Queimada for Litha

June 17, 2013 in Sage & Scourge

Litha is a time for the sun. It is a time for weddings and celebration and games. It is also often a time that fairies are especially attracted to human gatherings. I think that I’ve mentioned before that I’m not overly fond of fairies.

My partner and I were recently interviewed on Pagans Tonight (the interview is archived here if you would like to hear it) and one of the things we discussed was human relationships with fairies and how they often go badly. The original fairy tales were, excuse the pun, pretty grim. A lot of the knowledge that passes to us from these stories are how to treat the fey and what to do when we’ve drawn their attention. Some fairies will help you, but just as often, if you don’t get it right, they will harm you.

Take the story of Lusmore for example.

Once upon a time there was a humpback named Lusmore who lived at the foot of the mountains. Most people were more than a little afraid of him. He had a great knowledge of herbs and charms, but made most of his livelihood off of braiding rushes.

One night he was walking home along the moat of old Knockgrafton, when worn out by the walk, he sat down to rest.

Presently there rose a wild strain of unearthly melody upon the ear of little Lusmore; he listened, and he thought that he had never heard such ravishing music before. It was like the sound of many voices, each mingling and blending with the other so strangely that they seemed to be one, though all singing different strains, and the words of the song were these -

Da Luan, Da Moti, Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort; when there would be a moment’s pause, and then the round of melody went on again.

Lusmore listened attentively, scarcely drawing his breath lest he might lose the slightest note. He now plainly perceived that the singing was within the moat ; and though at first it had charmed him so much, he began to get tired of hearing the same round sung over and over so often without any change; so availing himself of the pause when the Da Luan, Da Mon, had been sung three times, he took up the tune, and raised it with the words augus Da Cadine, and then went on singing with the voices in side of the moat, Da Luan, Da Mort, finishing the melody, when the pause again came, with augus Da Cadine.

The fairies within Knockgrafton, for the song was a fairy melody, when they heard this addition to the tune, were SO much delighted that, with instant resolve, it was determined to bring the mortal among them, whose musical skill so far exceeded theirs, and little Lusmore was conveyed into their company with the eddying speed of a whirlwind.

Glorious to behold was the sight that burst upon him as he came down through the moat, twirling round and round, with the lightness of a straw, to the sweetest music that kept time to his motion. The greatest honour was then paid him, for he was put above all the musicians, and he had servants tending upon him, and everything to his heart’s content, and a hearty welcome to all ; and, in short, he was made as much of as if he had been the first man in the land.

WB Yeats: Fairy Tales of Ireland by PJ Lynch

WB Yeats: Fairy Tales of Ireland by PJ Lynch

Presently Lusmore saw a great consultation going forward among the fairies, and, notwithstanding all their civility, he felt very much frightened, until one stepping out from the rest came up to him and said

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              “Lusmore Lusmore!

Doubt not, nor deplore,

For the hump which you bore

On your back is no more;

Look down on the floor,

And view it, Lusmore !”

 

And his hump fell off his back! He was so overwhelmed that he feinted and didn’t wake up until morning! When he woke up, the hump was gone and he was finely attired in a new set of clothes that the fairies made for him.

As he walked home, he had to convince everyone he met that it was, indeed, Lusmore that they were seeing!

Of course this news spread through Ireland. One day, an old woman came up to his cottage and told him that the son “of a gossip” that she knew was also humpbacked and wished to also be rid of his hump. Would he tell her how he had lost his?

Lusmore more than happily explained and sent the woman on her way.

The woman returned home and went to the son of the gossip to tell Lusmore’s tale. Jack Madden was his name and he was known to have been a “peevish and cunning creature from his birth”.

Jack Madden went to Knockgrafton and waited.

He had not been sitting there long when he heard the tune going on within the moat much sweeter than before; for the fairies were singing it the way Lusmore had settled their music for them, and the song was going on; Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, Da Luan, Da Mort, augus Da Cadine, without ever stopping. Jack Madden, who was in a great hurry to get quit of his hump, never thought of waiting until the fairies had done, or watching for a fit opportunity to raise the tune higher again than Lusmore had; so having heard them sing it over seven times without stopping, out he bawls, never minding the time or the humour of the tune, or how he could bring his words in properly, augus Da Cadine, augus Da Hena, thinking that if one day was good, two were better; and that if Lusmore had one new suit of clothes given him, he should have two.

No sooner had the words passed his lips than he was taken up and whisked into the moat with prodigious force; and the fairies came crowding round about him with great anger, screeching, and screaming, and roaring out, “Who spoiled our tune? who spoiled our tune ?” and one stepped up to him, above all the rest and said:

“Jack Madden! Jack Madden
Your words came so bad in
The tune we felt glad in ;-
This castle you’re had in,
That your life we may sadden
Here’s two humps for Jack Madden !”

