one day in my current living conditions, but a little here and there helps. What couldn't get more specialized attention got a symbolic sweep from my besom.

My altar was set on my tarot chest for this ritual and I cast my circle around it. On a lacy white altar cloth, I placed a bayberry candle to continue to bring in the light in the center of the symbols of the elements: a quartz crystal for earth, rose incense for air, a lava rock for fire, and a special shell for water. A basket for Brigid's bed was set to the left of the altar, and within it I placed two corn dollies from the harvest at Lughnasadh, one for the Goddess, and one for the God. Using strips of hay, I wove a kind of sunwheel called Brigid's Cross. This symbol has come to mean many things through the years, most agree it is a reflection of the cycle of seasons. They are hung in the home for protection and blessings. For now, mine will sit on my altar.

I followed the making of my sun cross with some pendulum divination. Since this festival has much to do with the home, my questions were home-related. This is also quite appropriate as I have been in search of a new place to live.

I hope this fire festival, and the blessed marriage, is a wonderful day for everyone!

Keep Your Wits

2008-01-28T15:36:00.000Z

Today began the first period of Mercury retrograde for this year.

The other planets of our solar system move around the sun like Earth does (we should all know this!). There are times when the planets appear to be moving in the opposite direction. This occurs when they are on the other side of the sun than we are; it's all about perspective, they're not actually moving backwards, it just looks like it from our point of view on Earth. Every planet has a period of retrograde, Mercury has several during the course of our calendar because that year is a lot shorter than ours. Mercury's retrograde also seems to affect us more than any other planet. Perhaps it is its nearness to us and its nearness to the sun (relatively speaking), or the fact that it happens so often during our year.

Whatever the reason, most people believe this three-week period of time has a direct effect on us. Mercury governs aspects of the mind, communication, business, travel. This is a good time for meditation and mental exploration of your inner self. The other areas seem to be stalled or halted during this time, so they say it's not a good time to sign a contract or start a new business venture. People tend to find it more difficult to communicate what they wish, or find information they are looking for.

With all that in mind, don't be afraid of this time. For one, you can use it for that self reflection that many of us don't seem to do very often, or to pick up a project you had started but never got around to finishing. While it is advised to not start new things, sometimes you have to. Add a little determination to your purpose and don't let the motion of the planets stop you.

A Tiny Update

2008-01-24T01:29:00.000Z

I never really liked links that go no where, so I changed that. The articles are still not finished, but now you will go to a nifty 404 page with something to look at, and links to help you move on.

I feel accomplished!

And for those of you who want to know, because I don't think I've said, the little icon that comes up when you load the Arcanum or save it to your favorites list is a small piece of the Ace of Wands artwork from the tarot deck I am designing. I may change this icon at some point, but I'm happy with it just being there for now.

Full Wolf Moon

2008-01-23T13:52:00.000Z

I hope everyone had a wonderful Full Wolf Moon Esbat. This moon is so named because it is said that wolves could be heard howling in hunger in the barren winter.

You may recall that I've been working some candle magick since the last full moon, and that energy came to a head last night. My current circumstances also necessitated some additional working. It so happens that this moon is good for courage and cunning (think attributes of the wolf), and that's exactly what I needed.

In a very short amount of time, my work situation became very stressful. I got a promotion (maybe a little bit of previous success/prosperity candle magick working for me) but the amount of extra work that they've put on me since is impossible to get done in eight hours. My bosses also have a nice habit of getting angry with me when deadlines are not met because they told me to ignore them. I admit, the stress is not all them, a lot of it is how I am reacting. I need to stay in this job for a while yet, so I decided to take this Wolf Moon and do something about it.

I set my altar with my candles from the other spell burning away, and meditated on the new task. I took three lengths of black embroidery floss and began braiding them together. I enjoy performing knot magick, perhaps that's the sailor in me. Embroidery floss is a great material because it is made of a natural fiber, cotton, and comes in a variety of colors for any purpose you can imagine. I chose black because I need to bind the negativity involved in the situation, theirs and mine. Braiding is what makes the three pieces of floss into a cord for a bit of added thickness, and it also serves a bit of its own binding.