And twenty of the strongest fairies brought Lusmore’s hump and put it down upon poor Jack’s back, over his own, where it became fixed as firmly as if it was nailed on with twelve-penny nails, by the best carpenter that ever drove one. Out of their castle they then kicked him; and, in the morning, when Jack Madden’s mother and her gossip came to look after their little man, they found him half dead, lying at the foot of the moat, with the other hump upon his back. Well to be sure, how they did look at each other ! but they were afraid to say anything, lest a hump might be put upon their own shoulders. Home they brought the unlucky Jack Madden with them, as downcast in their hearts and their looks as ever two gossips were; and what through the weight of his other hump, and the long journey, he died soon after, leaving they say his heavy curse to any one who would go to listen to fairy tunes again.

So if you happen to come across any of the fair folk this Summer Solstice, remember to tread carefully and to treat them with respect. You may receive an excellent reward, but you might also be punished for a blunder. In fact, just try to avoid the whole thing. Competing with other humans should satisfy you enough.

One traditional way of holding the otherworld at bay for the night is making and drinking Queimada. Queimada is a fiery drink ritually made to hold off the darkness in traditional Celtic lore.

The night before Litha, gather around an earthenware bowl. Do this in a ring of candlelight, preferably outside with your family and friends. On a lit grill, set the bowl and mix in: 1 liter of grappa, 2/3 cup sugar, lemon rind bits from one lemon and ¼ cup whole coffee beans. When all of the ingredients are combined, stir until heated, chanting whatever you think is appropriate and infusing the liquid with your energy. Invoke the sun, pour out your feelings about what the solstice means to you. Summon the light for the longest day of the year. And then (using a long match or lighter for safety) light the mixture on fire! When the flames turn blue, extinguish them by putting a lid over it and then dip it into mugs and serve. This beverage will keep you immune to the wee folk through the solstice and anything else that might be lurking in the shadows of the longest day.

Blessed Litha all!

(Carrying an iron nail or a pinch of salt with you never hurt anyone either…)

 

* This particular recipe was from Llewellyn, you can find others out there.

*If you would like to read the full story of Lusmore, you can find it here!

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Guardians of the Threshold, Hearth and Family

June 10, 2013 in Family Crafting, From the Hearth, Hearth and Home, Pagan Family, Pagan Spirituality, Uncategorized

Your home is a cauldron of power, it holds all of the energy that has ever been within it, around it, under it or near it; it’s an entity to itself and an extension of you and all that influences your life.  The main door, hearth and the household shrine are the 3 major sacred places within a home; its’ a living temple like your physical body is the home of your spirit. Just as there is God and Goddess, a home has two guardians, the protector of the threshold, usually a male deity and the guardian of the hearth, the female aspect.

The entrance to a home is a between place where your inner home meets the outer world; that makes it a sacred and powerful energy spot, the protector/guardian of the threshold is sustained by its magical currents. The watcher’s job is to support helpful energies and to keep harm at bay; he is the God of the house. Whichever God you choose, honour him on his traditional feast day, or the anniversary of the date you moved into a new space; it’s also courtesy to inform the threshold guardian of any changes in the household, he needs to know who he is responsible for, who to keep at bay etc. Choose a God that has qualities you desire in a protector, note his associations and symbols, and create some kind of token to hang at the door. Make herb oil that relates to him and anoint the doorpost in his honour on a regular basis; also remember to acknowledge his presence and the work he does for you, it can be a simple nod, a few words, or touching the door frame or his symbol as you pass through. The God’s focal point is the main door; however he also travels through all beams, frames and any doorways within your home, keeping an eye on things. When you invite the God to be guardian,  offer him food and drink, show and tell him about your token, what it means to you and anoint it and place it close to the door frame, as a symbol of his power. All rituals associated with the threshold guardian take place at the main doorway, if you live in a shared space, it would be at the door that opens to your personal room.

A hearth Goddess is the heart of your home, she’s the source of warmth, life, and all that is cherished within it; she infuses your home with love and blessings. Traditionally she lived in the fireplace where family and friends gathered, food was cooked, liquids heated, stories shared and people literally warmed up on a cold day. Even if you lack a fireplace, you probably have a stove, water heater or furnace; gas appliances create an eternal flame through the pilot light, the modern hearth is literally a stove. The hearth Goddess has a special affinity with fire, so keep a candle or oil lamp near your stove and light it whenever you cook or only on special occasions, it’s also good to have a symbol of the Goddess you choose hanging above or near the stove, as a reminder of her love. Anoint the token and candle with an oil blend that corresponds to the Lady, offer her food and drink, tell her about the token and what it means to you and that the candle is dedicated to her. Whenever you cook look at her symbol and acknowledge her presence; bless the food in her name, or even ask her to help you prepare a meal if you need some inspiration.

So now you have a Lord and Lady in your home, who else needs to be acknowledged? Every family has a guardian spirit who watches over its members whether related by blood, marriage, adoption, fostering or soul bonding. These loving guardians have no specific name, though they are often referred to as Wise Ones, Ancient Ones, Grandmothers and Grandfathers; often they are ancestral spirits who have worked with a clan over the ages and continue to be involved. These guardians work in pairs, the Spiritual Mother and Father of the tribe or soul family and it is to them that the family shrine is dedicated. Some families also have totem animals that may be part of their heritage, and it’s also appropriate to honour those creatures at the shrine. You need a representation of the guardians, so whatever you choose it would be two, a female and male aspect; you could create a couple masks and decorate them to represent your ancestors or you could simply choose two candles and display pictures, or tokens that represent these spirits to you. If you live in a family, make the shrine a family project, ideally each person has something to contribute, the ancestors live through each one of us. You could also include things like a clan’s tartan, family crest, postcards of where your family originates, whatever has meaning for you.

When the shrine is completed, gather your family, and pets, and place an offering bowl and chalice in the middle with a candle on either side. Invite the guardians to watch over and be in your home, offer them food and drink, light the candles and state your intention of remembering them through the two representations and their bonds to you, then introduce each family member.  Remember to feed and talk with your guardians on a regular basis.

When you invite these beings to be part of your home, remember you are making a commitment to honour, remember and include them in your life.  If you neglect your house spirits be prepared for them to leave, and it isn’t always a smooth transition when they do vacate! It’s way better to not go there than offend these helpers that you called and invited into your space. That being said they are all very powerful allies that bless your home with their presence.

Abundant Blessings

 

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Enter Freely and of Your Own Will

June 3, 2013 in Sage & Scourge

A few weeks ago I wrote a column about magical etiquette. I thought I would expand on that topic a bit more and talk about what to do when you invite guests to your rituals.

When you invite someone to a ritual, don’t assume that they know or understand anything about what you’re doing, because, well…they probably don’t. Even if this person has been in the Pagan community for years, that does not mean that they will be familiar with the sort of ritual that you’re doing.

Make sure to give them some background about your group or tradition and explain what you’ll be doing in ritual. It can be confusing going to a new ritual; giving a guest some basic background information can help them understand your ritual a little better and allow them to ask appropriate questions. It also lets them know what they should be doing during ritual.

Explain your altar and the tools on it. Tell the guest a bit about why they’re there, what you will be doing with them and how the guest should act around them. Don’t want your guest to touch things? Tell them that, and explain why. You don’t have to give away secrets, you don’t have to go into a three hour lecture, you can just say hey…this is my athame, I’ll be using it to direct energy, please don’t touch it.

Make sure to explain any stances that you might be doing within ritual and let them know whether you expect them to follow along or not. I always explain what we will be doing at different points in ritual, why we do it and let the guest know that they can do the stance or feel free to just stand politely throughout. Not everyone’s comfort level is up to following along. It can also help to explain why you’re using a particular stance. In my rituals, we do a stance when we are calling quarters. It’s not only a stance that’s respectful, it’s also one that helps you ground the energy that we work with.  Clarifying things like this helps people be more comfortable with what they are doing.

And most importantly, explain what will be happening in ritual. Let them know what the point of the ritual is, what you will be doing at certain points and all the things that will be used in ritual. My significant other went to a ritual where they drank wine in the ritual. Sounds pretty standard right? It wasn’t until later that he found out that there was semen and menstrual blood in the wine. If you’re doing something like this, tell your guests, they have a right to know and the right to make a choice about whether or not to partake or to participate. If you’re going to be upset if someone does not want to partake or participate, then this is a ritual where you probably should not invite guests.

 

In this scenario, warning your guests about possible death would be appropriate.

In this scenario, warning your guests about the possibility of death would be appropriate.

Make sure to take a minute or two here or there to see if your guest has any questions. This doesn’t have to take away from your ritual, there are always moments in ritual when you can pause and check on your guest. If there really isn’t a spot to pause, make sure to check in after ritual is over and make sure your guest understood everything that you did.

Rituals with guests should also not be long, drawn out affairs. People have a short attention span and when you’re a guest you aren’t usually expecting to end up participating in a five hour ritual. Would you want to be involved in a five hour ritual if you weren’t familiar with the people involved or a ritual that you weren’t familiar with? One of the worst rituals I ever went to as a guest ended up being a five hour ritual. Keep it short.

Having feast after ritual? Make sure to inquire into your guests dietary needs. If the person has a dietary need that you can’t meet, let them know that they should bring something that they can eat. Don’t wait until the meal itself to realize that you don’t have anything other than celery stalks for someone who is vegan.

There’s this idea in the Pagan community that you have to have perfect love and perfect trust for everyone in your ritual. (I see this a lot at public Pagan events). This comes from the line in the Wiccan Rede, which most Neo-Pagans misquote. The line is “Bide ye Wiccan laws ye must, in perfect love and perfect trust”. This has nothing to do with loving and trusting everyone perfectly in a Circle; this is about the laws of the Wicca and really doesn’t have anything to do with non-Wiccan circles. This is a fallacy that is dangerous. If you have a guest, treat them like a guest. This is obviously someone you trust to a certain extent, since you’ve invited them to a religious ritual. This might even be a longtime friend that you do love and trust. Most of the time though, this is not the case. This is someone that you just met and they expressed interest in what you’re doing, or it’s a friend of a friend. Don’t hand someone your house keys just because you’re inviting them to your ritual. The gods are not asking us to be stupid.