When my cord had been braided, I tied two knots in it. One for the outside influences of negativity, and one for my own. Before the tying of each knot, I thought about the situation; the negativity coming from my bosses, the unfairness I felt at being yelled at though I did what they asked. I called it all forward, and I got angry about it, and I tied it up in my knot, to bind and hold it there where it won't be released to wreak havoc on my life. I did the same thing for the other knot, only this time, it was more like looking at their point of view; how I reacted that upset them, what I could have done better but didn't because I was so angry at them I didn't see what I was doing. Then I tied my knot and bound that part up too.

The last step was to tie this knotted cord to my security badge. This is something that must be with me at all times while I'm at the office, and it literally ties what I am trying to contain to my work environment.

You may look at what I've done and think it means I did magick on my bosses. That is not so. What I have done was to take the feelings that their actions bring out in me and bind them. It will help me to see that they're not doing these things because they want to cause trouble for me, and it will remind me that I am a good worker and can make better choices. There have already been a few instances this morning where I had to think of my cord hanging from my badge and remember that only I control how I act and react.

Still a New Year

2008-01-06T05:06:00.001Z

Even if we celebrate one revolution of the wheel at Samhain, we can still celebrate the Gregorian New Year (I celebrate Chinese New Year too). This holiday tends to be filled with far less magickal things.

There is something I do every New Year. Not unlike my annual, Sabbat-based tarot reading at Samhain, I also perform a reading for the year at this time. This reading involves thirteen cards, one for every month and one for the year in general. I used the Hansen-Roberts deck, the deck I use most often.

January's card indicates there is a plan in action. It is slow going and subtle, but present nonetheless. February will be a conflict. There are trials that will need to be overcome. In March, I will start to see the fruits of my labor. My hard work will pay off. April will see a very sudden change, but that leads to May, a time of new prosperity and harmony. June relates to a plan set in motion. Unlike January's subtlety, this one is out in the open. In July, the results of all my efforts will be realized. August will be a period of transition. September will see some setbacks, and it would be really wise to not spend a lot of money. I need to be on the look out for an unfavorable individual in October. I'll take a big chance in November, and December will see something of a stalemate. Overall, for the year, I'm looking at a gradual change. What I want to accomplish is met with obstacles that will need to be overcome.

One might look at this reading and think that means 2008 will be a tough year for me. I'm not going to deny that, but the cards don't show what will absolutely be. They show only one possibility, in a world of possibilities. Not the least of which is that the knowledge of this potential path could change the current course altogether. I do have plans for 2008, and I know they won't be simple. I also know they're going to happen, whether it's a long hard road or not.

More for You

2007-12-30T17:49:00.001Z

Just in case you wanted some proof that I am, indeed, writing more articles for you, one has been added to the Maiden section. You will also find a lot of links that go to unwritten articles, or no where at all. This will save me time later, I'm sorry about how annoying links that go no where are right now.

For the record, I do plan to supplement the articles with pictures in the future. So much is in motion in my life right now that taking pictures is in the far future. But, the time will come, and I hope you'll be patient with me about it!

Full Cold Moon

2007-12-25T14:29:00.000Z

The Cold Moon, also sometimes called the Long Nights Moon, is so named because of the long, cold nights of midwinter. Yule isn't actually the first day of winter. Meteorologically, we're about half way through.

Yesterday, the middle day of the three day full moon cycle, was the most opportune moment for me to begin a spell that will be unfinished until the moon waxes again.

This is actually a simple candle spell, I had originally intended for it to be a seven day spell - I tend to have much success with those - but the timing was not quite right. Spell work is really like anything you do; you get out of it what you put into it. A spell that gets completed over the course of several days becomes more effective because it is focused for a longer period of time.

I began by clearing my altar, and setting it to the north (where I normally start in the east). I placed two candles upon it, a green one for monetary prosperity, and an orange one for a successful endeavour. I cleansed and charged each candle with Reiki while thinking about my purpose and what I hope to obtain. I lit the wicks, the green one on the left first, and sat before my candles in meditation. About an hour of this concentration about what I wanted to draw to me was all I could hold, so I snuffed the candles and went to bed.