Having a guest to ritual can be both fun and educational. It can help people understand a very important part of your life, or help them in being able to be a part of something different than what they usually do. But keep in mind that this is a guest and don’t expect them to understand everything. Think about how you would feel if you were going to a strange ritual and treat a guest accordingly. It’s easy enough to have a bad experience just because you don’t understand what’s going on around you. Sometimes the little explanations make the most difference.

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Movin Time

May 28, 2013 in From the Hearth, Guests, Hearth and Home, Uncategorized

I just moved into a new home and have decided to discuss removing your energetic imprint from a space this week, as it’s timely for me and perhaps you as well.

If you created a shield, placed etheric symbols, invited spiritual protectors, totems, or guardians to your home, it is your responsibility to release what you have generated so it does not mess with the new residents, you may have experienced the phenomenon of psychic clutter yourself. Some spaces just feel heavy or hold impressions that can be pleasant or not. Since energy settles into a physical environment, you are literally leaving parts of yourself behind if you don’t cleanse a space; it’s always good to leave a place neutral by reclaiming and grounding your own psychic imprint.

Ideally an empty space that’s been physically cleaned is the best, or do what you can. Choose a time when you will be undisturbed and able to cleanse the living space. I use widdershins/counter clockwise energy to undo because it diminishes and dissolves and returns energy to its original state. In this ritual the candle burns down completely, so you may wish to choose a tea light or small votive. You also need to know where the middle of your home rests and the elemental directions.

You will need: Incense, preferably frankincense, sandalwood or dragon’s blood, a bowl, water, salt, tea light and holder, lighter and matches, fireproof surface to put candle on

Stand in the middle of your home, then ground your energy into the earth, bring it up through your feet to your head, let it flow over back to the earth, then do the reverse with the sky/star energy. Fill the bowl with water and then add the salt, place the candle beside the bowl on a fireproof surface. Visualise where the boundaries of a circle would be in the room; the idea is to walk widdershins around the perimeter of the circle, visualizing the energy melting away with each step you take.

Begin at the North curve of the circle, start walking and see the energy dissolving as you walk widdershins/anti-clockwise around the circle, state your intention and say something like:

Thank you shield for protecting me, thanks to earth, water, fire, air, spirit and god, goddess energy   This protective circle I now unwind, this space becomes neutral, all energy unbind

Walk all the way around until you reach the place you began; return to the middle and pick up the salted water. Go to the North and begin walking widdershins around the perimeter, sprinkling water as you go, remember to finish where you started. Say something like:

By the powers of earth and water, I do unwind the energy I placed here

Return to the center and light the incense, carry it to the North and begin walking widdershins, keep going until you reach the point you started at, say something like:

By the powers of fire and air, I undo all energy I created here

Return to the center, feel the earth energy flowing up and around you and cascading over you like a waterfall, connect with the cosmic energy flowing down through your head to your feet and flowing upwards like a reverse waterfall. Feel the balance within, and when you are ready project this energy outwards to fill the circle and expanding to fill the whole home. Take as much time as you need.

Light the candle and go to the East, this time you are walking deosil/sunwise/clockwise, walk all around until you return to where you started. You may wish to say:

Bright blessings of the moon to this place

Warmth and happiness of the sun to this place

So mote it be!

Return to the center and place the candle on the fireproof surface, let it keep burning. Take the salted water and flush it down the toilet, it has absorbed energy so remember to wash and dry the bowl as well after pouring the salty water. Let the candle burn down, when its close to finishing gather everything you wish to take with you as you leave the house for the final time. When it burns out gather it and your things, and as you walk through the front door for the final time, recognize this chapter of your life is over, don’t look back but step through the door looking towards your future with excitement.

You may not have time to do this ritual, the other ways to clear a space are:

Smudging with sage, cedar, rosemary, frankincense, sandalwood,

Using Drums rattles, and singing bowls

Chanting, singing

Playing music like Buddhist toning, chakra clearing music

Fill a bowl with water and sea salt, place in the center of the home, leave it overnight and flush it in the morning.

The whirlwind, just visualize a whirlwind sweeping through your home and sucking up the energy and cleaning it- however this could be interpreted as a form of sympathetic magic by the powers that be! I know someone who did this as a quick fix; her home was destroyed by a tornado a few weeks later.

The Vacuum- Same theory as the whirlwind, the cosmic vacuum sucks up the energy and transforms it to light that’s released to the Universe

Pure intent- just focus on the energy being removed from a space and literally call your energy back to you, “I’m outta here house! My energy’s going with me!”

The Besom- Literally sweep the energy out usually with a chant, just remember to sweep out not in!

It’s also possible to neutralize energy with salt; some people sprinkle it all over the house and leave it overnight then vacuum it the next day. Or you could add it to the water that you are literally cleaning the house with, just be aware it could react with cleaner, it’s also possible to put salted water in a spray bottle and just spray the whole house.

It’s up to you. Happy Cleansing!