They will remain on my altar until the new moon, when I will light them again and meditate until they burn out. My goal is to finish at the next full moon and therefore come full circle. During the waning period, I will be physically putting my desire into motion. Even if you trust your spellwork, you should never just perform a spell. If you want money, for example, a great big wad of cash is not going to fall out of the sky and into your lap. You have to take action; mind your spending, work overtime, whatever you need to do to help things along. That money you're looking for will come in a natural way, but it won't come at all if you're not doing anything to encourage it.

Bright Yule!

2007-12-22T05:43:00.000Z

The solstices and equinoxes can sometimes be hard to plan. The dates change every year, you see, but as long as your ritual takes place somewhat nearby, it makes little difference what day it happens. It just so happens that the solstice will begin in less than half an hour; the official start is 0108 today.

The Yule ritual celebrates the re-birth of the sun god. To the ancient peoples, it probably did seem like the sun was dying in winter, until it suddenly started growing again. There is a reason why so many light and birth festivals occur during this time of year.

My ritual was simply a celebration. With my Yule log burning in the fireplace, I set my altar before it. In the center, I placed my altar cloth. This was my very first one, that has a pentacle, a special rune, and symbols for the four directions embroidered on it in spring colors. The symbols for the directions did not line up for this purpose, so I folded them out of the way. My Yule log served to represent fire in the south well enough. To the east, I set an incense burner, and lit the stick from the Yule log. It was interesting to watch the smoke from my incense go right up the flue. In the west was a silver chalice with water. This is also where I placed my wand on its stand, as I knew I would be facing south for most of this and I am right handed. In the front was a small glass holder with three pieces of moonstone to represent earth. Those pieces have an ironic significance that I may explain later.

I cast my circle and called the quarters. Then I lit a black candle from the Yule log and placed it in a holder on the pentacle. This candle symbolizes the end of the sun's travels. When it had burnt out, I threw the wax stub on to the Yule log. The log burned with new life, a representation of the new length of daylight to come. I contemplated this dark time, and the things I need to leave behind to move into the light of the coming season as the log burned.

When it had reduced itself to a pile of glowing coals, I dismissed the quarters and opened my circle. The water was offered to the Earth in libation. When the morning comes, I will clear my altar and light a single gold candle to represent the return of the sun. Sometime during the course of the day, I will collect the ashes from my Yule log for later use. (Among other things, they are said to be quite magickal!)

I hope this Yule found everyone warm and ready to rejoice with the soon return of spring.

When the Time is Right

2007-12-14T18:24:00.000Z

Many years ago, I lost touch with a very dear friend. I have tried all manner of ways to locate her, including old e-mail addresses, searching known aliases, and having a contact at the Census Bureau look up her last known address. She has a rather uncommon first name and a very common last name, you would think she'd be easy to track down. Alas, there has never been a response to any of my letters or e-mails.

I wrote a spell to attempt to get in touch with her again. In my case, it's simple because my address and phone number have not changed since I knew her.

You need some paper, a writing utensil, and an envelope. You can add whatever other tools you want to this mix; the simple way includes a cauldron and a candle. I used the brick fireplace in the house.

Cast your circle, sit comfortably, and write your friend a letter. Write it like you would if you were going to send it in the mail. Tell her everything you want to tell her; catch up on old times, give me a call, anything. When you are done writing, seal it in the envelope. I embellished mine with a wax seal. Then, light your letter in the candle flame, and place it in the cauldron to burn out (or toss it into the fire in the fire place). As it burns, see your words rise up with the smoke, to be caught by the wind and carried to your absent friend. Know that she will hear your words. Whether she acts upon them is up to her.

While Esbats are reserved for spellworking, you don't have to wait for an Esbat for all spell working. The time just happened to be right for me to do this last night. There was a fire in the hearth and the rest of the house had gone to bed, so I was not disturbing anyone. We had left the fire to die down on its own. The waxing moon was also just fine to carry a message (it may make sense if you think of your message as traveling to your friend, just as the moon is traveling to fullness). The brick fireplace is also on a South wall, the direction of fire, making it very appropriate as this spell taps the energy and determination of fire.