 

 

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Energy Nodes and Vortexes

May 24, 2013 in Minimalism

Wow!

Sometimes, people in the role of Teacher (in whatever aspect) need to keep their training current. Spiritual Teachers are no different, except the training comes in the form of an unexpected trial to overcome, rather than more paperwork!

Our world is laced by Ley Lines – straight lines of power that usually connect old sites of prehistoric interest. Where these lines cross is called a node. Sometimes houses can get built on these points with “interesting” effects for the inhabitants – ranging from recorded past events, dreams, bad (or good) luck, etc. Nodes can be negative or positive, depending on the direction of the Leys, how many cross, etc. Particularly powerful nodes can produce a vortex of energy. Right now, some of you are thinking “Hmm, that makes sense why when I lived in/at XXXXXX, things went so crazy!” You’re probably right, but we all have our own Energy and we radiate it (good and bad) into our own environments. An Unhappy house may not be on a nodal point, as such, but may have had a string of negative people charge or imprint their energy into it, creating a kind of vortex, without Leys to power it, but still strong enough to suck or attract the corresponding Energy into it.

So are people capable of being a node or vortex?

Yes! As above, so below. We are all connected to The Universal Current, the potential Energy from Shifts, in a person’s life could interact with actual Leys or Nodes, creating  a virtual vortex. How many times have we heard the sayings “She’s like a whirlwind of energy” or “He’s like a trouble magnet”?

There is also the theory that Leys were created by people walking along the same route to ancient places of Power/Worship. Likewise, a person who makes the same or similar choices on their own Path can create nodes. If these nodes are charged with strong emotions, they can become vortexes. Sometimes an Energy Shift can cause you to develop into a Vortex:

An event happens that forces you to do something that you don’t want to do because you’ve done it before (Node), perhaps because it has memories attached to it, or it starts a series of events (more Nodes) that you know aren’t suited to your situation, but is the only course of action that you can take under the circumstances = Vortex.

The positive way of looking at this is that it is an Energy Shift designed to correct the negative nodes of your life and remove them, by forcing you to change the parameters that lead up to them or to remove a variable entirely. Remember that things can become a node the more times it happens. If it doesn’t become a negative node, it can’t form or become part of a negative Vortex.

Running the Variables

Looking at things in your life and “projecting” all possible outcomes to them, can help, but is by no means the answer. Unpredicted factors can still occur (which is the beauty of any Energy Shift), that can turn your well structured path into a Vortex before you even knew there was a node coming up!

Blessings and Namaste

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Choosing and Consecrating Magical Tools

May 20, 2013 in Sage & Scourge

The tools that we work with in ritual are important elements of our workings. They are objects that focus us in directing our will and our energy to complete whatever work it is that we are doing. These sorts of tools become more effective the longer we have been using them, and the longer we have been working to invest our energy in that particular tool.

These tools know us and vibrate in harmony with our use of them when they have a relationship with us. While our tools are not sentient, I wouldn’t call them passive either. These are tools that channel magic, and the longer we use them, the more magic we imbue in them.

Some of us are lucky and these sorts of tools are handed down to us with a great deal of magical energy already present. My best friend’s Athame is the straight razor her grandmother used in her sewing projects. This is an Athame with a great deal of family history and ties. These sorts of tools recquire little more than a sort of getting to know you period where you and the tool aclimate to each other and establish a working relationship based on the ties already present.

Most us, unfortunately, aren’t that lucky. While there are many more second and even third generation Craft practitioners these days than there were even ten years ago, most of us are starting out on our own and have to pick up our tools the old fashioned way. And some of us don’t want that combined history and simply want to start fresh with something that is completely and only ours.

I’ve recently acquired two new tools that have a large significance in my rituals: an Athame and a wand. The athame was a tool I helped to choose, and was presented to me at my initiation; the wand was a gift from my partner.

So how do you start creating this sort of working relationship?

Never buy a tool that doesn’t call to you. All of my Craft tools, in whatever form, have pulled me to them specifically. There has been an immediate zing of energy exchanged that was impossible to ignore. In the case of the wand, it called my partner to it. It will be a tool that our coven uses together.

I look for tools that are traditional; not everyone does, but I prefer bone and wood that have been handcrafted over cheap, machine made items. Tools like this handle energy much more naturally.

It’s not always possible to know the maker of your Craft tools, not all of us are lucky enough to live near someone who makes these sorts of items, but I would also recommend not buying these types of tools online. You need to be able to handle a tool and speak to the person who was responsible for its creation. If you can make them yourself, even better. This is true of most magical items. There are very few online vendors that I trust, the ones that I do have been recommended to me by other reliable practitioners of my acquaintance and when I have bought items from them, they have been exactly as advertised.

Most Craft store owners should be able to tell you the provenance of an item and the exact materials used to make that item. They also usually know whether the maker has a good reputation or not.

You don’t have to find a tool immediately. Take your time, go to festivals, go to fairs, talk to people and see where they have found their tools. It may take a few months, don’t be discouraged. Remember, these are items that we will use for years to come. Rushing something like this ensures that you will not find the correct tool.