I wrote my letter and placed it on the log. I felt the heat as the paper burned, I could see my message being carried up the flue to the wind outside that would take it to my friend. Whether she contacts me or not, I know she will get my message and know I am thinking about her.

Page-o-Links

2007-12-07T01:27:00.000Z

I have added a few choice websites to my links page, for your viewing enjoyment. These include stores that I know and trust, a few popular pagan-related sites, general reference sites, and a couple sites that aren't necessarily pagan oriented, but may have some interest nonetheless.

This list of sites may be expanded as I see fit. There are certainly more sites and stores out there than what I have listed, but I will not link anything unless I am familiar with what I am linking in some way.

Unfortunately, I have come across a few sites (online stores, mostly) that I simply can't support due to their lack of service or less than professional manner. These sites won't be pointed to at all, but I mention the existence of them here so you will know that some things are purposefully excluded. If they are not linked, that does not mean they are not worthy of your business. Please use your own judgement when deciding to trust any Internet store or information site.

There has also been one added FAQ in relation to links.

For those who are keeping up, my cat has improved greatly. I brought her to the regular DVM last Saturday, who altered the medication she was to take. Her limp is almost completely gone as of this evening.

For Anyone Who Wishes to Know

2007-11-27T18:57:00.000Z

My cat did get to see a doctor yesterday, though it was not our regular doctor. After some prodding and a few x-rays, it has been determined that she is suffering a flair-up of osteoarthritis. In addition to the medication given by the doctor, her Reiki sessions will continue.

Remember, no matter how much healing work you do or how much faith you have in its success, never use your work as a substitution for seeking and following the advice of a professional.

Beaver Moon

2007-11-25T15:04:00.000Z

My original plan for this Esbat was to do a cleaning ritual to help me clean up some of the clutter in the physical space I live in. Circumstances beyond my control forced a different kind of ritual upon me.

One of my cats woke up yesterday morning limping. I'm sure she did not injure herself through the night while she was sleeping with me (I'm not the kind of person who flails about in sleep). Her favoring of her left back leg did not improve during the course of the day. So, my Esbat plan changed.

I gathered my supplies, and made sure the cat was on her pillow where she often sleeps, not laying on that side that was hurting her. I gathered my last brown candle, brown being the color of animal healing, my special healing wand, a fluorite pendulum, and some ritual incense. I prepared my ritual bath, which is just a literal cleansing before your ritual. I have special soaps that have been made and given to me for pre-ritual use.

I set the candle and had the wand nearby and cast my circle around us. I lit the candle, and directed the healing energy with the wand to the cat. When I had visualized that to my satisfaction, I took out the pendulum. I was trying to identify the specific areas that were causing her pain. According to the swing of my pendulum, it was mostly in her hip and her toes. I performed an auric scanning, a skill learned in Reiki training, and came to the same conclusion, though her knee also seemed to be a source of pain. I then put my hands over that area for the Reiki to flow where it seemed to be needed. After I was satisfied with that, I closed my circle and dismissed the energies. The candle had already burnt out.

I did not time this ritual; I believe it lasted somewhere in the vicinity of an hour and a half. I am quite surprised and pleased that my cat stayed still for all of it.

Healing rituals such as this should always, always, always accompany the care of a professional. It seems that she has not improved any this morning, so I will be sure to get her an appointment tomorrow.

Writing Continues

2007-11-23T14:58:00.000Z

I'm sure you, my readers, are starving for some change. I assure you that things will change. I am diving into the dusty depths of my brain to compile the relevant information in some kind of order.

This will, of course, take time. But I assure you that it is coming along, though not at as fast a pace as I would prefer.

This is a hard time of year to deal with almost any project. The United States alone is looking at two holidays celebrated by everyone and four more celebrated by groups of people based on faith or ethnicity, all in a span of little more than a month.

For those of you in the United States, I hope you had a wondrous Thanksgiving, filled with the company of family and the bounty of this pre-winter harvest. Thanksgiving is, after all, a harvest festival. It is unique in that it has no religious roots whatsoever, and most cultures around the world celebrate the harvest in some way. Canada, for example, holds their harvest Thanksgiving the second Monday in October. It has become a day not only to give thanks for the bounty of the harvest, or the Natives who taught the Pilgrims how to have a bountiful harvest, but also for all of your blessings. Gratitude is a blessed thing.

While I came here today to tell you that I am, indeed, working on more articles, I do want to share a blessing with you. I usually bring this up around Lughnasadh but, as you can see, I did not have my journal up for that holiday. It is appropriate here because Lughnasadh is a Thanksgiving holiday, it is the first harvest.

Since many Wiccans and pagans come from other religious backgrounds, and most of those are Christian, many ask me about a pre-meal blessing appropriate to their faith, similar to a rhyme they were taught as children (for example, the "God is great, God is good" blessing of the Methodist Church, or the "Bless us, oh Lord, and these, Thy gifts" blessing of the Catholic Church).

There is such a grace that can be said with pagan flair. You can recite it aloud at a faith gathering, or to yourself when you are surrounded by grace-sayers of other faiths and wish to be discrete. I quite regret that I do not know who wrote this. It was repeated to me by a High Priestess of a local coven, and I heard it again in an online coven. It is usually credited as an historic part of the Lughnasadh festival, but even in other online sources, its actual origins seem to be unknown.

The grace:

Thanks to the Lord for the food we eat.
Thanks to the Lady for her gifts so sweet.
Thanks to the farmers who labored long.
Thanks to the animals for their bodies strong.
Thanks to the hands that prepared our meal.
Thanks to all who turn the Wheel.

Lughnasadh or Thanksgiving or just dinner, it's always a good time to give thanks for the food that keeps you alive.

Samhain Ritual

2007-11-01T23:41:00.000Z

My evening started a little later than I would have preferred. My current living situation demands it. Also, sometimes a travel altar must be used, and circumstances called for that last night.

As you can see, I used a purple altar cloth. The pentacle was in the middle, and the symbols of the four elements were around it: a geode for North, a small wand for East, a candle for South, and a shell for West. My most-used tarot deck is close at hand, along with a very special stone that is a combination of prehnite and epidote that was gifted to me by an incredibly special lady. (The properties of this stone aid in divination and healing.) The tool that didn’t make it into the picture is the working wand that I used in this ritual; a small shaft of rosewood that was carved and given to me by a very dear friend (I think it was rosewood. My friend will kick me if I don’t get this right!).

This ritual, when broken down into its components, will seem rather simple. The first task after the quarters were called and the Lord and Lady invited was to meditate and commune with the souls of those who have passed during the previous year. During this part, I was also joined by my guides. They all had messages for me, and I was also open to receive them through the night. (Sorry, these messages are for me!) The second task was giving to the Crone all the things I do not want to carry with me into the new year. These were issues that were causing me much stress and it did not help me to hold on to them. The Crone will then take them with her and turn them into good, positive energy for me and the world.

The last part of my ritual involved a special "Wheel of the Year" tarot spread. Eight cards are placed in a wheel around the prehnite/epidote stone (this stone is a new addition to the exercise, though I do an annual reading every year). The first card covers the period between now and Yule: a hasty retreat, there will be arguments and some uncertain advice, but I am not running as fast as I think I am. The second card is for the time between Yule and Imbolc: it has been a long, slow, and hard struggle, but the destination is in sight if I press on a little further. The next card is for the period between Imbolc and Ostara: there is sorrow and delay, everything will look bleak, but that does not mean it truly is. For the time between Ostara and Beltaine: I will be hard at work at something, this something is seen and appreciated by others, my effort will not go unnoticed. After Beltaine and before Midsummer, I will find someone in my life who can lend me courage and guidance. The period between Midsummer and Lughnasadh will be a preparation, and will be filled with thoughts of the things I will be leaving behind. Leading up to Mabon, I will find myself with new ideas, deep in concentration about some news. The last period between Mabon and Samhain will be reflective and meditative about the things that have transpired.

By the cards, that is the year I am facing. It looks like the first part will be difficult if I let it, but the last half will improve and see things coming my way.

Not a bad way to end the year! And I hope this year will bring all of you the brightest of blessings throughout.