Once you’ve found the perfect item, don’t haggle for it. Pay exactly what the seller is asking if it’s a fair price. When you haggle a price down, it diminishes the power of the tool and takes away from the effort the creator took in making it. If you can barter for the tool and give something in trade, this is perfectly acceptable. You’re still paying a fair price, you’re offering something of equal value, even if that is simply the gift of your own energy.

Once you’ve acquired your tool, take the time to consecrate it and then invest your energy into it everyday. When I’m at home, I carry my Athame around with me, even when I’m not in ritual. I push my energy through it constantly. If I’m not carrying it or I’ve had a busy day, I take a second to pick it up and just think at it for a minute or two. I also won’t let other people touch my tools until I’ve firmly established my own bond with that tool. I’ve only had my Athame for four months now. It will not be touched by anyone other than my partner for a long time yet and the only reason that he is allowed to touch it is because he and I are magical partners as well as significant others and when I do most magical workings, he plays a significant role. He is not a casual lover and I would not recommend sharing your tools with anyone who is.

To consecrate a tool:

Set an altar with representations of the four elements. It is traditional to set Air in the East (usually incense), Fire in the South (candle), Water in the West (bowl of water) and Earth in the North (bowl of salt), but this is up to you and how you usually work.

Choose your representations with what feels right to you. I start in the East; many like to start in the North, again, this is up to you and if an element calls you specifically, start with it.

Take your tool and kiss it, focus your energy on it and take a few minutes to think about what you’ll be using this tool to do.

Wave the tool through the first element and say: I ask ____ to bless and consecrate this tool in doing (state whatever you will be doing with the tool). I ask that ____ bless this tool with (whatever nature the element represents). Bless and consecrate this tool in my service to the Craft. (You can also name any patron deities you’re using). So mote it be!

For example, I started my consecration of my wand with the East and Air. I waved my wand through my burning incense and said: I ask Air to bless and consecrate this tool in it’s use for casting enchantment for me and for my coven. I ask air to bless this wand with its intellect and its quickness. Please bless and consecrate this tool in my service to the (name of my patrons). So mote it be!

Move to the next element and repeat. Do this for all four of the elements. After you have done this, either offer the tool your own blood (which I did in the case of my Athame so that it never works against me) or offer it your energy (which I did with my wand) by placing it against your heart and feeling the energy move between you and the tool.

At the end of the ceremony, place the tool on your altar, continue with whatever work you normally do, and let it acclimate itself to your altar and energy. Leave it for a night and then start carrying it around with you and using it as you would with any tool you already work with.

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The Lady’s Blessings

May 14, 2013 in Guests, Hearth and Home, Uncategorized

On Mother’s Day I was thinking about the women who have influenced my life over the years, of course my own Mom, and also other Mothers, Aunties, Granma’s, friends and mentors along my journey. There are a few who helped bring huge changes to my life, and I would like to share a few stories in honour of the Divine Feminine that touches every person.

My Mom was gracious and married late in life, my parents adopted a toddler and decided to take on another baby boy and went to a different orphanage in Scotland. I was 6 weeks old and had arrived the day before their visit, I’d been 4lbs 2oz at birth and was up to 7lbs by then, though I must have been tiny because my Mom to be thought I was a doll at first. She was horrified that such a “wee babe” was in the children’s home, and felt compelled to see me properly, that was the beginning of our relationship in this life. My parents immigrated to Canada when I was 4, my Dad got work but Mom didn’t even though she had a doctorate degree. She ended up assisting my father who was also a professor, transforming his research notes into papers for scientific journals, meticulously drawing all the strange microscopic creatures, I marvelled at her skill. Mom had been one of the first female Professors at Berkley University in the 1940’s, then returned to Scotland to be with her family and began doing research on animal pathogens at Edinburgh University before she married. My Mother had been financially independent before we immigrated, she never made a cent from the work she did to support my father, and it was something that wasn’t talked about.

I was around 7 when we were in a car accident that left her permanently injured, somehow I fell  into the floor space behind the front seats and the car crumpled around me, Mom wasn’t so lucky. Her life became filled with pain, Dr’s appointments, procedures, physio, endless meds etc. she changed from a social person to a shut in. I took on the house chores and began to resent that I was expected to, Mom and I always seemed to be bickering and arguing, there was more disapproval than support, we didn’t do activities together anymore, and I missed the Mother I had before the accident. As the years passed our conflicts grew more serious, by the time I was 12 the whole family unit was in crisis and falling apart. I left home at the first opportunity that presented itself and dissolved all ties; it took me until my mid 20’s to connect again.

My Mom and I sat down and had a very honest, difficult and painful conversation, we both cried and apologized for our hurtful words and behaviour towards each other in the past. I understood that she had also been hurting, scared and frustrated, and we were able to mend our relationship. My Mom passed when I was 27; we had a lengthy phone call the day before, sharing our life experiences, laughing and appreciating our connection. I love you.