How Things Are Going

2007-11-01T13:11:00.001Z

I noticed that there's a local error that causes the treasure chest image on the front page to cover some of the words. This is an issue with local browser settings; I've opened the page on several computers and on some it appears just fine. For the one of you who is keeping up with me here, the solution will be to remove the image entirely. I'll take care of that this evening. Thanks for watching!

Happy Samhain!

2007-10-31T15:31:00.000Z

Samhain is a complicated festival; there is much going on. It's the final harvest: the fields are barren of grain and fruit and the animals that cannot be sustained through the winter are slaughtered for their meat. This is considered the New Year by many Wiccans. It is one of two times a year when the veil between the world of the living and the world of spirits is the thinnest. Both can cross over it easily during this time. In the nature symbolism, the Lord has reached the end of his time and dies. Without his light, the winter days are cold and short.

Since the veil between worlds is thin, communication with spirits of those who have passed in the previous year are common. This also makes it an excellent night for divination.

On this night, with the passing of the previous year, I commune with the people who have left this incarnation before me, and with my guides who may have special messages for me. I also do some form of divination, this year will be tarot cards, to get a feel for the coming year. The last part of my ritual involves giving to the Crone the things that I do not wish to carry with me into the new year.

My Samhain ritual changes only slightly from year to year. I'll tell you all about it starting tomorrow.

(And for those of you in the southern hemisphere, Happy Beltaine to you!)

Up and Running

2007-10-27T15:45:00.001+01:00

Today is not the day to elaborate on what I did for this past Esbat. It is, however, the day that I am happy to report that the holding page is gone, and you can now access the Arcanum in all its incomplete glory. I hope you enjoy and learn from what you find there, and come back often as more information will be added periodically as time permits.

Please feel free to send your thoughts to me at fyrecreek@thesaurusarcanum.com.

A Small Update

2007-10-04T01:24:00.000+01:00

Well, really small. It is that my coworker had finished looking over things as she had offered and I accepted. She presented me with some grammatical suggestions, and said the layout is good, in her opinion. That was the important question, of course!

I have asked some dear friends to look over the lot of it as well. And while they're doing that (and I am assuming they will do that for me), I have a few things to finish writing. When the first batch of articles are complete, and when I have considered the opinions of the people who matter, I should be officially up and running. Yay! It will be ready in some form by Samhain, if not sooner. This is a promise I make to myself.

The charm I crafted on the Esbat was not only appreciated by my coworker and her husband, but their cat really loved it too. So much that she tried to dig it up. And tried again. And again. There is no catnip in there, but I guess the feline knows special magick when she smells it.

Something Special

2007-09-27T13:19:00.000+01:00

I had originally intended to start officially journaling on Samhain, the holiday that many Wiccans and pagans consider the new year of a different solar (some say Celtic-based) calendar. Last night was a full moon, an Esbat, and I did something a little different that simply must be shared.

One of the lovely ladies I work with and her husband are having a house built. They live on nineteen wooded acres in rural Virginia, and their current home does not leave much room for expanding their family.

I have seen the floor plan and pictures of the home they have ordered, and she tells me they will be taking pictures every step of the way (I would too!). Yesterday, they started digging out the basement. As she was explaining this too me, she said they have two pennies (one dated 2004, the year they were married, and one dated 2007, the year the house is to be finished) that they will bury in the soil just before the concrete is poured. I very much like this idea of theirs, and I told her that I would put a charm for peace and protection in my house, where I having one built. She told me that sounded like a good idea but wouldn't know the first thing about making one. Then, suddenly things lined up. I offered to make one for them, that they could bury with their two cents.

I really enjoy making charms like this. When I do, everything is significant, down to the color of the thread I use. Since this is a charm for their new home, the main focus is protection and tranquility, with a little bit of prosperity thrown in for good measure.

The first step was to find what I wanted to use, gather them, and cleanse them (just as you would do if you were making a meal in the kitchen). After that, the work begins. I started by cleansing my aura and creating a sacred space in which to work. I haven't been in the best of spirits lately and needed to be sure that what has been bugging me did not get put into this gift for my friend.