When I was a girl women from our church would show up and whisk me away for an afternoon or weekend, they brought meals and baking for my family. I learned to knit bandages to hymns, a kind of magic in itself, we made old cards into baskets, I discovered the mystery of suspending fruit in gelatine, that washing machines were useful for cleaning baby dills before pickling and how baking soda and lemon juice cleaned just about everything. Daisy, Edna, Beda, Cathy, Granma Taylor thank you!

Kate and I sat outside the office of the women’s transition house one stormy night. Her first words were “Do I look as bad as you?” I replied “I hope it looks better that it feels!” we grinned and became allies. Our friendship grew, we talked about our dreams, how next time we would break the cycle, we knew we didn’t deserve abuse. That was so long ago, we have both learned the difference between love and cruelty, and discovered self love in the reflection of each other. Kate you are precious!

Sheila and I met at a women activists group, and we were tired of marching and holding signs in the sun, wind and rain! We mimicked the parody of politics and transformed it into street theatre; we were fabulous together and even got on the news. Your hug is as big as the Universe my beloved Auntie, Wise One, Mother all wrapped in one. When I am an old woman may I be as spry and have a sense of humor like you, you are the beautiful sound of laughter.

My birth mother Valerie, there was no mistaking I am your child; I saw my face reflected in yours for the first time and knew my beginnings. We walked together for a time, you told me of my ancestors, how they once served the Lady, the gifts of our blood. Your love touched me, thank you for carrying me into this life.

Today I am surrounded with beautiful, strong, creative women, I love my HPS and her family as if they were blood kin, and we are a family of choice. I have bonded with my inner circle and we are only one tree in a grove of many others, and we are all connected. The Goddess touches us through our mothers, grandmas, sisters, aunties, female friends and she is also found within every man and boy, her reflection is found within you and in eyes of others. Did you realize the Lady blesses the world through you? Just something to think about

Abundant Blessings

Dawne

 

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Beltane May Bushes and May Wine

May 6, 2013 in Sage & Scourge

Last night, I had the honor of being crowned May Queen. As the personification of the Summer Lady, I led everyone in a merry chase through the woods. I was eventually “caught” by the gentleman who was crowned the May King. This wild hunt is a Beltane tradition. Beltane or Whitsun has many traditions associated with it, but it is a time for frolicking in the woods and merry making.

In ancient Rome, the goddess Flora was celebrated by a week’s worth of games. These games represented the renewal of life and the growing crops. It was a time of drinking and celebration. Flora was married to one of the wind gods and together they represented Spring.

This was also the time of the year when the goddess Persephone is seen dancing once more at her mother’s side after her sojourn in the Underworld.

In Britain, young people danced around the Maypole after a night in the woods where all social conventions were ignored. Bonfires were lit across the hills to help usher in the summer and banish the cold winter nights. “Jumping the fire” was a traditional pastime for young lovers. Morris dancing is also a traditional way to usher in May.

In most traditions, this is a time that represents the union of the God and Goddess and the celebration of life.

Traditionally, Beltane was not celebrated until the white flowered tree blossomed. In England, this is usually Rowan or Hawthorn. In the U.S., this is usually the Dogwood.

Rowan Blossom

Rowan Blossom

Hawthorn is a tree that has many folkloric stories and uses attached. This is why, one way to celebrate May is to decorate a May Bush. The Hawthorn is a thorny tree with white flowers and small red berries. To create your May Bush, gather the fallen branches of a Hawthorn tree together and bind them so that they stand up. Decorate the tree with bright flowers, painted shells and colored garlands. Do this with your family or your community. May bushes recall the power of the sun for your homes and the new crops.

It is traditional to set the May Bush outside of your home or in a window. It was also traditional to try and steal your neighbor’s May Bush! (This tradition was outlawed in Victorian England for exactly this reason). At the end of May, it was customary to dance around the May Bush in the same way that you danced around the Maypole and then burn the May Bush in the bonfire. The ashes from this fire are then sown through fields and around houses as a blessing and protection against the fey.

The Hawthorn is said to mark entrances to the Underworld and to aid in healing. If you’re working on any healing rituals during the time the May Bush is in your home, bless strips of cloth during the ritual and tie them to the May Bush.

And most importantly, while celebrating around your May Bush, drink some May Wine!

May Wine Recipe:

Ingredients -

1 Bottle Riesling

1/2 cup dried Woodruff

3/4 cup diced strawberries

1 bottle champagne (if desired)

Directions -

Combine the bottle of Riesling with the Woodruff, then let sit for an hour. (You can let it sit all night, but start with an hour to see how you like the taste of the Woodruff).

Pour into a glass pitcher. Add in the strawberries and champagne. Serve and enjoy!

 

Blessings of the May Queen to you and yours this beautiful Spring morning!

 

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Self Centering

April 30, 2013 in Guests, Hearth and Home, Pagan Spirituality, Uncategorized

This past week has been a lesson in Self Centering for me. Sometimes the lines between being “of service” and being expected to do something can look similar on the outside, yet they are very different energies on an inner level.  When does helping turn into a disservice to others?

My big clues were that I was beginning to feel resentful and angry towards some people in my life circles, I’m usually a down to earth, level headed kind of gal, I have an easy going nature, and generally have a positive outlook on life.  When bitterness creeps in I know something is very unbalanced and I need to take a good look at where the roots of these feelings originate. It’s not a pleasant or easy process to dig through the stuff, fortunately I am blessed to have a counsellor who is not connected to my life in any other way, and she provides a non partisan view that helps me out a lot.

Exploring the layers of emotion I realised that a pattern had formed, and that there were two parties involved, my conflicted self and the persons related to the issues. For an event to recur all the participants need to agree on some level to keep it going, the scenery and the players may change yet the general theme becomes persistent, it may play out in a hundred versions until you notice what’s happening. For me, the production goes like this. Someone asks for my assistance, I like to be helpful so provide the help, the first time I don’t expect compensation because it’s time freely given. The person asks if I can lend a hand again and promises to pay when some money comes in, I oblige because I think everyone deserves a break. The same individual requests me to help out again, often has not compensated me for my time and effort and continues to promise to pay at a later date, I say okay. This continues on, the help becomes expected or the person feels entitled to it, I have conditioned myself to keep repeating and the other person to have expectations.

I acknowledge this awareness is part of my personal growth and it can be tricky to really see what is happening, blaming others doesn’t work, what am I doing that contributes to the cycle? I got to thinking how the Goddess is the Mother of all, and how her law is love; the only thing she asks is for me to embrace what is best for my life, and to work towards creating the life I desire. So what is best for me?

Allowing people to take advantage because I feel empathy is in no way respecting me, it actually devalues my worth. My first step was to look at the areas of my life that were generating these feelings. One continual annoyance is around transportation issues, I don’t mind offering a ride depending on the circumstances; however it has morphed into an exercise in frustration on some levels. There are people who are regular passengers, in some cases for over three years, they promise payment whenever some money comes in. In time I do receive some money and am thankful, however the amount paid and the true cost of providing rides has no relationship and I am the one who absorbs the expenses. I decided to take my power back and stop this cycle by changing my behaviour, so I informed my regulars no gas money, no ride.  As you can imagine, I sure got some waves of resistance, everything from guilt trips, I was being unfair, I was preventing participation in events, it’s my job as a priestess, you are punishing me, its not my fault I am broke, you are driving there anyhow…yada, yada.

I did feel guilty and unhappy at first, and wondered if  I was being unnecessarily cruel towards these folks; the incoming responses really enforced that. When I felt really vulnerable to caving in, I let myself feel the emotions and recited the Charge of the Goddess, especially the part about “keep strong your highest ideal and strive ever towards it, let naught stop you nor turn you aside” it gave me courage and strength. I was able to close my eyes and meditate and I found what I needed within.

I understand it is not my responsibility to keep bailing people out, in fact by continually helping all I am doing is providing a band-aid; my actions keep the cycle repeating, and the resulting feelings of resentment at the expectations do have powerful potential to damage some friendships. I also know each person needs to learn how to manage their own resources whether financial or not. It’s also clear it’s all about choices, with taking the action of buying a product or participating in an event I am agreeing to the consequences of that act, even if it means peanut butter sandwiches are my staple food for a while.  If I know something like full moon ritual occurs every month, and that I need gas money, and it’s important for me to attend, what is my priority? What do I prefer, those takeout coffees or going to ritual? We all need to choose what is important to us personally.

You probably have heard the saying “The Universe Provides”, yes it does! However, if the Universe continually provides through the generosity and at the expense of other people, the scales are not in balance for the giver or the receiver. The out breath and in breath are both important to the continual flow of life, one cannot exist without the other, and so it is with all things. It’s good to take a look at your life and see what is working and what isn’t, and by honouring yourself you also honour the Gods.

May you all have a Blessed Beltane!

Dawne

 

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Draconic Memory

April 26, 2013 in Minimalism

Drastic times call for Draconian measures! It seems that discipline is associated with dragons in some circles, but this post, unfortunately, has little to do with harsh Victorian punishment!

With The Hobbit part I out for all to take home, I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by saying that Dragons like to hoard things, especially gold.

I don’t have much luck with gold, but I do have the habit of hoarding things, especially knowledge. Anything that seems useful I store away in my memory “Just in case”. Craft skills, general knowledge, specifications for various things researched for writing books, etc, all occupying my mind.

In my case it’s a shame no-one plays Trivial Pursuits any more! So what does this have to do with Dragons? Have I found arcane knowledge that lets me fly? No, but after a bout of winter chapped hands my skin is pretty scaly, and I have been known to breathe fire at those who aren’t respectful – hmmm perhaps this is about Victorian values after all?

A friend of mine had posted something on bookface the other day about how being polite is now being confused as flirtation! Its sad, but unfortunately quite true, we’re losing our ability to emphasize with others, unless we have a like button.

Now please excuse me, some knights are creeping about here somewhere, and I’m feeling peckish!

Blessings and Namaste!

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