I sat facing the East, for all things begin in the East and this was certainly related to a beginning. I used a brown cotton, brown being the color for homes and cotton a natural fiber that will do no harm to the earth it will be buried in, and started sewing it into a bag with blue thread, blue for its tranquility. I also sewed in a blue hemp drawstring, hemp for, again, it being a natural fiber. During this, the part that takes the most time, I was thinking of my friend and her husband, and how their life together will change and grow in a new home of their choosing.

When the bag was completed, it was time to add the ingredients. I placed five stones in the bag, one by one, naming the properties for which they were chosen. A Carnelian to promote relaxation, a Citrine for peaceful sleep and to burn away negativity, a piece of Hematite to absorb what doesn't get burned away, a Snowflake Obsidian (with one bright spot) for its powerful protective properties, and a Clear Quartz for balance and keeping the other stones clean. Next, I added the herbs. Sage for protection and to keep the energies clean (burning sage is often used to clean spaces in the home or around people, called smudging), Rosemary to lend strong protective energy, and Red Rose Petals, which also have their own protective energy, but I really added it to give my friend and her husband a happy-home boost with the properties of love that are often associated with red roses. Then there were two little extras to add. The first was a pinch of a special blend of ritual incense, used to bring about success.

The second was a last minute addition: I thought about it as I was gathering my supplies and it was just perfect. Years ago, when I first started on this path, my brother and I made a charm for our home. I had always had a fear of my house burning down, or getting struck by lightening, or some other horrific end to the place I lived and loved. We took our instructions from Scott Cunningham's Earth Power; he had an anti-fire charm, and I wanted to make it. Even then, I was adjusting other people's recipes to suit me. I, with my brother's help, took a piece of oak and burned it to ashes. We then dowsed the ashes in water. When they dried, we tied them up in a blue bag (blue being the color of water, which quenches fire) and hung that in the heart of the house, the room that is used the most. Its presence has served me well, especially during thunder storms of which I used to have a terrible fear. It has been hanging there, undisturbed, for fourteen years. Yesterday, I added a pinch of ash from that charm to the one I was making for my friend, for its additional protective properties.

The charm, being complete, was tied up and then cleansed and charged with Reiki. I set it on my windowsill overnight to absorb the energy of the full moon.

I presented my friend with her little gift this morning, who was very happy to receive it. I can't think of a better way to have spent my Esbat. As I said earlier, the timing was perfect. They had just started digging, it was the night of the full moon, and my friends were going to bury the tokens this weekend. I even left the bag closed but not tied, so they may add their coins to it if they wish. My friend seemed very excited about the prospect of putting it all together.

I'm very excited about their new home. I suppose homes are an exciting thing, but this one isn't even mine. I am just so happy for them. And I really enjoy making charms like this for others. I had mentioned how I haven't been in the best mood lately. While what was upsetting me is still upsetting me, it feels very distant today. And I slept well last night, better than I have in a long time.

You never know what doing something for others can also do for you. Let a little magick in your life.

Welcome!

2007-09-22T13:09:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my journal. There is nothing here for you yet, but rest assured there will be in time.

What you will find here is a log of my Sabbat and Esbat celebrations, and any other spiritually-relevant things that come to mind. I will also use this place to keep you updated on the progress of the Thesaurus Arcanum, which is coming right along.

And I do have an update on that front today!
I passed a copy of the site-in-progress to one of my coworkers, who offered to look it over. I was very thankful for her offer, because with anything new, people get nervous about it, and it's nice to have an opinion before it goes live. Some dear friends have already given me their opinions and input on the concept, but I did need an extra pair of eyes to look at that technical stuff. And, to be quite honest, I am really sure this coworker can benefit from my information. She is a self-proclaimed pagan, but does not seem to be very in tune with her spirituality. By giving her a sneak-peak of the Arcanum, as it was, I'm hoping she'll get back into the spiritual side of her life too. And, it was more practical to burn a CD and hand it to her, than to zip the whole site and send it off to my non-local friends whose opinions I value.

In any event, my coworker has said she hopes to finish looking things over this weekend. I'll evaluate whatever changes she suggests, and hope to get the site up next week.

Be patient! Building a website from the ground up is new to me, and there's a lot of information that just won't be ready right away!